Waterfowl hunters await as ducks are called into their decoy spread. US Fish and Wildlife Service photo

 

Waterfowl and Antlerless Deer Hunting Seasons, Numerous Trapping Seasons Included

Delaware waterfowl hunters are gearing up for the state’s third duck hunting season segment, which runs from Friday, Dec. 10 through Monday, Jan. 31, 2022, and the second Canada goose hunting season segment, which runs from Friday, Dec. 24 through Saturday, Jan. 22, 2022, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control announced today. Additional hunting seasons to include the special antlerless deer season open in December, as well as the opening of numerous trapping seasons.

Deer hunters are encouraged to harvest does (female deer) to help manage the size and quality of Delaware’s deer population. Deer hunting is allowed on all Sundays through January 2022, using only those hunting methods legal for the respective established deer hunting seasons. Additional information is available at de.gov/sundayhunt.

Hunting season dates opening in December:

• Beaver: Dec. 1 through Mar. 19, 2022, Private Land Only
• Woodcock and common snipe: Dec. 3 through Jan. 17, 2022
• Antlerless deer: Dec. 11 through 19, including Sundays Dec. 12 and 19*
• Ducks, coots and mergansers: Dec. 10 through Jan. 31, 2022
• Brant: Dec. 11 through Jan. 31, 2022
• Canada goose (Migratory season): Dec. 24 through Jan. 22, 2022

*Archery and crossbow hunters may hunt deer during the December antlerless season but may NOT harvest antlered deer.

Trapping season dates opening** in December:

• Muskrat, mink, otter, raccoon, opossum, nutria:
  ○ New Castle County: Dec. 1 through Mar. 10, 2022 (March 20 on embanked meadows)
  ○ Kent and Sussex counties: Dec. 15 through Mar. 15, 2022
• Red fox and coyote: Dec. 1 through Mar. 10, 2022
• Beaver: Dec. 1 through Mar. 20, 2022, Private Land Only

**Groundhog trapping season continues through June 30, 2022

Continuing hunting seasons include:

• Bobwhite quail: through Jan. 1, 2022
• Mourning dove: through Jan. 31, 2022
• Archery and crossbow deer: through Jan. 31, 2022, including all Sundays
• Sea ducks in Special Sea Duck Area: through Jan. 31, 2022
• Tundra swan (by special permit ONLY): through Jan. 31, 2022
• Snow goose: through Jan. 31, 2022 and Feb. 5, 2022
• Ring-necked pheasant (male only): through Feb. 5, 2022
• Gray squirrel: through Feb. 5, 2022
• Cottontail rabbit: through Feb. 28, 2022
• Coyote (hunting): through Feb. 28, 2022
• Red fox (hunting): through Feb. 28, 2022
• Raccoon and opossum (hunting): through Feb. 28, 2022***
• Crows: through March 26, 2022, June 23 through 25, 2022 and June 30, 2022 (Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays only)
• Groundhog: through June 30, 2022

***Special raccoon and opossum hunting hours during the December antlerless, January handgun, January shotgun and January muzzleloader deer seasons are 7:00 p.m. until midnight (reference the hunting and trapping guide for these deer season dates).

The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife offers many hunting opportunities on state wildlife areas, with details available at de.gov/wamaps. Information specific to Sunday deer hunting on state wildlife areas is available at de.gov/sundayhunt.

A Delaware hunting license or License Exempt Number (LEN) is required to hunt, and most waterfowl hunters are required to purchase a Delaware waterfowl (duck) stamp and a Federal Duck Stamp. Migratory bird hunters, except crow hunters, also need a Federal Harvest Information Program (HIP) number, which can be obtained through the DNREC ePermitting system website or by calling toll free 855-DEL-HUNT (855-335-4868). If using the DNREC ePermitting system, hunters should either create a profile or use the “Quick Hunting Registration” option.

