Licensing & Permits
Quick Reference for Licensed Hunters |
|||||||
Resident |
License Exempt Number |
Junior Hunting License |
Adult Hunting License |
Federal Waterfowl Stamp |
State Waterfowl Stamp |
HIP # |
Deer Stand and Waterfowl Blind Permit* |
12 and Under |
Yes |
No (unless turning 13 during season) |
No |
No |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
13 thru 15 |
No |
Yes |
No (unless turning 16 during season) |
No |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
16 thru 64 |
No |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
65 and over |
Yes |
No |
No |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
Non-Resident |
License Exempt Number |
Junior Hunting License |
Adult Hunting License |
Federal Waterfowl Stamp |
State Waterfowl Stamp |
HIP # |
Deer Stand and Waterfowl Blind Permit* |
12 and Under |
Yes |
No (unless turning 13 during season) |
No |
No |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
13 thru 15 |
No |
Yes |
No (unless turning 16 during the season) |
No |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
16 thru 64 |
No |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
65 and over |
No |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Social Security Number and Hunting Licenses
The Delaware Division of Child Support Services has the authority, under Federal Welfare Reform Legislation (Title 42 of the US Code, Section 666 (a) (13) ), to collect Social Security Numbers for individuals who purchase
recreational hunting and fishing licenses. For more information go to https://de.gov/huntinglicense.
Obtaining a Duplicate Hunting License
Duplicate licenses may be printed free of charge by logging into your Digital DNREC Account at: https://de.gov/DigitalDNREC. If you do not have a Digital DNREC Account or need more information please call the Recreational Licensing Office at (302) 739-9918 or email [email protected].
Online Licensing
Delaware maintains a fully automated recreational licensing system. Sportsmen can purchase and print licenses from our website 24 hours a day 7 days a week by visiting
https://de.gov/DigitalDNREC with a compatible computer and printer. We also partner with over 40 Licensing Agents where licenses can be purchased including our Dover Fish and Wildlife office at 89 Kings Highway. A complete listing of Licensing Agents can be found on our website or by calling 302-739-9918.
Hunter Education Verification
Please do not wait until the last minute to purchase your hunting license. Hunters born after January 1, 1967, are required to have verified proof of completing hunter education before purchasing a hunting license. If purchasing your hunting license online through our Digital DNREC licensing system at https://de.gov/DigitalDNREC, you will be asked to upload a copy of your hunter education card if your card has not already been verified by the Hunter Education Program. Hunters who completed hunter education in Delaware must enter their Hunter Safety Number and the Hunter Education Program will verify the number. Verification of hunter education information may take up to 5 business days, but it is often completed sooner.
If you need to purchase your hunting license immediately and cannot wait to have your hunter education information verified by the Hunter Education Program, please visit an authorized Licensing Agent. A list of authorized Licensing Agents can be found here: https://de.gov/LicenseAgents. At the Licensing Agent, you will need to provide a copy of your hunter education card to the agent who will verify that you have provided proof of hunter safety for the current hunting season only.
In the future, to avoid delays when purchasing a hunting license in Delaware, please upload a copy of your hunter education card to your profile in our Digital DNREC licensing system at https://de.gov/DigitalDNREC. Your hunter education card will be verified by our Hunter Education Program and will be added permanently to your Digital DNREC profile.
Digital Licenses And Delaware Waterfowl (Duck) Stamps
A recently passed 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 the card in ink upon harvest of a deer and prior to moving it from the site of the harvest.
