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Delaware

Hunting

Hunting

Deer Seasons

Deer Seasons Inclusive of Sundays

Seasons

Dates

Additional Information

Archery*

Statewide

Sept. 1 - Jan. 31

Hunters may use archery equipment during the muzzleloader, general firearm, and handgun and straight-walled pistol-caliber seasons provided they wear at least 400 square inches of hunter orange material displayed on the head chest, and back.

Crossbow*

Statewide

Sept. 1 - Jan. 31

Hunters may use crossbow equipment during the muzzleloader, general firearm, and handgun and straight-walled pistol-caliber seasons provided they wear at least 400 square inches of hunter orange material displayed on the head, chest, and back.

Muzzleloader

Statewide

Oct. 6 - 15

Jan. 22 - 28

Muzzleloaders must be loaded from the muzzle using any manufacturer’s approved propellant and they may be equipped with a scope.

General Firearm

(Also known as Shotgun Seasons)

Statewide

Nov. 10 - 19

Jan. 13 - 21

Shotguns, muzzleloaders, handguns, authorized straight-walled pistol-caliber rifles, and archery equipment may be used during the general firearm seasons.** Shotguns, straight-walled pistol-caliber rifles, muzzleloaders, and crossbows may be equipped with a scope.

Special Antlerless*

Statewide
Oct. 1, 16, 20 - 23, 27 - 30
Dec. 9 - 17

Legal methods of take during these seasons include archery equipment, muzzleloaders, and shotguns. Only antlerless deer may be harvested during the special antlerless seasons. However, archery (including crossbow) hunters may take antlered deer in October but NOT during the December special antlerless season.

Handgun and Straight-walled Pistol-caliber Rifle

Season closed in Wildlife Management Zones 1A and 1B

Jan. 6, 8 - 12

Sunday, Jan. 7 is not open to handgun or straight-walled pistol-caliber rifle hunting. Authorized straight-walled pistol-caliber rifles may be used during the handgun season. See Deer Hunting for more season details.

Youth and Non-ambulatory Hunt

Statewide

Nov. 4 and 5

Hunters may use archery equipment, muzzleloaders, shotguns, handgun, or authorized straight-walled pistol-caliber rifles.