Delaware Game Season Info 2025-2026 – Deer, Turkey & Waterfowl Outlook
Welcome to your complete guide for Delaware’s upcoming outdoor adventures! This comprehensive overview covers all the essential information you’ll need for the 2025-2026 seasons, including specific dates for each species, zone regulations, and licensing requirements. Whether you’re pursuing whitetails in the First State’s forests or chasing waterfowl along the coastal marshes, we’ve got you covered with the most current information straight from DNREC’s official regulations.
From archery enthusiasts to waterfowl specialists, this guide breaks down every opportunity available across Delaware’s diverse landscape, helping you plan your perfect outdoor adventure.
📅 Quick Reference: Key Species Overview
| Species | Opens | Closes | Method | Daily Bag |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deer (Archery) | Sept 1, 2025 | Feb 1, 2026 | Bow/Crossbow | Varies by zone |
| Turkey (Spring) | Apr 11, 2026 | May 9, 2026 | Shotgun/Bow | 1 bearded bird |
| Ducks | Nov 1, 2025 | Jan 31, 2026* | Shotgun | 6 per day |
| Mourning Dove | Sept 1, 2025 | Jan 31, 2026* | Shotgun | 15 per day |
| Gray Squirrel | Sept 15, 2025 | Feb 7, 2026 | Various | No limit |
| Pheasant (Male) | Nov 24, 2025 | Feb 28, 2026 | Shotgun | 2 per day |
*Multiple segments – see detailed sections below
🦌 Big Game: Archery & Rifle Opportunities
White-tailed Deer
Delaware offers some of the longest deer seasons on the East Coast, providing excellent opportunities across multiple weapon types:
Archery & Crossbow Season:
- Dates: September 1, 2025 – February 1, 2026
- Zones: Statewide
- Tags: Varies by Wildlife Management Zone
- Special Notes: Sunday opportunities available on private land and select public areas
Muzzleloader Periods:
- Early Season: October 10-19, 2025
- Late Season: January 26 – February 1, 2026
- Zones: Statewide participation
General Firearm Windows:
- November Split: November 14-23, 2025
- January Session: January 17-25, 2026
- Special Antlerless Only: October 3-5, 24-26, 31; December 13-21, 2025
Youth & Accessibility Opportunities:
- September Youth Weekend: September 27-28, 2025
- November Youth Days: November 1-2, 2025
- Eligibility: Young participants and non-ambulatory individuals
Handgun & Straight-walled Rifle:
- Dates: January 3, 5-10, 2026
- Restrictions: Closed in Wildlife Management Zones 1A and 1B
- Note: Sunday, January 4 is closed statewide
🦃 Turkey Season: Spring, Fall & Youth
Spring Gobbler Adventure
Regular Spring Season:
- Dates: April 11 – May 9, 2026
- Hours: 30 minutes before sunrise to 1:00 PM daily
- Bag Limit: One bearded bird per individual
- Method: Shotgun or archery equipment
Public Land Lottery System: The state operates a permit system for public properties with four distinct segments:
- Segment A: April 11-17, 2026
- Segment B: April 18-24, 2026
- Segment C: April 25 – May 1, 2026
- Segment D: May 2-9, 2026
Special Youth Opportunity:
- Dates: April 4-5, 2026
- Eligibility: Youth and non-ambulatory participants
- Benefits: Early access before regular opener
🦫 Furbearers & Trappers
Delaware provides excellent opportunities for both trap and chase enthusiasts:
Trapping Seasons:
- Muskrat, Mink, Otter, Raccoon, Opossum, Nutria: December 1, 2025 – March 10, 2026
- Beaver: December 1, 2025 – March 20, 2026
- Red Fox & Coyote: November 1, 2025 – March 10, 2026
Pursuit Opportunities:
- Raccoon & Opossum Chase: August 1 – October 31, 2025; March 1-31, 2026
- Red Fox Chase: October 1, 2025 – April 30, 2026
- Active Pursuit: November 1, 2025 – February 28, 2026
Year-round Options:
- Coyote: September 1, 2025 – February 28, 2026
- Groundhog: July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026 (no license required)
🐦 Upland Birds
Ring-necked Pheasant (Males Only):
- Dates: November 24, 2025 – February 28, 2026
- Bag Limit: 2 birds daily
- Sunday Opportunities: Permitted throughout season
Bobwhite Quail (Pen-raised/Released Only):
- Dates: November 24, 2025 – January 3, 2026
- Sunday Opportunities: Available
- Special Note: Only pen-raised and released birds may be taken
🐿️ Upland Animals & Small Game