Registered motor vehicles used to access designated wildlife areas owned or managed by the Division of Fish and Wildlife are required to display a Conservation Access Pass (CAP). Hunters can opt to receive one free annual CAP with the purchase of any Delaware hunting license. To obtain a CAP, hunters will need the registration card for the vehicle to which the pass will be assigned.

Delaware hunting licenses, Delaware waterfowl stamps and Conservation Access Passes can be purchased online at de.gov/huntinglicense or from hunting license agents statewide. Hunters obtaining a LEN are reminded that they should create a profile using the DNREC ePermitting system portal or obtain a LEN at a hunting license agent if they have not already done so. Federal Duck Stamps are available for purchase at U.S. Post Offices, Bombay Hook and Prime Hook national wildlife refuges and online at 2021/2022 Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp.

Additional information on hunting seasons and state wildlife areas is available in the 2021/2022 Delaware Hunting & Trapping Guide or by calling the Wildlife Section at 302-739-9912. Information on hunting licenses, the state waterfowl stamp and the Conservation Access Pass is available at de.gov/huntinglicense or by calling the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife Recreational Licensing office at 302-739-9918.

About DNREC
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control protects and manages the state’s natural resources, protects public health, provides outdoor recreational opportunities, and educates Delawareans about the environment. The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife conserves and manages Delaware’s fish and wildlife and their habitats, and provides fishing, hunting, wildlife viewing and boating access on nearly 68,000 acres of public land. For more information, visit the website and connect with @DelawareDNREC on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn.

Media Contacts: Michael Globetti, michael.globetti@delaware.gov, or Nikki Lavoie, nikki.lavoie@delaware.gov

###

The Junction and Breakwater Trail Bridge over the Munchy Branch in Sussex County. Photo by Robert Bayles

 

Delaware residents, along with government agencies, New Castle, Kent and Sussex conservation districts, and non-profit organizations throughout the state, can help support Delaware’s continuing quest for clean water by taking advantage of an annual grant opportunity administered by the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control and funded through the federal Clean Water Act. More than $1.233 million in Clean Water Act Section 319 Nonpoint Source grant funding for Delaware was recently announced by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

DNREC is soliciting proposals from eligible applicants for Section 319 grant projects that reduce Delaware’s nonpoint source (NPS) pollution and improve water quality by reducing nutrients that drain or leach into impaired Delaware waters. NPS pollution is caused by precipitation moving as overland runoff and through the ground. As runoff moves, pollutants are picked up and carried along with it, and eventually deposited into lakes, rivers, wetlands, coastal waters and groundwater.

DNREC will accept Section 319 Nonpoint Source grant proposals from Monday, Dec. 6, 2021 until Feb. 9, 2022.

While eligible Section 319 projects may focus on reducing any source of NPS pollution, grant applications most frequently involve agriculture, reforestation activities, stormwater retrofits, shoreline stabilization, and restoration-based Best Management Practices (BMPs). A predominant 319 grant focus is on watersheds with water quality impairments caused by polluted runoff, along with Delaware watersheds that have approved watershed implementation plans through U.S. EPA.

“While there has been vast improvement in Delaware’s water quality, challenges still persist, and meeting those challenges is crucial to our state’s achieving our goal of clean water for all Delawareans,” said DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin. “These Clean Water Act grants offer leverage for government agencies and nonprofit organizations who continue to make headway on the state’s clean water challenge. These grants help fund investments in cover crops, nutrient management, land conservation, stormwater retrofits, and tree planting projects – all of which enhance and improve water quality statewide.”

