• CHECK OUT THE F&W WEBSITE: WWW.FW.DELAWARE.GOV •

2015-2016 DELAWARE HUNTING & TRAPPING

WE BRING YOU DELAWARE’S GREAT OUTDOORS THROUGH SCIENCE AND SERVICE

REMINDERS FOR 2015 REGISTERING A DEER? USE HUNTER/TRAPPER REGISTRATION SYSTEM page 3 OBTAIN YEARLY L.E.N. IF YOU ARE A LICENSE EXEMPT HUNTER 2015 Photo Contest Winners page 13 page 4

Hunter/Trapper Registration System Follow us on www.dnrec.delaware.gov/delhunt Facebook!

DELAWARE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL: DIVISION OF FISH AND WILDLIFE IT’S A WHOLE NEW ANIMAL. THE ALL-NEW WOLVERINE.™ Introducing the latest member of the Yamaha off-road family. One of the wild’s most tenacious and aggressive creatures, its ability to traverse extreme terrain with superior handling and off-road capability is unparalleled. It features Yamaha’s legendary Ultramatic® automatic transmission, On-Command® 4WD, class-leading long-travel suspension, plus so much more. The all-new Wolverine. It’s an entirely new breed of off-road animal.

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Professional drivers depicted on a closed course. Always protect the environment and wear your seat belt, helmet, eye protection and protective clothing. Read the owner’s manual and product warning labels before operation. Model shown with Genuine Yamaha Accessories. ©2015 Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. All rights reserved. • YamahaWolverine.com

YMS_NewHampshire_Wolverine_Full_page_1a.indd 1 5/5/15 3:55 PM CONTENTS 2 FISH AND WILDLIFE DIRECTORY 28 MIGRATORY BIRD HUNTING SECTION Harvest Information Program...... 28 3 ESSENTIAL NEWS AND REMINDERS Youth Hunt...... 28 4 PHOTO CONTEST WINNERS Small Boat Equipment Requirements...... 29 Snow Geese...... 30 6 GENERAL HUNTING INFORMATION Waterfowl...... 30 Prohibited Methods of Take...... 6 Legal Method of Take...... 7 32 FURBEARER TRAPPING Operation Game Theft...... 8 AND HUNTING SECTION Private Landowner Assistance...... 8 Trapping Season Dates...... 32 Trapping Prohibitions...... 32 9 YOUTH HUNTING Hunting Seasons...... 32 10 WILDLIFE AREA SPOTLIGHTS 34 PUBLIC LANDS HUNTING 12 LICENSING AND PERMITS SECTION AND TRAPPING SECTION Public Hunting Lands...... 34 14 LICENSE $$$ WORKING FOR YOU Waterfowl Hunting on Public Lands...... 34 16 DELAWARE DEER HARVEST AT A GLANCE Deer Hunting on Public Lands...... 34 Rules for State Wildlife Areas...... 35 17 DEER HUNTING SECTION Rules for Hunting on State Forest Service Lands...... 36 Season Dates...... 17 Hunting on Federal Refuges...... 37 Automated Deer Checking System...... 17 Lottery Application for Public Land Hunts...... 40 Chronic Wasting Disease...... 18 Handgun Hunting...... 19 39 DELAWARE HUNTER Youth/Non-Ambulatory Hunt...... 20 EDUCATION PROGRAM Courses Offered...... 40 22 WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT ZONES Directions to Class Locations...... 41 24 SMALL GAME HUNTING SECTION Live Fire Liability Waiver...... 42 Season Dates...... 24 44 SUNRISE/SUNSET TABLE Bullfrog and Snapping Turtle Seasons...... 24 26 WILD TURKEY HUNTING SECTION Season Dates...... 26 Legal Firearms, Bows and Shot Sizes...... 26 Public Land Permits by Area...... 26 Seen Any Turkeys? (Turkey Survey)...... 27

FROM THE DIRECTOR OF THE DIVISION OF FISH AND WILDLIFE

How does the Division of Fish and Science defines and guides how we approach wildlife popula- Wildlife’s guiding slogan We Bring tion management. Wildlife science involves population surveys and You Delaware’s Great Outdoors scientific studies to manage wildlife populations at sustainable levels through Science and Service result through game bag limits and hunting and trapping seasons for the in a successful and enjoyable hunting benefit of current and future hunters and trappers. or trapping trip? Service defines and guides our commitment to you as our hunter and We Bring You Delaware’s Great trapper customer. Our services include managing wildlife populations Outdoors involves your Division of and providing public Wildlife Areas, hunter education and hunting and Fish and Wildlife working for you to trapping license sales. Hunting and trapping license sales generate provide opportunities for successful the funds needed to fund these services that provide you a quality hunting and trapping experiences in hunting experience in Delaware’s great outdoors. Delaware’s scenic and varied out- I hope to see you in the great outdoors and wish you a memorable, door destinations. The division man- safe and productive hunting and trapping season… ages a variety of wildlife species and populations to provide you quality hunting and trapping opportunities. We provide public hunting access at 16 Wildlife Areas, encompassing nearly 57,000 acres throughout David E. Saveikis - Director the state, that contain a variety of wildlife habitats and hunter access facilities, as well as trapping opportunities.

2015-2016 DELAWARE HUNTING AND TRAPPING GUIDE 1 FISH & WILDLIFE DIRECTORY

• CHECK OUT THE F&W WEBSITE : WWW.FW.DELAWARE.GOV •

2015-2016 STATE OF DELAWARE DELAWARE Jack A. Markell HUNTING & TRAPPING WE BRING YOU DELAWARE’S GREAT OUTDOORS THROUGH SCIENCE AND SERVICE Governor REMINDERS FOR DELAWARE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES 2015 REGISTERING A AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL DEER? USE HUNTER/TRAPPER REGISTRATION SYSTEM page 3 David S. Small OBTAIN YEARLY L.E.N. IF YOU ARE A LICENSE Secretary EXEMPT HUNTER 2015 Photo Contest Winners page 13 page 4

Hunter/Trapper Registration System DIVISION OF FISH AND WILDLIFE www.dnrec.delaware.gov/delhunt Follow us on Facebook!

DELAWARE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES David E. Saveikis AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL : Director DIVISION OF FISH AND WILDLIFE ADVISORY COUNCIL ON WILDLIFE AND FRESHWATER FISH: About this Guide Edward Montague, Chair This high-quality regulation guide is offered to you Garrett Grier, Jr., Vice Chair by the Delaware Department of Natural Resources Robert Nichols and Environmental Control through its unique Raymond Burris partnership with J.F. Griffin Publishing, LLC. Steven Kendus Neil Dukes J.F. Griffin is an award winning publishing house Joe Johnson that specializes in producing state fish & wildlife Craig Karsnitz regulation books. J.F. Griffin supports DNREC’s staff in the design, layout and editing of the guides. They Terry Ratliff also manage the marketing and sales of advertising to appropriate businesses within the book. State and Federal law prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion and/ or disability. Complaints or inquiries should be directed to: Human Resource Office, Department of Natural The revenue generated through ad sales signifi- Resources and Environmental Control, 89 Kings Highway, Dover, DE 19901. cantly lowers production costs and generates sav- ings. These savings translate into additional funds This summary is for the convenience of the hunters and trappers and is not intended to cover all hunting laws for other important wildlife and habitat programs. and regulations. For specific provisions, reference should be made to Title 7, Delaware Code. When federal and state laws conflict, the law which is more restrictive governs. If you have any feedback or are interested in advertising, please contact us at 413.884.1001 FOR THE ACTUAL WORDING OF THE WILDLIFE STATUTES AND REGULATIONS, AS WELL AS A WIDE VARIETY OF or online at www.JFGriffin.com OTHER INFORMATION, VISIT THE DIVISION’S WEBSITE at www.fw.delaware.gov

Designers: Jon Gulley, Dane Fay, Evelyn Haddad, Erin Murphy, DIRECTORY Chris Sobolowski

DELAWARE DIVISION OF FISH AND WILDLIFE RECREATIONAL LICENSING SECTION Main Office – Richardson and Robbins Building, License information for fishing, 89 Kings Highway, Dover, Delaware 19901 hunting and trapping - (302) 739-9918 Open 8:00 A.M. – 4:30 P.M. – Mon. thru Fri. Boat Registration, Boat Ramp Certificates and except on Holidays Commercial Fisheries Information - (302) 739-9916 WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT ENFORCEMENT SECTION – (302) 739-9913 SECTION – (302) 739-9912 Enforcement Complaints – 1-800-523-3336 Enforcement County Offices – 430 Main St. Suite 5 | Williamstown, MA 01267 Wildlife Regional Offices New Castle and Kent: 739-6139; Region 1- Augustine WA, New Castle County Sussex: 855-1901 834-8433 Boating Education – 739-9915 Region 2 -Norman G. Wilder WA, Kent County 284-1077 OPERATION GAME THEFT – 1-800-292-3030 Region 3 -Assawoman WA, Sussex County 539-3160 FEDERAL WILDLIFE INFORMATION– U.S. DERPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR available online Wildlife Check Stations Enforcement U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Office, Little Creek: 739-4610 70 Sarah Circle, Suite F in a new Digital Edition! Cedar Swamp: 653-8080 Camden, DE 19934 Phone: (302) 697-1612 Woodland Beach: 653-4802 Fully searchable Email pages Augustine: 836-7294 Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge, near Smyrna Phone: (302) 653-9345 Live hyperlinks to One-click printing Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge, near Milton Hunter Education – (302) 735-3600 expanded content Phone: (302) 684-8419 Ommelanden Range – (302) 323-5333 DIVISION WEBSITE: www.fw.delaware.gov DIVISION FACEBOOK PAGE: www.facebook.com/DelawareFishWildlife

2 2015-2016 DELAWARE HUNTING AND TRAPPING GUIDE ESSENTIAL NEWS AND REMINDERS

ESSENTIAL NEWS AND REMINDERS FOR THE 2015-2016 HUNTING/TRAPPING SEASON

NEW CWD RESTRICTIONS HUNTER/TRAPPER SNOW GEESE • New counties have been added to Virginia REGISTRATION SYSTEM • Conservation Order: The snow goose Conser- and Pennsylvania’s list of counties with deer • Hunters and trappers that need to register a vation Order is expected to reopen during the carcass import restrictions. harvested deer or obtain a HIP Number, Li- winter and spring of 2016 after other waterfowl cense Exempt Number (LEN), or Snow Goose hunting is closed. See page 18 for more information. Conservation Order Permit Number may do so by visiting www.dnrec.delaware.gov/delhunt See page 30 for more information. HUNTING AND TRAPPING or by calling the toll free number 1-855-DEL- REGULATION CHANGES HUNT (1-855-335-4868). Note that the Snow New hunting and trapping regulation changes Goose Conservation Order Permit is only avail- were implemented in 2014 for the following: able through the web site. If you have problems • Coyote hunting and trapping season with these systems, call (302) 735-3600 during normal business hours (8:00a.m. - 4:30p.m.) • Nutria trapping season Monday - Friday.

• Trapping methods

• Red fox trapping season

See page 32 for more information. LICENSE EXEMPT HUNTERS FERAL SWINE REGULATIONS • Hunters and trappers that are license exempt • It shall be unlawful to release swine (pigs) into are required to obtain an annual License the wild, charge a fee for the purpose of killing Exempt Number (LEN) at no cost. swine, or shoot swine without first obtaining a permit from the Division. See page 13 for more information.

Delaware Division of Fish & Wildlife We Bring You Delaware’s Great Outdoors Through Science and Service

2015-2016 DELAWARE HUNTING AND TRAPPING GUIDE 3 Photo Contest Photo entries must have been taken in Delaware . Each year, judges look for pho- tos that best portray the theme. The 36 hunting photo entries received were judged by Fish and Wildlife Director, David Saveikis, and DNREC employees WinnersThe Division of Fish and Wildlife’s 2014 raphy competitions, geared toward hunting Tony Pratt and Freda Barrett. The winning Hunting and Fishing Photo Contests mark and fishing activities. The 2014 hunting photos are featured here while the winning the fourth year of these statewide photog- photo theme was “Hunters in Action”. photo is also on the cover.

1st Place 2nd Place “Sunrise Over Assawoman Bay” taken by Scott Lee of “A Great Day of Duck Hunting!” taken by Laurel, featuring Tommy Lee at the Assawoman Wildlife Angela Garcia of Smyrna, featuring Dominic Area in Frankford Garcia at the Cedar Swamp Wildlife Area in Townsend

In addition, three honorable mentions were selected and are presented here:

“The Ducks Don’t Stand a Chance!” “The Morning Hunt” taken by Colby “Sunrise Gaze” taken by Allan taken by Angela Garcia of Smyrna, Reynolds of Milton, featuring Blake Austin Gardner-Bowler of featuring Dominic Garcia at the Cedar Fletcher in Milton Milford, featuring Dominique Swamp Wildlife Area in Townsend Gabriella Rodriguez-Costa Tusso in Milford

For information about future contests, visit Congratulations to all the winners! www.fw.delaware.gov/education

4 2015-2016 DELAWARE HUNTING AND TRAPPING GUIDE Meet the new RTV X-Series: Redefi ned. Rugged. Ready.

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Meet the newNew, truck-inspired RTV X-Series: styling. Improved suspension.Redefi Higher ned. Rugged. Ready. ground clearance. More legroom. Plus a rugged 21.8 HP RTV-X900 Kubota diesel engine. America’s top-selling diesel utility vehicle is now even better! New, truck-inspired styling. Improved suspension. Higher ground clearance. More legroom. Plus a rugged 21.8 HP RTV-X900 Kubota diesel engine. America’s top-selling diesel utility vehicle is now even better!

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Sales • Service Rental • Parts Bring on the rain, snow, heat and wind. You’ll stay comfortable Power through tough workloads. Glide over hilly, bumpy RTV-X1100C in the RTV-X1100C’s luxurious, fully-enclosed, factory-installedBring on the rain, snow,RTV-X1120D heat and wind. You’ll stay comfortableor rocky terrain. It’s easy with a 24.8 HP KubotaPower diesel through tough workloads. Glide over hilly,– bumpy Serving Delmarva since 1949 – cab with air/heat/defrost and more. Powered by a ruggedin the RTV-X1100C’s luxurious, fully-enclosed, factory-installedengine—plus the new Extra Duty Independentor rocky Rear terrain. It’s easy with a 24.8 HP Kubota diesel 24.8 HP Kubota diesel engine.RTV-X1100C cab with air/heat/defrost and more. Powered by a ruggedSuspension (IRS) foundRTV-X1120D on all RTV X-Series models.engine—plusNew, truck-inspired the styling. new Improved Extra suspension. Duty Independent Higher Rear ground clearance. More legroom. Plus a rugged 21.8 HP Newark 24.8 HP Kubota diesel engine. RTV-X900 SuspensionKubota diesel (IRS) engine. foundAmerica’s ontop-selling all RTV diesel X-Series utility models. vehicle is now even better! 2063 Pulaski Hwy/Rt 40 Bring on the rain, snow, heat and wind. You’ll stay comfortable Power through tough workloads. Glide over hilly, bumpy 302-365-6000 in the RTV-X1100C’s luxurious, fully-enclosed, factory-installed or rocky terrain. It’s easy with a 24.8 HP Kubota diesel RTV-X1100C cab with air/heat/defrost and more. Powered by a rugged RTV-X1120D engine—plus the new Extra Duty Independent Rear 24.8 HP Kubota diesel engine. Suspension (IRS) found on all RTV X-Series models. Felton 54 Andrews Lake Rd/Rt 13 302-284-0123 Delmar 11196 E. Snake Rd/Rt 13 Bring on the rain, snow, heat and wind. You’ll stay comfortable Power through tough workloads. Glide over hilly, bumpy in the RTV-X1100C’s luxurious, fully-enclosed, factory-installed or rocky terrain. It’s easy with a 24.8 HP Kubota diesel RTV-X1100C cab with air/heat/defrost and more. Powered by a rugged RTV-X1120D engine—plus the new Extra Duty Independent Rear 302-248-7070 24.8 HP Kubota diesel engine. Suspension (IRS) found on all RTV X-Series models. Open Mon - Fri 8am – 5pm Saturday 8am - Noon www.kubota.com www.kubota.com March - October www.kubota.com © Kubota Tractor Corporation, 2014 © Kubota Tractor Corporation, 2014 © Kubota Tractor Corporation, 2014 www.burkeequipment.com

www.kubota.comATTENTION WILD TURKEY HUNTERS © Kubota Tractor Corporation, 2014

i’d like to join the national Wild turkey federation, a non- profit organization dedicated to the conservation of the wild turkey and the preservation of the hunting tradition. this membership also enrolls me in my state and local chapters. Yes!❏ regular Member: $35 ❏ Women in the outdoors: $35 ❏ Wheelin’ sportsmen Member: $35 ❏ sponsor Member: $250 ❏ JaKes Member (ages 12 & under): $10 Your Delaware Chapters of the National Wild ❏ Xtreme JaKes Member (ages 13 - 17): $10 Turkey Federation, in cooperation with the Name: (please print) ______Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife HAS... ➢ RESTORED THE WILD TURKEY TO DELAWARE Signature: ______➢ TAUGHT WILD TURKEY HUNTING SAFETY CLASSES Address: ______➢ CONDUCTED OUTDOOR PROGRAMS FOR YOUTH, ______WOMEN AND THE DISABLED City: ______State: ____ Zip: ______➢ SERVED AS YOUR VOICE ON WILD TURKEY ISSUES Phone: ______Join us today to promote the future Join usof Delaware’stoday to help wild recruitturkey hunting, new hunters ❏ Master Card ❏ Visa and provide more huntable land. conservation, and outreach opportunities. Credit Card #: ______2016 BANQUET DATES AND MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION Date County Contact Exp. Date: ______TBA New Castle Mike Srunk [email protected] Make checks payable to NWTF. Send complete application to: March 5 Kent Chuck Barker 302-382-0532 February 20 Sussex Charles Spray 302-934-1301 Gary Showalter,Tom Spangler Sr., • • 173 2407 South Lighthouse Shore Dr. Rd, Smyrna,Dover, DE 1997719901 NWTF REMINDS YOU TO ALWAYS HUNT SAFELY 5 GENERAL HUNTING INFORMATION

PROHIBITED • Use night vision or infrared devices while • Use a shotgun capable of holding more than hunting. three shells in total except for snow geese dur- METHODS OF TAKE - ing the Conservation Order. • For specifics on waterfowl and other migratory IT IS UNLAWFUL TO: birds, see Federal Regulations at www.fws. • Use poison or explosive tip arrows. gov/le/hunting.html GENERAL • Use a punt or swivel gun or any gun not nor- • Hunt out-of-season, without a license, take FIREARMS AND mally fired from the shoulder. more than the daily limit, or possess unlaw- ARCHERY EQUIPMENT fully killed game. • Have a loaded firearm, or a cocked crossbow, FURBEARERS/TRAPPING in or on a motorboat while underway, or in, • Use a trap, snare, pitfall, deadfall, cage, net, pen, • Hunt within 100 yards of an occupied structure against, or on a motor vehicle or farm ma- baited hook, baited field, drug, poison, chemical (unless hunter is the owner or occupant, or has chinery. or explosive to take game, except that muskrats, permission from the owner or occupant) or mink, otter, raccoons, opossum, rabbits , ground- drop shot on buildings or people. In New Castle • Transport a muzzleloader with a charge in the hogs, red foxes, coyotes and beavers may be County, north of I-295 and I-95 the distance is barrel unless the cap or primer is removed and trapped as permitted by law. 200 yards. However, when hunting deer with the gun is enclosed in a case or the striking archery equipment, a hunter must be at least mechanism is removed. • Hunt muskrats with a dog. 50 yards from a structure. • Hunt at night (1/2 hour after sunset to 1/2 • Shoot or take muskrats or otters except by trap. • Discharge any firearm from or within 15 yards hour before sunrise) except that frogs, raccoons of public road or shoot across a public road or and opossum may be hunted at night using a MISCELLANEOUS right-of-way. handheld light. • Sell, trade, or barter any game or any parts thereof, except as permitted by law. Hunters • Trespass with gun or dog or trap on private • Take game using a shotgun larger than 10 gauge, shipping lawfully taken game shall first ob- property without prior permission of the land- a fully automatic loading gun (machine gun), or tain a notarized affidavit stating the game was owner whether or not the land is “posted.” use a centerfire rifle, except groundhogs, foxes lawfully killed, and include the name of the and coyotes may be hunted with a centerfire rifle. sender and the number of animals enclosed. • Damage any nest, den, or lair of game animals or birds. • Use a shot larger than No. 2, except when hunt- ing deer. Waterfowl hunters may use non-toxic • Use an artificial light to illuminate wildlife from shot up to size T. a motor vehicle for the purpose of hunting or Continued on page 7 observation.

