Delaware Hunter’s Companion: A Full Breakdown for the 2025-2026 Hunting Season
Planning your outdoor adventures in the First State? Whether you’re a local or visiting hunter, this guide breaks down everything you need for the 2025–2026 Delaware hunting schedule. We’ll cover key dates, permit info, wildlife areas, and essential regulations. Remember, rules can change, so always verify with the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) before heading out. Let’s dive in! 🌲🎯
📅 Quick Snapshot
Here’s a snapshot of major game categories and highlights:
- White-Tailed Deer: Archery starts Sept 1, with multiple seasons through February.
- Wild Turkey: Spring season runs April–May; youth hunt in early April.
- Waterfowl: Ducks, geese, and teal have staggered seasons from September to January.
- Small Game: Squirrel, rabbit, and pheasant seasons typically run fall through winter.
- Furbearers: Coyote can be hunted year-round in some zones; trapping seasons vary.
- Youth Opportunities: Dedicated days for deer and turkey.
- Sunday Hunting: Allowed for deer, waterfowl, and gamebirds on private land and designated public areas.
🦌 Big Game Overview
Delaware’s deer population is thriving, and hunters play a key role in management. The state offers one of the longest deer seasons in the U.S., spanning five months. Note that black bear hunting is not permitted.
🦌 White-Tailed Deer Seasons
Delaware’s deer seasons are divided by method and zone. The state uses Wildlife Management Zones (e.g., Zones 1A, 1B, etc.), which may have specific restrictions . Key seasons include:
| Season Type | Dates | Legal Methods | Zones | Key Regulations & Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Archery & Crossbow | Sept 1, 2025 – Feb 1, 2026 | Bows (min. 30 lbs pull) and crossbows (min. 125 lbs pull) . | Statewide | Hunter orange not required during archery-only periods . Sunday hunting allowed on private land and designated public lands . |
| Muzzleloader | Oct 10–19, 2025; Jan 26 – Feb 1, 2026 | Muzzleloaders loaded from the muzzle; scopes allowed . | Statewide | Hunter orange required . |
| General Firearm | Nov 14–23, 2025; Jan 17–25, 2026 | Shotguns, muzzleloaders, handguns, authorized straight-walled pistol-caliber rifles, and archery equipment . | Statewide | Hunter orange required (400+ sq. inches) . Sunday hunting allowed on private land and designated public lands . |
| Special Antlerless | Oct 3–5, 24–26, and 31; Dec 13–21, 2025 | Shotguns, muzzleloaders, handguns, authorized straight-walled pistol-caliber rifles, and archery equipment . | Statewide | Antlerless deer only (except archery hunters may take antlered deer) . Hunter orange required . |
| Handgun & Straight-Walled Rifle | Jan 3, 5–10, 2026 | Revolvers/single-shot pistols (specific calibers) and straight-walled pistol-caliber rifles . | Statewide | Closed in Zones 1A and 1B . Sunday hunting (Jan 4) not allowed . Hunter orange required . |
| Youth & Non-Ambulatory | Sept 27–28, 2025; Nov 1–2, 2025 | Archery, muzzleloaders, shotguns, handguns, or authorized straight-walled pistol-caliber rifles . | Statewide | For youth (10–15) and non-ambulatory hunters. Youth must be supervised by a licensed adult (21+) . Hunter orange required . |
🎯 Key Big Game Regulations & Notes
- Tagging & Reporting:
- All deer must be registered within 24 hours of harvest .
- Residents receive 4 antlerless tags with their license; additional tags are available .
- Non-residents can purchase antlered deer tags ($50) and quality buck tags ($50) .
- Quality Buck Tag: Requires an antlered deer with a minimum 15-inch outside spread .
- Hunter Orange Requirement:
- During any firearm deer season, hunters must wear at least 400 square inches of hunter orange on head, chest, and back . This applies even when using archery equipment during firearm seasons .
- Sunday Hunting:
- Permitted for deer on private land (with landowner permission) and designated public lands . Some public areas may have restrictions .
- Public Land Hunting:
- Requires a Conservation Access Pass for vehicle access .
- Some wildlife areas (e.g., Bombay Hook, Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuges) require special permits obtained through lottery drawings .
- No centerfire rifles are allowed on national wildlife refuges .
- Baiting:
- Allowed only on private land .
- Hunter Education:
- Required for anyone born after January 1, 1967 .
❌ Species with No Open Season
- Black Bear: No hunting season in Delaware .
- Elk & Moose: Not present in Delaware; no seasons exist.
📍 Zones and Public Land
- Delaware is divided into Wildlife Management Zones (e.g., 1A, 1B, 2–17) . Regulations (e.g., handgun hunting) can vary by zone .
- Popular public hunting lands include:
- Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge: Lottery for deer hunts (muzzleloader, shotgun, antlerless) .
- Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge: Similar lottery system .
- State Wildlife Areas (e.g., Redden State Forest, Norman G. Wilder Wildlife Area) .
