In 2024, Delaware’s deer season offers new chances for nature lovers to take part in a deeply-rooted conservation tradition. This year’s calendar comprises archery, shotgun, and muzzleloader activities, letting folks choose based on their favorite method. The Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife shares that the state boasts a robust deer population. A yearly harvest of approximately 17,000 deer underscores abundant possibilities for success all season.
Our state stresses the importance of sustainable methods, like controlled bag limits and particular zones. This encourages mindful harvesting, safeguarding the wildlife of tomorrow.
Sportsmen must understand current rules to be compliant. These include updates on straight-wall cartridge gun use and antlerless deer permits. Following these rules, hunting buffs can have a fun, fruitful season while backing Delaware’s continued conservation work.
DE Deer Season Schedule
1. Archery Season
- Statewide Dates: September 1 – February 2
- Additional Info: Archers in firearm or muzzleloader seasons must be equipped with 400 square inches of hunter orange. This includes their heads, chests, and backs.
2. Crossbow Season
- Statewide Dates: September 1 – February 2
- Additional Info: When it’s firearm or muzzleloader season, crossbow hunters also have to sport 400 square inches of the vibrant hunter orange color.
3. Muzzleloader
- Statewide Dates:
- October 11 – 20
- January 27 – February 2
- Additional Info: You can use muzzleloaders. To load them, put the approved propellant into the muzzle. They can also have a scope.
4. General Firearm
- Statewide Dates:
- November 15 – 24
- January 18 – 26
- Additional Info: Shotguns, muzzleloaders, handguns, straight-walled pistol-caliber rifles, and archery equipment are permitted.
5. Special Antlerless Hunt
- Statewide Dates:
- October 4 – 6, October 25 – 27
- December 14 – 22
- Additional Info: Different types of guns are allowed, like shotguns and muzzleloaders. Also, if you’re into archery or crossbow hunting, you can target deer with antlers. Keep in mind, no hunting on October Mondays.
6. Handgun and Straight-walled Pistol-caliber Rifle Season
- Dates: January 4, 6 – 11
- Zones: Closed in Wildlife Management Zones 1A and 1B
- Additional Info: On Sunday, January 5, you can’t use handguns and rifles that take pistol-caliber bullets. However, these rifles are allowed during handgun season.
7. Youth and Non-ambulatory Hunt
- Statewide Dates:
- September 28 – 29
- November 2 – 3
- Additional Info: You can use archery, muzzleloaders, shotguns, handguns, and rifles designed for pistol-caliber bullets.
DE Deer License & Tags
| License /Category | Resident Price | Non-Resident Price |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | $39.50 | $199.50 |
| Junior | $5.00 | $50.00 |
| Hunter’s Choice & Quality Buck Tag | $20.00 | $50.00 |
| Additional Antlerless Deer Tag | $20.00 | $20.00 |
| Antlered Deer Tag | N/A | $50.00 |
| Quality Buck Tag | $20.00 | $50.00 |
| License Exempt (LEN) | FREE | FREE |
Delaware Deer Regulations
Hunting on Sundays: It’s permitted on private properties if the owner allows, and on some public lands too. These Sunday hunting chances follow the already set state seasons. If needing more information, one could visit the Sunday hunting website or call up the Wildlife Section office at 302-739-9912.
Harvest Reporting and Tags
- Residents: Holders get a Harvest Report Card containing four tags exclusive for males with no antlers. For an extra $20, a Hunter’s Choice card or a Quality Buck tag can be added to the mix. Any gender for the Hunter’s Choice, while a Quality Buck permits males who boast a 15-inch spread, at least. Two bucks max per season for residents, all others culled must be females. More tags? Grab them for $20 each.
- Non-Residents: Folks from another place get a Harvest Report Card packed with four antlerless tags when they license. They can get one shot at a Hunter’s Choice and Quality Buck tag, each for $50. They follow the same rules like locals, only two males per season with a Quality Buck tag requiring at least a 15-inch spread.
- Licensed Exempt: People excused from licensing aren’t entirely free, must collect a License Exempt Number (LEN) with a Report Card. Locals get four tags for antlerless and one Hunter’s amendment, while non-locals can only tag one male. Both parties can buy a Quality Buck tag, and the usual two males per season rule applies.
Additional Regulations
- Buck Tag: The buck’s antlers must be at least 15 inches wide. The distance between the ears is a good measure for this.
- Allowed Methods & Equipment: Pursuing with a handgun is permitted with limitations. The gun’s barrel should be between 5.75-12.5 inches, and it should use .357 to .50 caliber straight-wall ammo. Minors need supervision. It’s important to carry guns in a holster or a sling.
- Straight-Walled Rifles: These rifles can hold up to three bullets and must meet the same requirements as handguns. These aren’t allowed north of the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal.
- Crossbows & Bows: Crossbows must have a minimum draw weight of 125 pounds and a mechanical safety. Regular bows need a draw weight of at least 30 pounds. Don’t transport a cocked crossbow.
- Baiting: You can use bait only on private lands and it is not permitted on public properties.
- Special Hunts: Delaware hosts hunts for youth (10-15 years old) and wheelchair-bound individuals at certain times within the season. Young hunters need supervision and those aged 13-15 must complete a hunter’s class. Usual limits and rules apply to these hunts.
- Harvest Reporting: Report any game you catch through phone or online within a day.
- Safety Orange: Firearm hunters must wear at least 400 square inches of bright orange on their head, chest, and back, excluding bird hunters. The same amount of orange must be visible outside any ground blind.
- Donation: You can give away game to the Hunters Against Hunger program. There are drop-off stations across the state for legally hunted game, and walk-in coolers are accessible.
- Sika: These, not native, but already introduced species are legal to hunt and register. They’re small and dwell in marsh or wooded areas. The state’s Fish and Wildlife Division closely monitors their numbers.
- Sale of Parts: Selling any parts is against the law. Yet, legally hunted animal hides can be sold. Taxidermists and processors can charge for their services, not for selling byproducts.
Top Delaware Deer Hunting Locations
In Delaware, you’ll find lots of different places to go in the wild. Each has something special to offer. Let’s look at some favorite spots for deer hunting.
1. Appoquinimink State Forest: Find your spot at Appoquinimink State Forest up north in Delaware! Deer hunters love it. Lots of hardwood, pine trees, and deer dwell in this forest.
2. Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge: Fancy waterfowl games? Try Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge on the coast! Apart from this, you can also hunt for deer. The habitat is rich – wetlands meet forests, perfect for wildlife to thrive.
3. Ebright State Forest:. This Forest down south is all the rage among deer hunters. Open fields, hardwood, and pine – you’ll find a great mix of elements for hunting.
4. Redden State Forest: If you’re looking for a big place, go to Redden State Forest in the center of Delaware. Ideal for deer games. Species grow in a range of habitats – mature hardwoods, young growth stands, and wetlands.
5. Trap Pond State Park: The State Park, also down south, is a blend of forests and open fields. Ideal for deer hunting! It’s popular for waterfowls and fishing too.
