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We set out to create the most simplified guide to Delaware hunting seasons for 2023.
Want to find out season dates, learn about regulations and bag limits, understand license requirements, and get access helpful links?
Then you’ll love the info outlined in today’s guide. Let’s dive right in.
Delaware is a coastal state so what it might lack in big game hunting it more than makes up for in bird seasons. From ducks to geese to swans, Delaware has a variety of birds seasons.
Delaware hunting seasons generally begin in September and run through early February of the following year. Specific seasons, based on species and method of take, begin and end on different dates throughout the year.
There are over 62,000 acres that Delaware offers and 19 public wildlife areas that provide hunting and wildlife opportunities. It is a peninsula so there are coastal plains to be enjoyed as well snow in the winter.
Antlerless deer: Oct. 1 through 3, Oct. 18, Oct. 22 through 25 and Oct. 29 through 31, including Sundays
Muzzleloader deer: Oct. 8 through 17, including Sundays
Archery and Crossbow Deer: Through Jan. 31, 2022, including Sundays (half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset)
Delaware separates its turkey hunting seasons by private and public land permits.
Delaware’s spring wild turkey hunting season will run from April 9, 2024 - May 7 2024. A special one-day hunt for youth and non-ambulatory hunters will occur on April 2, 2024. No Sunday hunting. Public land permits can only be used on the property and season segment for which they are issued. Applications must be received by January 7, 2024 to be processed for the lottery drawing.
Ducks Regular Season: Oct 22 - Nov 1, Nov 22 - Nov. 27, Dec 10 - Jan 31
Gray Squirrel: Sept. 15-Feb. 5
Cottontail Rabbit: Nov. 22-Feb. 28
Groundhogs: July 1-June 30
Ring-necked Pheasant (Male Only): Nov. 22-Feb. 5
Bobwhite Quail: Nov. 22-Jan. 1
See the map below for a breakdown of Alabama's hunting zones:
Deer Bag Limits: Only 2 antlered deer may be taken during any license year (July 1 – June 30) by all methods and seasons combined. There is no limit on antlerless deer provided a hunter has an antlerless deer tag in their possession before harvesting additional antlerless deer.
Duck Season Bag Limits - Daily Bag Limit: 6, Possession Limit: 18
Before hunting in DE, you will need the following:
Delaware Hunting License Costs 2023
Permit & Tag Costs
Archery and crossbow hunters may bag antlered bucks through the October antlerless seasons. They may not do so during the December antlerless season.
Delaware has legalized hunting with a handgun during shotgun seasons as well as handgun season, though hunters can only use one during their dates allotted.
All registered motor vehicles used to access State Wildlife Areas must have a Conservation Access Pass. A Pass will be issued free to hunters, if requested with the purchase of a hunting license.
Archery / Crossbow: Must wear at least 400 square inches of hunter orange material displayed on the head chest, and back.
Muzzleloader: Can have scopes.
General Firearm / Shotgun: May be equipped with scopes.
Official State Site: https://dnrec.alpha.delaware.gov/fish-wildlife/hunting/
Delaware's hunting season starts September 1 for Archery/ Crossbow and November 12 for General Firearms.
You can buy in person or online from the official DNREC site.
Yes, Delaware allows hunting on Sundays.
