Hunting in Delaware

The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife manages 19 public wildlife areas; approximately 68,000 acres of land. In addition to providing habitat for a variety of wildlife, these lands provide hunting and other outdoor recreational opportunities. Much of this land, and many acres of private land, provide hunting during a number of seasons. More information is found in the Delaware Hunting and Trapping Guide.

Hunting Regulation Changes for 2026: On Dec. 8, 2025, DNREC Secretary Gregory Patterson signed an order making several regulatory changes related to hunting.

Information for Hunters

A ruling in the Delaware Superior Court has changed the requirement for direct supervision of younger hunters during Delaware’s hunting seasons: those aged 18 and older do not require adult supervision. An updated version of the Age for Hunting and Method of Take chart will be added to the online version of 2025/26 Delaware Hunting and Trapping Guide.

Avian influenza, a group of influenza strains that occur naturally in wild aquatic birds, has been found in snow geese and poultry flocks in Delaware. Hunters and others who encounter sick or dead birds should be aware of the risks and take precautions.