IT IS UNLAWFUL TO HUNT ON SUNDAY, Except to chase red fox in season and on commercial shooting preserves.

Local ordinances may be more restrictive than state laws. Check before hunting in incorporated areas.

DO SOMETHING WILD!

Volunteer with the Division of Fish & Wildlife! The Division of Fish and Wildlife works hard to manage and improve wildlife populations, habitats and recreational facilities in its Wildlife Management Areas throughout the state – and you can help! Become a volunteer and be part of restoration efforts that will have a lasting impact for generations to come. Volunteer Calendar For questions or to volunteer, contact: The Division of Fish & Wildlife has an online volunteer calendar of Lynne Pusey at 302-735-3600 or [email protected]. events that can be viewed on the volunteer website. Projects and events are listed monthly and provide helpful information on project Learn about other DNREC volunteer opportunities at details, timelines and contacts. www.dnrec.delaware.gov/volunteer Volunteer Email Listserv Interested in receiving emails to learn about upcoming volunteer opportunities? Sign up for the volunteer email listserv and find out Visit the Fish & Wildlife Volunteer Website! about projects in advance! To sign up, click on the listserv link on the www.dnrec.delaware.gov/fw/volunteers volunteer website.

6 2015-2016 DELAWARE HUNTING AND TRAPPING GUIDE GENERAL HUNTING INFORMATION

Continued from page 6 SELECTED joins the skull to the tip of the antler following DEFINITIONS any curve of the antler. “Anterless Deer” shall mean any deer that has no • Shoot hawks, owls, or other wild birds, except Hunt: “Hunt” shall mean to chase, pursue, kill, antlers or antlers less than three inches in length. lawfully hunted game birds, house sparrows trap, take, or attempt to chase, pursue, kill, trap, or starlings. or take any form of wildlife. Longbow: “Longbow” shall mean a straight limb, reflex, recurve or compound bow. All crossbows • Possess live protected game animals. Possession: “Possession” in addition to its or variations thereof and mechanical holding and ordinary meaning includes the location in releasing devices are expressly excluded from • Obtain live rabbits from out-of-state without or about the defendant’s person, premises, the definition. a health certificate. belongings, vehicle or otherwise within his reasonable control. • Permit dogs to run at large at any time. (Ex- cept landowners of 20 acres or more may per- Seasons: “Seasons” shall be that period of time FUTURE GAME mit their dogs to run from October 1 through during which designated species of wildlife may February 28 on their own land.) be lawfully hunted pursuant to the regulations SEASONS of the Department. It shall be unlawful to hunt • Allow dogs to run at large between the hours those species of wildlife for which a “season” The dates for non-migratory game seasons have of sunset and sunrise by any person on any is designated at any time other than during been stabilized through the 2015/16 hunting sea- day. All dogs must be licensed. that “season.” son. Each year season dates will only be changed to adjust for calendar changes (except for biologi- • Use bait to hunt game, except bait may be Wildlife: “Wildlife” shall be any animal spe- cal emergencies). Public input on seasons will be used to hunt deer on privately-owned lands. cies not commonly under the domestication welcomed at monthly meetings of the Advisory of man and including but not limited to those Council on Wildlife and Freshwater Fish. The • It shall be unlawful to release swine (pigs) animals defined by statute as “game” or “pro- Council normally meets on the last Tuesday of into the wild, charge a fee for the purpose of tected wildlife.” most months in the Richardson and Robbins killing swine, or shoot swine without first Building, 89 Kings Highway, Dover, at 7:30 P.M. obtaining a permit from the Division. “Antlered Deer” shall mean any deer with one or more antlers three inches long or longer, measured from the base of the antler where it Continued on page 8 LEGAL METHODS OF TAKE: Squirrel, Rabbit, Pheasant, Quail: Longbow or shotgun using no larger than No. 2 shot. Shot- guns must be plugged to hold only 3 shells (in chamber and magazine combined). Additionally, Quality Deer Management Association squirrels only may be hunted with .17 through .22 caliber rimfire or pellet firearm with a rifled Delaware State Chapter barrel or a muzzleloader rifle of not larger than .36 caliber firing a round projectile.

Snapping Turtles: May be taken with gig, trap, Shoot or Don’t Shoot? net or spear. Frogs: May be taken with spear, gig, or hook. Your Choice. Deer: Longbow (in season) using sharpened broadhead arrows (min. width 7/8”). What a difference Shotgun no smaller than 20 gauge for deer hunt- a year makes! ing using rifle slug, pumpkin ball or buckshot and must be plugged to hold only 3 shells (in chamber and magazine combined). It is unlaw- ful to carry buckshot, rifle slug or pumpkin ball 1 ½ except while hunting for deer, and conversely, 2 ½ 3 ½ it is also unlawful to carry shot smaller than buckshot while deer hunting.

Muzzleloader no smaller than .42 caliber. MISCELLANEOUS Please remember to join us at our annual fundraising banquet February 13, 2016. PROVISIONS: Tickets will be available online Bullfrogs may be sold. National QDMA: www.qdma.com Visit us online at DelawareQDMA.org to learn Deer killed by motor vehicle may be retained by Chapter: www.DelawareQDMA.org the motorist killing the deer upon official tagging how QDMA can help you manage your deer herd. by the State Police or Division personnel. Chapter phone: 302-853-5244 DE QDMA, 24558 Cypress Road, Chapter email: [email protected] Frankford, DE 19945 7 GENERAL HUNTING INFORMATION

Continued from page 7 OPERATION GAME THEFT INFORMATION

What is “Operation Game Theft”? Class 3 – Reward: up to $100.00 The Operation Game Theft Fund was estab- 1. Hunting with an illegal type of weapon. WHAT DO I DO TO lished by the 130th General Assembly to 2. Hunting from a motor vehicle. assist in the apprehension and conviction of NOTE: An additional $100 reward will be REPORT GAME LAW game law violators. The fund is comprised of given by the Delaware Chapter of the National all the fines levied for violation of game laws Wild Turkey Federation for information leading VIOLATIONS? in this state and donations. The Legislature to the arrest and conviction of anyone illegally delegated the authority to the Division of Contact the Division of Fish and Wildlife Opera- killing a wild turkey in Delaware. Fish and Wildlife to designate offenses for tion Game Theft Hotline Toll-Free at 1-800-292- 3030 anytime, 24 hours a day. You will be given which rewards will be paid and the amount How do I get paid? an OGT Case Number. You do not need to give of the reward. You will be paid in cash by the agent to whom you gave your name. your name at this time. From this phone call, What types of offenses are covered under a Fish and Wildlife Natural Resources Police the O.G.T. Program? Will my identity be confidential? Officer will be dispatched or will return your Up to $1,000.00 can be rewarded for informa- YES call. Wildlife offenses need to be investigated immediately by enforcement agents if there is tion leading to the arrest and conviction of a person(s) involved in: Will I get paid for any information that I to be a chance of making an arrest. The longer provide? the delay in getting information to the agent, Class 1 – Reward up to $1,000.00 No. Only information which leads to the arrest the smaller the chances of obtaining an arrest and conviction of a violator. (Specific offenses and conviction. 1. Commercialization of Wildlife. 2. Killing of an endangered/threatened covered) species. PUBLIC OPINION Class 2 – Reward up to $500.00 It is the desire of the Division of Fish and Wildlife 1. Over limit of black ducks, canvasbacks, to continue to provide the highest level of service turkeys or Canada geese. to the public using our wildlife areas, boating 2. Poisoning wildlife. access areas, ponds, and marine resources. The 3. Interstate transportation of illegally taken management of the Division of Fish and Wildlife wildlife. invites comments or suggestions on the opera- 4. Gross over limits of wildlife. tion of our wildlife areas, wildlife management 5. Illegally hunting or trapping on a state programs, wildlife laws and regulations, or any game refuge. problems encountered with Division employees. 6. Hunting/Trapping out of season. To report game law To voice a comment or offer a suggestion, you 7. Possessing, tending or setting killer traps violations call: may contact the office of the Director of Fish and with a jaw spread in excess of 5 inches. Wildlife at (302) 739-9910 or write to the Director 8. Illegally hunting at night. 1-800-292-3030 of Fish and Wildlife at 89 Kings Highway, Dover, Delaware 19901. Your comments or suggestions will be forwarded to the proper individual for consideration. KEEPING COMMON SPECIES COMMON PR I VAT E L A N DOW NER Updating Delaware’s Wildlife Action Plan ASSISTANCE The Division of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) is tions, in both the public and private sectors continuing its 2015 Delaware Wildlife Action to identify conservation issues and develop Delaware landowners hold over 80% of the land Plan revision process. Over the past year we actions to conserve wildlife species and their in Delaware, making them powerful decision- have made significant progress by working habitats. It will serve as a blueprint for wild- makers when it comes to land development and conservation. As land development increases, with conservation partners, wildlife experts, life conservation for the state. Residents of so does the pressure on wildlife habitat, species, and other key stakeholders throughout the Delaware play an important role in the revi- and natural resources. Conservation efforts made state and region to develop a comprehen- sion of the Delaware Wildlife Action Plan and by landowners are necessary to ensure healthy sive plan to conserve vulnerable wildlife and its successful implementation. Please visit ecosystems and wildlife populations that future natural places, enhancing the quality of life www.fw.delaware.gov/dwap to learn more generations are entitled to enjoy. To support land- in Delaware. The plan is non regulatory - about Delaware’s Wildlife Action Plan revi- owners in this effort, many state and federal agen- it is a guide and template on how to keep sion and find out how you can contribute to cies offer incentive programs with technical and common species common and prevent rare the process! financial assistance available to restore or enhance species from becoming endangered. This For more information, contact Joe Rogerson wildlife habitat. There are several programs avail- revision will update the 2005 assessment at 302-735-3600 or the DE Wildlife Action Plan able within DNREC that aim to engage landown- of Delaware’s wildlife and natural places, Development Team at DEwildlifeactionplan@ ers in conservation efforts. DNREC also partners identify the problems they face, and outline gmail.com. with federal and private organizations to achieve actions needed to conserve them over the the same goal of conserving natural resources for long term. This qualifies DNREC for matching a more livable Delaware. Federal State Wildlife Action Grant program Delaware Wildlife Action Plan funds to support conservation of Species For more information, contact Jason Davis at of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) and (302) 735-3606. their habitats. This effort will continue to work with partners and stakeholders from agen- Keeping Today’s Wildlife from Becoming Tomorrow’s Memory cies, universities, nongovernmental organiza-

8 2015-2016 DELAWARE HUNTING AND TRAPPING GUIDE YOUTH HUNTING INFORMATION

YOUTH HUNTING 2015-16 SCHEDULED YOUTH HUNTS INFORMATION Youth/Non-ambulatory Disabled Deer Hunt: The Division of Fish & Wildlife is committed November 7, 2015 to providing safe and responsible hunting op- portunities for youth in Delaware. The Division’s established youth hunting Youth/Non-ambulatory Disabled Turkey Hunt: programs support Delaware’s recent Children in April 2, 2016 Nature Initiative, a statewide effort to improve environmental literacy in Delaware, create op- portunities for children to participate in enrich- Youth Waterfowl Hunting Days: ing outdoor experiences, combat childhood October 17, 2015 and February 6, 2016 obesity, and promote healthy lifestyles. Dela- ware’s multi-agency initiative, which partners several state and federal agencies with com- munity organizations, is part of the No Child • Question: Does an adult accompanying a and turkey safety course card even if the adult Left Inside program. youth hunting waterfowl need to have a is not hunting? Also, does the adult need a license and waterfowl stamps if he/she is not license and permit if he/she is calling but HUNTER EDUCATION CLASSES hunting and not in possession of a firearm? not in possession of a firearm? Youth 10 years and older are required to take Also, does the adult need a license and wa- a Hunter Education course before purchasing terfowl stamps if he/she is calling, but not Answer: Yes. The accompanying adult must a hunting license. Youth under the age of 10 in possession of a firearm? have a valid license and must have completed may accompany an adult to a Hunter Education an approved turkey hunting education course. course, but will need to take the course again Answer: Yes. Youth hunters must be accom- Also, the accompanying adult must be at least when they reach the age of 10. panied by a licensed adult who has both a 21 years of age. state and federal waterfowl (duck) stamp. If PURCHASING A HUNTING LICENSE the accompanying adult does not have a state • Question: Does a Junior Hunter need to have • Both resident and non-resident youth ages and federal waterfowl (duck) stamp, the adult a public lands blind site permit? 13 through 15 must purchase a junior license DOES NOT have the lawful right to hunt and to hunt. may not accompany the youth hunter. Answer: Yes, unless the hunter is participat- ing in a Division of Fish & Wildlife youth • Both resident and non-resident youth under • Question: Does an adult accompanying a hunting day. the age of 13 must obtain a License Exempt youth hunting turkey need to have a license Number (LEN) and must be accompanied by a person who is the lawful holder of a hunting license or has a lawful right to hunt. • Youth under the age of 16 do not need to SOUTHERN purchase a State Waterfowl (Duck) Stamp. HOPKINS FREQUENTLY ASKED YOUTH SPORTSMAN GUN SHOP HUNTING QUESTIONS: Hunting Lodge, Inc. • Question: If a youth licensed hunter (age 13-15) turns 16 in the middle of a hunting • season, does that person need to purchase Father/Son Hunts an adult hunting license? • Corporate Discounts for 6 or more Answer: Yes. In this case, the youth should consider purchasing an adult hunting license • Great Prices! instead of a youth hunting license in antici- (No Trophy Fees) pation of turning 16 during the course of the hunting season. • Great Lodging With • Question: Can a person under the age of 18 Excellent obtain a guide license? Meals! Answer: No. Guides must be 18 years of age or older. • Question: Does an adult accompanying a New & Used Guns youth hunting need to have a hunting li- cense? Gun Safes · Ammo

Answer: Yes. A youth must be accompanied by Beretta Direct Dealer a licensed hunter who has the lawful right to hunt. Also, if a youth is hunting his/her own property of 20 acres or more and are license Book Your Lifetime Memory Now! exempt, the youth may be accompanied by a license exempt hunter who also has a lawful www.southernhunting.com right to hunt that property. William Lyon 334-467-1830 Dave Lyon 334-412-3368 302.684.4878 — Alabama’s Black Belt — 18647 Josephs Road · Milton, DE 9 WILDLIFE AREA SPOTLIGHTS:

NEW CASTLE COUNTY | Cedar Swamp Wildlife Area The Cedar Swamp Wildlife Area, located in southern New Castle grass density and promote the growth of flowers and other herbaceous County, encompasses nearly 6,000 acres of upland and tidal marsh plants that are extremely valuable to numerous wildlife species. These habitats. Cedar Swamp is comprised of three separate areas; the main plants are critical for many insect and other pollinator species, which tract which spans from Collins Beach to the Smyrna River; and the in turn are beneficial to local farmers and even your home garden! Bell and Rocks Tracts located a few miles north along the banks of the Managers also frequently burn in late winter or early spring. Burning Blackbird Creek. Visitors to Cedar Swamp will notice eastern red cedar at this time of year helps reduce the amount of woody vegetation, re- growing throughout the area and often believe this to be the reason for moves much of the dead thatch layer created by several years of grass the area’s name, while in fact Cedar Swamp actually got its name from growth, helps control invasive species, and promotes an earlier green the Atlantic white cedar that once dominated the marsh, and whose up that is attractive to many wildlife species. Most fields are burned dead stumps can still be seen rising above the marsh grass in some areas. every 3-7 years depending upon individual conditions and the manage- The habitats found within the Cedar Swamp Wildlife Area are some ment objectives for the particular field. By having fields on different of the most diverse and pristine in Delaware, in large part because rotational schedules, the Division of Fish and Wildlife can ensure that the watershed has the least amount of development and impervious there is always a diversity of habitats available for all wildlife species. surface of any watershed in the state. In recent years the Division of For those seeking outdoor recreation, Cedar Swamp has much to offer. Fish and Wildlife, in partnership with PSE&G, has been working to Hunters will find abundant deer, waterfowl, turkey, and small game restore the tidal marshes within Cedar Swamp, and have successfully populations and should refer to the area maps for special regulations. converted what was once a phragmites dominated system into one For wing shooting enthusiasts, fields on the Guestford and Rocks tracts that now contains a diverse mixture of native wetland plants. Visitors are planted annually with either sunflowers or winter wheat, and are taking a stroll through Cedar Swamp’s uplands will encounter habitats open to dove hunting via lottery. The many access roads and deer stand of nearly every type including early successional grass and wildflower trails throughout the area provide excellent access for bird watching, fields, brushy fields and hedgerows, and various aged mixed hardwood wildlife viewing, or simply getting some exercise. During most of the and pine forests. One of the unique features of Cedar Swamp is the year many of the access gates are closed to prevent vehicular access but abundance of seasonally wet areas known as vernal pools. These pools these areas can still be accessed on foot. Anglers can use the boat ramp typically hold water during the fall, winter, and spring before drying at Collins Beach to access the Delaware River and Bay as well as the out in the summer. This dry period prevents fish from being able to adjacent tidal marshes in pursuit of white perch, striped bass, blue crabs, survive but provides perfect breeding habitat for frogs and salaman- and a multitude of other species. The Collins Beach ramp is also a good ders. Numerous ponds, small impoundments, and wetlands can also location to launch your canoe or kayak, however careful attention should be found scattered throughout the property which in addition to being be given to the tide schedule as currents can be quite swift at times. home to several rare plant and animal species, are great places to view wintering waterfowl and migrating shorebirds. A keen eye may also notice the relative lack of many common invasive plant species, as the Division of Fish and Wildlife has spent a great deal of time controlling and has nearly eliminated species such as autumn olive, multi-flora rose, mile-a-minute, and Canada thistle from the main tract of Cedar Swamp. During late winter and early spring, many of the grass fields and agricultural buffers will appear black and charred which is no accident. Prescribed fire is one of the management tools used heavily by area managers to help maintain early successional grass and native flower habitats. By burning fields in late fall managers can reduce the overall

10 2015-2016 DELAWARE HUNTING AND TRAPPING GUIDE WILDLIFE AREA SPOTLIGHTS:

