Delaware 2026-27 Hunting Season Dates

Delaware DNRECOfficial Agency Site ↗

Quick answer

Delaware's listed 2026-27 firearm deer season runs Nov 14-23, 2026.

Archery White-tailed Deer opens Sep 1, 2026 and closes Feb 1, 2027.

Crossbow White-tailed Deer opens Sep 1, 2026 and closes Feb 1, 2027.

The tables below keep the rest of the listed seasons together by species, with source links back to Delaware DNREC.

firearm deer: Nov 14-23, 2026
archery deer: Sep 1, 2026-Feb 1, 2027
deer: Sep 1, 2026-Feb 1, 2027

Last verified: June 15, 2026Source: Delaware DNRECHow we update dates

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Key seasons by species

Delaware Deer18 listed season rows Delaware Waterfowl31 listed season rows

We summarize official agency information and link to the source for verification. Regulations can change, and zone details matter. Always confirm final dates, bag limits, permits, and legal requirements with Delaware DNREC before hunting.

Deer

18 listed rows

White-tailed Deer

Crossbow

Closed

—

Sep 1, 2025-Feb 1, 2026

Hunters may use crossbow equipment when it is lawful to hunt deer with a firearm or muzzleloader provided they wear at least 400 square inches of hunter orange material displayed on the head, chest, and back.

Zone: Statewide

White-tailed Deer

Archery

Closed

—

Sep 1, 2025-Feb 1, 2026

Hunters may use archery equipment when it is lawful to hunt deer with a firearm or muzzleloader provided they wear at least 400 square inches of hunter orange material displayed on the head, chest, and back.

Zone: Statewide

White-tailed Deer

Youth and Non-ambulatory Hunt

Closed

—

Sep 27-Nov 2, 2025

Season dates: Sept. 27, Sept. 28, Nov. 1, and Nov. 2. Hunters may use archery equipment, muzzleloaders, shotguns, handgun, or authorized straight-walled pistol-caliber rifles.

Zone: Statewide

White-tailed Deer

Special Antlerless

Closed

—

Oct 3-Dec 21, 2025

Multiple segments: Oct. 3–5, Oct. 24–26, Oct. 31, and Dec. 13–21. Shotguns, muzzleloaders, handguns, authorized straight-walled pistol-caliber rifles, and archery equipment may be used. Archery and crossbow hunters may take antlered deer during these seasons. Straight-walled pistol-caliber rifles and handguns may also be used.

Zone: Statewide

White-tailed Deer

Muzzleloader

Closed

—

Oct 10-19, 2025

Two separate segments: Oct. 10–19 and Jan. 26–Feb. 1. Muzzleloaders must be loaded from the muzzle using any manufacturer's approved propellant and may be equipped with a scope.

Zone: Statewide

White-tailed Deer

Regular Firearm

Closed

—

Nov 14-23, 2025

Two separate segments: Nov. 14–23 and Jan. 17–25. Shotguns, muzzleloaders, handguns, authorized straight-walled pistol-caliber rifles, and archery equipment may be used during the general firearm seasons.

Zone: Statewide

White-tailed Deer

Handgun and Straight-walled Pistol-caliber Rifle

Closed

—

Jan 3-10, 2026

Season dates: Jan. 3, 5–10 (Sunday Jan. 4 is not open to handgun or straight-walled pistol-caliber rifle hunting). Season closed in Wildlife Management Zones 1A and 1B. Authorized straight-walled pistol-caliber rifles may be used during the handgun season.

Zone: Statewide (closed in Wildlife Management Zones 1A and 1B)

White-tailed Deer

Regular Firearm

Closed

—

Jan 17-25, 2026

Second segment of general firearm season. Shotguns, muzzleloaders, handguns, authorized straight-walled pistol-caliber rifles, and archery equipment may be used.

Zone: Statewide

White-tailed Deer

Muzzleloader

Closed

—

Jan 26-Feb 1, 2026

Second segment of muzzleloader season. Muzzleloaders must be loaded from the muzzle using any manufacturer's approved propellant and may be equipped with a scope.

Zone: Statewide

White-tailed Deer

Archery

Upcoming

26d

Sep 1, 2026-Feb 1, 2027

Zone: Statewide

White-tailed Deer

Crossbow

Upcoming

26d

Sep 1, 2026-Feb 1, 2027

Zone: Statewide

White-tailed Deer

Youth and Non-ambulatory Hunt

Upcoming

52d

Sep 27-Nov 2, 2026

Open Sept. 27, 28, Nov. 1, and Nov. 2. Hunters may use archery equipment, muzzleloaders, shotguns, handgun, or authorized straight-walled pistol-caliber rifles.