Special License and Permits Required to:
(These permits are only issued at DNREC’s Dover office located at 89 Kings Highway)
- Deal in raw furs commercially
- Hold a field trial for dogs
- Ship game out of state
- Breed game commercially
- Operate a shooting preserve
- Possess or collect wildlife for scientific purposes
- Possess live wild animals or any protected animals
- Train dogs out of season (available only for retrievers)
License Exempt Hunters/Trappers
Hunters and trappers that are license exempt are required to obtain an annual License Exempt Number (LEN) at no cost. Hunters and Trappers shall obtain a separate LEN for each activity if they engage in both. While not legally required to purchase a license, those hunters and trappers that are eligible to be license exempt may purchase a license so that their purchase can help direct conservation and management efforts for wildlife and the habitats they support. For those individuals that are exempt from purchasing a license but choose to do so, we thank you very much for your support to conservation. If a license exempt hunter or trapper chooses to purchase a license they shall not obtain a LEN.
The LEN system was created so that opinions and game harvests of license exempt hunters and trappers could be evaluated and considered when establishing new statutes, regulations and policies. If you obtain this LEN, use it whenever you are asked for your license number such as for registering a deer or turkey, obtaining a HIP number or purchasing additional deer tags or permits. License exempt hunters that are authorized to hunt deer, receive five deer tags at no cost and those that are authorized to hunt turkeys, will receive one turkey tag at no cost. For more information about deer and turkey tags and the associated Deer and Turkey Harvest Report Cards, please see pages Deer Hunting.
License exempt hunters not purchasing a hunting license who use a motor vehicle to access State Wildlife Areas must purchase a Conservation Access Pass (Licensing & Permits). Additionally, all license exempt hunters must purchase a State Wildlife Area Waterfowl Blind and Deer Stand Permit if they are using those items. This permit is not required on the Youth and Non-ambulatory Hunt days. License exempt hunters are not required to purchase a Delaware Waterfowl Stamp unless they are Maryland residents utilizing the exemption to hunt snow geese in Delaware and then the stamp is required. Furthermore, license exempt hunters are not required to purchase a federal waterfowl stamp unless they are 16 years of age or older. Lastly, all license exempt hunters that will hunt migratory birds must obtain a free HIP number and those hunters pursuing snow geese during the Conservation Order must also register for a free permit number.
You can obtain your annual LEN and other items described above at https://de.gov/DigitalDNREC or by visiting any location that hunting licenses are sold. For a complete list of license agents, please visit: https://de.gov/LicenseAgents. LENs are no longer available by calling the Hunter Registration System. NOTE: If a hunter or trapper is exempt from purchasing a license for reasons related to military service, please contact the recreational licensing office at 302-739-9918 for more information on how to obtain your LEN as you may need to provide supporting documentation.
If you have problems with these systems, call 302-735-3600 or 302-739-9918 during normal business hours (8:00am - 4:30pm) Monday - Friday. For questions on LEN eligibility requirements please contact the recreational licensing office at 302-739-9918 or https://dnrec.alpha.delaware.gov/fish-wildlife/licenses/exemptions/.
The following are the criteria for which a person is exempt from purchasing a hunting or trapping license but they must obtain a free License Exempt Number:
Delaware Residents:
- Resident Youth Under 13: Residents under 13 years of age may hunt without a license when under direct supervision by a person 21 years of age or older who is the lawful holder of a hunting license or has a lawful right to hunt.
- Resident Senior 65 or Older: Residents, 65 years of age or older may hunt or trap without a license, but must have proof of age and residency.
- Resident Property Owner: Residents who own or live upon farms in this State containing 20 or more acres, and the members of their immediate families who reside on the farm, may hunt and trap on said farm only without purchasing a license.
- Resident Organized Fox Hunt: Any unarmed residents participating in an organized fox hunt may participate without a license.
Non-Residents:
- Non-Resident Snow Goose Hunter: A nonresident may hunt without a license while hunting snow geese, provided:
- The nonresident resides in another state or Canadian province which extends the same exemption to Delaware residents (Currently, Maryland is the only state to honor this exemption);
- The nonresident is properly licensed, or exempt from the licensing requirement, to hunt snow geese in the state or Canadian province in which he or she resides;
- The nonresident purchases a Delaware waterfowl (duck) stamp.