KENT COUNTY | Norman G. Wilder Wildlife Area The Norman G. Wilder Wildlife Area comprises approximately 4,441 original hydrology to the forests. The area has a nice mix of agricultural acres in western Kent County. It is named after the Division of Fish & ground and old field/brush habitat. Farm ground is competitively Wildlife’s first director, Norm Wilder, who assumed that position in leased out and farmers must leave some of the crop for wildlife. Farm 1948 and actively pursued the acquisition of many properties in today’s fields are surrounded by buffers of old field habitat to provide small wildlife area system. Although named for Mr. Wilder many locals still game habitat and to reduce runoff. An active effort of creating shallow refer to this area as “Petersburg” due to the location of the main tract water wetlands in wet agricultural fields has been in place for years. near this town. There are actually 5 tracts that comprise the area: The The area has over 9 miles of internal dirt roads that offer hunter access, Petersburg tract is the largest at 3,285 acres and is the southernmost; hiking, bird watching and horseback riding opportunities. the Bartsch tract lies on either side of Berrytown Road and is 186 acres; By far the most popular type of hunting on Wilder is for deer followed the Willow Grove tract lies north of the town it is named for and is by wild turkeys. The oak forests provide plenty of cover and food in the second largest at 772 acres; the Caulk tract and its 143 acres can be the form of mast for these species. In fact the #4 non-typical whitetail accessed from Route 10 and the 55 acres of the Bennett tract lies south ever taken in Delaware came from this area in 2004. Rabbit hunting is of Mud Mill Road. The majority of the area lies in the Choptank River also popular and fields are planted with sunflowers to provide dove Watershed except for a small portion of the Petersburg tract that falls hunting opportunities. Continued wetland restoration has increased in the Murderkill River Watershed. waterfowl hunting opportunities especially for wood ducks. Woodcock The birth of this area began back in 1940 when the then Board of are known to frequent the area and are an under hunted opportunity. Game & Fish Commissioners obtained the ground from the U.S. De- No additional permits are required to hunt the area provided hunters partment of Agriculture. The early 40’s saw the Commission dedicate are properly licensed. Specific regulations are provided on area maps an approximate 150 acre section of the Petersburg tract to bird dog which are available on the Division’s website and Dover office. field trialing, and in the early 1950’s the field trialing interests were instrumental in building a clubhouse that served many conservation groups and hunter education classes over the years. The Division still maintains the area as early successional habitat for year round dog training and has the reputation as one of the premier bird dog field trial areas in the country. The Division rebuilt the Ralph D. Kellam Conservation & Recreation Center in 2014. The Wilder area contains some of the largest intact forest blocks of any wildlife area in Delaware. Areas of oak forest adapted to wet condi- tions make up over 2,300 acres of the entire property. These forests were ditched decades ago in an effort to make farm ground surrounding the area more suitable. Present day management activities include plugging ditches and utilizing water control structures to restore some of the

SUSSEX COUNTY | Midlands Wildlife Area The Midlands Wildlife Area is known by deer hunters as a great place to land beginning in 1992 for public hunting. Collectively called the Indus- hunt near Millsboro in Sussex County. It was established in 2000 when trial Forest Lands they included several tracts owned by the Chesapeake three timber management companies sold over 6,000 acres of pinelands Forest Products Company and the Glatfelter Pulpwood Company, who in Sussex County to the State of Delaware. The sale was called the Chesa- retained ownership while giving the Division the right to invite hunters peake Forest Lands Purchase. It allowed the Division of Fish & Wildlife on to lands managed for hunting professionally. The Division continues to create three new wildlife areas—Old Furnace, Marshy Hope, and to lease some of these lands (Barr Tract for example) after the purchase of Midlands. Its name was derived from the fact that it lays in the middle hunting rights easements, but Midlands was bought outright. It continues of the Indian River, Chesapeake, and Pocomoke River watersheds. Its to be used by deer and turkey hunters who say it’s a great place to hunt. topography is flat and it’s hard to tell which direction the water flows Our goal is to manage the lands towards a more diverse forest while because of its headwaters status. Its most discernable feature is the capturing the value of the pine crop. We thinned thick stands of young loblolly pine trees. Originally 2,126 acres in size, it has grown to 4,083 pines for better wildlife cover in 2005, thinned older stands for profit and a acres through 3 additional purchases of both woodland and farmland. The more diverse shrub community in 2014, and used prescribed burns (2007) latest purchase contained more hardwoods and a plethora of small farmed to enhance the food value of herbs growing under trees large enough for fields. Since the original owner was a timber company they planted and harvest within the next 5 years. In 2008 we began working with the Dela- harvested loblolly pines like a crop for both timber and pulp over the ware Forestry Service to develop a Forestry Plan. They began inventorying years. Over 85% of the land is planted in genetically improved loblolly the timber in 2009, and generated a revised plan in 2010. As a result of pine trees planted in rows. There are hardwoods along the ditches and this collaboration between sister conservation agencies the first step in a right of ways, as well as along the roads, but it is essentially a large pine long range plan to harvest trees in ways most compatible with wildlife forest with a system of dirt access roads surrounded by farmed fields. management objectives began with a commercial tree thinning operation The Division leased the original 2000 acres plus other nearby tracts of in 2014. All of these practices complement the original forestry goals while making the forest more attractive to young quail, turkey, and deer. Midlands has several farmed fields—both large and small. They are leased to a farmer (s) who agrees to leave standing crops (usually corn or soybean) after the harvest as supplemental winter food. Some of the smaller fields that are close to the adjacent forest and who are either too small or too irregularly shaped have been planted in trees most beneficial to wildlife. Other fields that were chronically too wet for farming have been (or will be) converted into small wetlands. Nutrients in one main ditch are kept out of the Chesapeake Bay by installing a water control structure (2014) which backs up the water giving the plants more time to absorb them. Come discover Midlands Wildlife Area near Millsboro in Sussex County, as We Bring You Delaware’s Great Outdoors through Science and Service.

2015-2016 DELAWARE HUNTING AND TRAPPING GUIDE 11 LICENSING AND PERMITS SECTION

NOTE: In addition to the licensing requirements listed herein, ALL hunters under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult (18 years or older) to carry a firearm/bow.

2015-2016 RESIDENT & NON-RESIDENT LICENSES RESIDENT LICENSES PRICE

Persons 16 years or over and under 65 (16-64 years) must purchase a license to hunt in Delaware. $25.00

Persons 13 through 15 years must purchase a junior license to hunt. $5.00

Persons operating a hunting guide service must purchase a guide license. $100.00

All persons under 65 years must purchase a license to trap in Delaware after first taking an approved trapping education $3.50 course if born after January 1, 1978.

Persons 16 years or over and under 65 (16-64 years) must purchase a state waterfowl (duck) stamp to hunt waterfowl in Delaware. $9.00

Hunters that use a State Wildlife Area waterfowl blind or deer stand for hunting that was assigned through a daily lot- tery must purchase an annual Wildlife Area Deer Stand/Waterfowl Blind Lottery Permit. $20.00

Residents over the age of 65, youth under the age of 13, who have resided a year or more within this state, and certain military personnel may hunt or trap without a license in this state. Additionally, landowners and their immediate family members that own or reside on at least 20 acres of land but only plan to hunt or trap on their own property may hunt or Must Obtain a New trap without a license in this state. ALL exempt hunters or trappers must obtain a free License Exempt Number (LEN). LEN Each Year Youth must be accompanied by a person who is the lawful holder of a hunting license or has a lawful right to hunt. *See License Exempt Hunters section on page”License Exempt Hunters” on page 13 for more LEN information. NON-RESIDENT LICENSES PRICE

Persons 16 years or over to hunt in this State Reciprocal (No exemptions are made for nonresidents over the age of 65 for licenses (Min. $130.00) or stamps.) Reciprocal Persons 13 through 15 years must purchase a junior license to hunt. (Min. $50.00)

Persons operating a hunting guide service must purchase a guide license. $300.00

All persons must purchase a license to trap in Delaware after first taking an approved trapping education course if $25.00 born after January 1, 1978.

Persons 16 years or over must purchase a state waterfowl (duck) stamp to hunt waterfowl in Delaware. $9.00

Three (3) consecutive day small game license (not valid for deer or turkey). $50.00 Hunters that use a State Wildlife Area waterfowl blind or deer stand for hunting that was assigned through a daily lot- $20.00 tery must purchase an annual Wildlife Area Deer Stand/Waterfowl Blind Lottery Permit. Provided they first obtain a free License Exempt Number (LEN): • Nonresidents or aliens who are occupants of farms in this State containing 20 acres or more who are engaged in the science of husbandry, who actually reside thereon, and the immediate members of the family of such occu- pants who also reside on said farm, may hunt, fish or trap on said farms without being licensed hereunder. • A nonresident, who owns but is not an occupant of a farm in this State containing 20 acres or more and where the science of husbandry is practiced, and the immediate members of the family of the nonresident farm owner may Must Obtain a New hunt, trap, and/or fish on the farm if the farm occupant or resident, if any, gives the owner written permission or if LEN Each Year 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. • Nonresidents other than aliens who are under 13 years of age may hunt without a license in this State when ac- companied by a person who is the lawful holder of a hunting license or has a lawful right to hunt. *See License Exempt Hunters section on page 13 for more LEN information.

NOTE: Resident and non-resident hunters born on or after January 1, 1967 must complete a state approved Hunter Education course before obtaining a hunting license. Proof of successful completion of a Hunter Education Course must be provided at the time of license purchase in order to obtain a resident or non-resident hunting license. A Federal Migratory Bird Hunting Stamp is required for any person 16 years or older to hunt waterfowl. Stamps are sold at Post Offices. No exemptions are made for persons 65 years or older for purchasing Federal Stamps. License agents may charge a service fee of up to $2.50 to issue a license, up to $1.50 for deer tags and permits, and up to $1.00 for waterfowl (duck) stamps. License year is July 1 through June 30. Resident and non-resident trappers born on or after January 1, 1978 must take a 6 hour trapper education course before obtaining a trapping license. The class is offered at the Ommelanden Hunter Education Center on Saturday or Sunday of the first weekend in December. The Junior Hunting License expires on the child’s 16th birthday. If this will occur during the hunting season, hunters 15 years of age should consider purchasing the regular hunting license instead of the Junior license prior to the season. Residents of the State of Delaware (for more than a year) 65 years and older are exempt from hunting license requirements 12 but must have proof of age and residency. Non-Resident seniors are not exempt. tional licensingsystem.Sportsmencanpurchase Delaware maintains a fully automated recrea LICENSING ONLINE (302) 739-9918. please calltheRecreational LicensingOffice at Recreational License?Ifyouneedmore information Recreational Licenses&Permits,andthenLostYour gov. Select Licenses, Permits and Registrations, then free ofcharge bygoingtowww.fw.delaware. Duplicate licensesmaybeprintedTWOtimes LICENSE HUNTING A DUPLICATE OBTAINING gov/fw/Services/Pages/Lic-Perm-Reg.aspx more information go to www.dnrec.delaware. recreational huntingandfishinglicenses.For curity Numbersforindividualswhopurchase Code, Section666(a)(13)),tocollectSocialSe- Welfare ReformLegislation(Title 42oftheUS forcement has the authority, under Federal The Delaware DivisionofChildSupportEn LICENSES HUNTING NUMBER AND SOCIAL SECURITY

© TIM CHRISTIE 303-291-7526 Hunt planninghelp Big-game application deadline: applicationBig-game deadline: April 7, 2015 LICENSING AND PERMITS SECTION LICENSING PERMITS AND

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• • • • • • • • Dover office locatedat89KingsHighway) (These permits are only issued at DNREC’s REQUIRED TO: AND PERMITS LICENSE SPECIAL found on our website orby calling (302) 739-9918. A completelistingofLicensing Agents canbe Dover Fish&Wildlife office at89KingsHighway. where licenses can be purchased includingour We alsopartnerwithover85Licensing Agents gov withacompatiblecomputerandprinter. day 7daysaweekbyvisitingwww.fw.delaware. and printlicensesfrom ourwebsite24hoursa protected animals Possess livewildanimalsorany scientific purposes Possess orcollectwildlifefor Operate ashootingpreserve Possess skunksorraccoons Breed gamecommercially Ship gameoutofstate Hold afieldtrialfordogs Deal inrawfurscommercially July 21, 2015 licenses onsale: Over-the-counter Calling

Answer call the HUNTERS EXEMPT LICENSE program. renewal mail license trapping annual the in trapper the enroll automatically will &Wildlife of Fish Division the issued, been has license trapping a Once office. Division’s at the Dover purchase for available are tags trapping metal Additional purchase. first the during supplied are that tags trapping metal 25 and annually renewed be can that number alicense issued be Trappers will application. an (302) 739-9918 by or calling for guide 15) this in (see page application trapping the by submitting at www.fw.delaware.gov, online available are Applications online. or agents licensing from electronically available not are licenses ping Trap &Wildlife. of Fish Division the through license trapping their Trappers purchase must LICENSESTRAPPING • Continued on page 14 page on Continued (available onlyforretrievers) Train dogsoutofseason nual LicenseExemptNumber(LEN) exempt are required to obtain an an- Hunters and trappers that are license

- 13 LICENSING AND PERMITS SECTION

Continued from page 13 LICENSE the applicant’s commanding officer certifying the applicant’s place of station within this State. REQUIREMENTS Any resident who has served honorably for 90 or more consecutive days on active duty in the Armed RELATED TO Forces of the United States, including service as a member of the Delaware National Guard, in at no cost. If a license exempt hunter chooses MILITARY military actions in Southwest Asia associated with to purchase a license anyway, then they do Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring not have to obtain the exempt number. The PERSONNEL Freedom may, for the first 12 months following LEN system was created so that game harvest the date the resident was honorably discharged and opinions of license exempt hunters and Delaware laws contain several exceptions pertain- or removed from active status, be issued a card trappers could be evaluated and considered ing to Recreational Licensing for the Military. to hunt and/or fish in this State without charge. when establishing new statutes, regulations and Military applications are available at www.dn- A member of the Armed Forces of the United policies. If you obtain this LEN, use it whenever rec.delaware.gov/fw/Services/Pages/Rec-Lic. States who is a patient in a military hospital may you are asked for your license number such as aspx or by calling (302) 739-9918. Military licenses be issued a card to hunt, trap and fish in this State for registering a deer, obtaining a HIP number are not available through State Licensing Agents without charge, upon receipt by the Department or purchasing additional deer tags or permits. with the exception of the DAFB for active duty of a written statement signed by the applicant’s You can obtain your annual LEN at www.dnrec. military stationed in Delaware purchasing a license. commanding officer certifying the nature of the delaware.gov/delhunt or by calling the toll free License exempt Military exceptions are only pro- applicant’s disability and place of station. number 1-855-335-4868 (1-855-DELHUNT). If cessed through the Dover office. Please call (302) Residents living in this State for at least 1 year you have problems with these systems, call (302) 739-9918 for assistance. immediately prior to the date of application for 735-3600 during normal business hours (8:00am Any member of the armed forces of the United a license who have been honorably discharged - 4:30pm) Monday - Friday. For questions on States of America while actually stationed within from the Armed Forces of the United States and LEN eligibility requirements please contact the this State shall be deemed a resident of this State certified by the Veterans Administration as having recreational licensing office at (302) 739-9918 or for the purpose of obtaining a license to hunt, trap at least a 60% service-connected disability may be www.dnrec.delaware.gov/fw/Services/Pages/ and fish in this State. Each such application shall issued a card to hunt, trap and fish in this State Rec-Lic.aspx. be supported by a written statement signed by without charge.

Distribution of License $$$ Wildlife Section Funding 7% Working for You Public Technical 3% 17% Assistance Hunter Education & Administration Hunting and trapping license dollars are used to “match” federal Range Management aid dollars under the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program. License funds cover 25% of approved project costs with Federal Aid covering the rest. Now that’s an investment you can “go wild” about. Hunters exempted from purchasing a hunting license may volun- tarily purchase a license and/or waterfowl stamp. These purchases allow the Division to match additional federal funds for those activi- ties shown in the adjoining chart. The Division thanks all of those who volunteer to financially support wildlife conservation in this way.

25% 48% Wildlife Management & Wildlife Area Research Operations

14 LICENSING AND PERMITS SECTION

SPECIAL PERMITS FOR DELAWARE GUIDE/HUNT LICENSE DISABLED HUNTERS The Delaware Guide License is a rela- The guide shall retain all hunting field A variety of hunting opportunities exist for tively recent addition to the licensing records for a period of three years. disabled hunters in Delaware. For a list of deer requirements. As such, the Division of A resident or non-resident Guide/Hunt stand and waterfowl blind facilities for disabled Fish and Wildlife gets questions related to license is valid as a Guide and a Hunting hunters, see page 36. the specifics. Here are the requirements license. A separate hunting license is not DISABLED HUNTER related to this license. For those still hav- required. CERTIFICATION CARD ing questions, please call the Division’s A non-resident shall be exempt from the Disabled hunters must obtain a disabled hunter Recreational Licensing Office at (302) guide licensing requirement only while guid- certification card to use all facilities and oppor- 739-9918. ing hunters for snow geese (light geese), tunities made available to disabled hunters on All individuals receiving monetary or in- provided: kind compensation for providing personal State Wildlife Areas and State Parks. For infor- • The non-resident is properly licensed to guide services to hunters are required to mation on obtaining this card, call the Division guide in another state or Canadian prov- have a Delaware Guide License. License of Fish and Wildlife at (302) 739-9912. ince which extends the same exemption holders must be 18 years of age or older. to Delaware residents; • Disabled hunters will be grouped in two cat- Persons acquiring a guide license must egories. Category 1 hunters are those whose not have been convicted for violations of • The non-resident guide purchases a disabilities confine them to a wheelchair for any wildlife or fisheries statutes or regula- Delaware migratory waterfowl (duck) movement. Hunters in this group will be tions within the last three years prior to stamp and obtains a Delaware H.I.P. given priority for use of disabled facilities applying for a Delaware Guide License. permit; on state wildlife areas. Category 2 hunters All persons possessing a Delaware • The non-resident resides in another state are those with other disabilities that don’t Guide License are required to com- or Canadian province which extends the allow them to use traditional hunting facili- plete and submit an annual report to the ties and equipment. These hunters may be same exemption to Delaware residents. Division within seven days after the close eligible for specialized state stands/blinds and other special permits. of the season to include the following information which must be readily avail- HUNT FROM A VEHICLE PERMIT able for inspection by enforcement offi- Approved non-ambulatory hunters may be per- cers: full name of each hunter, address of mitted to hunt specified game animals from their each hunter in the party, hunting license vehicle with a permit issued by the Division. number for each hunter, date, number and species of each animal harvested, loca- HIP NUMBERS tion of hunts and the name and license Hearing impaired hunters can obtain their Har- number of the guide. vest Information Program (HIP) numbers online at www.dnrec.delaware.gov/delhunt.

Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife Trapping License Application

This is an application for a: Resident Trapping License...... $3.50 Non-Resident Trapping License...... $25.00 An approved Trapping Education Course is MANDATORY for all persons born on or after January 1, 1978 as per Delaware Code. You must submit a copy of your Trapping Education Card with this application in order to obtain a license (if applicable).

