Hunting and Trapping Opportunities Still Available In February as 2022/23 Season Draws to a Close

The Snow Goose Conservation Order permits liberal harvest methods to help reduce the large snow goose population that is damaging the species’ Arctic nesting grounds, as well as wetlands and agricultural lands on migration routes and overwintering areas, including Delaware – and also extends opportunities afield for working retrievers. /DNREC photo

Youth Waterfowl Hunting Day and Snow Goose Conservation Order to Open; Other Seasons Continue

Small game and furbearer hunting and trapping opportunities continue into February in addition to the opening of the Snow Goose Conservation Order that begins Wednesday, Feb. 1 and the second special youth waterfowl hunting day on Saturday, Feb. 4, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control announced today.

The Snow Goose Conservation Order will be closed Saturday, Feb. 4 for the youth waterfowl hunting day and for a one-day reopening of the regular snow goose season. The Snow Goose Conservation Order reopens Monday, Feb. 6 and runs through Friday, April 7.

The Snow Goose Conservation Order is a separate season open only for snow geese that occurs when Delaware’s regular waterfowl hunting seasons are closed. During the Snow Goose Conservation Order, liberal harvest methods are permitted to help reduce the large snow goose population that is damaging the species’ Arctic nesting grounds, as well as wetlands and agricultural lands on migration routes and overwintering areas. More information, including licensing requirements, is available at de.gov/hunting.

The one-day, special youth waterfowl hunting day is open for hunters ages 10 through 15, with normal daily waterfowl bag limits and hunting regulations to apply, including a limit of 25 snow geese and one Canada goose. Youth hunters who are the named permittee on a Delaware Tundra Swan Permit may also harvest a tundra swan on Saturday, Feb. 4. More information on the youth waterfowl hunt, including licensing requirements, is available at de.gov/hunting.

Youth waterfowl hunting is available on many state wildlife areas, some of which are accessed through a waterfowl blind lottery drawing. The following wildlife areas issue waterfowl blinds through a lottery drawing: Augustine, Cedar Swamp, Woodland Beach and Assawoman wildlife areas, where a morning lottery is held one and a half hours before legal shooting time; and the Little Creek and Ted Harvey wildlife areas, where a morning lottery is held two hours before legal shooting time. A State Wildlife Area Waterfowl Blind Permit is not needed during the Youth Waterfowl Hunting Day.

Continuing hunting seasons in February include:

Snow goose: Feb. 4 only
Gray squirrel: through Feb. 4
Ring-necked pheasant (male only): through Feb. 4
Cottontail rabbit: through Feb. 28
Coyote (hunt): through Feb. 28
Red fox (hunt): through Feb. 28
Raccoon and opossum (hunt): through Feb. 28
Beaver: through Mar. 20, private land only
Crows: through Mar. 25, June 22 through 24 and June 29 through 30 (Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays only)
Groundhog: through June 30

Continuing trapping seasons include:

Muskrat, mink, otter, raccoon, opossum and nutria:

- New Castle County: through March 10 (March 20 on embanked meadows)
- Kent and Sussex counties: through March 15

Red fox and coyote: through March 10
Beaver: through March 20, private land only

The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife offers many hunting opportunities on state wildlife areas. Wildlife area maps and rules are available at de.gov/wamaps. More information on hunting seasons and wildlife areas is available in the 2022/2023 Delaware Hunting and Trapping Guide at de.gov/hunting.

Information on hunting licenses, the License Exempt Number (LEN), the Federal Harvest Information Program (HIP) number needed to hunt most migratory birds, the state waterfowl stamp and the Federal Duck Stamp, as well the Conservation Access Pass required for registered motor vehicles used to access designated wildlife areas owned or managed by the Division of Fish and Wildlife is available at de.gov/huntinglicense.

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 owned or managed by the Division of Fish and Wildlife. For more information, visit the website and connect with @DelawareDNREC on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or LinkedIn.

Media Contact: Michael Globetti, michael.globetti@delaware.gov

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Additional Delaware Deer Hunting Seasons Open in January, As Numerous Other Hunting and Trapping Seasons Continue

White-tailed deer. USFW photo.

