Essential News and Reminders

Online Registration

• There is a new phone number and web site for registering deer and obtaining a Hip Number, License Exempt Number and Snow Goose Conservation Order Permit Number. The toll free number is 1-855-335-4868 (1-855-DELHUNT). The new web site is www.dnrec.delaware.gov/delhunt. Note that the Snow Goose Conservation Order Permit is only available through the web site. If you have problems with these systems, call (302) 735-3600 during normal business hours (8:00a.m. – 4:30p.m.) Monday – Friday.

Red Fox

• Red fox may be killed in accordance with the statutes and regulations of the State of Delaware governing the hunting of red fox from November 1 through the last day of February, excluding Sundays. It is unlawful to kill a red fox that is being pursued by dogs. Red foxes may be killed using a longbow, crossbow, shotgun, rim fire or center fire rifle up to .25 caliber, a muzzle-loading rifle and revolvers and single shot pistols. During any deer firearms season, it will be unlawful to hunt red fox with any firearm that is not also legal for deer hunting.

License Exempt Hunters

• Hunters and trappers that are license exempt are required to obtain an annual License Exempt Number (LEN) from the Division at no cost. If a licensed exempt hunter chooses to purchase a license anyway, then they do not have to obtain the exempt Number. The LEN system was created so that game harvest and opinions of license exempt hunters and trappers could be evaluated and considered when establishing new statutes, regulations and policies. If you obtain this identification number, use it whenever you are asked for your license number such as for registering a deer, obtaining a HIP number, or purchasing additional deer tags.

Online LICENSING

• Delaware maintains a fully automated online licensing system with over 85 Electronic Agents participating including the Dover Fish and Wildlife Office at 89 Kings Highway, Dover. A list of participating agents can be found on the Division’s web site www.fw.delaware.gov or by calling 302-739-9918. Sportsmen can also purchase and print licenses from this web site 24 hours a day 7 days a week.
• When purchasing your duck stamp on the electronic systems, the stamp image is printed on your license if you purchase your hunting license at the same time. If you purchase the stamp separately you will receive the stamp image. The Division no longer mails original duck stamps automatically at the end of the season (June 30th of each year). If you would like an original stamp sent to you please call (302) 739-9918 and give us your name, address and order ID number after you purchase the electronic stamp.
• For more licensing information contact Candace Dunning at 302-739-9918.For information on ordering Collector Duck Stamp(s) and prints, contact Amanda Belford at 302-739-9911.The collector stamps and prints are not available online.

Non-Toxic Shot

• Non-toxic shot: Remember that during September, all dove hunting on State Wildlife Areas must be done using non-toxic shot.
• Non-toxic shot is required for hunting rails, snipe and moorhens.

SNOW GEESE

• Conservation Order: The snow goose Conservation Order (CO) is expected to reopen during the winter and spring of 2013 after other waterfowl hunting is closed. When the CO is open, snow goose hunters can use unplugged shotguns and electronic calls. In addition, hunting hours are extended to a half hour before sunrise to a half hour after sunset and daily bag and possession limits are removed. Participants hunting during the CO must have a valid Delaware or Maryland hunting license, a 2012 Delaware waterfowl stamp (Federal stamp not required), a Delaware HIP number and the free CO permit issued by the Division. This permit can be obtained by computer registration at www.dnrec.delaware.gov/delhunt. The need for the Delaware Waterfowl Stamp follows the requirements as related to hunter age on the Licensing and Permits section.

DEER

• Deer Registration: Each person who hunts and kills a deer shall, within 24 hours of killing said deer, register their deer by phone or over the internet through systems authorized by the Division (www.dnrec.delaware.gov/delhunt or 1-855-335-4868). After registering a deer, hunters will be given a deer registration number. This number must be recorded in ink on the approved tag used on the deer and must remain with the head and/or carcass until the mount is picked up from the taxidermist or the meat is processed and stored as food. Hunters may field dress their deer before registering it but only the internal organs may be removed before registration. All other parts, (e.g. antlers, hide, meat, etc…) must remain attached to the animal, until such deer has been registered. Additionally, it shall be unlawful to knowingly enter incorrect information when registering a deer.
• Safety Zone: the safety zone for hunting deer by archery or crossbow device during established archery and crossbow seasons is 50 yards.

QUAIL

• The bobwhite quail season has been shortened and will end on January 5, 2013.

WILD TURKEY

• 7 or 7 ½ shot may now be used for turkey hunting IF it is part of a duplex or triplex load also containing 4, 5, or 6 shot.
• When hunting, private land turkey hunters must carry proof of turkey hunting safety course completion. Public land hunters must have an annual permit from the Division.
• Crossbows may now be used for turkey hunting. Crossbows must meet the same standards as for deer hunting.

SNAPPING TURTLES

• The minimum legal snapping turtle size has been increased to 11” and traps must be tagged with the trappers name and address.
• A free snapping turtle permit number must be obtained and will be issued at the time of trapping license purchase.

DIVISION LANDS

• It shall be unlawful to possess, consume or be under the influence of alcoholic beverages, liquors or drugs while hunting or in the possession of firearms when on lands administered by the Division.
• Collection and removal of any wildlife species from a State Wildlife Area is prohibited unless otherwise provided by statute, regulation or authorized by the Division Director.
• It shall be unlawful to fish in any Division managed ponds except in accordance with conditions set forth on area maps and/or signs.
• All state wildlife areas open for turkey hunting will now be open for the Youth/Non-Ambulatory Disabled Turkey Hunt. In 2013, hunters may go to any areas they choose. If overcrowding occurs, the Division may add this hunt to its pre-season lottery system in future seasons.
• Disabled hunters must obtain a disabled hunter certification card to use all facilities and opportunities made available to disabled hunters on State Wildlife Areas and State Parks. For information on obtaining this card, call the Division of Fish and Wildlife at (302) 735-3601