Name: Amount Enclosed: $ (Check or money order payable to Division of Fish & Wildlife.) Address: If you wish to pay by Credit Card, City, State, Zip code: please fill in the following required information. Drivers License #: (Must submit copy of license or proof of residency) Card Number: Date of Birth: 3-digit card code: Exp. date: Do you intend to fur trap this season?...... Yes No Trapping Education #: Signature: (Must submit copy) Date: Daytime Phone number: *Please allow up to 4 weeks for processing. Social Security Number-Mandatory: Social Security number is required under authority of the Delaware Division of Child Support Enforcement. The license will not be issued without it. Mail to: Fax to: Candace Dunning Candace Dunning Anyone trapping snapping turtles are required to obtain a Division of Fish & Wildlife (302) 736-7925 free snapping turtle permit number. 89 Kings Highway Email to: Dover, DE 19901 Do you need a Snapping Turtle Permit Number?.... Yes No [email protected] An additional snapping turtle permit is needed for State Questions?: (302) 739-9918 Wildlife Areas. Call (302) 735-3600 15 2014 DELAWARE DEER HARVEST Delaware BY COUNTY AND MANAGEMENT ZONE COUNTY DEER HARVEST Deer Harvest New Castle 2,853 Kent 4,042 at a Glance Sussex 7,344 ZONE HARVEST Deer hunting in the First State has come a long way since 1954 when that first 1A 1,104 year harvest topped out at 505 animals. It’s been said that many thought too many deer 1B 443 were taken that year and that the population could not sustain that sort of pressure. The 2 796 graph shows that this was certainly not the case. Annual Delaware deer harvests now 3 707 routinely top 13,500 animals. For additional harvest information visit www.fw.delaware.gov 4 552 5 624 6 798 7 1,233 8 835 9 838 10 605 11 1,126 12 724 13 746 14 646 15 685 16 1,137 17 640 2014-15 Deer Season Highlights • 14,239 deer taken – 4th highest all-time

• Most adult does harvested in a single season: 6,608

• Highest combined Archery and Crossbow Season harvest in a single season: 2,497

• Highest Crossbow Season harvest in a single season: 1,123

• Most deer harvested on publicly owned lands in a single season: 1,964

• Most deer harvested in Wildlife Management Zones 1B, 10, 13, and 17 in a single season

16 2015-2016 DELAWARE HUNTING AND TRAPPING GUIDE DEER HUNTING SECTION 2015-2016 DEER SEASONS AUTOMATED SEASONS DATES ADDITIONAL INFORMATION DEER Hunters may use archery equipment during the muzzleloader, Statewide shotgun and handgun seasons provided they wear at least 400 CHECKING Archery** Sept. 1 - Jan. 30 square inches of hunter orange material displayed on the head chest, and back. SYSTEM Hunters may use crossbow equipment during the muzzleloader, Statewide shotgun and handgun seasons provided they wear at least 400 All successful deer hunters must Crossbow** Sept. 1 - Jan. 30 square inches of hunter orange material displayed on the head, register their deer within 24 hours of chest, and back harvest. Hunters can register their Statewide deer by calling the toll free number 1-855-DEL- Muzzleloader Oct. 9 -17 Muzzleloaders may be equipped with scopes. HUNT (1-855-335-4868) or by going to www.dn- Jan. 25 - 30 rec.delaware.gov/delhunt. Hunters will answer a series of questions by using the computer or Statewide Muzzleloaders may be used during the shotgun season, and telephone. At the end of the questions, hunters Shotgun Nov. 13 - 21 may be equipped with scopes. will be given a deer harvest registration number. Jan. 16 - 23 This number will serve as proof the animal was Statewide This season is “any method,” to include archery, muzzleloader, checked and should be kept for your records Oct. 2, 3, 19, 23, and shotgun. You may only take antlerless deer, or deer with Special Antler- and written in ink on the deer tag utilized on 24, 26, 30, 31 both antlers less than 3 inches in length. Archery (including less the animal harvested. If you have problems with and Dec. 12 – crossbow) hunters may take antlered bucks in October but NOT this system call (302) 735-3600. Hunters that take Dec. 19 during the December antlerless season. their deer to a butcher shop or taxidermist will The handgun must be carried openly in a sling or in a holster Handgun Jan. 2 - 9 need to supply their registration number to the and not concealed. See page 19 for more details. shop owner as proof the deer was registered. Youth/ Non-ambulatory Nov. 7 Disabled Hunt DRESSING **Archery and crossbow hunters may take antlered bucks during the October antlerless deer season, but NOT during the December antlerless season. Prior to registering a deer, hunters may not cut It is now legal to hunt deer with a handgun during any shotgun deer season. The handgun must be used in place of a the meat or remove any part of the deer except shotgun. You cannot carry both in the field at the same time. the internal organs (known as the viscera). The Only 2 antlered bucks may be taken during any license year by all methods and seasons combined. The license year deer must be registered using the Automated runs from July 1 – June 30. Deer Checking System phone number or website.

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DO-0005201600 WWW.DELAWAREDEER.COM 17 ginia. From these states, hunters are restricted from Advice to Hunters and Rules bringing entire deer carcasses and may only bring the above mentioned parts from the locations listed below. If hunters are hunting in portions of these Concerning Chronic Wasting Disease states outside of those areas, they are not restricted from bringing their harvest back to Delaware. an ingredient or use synthetically produced products • Maryland – Allegany County What is CWD? as a replacement. Do not pour natural deer urine on Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is a naturally oc- the ground or in a place where a deer could come • Pennsylvania – Adams, Bedford, Blair, Cam- curring disease of the brain and nervous system in in contact with the product. This includes not using bria, Fulton, Jefferson, Huntingdon, and York deer, elk, and moose. CWD belongs to the family of aerosol based scent deployment canisters that spray Counties transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSE) natural deer urine into the air, drippers that periodi- that attacks the brain of deer and elk, producing • Virginia – Clarke, Frederick, Shenandoah and cally drip urine onto the ground, or other similar Warren Counties small lesions on the brain that eventually result in systems. A better approach when using natural deer death. The body condition of animals that contract urine as an attractant would involve saturating a • West Virginia – Hampshire, Hardy, and Morgan CWD tends to deteriorate before death. There cur- scent wick, cotton ball, or other material with the Counties rently is no treatment for deer that contract CWD urine and then hanging the item on a branch high For a complete list of restricted areas within other and it is invariably fatal to the animal. No cases of enough that it is out of reach of a passing deer. At the human infection have been associated with CWD. states please visit the website above or contact end of each hunt, remove your scent station from the the Division. Since 2002, the Division has collected 6,549 CWD field. A reusable, plastic, zipper storage bag makes a samples from deer harvested in Delaware and great storage container for your lure between hunts. POSITIVE TEST NOTIFICATION none have been positive for the disease (results If using natural deer urine while hunting, anything Any person who imports into Delaware any deer from the samples collected during the 2014/15) you can do to prevent deer from physically coming carcass or parts of a deer carcass (e.g. antlers, meat, season were still pending at the time this publica- in contact with the product will minimize the risk hide, etc…) that was tested for CWD by a state other tion was printed). of spreading CWD. The safest approach is to use than Delaware and is notified that the animal has Additional information on CWD can be found attractants that do not contain natural deer urine tested positive for CWD must report the test results at the CWD Alliance website www.cwd-info.org as an ingredient. to the department within 72 hours of receiving the and on the Delaware F&W website http://www. notification by calling (302) 735-3600. In order to facili- fw.delaware.gov. tate the proper disposal of any infected material, the Delaware Laws department may take into possession any imported Best Management carcass or carcass part of an animal if the animal has Concerning CWD tested positive for Chronic Wasting Disease. Practices TRANSPORTING HARVESTED It is far easier and less expensive to implement DEER INTO DELAWARE precautions that minimize the risk of CWD in- Delaware has two primary laws in place to help pre- Precautions Hunters fecting the Delaware deer population than it is to vent Delaware from becoming a state with CWD. Should Take manage the disease once it is detected. There are If you are a hunter that plans to hunt in a state that Concerns over CWD shouldn’t stop you from en- several things that individual hunters can do to has found CWD there are certain rules you need to joying the hunting season as CWD has not been minimize the chance of CWD spreading to our adhere to regarding bringing your harvest back to found in Delaware and has not been shown to be state. Delaware law restricts bringing certain por- Delaware. Currently 21 states and 2 Canadian prov- transmissible to humans. However, hunters field- tions of deer, elk, or moose from areas that have inces have detected CWD. The Division maintains dressing or butchering deer should take the same found CWD but hunters are recommended to take a list of locations in which hunters are not allowed precautions as they might to protect against other the following precautions in case they are hunting to bring portions of deer, elk, or moose, which are pathogens or diseases. The following common- in areas where the disease is present but not yet at high risk of having CWD infected tissues present sense precautionary measures are recommended found (this includes deer harvested in Delaware). back into Delaware. REMINDER: If you hunt deer, for the safe handling, field-dressing and home The parts that remain after processing a deer for elk, moose or other cervids in other states and/ processing of venison: consumption are considered household waste or provinces, particularly those in which CWD and hunters should dispose of the skeleton, hide, has been detected, check with the respective fish • Avoid shooting or handling a deer that appears and scraps in a sealed trash bag and place it with and wildlife agencies regarding special regula- sick. the rest of their household waste for transport to tions or specific advice for hunters as they may be • Wear latex or rubber gloves when field-dressing a landfill. Do not dump your butchering scraps on more restrictive than Delaware’s laws. The list of and/or butchering deer. the ground as wild deer in Delaware could come in restricted states is available on our website (www. contact with these parts and if the animal that was fw.delaware.gov) or can be obtained by calling the • Do not use household knives or utensils. processed had CWD, the wild deer could become Division at, (302) 735-3600. • Remove all internal organs. infected after coming into contact with the scraps It shall be unlawful to import or possess any you put out on the ground. Additionally, deer carcass or parts of a carcass of any member of the • Avoid cutting through bones or the spinal col- disposed along roads or on State Wildlife Areas family Cervidae (deer, elk or moose) originating umn (backbone). are an eye sore to the general public and do not from an entire state or Canadian province or portion • Bone the deer (remove the meat from the bones shed a positive light on hunters and hunting, as thereof, as described by the Delaware Division of and spinal column). it gives hunters a slob like persona. Furthermore, Fish & Wildlife in which Chronic Wasting Disease the animals that scavenge on the meat left on has been found in free-ranging or captive deer. • If you saw off antlers or through a bone, or if you the carcasses that have been disposed of along Notwithstanding the foregoing, the following parts sever the spinal column with a knife, be sure to roadways may be struck by cars. may be imported into the state: disinfect these tools prior to using them for the butchering or removal of meat. The biological material responsible for infect- • Boned-out meat that is cut and wrapped; ing deer with CWD can be spread through urine, • Remove all fat, membranes and connective tissue among other materials. Many hunters use natural • Quarters or other portions of meat with no part from the meat. Note that normal field-dressing deer urine as an attractant while deer hunting. If of the spinal column or skull attached; and trimming of fat from meat will remove used improperly, hunters could unknowingly be • Hides or capes with no skull attached; lymph nodes. infecting the areas they hunt with CWD. Currently, there is not a practical test to determine if deer urine • Clean (no meat or tissue attached) skull plates • Never eat a deer’s brain, eyeballs, spinal cord, has the material responsible for spreading CWD so with antlers attached; spleen, or lymph nodes. hunters should utilize Best Management Practices • Antlers (with no meat or tissue attached); • Always wash hands and instruments thoroughly that minimize the chance of spreading the disease after dressing and processing game meat. if they choose to use deer urine. Short of not using • Upper canine teeth (buglers, whistlers, or ivo- deer urine while hunting, hunters should take the ries); and finished taxidermy products. • Use a 50/50 solution of household chlorine following precautions to minimize the chance that bleach and water to disinfect tools and work The states locally that have found CWD which surfaces. Wipe down counters and let them dry; deer will come in contact with these products. Use Delaware hunters are most likely to travel to are: attractants that do not contain natural deer urine as soak knives for one hour. 18 Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Vir- DEER HUNTING SECTION

less deer and 1 Hunter’s Choice deer tag at no cable would generally need to have antlers that are DEER TAGS charge. For a Quality Buck Tag, license exempt at least as wide as the space between his ear tips. hunters will have to purchase the Quality Buck After harvesting a deer, an appropriate tag Tag for $10.00 using their annual mandatory must be attached to the animal before it is field License Exempt Number (LEN). METHOD OF TAKE dressed or moved from the place of kill. Hunters Persons not required to purchase a hunting must also record the harvest date, in ink, before license in Delaware must make their own deer HANDGUN HUNTING attaching the tag to the deer. Hunters worried tags or print a template of the deer tags when Legal handguns are limited to revolvers and sin- about the tag falling off of the deer may laminate obtaining the LEN online at www.dnrec.dela- gle shot pistols with a minimum barrel length of the tags prior to heading afield, stuff the tag ware.gov/delhunt. The deer tags, along with 5.75 inches and a maximum length of 12.5 inches down inside the ear canal prior to attaching it identification and License Exempt Number and chambered for and using straightwall hand- to the ear, or place the tags inside a plastic bag. must be carried while hunting. gun ammunition in .357 magnum, .41 caliber, .41 Exempt hunters are only allowed 2 antlered magnum, .44 caliber, .44 magnum, .45 caliber, .454 RESIDENT LICENSED HUNTERS bucks during any license year by all methods caliber, .480 caliber or .50 caliber and using open Delaware hunting licenses come with 4 antler- and seasons combined. 1 free choice tag and 1 sights, metallic/mechanical, optical or telescopic less deer tags. Quality buck tags are available for purchased quality buck tag. sights. Since the .460 rowland is a .45 caliber, it $10 and come with a free Hunter choice tag. The is legal under the existing handgun legislation. Hunter’s Choice Tag can be used on an antlerless NON-RESIDENT DEER TAGS The handgun must be carried openly on a or antlered deer. The Quality Buck Tag can only be Non-resident hunting licenses will come with sling or in a holster and not concealed. The used on an antlered deer with a minimum outside 4 antlerless deer tags. The cost of an Antlered handguns described above may be used for the spread of 15”. Hunters will only be allowed to har- Deer Tag and a Quality Buck Tag will be $25 pursuit, taking and attempted taking (hunting) vest a maximum of 2 antlered bucks (all seasons each for non-resident hunters. Hunters may of deer on privately owned lands situated south combined) by using the Hunter’s Choice Tag and purchase only one of each tag. of the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal and on the Quality Buck Tag. All other deer taken must many state-owned wildlife areas. Consult area be antlerless. Additional antlerless deer tags are QUALITY BUCK TAGS maps for more details. available for $10 each. Quality Buck tags may only be It is now legal to hunt deer with a handgun This deer tag system has been implemented used on an antlered deer with during any shotgun deer season. The handgun to encourage hunters to harvest antlerless deer an outside antler spread of at must be carried in place of a shotgun. You can- and to promote quality bucks. Revenue will least 15 inches. The distance not carry both in the field at the same time. be used to fund the phone-in deer registration between the tips of a deer’s system and to further improve Delaware’s deer ears when both ears are held management program. straight out from the head in the “alert” position is approxi- LICENSED EXEMPT HUNTERS mately 15 inches so a deer in License exempt hunters will be allowed 4 antler- which this tag would be appli- Continued on page 20

19 DEER HUNTING SECTION

Continued from page 19 harvests. Hunters should treat deer with collars Area Aquatic Resources Education Center near and ear tags as any other deer. If a marked deer Smyrna and the Main office on the Norman G. is legal for harvest, then it may be harvested. Wilder Wildlife Area near Viola; and in New Castle If a hunter harvests a marked deer, they are County: the Augustine Wildlife Area, in Port Penn. SHARPS RIFLE asked to call the phone number listed on the For more information visit the Sportsmen Against Hunters may use a single shot antique or au- metal ear tag (302-831-4621), so information Hunger website http://de.gov/sah. thentic reproduction black powder Sharps rifle concerning the harvested deer can be collected. of .45 to .60 caliber using paper patched bullets Someone will contact them for further informa- for hunting deer during any shotgun deer season. tion as soon as possible. Since many of these YOUTH/NON- deer are reported during the hectic firearms CROSSBOWS season, please feel free to contact us again if AMBULATORY Crossbows used must have a minimum pull you have not been contacted within a few days weight of 125 pounds, be manufactured after of previously calling. DISABLED DEER 1980, and have a mechanical safety, and may be equipped with a scope. Crossbows shall not HUNT, be transported in or on a vehicle while in the HUNTER ORANGE cocked position. NOVEMBER 7, 2015 During a time when it is lawful to take a deer VERTICAL BOWS with a firearm, any person hunting any wildlife Any youth from 10 years through 15 years and No person shall use a compound, recurve, or except migratory game birds in this state shall non-ambulatory disabled individuals may hunt. longbow with a pull weight less than 35 pounds. display on that person’s head, chest, and back Young hunters must be accompanied by an a total of not less than 400 square inches of adult 21 years of age or older. Hunters 13-15 BAITING hunter orange material. If a hunter utilizes a years of age must have completed a Hunter It is lawful to distribute and hunt over bait while ground blind to hunt deer during a time when Education Course and possess a certification hunting deer on privately owned lands only. it is lawful to take deer with a firearm and the card and must also purchase a Delaware junior hunter is completely concealed within a blind, hunting license. then 400 square inches of hunter orange mate- The normal bag limits and regulations apply. DEER HUNTING rial shall be placed within 10 feet outside of Adult companions must be licensed to hunt the blind and at least 3 feet off of the ground. in Delaware (or exempt) but may not possess a HOURS firearm during the hunt. Young hunters must be of sufficient size and 1/2 hour before sunrise until 1/2 hour after sunset. DEER HUNTING ON PUBLIC LANDS WHITE-TAILED Continued on page 21 For information on deer hunting on public lands, DEER RESEARCH see page 34. HARVESTING TAGGED DEER This past year and over the next several years, STATE DEER RECORDS the University of Delaware in collaboration R & J OUTFITTERS with the Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife, The Division maintains records of the top hunter captured and tagged deer in Delaware. All deer taken deer based on net Boone & Crockett Affordable trophy whitetail received numbered ear tags, and some received scores on its website at www.fw.delaware. hunts in N.W. Missouri radio transmitter collars. Both of which allow gov/Hunting/Pages/DeerRecords.aspx. Any us to collect data on deer ecology and hunter whitetails meeting Pope & Young minimums for bow kills (125 typical, 155 non-typical), Longhunter Society minimums for muzzleloader kills (130 typical, 160 non-typical) or shotgun kills of 140 typical and better and 160 non-typical and better are eligible for entry. The Division is interested in Delaware whitetails taken in any year. Bill Jones, Division biologist and official measurer for Boone & Crockett, Pope & Young and the Longhunter Society, can be contacted at (302) 284-4795 for more information.

DELAWARE 176 B&C SPORTSMEN AGAINST 5-Day, Fully Guided, Fair Chase Hunts with Lodging HUNGER PROGRAM start at only $1,700.00! The Division of Fish and Wildlife maintains walk- Thousands of private acres. in coolers where hunters can drop off deer for donation to the Sportsmen Against Hunger Pro- No trophy fees or gram. These locations include in Sussex County: hidden charges. the Assawoman Wildlife Area near Bethany Beach, the Mosquito Control Office in Milford, YES YOU CAN! the headquarters office at Redden State Forest near Ray: 786-319-1367 Georgetown, the Gumboro Community Center in Millsboro and Trap Pond State Park near Laurel; John: 786-394-3536 In Kent County: the Woodland Beach Wildlife www.randjoutfitters.com 20 2015-2016 DELAWARE HUNTING AND TRAPPING GUIDE DEER HUNTING SECTION

Continued from page 20 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS SIKA DEER Q: Will sika deer compete with white-tailed deer? physical strength to safely handle a firearm. WHERE ARE THEY FOUND? All deer taken must be registered Sika deer inhabit marshes, swamps, and associ- A: Research conducted in Maryland indicates that Open statewide on private and public lands. On ated woodlands and agricultural fields. Sika Deer white-tailed deer and sika deer can coexist and State Wildlife Areas and Bombay Hook National are a small elk introduced from Asia (China, Japan, it does not appear that they directly compete Wildlife Refuge that require a stand allocation Korea, Taiwan) by private citizens into Maryland with each other. However, more research is drawing, the lottery drawing will be held 1.5 hours in 1916. Recently, their range has expanded and needed to confirm this relationship. before legal shooting time. Hunters should arrive at some individuals have been found in Delaware. least 1.5 hours before legal shooting time to sign up. As a result, the Division will allow Delaware hunt- Q: Will sika deer breed with white-tailed deer? For more information on youth hunting, see ers to harvest sika deer while hunting for white- the Youth Hunting section on page 9. tailed deer. The sika deer population in Delaware A: No, sika deer will not breed with a white- is still very small and the Division would like to tailed deer. The breeding season for sika keep it that way. Sika deer are not native to the deer occurs in mid to late October, while the SELLING DEER PARTS State, so following the Division’s goal of not pro- breeding season for white-tailed deer occurs OR DEER MEAT moting nonnative species they may be harvested. in mid-November. WHAT DO THEY LOOK LIKE? Q: Are sika deer related to white-tailed deer? Title 7 § 787 (d) of the Delaware Code states that They are 2.5 feet high at the shoulder, weigh 50- “No person shall purchase, sell or expose for sale, 100 pounds and the sika deer coat is dark brown A: Sort of, both sika deer and white-tailed deer or transport, ship or possess with the intent to to black. Some even have faint white parallel are members of the deer family (Cervidae), sell, any deer or any part of such deer, except for spots on their back. They also have a white rump. but are of a different genus Cervus (sika the hides of lawfully killed deer, at any time.” Males (stags) are larger than females (hinds) and deer) and Odocoileus (white-tailed deer). Therefore, taxidermists and deer butchers have antlers. Males also have a dark shaggy mane Sika deer are actually more closely related to may only charge for a service and may only running down their neck. Rocky Mountain elk than they are to white- charge those to whom they are providing the tailed deer. service. It is illegal to sell deer taxidermy items and deer meat in Delaware. This includes the WHAT TO DO IF YOU HARVEST ONE “recouping” of processing fees for items or meat Tag the deer with the appropriate tag from your not picked up by the legal owner. license as you would if you harvested a white- tailed deer. However, instead of registering the deer via the phone/internet registration system please call the Division of Fish and Wildlife at (302) 735-3600.