Past Delaware Section 319 grant recipients and their projects have included:

• The Kent and Sussex Conservation Districts for implementing agricultural BMPs including cover crops, nutrient management planning, water control structures, and structural BMPs to address manure storage and composting.
• The Delaware Botanic Gardens for urban-type BMPs such as living shorelines and stormwater facility enhancements to further water quality benefits.
• Delaware’s Center for the Inland Bays also used 319 grant funding for stormwater retrofits, reforestation projects, and living shorelines to help filter nonpoint source pollutants.
• The Delaware Wild Lands organization for implementing reforestation practices in the form of tree plantings on marginal cropland areas, enhancing both water quality and wildlife habitat benefits.
• The Sussex Conservation District in cooperation with the Delmarva Chicken Association for implementing various agricultural BMPs on poultry farm production areas, including tree plantings used as windbreaks, grass buffers, pollinator habitat areas, shallow water ponds for wildlife habitat and nutrient filtering capabilities.

All projects must include match funding from a non-federal source totaling at least 67% of the federal funding requested through the Section 319 Nonpoint Source grant proposal.

More information on applying for a Clean Water Act Section 319 grant, along with the application form and DNREC NPS program contact information, can be found on the DNREC website at de.gov/319grants.

About DNREC
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control protects and manages the state’s natural resources, protects public health, provides outdoor recreational opportunities and educates Delawareans about the environment. The DNREC Division of Watershed Stewardship develops and implements innovative watershed assessment, monitoring and implementation activities. For more information, visit the website and connect with @DelawareDNREC on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn.

Media Contacts: Michael Globetti, michael.globetti@delaware.gov, or Joanna Wilson, joanna.wilson@delaware.gov

###

Double-digit drop effective December 1

Insurance Commissioner Trinidad Navarro announced today that workers’ compensation insurance rates will decrease for the fifth year in a row, effective December 1, 2021. The voluntary market is seeing yet another double-digit decrease in voluntary market loss costs, with an average 21.02% reduction, and residual market rates will go down an average of 20.01%.

“We have worked hard to lower worker’s compensations costs year after year to help our local businesses and attract new ones to our state. I’m proud to say that companies are doing their part to reduce risks through programs like our Workplace Safety initiative as well,” said Insurance Commissioner Trinidad Navarro.

Workers’ compensation insurance is an employer cost that provides coverage when an employee is hurt on the job, it can provide medical coverage as well as payments for lost wages if a person is unable to come to work due to their injury. Lower premiums do not change the amount of compensation an injured employee receives.

The Delaware Compensation Rating Bureau (DCRB) agreed to the lower rates after discussion with the Department of Insurance and the State’s Ratepayer Advocate. The approval process included a review of the DCRB filing by actuaries for each party, and a public hearing. Actual savings vary by policy.

These lower rates are just one component of several efforts shepherded by the Department to help businesses financially. More than 1,100 employers are saving even more money on their workers’ compensation premiums by participating in the department’s Workplace Safety Program. Last year’s total savings was approximately $7 million. Eligible businesses can earn up to a 19% discount on their insurance by successfully undergoing annual safety inspections and complying with associated recommendations. These savings can help employers better weather the storm of the economic downturn due to COVID-19. Importantly, individual employees may also benefit directly from employer-based safety goals – for example, a workplace may offer bonuses if there are no injuries for a given timeframe and thus pass on the financial savings to their workers.

Businesses eligible for the Workplace Safety Program are notified about the program each year seven months prior to their renewal date, but late applications are being accepted as many businesses were closed when they were notified of their eligibility due to COVID-19. Organizations interested in participating can access questionnaires online and contact safety@delaware.gov to begin the process.

Interested employers are urged to note on their questionnaires their current hours and best point of contact if these have been adjusted due to COVID-19 so inspectors can plan site visits. A physical walkthrough is still required for employers to earn a safety discount. Only benefits can be gained by participating, failure to qualify cannot be the basis for premium increases or sanctions imposed by other safety enforcement officials.

View the DCRB website

DOVER, DE (NOV. 26, 2021) – The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is providing an update on the most recent statistics related to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Delaware, as of 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 25, 2021.

