Delaware youth waterfowl hunting day set for Oct. 21, youth deer hunting day Nov. 4
DOVER – To promote the sport and provide additional hunting opportunities, DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife has designated three upcoming Saturdays as youth hunting days on both public and private lands statewide. Youth waterfowl hunting days for youth hunters ages 10 through 15 will be Oct. 21 and Feb. 10, 2018. Delaware’s annual deer hunting day for youth hunters, as well as for non-ambulatory disabled hunters, will be Nov. 4.
Youth hunters must be of sufficient physical size and strength to safely handle a firearm and must be accompanied by an adult companion age 21 or older who possesses a valid Delaware hunting license or is legally exempt from purchasing a license. Only the youth hunter may possess a firearm. Youth hunters age 13 through 15 must have completed a hunter education course, possess a certification card and purchase a Delaware junior hunting license. Youth hunters age 10 through 12 must possess a license exempt number and may take hunter education.
To hunt on state wildlife areas that require a lottery, youth hunters do not need to purchase a deer stand/waterfowl blind permit to participate in the special youth-only days, but they are required to have this permit in order to hunt during all other deer and waterfowl seasons.
New this year, registered motor vehicles used to access designated public lands owned or managed by the Division of Fish & Wildlife are required to display a conservation access pass (CAP). Hunters can opt to receive one free annual vehicle pass with the purchase of each Delaware hunting license. To obtain a free CAP, or to purchase an additional pass, hunters will need to have the registration card for the vehicle to which the pass will be assigned.
Delaware hunting licenses, permits, and conservation access passes are sold online, at the licensing desk in DNREC’s Richardson & Robbins Building, 89 Kings Highway, Dover, DE 19901, and by license agents statewide. To find a participating agent, or make a purchase online, visit Delaware Licenses. Hunters not required to purchase a hunting license may obtain their license exempt number by visiting the Hunter and Trapper Registration System website or by calling 1-855-DEL-HUNT (1-855-335-4868).
For more information on hunting in Delaware, click on 2017-2018 Delaware Hunting and Trapping Guide. The guide also is available in printed form at DNREC’s Dover licensing desk and from license agents statewide. For information on specific wildlife areas, click Delaware Wildlife Area Maps. Printed maps also are available at DNREC’s Dover licensing desk.
The Division of Fish & Wildlife also reminds hunters of all ages to take along their cameras for a great opportunity to take photos that might be entered in the Division’s annual Delaware Hunting Photo Contest, with the winner to be published in next year’s Delaware Hunting and Trapping Guide. Deadline for contest entries is Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2018. Information and forms are available online at Fish & Wildlife photo contest or may be requested by calling Jennifer Childears at 302-739-9910, or email jennifer.childears@delaware.gov.
Follow the Division of Fish & Wildlife on Facebook, www.facebook.com/DelawareFishWildlife.
Vol. 47, No. 225
Media Contact: Joanna Wilson, DNREC Public Affairs, 302-739-9902