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NevadaHuntingGuide_April2015.indd 1 4/22/15 12:43 PM WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT Delaware Wildlife ZONE BOUNDARY DESCRIPTIONS

Management Zones Zone 1A All land north of the line created beginning at the Delaware Memorial Bridge and following Interstate 295 to its intersection with Interstate 95 to the Delaware/Maryland boarder.

Zone 1B All land south of the line created beginning at the Delaware Memorial Bridge and following Interstate 295 to its intersection with Interstate 95, thence to the Delaware-Maryland border to the C&D Canal.

Zone 2 Land bordered north by C&D Canal, south by Route 6, east by Route 13, and west by the Maryland State Line.

Zone 3 Land bordered north by the C&D Canal, south by Route 6, east by the Delaware River, and west by Route 13.

Zone 4 Land bordered north by Route 6, south by Route 8, east by Route 13, and west by the Maryland State Line.

Zone 5 Land bordered north by Route 6, south by Road 18, east by Delaware Bay, and west by Routes 13 and 113.

Zone 6 Land bordered north by Route 8, south by Route 12, east by Routes 13 and 113, and west by the Maryland State Line.

Zone 7 Land bordered north by Route 12, south by Route 16, east by Route 13, and west by the Maryland State Line. Zone 8 Land bordered north by intersection of Routes 13 and 113, south by Route 16, east by Route 113 and west by Route 13.

Zone 9 Land bordered north by Road 18, south by Route 1, east by Delaware Bay and Atlantic Ocean and west by Routes 113 and 1.

Zone 10 Land bordered north by Route 16, south by Route 20, east by Route 13, and west by the Maryland State Line.

Zone 11 Lane bordered north by Route 16, south by Route 9, east by Route 113 and west by Route 13.

Zone 12 Land bordered north by intersection of Routes 113 and 1, south by Route 9, east by Route 1 and west by Route 113.

Zone 13 Land bordered north by Route 20, south by Maryland State Line, east by Route 13, and west by Maryland State Line.

Zone 14 Land bordered north by Route 9, south by Route 24, east by Route 113, and south by Route 24.

Zone 15 Land bordered north by Route 9, south by south shore of Indian River Bay, east by the Atlantic Ocean, and west by Route 113.

Zone 16 Land bordered north by Route 24, south by Maryland State Line, east by Route 113, and west by Route 13.

Zone 17 Land bordered north by Indian River Bay, south by the Maryland State Line, east by the Atlantic Ocean, and west by Route 113. SMALL GAME HUNTING SECTION SMALL GAME HUNTING SECTION 2015-2016 SMALL GAME SEASONS DELAWARE SQUIRRELS Sussex County hosts AND BAG LIMITS two species of diurnal SEASONS DATES LIMIT ADDITIONAL INFORMATION tree squirrel: Gray and Delmarva Fox Gray squirrels may be hunted with shotguns state- wide, .17 through .22 cal. rimfire and pellet rifles Gray squirrels are quite common while Sept. 15 - Feb. 6 and muzzleloading rifles up to .36 cal. south of the Delmarva fox squirrels are so rare they Closed during C&D Canal. Only shotguns may be used north of the are on the state Endangered Species list. Gray Squirrel 6 Nov. Shotgun C&D Canal. When a squirrel season overlaps with If you hold a Delaware hunting license, Deer Season a deer firearms season, squirrel hunters must wear you are permitted to hunt gray squirrels 400 square inches of hunter orange displayed on the but NOT fox squirrels. Before you shoot, head, chest and back. take a good look at the squirrel in your Rabbit hunters must wear at least 400 square inches crosshairs! Cottontail of hunter orange material displayed on head, chest, Nov. 23 - Feb. 29 4 Rabbit and back when hunting during any deer firearms If you have seen a Delmarva fox squirrel, season. please call the Species Conservation and Groundhogs are an unprotected species and may Research office (302-735-8651) and, if you be hunted with longbows, crossbows, shotguns, Groundhogs July 1 - June 30 No limit have a camera, take a picture. Thanks! muzzleloaders, handgungs, and rimfire or center- fire rifles. Pheasant hunters must wear at least 400 square Ring-necked inches of hunter orange material displayed on head, Pheasant Nov. 23 - Feb. 6 2 Gray Squirrel chest, and back when hunting during any deer (Male Only) firearms season. FUR: Darker gray with rusty brown Quail hunters must wear at least 400 square inches of highlights Bobwhite Nov. 23 - Jan. 2 6 hunter orange material displayed on head, chest, and Quail EARS: Longer and pointy back when hunting during any deer firearms season. BELLY: White Season subject to Federal approval Sept. 1 - Sept. 26 Hours: ½ hour before sunrise to sunset SIZE: Smaller with less bushy tail Mourning Oct. 20 - Oct. 31 15 No State or Federal Waterfowl Stamps needed. During Dove Nov. 23 - Jan. 13 September, all dove hunting on State Wildlife Areas must be done using non-toxic shot. King & Clapper Rails bag limit of 10 See Sora & Virginia Rails bag limit of 25. Rails Sept. 1 - Nov. 9 Notes Seasons subject to Federal approval. Non-toxic shot is required for hunting rails. Crows June 25 - March 26 No limit Hunting allowed Thur, Fri. & Sat.

Hours: Upland game (except raccoons, opossums & frogs) 1/2 hr. before sunrise to 1/2 hr. after sunset. Raccoons & frogs may be hunted at night. Season for hunting on private shooting preserves is October 15 – March 31. Commercial shooting preserves may operate on Sundays during this time period. NOTE: Small game hunting may be open on some state wildlife areas during January firearms deer seasons. Consult wildlife area maps for details.

2015-2016 Delmarva Fox Squirrel FUR: Silver gray with creamy to white BULLFROG AND belly, ears and muzzle (rarely have any brown fur) SNAPPING TURTLE SEASONS EARS: Shorter and wider

SEASONS DATES LIMIT* ADDITIONAL INFORMATION BELLY: Creamy white SIZE: Longer with fuller tail Bullfrog May 1 - Sept. 30 24 Daily May be taken with a valid hunting or fishing license. Snapping turtle minimum length is 11 inches on the curvature of the top shell. Traps must be tagged with trapper’s name and address or current year’s license number. Baited fish hooks are unlawful. A Snapping June 15 - May 15 No limit free snapping turtle permit number must be obtained Turtle* and will be issued at the time of the trapping license purchase. Those wishing to trap on Division of Fish & Wildlife lands will need to contact the Regional Manager for an additional permit for those lands. Diamondback Sept. 1 - Nov. 15 4 Daily Terrapin* *No other turtles may be sold. *Contact the Division of Fish & Wildlife’s Wildlife Section with questions: 302-739-9912.

24 2015-2016 DELAWARE HUNTING AND TRAPPING GUIDE SMALL GAME HUNTING SECTION SMALL GAME HUNTING SECTION

HUNTER AND TRAPPER MAIL SURVEYS Each year, the Division sends out hunter and trapper mail surveys to estimate the total harvest and hunting effort for game species in Delaware. Aside from deer, turkeys and coyotes, hunters and trappers are not required to report the animals they harvest. These surveys allow biologists to determine that information for all of the other wildlife species that are hunted and/or trapped. Around 5,500 hunters and trappers are surveyed annually. The average age of those surveyed in 2013/14 was 51 years old, with the youngest age of 7 and oldest 86. Thank you to all the hunters and trappers who participate in these surveys each year!

Estimated Mammal Harvest from the 2013-14 Hunter Mail Survey: GROUNDHOG CATEGORY OPPOSUM RACCOON SQUIRREL RED FOX RABBIT SKUNK

# of Hunters 2226 2146 238 64 636 811 32

# of Days 12831 14326 2401 32 5835 14151 16 Hunted # of Days 5.8 6.7 10.1 0.5 9.2 17.5 0.5 per Hunter Total # 13992 13372 2894 111 1813 6901 32 Harvested

Estimated Game Bird Harvest from 2013/14 Hunter Mail Survey: SEADUCKS CATEGORY PHEASANT PHEASANT ING DOVE MOURN - CANADA RAISED RAISED WOOD - GOOSE GOOSE DUCKS BRANT CROW SNOW QUAIL QUAIL SNIPE COCK RAILS WILD WILD PEN- PEN-

# of 3100 191 32 207 64 270 64 318 5485 2449 175 3975 286 16 Hunters # of Days 12020 1145 95 1018 223 1177 890 747 42167 15105 700 39321 1574 16 Hunted # of Days per 3.9 6.0 3.0 4.9 3.5 4.4 14.0 2.4 7.7 6.2 4.0 9.9 5.5 1.0 Hunter Total # 54537 1399 16 572 0 3784 48 2385 34026 22610 636 56047 1463 16 Harvested

2013/14 TRAPPER MAIL SURVEY Delaware has nearly 350 active trappers statewide with nearly half of them spending most of their time within Kent County and a quarter spend- ing their time in either New Castle or Sussex Counties.

2013/14 Estimated Furbearer Harvest Related to Trapping: CATEGORY RACCOON OPOSSUM MUSKRAT RED FOX WEASEL BEAVER NUTRIA SKUNK OTTER MINK

# of 259 194 96 49 155 20 0 0 75 0 Trappers # Harvested 3798 3480 528 322 22691 22 0 6 247 0 # of Days 5020 4683 1607 708 2711 512 0 0 985 0 # of Traps Set Each 2466 2796 518 459 6770 151 0 0 371 0 Day Total # of 63193 100816 19138 10253 123467 4999 0 0 5866 0 Traps Set

25 WILD TURKEY HUNTING SECTION

TURKEY SEASON CALLS PUBLIC LAND Delaware’s 2016 spring wild turkey hunting All non-electric calls will be legal. For safety TURKEY PERMITS season will run from April 9, 2016 - May 7, 2016. reasons, hunters should not imitate the male Private land hunters may hunt all 24 days of the gobbling call. A permit is needed to hunt turkey on public season. Public land permits can only be used on lands. See page 40 for the permit application the property for which they are issued. Applica- form. The number of permits issued for each tions must be received by January 8, 2016 to be LEGAL FIREARMS, public hunting area by season segments A, B, processed for the lottery drawing. C & D are as follows: Season segments A-D for Public Land BOWS, AND Permits are: SUSSEX COUNTY (A) April 9 - April 15 SHOT SIZES Assawoman WA – 3, Marshy Hope WA (B) April 16 - April 22 – 4, Midlands WA – 8, Nanticoke WA – 8, (C) April 23 - April 29 1. Shotguns – 20, 16, 12, 10 gauge – legal shot Old Furnace WA – 6, Industrial Forest (Whites- (D) April 30 - May 7 sizes: #4, #5, #6 lead or steel. 7 or 7 ½ shot may ville, Edwin Bell, Ralph’s Corner) – 6, Prime Youth Day: April 2, 2016 be used if it is part of a duplex or triplex load Hook State WA – 2, Redden State Forest –30, No Sunday Hunting containing 4, 5, or 6 shot. Taber SF - 2, Industrial Forest (Barr Complex) - 5 2. Muzzleloaders – smoothbore muzzleloading shotguns only; #4, #5, #6 shot only. KENT COUNTY TURKEY HUNTING 3. Longbow/compound/crossbow – Minimum Blackiston WA – 4, Little Creek WA – 6, Milford broadhead width of 7/8 inches. Neck WA – 8, Woodland Beach WA – 4, Norman HOURS 4. Crossbows may be used for turkey hunting. G. Wilder WA – 8, Ted Harvey WA – 4, Urban/ Crossbows must meet the same standards as Fortney WA – 3 1/2 hour before sunrise until 1:00 p.m. All turkeys for deer hunting. must be checked at an authorized turkey check NEW CASTLE COUNTY station by 2:30 p.m. on the day the bird is killed. Blackbird SF – 12, Cedar Swamp WA – 4, Blackbird CLOTHING Reserve WA – 3, C&D Canal – 4, Augustine – 2 TURKEY CHECK For safety reasons, it will be illegal to wear any visible garment having the colors red, white YOUTH/NON- STATIONS or blue. AMBULATORY Locations and hours will be posted on the Divi- sion’s website www.fw.delaware.gov. just prior to BLINDS/DECOYS DISABLED the season. Information can also be obtained by calling 735-3600 or 739-9912. See page 31 for the Temporary blinds of vegetation or camouflage TURKEY HUNT, list of tentative 2016 Turkey Checking Stations. material are legal. Artificial turkey decoys are legal. Decoys may have no parts from a formerly APRIL 2, 2016 live turkey. LEGAL BIRDS Open statewide. Any youth from 10 years through 15 years and non-ambulatory disabled AND BAG LIMIT RESTRICTIONS individuals may hunt. Young hunters must be accompanied by an adult 21 years of age or old- Bearded birds only. Bag limit is one turkey Dogs or bait may not be used. Hunters may er. Hunters 13-15 years old must have a valid per year. not drive turkeys or shoot them while they are Delaware junior hunting license and must have at roost. taken a Basic Hunter Safety course as well as a Delaware approved turkey hunter safety course. The normal bag limits and regulations apply. HUNTING PRIVATE Adult companions must be licensed to hunt in Delaware (or exempt) and must have taken a Dela- AND PUBLIC LANDS ware approved turkey hunter safety class. Adult companions may not possess a firearm during Both public and private land turkey hunters the hunt. Young hunters must be of sufficient size must carry proof of turkey hunting safety course and physical strength to safely handle a firearm. completion. In addition, public land hunters must have an annual permit from the Division. • All turkeys taken must be registered.

• All state wildlife areas and state forests open for turkey hunting will be open for the Youth/ Non-Ambulatory Disabled Turkey Hunt. 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.

For more information on youth hunting, see the Youth Hunting section on page 9.

26 WILD TURKEY HUNTING SECTION WILD TURKEY HUNTING SECTION

DELAWARE BAYSHORE INITIATIVE FIRST TIME TURKEY HUNTERS Rich Natural Resources The Delaware Bayshore is recognized as an area of global ecological significance for All first time Delaware turkey hunters must its expansive coastal habitats and abundant wildlife and fish found throughout the region. successfully complete a Division approved The wild and scenic beauty of the area draws people to the Bayshore for recreational Turkey Hunting Safety class. This includes activities such as fishing, hunting, birding, boating, kayaking and other forms of ecotourism. both public and private land hunters. Bayshore Hunters MUST take the turkey hunting class The Delaware Bayshore Initiative is geared toward conserving the area’s natural lands before they can apply for a public land turkey and waters, while also preserving the agricultural and maritime character of the land- permit.To register for a Turkey Hunting Safety scape. The Initiative seeks to encourage Delawareans and visitors to pursue outdoor class call (302) 735-3600. adventures along the Bayshore by enhancing access on public lands while protecting sensitive species and habitats. The Initiative is also working to strengthen the area’s towns and communities by encouraging local economic development, improving visitor facilities and promoting volunteerism and environmental education. Take the Bayshore Survey DNREC is inviting recreational users of public lands along the DE Bayshore to participate in a survey to help the Bayshore Initiative Team with planning and implementing investments and projects in the Bayshore region. To take the survey, visit the Bayshore Initiative website: www.dnrec.delaware.gov/Pages/Delaware-Bayshore.aspx

Seen Any Turkeys? If you see turkeys (especially poults!) during the months of July and August please record your observations on the table below and return the survey to the Division of Fish and Wildlife. Your participation in this volunteer survey will help us measure annual turkey production and manage Photo: Dave Wolanski our turkey population. Questions? Call 302-735-3600

OBSERVER INFORMATION INSTRUCTIONS • Each time you see turkeys, record the date, • If you cannot determine sex or age, record them Name: county, and number of adult hens, poults (young in “UNKNOWN” column – that information is still of the year), & adult gobblers. Record ALL important. turkeys seen, not just broods. Use additional • Either mail, fax, or email the survey by Septem- sheets if necessary. Address: ber 10 to: • Please record the turkey management zone in Matt DiBona, which your observation was made. REFER TO Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife Phone: INCLUDED MAP. 6180 Hay Point Landing Road • AVOID REPORTING DUPLICATE SIGHTINGS Smyrna, DE 19977 (e.g. if you see the same number of hens and Fax: 302-653-6755 Email: poults in the same location several days in a Email: [email protected] row, only record once).

NUMBER OF TURKEYS OBSERVED DATE TURKEY MGMT ZONE (RECORD ALL TURKEYS SEEN, NOT JUST BROODS) COUNTY (MONTH/DAY) (REFER TO MAP ON PAGE 22) HENS POULTS GOBBLERS UNKNOWN

Please cut this form out and return it to the Division of Fish and Wildlife once completed.

2015-2016 DELAWARE HUNTING AND TRAPPING GUIDE 27 MIGRATORY BIRD HUNTING SECTION

bird harvests and the status of migratory bird Children 10 through 15 years old may hunt, HARVEST species. If you are going to hunt migratory birds but must be accompanied by an adult 21 years in Delaware, you MUST have a H.I.P. number. To of age or older. No state or federal stamps are INFORMATION obtain a permit visit www.dnrec.delaware.gov/ required. Thirteen, fourteen and fifteen year old delhunt or call toll free 1-855-335-4868. hunters must purchase a Delaware junior hunt- PROGRAM – H.I.P. THIS PERMIT IS FREE. ing license. Regular season limits and waterfowl hunting regulations apply. If you are a Delaware migratory bird Adult companions must be licensed to hunt hunter (ducks, geese, doves, woodcock, 2015-16 YOUTH in Delaware (or exempt) but may not possess rails, snipe, and coots), you MUST ob- a firearm during the hunt. For more informa- tain a new H.I.P number each year. What is H.I.P.? WATERFOWL tion on youth hunting, see the Youth Hunting H.I.P. is the “Harvest Information Program” being section on page 9. implemented by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service HUNTING DAYS (USFWS). It was started in 1992 when California, *Pending Federal approval - See 2015-16 Waterfowl Missouri, and South Dakota participated in the YOUTH WATERFOWL HUNTS, Season Summary pamphlet for approved dates. pilot program. For many years, the USFWS has OCTOBER 17, 2015 AND collected waterfowl harvest information through FEBRUARY 6, 2016* WATERFOWL REGULATIONS WERE a post-season survey of hunters who purchased Open statewide on private and public lands, in- ADOPTED THROUGH FEDERAL Federal duck stamps. This survey was fine for its cluding state wildlife areas and the federal refuges. REGULATIONS. time, but better information is now needed. Also, The lottery drawing for state blinds is 1.5 hours the previous survey did not provide harvest data before legal shooting time except for the Little CAUTION: on other migratory birds like doves and woodcock. Creek WMA where the drawing is 2 hours before H.I.P. will fulfill these needs. Under the Harvest legal shooting time. Hunters should arrive prior Shot carries beyond the lethal range. Information Program, migratory bird hunters to 2 hours before legal shooting time to sign up Duck hunters should use extreme need a special permit to hunt. To get the permit, for the lottery. caution when selecting the direction hunters have to provide their name and address, and answer a few questions about their previous they shoot in. year’s hunting effort and success. This information is collected by the state, remains totally confiden- tial, and goes immediately to the USFWS which NON-TOXIC SHOT randomly selects hunters to receive a survey form. This way, hunters have the forms to record harvest Non-toxic shot, as approved by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, is required for all information during the season instead of after the waterfowl hunting within the State of Delaware. There are no exceptions. For a list fact like the old survey required. By surveying of currently approved non-toxic shot types visit http://www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/ while hunting is going on, much better information CurrentBirdIssues/nontoxic.htm should be available to the Service for evaluating CARLISLE’S MARINE BAYSIDE MARINE CUSTOMER SATISFACTION SINCE 1949 CRABBING SUPPLIES ~ TACKLE HUNTING SUPPLIES ~ AMMO As always we take pride in our work and the products we sell! 30 years experience servicing all brands of outboards and inboard/outboards

We are a Delaware Fish and Wildlife Licensing and a State Parks Licensing Agent

CARLISLE’S MARINE, INC. 49 ARTISAN DRIVE, SMYRNA, DE MON-FRI 7A-5P • SAT 7A-NOON 302-389-0100 WWW.CARLISLESMARINE.COM 6585 Shawnee Road, Milford, DE 302-682-3968 www.baysidemarine.net 28 MIGRATORY BIRD HUNTING SECTION

of capsizing and falls overboard occur with 2015-2016 boats less than 20 feet in length. Special type III (wearable) vests for hunting are available and are comfortable and warm for the coldest, DELAWARE SMALL BOAT nastiest duck and goose hunting days. They can be purchased in camo colors. Hunters use EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS smaller, more easily transportable craft like john boats, bass boats or canoes. Some boat designs CLASS 1 CLASS A are not as stable as others. These types, because EQUIPMENT (16 FEET TO LESS THAN (LESS THAN 16 FEET) of their flat bottoms or narrow beams, are more 26 FEET) prone to swamping or capsizing. How can you 1. Registration fee $10.00 $20.00 avoid an unplanned fall into the water? 2. Decals & boat number Display properly on bow Display properly on bow • Wear your life jacket. Camouflage float coats are available at most marine dealers. One approved wearable 3. Personal flotation Device One approved wearable PFD PFD for each person on (PFD)*Must be serviceable • Never cross large bodies of water during for each person on board board plus one throwable (see below) rough weather in a boat that can’t take the PFD. conditions due to size and/or overloading. One hand, mouth or power One hand, mouth or power 4. Whistle operated, and audible at least operated, and audible at • Stay with your boat if you capsize and can’t one half (1/2) mile least one half (1/2) mile get to shore. Try to climb on it. One type B-1, if carrying One type B-1, if carrying passen- • Avoid standing up or moving around in the passengers for hire, gers for hire, or if boat construc- boat. 5. Fire Extinguisher Portable or if boat construction tion will permit entrapment of will permit entrapment of flammable vapors. • Never move about your boat with a loaded flammable vapors. gun or rifle.