🦃 Turkey Dates
Spring turkey hunting is a popular pursuit in Delaware. The 2026 season is projected to be strong, following a record harvest in 2025.
| Season | Dates | Methods | Bag Limits & Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | Apr 11 – May 9, 2026 | Shotgun, bow | Bearded birds only. 1 turkey per season. Hours: ½ hr before sunrise to 1 PM. |
| Youth & Non-Ambulatory | Apr 4–5, 2026 | Shotgun, bow | Same regulations apply. Youth must be supervised by an adult who has completed a turkey safety course. |
🦝 Furbearer Opportunities
Delaware has regulated seasons for various furbearers. Note that bobcat hunting is not permitted.
| Species | Season | Methods | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coyote | Sept 1, 2025 – Feb 28, 2026 (Hunting); Year-round in some zones | Firearms, calling, electronic calls | No bag limit. Special methods allowed in September. |
| Raccoon & Opossum | Dec 1, 2025 – Mar 10, 2026 (Trapping); Nov 1, 2025 – Mar 7, 2026 (Hunting) | Trapping, hunting | Special night hunting hours during certain deer seasons. |
| Red Fox | Oct 1, 2025 – Apr 30, 2026 (Chase); Nov 1, 2025 – Mar 10, 2026 (Trapping) | Chase, trapping | Check specific regulations for methods. |
| Beaver | Dec 1, 2025 – Mar 20, 2026 | Trapping |
🐦 Small Game Section
Small game hunting is perfect for beginners and offers long seasons.
| Species | Season | Daily Bag Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Gray Squirrel | Sept 15, 2025 – Feb 7, 2026 | No limit |
| Cottontail Rabbit | Nov 24, 2025 – Feb 28, 2026 | No limit |
| Pheasant (Male only) | Nov 24, 2025 – Feb 28, 2026 | 2 birds |
| Quail (Pen-raised) | Nov 24, 2025 – Jan 3, 2026 | No limit |
| Mourning Dove | Sept 1–28, 2025; Nov 24–30, 2025; Dec 8, 2025 – Jan 31, 2026 | 15 birds |
🦆 Complete Waterfowl Seasons
Waterfowl seasons follow federal frameworks and include state-specific zones.
| Species | Season (Approximate) | Daily Bag Limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ducks | Nov 1–9, 2025; Nov 26–30, 2025; Dec 17, 2025 – Jan 31, 2026 | 6 | Species limits apply. |
| Canada Goose (Resident) | Sept 1–25, 2025 | 15 (3 in Teal Zone after Sept 19) | Special methods allowed Sept 1–19. |
| Teal | Sept 20–28, 2025 (Teal Zone) | 6 | |
| Snow Goose | Oct 18, 2025 – Jan 31, 2026; Conservation Order: Feb 1–6 & Feb 8 – Apr 10, 2026 | 25; No limit during Conservation Order | |
| Youth/Military Days | Oct 25, 2025; Feb 7, 2026 | Same as regular season |
🐗 Other Available Game
Don’t overlook these unique opportunities!
| Species | Season | Methods | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crow | Thurs–Sat only, Jul 3, 2025 – Mar 26, 2026; June 26–27, 2026 | Calling, shotgun | No bag limit. |
| Frog | May 1 – Sept 30, 2025 | Gig, spear, hand | Requires fishing license. |
| Groundhog | July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026 | Firearms, bow | No bag limit. |
🗺️ Hunting Zones
Delaware is divided into Wildlife Management Zones, which can affect season dates and bag limits for species like deer and waterfowl. The state offers over 68,000 acres of public land for hunting, including state wildlife areas and national wildlife refuges.
- Public Land: Popular areas include Redden State Forest, Norman G. Wilder Wildlife Area, and Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge. A Conservation Access Pass is required for vehicles accessing designated wildlife areas.
- Private Land: Always obtain written permission from the landowner before hunting on private property.
Use the Delaware Wildlife Area Maps to plan your hunt and check for specific area rules.
🎟️ Permits, Tags & Licenses Details
All hunters must carry the required licenses and stamps. Here’s a breakdown:
| License/Permit | Resident Fee | Non-Resident Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult Hunting License | $39.50 | $199.50 | Required for all hunters 16–64. |
| Junior Hunting License | $5.00 | $50.00 | For ages 13–15. |
| Delaware Waterfowl Stamp | $15.00 | $15.00 | Required for waterfowl hunters 16+. |
| Federal Duck Stamp | $28.99 | $28.99 | Required for waterfowl hunters 16+. |
| Deer Tag | $20.00 | $50.00 | Required for each deer harvested. |
| Trapping License | $10.00 | $75.00 | Required for trapping furbearers. |
🔑 Key Licensing Notes:
- Hunter Education: Required for anyone born after January 1, 1967, before obtaining a license.
- HIP Number: Required for all migratory game bird hunters (except crow) and can be obtained through the DNREC ePermitting system.
- License Exempt Number (LEN): Free for qualifying residents and non-residents.
❓ Delaware Hunting Quick FAQ
Q: Can I hunt on Sundays in Delaware?
A: Yes! Sunday hunting is permitted for deer, waterfowl, and gamebirds during established seasons on private lands (with permission) and on designated public lands.
Q: What is the bag limit for turkeys?
A: The bag limit is one bearded turkey per spring season.
Q: Are electronic calls allowed?
A: Electronic calls are permitted for coyotes, raccoons, opossums, and foxes. They are also allowed for resident Canada geese from Sept 1-19, 2025.
Q: Do I need a permit to hunt on public land?
A: For most game, a regular license is sufficient. However, turkey hunting on public land requires a separate permit obtained through a lottery system.
Q: How do I report my deer or turkey harvest?
A: Deer and turkey must be registered within 24 hours of harvest. Turkeys can be reported online at de.gov/DigitalDNREC or by phone at 1-855-DEL-HUNT.
Q: What are the hunter orange requirements?
A: During firearm deer seasons, hunters must wear at least 400 square inches of hunter orange material on the head, chest, and back.
🔗 List of Related Guides
- Delaware DNREC Hunting & Trapping Guide (Your most important resource!)
- Delaware Public Hunting Lands
- For information on seasons in other states, check out the guide for Connecticut.
Conclusion
Delaware’s 2025–2026 hunting year offers a wide range of opportunities, from the long deer season to the exciting spring turkey hunt. Preparation is key: get your licenses and permits early, study the regulations for your chosen game and zone, and always prioritize safety. Respect the land, whether public or private. Bookmark this page and the official DNREC site for updates, and here’s to a successful and enjoyable season! 🐾