• Total positive cases since March 11, 2020: 152,165
• 7-day average of new positive cases: 380.6, an increase from 329.6 last week
• 7-day average for the percentage of total positive tests: 7.1%, a decrease from 7.4% last week
• Hospitalizations: 159, a decrease of four from last week; critically ill: 18, a decrease of three from last week
• Total COVID-19 deaths: 2,173
• Total COVID-19 deaths reported since last week: 19, including eight from a review of vital statistics records.

COVID-19 Vaccinations:

• Total number of doses administered in Delaware: 1,395,975
• Percentage of Delawareans 5+ who have received at least one dose (CDC data): 75.6%
• Percentage of Delawareans 12+ who have received at least one dose (CDC data): 82.1%
• Percentage of Delawareans 18+ who received at least one dose (CDC data): 84%
• Percent of Delawareans who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 60.9%

Delawareans who are fully vaccinated have significant protection from COVID-19 infection, serious illness and death. All qualifying Delawareans should get vaccinated. For the latest information on the COVID-19 vaccine in Delaware, visit de.gov/getmyvaccine. Delaware’s latest COVID-19 vaccination statistics can be found under the Vaccine Tracker dashboard at de.gov/healthycommunity.

COVID-19 Case Vaccination Status Report: 

The following report captures a weekly breakdown of vaccination status for cases, deaths, and hospitalizations for the time frame for Nov. 15 – Nov. 21. The report highlights the significant percentage of unvaccinated or only partially vaccinated individuals comprising Delaware’s cases and hospitalizations.

Weekly Overview (11/15 -11/21)
Unvaccinated Cases
Total Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated Cases	1838
Total Cases	2496
Percent of Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated Cases	74%
Hospitalizations
Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated Hospitalized  Cases	71
Total Hospitalized Cases	103
Percent of Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated Hospitalized  Cases	69%
Deaths
Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated COVID-19 Deaths	6
Total COVID-19 Deaths	10
Percent of Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated COVID-19 Deaths	60%

 

 Breakthrough Cases (cumulative since vaccinations began):

• Total breakthrough cases: 7,122 or 1.3% of fully vaccinated individuals
• Total breakthrough hospitalizations: 125
• Total breakthrough deaths: 92

A breakthrough case is defined as testing positive for COVID-19 after an individual has been fully vaccinated for two weeks or more – although it does not mean that the infection occurred after vaccination.

COVID-19 Variant Cases in Delaware: 

Due to a technical issue, data regarding routine sequencing and variant positive samples is unavailable this week. Data for this week will be included in next week’s update.

DPH COVID-19 Vaccine Mobile Units:

DPH officials in partnership with medical staff from the Delaware National Guard (DNG) have mobile units that offer COVID-19 vaccines in underserved communities.

The mobile units, which utilize trailers to transport the vaccine and provide vaccinations, are scheduled to visit these communities in New Castle, Kent and Sussex counties. COVID-19 testing will be available at each location. The mobile units in New Castle County will travel through specific neighborhoods and a community intervention team will canvas door to door to offer vaccination and testing services to residents.

Monday, Nov. 29

Wilmington’s East Side neighborhood, starting at 10th and Bennett streets, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Philadelphia Pentecostal Holiness Church, 13724 S. Old State Road, Ellendale, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Tuesday, Nov. 30

DeLaWarr State Service Center, 500 Rogers Road, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Laurel State Service Center, 31039 North Poplar St., Laurel, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 1
Wilmington’s North Side neighborhood, starting at North Claymont Street, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Service General Laundromat, 801 Norman Eskridge Hwy., Seaford, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Royal Farms, 10722 Georgetown Road, Laurel, 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Magnolia Crossing, 79 McKinley Circle, Magnolia, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Calvary Baptist Church, 410 Fulton St., Dover, 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 2

Appoquinimink State Service Center, 122 Silver Lake Road, Middletown, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Laurel State Service Center, 31039 North Poplar St., Laurel, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Burlington store, 515 N. Dupont Hwy., Suite 100, Dover, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Eagle Meadows Apartments, 4666 Carolina Ave., Dover, 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 3

Wilmington’s Browntown/Hedgeville neighborhood, starting at Lower Oak and Maryland Avenue, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

*dates may be rescheduled if there is inclement weather

For a full list of community-based events statewide including those organized by vaccinating partners and community groups at de.gov/getmyvaccine.

