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.

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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.

Last verified: June 15, 2026 · Source: Delaware DNREC

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

59d

Sep 1, 2026-Feb 1, 2027

Zone: Statewide

White-tailed Deer

Crossbow

Upcoming

59d

Sep 1, 2026-Feb 1, 2027

Zone: Statewide

White-tailed Deer

Youth and Non-ambulatory Hunt

Upcoming

85d

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

91d

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

98d

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

133d

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

183d

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

197d

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

206d

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