Coyote Harvest Reporting Required by DNREC Within Next Business Day

Additional firearm deer hunting seasons opening in January and the continuing archery deer hunting seasons provide the last chance for hunters to harvest deer during the 2022/23 hunting season, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control announced today. Deer hunters are encouraged to harvest does (female deer) during deer hunting seasons to help manage the size and quality of Delaware’s deer population.

Deer hunting seasons opening in January:

January handgun deer*: Jan. 7, Jan. 9 through 14 (closed Sunday, Jan. 8**) Hunting permitted only south of the C&D Canal
January general firearm deer* (also known as the January shotgun season): Jan. 14 through 22, including Sundays
January muzzleloader deer: Jan. 23 through 29, including Sundays

*Straight-walled pistol-caliber rifles are allowed during the January handgun and general firearm (shotgun) deer seasons only south of the C&D Canal.
**Hunters may only use archery equipment, including crossbows, to hunt on Sunday, Jan. 8.

Continuing hunting seasons include:

Bobwhite quail: through Jan. 7, 2023
Woodcock and common snipe: through Jan. 16, 2023
Canada goose (migratory season): through Jan. 23, 2023
Ducks (including sea ducks***), coots and mergansers: through Jan. 31, 2023
Brant: through Jan. 31, 2023
Tundra swan (by special permit ONLY): through Jan. 31, 2023
Snow goose: through Jan. 31, 2023, and Feb. 4, 2023
Mourning dove: through Jan. 31, 2023
Archery and crossbow deer: through Jan. 31, 2023, including all Sundays
Gray squirrel: through Feb. 4, 2023
Ring-necked pheasant (male only): through Feb. 4, 2023
Cottontail rabbit: through Feb. 28, 2023
Coyote (hunt): through Feb. 28, 2023
Red fox (hunt): through Feb. 28, 2023
Raccoon and opossum (hunt): through Feb. 28, 2023****
Beaver (hunt): through Mar. 19, 2023, private land only
Crows: through Mar. 25, 2023, June 22 through 24, 2023 and June 29 through 30, 2023 (Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays only)
Groundhog (hunt): through June 30, 2023

***Sea duck hunters are advised that there is no longer a special sea duck zone with its own separate season dates or daily bag and possession limits. Season dates for sea ducks are now the same as the regular duck season and the daily bag and possession limits for sea ducks are now included as part of the regular daily bag and possession limits for all ducks. Refer to Page 34 of the 2022/2023 Delaware Hunting and Trapping Guide found at de.gov/hunting for additional information about hunting sea ducks.
****Special raccoon and opossum hunting hours during the January handgun, January general firearm and January muzzleloader deer seasons are 7 p.m. until midnight.

Continuing trapping seasons include:

Red fox and coyote: through Mar. 10, 2023
Beaver: through Mar. 20, 2023
Muskrat, mink, otter, raccoon, opossum and nutria (New Castle County Only): through Mar. 10, 2023 (Mar. 20, 2023 on embanked meadows)
Muskrat, mink, otter, raccoon, opossum and nutria (Kent and Sussex counties): through Mar. 15, 2023

Hunters and trappers are reminded that they must report harvested coyotes by contacting the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife at 302-735-3600 by the close of business on the day following their harvest. NOTE: A message also can be left after-hours at the phone number reporting a coyote harvest – the harvest reports are important data used by DNREC biologists to track coyote distribution and numbers across the state. For more information about coyotes in Delaware – including a Depredation Order signed by the DNREC Secretary that allows the animals to be shot if threatening public safety, or livestock and domestic animals – go to de.gov/coyotes.

Successful deer hunters who wish to donate venison to those in need are encouraged to participate in Delaware’s Hunters Against Hunger Program administered by the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife. Field-dressed deer may be donated at participating private butchers or division self-serve, walk-in coolers, with additional information and participating butcher and cooler locations found at de.gov/DHAH. All donated deer will be processed free of charge to the hunter, and the meat will be distributed to participating charitable organizations serving those in need. Last year, hunters donated over 24,000 pounds of venison that provided over 96,000 meals to Delawareans in need.

