Your one-stop resource for hunting regulations, seasons, and licensing in Delaware.
2025-2026 Delaware Hunting Seasons
Plan your hunting adventure with this detailed guide to the 2025-2026 Delaware hunting seasons. Dates are based on projections from the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) and may be subject to change. Visit the official DNREC website for the latest updates and regulations.
Deer Hunting Seasons
- Archery/Crossbow: September 1, 2025 – January 31, 2026
- Special Youth/Non-Ambulatory Firearm: September 27 – September 28, 2025
- Muzzleloader: October 10 – October 18, 2025
- General Firearm/Shotgun (November): November 14 – November 23, 2025
- Special Antlerless: December 13 – December 21, 2025
- Handgun/Straight-Walled Pistol-Caliber Rifle: January 3 – January 10, 2026
- General Firearm/Shotgun (January): January 17 – January 24, 2026
- Muzzleloader (Late): January 26 – January 31, 2026
Turkey Hunting Seasons
- Spring: April 11 – May 16, 2026
- Spring Youth Day: April 4, 2026
Small Game Seasons
- Gray Squirrel: September 15, 2025 – February 7, 2026 (Closed during November General Firearm/Shotgun season)
- Rabbit: November 17, 2025 – February 7, 2026
- Pheasant: November 17, 2025 – February 7, 2026
- Quail: November 17, 2025 – January 3, 2026
Furbearer Seasons
- Coyote (Hunting): September 1, 2025 – March 31, 2026
- Raccoon/Opossum (Hunting): November 1, 2025 – March 7, 2026 (Closed during November Youth/Non-Ambulatory and General Firearm/Shotgun deer seasons; special hours 7 p.m. – midnight during December Antlerless, January Handgun, January Firearm, and January Muzzleloader deer seasons)
- Trapping (Beaver, River Otter, etc.): December 1, 2025 – March 20, 2026
Migratory Bird Seasons
- Mourning Dove: September 1 – November 29, 2025 & December 13, 2025 – January 10, 2026
- Resident Canada Goose: September 1 – September 25, 2025
- Early Teal: September 13 – September 21, 2025
- Woodcock: October 25 – November 29, 2025 & January 12 – January 31, 2026
- Rails (Sora, Virginia, etc.): September 1 – November 22, 2025
- Duck: October 24 – November 1, 2025 & November 17, 2025 – January 31, 2026
- Canada Goose (Regular): November 17 – November 29, 2025 & December 13, 2025 – January 31, 2026
- Snow Goose: November 17, 2025 – January 31, 2026 & February 7, 2026
- Youth Waterfowl Days: October 11, 2025 & February 14, 2026
Note: Dates are projected based on DNREC’s 2024-2025 Hunting and Trapping Guide and historical trends as of April 25, 2025. Sunday hunting for gamebirds (e.g., doves, turkeys) is permitted, but Sunday deer hunting is prohibited in state parks. A Delaware hunting license or License Exempt Number (LEN) is required, and most waterfowl hunters need state and federal stamps plus a HIP number. Late waterfowl seasons are pending federal frameworks. Always verify exact dates, bag limits, and regulations on the DNREC website or in the 2025-2026 Delaware Hunting and Trapping Guide.
Licenses and Permits
All hunters in Delaware must have a valid hunting license. Additional permits may be required for specific species or hunting methods. Licenses and permits can be purchased through the Delaware Hunting Licensing System.
- Resident Hunting License: Available for annual and seasonal use.
- Non-Resident Hunting License: Options for visiting hunters.
- Special Permits: Required for deer, turkey, and waterfowl hunting.
Public Hunting Lands in Delaware
Delaware has several wildlife management areas and public lands for hunting. Some popular locations include:
- Cedar Swamp Wildlife Area: Known for deer and waterfowl hunting.
- Blackiston Wildlife Area: Offers turkey and small game hunting.
- Assawoman Wildlife Area: Provides deer, waterfowl, and small game hunting opportunities.
Check individual public land regulations on the Delaware Public Hunting Lands page.
Hunter Education
All first-time hunters in Delaware must complete a hunter education course before purchasing a license. Courses are available in-person and online through the Delaware Hunter Education Program.