6. Lights • Don’t overload, read the capacity plate at- tached to the inside hull as a guide.

• Distribute your gear evenly.

• Don’t drink alcohol, it lowers your body core temperature and encourages one to take chances they wouldn’t normally take.

Every sensible hunter knows that guns, alcohol and drugs don’t mix. Hunting under the influ- ence of alcohol is a Federal hunting violation not excluding loss of your state hunting license if convicted. Those persons born on or after January 1, 1978 must take an approved boat- 7. Ventilation At least two ventilator ducts fitted with cowls or equivalent, ing certification course before operating a boat. if boat construction will permit entrapment of flammable vapors. Contact the Office of Boating Education for more information on taking a boating educa- 8. Atlantic Ocean, Delaware Bay and Delaware River South of Artificial Island—U.S. Coast Guard regulations require all vessels to carry day and night distress signaling devices. tion course at (302) 739-9915 or take an online Outboard motorboats less than 16’ in length are exempt from daytime requirements. course at http://de.gov/boatsafety

* Test for serviceability of PFD—All PFD’s must be readily accessible, in serviceable condition, legibly marked with approval number of the U.S. Coast Guard and be of appropriate size. PFD’s must have flotation material without rot or WATERFOWL HUNTER being waterlogged, untorn or damaged coverings and straps in good condition. WATER SURVIVAL TIPS Most drownings could have been prevented. WATERFOWL door Life and Death” struggle. Rather the ac- What causes them? Drownings occur because the cident reports usually read: “Fell out of boat victim made the wrong decision, did not realize HUNTERS reaching for a decoy and never resurfaced” or the dangers of boating in rough, cold water, was “capsized boat due to overloading or uneven not properly prepared, had the wrong equip- AND BOATS distribution of decoys, dog, and other hunt- ment, or failed to wear a life-jacket (PFD). Small ers”. Many hunters do not regard themselves as boats, by their very nature, are extremely unstable Each year more hunters die from drowning a“boater” and as a consequence do not consider crafts. Often the victim of a small boat accident and the effects of hypothermia than from gun- the special conditions and challenges of the did not realize just how unstable their craft was. shot wounds. Most of the accident reports from marine environment. Personal Flotation Devices Add to this, cold, rough water, and the chances waterborne hunting fatalities are not dramatic (PFD’s) are essential and should be worn at all for survival for falling overboard are very slim. stories. The hunter didn’t succumb in an “Out- times. Statistics show that the great majority COLD WATER KILLS—even those in excellent condition who know how to swim. TAKE A BOATING EDUCATION COURSE

1-800-464-4357 or 739-9915 Continued on page 30

2015-2016 DELAWARE HUNTING AND TRAPPING GUIDE 29 MIGRATORY BIRD HUNTING SECTION

Continued from page 29 at www.dnrec.delaware.gov/delhunt. The need SNOW GEESE for the Delaware Waterfowl (Duck) Stamp follows the requirements on page 12 of this guide as Hunters are reminded that Delaware and Mary- related to hunter age. THE FIVE PRIMARY CAUSES OF land have a reciprocal agreement for hunting WATER DEATHS ARE: snow geese. Delaware hunters can hunt snow 1. Hypothermia – The rapid loss of body heat geese in Maryland with their Delaware hunting in cold water. license provided they have a Maryland Migra- WATERFOWL 2. “Dry” Drowning – Constriction of the throat, tory Game Bird Stamp, a Federal Duck Stamp, a and the resulting suffocation, due to a sudden Maryland H.I.P. number and are in compliance • The non-resident 3-day hunting license can inrush of cold water. with Maryland Hunter Safety laws. Maryland now be used to hunt waterfowl provided the 3. “Wet” Drowning – The displacement of air resident hunters can hunt snow geese in Dela- hunter has purchased the Federal Duck Stamp in the lungs by water. ware with their Maryland resident hunting license and state waterfowl (duck) stamp and has a 4. Massive Heart Attacks in older, out-of-shape, provided they have a Delaware Waterfowl (Duck) H.I.P. number. non-swimmers in cold water. Stamp, a Federal Duck Stamp, a Delaware H.I.P. 5. Being run over by own boat, especially when number and are in compliance with the Delaware • When purchasing your waterfowl (duck) starting in gear. Hunter Safety laws. This agreement only applies stamp on the electronic systems, the stamp to residents of Maryland and Delaware. image is printed on your license if you pur- DROWNING IS THE PRIME chase your hunting license at the same time. CAUSE OF HUNTING DEATHS! CONSERVATION ORDER If you purchase the stamp separately you Aggressive CPR (rescue breathing and heart The snow goose Conservation Order (CO) is ex- will receive the stamp image. The Division massage) can save your life. What do you and pected to reopen during the winter and spring no longer mails original waterfowl (duck) your fishing, hunting, and canoeing friends know of 2016 after other waterfowl hunting is closed. stamps automatically at the end of the season about it? When the CO is open, snow goose hunters can (June 30th of each year). If you would like an use unplugged shotguns and electronic calls. In original stamp sent to you please call (302) MANY PEOPLE—APPARENTLY DEAD addition, hunting hours are extended to a half 739-9918 and provide your name, address FROM DROWNING—MAY NOT BE! hour before sunrise to a half hour after sunset and and order ID number after you purchase the Cold water not only kills, but in some instances, daily bag and possession limits are removed. Par- electronic stamp. it preserves. Warming drowning victims from ticipants hunting during the CO must have a valid the inside out by CPR or warm, moist inhalation Delaware or Maryland resident hunting license, • For more information on ordering Collector may bring them back to life! a Delaware Waterfowl (Duck) Stamp (Federal Waterfowl (Duck) Stamp(s) and waterfowl stamp not required), a Delaware HIP number and prints contact Candace Dunning at (302) 739- the free CO permit issued by the Division. This 9918. The collector stamps and prints are not permit can be obtained by computer registration available online.

DELAWARE WATERFOWL (DUCK) STAMP PROGRAM

2015 Delaware Waterfowl (Duck) Stamp Beginning with black ducks painted by Ned Mayne in 1980, the first year of Delaware’s waterfowl art competition, 33 of the State’s Waterfowl species have adorned the annual stamp that is required of waterfowl hunters and prints that are collected by conservationists. The Division of Fish & Wildlife, in partnership with Delaware Ducks Unlimited, began the waterfowl stamp and print program in 1980 to raise funds for waterfowl conservation, including acquiring and improving the wetland habitats that are vital for the survival of migratory waterfowl. To date, more than $2.5 million has been raised. These funds improve waterfowl habitat in Delaware and Canada. This conservation effort helps to ensure that waterfowl species will prosper and provide enjoy- ment for generations to come. Thank you for the support! The 2015 stamp is a Governor’s Edition marking the program’s 35th anniversary. All entries submitted had to depict Delaware’s native black duck with ducklings in a Delaware Bayshore Region habitat. The 2015 prints and stamps (as well as the 2013 and 2014 prints and stamps) will be available July 1, 2015. After June 30th, 2015 the 2012 prints and stamps will be destroyed in accordance with the waterfowl stamp program policy. For information on the Delaware Waterfowl Stamp Program or to reserve and purchase prints/stamps, contact Black Duck By Richard Clifton Milford, DE the Division at (302) 739-9918 or visit our website: http://de.gov/ with Ducklings waterfowlstamp

30 2015-2016 DELAWARE HUNTING AND TRAPPING GUIDE MIGRATORY BIRD HUNTING SECTION

WOOD DUCK BOX PROGRAM

Plastic Bellrose wood duck nest boxes are available to the public for purchase through the Division of Fish & Wildlife’s regional wildlife offices. Nest box costs are subsidized with State Waterfowl Stamp funds and donations from the Chesapeake Chapter of the Safari Club International. Because of these subsidies, these $60 nest boxes can be purchased from the Division for just $30. Contact a Fish & Wildlife regional manager to learn more! New Castle County: (302) 834-8433 Kent County: (302) 284-1077 Sussex County: (302) 539-3160

The Wood Duck Box Program is sponsored by the DE Division of Fish & Wildlife in partnership with the Chesapeake Chapter of the Safari Club International.

2016 DELAWARE TURKEY HUNTING CHECK STATIONS* KENT COUNTY NEW CASTLE COUNTY McKay Wildlife and Hunter Education Field Miller’s Butcher Shop Master Baiters Office 577 Morgan’s Choice Road, Wyoming 775 S. DuPont Highway, New Castle 6180 Hay Point Landing Road, Smyrna 302-697-8278 302-834-BAIT (2248) (Intersection of Route 9/Shorts Landing Road) LP Sports Center 302-735-3600 1 East Street, Spartan Plaza, Harrington SUSSEX COUNTY 302-398-6373 Little Creek Wildlife Area Check Station Wildlife Recreations Route 9, Bayside Drive, Little Creek Delmarva Speed & Sport 9641 Tharp Road, Seaford (Just south of the Town of Little Creek) 689 Warner Road, Milford 302-629-4524 302-739-4610 302-424-1179 Hook ‘Em and Cook ‘Em Williamsville Store 3 York Beach Mall, Route 1, South Bethany 3544 Williamsville Road, Houston 302-539-6243 (Intersection of Deep Grass Lane and That Place Williamsville Road) 30618 Millsboro Highway, Millsboro 302-422-4455 302-934-9260 First State Sporting Goods Bucks and Ducks Sports Center 825 Halltown Road, Marydel 14882 Hardscrabble Road, Seaford 302-343-9696 302-875-5600

*NOTE: List of check stations subject to change without notice. Visit www.fw.delaware.gov after April 1 for any changes. Hours may vary. Call the station where you will check a bird to confirm hours of operation. Check station hours may vary, so hunters are advised to call the station where they are likely to check a bird to confirm the hours of opera- tion. Hunters who want to have their bird scored and entered into the National Wild Turkey Federation records are reminded to have their bird’s live weight recorded on a certified scale. If the check station does not have a certified scale, hunters will have to go to another shop to have the turkey re-weighed.

2015-2016 DELAWARE HUNTING AND TRAPPING GUIDE 31 FURBEARER TRAPPING & HUNTING SECTION

2015-2016 STATE WILDLIFE FURBEARER TRAPPING SEASONS AREAS Each year the Division accepts sealed bids for per- SPECIES SEASON sons to trap on its wildlife areas. Bidding informa- tion is published in early September and bids are opened in early November. Bid information can New Castle County** Dec. 1- Mar. 10 be obtained through the Office of Management Muskrat, Mink, Otter and Budget Bid Solicitation website at http:// Raccoon,* Opossum, Nutria Kent & Sussex Counties Dec.15 - Mar. 15 bids.delaware.gov or by calling the Division at (302) 739-9912. No trapping is permitted on any Division lands without a permit. Beaver Dec. 1 - Mar. 20*** TRAPPING Red Fox, Coyote Dec. 1 - Mar. 10 PROHIBITIONS Groundhog July 1 - June 30 – IT IS UNLAWFUL TO: *Box traps may be used for raccoon during the hunting “kill” season. • Use traps to take wildlife except muskrats, **In New Castle County, on embanked meadows, the season closes March 20. mink, otter, beaver, raccoons, opossum, ***Season bag limit is 8 beavers. See more information in the beaver section on page 33. groundhogs, nutria, red foxes, and coyotes. Box traps may be used by landowners to trap rabbits during the open season.

• Use any type of trap, except for muskrats, 2015-2016 without marking the trap with a metal tag stating the trapper’s license number and year FURBEARER HUNTING SEASONS or the trapper’s name and address. • Set traps on public or private land without AND BAG LIMITS first acquiring written permission from the landowner. For your convenience, trappers DAILY SPECIES SEASON NOTE who wish to trap on private property may LIMIT use the Private Land Trapping Permission Form on page 37 in this guide..

Season closed during the Nov. shotgun, Oct. muzzleload- • Fail to visit traps at least once every 24 hours. er, and Oct. antlerless deer seasons. Hunt hours during the Oct. antlerless deer seasons are closed each day of • Set traps any time before the opening day of Sept. 1 - Oct. 8 Chase the deer season from 1/2 hour before sunrise through 1/2 a season or any time after the last day of a Raccoon Oct. 19 - Oct. 31 Chase hour after sunset. Hunt hours 7:00p.m. through midnight No season. (There is no provision in Delaware’s and Nov. 2 - Nov. 12 Hunt during Dec. and Jan. firearms seasons. See Deer Hunting Limit Section on page 19 for Oct. antlerless and Dec. and Jan. laws to set up traps the day before a season Opossum Nov. 21* - Feb. 29 Hunt opens or to allow the removal of traps for Mar. 1 - Mar. 31 Chase firearms seasons. See Raccoons section on page 35 for special zone where season is open all year, except several days after a season closes.) Sundays, and during deer seasons listed above. • Set foothold traps with a jaw spread in excess *Season reopens one hour after sunset of 6 ½” above the waterline or 7 ¾” beneath the waterline. “Waterline” shall refer to beneath the surface of the water or below the mean high tide line in an area ordinarily subject Chase: Oct. 1 - Apr. 30* to the rise and fall of the tide. Jaw spread is except season closed *From Jan.-Apr. fox hunting by chase during deer hunting measured as the widest distance from this during deer gun seasons season shall be permissible on private lands only on Tues- inside of both jaws on a line drawn perpen- Oct. thru Dec. day, Wednesday and Thursday if the owner of the private No dicular through the jaw pivot points when Red Fox land has authorized such hunting to occur thereon. See page 17 for deer Limit the trap is in the set position. season dates. Red fox may be hunted with a longbow, crossbow, shotgun, muzzleloading rifle, rimfire or centerfire rifle up to • Set foothold traps in areas above the waterline Hunt: Nov. 2 - Feb. 29 25 caliber. without them having offset, laminated, or Statewide padded jaws.

• Set foothold traps with toothed or serrated jaws. Coyotes may be hunted with longbow, crossbow, Sept. 1 - Feb. 29 No • Set snares, now referred to as cable restraints, Coyote shotgun, muzzleloading rifle, rimfire, or centerfire rifle up Statewide Limit without the following criteria being met: com- to .25 caliber. prised of stranded steel cable with a minimum diameter of 5/64 inches. Cable restraints must be equipped with a relaxing-type lock. The 8 per cable may not exceed 7 feet in length from the Beaver Dec. 1 - Mar. 20 Sea- Beavers may be hunted with shotguns or longbows. anchor point to the relaxing lock and must son be equipped with at least one swivel device, which allows for 360° rotation, between the

Hours: Fox and coyote – 1/2 hr. before sunrise to 1/2 hr. after sunset. Raccoons and opossum may be hunted at night. 32 Continued on page 33 FURBEARER TRAPPING & HUNTING SECTION COYOTES Identification Most coyote sightings occur around sunrise and sunset. Adult coyotes usually weigh from 20 to 45 pounds, with females generally smaller than males. Coyotes look somewhat like small collie dogs. They have erect pointed ears, a slender muzzle, and a bushy tail usually held low to the ground. Most coyotes are brownish gray in color with a light gray to cream-colored belly although they can vary in color from reddish to even black. While coyotes have reached Delaware, and been here for at least 20 years, many reported sightings Photo: Steve Thompson, USFWS in the last year have been the misidentifying of dogs and red foxes as coyotes.

Harvest Reports to report their harvests so that the Division can collect important In January 2014, a statewide hunting and trapping season was information about these animals. For more information about the developed to allow coyotes to be legally harvested in Delaware. registration procedure, please see the Coyote Section below. As part of the new regulations, anyone harvesting a coyote was required to report the harvest to the Division by the close of busi- Range ness on the day following the harvest. This information would Historically, coyotes were most common on the Great Plains. Their allow biologists to help track the distribution of coyotes across range now extends from Central America to the Arctic. Except for the state and monitor the population size. At the conclusion of Hawaii, coyotes live in all U.S. states, Canada, and Mexico. Coyotes the 2014/15 coyote hunting and trapping seasons, 3 coyotes have have only recently begun to inhabit Delaware. Due to Delaware’s been harvested and reported to the Division. The first animal was geography (a peninsula), coyotes have been slow to move into the state shot opportunistically by a deer hunter in northern New Castle from the North. In spite of being hunted and trapped for more than 200 County in January 2014, the second and third animals were shot years, more coyotes exist today than when the U.S. Constitution was in northeastern Sussex County during the fall of 2014. These three signed. Hardly any animal in America is more adaptable to changing animals are the only confirmed harvests by the Division. Hunters or conditions--the coyote can live in deserts, swamps, tundra, grasslands trappers that harvest a coyote are reminded that they are required and dense forests, from below sea level to high mountains. They have now learned to live in suburbs and cities.

