Hunting in Delaware

Hunting in Delaware

Delaware may be small, but its mix of agricultural land, hardwood forests, wetlands, rivers, and coastal habitat provides a surprising variety of hunting opportunities. Whitetail deer are the state's primary big game species, with deer hunting opportunities across the agricultural fields, woodlots, and forests of all three counties.

Delaware's location along the Atlantic Flyway also makes it a popular destination for waterfowl hunters. Ducks and geese move through the state's marshes, rivers, impoundments, and agricultural fields throughout the season, creating opportunities for both field and wetland hunts.

Eastern wild turkey provides another popular spring hunting opportunity, while hunters can also pursue small game such as squirrel, rabbit, and pheasant. For hunters looking for a traditional Mid-Atlantic experience, Delaware offers plenty of opportunity packed into a relatively small area.

Delaware Tags & Licenses

Delaware hunters must have the appropriate hunting license, permits, tags, and stamps required for the species and season they are hunting. Requirements vary for residents and nonresidents, and some species require additional permits or registrations.

Whitetail deer: Hunters need the appropriate Delaware hunting license and deer tags or permits. Deer seasons include designated archery, muzzleloader, and firearm opportunities, with regulations and bag limits varying by season and hunting zone.

Turkey: Turkey hunters need the appropriate hunting license and turkey permit. Delaware offers a designated spring turkey season with specific season dates, hunting hours, and bag limits.

Waterfowl: Duck and goose hunters need the appropriate hunting license and waterfowl-related permits or stamps, along with required federal and migratory bird registrations. Additional requirements may apply depending on the species being hunted.

Small game: Hunters pursuing squirrel, rabbit, pheasant, and other small game must follow the applicable license, season, and bag-limit requirements.

Delaware hunting regulations, season dates, permits, and bag limits can change from year to year. Hunters should review the current Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife regulations before booking a hunt.

Species You Can Hunt in Delaware

Whitetail Deer

Eastern Wild Turkey