The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife offers many hunting opportunities on state wildlife areas. Wildlife area maps and rules are available at de.gov/wamaps, with information specific to Sunday deer hunting on state wildlife areas available at de.gov/sundayhunt. More information on hunting seasons and wildlife areas is available in the 2022/2023 Delaware Hunting and Trapping Guide at de.gov/hunting.

Media Contact: Michael Globetti, michael.globetti@delaware.gov

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December Seasons Set to Open for Hunting and Trapping Include Special Antlerless Deer, Waterfowl and Furbearers

Delaware’s December hunting seasons set to open include ducks and Canada geese, with trapping season for furbearers such as muskrat and mink also to begin across the state. /DNREC photo

Successful Hunters Encouraged to Donate Harvested Deer to DNREC’s Delaware Hunters Against Hunger Program

Additional Delaware hunting and trapping seasons are set to open in December, including a special antlerless deer season, which opens on Dec. 10 and extends through Dec. 18, and multiple furbearer trapping seasons opening Dec. 1, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control announced today. Duck, Canada goose, woodcock, snipe and other hunting seasons also open during the month.

Archery and crossbow hunters are reminded that they are not allowed to harvest antlered deer during the special December antlerless deer season. Deer hunting is allowed on all Sundays through Jan. 31, 2023, using only those hunting methods legal for the respective established deer hunting seasons, with additional information available at de.gov/sundayhunt. All deer harvested by hunters must be registered online within 24 hours at de.gov/digitaldnrec or by calling toll free 855-DEL-HUNT (855-335-4868).

Successful deer hunters who wish to donate venison to those in need are encouraged to participate in DNREC’s Delaware Hunters Against Hunger Program. Field-dressed deer may be donated at participating butchers or self-serve, walk-in coolers maintained by the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife, with additional information and participating butcher and cooler locations found online at de.gov/DHAH. All donated deer will be processed free of charge to the hunter, and the meat will be distributed to participating charitable organizations. Last year, hunters donated over 24,000 pounds of processed venison that provided more than 97,000 meals to Delawareans in need.

Hunting season dates for seasons opening in December:

Beaver (private lands only): Dec. 1 through Mar. 19, 2023
Woodcock and common snipe (second season split): Dec. 2 through Jan. 16, 2023
Ducks (including sea ducks*), coots and mergansers (third season split): Dec. 9 through Jan. 31, 2023
Deer (Special Antlerless): Dec. 10 through 18, 2022, including Sundays
Brant (second season split): Dec. 12 through Jan. 31, 2023
Canada goose (second season split): Dec. 24 through Jan. 23, 2023

* Sea duck hunters are advised that there is no longer a special sea duck zone with its own separate season dates or daily bag and possession limits. Season dates for sea ducks are now the same as the regular duck season and the daily bag and possession limits for sea ducks are now included as part of the regular daily bag and possession limits for all ducks. Refer to Page 34 of the 2022/2023 Delaware Hunting and Trapping Guide found at de.gov/hunting for additional information about hunting sea ducks.

Trapping season dates for seasons opening in December:

Red fox and coyote: Dec. 1 through March 10, 2023
Beaver: Dec. 1 through Mar. 20, 2023
Muskrat, mink, otter, raccoon, opossum and nutria (New Castle County Only): Dec. 1 through March 10, 2023 (through March 20, 2023 on embanked meadows)
Muskrat, mink, otter, raccoon, opossum and nutria (Kent and Sussex counties): Dec. 15 through March 15, 2023

Continuing Delaware hunting seasons include:

Bobwhite quail: through Jan. 7, 2023
Mourning dove (second season split): through Jan. 31, 2023
Deer archery and crossbow: through Jan. 31, 2023, including all Sundays
Tundra swan (by special permit ONLY): through Jan. 31, 2023
Snow goose: through Jan. 31, 2023 and Feb. 4, 2023
Ring-necked pheasant (male only): through Feb. 4, 2023
Gray squirrel: through Feb. 4, 2023
Red fox (hunt only): through Feb. 28, 2023
Coyote (hunting): through Feb. 28, 2023
Cottontail rabbit: through Feb. 28, 2023
Raccoon and opossum (hunt only): through Feb. 28, 2023
Crows: through March 25, 2023, June 22 through 24, 2023 and June 29 through 30, 2023 (Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays only)
Groundhog: through June 30, 2023

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. Dove, goose and duck hunters also need a Federal Harvest Information Program (HIP) number, which can be obtained online at de.gov/digitaldnrec or by calling toll free 1-855-DEL-HUNT (1-855-335-4868). When using the online DNREC permitting 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 have and 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, except for the Resident Senior Lifetime Conservation Access Pass available to Delaware residents aged 65 or older.