- Non-Resident Youth Under 13: Nonresidents other than aliens who are under 13 years of age may hunt without a license when under direct supervision by a person 21 years of age or older who is the lawful holder of a hunting license or has a lawful right to hunt.
- Non-Resident Farm Occupant: Nonresidents or aliens who are occupants of farms in this State containing 20 acres or more, who actually reside thereon, and the immediate members of the family of such occupants who also reside on said farm, may hunt or trap on said farms without a license.
- Non-Resident Property Owner: A nonresident, who owns but is not an occupant of a farm in this State containing 20 acres or more, and the immediate members of the family of the nonresident farm owner may hunt or trap without a license on said farm if the farm occupant or resident, if any, gives the owner written permission or if hunting, trapping, and/or fishing is permitted pursuant to a written lease, if any, between the farm owner and the occupant or resident of the farm.
- Non-Resident Organized Fox Hunt: A non-resident participating in an organized fox hunt may participate without a license.
Military Exemptions:
- Resident Military Hospital Inpatient: A member of the armed forces of the United States who is a patient in a military hospital may hunt or trap without a license, upon receipt by the Department of a written statement signed by the applicant’s commanding officer certifying the nature of the applicant’s disability and place of station.
- Veterans with a Disability: Residents or non-residents who have been honorably discharged from the armed forces of the United States and certified by the Veterans Administration as having at least a 60% service-connected disability may hunt or trap without a license.
- Resident One-time Military Veteran: Any resident who has served honorably for 90 or more consecutive days on active duty in the Armed Forces of the United States, including service as member of the Delaware National Guard, in military actions in Southwest Asia associated with Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring Freedom may, for the first 12 months following the date the resident was honorably discharged or removed from active status, hunt without purchasing a license.
If a military hunter or trapper meets the exemption criteria, applicants are asked to complete an application at https://dnrec.alpha.delaware.gov/fish-wildlife/licenses/exemptions/ or by calling 302-739-9918. Military licenses are not available through State Licensing Agents. License exempt Military exceptions are only processed through the Dover office. Please call 302-739-9918 for assistance.
Special Permits Important Information for Hunters with a Disability
A variety of hunting opportunities exist for hunters with a disability in Delaware. For a list of deer stand and waterfowl blind facilities for hunters with a disability, see Public Lands Hunting & Trapping.
State of Delaware Certified Hunter with Disabilities Card
Hunters with a disability must obtain a certification card to use all facilities and opportunities made available to hunters with a disability on State Wildlife Areas and State Parks. For information on obtaining this card, call the Division of Fish and Wildlife at 302-739-9912.
Hunt from a Vehicle Permit
Approved non-ambulatory hunters may be permitted to hunt specified game animals from their vehicle with a permit issued by the Division.
Hunter Registration System
Hearing impaired hunters may go online at https://de.gov/DigitalDNREC to register harvested deer, obtain their Harvest Information Program (HIP) numbers, register for the Snow Goose Conservation Order (CO) and report their hunting activity during the CO.
License Requirements Related to Non-Resident Military Personnel
Any member of the armed forces of the United States of America while actually stationed within this State shall be deemed a resident of this State for the purpose of obtaining a license to hunt, trap and fish in this State. Each such application shall be supported by a written statement signed by the applicant’s commanding officer certifying the applicant’s place of station within this State.
To be eligible for the resident license, applicants are asked to complete an application at https://dnrec.alpha.delaware.gov/fish-wildlife/licenses/exemptions/ or by calling 302-739-9918. These licenses are not available through State Licensing Agents.
Delaware Guide License
All individuals receiving monetary or in-kind compensation for providing personal guide services to hunters are required to have a Delaware Guide License. License holders must be 18 years of age or older.
Persons acquiring a guide license must not have been convicted for violations of any wildlife or fisheries statutes or regulations within the last three years prior to applying for a Delaware Guide License.
