Essential News & Reminders
Digital DNREC
A new licensing, harvest reporting, and hunter education is available to hunters and anglers. For more information, see Digital DNREC.
Digital Licenses and Delaware Waterfowl (Duck) Stamps
A new law modernizes hunting and trapping licenses and Delaware waterfowl (duck) stamps to allow digital formats. Hunters and Trappers may now possess their Delaware hunting and trapping licenses and Delaware duck stamp in either digital or paper form when hunting or trapping in Delaware. Delaware deer hunters are still required to carry a paper copy of their Deer Harvest Report Card and properly complete it in ink upon harvest and prior to moving the deer from the site of the harvest. Additionally, hunters aged 16 or older are reminded that there is no digital option for the Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp, which must be signed in ink across the face of the stamp and be in their possession while hunting waterfowl and other migratory birds.
Conservation Access Pass
All registered motor vehicles used to access State Wildlife Areas must have a Conservation Access Pass. A Pass will be issued free to hunters, if requested, with the purchase of a hunting license. See Licensing & Permits for more information.
New this year: Delaware residents over the age of 65 may purchase a one-time, lifetime, Conservation Access Pass. See Licensing & Permits for more information.
Feral Swine Regulations
It shall be unlawful to release swine (pigs) into the wild, charge a fee for the purpose of killing swine, or shoot swine without first obtaining a permit from the Division.
Falconry Seasons (Hunting With the Aid of a Falcon)
For falconry season dates and bag limits, please contact the Division of Fish and Wildlife at 302-735-3600.
License Exempt Hunters
Hunters and trappers that are license exempt are required to obtain an annual License Exempt Number (LEN) at no cost. Hunters can obtain a LEN by visiting a license agent or by visiting https://de.gov/DigitalDNREC. LENs will no longer be issued through the toll-free Hunter and Trapper Registration phone system.
See Licensing & Permits for more information.
Hunter Registration System
Hunters and trappers that need to register a harvested deer or obtain a HIP Number, or Snow Goose Conservation Order Permit Number may do so by visiting https://de.gov/DigitalDNREC or by calling the toll free number 1-855-DEL-HUNT (1-855-335-4868). If you have problems with this system, call 302-735-3600 or 302-739-9918 during normal business hours (8:00a.m. - 4:30p.m.) Monday - Friday.
New Rules for Treestands and Trail Cameras
All hunters that install temporary deer stands or trail cameras on State Wildlife Areas are required to obtain a free registration number. See Public Lands Hunting & Trapping.
SEA DUCK HUNTING
Regulations have changed pertaining to the hunting of sea ducks. See Migratory Bird Seasons & Bag Limits for more information.
Potential Regulation Changes
At the time of printing, the Division of Fish and Wildlife was considering changes to regulations that would change statewide hunting and trapping regulations as well as rules concerning the use of State Wildlife Areas. Please check the Division’s website prior to the hunting and trapping seasons to determine the outcome of these proposed changes. https://de.gov/fw
