Delaware Deer Season 2026-27
Delaware deer season dates start with Sep 1, 2026-Feb 1, 2027. The table below keeps every listed deer row together with zones and notes where available.
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.
Deer
White-tailed Deer
Crossbow
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
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
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
White-tailed Deer
Special Antlerless
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
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
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
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
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
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
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Nearby deer seasons
Delaware Deer Season FAQ
When does deer season open in Delaware?
September 1, 2026 is the earliest listed deer opener in Delaware — crossbow white-tailed deer runs Sep 1, 2026-Feb 1, 2027. Confirm zone and permit details with Delaware DNREC.
What are the 2026-27 deer season dates in Delaware?
Delaware lists 9 deer season windows: Crossbow White-tailed Deer (Sep 1, 2026-Feb 1, 2027); Archery White-tailed Deer (Sep 1, 2026-Feb 1, 2027); Youth and Non-ambulatory Hunt White-tailed Deer (Sep 27-Nov 2, 2026); Special Antlerless White-tailed Deer (Oct 3-Dec 21, 2026); Muzzleloader White-tailed Deer (Oct 10-19, 2026); General Firearm White-tailed Deer (Nov 14-23, 2026); Handgun and Straight-walled Pistol-caliber Rifle White-tailed Deer (Jan 3-10, 2027); General Firearm White-tailed Deer (Jan 17-25, 2027); and more. Always verify against Delaware DNREC before hunting.
Are there different deer seasons in Delaware?
Yes — Delaware lists separate deer seasons for Crossbow White-tailed Deer, Archery White-tailed Deer, Youth and Non-ambulatory Hunt White-tailed Deer, Special Antlerless White-tailed Deer, Muzzleloader White-tailed Deer, General Firearm White-tailed Deer. Each can carry its own dates, zones, and weapon rules; see the table above and Delaware DNREC.
Do I need a license to hunt deer in Delaware?
Yes. Delaware generally requires the appropriate hunting license, and deer hunting may also require tags, permits, stamps, or zone authorizations. Confirm requirements with Delaware DNREC.