All persons possessing a Delaware Guide License are required to complete and submit an annual report to the Division by July 1st, annually, to include the following information which must be readily available for inspection by enforcement officers: full name of each hunter, address of each hunter in the party, hunting license number for each hunter, date, number and species of each animal harvested, location of hunts and the name and license number of the guide.
The guide shall retain all hunting field records for a period of three years.
A resident or non-resident Guide license is valid as a Guide and a Hunting license. A separate hunting license is not required.
A non-resident shall be exempt from the guide licensing requirement only while guiding hunters for snow geese (light geese), provided:
- The non-resident is properly licensed to guide in another state or Canadian province which extends the same exemption to Delaware residents;
- The non-resident must not have been convicted for violations of any wildlife or fisheries statutes or regulations within the last 3 years.
- The non-resident guide purchases obtains a free License Exempt Number, a Delaware migratory waterfowl (duck) stamp and obtains a Delaware H.I.P. permit;
- The non-resident resides in another state or Canadian province which extends the same exemption to Delaware residents.
Applicants must apply for the license online at: https://de.gov/DigitalDNREC or by calling the Division’s Recreational Licensing Office at (302) 739-9918. Guide licenses are not available through State Licensing Agents.
Trapping Licenses
Trappers must purchase their trapping license through the Division of Fish and Wildlife. Trappers who purchased a trapping license during the previous two trapping years can purchase again this year through their Digital DNREC account or at an authorized recreational license agent statewide, without waiting for approval. Trappers who did not purchase a trapping license during the previous two trapping years can create an account in Digital DNREC (or use their existing Digital DNREC account) and apply for a trapping license; these new trapping applications will require approval by the Division before the sale can be processed so trappers should plan ahead. Additionally, mail-in applications are available online at www.dnrec.alpha.delaware.gov/fish-wildlife/licenses/, by submitting the trapping application (see License Application & Private Land Permission Form) in this guide, or by calling 302-739-9918. Licensed trappers will be issued a permanent license number that can be renewed annually.
Conservation Access Pass
An annual Conservation Access Pass (CAP) is required for any registered motor vehicle used to access designated Delaware State Wildlife Areas for any allowable activity, including hunting, birdwatching, hiking and photography.
The annual Conservation Access Pass will help the Division of Fish and Wildlife maintain and improve these areas for hunting, wildlife viewing and wildlife photography. These funds will also help support habitat improvements on State Wildlife Areas.
A FREE annual Conservation Access Pass will be provided with the purchase of a hunting license. In order to receive a free annual CAP the hunter must present a vehicle registration card at the time of the hunting license purchase. The annual CAP is assigned to a single specified registered motor vehicle and may be transferred to another registered motor vehicle of the same ownership for a fee of $10.00. CAP transfers may be completed by logging into your Digital DNREC Account at: https://de.gov/DigitalDNREC. If you do not have a Digital DNREC Account or need more information please call the Recreational Licensing Office at (302) 739-9918 or email [email protected].
If a free annual CAP is not selected during the purchase of the hunting license, one may be obtained by logging into your Digital DNREC Account at: https://de.gov/DigitalDNREC or by contacting the Division of Fish & Wildlife Recreational Licensing Office and providing the hunter’s driver’s license, hunting license and a vehicle registration card. Manual requests are processed in the order they are received and may take up to four weeks.
The CAP must be displayed in the assigned vehicle as described on the Pass.
The Pass is available annually July 1 - June 30 and is valid from the date of the hunting license purchase until June 30. The non-resident 3 day hunting license receives a free annual Pass.
License exempt hunters not purchasing a hunting license, who use a motor vehicle to access State Wildlife Areas, must purchase the Pass.