Zone: Statewide

Show 6 more deer rows

White-tailed Deer

Special Antlerless

Upcoming

58d

Oct 3-Dec 21, 2026

Multiple periods: Oct. 3–5, Oct. 24–26, Oct. 31, and Dec. 13–21. Shotguns, muzzleloaders, handguns, authorized straight-walled pistol-caliber rifles, and archery equipment may be used. Archery and crossbow hunters may take antlered deer during these seasons.

Zone: Statewide

White-tailed Deer

Muzzleloader

Upcoming

65d

Oct 10-19, 2026

Two separate periods: Oct. 10–19 and Jan. 26–Feb. 1. Muzzleloaders must be loaded from the muzzle using any manufacturer's approved propellant and may be equipped with a scope.

Zone: Statewide

White-tailed Deer

General Firearm

Upcoming

100d

Nov 14-23, 2026

Two separate periods: Nov. 14–23 and Jan. 17–25. Shotguns, muzzleloaders, handguns, authorized straight-walled pistol-caliber rifles, and archery equipment may be used.

Zone: Statewide

White-tailed Deer

Handgun and Straight-walled Pistol-caliber Rifle

Upcoming

150d

Jan 3-10, 2027

Open Jan. 3 and Jan. 5–10. Sunday Jan. 4 is not open to handgun or straight-walled pistol-caliber rifle hunting. Authorized straight-walled pistol-caliber rifles may be used during the handgun season.

Zone: Season closed in Wildlife Management Zones 1A and 1B

White-tailed Deer

General Firearm

Upcoming

164d

Jan 17-25, 2027

Second general firearm period. Shotguns, muzzleloaders, handguns, authorized straight-walled pistol-caliber rifles, and archery equipment may be used.

Zone: Statewide

White-tailed Deer

Muzzleloader

Upcoming

173d

Jan 26-Feb 1, 2027

Second muzzleloader period. Muzzleloaders must be loaded from the muzzle using any manufacturer's approved propellant and may be equipped with a scope.

Zone: Statewide

Waterfowl

31 listed rows

Brant

Regular Season

Closed

—

Dec 20, 2025-Jan 31, 2026

Two segments: Dec. 20–Jan. 3 and Jan. 17–Jan. 31.

Zone: Statewide

Brant

Regular

Closed

—

Dec 20, 2025-Jan 31, 2026

Two segments: Dec. 20–Jan. 3 and Jan. 17–Jan. 31.

Canada Goose (Migratory), including White-fronted Geese

Regular Season

Closed

—

Dec 20, 2025-Jan 31, 2026

Two segments: Dec. 20–Jan. 3 and Jan. 17–Jan. 31. Includes White-fronted geese.

Zone: Statewide

Canada Goose (Migratory), including White-fronted Geese

Regular

Closed

—

Dec 20, 2025-Jan 31, 2026

Two segments: Dec. 20–Jan. 3 and Jan. 17–Jan. 31. Includes White-fronted geese.

Canada Goose (Resident)

Regular Season

Closed

—

Sep 1-25, 2025

Sept. 1–Sept. 19: Special hunting methods throughout the Resident Canada Goose Season. Sept. 20–Sept. 25: Special hunting methods NOT allowed inside the September Teal Zone.

Zone: Inside the September Teal Zone

Canada Goose (Resident)

Regular

Closed

—

Sep 1-19, 2025

Special hunting methods allowed throughout the Resident Canada Goose Season inside teal zone Sept. 1–Sept. 19.

Zone: Inside September Teal Zone

Canada Goose (Resident)

Regular

Closed

—

Sep 1-25, 2025

Special hunting methods allowed. See Migratory Bird Hunting page for more details.

Zone: Outside September Teal Zone

Canada Goose (Resident)

Regular Season

Closed

—

Sep 1-25, 2025

Special hunting methods allowed. Sept. 1–Sept. 25.

Zone: Outside the September Teal Zone

Canada Goose (Resident)

Regular

Closed

—

Sep 20-25, 2025

Inside the September Teal Zone during these dates, special hunting methods are NOT allowed.

Zone: Inside September Teal Zone

Coots

Regular Season

Closed

—

Nov 1, 2025-Jan 31, 2026

Season dates same as Regular Duck Season (Nov. 1–Nov. 9, Nov. 26–Nov. 30, Dec. 17–Jan. 31).

Zone: Statewide

Coots

Regular

Closed

—

Nov 1, 2025-Jan 31, 2026

Season dates same as Regular Duck Season (Nov. 1–Nov. 9, Nov. 26–Nov. 30, Dec. 17–Jan. 31).

