You can also now hunt deer, waterfowl (including swans), and turkeys on Sundays, giving you an extra day each weekend throughout the open season to tag out. The state is also considered a "bucket list" destination for many waterfowl hunters.
Ready to plan your State of Delaware hunting seasons for this year? We're here to help! Keep reading for information about season dates, hunting licenses, bag limits, and more.
We'll also help you find the best areas to hunt so you can scout every hunt ahead of time.
Updated March 31, 2026
When Can I Hunt in Delaware?
So, when should you plan your first hunt of the year? The HuntWise Delaware Hunting Guide will help you pinpoint the dates to put on your calendar, whether you're after deer, turkey, waterfowl, or other small game.
Note that the information we provide is the latest available from the DNREC. We'll update this guide with the latest season information as new information becomes available.
Additionally, we recommend checking official resources for the latest hunting and trapping season dates before finalizing your hunt plans.
Delaware Hunting Season Dates | |
|---|---|
Delaware Deer HuntingSunday hunting is allowed on private land (with permission from the landowner) and designated public lands.
| Turkey Spring 2026 SeasonThis year, hunters can hunt on Sundays. The Spring season runs from April 11 – May 9, 2026. Segment Dates:
The state has also set aside a special one-day hunt for youth and non-ambulatory hunters on April 4 – 5, 2026. |
Delaware Waterfowl SeasonAs with deer and turkeys, hunters can now hunt on Sundays throughout the open season dates.
Youth Waterfowl: October 25, 2025 and February 7, 2026 | Other Migratory Birds
|
Small Game Animals
When hunting small game, make sure you choose the right firearm caliber! | CoyoteSeptember 1, 2025 – February 28, 2026 |
Visit the DNREC website for the latest updates and specifics about season dates for the animals listed above and any others not in this guide.
What are the Bag Limits?
How many deer, turkeys, or swans can you bring home this year? To comply with Delaware hunting laws, make sure you know the bag limits for every animal you plan to hunt.
Delaware Hunting Season Bag Limits | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Deer | 2 antlered bucks per season No limit for antlerless | Bobwhite Quail | No limit |
| Turkey | 1 bearded per year | Snow Goose | 25 per day (no possession limit) |
| Ducks & September Teal | 6 per day (18 in possession) | Snow Goose (Conservation Order) | No limits |
| Sea Ducks | 6 per day (18 in possession) | Swan (Tundra) | 1 per season |
| Coots | 15 per day (45 in possession) | Swan (Mute) | No limits |
| Mergansers | 5 per day (15 in possession) | Mourning Dove | 15 per day (45 in possession) |
| Canada Goose (Resident) | 15 per day (45 in possession) | Rails (King & Clapper) | 10 per day (30 in possession) |
| Canada Goose (Migratory) | 2 per day (6 in possession) | Rails (Sora & Virginia) | 25 per day (75 in possession) |
| Brant | 1 per day (3 in possession) | Woodcock | 3 per day (9 in possession) |
| Crow | No limits | Snipe | 8 per day (24 in possession) |
| Gray Squirrel | 6 per day (12 in possession) | Moorhens & Gallinules | 15 per day (45 in possession) |
| Cottontail Rabbit | 4 per day (8 in possession) | Crow | No limits |
| Groundhogs | No limit | Coyote | No limits |
| Ringed-Neck Pheasant | 2 per day (4 in possession) | ||
What Do I Need to Know About Delaware Hunting Laws?
All hunters born after January 1, 1967, must pass a hunter education course before getting a hunting license. Then, you'll need a license that corresponds to the game you plan to hunt.
Hunters can purchase licenses through Delaware's online e-Permitting system (Digital DNREC). Prices vary based on Delaware resident vs. nonresident status. If you plan to hunt waterfowl, you'll also need a waterfowl stamp.
Why Do Hunters Hunt in Delaware?
It's a small state (land-wise) with a long deer hunting season. Plus, it's an excellent spot for waterfowl hunting and spring turkey hunts.
Delaware offers five months of open-season dates for hunting whitetail deer. With a large deer population, the state encourages hunters to harvest does to help manage the population.
So, whether you live in Delaware or want to plan more than one deer hunt this year, it's a great state for a hunt this year.
Where Should I Hunt?
If you're looking for the opposite of a mountainous trek to track your game, Delaware delivers on that. You'll enjoy the flat terrain, coastal marshes, minor hills, and hardwood forests spread throughout nineteen public wildlife areas (or 68,000 acres of land).
So, there are plenty of places to hunt! Just make sure you understand land boundaries and the rules that apply to specific wildlife areas.
HuntWise can help you target (and mark) the best hunting areas while also helping you navigate land boundaries. When hunting in Delaware this year, use the map layers in the app to scout and mark the best places to hunt.
What Else Do I Need Before I Can Hunt?
When hunting in Delaware, you need the right gear!
Successful hunts require the right hunting knife, a solid pair of binoculars, the right clothing, and a good rifle for firearm hunts. As you get geared up for the season, use your gear discounts through our HuntWise partners.
From clothing to optics and odor control, HuntWise hunting app users can save hundreds on gear.
HuntWise is Your Guide to Hunting in Delaware
We've shared a lot of information in this guide, and we hope it's helpful as you plan your hunts this season! Be sure to consult official resources, too, when finalizing your plans.
What else do you need for success when hunting? The HuntWise hunting app! With the app's advanced forecasting features, you can scout and plan your hunt before heading out — helping you gain an advantage over other hunters. HuntWise is the best tool for e-scouting private or public hunting land.
Plus, Elite subscribers get access to our exclusive FieldGuide+ content with hunting tips from our Pros — and save up to 40% on gear from our partners.
Try Pro and Elite features free during your first week in the app.
Download the app and before the upcoming season! Try Pro and Elite features free during your first week in the app.
Content most recently reviewed and updated for the latest season dates and details March 31, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
We have answers to your questions about hunting in Delaware!
Q: Is it legal to use corn to bait deer?
A: No. In Delaware, using bait (including corn) to attract deer for hunting is illegal.
Q: Can I shoot deer on my property out of season?
A: No. In Delaware, you generally cannot hunt deer out of season, even on your own property. Exceptions may exist for special depredation permits issued by the state.
Q: Can you deer hunt on Sunday in Delaware?
A: Yes, you can hunt deer on Sunday in Delaware, but only on designated Sundays during specific hunting seasons and with restrictions depending on location and type of hunting.
Q: Can I dump corn on the ground for deer?
A: No, you can't dump corn on the ground for deer in Delaware if it’s for hunting purposes. Placing corn or other bait to attract deer while hunting is prohibited.
Q: Can you hunt raccoons at night in Delaware?
A: Yes. Night hunting for raccoons is allowed in Delaware, but you must follow regulations on lighting, firearms, and seasons.
