Delaware Game Season Info 2025 – Deer, Turkey & Waterfowl Outlook

Delaware offers outdoor enthusiasts one of the most generous hunting calendars in the United States, with opportunities spanning from early September through late February. The First State may be small in size, but it’s mighty in wildlife abundance and sporting possibilities. Whether you’re pursuing whitetail deer through hardwood forests, calling spring turkeys, or targeting waterfowl along coastal waterways, Delaware’s diverse landscapes provide exceptional experiences for sportsmen and sportswomen of all skill levels.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the field sports timeline in Delaware, including critical dates, licensing requirements, and zone information to ensure your outings are both successful and regulation-compliant.

Delaware Hunting Season Overview

The field sports calendar in Delaware generally begins in September and extends through early February of the following year. The state is renowned for having one of the longest deer pursuit periods in the country, spanning an impressive five months and offering numerous opportunities with various methods of take.

Delaware law now permits Sunday excursions for deer, waterfowl, and gamebirds during established seasons on private lands (with landowner permission) and on designated public lands. This progressive approach has expanded recreational options significantly for sportsmen with limited weekday availability.

Key Game Species & Season Dates

Species	Season Dates	Methods Allowed
Deer – Archery & Crossbow	Sept. 1 – Feb. 2	Archery equipment, crossbows
Deer – Muzzleloader	Oct. 11-20, Jan. 27-Feb. 2	Muzzleloaders
Deer – General Firearm	Nov. 15-24, Jan. 18-26	Shotguns, muzzleloaders, handguns, authorized straight-walled pistol-caliber rifles, archery equipment
Turkey – Spring	April 12 – May 10, 2025	Shotguns, longbow/compound/crossbow
Turkey – Youth & Non-Ambulatory	April 5-6, 2025	Shotguns, longbow/compound/crossbow
Gray Squirrel	Sept. 16 – Feb. 28 (Closed during Nov. Deer Season)	Shotguns, .17-.22 cal. rimfire, .17 cal. pellet firearms, muzzleloading rifles up to .36 cal. (south of C&D Canal only)
Cottontail Rabbit	Nov. 25 – Feb. 28	Shotguns, compound, recurve, and longbows
Ring-necked Pheasant (Male Only)	Nov. 25 – Feb. 28	Shotguns, longbows

Big Game Hunting: Deer Seasons

🦌 Delaware’s deer opportunities are exceptionally generous, with multiple seasons using various methods spanning from early September through early February.

Archery & Crossbow (Sept. 1 – Feb. 2)

Statewide access
When hunting during firearm or muzzleloader deer periods, hunters must wear at least 400 square inches of hunter orange material displayed on head, chest, and back

Muzzleloader (Oct. 11-20 & Jan. 27-Feb. 2)

Muzzleloaders must be loaded from the muzzle using manufacturer-approved propellant
Scopes are permitted

General Firearm (Nov. 15-24 & Jan. 18-26)

Multiple weapons allowed: shotguns, muzzleloaders, handguns, authorized straight-walled pistol-caliber rifles, and archery equipment

Special Antlerless Season (Oct. 4-6, 25-27 & Dec. 14-22)

Archery and crossbow hunters may take antlered deer during these seasons
All other hunters restricted to antlerless deer only

Handgun & Straight-walled Pistol-caliber Rifle (Jan. 4, 6-11)

Closed in Wildlife Management Zones 1A and 1B
Sunday, Jan. 5 not open for this method

Bag Limits

Only 2 antlered deer may be taken during any license year (July 1-June 30) by all methods and seasons combined
No limit on antlerless deer provided hunters have appropriate antlerless deer tags

Turkey Season: Spring Opportunities

🦃 Delaware’s wild turkey hunting season provides exciting springtime pursuit opportunities.

Regular Spring Season (April 12 – May 10, 2025)

Segment dates for public land permits:
(A) April 12-18
(B) April 19-25
(C) April 26-May 2
(D) May 3-10
Hunting hours: 1/2 hour before sunrise until 1:00 PM
Sunday hunting permitted

Youth & Non-Ambulatory Hunt (April 5-6, 2025)

Open to youth ages 10-15 and non-ambulatory hunters
Youth hunters must be under direct supervision of an adult (21+ years)
Hunters 13-15 must have valid Delaware junior hunting license and completed safety courses

Regulations & Equipment

Bearded birds only
Bag limit: one turkey per season
Legal firearms: shotguns (10-20 gauge), muzzleloading shotguns, longbow/compound/crossbow
Non-electronic calls only
Must wear no visible garments with red, white, or blue colors
All hunters (13+) must complete mandatory turkey education course

Furbearer Hunting

🦊 Delaware offers several opportunities for furbearer hunting with specific regulations for each species.