Delaware hunting licenses, Delaware waterfowl stamps and Conservation Access Passes can be purchased online at de.gov/digitaldnrec, at the license desk in DNREC’s Dover office at 89 Kings Highway, Dover, DE 19901 or from hunting license agents statewide. Hunters obtaining a LEN are reminded that they should create a profile using the de.gov/digitaldnrec 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 2022/2023 Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp.

More information on hunting seasons and wildlife areas is available in the 2022/2023 Delaware Hunting and Trapping Guide at de.gov/hunting. More information on hunting licenses, the state waterfowl stamp and the Conservation Access Pass is available at de.gov/huntinglicense.

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 65,000 acres of public land. For more information, visit the website and connect with @DelawareDNREC on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or LinkedIn.

Media Contact: Michael Globetti, michael.globetti@delaware.gov

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DNREC to Host Public Meeting Dec. 5 on Proposed Restaurant for Cape Henlopen State Park

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control will host a public meeting to solicit feedback on the potential of a new restaurant at Cape Henlopen State Park Monday, Dec. 5, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Cape Henlopen High School auditorium. The DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation will share a presentation about the proposal and gather public input on the proposed restaurant which would be located at the north side of the park’s main beach parking lot.

The proposed restaurant came from a publicly bid request for proposal (RFP) to manage the park’s main beach area concession, which includes amenity rentals such as chairs and umbrellas, with the potential for expanded visitor services. The RFP was spurred by visitor surveys, which showed park users wanted a higher level of food service and improvements to visitor amenities. The Cape Henlopen State Park concession contract was issued for a term of one year, with exclusive rights to negotiate with DNREC for an extension of up to 24 years.

La Vida Hospitality LLC was awarded the contract by DNREC in April to manage the existing main beach food concession. As part of that agreement, there was a provision for researching the feasibility of adding a restaurant and new restrooms, with time set aside allowing both parties to conduct due diligence before any final decisions are made regarding the proposed restaurant.

Additionally, as part of that research, Division of Parks and Recreation staff continue to gather data regarding natural and cultural resources in the area, and seek public input regarding the levels of service provided at the site – such as accessibility, restrooms and improved food service. The upcoming public meeting continues that outreach effort.

The division also held an open house at Cape Henlopen State Park in June to share information and gather public feedback about capital projects and proposed planning efforts, including the proposed restaurant, to improve the park’s amenities and conserve Cape Henlopen’s natural and cultural resources. DNREC extended a public comment period following that meeting and shared the feedback received with the Parks and Recreation Council during its Nov. 3 quarterly meeting, at which public comment on the potential project also was accepted.

Anyone unable to attend the Dec. 5 public meeting but wanting to give feedback on the proposed restaurant may do so by visiting destateparks.com/contact and selecting “Cape Henlopen Restaurant Proposal” from the Delaware State Parks location drop-down menu.

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 Parks and Recreation oversees more than 26,000 acres in 17 state parks and the Brandywine Zoo. For more information, visit the website and connect with @DelawareDNREC on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or LinkedIn.

Media Contacts: Shauna McVey, shauna.mcvey@delaware.gov or Michael Globetti, michael.globetti@delaware.gov.

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More Delaware Hunting Seasons to Open in November, Including Firearm/Shotgun Deer, Waterfowl and Small Game

A number of Delaware hunting seasons – including “shotgun deer season” – are to open in November, with waterfowl and small game also prominent among next month’s sporting seasons /Photo: USFWS

Youth and Non-ambulatory Deer Hunt Set for Nov. 5 and 6; All Deer Hunters Encouraged to Harvest Does to Help Manage Deer Herd

Additional Delaware hunting seasons are set to open in November, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control announced today – including the popular November general firearm deer season, also known as “November shotgun season,” which opens Nov. 11 and extends through Nov. 20, as well as the special deer hunt open to only youth and non-ambulatory hunters on Saturday, Nov. 5 and Sunday, Nov. 6. Duck, Canada goose and other hunting seasons are to open later in the month.