Hunters who are issued a free Pass may purchase additional Passes if they use multiple vehicles throughout the year to access State Wildlife Areas where the Pass is required. The annual CAP may be purchased online at https://de.gov/DigitalDNREC, at authorized license agents throughout the state, or at the Division’s licensing desk in the Richardson & Robbins Building, 89 Kings Highway, Dover, DE. Remember to have your vehicle registration card available at the time of purchase. If you have questions about purchasing the Pass, please call the Division’s Recreational Licensing Office at 302-739-9918.
Hunters using a motor vehicle to access a State Wildlife Area to hunt from a waterfowl blind or deer stand must also have the Pass displayed in the vehicle. See Public Lands Hunting & Trapping for more information.
State Wildlife Areas exempt from the annual CAP include the C&D Canal Conservation Area, including the Michael N. Castle Trail, designated fishing and boating access areas, educational facilities and shooting ranges. Additional areas may also be exempt. For a complete list of areas where the Pass is required or areas where the Pass is exempt, please visit our website https://de.gov/fw or call the Division’s Wildlife Section at 302-739-9912.
A Conservation Access Pass shall not be required to access applicable lands leased from the Department, provided access is for the purpose for which such lands are leased. For more information on furbearer trapping leases see the State Wildlife Areas section on Furbearer Trapping & Hunting.
Resident Senior Lifetime Conservation Access Pass
Effective July 1, 2022, Delaware residents age 65 and older have the option to purchase a Resident Senior Lifetime Conservation Access Pass for a one-time fee of $65. Individuals who purchase this Resident Senior Lifetime Pass are permitted access to the same designated Delaware State Wildlife Areas as other Conservation Access Pass holders.
The Resident Senior Lifetime Pass remains effective as long as the holder remains a Delaware resident. Unlike other Conservation Access Passes that are assigned to a single vehicle’s registration, the Resident Senior Lifetime Pass is assigned to an individual and is non-transferable to another individual. The Resident Senior Lifetime Pass can be used in any vehicle provided the Pass holder is the driver or passenger of the vehicle accessing a Delaware State Wildlife Area where passes are required. The Resident Senior Lifetime Pass must be displayed on the driver’s side front dashboard of the motor vehicle while in use.
The Resident Senior Lifetime Pass may be purchased online at https://de.gov/DigitalDNREC, at authorized license agents throughout the state, or at the Division’s licensing desk in the Richardson & Robbins Building, 89 Kings Highway, Dover, DE. If you have questions about purchasing the Resident Senior Lifetime Conservation Access Pass, please call the Division’s Recreational Licensing Office at 302-739-9918.
State Wildlife Areas Requiring a Conservation Access Pass
Assawoman Wildlife Area (including the Okie Preserve)
- Except to launch a boat, fish or crab at Sassafras and Mulberry Landing boating access areas, Strawberry Landing dock and pavilion, and Memorial Pond
Augustine Wildlife Area
- Except Augustine Beach boating access area
Blackiston Wildlife Area
Cedar Swamp Wildlife Area
- Except Collins Beach boating access area
Eagles Nest Wildlife Area
Industrial Forest Land Wildlife Area – Barr and Laurel Complexes
Little Creek Wildlife Area
- Except Port Mahon boating access area, DNREC Offices
Marshy Hope Wildlife Area
McGinnis Pond Wildlife Area
- Except McGinnis Pond boating access area
Midlands Wildlife Area
Milford Neck Wildlife Area
- Except DuPont Nature Center and Cedar Creek boating access area
Nanticoke Wildlife Area
- Except Phillips Landing boating access area
Norman G. Wilder Wildlife Area (including the C&R Center)
Old Furnace Wildlife Area
- Except Concord Pond boating access area
Prime Hook Wildlife Area
Tappahanna Wildlife Area
Ted Harvey Conservation Area
- Except Scottons Landing boating access area and the Logan Lane Fishing Pond
Woodland Beach Wildlife Area
- Except Woodland Beach boating access area, fishing pier, Aquatic Resources Education Center and associated fishing ponds
A Conservation Access Pass is not required to access the C&D Canal Conservation Area including the Michael N. Castle Trail.