Raccoon & Opossum

Chase only (no harvest): Aug. 1-Oct. 31, Mar. 1-31
Hunting season: Nov. 1-Feb. 28
Season closed during various deer seasons
May be hunted at night with aid of light

Red Fox

Chase only: Oct. 1-Apr. 30 (with exceptions during deer seasons)
Hunting season: Nov. 1-Feb. 28
No Sunday hunting for furbearers

Coyote (Sept. 2-Feb. 28)

No bag limit
Harvest must be reported to Division of Fish & Wildlife

Beaver (Dec. 1-Mar. 20)

No bag limit
May be hunted with shotguns, compound, recurve, or longbows

Small Game Hunting Opportunities

🐰 Small game hunting provides excellent sporting opportunities for hunters of all experience levels.

Gray Squirrel (Sept. 16-Feb. 28)

Daily bag limit: 6
Possession limit: 12
Closed during November General Firearm Deer Season
No Sunday hunting

Cottontail Rabbit (Nov. 25-Feb. 28)

Daily bag limit: 4
Possession limit: 8
No Sunday hunting

Ring-necked Pheasant – Male Only (Nov. 25-Feb. 28)

Daily bag limit: 2
Possession limit: 4
Sunday hunting permitted

Bobwhite Quail

Season for wild quail is closed
Only pen-raised and released birds may be hunted with proper permit

Waterfowl Hunting in Delaware

🦆 With its coastal location along the Atlantic Flyway, Delaware offers exceptional waterfowl hunting opportunities.

Requirements

Delaware hunting license or License Exempt Number (LEN)
Delaware waterfowl (duck) stamp
Federal migratory bird (duck) stamp
Federal Harvest Information Program (HIP) number

Tundra Swans

By permit only (limited to 347 permits via random lottery)
One swan per season
Non-resident permits capped at 16.2% of total
Must report harvest via Delaware Tundra Swan Survey

Snow Geese

Regular season follows federal guidelines
Conservation Order reopens after other waterfowl seasons close
During Conservation Order: unplugged shotguns and electronic calls permitted
Extended hunting hours and removed bag/possession limits
Requires free permit number

Public Land Hunting Opportunities

🏞️ Delaware offers numerous public land hunting opportunities across the state.

State Wildlife Areas

The Division of Fish & Wildlife manages approximately 68,000 acres across 19 public wildlife areas
Most areas require a Conservation Access Pass for vehicles
Some areas require special permits obtained through lottery drawings

State Forests

State Forest lands provide additional hunting opportunities
Separate permit system from Wildlife Areas

Map Resources

For detailed maps of Delaware’s hunting zones and public lands, visit the official DNREC website.

License & Permit Details

🎟️ Before heading afield, ensure you have the proper licensing and permits.

Resident Licenses

Annual hunting license required for most hunters
License Exempt Number (LEN) required for exempt hunters
Youth hunters under 13 must obtain a LEN
Youth hunters 13-15 must purchase a junior hunting license

Non-Resident Options

Annual non-resident hunting license
3-day hunting license available
Non-residents can obtain LEN for specific hunting activities

Additional Requirements

Hunter Education certification required for anyone born after January 1, 1967
Turkey hunters must complete additional turkey hunting safety course
Conservation Access Pass required for vehicles accessing most wildlife areas

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I hunt on Sundays in Delaware?

A: Yes, Sunday hunting is permitted for deer, waterfowl, and gamebirds (including turkeys) on private lands with landowner permission and on designated public lands. However, furbearers, squirrels, and rabbits cannot be hunted on Sundays.

Q: What firearms can I use for deer hunting in Delaware?

A: Delaware allows shotguns, muzzleloaders, handguns, authorized straight-walled pistol-caliber rifles, and archery equipment during general firearm seasons. Straight-wall cartridges must be .357 to .38 caliber with case length between 1.25-1.82 inches, or .41 caliber to maximum of .50 caliber and case length between 1.82-3 inches.

Q: How many deer can I harvest in a season?

A: Hunters are limited to 2 antlered deer per license year (July 1-June 30) across all seasons and methods. There is no limit on antlerless deer provided you have the appropriate antlerless deer tags.

Q: Do I need a special permit for turkey hunting?

A: Yes, all hunters 13 and older must complete a mandatory turkey education course before hunting turkeys. Additionally, a special permit is required for hunting turkeys on public lands.

Q: Where can I hunt in Delaware?

A: Delaware offers hunting on both private lands (with permission) and public lands including State Wildlife Areas, State Forests, and some National Wildlife Refuges. Each area may have specific regulations and permit requirements.

Related Resources

Looking for more information about field sports in Delaware and beyond? Check out these helpful links:

Hunting Seasons: Maryland
Hunting Seasons: Pennsylvania
Hunting Seasons: New Jersey

Plan Your Delaware Hunting Adventure

Delaware’s abundant wildlife and varied landscapes provide exceptional opportunities for sportsmen and sportswomen throughout the year. From the challenge of pursuing whitetail deer to the excitement of spring turkey season and the thrill of waterfowl hunting along the Atlantic Flyway, the First State offers remarkable sporting experiences.

Before heading out, always double-check the latest regulations, obtain the necessary licenses and permits, and scout your hunting areas. Success in the field comes from preparation, knowledge of the game, and respect for wildlife conservation principles.

Remember that seasons, zones, and regulations can change from year to year, so visit the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control website for the most current information. Good luck and happy hunting in the First State!

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