Ducks (Regular Season)

Regular Season

Closed

—

Nov 1, 2025-Jan 31, 2026

Three separate date segments: Nov. 1–Nov. 9, Nov. 26–Nov. 30, Dec. 17–Jan. 31. Daily limit of 6 ducks may include up to: 4 mallards (2 hens), 2 black ducks, 3 pintail, 2 canvasback, 3 wood ducks, 2 redheads, 1 scaup, 6 teal, 6 shovelers, 6 gadwall, 6 wigeon, 6 goldeneye, 6 ring-necked ducks, 6 bufflehead, 6 ruddy ducks, 1 mottled duck, 1 fulvous whistling-duck, 4 total sea ducks (no more than 3 scoters; 3 eiders (1 hen); 3 long-tailed ducks). Harlequin duck season closed.

Zone: Statewide

Show 19 more waterfowl rows

Ducks (Regular Season)

Regular

Closed

—

Nov 1, 2025-Jan 31, 2026

Three separate segments: Nov. 1–Nov. 9; Nov. 26–Nov. 30; Dec. 17–Jan. 31

Ducks (September Teal)

Regular

Closed

—

Sep 20-28, 2025

Limited to designated teal zone south of C&D Canal to north of Route 9 in Lewes, east of Routes 13, 113/113A, and 1. Bag limit may include any combination of blue-winged and/or green-winged teal.

Zone: September Teal Zone

Ducks, Mergansers, Coots, Canada Geese, Snow Geese, Brant, Swans

Youth, Veteran's, Active Military Waterfowl Hunt

Closed

—

Oct 25, 2025-Feb 7, 2026

Two special hunt dates: Oct. 25 and Feb. 7. Youth must be age 10-15. Participating eligible hunters may harvest ducks, mergansers, coots, moorhens, gallinules, Canada geese, snow geese, brant, and swans. Daily bag limit for each species same as regular seasons.

Zone: Statewide

Ducks, Mergansers, Coots, Moorhens, Gallinules, Canada Geese, Snow Geese, Brant, Swans

Youth/Veterans/Active Military Waterfowl Hunt

Closed

—

Oct 25, 2025-Feb 7, 2026

Two separate hunt days: Oct. 25 and Feb. 7. Youth must be age 10–15. Daily bag limit for each species same as regular seasons.

Mergansers

Regular Season

Closed

—

Nov 1, 2025-Jan 31, 2026

Season dates same as Regular Duck Season (Nov. 1–Nov. 9, Nov. 26–Nov. 30, Dec. 17–Jan. 31). Daily bag limit may include no more than 2 hooded mergansers (6 in possession).

Zone: Statewide

Mergansers

Regular

Closed

—

Nov 1, 2025-Jan 31, 2026

Season dates same as Regular Duck Season. No more than 2 hooded mergansers daily (6 in possession).

Mute Swan

Regular

Closed

—

dates not listed

Exact dates not listed in the current data.

Closed during the Snow Goose Conservation Order.

Mute Swan

Regular Season

Closed

—

dates not listed

Exact dates not listed in the current data.

Legal to take during any open waterfowl season. Closed during the Snow Goose Conservation Order.

Zone: Statewide

Sea Ducks (Scoters, Eiders, Long-tailed ducks)

Regular Season

Closed

—

Nov 1, 2025-Jan 31, 2026

No longer a special sea duck zone with separate season dates. Season dates same as Regular Duck Season. Crippled waterfowl may be shot from motorboat under power in area not less than 800 yards seaward from Delaware Bay or Atlantic Ocean shore.

Zone: Statewide

Sea Ducks (Scoters, Eiders, Long-tailed Ducks)

Regular

Closed

—

Nov 1, 2025-Jan 31, 2026

Season dates same as Regular Duck Season. No separate sea duck zone. Included as part of regular daily bag and possession limits.

Snow Goose (including Ross' Goose)

Regular Season

Closed

—

Oct 18, 2025-Jan 31, 2026

Also open Feb. 7 (25/day, no possession limit). Bombay Hook NWR open Mon., Wed., and Fri. with permission of Refuge Manager. Feb. 7 is the Youth/Veteran/Active Military special hunt; no liberal Conservation Order methods on that day, bag limit of 25 applies.

Zone: Statewide

Snow Goose (including Ross' Goose)

Regular

Closed

—

Oct 18, 2025-Jan 31, 2026

Bombay Hook NWR open Mon., Wed., and Fri. with permission of Refuge Manager. Also open Feb. 7 (25 bag limit, no possession limit) as part of Youth/Veterans/Active Military Hunt day.

Snow Goose (including Ross' Goose)

Conservation Order

Closed

—

Feb 1-Apr 10, 2026

Two segments: Feb. 1–Feb. 6 and Feb. 8–Apr. 10. Closed Feb. 7 (Youth/Veteran/Active Military special hunt). Unplugged shotguns and electronic calls allowed. Shooting hours extended to 1/2 hour after sunset. Free annual permit required through Digital DNREC licensing system (after Jan. 1). Harvest must be reported after CO closes.