Fishing access areas listed in the Delaware Fishing Guide do not require a Conservation Access Pass, except for certain non-fishing/boating uses at Assawoman Wildlife Area as indicated above.
Please refer to area specific maps available online at https://de.gov/wamaps, the DNREC building in Dover, or call the Wildlife section at 302-739-9912 for allowable activities on each Wildlife Area.
General Wildlife Area Rules
Regulated hunting and trapping is authorized throughout many state wildlife areas. Please refer to the various season tables found within this guide for specific dates. Additionally, refer to Public Lands Hunting & Trapping of this guide and specific area maps for more information.
The following rules and regulations apply to all wildlife areas owned or managed by the Division of Fish and Wildlife unless other-wise authorized by written permit from the Director or regional office. For additional area specific rules please see the respective State Wildlife Area map.
- A Conservation Access Pass is required for any registered motor vehicle used to access designated Delaware State Wildlife Areas for any allowable activities, including hunting, birdwatching, hiking and photography.
- Entry is permitted between 1/2 hour before sunrise and 1/2 hour after sunset unless lawfully hunting, fishing or boating.
- All lands administered by the Division are Carry-In / Carry-Out. Littering or dumping trash including yard waste is prohibited.
- Releasing or otherwise introducing any species of domestic or wild animal onto lands administered by the Division is prohibited, unless in accordance with the statutes or regulations governing dog training activities.
- The following activities are prohibited on State Wildlife Areas:
- Damaging or defacing buildings, equipment, structures, signs or land features
- Operating or possessing radio-controlled drones, boats and other vehicles, or the launching of model rockets
- Allowing dogs to run off leash. See area hunting maps for dog training and hunting information related to dogs
- Camping
- Open fires of any type
- Swimming
- Posting signs, banners or notices of any type
- Vending or soliciting of any type
- Cutting or removing firewood
- Placing caches or letterboxes
- Using a metal detector
- Cutting, injuring or removing trees, shrubs, wildflowers, ferns, mosses or other plants
- Collecting and/or removing any wildlife species unless lawfully hunting, trapping or fishing
- Driving or operating any unlicensed motor vehicle
- Driving any motorized vehicle off maintained roadways or driving in excess of 20 MPH on wildlife area roads
- Riding horses or bicycles (including electric bicycles) anywhere other than on maintained roads or trails that have been designated by the Division on current area maps.
- Parking in a manner that blocks access to a road, trail, or boat ramp. Violators will be towed at owner’s expense
- Leaving a vehicle or trailer unattended for more than 24 hours
- Crabbing or fishing on or from any dike or water control structure or within any impoundment administered by the Division is prohibited.
- Licensed fishing is prohibited in any wildlife area pond from September 1 through January 31 and Monday through Saturday during the spring turkey season except where permitted according to area specific rules established on current area maps.
- Licensed fishing is permitted according to area specific rules established on current area maps.
Conservation Access Pass |
|
Conservation Access Pass Costs* |
Price |
Resident Annual Conservation Access Pass |
$32.50 |
Resident 3 Day Conservation Access Pass |
$10.00 |
Resident Senior Lifetime Conservation Access Pass |
$65.00 |
Non-Resident Annual Conservation Access Pass |
$65.00 |
Non-Resident 3 Day Conservation Access Pass |
$20.00 |
Transfer to Vehicle of Same Ownership (Dover Office or Online) |
$10.00 |
Wildlife Area Maps
Did You Know?
Delaware’s Wildlife Area Maps are now interactive and available online.
You can now:
- Access them with your mobile device in the field.
- Zoom in and out for better details about your favorite spots.
- Get all the information on a wildlife area in one easy location.
Each Wildlife Area is complete with maps for:
- General Overview
- Hunting
- Sunday Hunting
- Birding
Go to https://de.gov/wamaps and click on the button for the online maps to access them today!