Deer hunters are encouraged to harvest does (female deer) during deer hunting seasons to help manage the size and quality of Delaware’s deer population. Deer hunting is allowed on all Sundays through Jan. 31, 2023, using only those hunting methods legal for the respective established deer hunting seasons, with additional information available at de.gov/sundayhunt. All harvested deer must be registered within 24 hours of harvest online at de.gov/digitaldnrec or by calling toll-free 855-DEL-HUNT (855-335-4868).

Successful deer hunters who wish to donate venison to those in need are encouraged to participate in the Delaware Hunters Against Hunger Program. Field-dressed deer may be donated at participating butchers or self-serve, walk-in coolers maintained by the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife, with additional information and participating butcher and cooler locations found online at de.gov/DHAH. All donated deer will be processed free of charge to the hunter, and the meat will be distributed to participating charitable organizations. Last year, hunters donated over 24,000 pounds of processed venison that provided more than 97,000 meals to Delawareans in need.

Sea duck hunters are advised that there is no longer a special sea duck zone with its own separate season dates or daily bag and possession limits. Season dates for sea ducks are now the same as the regular duck season, and the daily bag and possession limits for sea ducks are now included as part of the regular daily bag and possession limits for all ducks. Refer to page 34 of the 2022/2023 Delaware Hunting and Trapping Guide found at de.gov/hunting for additional information about hunting sea ducks.

Hunting season dates for seasons opening in November:

Raccoon and opossum (hunt only): Nov. 1 through Feb. 28, 2023*
Red fox (hunt only): Nov. 1 through Feb. 28, 2023
Deer youth/non-ambulatory hunt: Nov. 5 and 6
Deer general firearm/shotgun: Nov. 11 through 20, including all Sundays
Tundra swan (by special permit ONLY): Nov. 11 through Jan. 31, 2023
Woodcock (first season split): Nov. 21 through 26
Ducks (including sea ducks), coots and mergansers (second season split): Nov. 21 through 26
Brant (first season split): Nov. 21 through 26
Bobwhite quail: Nov. 21 through Jan. 7, 2023
Mourning dove (second season split): Nov. 21 through Jan. 31, 2023
Ring-necked pheasant (male only): Nov. 21 through Feb. 4, 2023
Cottontail rabbit: Nov. 21 through Feb. 28, 2023
Canada goose (first season split): Nov. 23 through 26

*Raccoon and opossum hunting seasons are closed during the November youth/non-ambulatory deer hunt and the November general firearm/shotgun deer season. Special hunting hours for raccoon and opossum during the December antlerless, January handgun/straight-walled pistol-caliber rifle, January general firearm/shotgun and January muzzleloader deer seasons are 7 p.m. until midnight (reference the 2022/2023 Delaware Hunting and Trapping Guide at de.gov/hunting for deer season dates).

Continuing Delaware hunting seasons include:

Moorhen, gallinule, sora, Virginia rail, king rail and clapper rail: through Nov. 23
Common snipe: through Nov. 26
Deer archery and crossbow: through Jan. 31, 2023, including all Sundays
Snow goose: through Jan. 31, 2023; Feb. 4, 2023
Gray squirrel: through Feb. 4, 2023 (closed during November general firearm/shotgun deer season)
Coyote (hunting): through Feb. 28, 2023
Crows: through March 25, 2023, June 22 through 24, 2023 and June 29 through 30, 2023 (Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays only)
Groundhog: through June 30, 2023

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. Dove, goose and duck hunters also need a Federal Harvest Information Program (HIP) number, which can be obtained online at de.gov/digitaldnrec or by calling toll free 855-DEL-HUNT (855-335-4868). When using the online DNREC permitting system, hunters should either create a profile or use the “Quick Hunting Registration” option.

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, Instagram, Twitter or LinkedIn.

Media Contact: Michael Globetti, michael.globetti@delaware.gov

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