Hunting Seasons & Licensing · DE
Delaware Hunting Seasons & Licensing
2025–2026 SeasonDelaware is the second-smallest state but offers productive white-tailed deer and wild turkey hunting across its agricultural landscape and coastal marshes. The state manages approximately 65,000 acres of Wildlife Areas open to public hunting. Shotgun-only regulations apply for deer in most areas. Delaware's small size means hunting areas can see significant pressure, but the state's healthy deer population supports liberal bag limits.
Dates shown are for the 2025–2026 season based on the most recent published regulations. Always verify current dates with the Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife before hunting.
Season Dates by Game Type
Big Game
| Species | Season | Dates | Bag Limit | Methods |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| White-tailed Deer | Archery | Sep 1 – Jan 31, 2026 | Multiple tags available — liberal limits | Bow and arrow, crossbow |
| White-tailed Deer | Shotgun | Nov through Jan (varies by zone) | Multiple deer — zone-specific limits | Shotgun, muzzleloader, handgun |
| White-tailed Deer | Muzzleloader | Oct (early) / Jan (late) | Included in season total | Muzzleloader only |
White-tailed Deer (Shotgun): Shotgun-only for deer. No rifles.
Turkey
| Species | Season | Dates | Bag Limit | Methods |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wild Turkey | Spring | Apr 12 – May 17, 2026 | 1 bearded turkey | Shotgun, bow |
Upland Game Birds
| Species | Season | Dates | Bag Limit | Methods |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ring-necked Pheasant | General | Nov 15 – Jan 31, 2026 | 2 daily | Shotgun |
| Northern Bobwhite Quail | General | Nov 15 – Feb 1, 2026 | 6 daily | Shotgun |
Ring-necked Pheasant (General): Stocked birds on state lands
Waterfowl
| Species | Season | Dates | Bag Limit | Methods |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ducks | General | Varies — Oct through Jan | 6 daily (species-specific limits) | Shotgun (non-toxic shot required) |
Ducks (General): Federal duck stamp + HIP required. Atlantic Flyway. Bombay Hook NWR is a premier waterfowl area.
Small Game
| Species | Season | Dates | Bag Limit | Methods |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cottontail Rabbit | General | Nov 22 – Feb 21, 2026 | 4 daily | Rifle, shotgun, handgun |
| Gray Squirrel | General | Sep 15 – Jan 31, 2026 | 5 daily | Rifle, shotgun, handgun |
Licensing
| License Type | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Resident Hunting License | $12.50 | — |
| Non-Resident Hunting License | $75 | — |
| Resident Deer Tag | $10 | — |
| Non-Resident Deer Tag | $40 | — |
| Youth (under 16) | Free | — |
| Senior (65+) | Free (resident) | — |
| Federal Duck Stamp | $25 | Required for waterfowl |
Tags, Draws & Lotteries
Most Delaware hunting licenses are available over the counter. No drawing system is required. Additional antlerless deer tags are available to manage the deer population. The state offers special management hunts on select Wildlife Areas.
Harvest Reporting
Delaware requires mandatory harvest reporting for all deer and turkey through the DE Fish & Wildlife online system or by phone. Reporting must be completed by midnight the day of harvest.
Delaware Wildlife Resources
- Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife — Hunting Home →
- Current Hunting Regulations →
- Hunter Education →
- Violation Hotline: Operation Game Theft: 1-800-292-3030
- USFWS Waterfowl Frameworks →
Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only. Season dates, bag limits, license fees, and regulations shown here are based on the most recently published data from the Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife and may not reflect last-minute changes, emergency closures, or special regulations. Always verify current regulations directly with your state wildlife agency before hunting. FirearmSelect does not provide legal advice and is not responsible for actions taken based on this information.