| Species | Season Opens | Season Closes | Daily Bag | Sunday Allowed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gray Squirrel | Sept 15, 2025 | Feb 7, 2026 | No limit | ❌ |
| Cottontail Rabbit | Nov 24, 2025 | Feb 28, 2026 | No limit | ❌ |
| Groundhog | July 1, 2025 | June 30, 2026 | No limit | ✅ |
| Bullfrogs/Green Frogs | May 1, 2025 | Sept 30, 2025 | 24 daily | ✅ |
| Snapping Turtle | June 15, 2025 | May 15, 2026 | No limit | ✅ |
Important Notes:
- Gray squirrel activities close during November general firearm deer period
- Rabbit opportunities on select public lands require lottery permits
- Snapping turtles must measure minimum 11 inches on top shell curve
🕊️ Other Small Game Opportunities
Mourning Dove:
- Segment 1: September 1-28, 2025
- Segment 2: November 24-30, 2025
- Segment 3: December 8 – January 31, 2026
- Daily Bag: 15 birds
American Woodcock:
- Segment 1: November 24-30, 2025
- Segment 2: December 25 – January 31, 2026
- Daily Bag: 3 birds
Common Snipe:
- Segment 1: September 23 – November 30, 2025
- Segment 2: December 25 – January 31, 2026
- Daily Bag: 8 birds
Crow:
- Dates: Thursday, Friday, Saturday only: July 3, 2025 – March 26, 2026; June 26-27, 2026
- Bag Limit: No restrictions
🦆 Migratory Birds
September Teal (Special Zone):
- Dates: September 20-28, 2025
- Daily Bag: 6 birds
- Possession: 18 birds
- Zone: South of C&D Canal to north of Route 9 in Lewes
Rails & Related Species:
- King/Clapper Rails: September 1 – November 9, 2025 (10 daily)
- Sora/Virginia Rails: September 1 – November 9, 2025 (25 daily)
🦆 Ducks, Scaup, Mergansers & Geese
Regular Duck Season:
- Segment 1: November 1-9, 2025
- Segment 2: November 26-30, 2025
- Segment 3: December 17 – January 31, 2026
- Daily Bag: 6 birds (species-specific sub-limits apply)
- Possession: 18 birds
Canada Goose (Resident Population):
- Outside Teal Zone: September 1-25, 2025 (15 daily)
- Inside Teal Zone: September 1-19, 2025 (15 daily); September 20-25, 2025 (3 daily)
Canada Goose (Migratory Population):
- Segment 1: December 20, 2025 – January 3, 2026
- Segment 2: January 17-31, 2026
- Daily Bag: 1 bird (reduced from previous years)
🦢 Other Waterfowl
Snow Goose:
- Regular Season: October 18, 2025 – January 31, 2026 (25 daily)
- Conservation Order: February 1-6 and February 8 – April 10, 2026 (no limit)
- Special Methods: Unplugged guns and electronic calls permitted during Conservation Order only
Brant:
- Dates: December 20, 2025 – January 3, 2026; January 17-31, 2026
- Daily Bag: 1 bird
Tundra Swan:
- Dates: November 8, 2025 – January 31, 2026
- Permits: 272 available (by lottery)
- Bag Limit: 1 per individual per season
Special Youth/Military/Veteran Waterfowl Days:
- October 25, 2025
- February 7, 2026
- Eligibility: Youth, active military, and veterans
🎯 More Games & Special Opportunities
Delaware also offers several unique opportunities throughout the year:
Sunday Restrictions: Most small game excludes Sunday participation, but deer activities on private land and select public areas welcome Sunday enthusiasts. Check the official online list for approved public locations.
Zone-Specific Regulations: Wildlife Management Zones 1A and 1B have specific restrictions, particularly regarding handgun and straight-walled rifle use during late-season deer periods.
Public Land Lotteries: Several species require lottery entry for public land access, including turkey and rabbit on specific properties.
Youth & Accessibility Programs: Delaware prioritizes next-generation participants and individuals with mobility challenges through special early access days and extended opportunities.
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.
This guide provides the framework for an incredible year of outdoor pursuits in the First State. Remember to verify current license requirements, check zone-specific regulations, and review any last-minute updates before heading afield.
For the most current information and detailed zone maps, visit the official DNREC website or pick up your copy of the complete regulations guide. Happy adventures, and remember to practice ethical, safe, and legal outdoor recreation!
All dates and regulations based on official 2025-2026 Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control guidelines. Source
