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.

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, InstagramTwitter or LinkedIn.

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

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.

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, InstagramTwitter or LinkedIn.

Media Contact: 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

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.

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.

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 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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Additional Delaware Deer Hunting Seasons to Open in January

Several Delaware hunting seasons for white-tailed deer either will reopen in January or are continuing into the new year. Photo: US Fish and Wildlife Service

 

Numerous Hunting and Trapping Seasons Continue Statewide

 

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, with additional information available at de.gov/sundayhunt.

Successful hunters during these later deer seasons who wish to donate venison to those in need are encouraged to participate in Delaware’s Sportsmen Against Hunger Program. Field-dressed deer may be donated at participating butchers or at self-serve, walk-in coolers maintained by the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife, with additional information and participating butcher and cooler locations found at de.gov/sah. 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 21,000 pounds of venison that provided over 84,000 meals to Delawareans in need.

Deer hunting season dates opening in January:

  • January handgun deer*: Jan. 1, Jan. 3 through 8, excluding Sunday, Jan. 2** south of the C&D Canal
  • January general firearm deer (also known as the January shotgun season)*: Jan. 15 through 23, including Sundays
  • January muzzleloader deer: Jan. 24 through 30, including Sundays

*Straight-walled pistol-caliber rifles are allowed during the January handgun and general firearm deer seasons south of the C&D Canal.
**Hunters may only use archery equipment, including crossbows, to hunt on Sunday, Jan. 2.

Continuing hunting seasons include:

  • Bobwhite quail: through Jan. 1, 2022
  • Woodcock and common snipe: through Jan. 17, 2022
  • Canada goose (migratory season): through Jan. 22, 2022
  • Ducks, coots and mergansers: through Jan. 31, 2022
  • Sea ducks in the Special Sea Duck Area: through Jan. 31, 2022
  • Brant: through Jan. 31, 2022
  • Tundra swan (by special permit ONLY): through Jan. 31, 2022
  • Snow goose: through Jan. 31, 2022 and Feb. 5, 2022
  • Mourning dove: through Jan. 31, 2022
  • Archery and crossbow deer: through Jan. 31, 2022, including all Sundays
  • Gray squirrel: through Feb. 5, 2022
  • Ring-necked pheasant (male only): through Feb. 5, 2022
  • Cottontail rabbit: through Feb. 28, 2022
  • Coyote (hunt): through Feb. 28, 2022
  • Red fox (hunt): through Feb. 28, 2022
  • Raccoon and opossum (hunt): through Feb. 28, 2022***
  • Beaver (hunt): through March 19, 2022, private land only
  • Crows: through March 26, 2022, June 23 through 25, 2022 and June 30, 2022 (Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays only)
  • Groundhog (hunt): through June 30, 2022

***Special raccoon and opossum hunting hours during the January handgun, January general firearm and January muzzleloader deer seasons are 7 p.m. until midnight (reference the 2021/2022 Delaware Hunting & Trapping Guide for these deer season dates).

Continuing trapping seasons include:

  • Muskrat, mink, otter, raccoon, opossum and nutria:
    ○ New Castle County: through March 10, 2022 (March 20 on embanked meadows)
    ○ Kent and Sussex counties: through March 15, 2022
  • Red fox and coyote: through March 10, 2022
  • Beaver: through March 20, 2022, private land only
  • Groundhog: through June 30, 2022

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 or by calling toll free 1-855-DEL-HUNT (1-855-335-4868). If using the DNREC ePermitting system, hunters can 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; Nikki Lavoie, nikki.lavoie@delaware.gov

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Additional Delaware Hunting, Trapping Seasons To Open in December

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

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