Long-term Care Statistics:

As of 6:00 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 25, there have been a total of 2,973 positive COVID-19 cases involving long-term care residents, and 865 residents of Delaware long-term care facilities have died from complications related to COVID-19.

Resources:

Individuals with general questions about COVID-19 should call Delaware 2-1-1, individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing can text their ZIP code to 898-211, or email delaware211@uwde.org. Hours of operation are:

Monday – Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Saturday: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Medically related questions regarding testing, symptoms, and health-related guidance can be submitted by email at DPHCall@delaware.gov.

Delawareans 18 or older are encouraged to download COVID Alert DE, Delaware’s free exposure notification app to help protect your neighbors while ensuring your privacy. Download on the App Store or Google Play.

DPH will continue to update the public as more information becomes available. For the latest on Delaware’s response, go to de.gov/coronavirus.

Friday, November 26, 2021

DOVER – For the first time in the organization’s history, the Delaware Library Association (DLA) is partnering with libraries across the state to launch a #GivingTuesday campaign to raise funds to support programs and services available at Delaware public libraries. From November 26 through December 2, donors can log on to Fundlibraries.org and pledge to their favorite library, or to the general Delaware Libraries campaign which will be evenly distributed to Delaware public libraries.

Delaware Libraries make it happen by providing engaging, informational, and transformational programs, services, and collections.  This was never truer than during the COVID pandemic. Even while their buildings were closed, staff rallied to serve the community by providing:

• Thousands of additional eBook, eAudio, and online program collections
• Hundreds of thousands of hours of telephone and virtual reference sessions
• Curbside and grab and go access to library materials, craft and STEM kits
• Boosting signals to stable broadband, adding WiFi hotspots in parking lots, and providing devices for checkout
• Using bookmobiles as full-service mobile libraries throughout their communities 

When you give to Delaware Public Libraries this Giving Tuesday, you’ll be giving the gift of libraries to thousands of Delawareans who rely on the services and programs of their local libraries.

Contribute to the advancement of Delawareans by donating this Giving Tuesday. Delaware libraries accelerate personal learning and innovation for all Delawareans, from the youngest to the oldest.  Starting at birth, Delaware Libraries support literacy with the Dolly Parton Imagination Library program, which gifts a book monthly up until a child’s 5th birthday; to technology and life-long learning programs like Northstar, for the older generations.

Your donation will help Delaware libraries continue to provide technology & services that impacts our communities for the better. Libraries are the community bridge that connects people together.  Please join us this season in giving, so that Delaware libraries can continue to offer an exceptionally robust catalog of services, materials and programming.

If you wish to donate this #GivingTuesday ~ fundlibraries.org/delaware-libraries/giving-tuesday

---

Partners:

Assisting with this effort, EveryLibrary Institute has been working with Delaware’s libraries to provide training and the platform to receive online donations, Fundlibraries.org.  As a 501c3 non-profit organization, the EveryLibrary Institute acts as the fiscal agent to collect charitable donations from individuals and corporate donors and disburses them directly to either the library or a local Friends Group of the library at the close of the fundraising campaign.

Fundlibraries.org is the first and only crowdfunding website dedicated solely to innovative library and literacy projects in school, public, and academic communities. It is a one-stop fundraising platform for libraries and library support organizations that connects great ideas in need of crowdsourced funding with tens of thousands of potential donors in the state and across the country.  

The Delaware Library Association is an all-volunteer organization dedicated to advancing the cause of libraries and librarianship through advocacy, education, and public policy.  For more information about Delaware Library Association, visit their website at dla.lib.de.us.