Delaware Regulations
Hunting and fishing regulations, seasons, species information, and public access resources for the state of Delaware.
Overview
Delaware offers coastal marshes, forests, farmland, and tidal waters that provide excellent hunting and fishing opportunities.
Below are quick links to seasons, species, licensing, and access information.
Season Information
- Whitetail deer (archery, crossbow, muzzleloader, shotgun)
- Turkey seasons (spring)
- Small game (squirrel, rabbit, dove, quail)
- Waterfowl (duck, goose — Atlantic Flyway)
- Furbearer seasons (fox, raccoon, coyote)
- Fishing seasons (striped bass, trout, flounder, bluefish)
Licensing
Delaware requires appropriate licenses for hunting and fishing activities.
- Hunting license (resident & non-resident)
- Fishing license (freshwater & tidal)
- Deer tags
- Turkey permit
- Waterfowl stamps (state & federal)
- F.I.N. number (free but required for fishing)
- Harvest reporting (mandatory for deer & turkey)
Key Species
- Whitetail Deer
- Eastern Turkey
- Dove & Waterfowl
- Bass, Catfish, Crappie
- Striped Bass (coastal)
- Flounder, Bluefish, Weakfish
Public Land & Access
Delaware offers public land access through WMAs, state forests, and extensive coastal waterways.
- Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs)
- State forests & parks
- Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge
- Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge
- Coastal access & boat ramps
- Special permits & controlled hunts