Continued from page 32

loop and the anchor. The cable restraint must COYOTES RED FOX have stops affixed to the cable to ensure that the cable that makes up the loop may not have Anyone that shoots or traps a coyote must re- It is unlawful to kill a red fox that is being pur- a circumference greater than 38 inches when port the harvest by contacting the Division of sued by dogs. During any deer firearms season, it fully open, or a circumference less than 6 ¼ Fish & Wildlife at (302) 735-3600 by the close will be unlawful to hunt red fox with any firearm inches when fully closed. Cable restraints with of business on the day following the harvest. that is not also legal for deer hunting. a maximum loop circumference of 12 ½ inches Harvest reports are an important way for Divi- do not require cable stops. Cable restraints must sion biologists to track coyote distribution and be maintained in good condition so that all abundance across the state. During any deer NUTRIA components operate properly. firearms season, it will be unlawful to hunt coyotes with any firearm that is not also legal Anyone that traps a nutria must report the har- • Move, take, or damage any trap, or take, or at- for deer hunting. Hides of coyotes legally taken vest by contacting the Division of Fish & Wildlife tempt to take, wildlife from any trap without may be sold. at (302) 735-3600 by the close of business on the first acquiring specific advance permission. day following the harvest. Harvest reports are an important way for Division biologists to track • Use or possess killer or conibear traps with RIVER OTTER nutria distribution and abundance across the a jaw spread in excess of 5 inches. state. Captured nutria may not be released back Otters must be tagged by an authorized repre- into the wild alive and must be killed. Hides of • Use diving or box traps for muskrats. sentative of the Division of Fish & Wildlife in nutria legally taken may be sold. accordance with CITES requirements. Please • Set traps (except box/cage traps) within 10’ of contact the Division at (302) 735-3600 to make exposed meat used as bait. The use of animal arrangements to have your otter tagged once fur or feathers without any attached animal the pelt has been stretched and dried but before tissue is not restricted. it is sold or shipped out of state. Tags will not be distributed to trappers but instead must be affixed to otter pelts by a representative from the RACCOONS Division so bring your pelts with you for tagging. ATTENTION TRAPPERS Raccoons may be trapped in season statewide BE AV E R ZANDER FUR with foothold traps, including foot encapsulat- ing style traps, cable restraints, or box traps Landowners with damage caused by beavers TOP PRICES PAID FOR ALL WILD FUR operated to confine but not harm the entrapped may take up to 8 per season without a permit We are a direct source to animal. The trap opening of box/cage traps may from December 1 through March 20 provided all world fur markets not exceed 195 square inches. Raccoons may they report their catch by April 1. Beavers may be hunted and trapped on private land only, be taken at any other time or more than 8 may Sell any time, at any time of the year, except on Sundays, in be taken with a permit from the Division. Beaver No fees or commissions New Castle or Kent Counties from the southerly hides and the meat of lawfully taken beaver Call about our Eastern boundary of Rt.380 and east and southeast of the harvested anywhere within or outside of Dela- Shore buying dates center line of Rt. 13 and Rt. 113, south to the Saint ware may be sold. Jones River with permission of the landowner. (856) 848-5885 643 Mantua Grove Rd (609) 820-4967 West Deptford, NJ 08066 PO Box 139 [email protected] Gibbstown, NJ 08027 2015-2016 DELAWARE HUNTING AND TRAPPING GUIDE 33 PUBLIC LANDS HUNTING AND TRAPPING SECTION

PUBLIC HUNTING AREAS WITHIN WATERFOWL HUNTING EACH COUNTY ON PUBLIC LANDS SMALL Waterfowl hunters have a variety of opportu- ZONEA WATERFOWL DEER TURKEY GAME nities to hunt on public lands in Delaware, in- cluding marsh blinds, marsh blind sites, upland NEW CASTLE blinds, and goose pits. Refer to individual area STATE WILDLIFE AREAS maps, or contact the regional manager for spe- Augustine Wildlife Area 3 X X X X cific area rules, lottery days, times, and locations. Blackbird Reserve Wildlife Area 3 X X X LOTTERY AREAS C&D Canal Conservation Area 1,2,3 X X X X • Augustine Cedar Swamp Wildlife Area 3 X X X* X • Cedar Swamp STATE PARKS • Woodland Beach • Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge/ Brandwine Creek State Park 1 X Kelley Island Fort Delaware State Park 1 X • Little Creek/Ted Harvey Fort DuPont State Park 1 X • Assawoman Lums Pond State Park 1 X FIRST-COME, FIRST-SERVED FROM White Clay Creek State Park 1 X BLINDS OR BLIND SITES ONLY* STATE FORESTS • Milford Neck/Cedar Creek Blackbird State Forest 2 X X* X • Piney Point (Assawoman) • Prime Hook KENT STATE WILDLIFE AREAS *Most areas have state built blinds that are Blackiston Wildlife Area 4 X X X X not grassed, some are open for the public to Little Creek Wildlife Area 5 X X X X build blinds. McGinnis Pond Wildlife Area 8 X X FIRST-COME, FIRST-SERVED Milford Neck Wildlife Area 9 X X X X JUMP SHOOTING Norman G. Wilder Wildlife Area 6 X X X X • C&D Canal • Reedy Island Ted Harvey Conservation Area 5,8 X X X X • Little Creek (south of Pickering Beach Road Urban/Fortney Wildlife Area 4 X X and north of Port Mahon Road) Woodland Beach Wildlife Area 5 X X X* X • Blackiston STATE PARKS • Norman G. Wilder • Limited areas of Milford Neck Killens Pond State Park 8 • Marshy Hope STATE FORESTS • Nanticoke Taber State Forest 7 X X X NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGES DEER HUNTING ON Bombay Hook NWR 5 X X X SUSSEX PUBLIC LANDS STATE WILDLIFE AREAS Shotgun hunting is available by permit only for: Assawoman Wildlife Area 15,17 X X X X • White Clay Creek State Park Barr Complex 11 X X X X • Fort DuPont State Park Industrial Forest Lands -Laurel 13,16 X X X X • Blackbird State Forest Marshy Hope Wildlife Area 10 X X X • Woodland Beach • Cedar Swamp Midlands Wildlife Area 14 X X X X • Ted Harvey Milford Neck Wildlife Area 9 X X X X • Augustine Nanticoke Wildlife Area 13 X X X X • Assawoman Old Furnace Wildlife Area 11 X X X The above areas will utilize a daily lottery. Prime Hook Wildlife Area 9 X X X X Elevated stands are provided for each permit- STATE PARKS tee. The Brandywine Creek State Park hunt Cape Henlopen State Park 9 X X will be conducted by lottery (see page 38 for application). Deer hunting at Lums Pond, Delaware Seashore State Park 15 X X X Trap Pond, Cape Henlopen, Fort DuPont, and Holts Landing State Park 15 X Delaware Seashore State Parks is by permit Trap Pond State Park 16 X X only and hunters should contact the Park Of- STATE FORESTS fice where they intend to hunt for specific site information. For more information call (302) Redden State Forest 8,11,12,15 X X* X 739-9220 or visit destateparks.com. NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGES Deer hunting is also available at many other Prime Hook NWR 9,12 X X X state wildlife areas without a permit. Check A – Zone refers to the Wildlife Management Zone(s) in which the public land is located. Refer to page 22 for zone locations. area maps for details of specific rules regarding types of hunting available. Always refer to individual area maps for specific seasons, rules, regulations and public land locations. *Some tracts are managed as Quality Buck Areas. See area maps for location details.

34 2015-2016 DELAWARE HUNTING AND TRAPPING GUIDE PUBLIC LANDS HUNTING AND TRAPPING SECTION PUBLIC LANDS HUNTING AND TRAPPING SECTION

QUALITY BUCK • No person may trespass into areas closed • No firearms are permitted on dikes and by the Division. walking on dikes is prohibited during the MANAGEMENT waterfowl season. • Entry is limited from sunrise to sunset, ex- AREAS ON cept to lawfully hunt and fish. • No trapping on state areas without a valid lease. Leases will be bid in September of each year. PUBLIC LANDS • No camping or swimming without special authorization of the Division. • Non-resident hunters may not participate in The Woodland Beach and Cedar Swamp State deer drives and must hunt from a stationary Wildlife Areas (except the Rocks and Bell tracts) • No dumping or littering, no target shooting position only. Non-resident hunters may not as well as the Dulany Manor tract of Blackbird including paintball. walk with a loaded firearm while deer hunt- State Forest and the Chesapeake, Ellendale, ing as this will be considered driving deer. Headquarters, and Jester tracts of Redden • Hunting can only be done as specified on State Forest are Quality Buck Areas. All hunt- area maps available from the Division. • Small game hunting closed during some ers (except hunters under 17 years of age and deer seasons. See area maps for details. non-ambulatory hunters hunting on either the • Horses may be used on wildlife areas only on Cedar Swamp or Woodland Beach State Wildlife established roads open to vehicular traffic. No • No baiting for deer hunting. Areas) hunting these areas shall not take an off road vehicles registered or unregistered. antlered deer with a minimum outside antler • Rabbit dogs may be trained on some areas spread of less than 15 inches at any time. Only • Waterfowl may be hunted on each area only on Sundays during September, October, and bucks that qualify for the existing Quality Buck as posted. See wildlife area maps for details. November except for the Sunday during Tag are legal in these areas. Antlerless deer can firearms season. See specific wildlife area still be legally harvested. • No firearms on Division lands from March maps for dog training regulations. 1 – August 31 except during legal hunting seasons or authorized by the Division of Fish • No permanent non-state deer stands are al- RULES FOR STATE and Wildlife. lowed and all parts of a portable deer stand must be removed at the end of each day’s WILDLIFE AREAS • No rifled guns allowed on lands along the hunt. No screw-in steps or stands allowed. C&D Canal except muzzleloaders and shot- Hunters are advised to check each area map guns during the deer seasons when it is • It shall be unlawful to possess, consume or be for specific rules and information. lawful to use such firearms. under the influence of alcoholic beverages, liq- All vehicles used on wildlife areas must be uors or drugs while hunting or in the posses- licensed, used only designated roads, not exceed • Firearms may not be discharged on Sunday sion of firearms when on lands administered 20 m.p.h., and not make excessive noise. See except in designated areas. by the Division. wildlife area maps for detailed regulations.

35 PUBLIC LANDS HUNTING AND TRAPPING SECTION

Forest offices and online at http://dda.dela- DEER STAND & WATERFOWL BLIND ware.gov/forestry/maps.shtml. • No permanent deer stands, platforms, ladders, FACILITIES FOR DISABLED HUNTERS or blinds may be constructed. No screw-in steps, tree spikes, crews, or nails are allowed. DEER HUNTING AREA DEER STANDS WATERFOWL BLINDS All parts of temporary (portable) deer stands LOCATIONS must be removed on the final day of the Janu- CAT 1 CAT 2 CAT 1 CAT 2 CAT 1 CAT 2 ary muzzleloader season; any stands remain- ing after this date will be removed and become Augustine 1 1 1 1 property of the Delaware Forest Service. Cedar Swamp 2 6 1 1 1 • Deer drives by any person or persons are Woodland Beach 2 6 3 3 not permitted on any State Forest land at any time. Little Creek 2 2 Ted Harvey 6 3 3 1 • Portions of some State Forest tracts are only open to archery hunting for deer. Please Assawoman 4 5 1 contact your local State Forest office for more Nanticoke 1 information.

Old Furnace 2 • Small game hunting is closed on State Forest Lums Pond 2 lands during firearm deer season.

White Clay Creek 3 • The Delaware Forest Service reserves the right to close to hunting specific State Forest tracts during specific hunting seasons. There- • Collection and removal of any wildlife species land Beach Wildlife Area, Little Creek Wildlife fore, it is important to consult the current from a State Wildlife Area is prohibited unless Area, Ted Harvey Conservation Area, Milford hunting guide for a listing of these closures. otherwise provided by statute, regulation or Neck Wildlife Area (select areas and seasons) / authorized by the Division Director. Sussex Co.: Assawoman Wildlife Area. • Trapping rights may be leased for State For- est lands. No other trapping is permitted on State Forest lands. AREA MAPS RULES FOR • Target shooting is prohibited. Firearms are allowed for legal hunting only, and are pro- Maps for all state wildlife areas may be obtained DELAWARE FOREST hibited on State Forest Lands from March 1 from the Division of Fish and Wildlife Office, through August 31. 89 Kings Hwy., Dover, Delaware 19901. Regula- SERVICE LANDS tions covering each area are included. Individu- • Waterfowl hunting is not permitted on State als can receive up to 5 maps free. Additional (BLACKBIRD, REDDEN, Forest land or waters. maps will cost 50 cents each. A complete booklet AND TABER STATE FORESTS) of maps can be obtained for $5.00 plus $1.00 for (Administered by Delaware Forest Service, • No dumping or littering. shipping. Maps are also available for free on the Department of Agriculture) Division’s Web Site (www.fw.delaware.gov). • Placing paint, ribbon, flagging, reflectors, • For Redden State Forest information call: etc., is not permitted • Hunters should note that days open for hunt- (302) 856-2893. ing some species on public lands may vary • No living trees, shrubs or other vegetation from the general hunting season. Hunters • For Blackbird State Forest call: may be cut, felled, uprooted, removed or should check the regulations for each public (302) 653-6505. otherwise injured or destroyed. area they plan to hunt. • For Taber State Forest call: • No off-road vehicles registered or unregis- (302) 698-4549. tered. WILDLIFE AREA THE FOLLOWING RULES AND • Camping is available by permit in desig- REGULATIONS APPLY TO ALL nated areas only. DEER STAND/ STATE FOREST LANDS: • State Forests are year-round multiple use • It is unlawful to use bait for hunting pur- WATERFOWL BLIND areas. Hunters share the use of State Forest poses on all State Forest lands. Lands with other public users such as hikers, LOTTERY PERMIT campers, horseback riders, firewood cutters, • No parking in front of access gates to State and loggers. Forest lands. Hunters that use a State Wildlife Area waterfowl blind or deer stand for hunting that was assigned • No special permits are required to hunt on RESTRICTIONS APPLY TO through a daily lottery must purchase a $20 State Forest lands, except as specified in the REDDEN STATE FOREST annual Wildlife Area Deer Stand/Waterfowl DNREC, Division of Fish and Wildlife an- • Closed to gun deer hunting during October Blind Lottery Permit. All individuals must be in nual Hunting and Trapping Guide. Properly and December antlerless seasons. possession of this permit when using the blind licensed hunters may hunt during any open or stand. These permits can be purchased where season except on areas designated, such as • Headquarters, Jester, Ellendale and Chesa- hunting licenses are sold or online at www. those marked with Wildlife Sanctuary, NO peake Tracts are Quality Buck only. fw.delaware.gov. The following State Wildlife HUNTING, or Safety Zone signs. Areas use a daily lottery to assign blinds and stands: New Castle Co.: Augustine Wildlife Area, • Hunting is only permitted as specified on State Cedar Swamp Wildlife Area / Kent Co.: Wood- Forest maps available free-of-charge from State Continued on page 37

36 2015-2016 DELAWARE HUNTING AND TRAPPING GUIDE PUBLIC LANDS HUNTING AND TRAPPING SECTION PUBLIC LANDS HUNTING AND TRAPPING SECTION

Continued from page 36 trail, so hunters should be aware that they may National Wildlife Refuges provide habitat for encounter other individuals on this property. a diversity of wildlife. Game species are sought after by avid hunters RESTRICTIONS APPLY • All hunters on the Meadows and North Bar- on both refuges. Hunting, which is identified by TO SEVERAL TRACTS low Tracts, during shotgun and muzzleloader the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement AT BLACKBIRD STATE FOREST. season, must hunt from the stand only, as walk Act of 1997 as one of the six wildlife-dependent Maps delineating these areas are available around hunting is not permitted. recreational uses on refuges, is an important part at Blackbird State Forest headquarters or by of Delaware’s heritage and tradition. Public hunt- calling (302) 653-6505. • During Archery season bowhunters must be ing opportunities are available for deer, upland within 50 yards of their designated stand. game & webless migratory birds, and waterfowl • Deer hunting is limited to numbered stands on both refuges. A complete listing of hunting on Tybout, White Road, Dulany and South • Stands will be available during Archery information and regulations can be accessed for Barlow Tracts. season on a first-come, first-served basis. Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge at http:// bombayhook.fws.gov or (302) 653-9345 and for • Double stands can only be used by either one • No more than one hunter may hunt from a Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge at http:// adult or one adult and one youth. stand at any one time. primehook.fws.gov or (302) 684-8419. Prime Hook and Bombay Hook have a long • For shotgun season, stands will be chosen in • Squirrel hunting is not allowed with a rifle standing history of partnering with the Dela- a lottery. There will be a daily lottery held at or muzzleloading rifle. Shotgun squirrel ware Division of Fish & Wildlife. A few of the Blackbird State Forest headquarters, located hunting is permitted. many examples of these conservation highlights on the Tybout Tract on Blackbird Forest Road include endangered species management, en- (Rd 471), 1.5 hours before legal hunting time. RESTRICTIONS APPLY hancing hunter education & hunting opportuni- TO TABER STATE FOREST. ties, improving wildlife habitat, and promoting • For Muzzleloader season there will be a • Squirrel hunting is not allowed with a rifle outreach and environmental education. lottery held at Blackbird State Forest Head- or muzzleloading rifle. Shotgun squirrel quarters, located on the Tybout Tract on hunting is permitted. Blackbird Forest Road (Rd 471), 1.5 hours RULES FOR DELAWARE before legal hunting time. • For deer hunting, only the entrails (internal organs known as viscera) may be left behind STATE PARK LANDS • For the October antlerless deer seasons, the on State property; all other deer parts must Tybout Tract, including the Reynolds Farm, be removed from State property. (ADMINISTERED BY DIVISION will be closed for hunting (this includes stands OF PARKS AND RECREATION) 1-22 and R1 – R5). The stands on White Road, • Turkey hunting is archery only in those same ar- A State Park Registration fee ($10) is required to Dulany Manor, and Barlow will be available eas shown as deer archery only on Taber maps. hunt on State Park lands. Register at any State on a first-come, first-served basis through the Park available for hunting. Your registration is stand permit box at Blackbird State Forest good for all State Parks for the season. Include Headquarters located on the Tybout Tract on your E-mail address on the registration for Spe- Blackbird Forest Road; there will be no stand HUNTING AT cial Hunt opportunities and updates. Additional lottery for the October antlerless season. lands will be made available for hunting this BOMBAY HOOK year in Delaware State Parks, including White • Dulany Tract is managed for Quality Bucks Clay Creek State Park.*Note that the F&W Wild- only. & PRIME HOOK life Area Deer Stand/Waterfowl Blind Lottery Permit is also accepted at Brandywine Creek • No small game hunting on Dulany Tract. NATIONAL as an alternative to the State Park registration. State Park Rules are generally more restrictive • Please note that archery hunting is the only WILDLIFE REFUGES than on State Wildlife Areas. You can obtain the type of hunting allowed on the Meadows rules and maps specific to the Park you intend to and North Barlow Tracts. The Meadows Tract Stretched along the eastern coastline of Dela- hunt at http://www.destateparks.com/activities/ contains the Blackbird State Forest Education ware near Milton and Smyrna and covering hunting/ or by calling (302) 739-9220. Center, which includes an outdoor education 26,000 acres, the Bombay Hook & Prime Hook

PRIVATE LAND TRAPPING PERMISSION FORM

Name of Trapper: Address:

I hereby consent to the person listed above for trapping on my property on the dates, and with the addi- tional permissions, listed below:

Dates: Additional Permissions/Rules:

Trapper’s Signature: Date: Landowner’s Signature: Date: Landowner’s Phone Number: 37 PUBLIC LANDS HUNTING AND TRAPPING SECTION

Public Land Turkey and Brandywine Creek S.P. Deer Hunt Application Application Information: • Print all information clearly. • Submitting more than one application per individual will result in disqualification. • Please complete all three sections of the turkey application. • Permits will only be awarded for preferred areas and are non-transferrable. • To reduce mailing costs only successful applicants will be notified by mail. • Remember: You must have a valid DE hunting license and also must have completed an approved Turkey Hunting Safety Course to apply for a Public Land Turkey Permit. • Mail the application to: Wildlife Section, 6180 Haypoint Landing Road, Smyrna, DE 19977

2015-2016 Application for Public Land Turkey and BCSP Deer Hunts

Hunter’s Name: License # or LEN:______Address: Date of Birth:______City, State, Zip:______Telephone Number:______

Public Land Turkey Hunts 1) SELECT UP TO 5 AREAS 2) SELECT PREFERRED SEASON Eligible Wildlife Areas and State Forests: Please circle only ONE* Assawoman, Augustine, Blackiston, Blackbird Reserve, A B C D Blackbird State Forest, Cedar Swamp, C&D Canal, *If no or multiple seasons are circled, permit will be Industrial Forest Lands-Barr Complex, Industrial Forest awarded by preferred area. Lands-Laurel, Little Creek, Marshy Hope, Midlands, Mil- 3) SELECT AREA OR SEASON PREFERENCE ford Neck, Nanticoke, Norman G. Wilder, Old Furnace, Prime Hook, Redden State Forest, Taber State Forest, Please check ONE** Ted Harvey, Urban Fortney, Woodland Beach My area is more important than my season 1 2 My season is more important than my area 3 4 **If neither or both boxes are checked, permit will be 5 awarded by preferred area.

Season Segments: A (4/9-4/15) B (4/16-4/22) C (4/23-4/29) D (4/30-5/7) The Wildlife Section must receive the Turkey Hunt application by January 8, 2016.

Brandywine Creek State Park Deer Hunt The deer hunt at Brandywine Creek State Park will take place on December 15th and 16th, 2015.