Zone: Statewide

Snow Goose (including Ross' Goose) - Conservation Order

Conservation Order

Closed

—

Feb 1-Apr 10, 2026

Conservation Order closed Feb. 7, 2026 (Youth/Veterans hunt day). Two segments: Feb. 1–Feb. 6 and Feb. 8–Apr. 10. Unplugged shotguns and electronic calls permitted. Shooting hours extended to half hour after sunset. Free annual permit required.

Teal (September)

September Teal Season

Closed

—

Sep 20-28, 2025

Limited to designated teal zone. Bag limit may include any combination of blue-winged and/or green-winged teal.

Zone: Special Teal Zone south of C&D Canal to north of Route 9 in Lewes, east of Routes 13, 113/113A, and 1

Trumpeter Swan

Closed Season

Closed

—

dates not listed

Exact dates not listed in the current data.

Closed Season.

Zone: Statewide

Trumpeter Swan

Regular

Closed

—

dates not listed

Exact dates not listed in the current data.

Closed Season.

Tundra Swan

Regular

Closed

—

Nov 8, 2025-Jan 31, 2026

By special permit ONLY.

Tundra Swan

Special Permit Season

Closed

—

Nov 8, 2025-Jan 31, 2026

By special permit only.

Zone: Statewide

Dove

Mourning Dove

Regular Season

Closed

—

Sep 1, 2025-Jan 31, 2026

Three segments: Sept. 1–Sept. 28, Nov. 24–Nov. 30, Dec. 8–Jan. 31. During September, all hunters must use non-toxic shot when dove hunting on State Wildlife Areas.

Zone: Statewide

Mourning Dove

Regular

Closed

—

Sep 1, 2025-Jan 31, 2026

Three segments: Sept. 1–Sept. 28; Nov. 24–Nov. 30; Dec. 8–Jan. 31. During September, all hunters must use non-toxic shot when dove hunting on State Wildlife Areas.

Migratory Birds

American Woodcock

Regular Season

Closed

—

Nov 24, 2025-Jan 31, 2026

Two segments: Nov. 24–Nov. 30 and Dec. 25–Jan. 31.

Zone: Statewide

Common Snipe

Regular

Closed

—

Sep 23, 2025-Jan 31, 2026

Two segments: Sept. 23–Nov. 30 and Dec. 25–Jan. 31.

Common Snipe

Regular Season

Closed

—

Sep 23, 2025-Jan 31, 2026

Two segments: Sept. 23–Nov. 30 and Dec. 25–Jan. 31.

Zone: Statewide

Crow

Regular

Closed

—

Jul 3, 2025-Mar 26, 2026

Fri., Sat., and Sun. only effective January 11. Also open Jun. 26–27, 2026.

King Rail and Clapper Rail

Regular Season

Closed

—

Sep 1-Nov 9, 2025

Daily bag limit of 10 singly or in combination of the two species.

Zone: Statewide

King Rail and Clapper Rail

Regular

Closed

—

Sep 1-Nov 9, 2025

Bag limit of 10 singly or in combination of the two species.

Moorhens and Gallinules

Regular Season

Closed

—

Sep 1-Nov 9, 2025

Zone: Statewide

Moorhens and Gallinules

Regular

Closed

—

Sep 1-Nov 9, 2025

Sora Rail and Virginia Rail

Regular Season

Closed

—

Sep 1-Nov 9, 2025

Daily bag limit of 25 singly or in combination of the two species.

Zone: Statewide

Sora Rail and Virginia Rail

Regular

Closed

—

Sep 1-Nov 9, 2025

Bag limit of 25 singly or in combination of the two species.

Woodcock

Regular

Closed

—

Nov 24, 2025-Jan 31, 2026

Two segments: Nov. 24–Nov. 30 and Dec. 25–Jan. 31.

Other

Crow

Regular Season

Closed

—

Jul 3, 2025-Mar 26, 2026

Fri., Sat., and Sun. only (effective January 11). Also open Jun. 26–27, 2026.

Zone: Statewide

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Delaware Hunting Season FAQ

When does deer season start in Delaware?

September 1, 2026 is the first listed deer opener for Delaware; it is archery white-tailed deer Sep 1, 2026-Feb 1, 2027.

When is Delaware's firearm deer season?

Nov 14-23, 2026 is the listed firearm deer window for Delaware. Check zone and permit details with Delaware DNREC before hunting.

When does spring turkey open in Delaware?

A current spring turkey opener is not listed for Delaware yet. Check Delaware DNREC for the latest turkey dates.

Do I need a license to hunt in Delaware?

Yes. Hunters generally need the appropriate Delaware hunting license, and some seasons may require tags, permits, stamps, or zone-specific authorizations. Confirm final requirements with Delaware DNREC.