Select your date preference(s) and mark them 1 & 2 in order of preference.

_____Dec. 15 _____Dec. 16

The Wildlife Section must receive the Brandywine Deer Hunt application by October 2, 2015.

38 PUBLIC LANDS HUNTING AND TRAPPING SECTION DELAWARE HUNTER EDUCATION PROGRAM

THE DELAWARE HUNTER EDUCATION PROGRAM

Delaware’s Hunter Education Program was established in 1970. Section 501, Title 7, Delaware Code, requires all persons born on or after Janu- ary 1, 1967 to satisfactorily complete a Basic Hunter Education Course in order to obtain a Delaware hunting license or Youth Hunting License. Since 1970, tens of thousands of Delaware hunters have been certified by the volunteer instructors of the Delaware Hunter Education Program. The program has been extremely successful and effective in significantly reducing risk and accidents. Emerging factors such as changing demographics and the decreasing amount of habitat and accessible open space for hunting have created new considerations for hunters, landowners, the Division of Fish and Wildlife and Delaware’s general public who may or may not be hunters themselves. In response, the Delaware Hunter Education Program has also changed to meet the demands and challenges of a new hunting era. In addition to a live firing requirement, today’s curriculum includes an increased emphasis on safety and ethical behavior, landowner relations, wildlife identification, wildlife management and conservation, hunting laws and regulations. The Delaware Hunter Education Program is committed to preserving Delaware’s heritage of fair chase hunting. In addition to mandatory Basic Hunter Education, Turkey Education and Trapper Education courses, the program offers advanced courses in Bowhunting, Muzzleloading, Handgun Hunting for Deer, Successful Deer Hunting, Precision Firearms for Large Game, Young Waterfowler’s Program, Deer Workshops, etc.

IMPORTANT NOTICE Courses including live firing are offered free of charge throughout the year. Certification will NEED A NEW HUNTER EDUCATION CARD? not be issued to any person under the age of ten (10). All firearms and ammunition are provided • WANT TO SEE WHERE & WHEN COURSES ARE SCHEDULED? by the Hunter Education Program. Please try to • NEED TO UPDATE YOUR ADDRESS OR CHANGE YOUR CONTACT INFO? complete your training at least one month before • WANT TO SIGN UP FOR A COURSE? you plan to hunt. Your certification cards can be printed online a few days after you complete the • NEED A REPLACEMENT CARD? course. The card must be presented to purchase a Delaware hunting license. USE YOUR ONLINE ACCESS AT: www.fw.delaware.gov/huntered

ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Seating is limited and classes will fill quickly as hunting season approaches. Delaware law now requires live firing of a shotgun as part of MANDATORY LIVE-FIRE REQUIREMENT basic hunter education. AND RELEASE OF LIABILITY WAIVER YOUTH PARTICIPANTS Since January 1, 2010, section 501 Delaware Code Title 7 has required all basic hunter Certification will not be issued to youths under the age of ten. Students under the age of twelve education students to participate in a live firing experience with a trained firearms must be accompanied by a responsible adult. instructor in order to complete the course. Parents are reminded that younger students require a level of maturity and vocabulary suffi- Insurance rules of the State of Delaware require all participants in any course which in- cient for understanding adult subject matter and cludes live firing to sign a “Release From Liability Waiver”. This form is a legal release. completing assignments. Students of smaller physical body size may find it very difficult or Sign up for a course online at www.fw.delaware.gov/huntered or call (302) 735-3600. impossible to successfully complete live firing exercises. • Participants under 18 must have a parent/guardian sign with verification by a notary. • Participants 18 or older must fill out, sign and mail the waiver to the Hunter Education office. • Waivers must be mailed at least 7 days prior to the course to: Office of Hunter Education 6180 Hay Point Landing Rd. Smyrna, DE 19977

If you have any questions or want to make sure your waiver has arrived at our office, please call (302) 735-3600.

2015-2016 DELAWARE HUNTING AND TRAPPING GUIDE 39 DELAWARE HUNTER EDUCATION PROGRAM DELAWARE HUNTER EDUCATION PROGRAM

COURSE OFFERINGS AND LOCATIONS blind construction and safety, decoy use, duck calling, camouflage technique, boating safety, Please note that our courses are taught by volunteer instructors who schedule most of their courses bird recovery, laws and regulations, language from late August through December. All class details are subject to change without notice based and tradition, firearms, ammo and equipment on availability of instructors and sufficient student participation. The classes listed below may will be covered. The course includes basic not always be available. Not all of the printed locations may be used. The online schedule is the hunter education and finishes with an actual most accurate and will be updated immediately as soon as new courses are available and posted. mentored waterfowl hunt. Participants must be hunter education qualified prior to hunting. A signed release of liability and advance online registration at www.fw.delaware.gov are required for participation.

MANDATORY TURKEY Plan Ahead! EDUCATION Don’t wait until the last minute to take the course! Seating is limited. Confirm course dates. Ad- Classes are usually available somewhere in the state during every month of the year. vance online registration at www.fw.delaware. If you plan to go hunting in the coming season, and you need hunter education certification gov/huntered is required for all courses or call in order to buy a hunting license, check the latest online schedule today at www.fw.delaware. (302) 735-3600. gov/huntered. In addition to complying with other hunter Register for the course of your choice online at www.fw.delaware.gov/huntered or call education requirements, Delaware hunters must (302) 735-3600 during business hours. All course schedules are subject to cancellation successfully complete a mandatory, one day turkey hunter education class before they can or change without notice. It can take several weeks to process tests and enter the results apply for a public land turkey hunting permit into our computer. or legally hunt turkeys in Delaware. Successful completion of the course Manda- tory Turkey Education on your Hunter Education Card is required for hunting on private land. TRADITIONAL, LIVE BASIC skills, specialty hunting techniques, wildlife HUNTER EDUCATION COURSES management, wildlife ID, survival, etc. Students Online Turkey Course Option Seating is limited. Advance online registration with certificates in hand must then register and Delaware also accepts an online turkey course at www.fw.delaware.gov/huntered is required attend a specially designed, “hands–on” field that can be found at www.wildturkeyhunt- for all courses or call (302) 735-3600. day training session for final Delaware certi- ingcourse.com. Upon completion of the online New hunters learn safety, ethics, firearm fication. Field day training for online courses course, contact the Hunter Education office at types, safe gun handling, marksmanship tech- includes Delaware laws and regulations, load- (302) 735-3600. niques, specialty hunting techniques, wildlife ing, unloading, safe handling and transporting Public land hunters will still have to apply for management, wildlife ID, survival, etc. Dela- of firearms; field skills involving blinds, boats the permit lottery by sending in the application ware requires hunter ed certification via tradi- and tree stands; zones of fire; obstacle crossing; form found in the Hunting & Trapping Guide. tional live course or via internet course and field operation of safeties and shotgun live firing. Successful applicants for public land hunts will day for all hunters born on or after 01/01/1967. Live firing of shotguns requires a liability be sent a permit for a 6 day hunt on a public area. The courses are recognized in all states and release signed by students 18 or older or a Canadian provinces. notarized signature of parents/guardians of MANDATORY TRAPPER Sign up for traditional basic hunter educa- students under the age of 18. All students must EDUCATION tion course given live at one of the classroom have protective shooting glasses and hearing Seating is limited. Advance online registration locations throughout the state. Delaware law protection. Adult and youth firearms, targets at www.fw.delaware.gov/huntered is required now requires all basic hunter education course and ammunition will be provided. For more in- for all courses or call (302) 735-3600. participants to participate in a live firing expe- formation Delaware approved Internet courses Trapper education is a mandatory prereq- rience with a trained instructor. Live firing of visit www.fw.delaware.gov/huntered or call uisite for purchasing a Delaware trapping li- shotguns requires a liability release signed by (302) 735-3600. cense for all persons born on or after January students 18 or older or a notarized signature of 1, 1978. Class and Field work sessions include parents/guardians of students under the age IBEP BOWHUNTER EDUCATION trapping history, heritage and ethics, furbear- of 18. All students must have protective shoot- Seating is limited. Advance online registration ing animals of Delaware, trapping equipment, ing glasses and hearing protection. Adult and at www.fw.delaware.gov/huntered is required boating safety, hypothermia, practical water youth firearms, targets and ammunition will for all courses or call (302) 735-3600. sets, hands-on instruction, how tides affect sets, be provided. All live courses are free of charge Though not a Delaware requirement, this proper skinning techniques, fur handling and with most held in the late summer and fall. special course is required in many other states how to market furs. Classes are available all year at Ommelanden and provinces for bowhunters. Participants in Hunter/Trapper Education Center on Route 9 this course learn bowhunting methods, game Online Option for Trapper Course: near New Castle. Pre-registration is required. trailing and recovery, field experience, bow- Delaware also accepts an online trapper course To sign up, go to the Hunter Education Online hunting safety, reading game signs, safe use of that can be found at www.trappered.com (Kan- Access at www.fw.delaware.gov/huntered or tree stands, calling, field dressing, and more. sas Furbearer Course). Upon completion of the call (302) 735-3600. Youths under the age of 14 must attend with a online course, contact the Hunter Education responsible adult. Office at (302) 735-3600. ONLINE OPTION FOR BASIC Live firing and a signed release of liability HUNTER EDUCATION COURSES and advance online registration are required for For more information about additional classes Complete your hunter education coursework participation at www.fw.delaware.gov. or the Hunter Education Program, visit our online with one of three private vendors. All website at www.fw.delaware.gov/huntered three courses allow you to study and take the YOUNG WATERFOWLERS PROGRAM exam for free, with a fee due only when you are Participation is limited. Advance online reg- Or contact: ready to have the vendor certify your successful istration at www.fw.delaware.gov/huntered is The Hunter Education Office completion. The State of Delaware has reviewed required for all courses or call (302) 735-3600. 6180 Hay Point Landing Road and approved these interactive courses but Always a favorite, these courses (approx 20 Smyrna, DE 19977 receives no portion of the vendor’s fee. New hours) provide youths between the ages of 12 (302) 735-3600. hunters learn safety, ethics, firearm types, safe – 16, exposure to the complete waterfowl experi- gun handling, hunting and marksmanship ence. Everything from waterfowl ID, biology,

40 2015-2016 DELAWARE HUNTING AND TRAPPING GUIDE DELAWARE HUNTER EDUCATION PROGRAM DELAWARE HUNTER EDUCATION PROGRAM

DELAWARE MASTER HUNTER trends, tactics, skills and regulations. You realize Master Hunter, officially qualified, certified and Seating is limited. Advance online registration that there is a lot more to learn about wildlife, recognized by the State of Delaware. at www.fw.delaware.gov/huntered is required wildlife management and the role of hunting in If the above description sounds like you, you for all courses or call (302) 735-3600. our modern society. You know that hunting is a may be a candidate for the Delaware Master controversial issue and you want to keep up to Hunter Program. Download an application and Not for Beginners. date on what’s happening in Delaware. You’d check the online schedule for dates at www. You are already an experienced hunter. You love like to benefit from the opportunity to learn from fw.delaware.gov/huntered or call (302) 735- hunting; you read about it and think about it all your peers and share some of the things you’ve 3600 and ask for an application by mail for this year long. You are dedicated to the principles of learned the hard way. As a lifelong advocate unique, one-of-a-kind program. The Delaware ethical, responsible, fair chase hunting. You’ve and ambassador for hunting you want to help Hunter Education Office of the Division of Fish learned a lot over the years but you are always continue the heritage of hunting and ensure its and Wildlife will be glad to mail you an applica- ready to learn more. You want to keep yourself future for the coming generations. You’d value tion form and an information sheet with details up to date with the latest hunting developments, the personal satisfaction of being a Delaware about the next course.

DIRECTIONS TO HUNTER/TRAPPER EDUCATION CLASSROOM LOCATIONS

CEDARFIELD RURITAN CLUB - MILFORD OMMELANDEN HUNTER/TRAPPER From Route 113 South: Head South on Rt. 113. Before coming to the Rt. 113/Rt. 1 split you will EDUCATION TRAINING CENTER AND see I.G. Burton car dealership on your right. Pass the dealership and immediately take the RANGE 1st right onto Tub Mill Pond Road. Wind around the “S” curve and the Ruritan Club (white build- 1205 RIVER ROAD, NEW CASTLE, DE 19720 ing) is on your left. From the South: From Route 13, turn right DNREC / DIV F & W AUDITORIUM onto Hamburg Rd. At flashing light, turn left IN THE R & R BUILDING - onto Rte. 9/River Rd. Ommelanden Range 89 KINGS HIGHWAY IN DOVER is approximately 2 miles on the right side of From US 13, turn west on Loockerman Street. the road across from Kirkwood Soccer Club. Cross the bridge and turn right at the first traf- From the North: From Route 13, turn left fic light (next to the Post Office). The road leads directly into the DNREC building parking lot. onto Federal Lane. Turn left onto Rte. 9/River Rd. Ommelanden Range is approximately 100 yards on the right side of the road across from Kirkwood Soccer Club.

HUNTER EDUCA- For Ommelanden Range hours of operation and pricing, visit www.fw.delaware.gov/ TION NEEDS YOU! huntered or call (302) 323-5333. Have you ever thought of becoming a Delaware Volunteer Hunter – Trapper Education Instructor? KENT COUNTY HUNTER EDUCATION TRAINING Download an application at www. CENTER AT LITTLE CREEK WILDLIFE AREA – fw.delaware.gov/huntered, and mail it to RT 9 DOVER / LITTLE CREEK, 3018 BAYSIDE DRIVE the Office of Hunter Education, 6180 Hay DOVER, DE 19901, (302) 735-2983 Point Landing Road, Smyrna, DE 19977, From SR 1, south of Dover Air Force Base, take exit 91 for Little Creek/ or call the Hunter Education Coordinator Kitts Hummock. Travel 3.5 miles north on SR9 to Little Creek. (3018 at (302) 735-3600 with questions about Bayside Drive is .5 miles south of Little Creek city limits on the east side of the roadway) the program. The Little Creek Wildlife Area is located on the east side of Rt 9, approximately one mile south of Little Creek.

SUSSEX COUNTY HUNTER EDUCATION TRAINING CENTER OWENS STATION SPORTING CLAY RANGE AND DOG TRAINING CENTER 12613 HUNTERS COVE ROAD, GREENWOOD, DE 19950 From Rt 113, take Rt 16 West approx 4.75 miles and turn South (left) onto Owens Rd. Drive approximately .75 miles and turn left again onto Hunters Cove Rd. Drive approximately .3 miles to entrance on left side. From Rt 13, take Rt 16 East, approximately 2.5 miles and turn right onto Hunter’s Cove Road. Drive straight across Owens Rd (stop sign) then drive .3 miles to entrance on left side.

2014-2015 DELAWARE HUNTING AND TRAPPING GUIDE 41 DELAWARE HUNTER EDUCATION PROGRAM

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JULY AUG. SEP. OCT. NOV. DEC. JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY JUNE

Rise Set Rise Set Rise Set Rise Set Rise Set Rise Set Rise Set Rise Set Rise Set Rise Set Rise Set Rise Set Day A.M. P.M. A.M. P.M. A.M. P.M. A.M. P.M. A.M. P.M. A.M. P.M. A.M. P.M. A.M. P.M. A.M. P.M. A.M. P.M. A.M. P.M. A.M. P.M. 1 5:40 8:32 6:02 8:14 6:31 7:33 6:58 6:45 6:29 5:01 7:02 4:40 7:21 4:50 7:09 5:22 6:34 5:55 6:46 7:26 6:03 7:56 5:38 8:23

2 5:40 8:32 6:03 8:13 6:31 7:32 6:59 6:44 6:31 5:00 7:03 4:40 7:22 4:51 7:08 5:24 6:33 5:56 6:44 7:27 6:02 7:57 5:37 8:23

3 5:41 8:32 6:04 8:12 6:32 7:30 7:00 6:42 6:32 4:59 7:04 4:39 7:22 4:51 7:07 5:25 6:31 5:57 6:43 7:28 6:01 7:58 5:37 8:24

4 5:41 8:32 6:05 8:11 6:33 7:28 7:01 6:40 6:33 4:58 7:05 4:39 7:22 4:52 7:06 5:26 6:30 5:58 6:41 7:29 6:00 7:59 5:37 8:25

5 5:42 8:32 6:06 8:10 6:34 7:27 7:02 6:39 6:34 4:57 7:06 4:39 7:22 4:53 7:05 5:27 6:28 5:59 6:40 7:30 5:59 8:00 5:36 8:25

6 5:42 8:31 6:07 8:09 6:35 7:25 7:03 6:37 6:35 4:56 7:07 4:39 7:22 4:54 7:04 5:28 6:27 6:00 6:38 7:31 5:57 8:00 5:36 8:26

7 5:43 8:31 6:08 8:07 6:36 7:24 7:04 6:36 6:36 4:55 7:08 4:39 7:22 4:55 7:03 5:29 6:25 6:01 6:37 7:32 5:56 8:01 5:36 8:26

8 5:43 8:31 6:09 8:06 6:37 7:22 7:05 6:34 6:37 4:54 7:09 4:39 7:22 4:56 7:02 5:31 6:24 6:03 6:35 7:33 5:55 8:02 5:36 8:27

9 5:44 8:30 6:10 8:05 6:38 7:21 7:06 6:33 6:38 4:53 7:09 4:39 7:21 4:57 7:01 5:32 6:22 6:04 6:34 7:34 5:54 8:03 5:36 8:28

10 5:45 8:30 6:10 8:04 6:39 7:19 7:07 6:31 6:40 4:52 7:10 4:39 7:21 4:58 7:00 5:33 6:20 6:05 6:32 7:35 5:53 8:04 5:36 8:28

11 5:45 8:30 6:11 8:03 6:40 7:17 7:08 6:30 6:41 4:51 7:11 4:39 7:21 4:59 6:59 5:34 6:19 6:06 6:31 7:36 5:52 8:05 5:35 8:28

12 5:46 8:29 6:12 8:01 6:40 7:16 7:09 6:28 6:42 4:50 7:12 4:40 7:21 5:00 6:58 5:35 6:17 6:07 6:29 7:37 5:51 8:06 5:35 8:29

13 5:47 8:29 6:13 8:00 6:41 7:14 7:10 6:27 6:43 4:50 7:13 4:40 7:21 5:01 6:57 5:36 7:16 7:08 6:28 7:38 5:50 8:07 5:35 8:29

14 5:47 8:28 6:14 7:59 6:42 7:12 7:11 6:25 6:44 4:49 7:13 4:40 7:20 5:02 6:56 5:38 7:14 7:09 6:26 7:39 5:49 8:08 5:35 8:30

15 5:48 8:28 6:15 7:58 6:43 7:11 7:12 6:24 6:45 4:48 7:14 4:40 7:20 5:03 6:54 5:39 7:13 7:10 6:25 7:40 5:49 8:09 5:35 8:30

16 5:49 8:27 6:16 7:56 6:44 7:09 7:13 6:22 6:46 4:47 7:15 4:41 7:20 5:04 6:53 5:40 7:11 7:11 6:23 7:41 5:48 8:10 5:36 8:30

17 5:50 8:26 6:17 7:55 6:45 7:08 7:14 6:21 6:47 4:46 7:15 4:41 7:19 5:05 6:52 5:41 7:10 7:12 6:22 7:42 5:47 8:11 5:36 8:31

18 5:51 8:26 6:18 7:54 6:46 7:06 7:15 6:19 6:48 4:46 7:16 4:41 7:19 5:06 6:51 5:42 7:08 7:13 6:20 7:43 5:46 8:12 5:36 8:31

19 5:51 8:25 6:19 7:52 6:47 7:04 7:16 6:18 6:50 4:45 7:17 4:42 7:18 5:07 6:49 5:43 7:06 7:14 6:19 7:44 5:45 8:12 5:36 8:31

20 5:52 8:24 6:20 7:51 6:48 7:03 7:17 6:17 6:51 4:44 7:17 4:42 7:18 5:09 6:48 5:44 7:05 7:15 6:18 7:45 5:45 8:13 5:36 8:32

21 5:53 8:24 6:21 7:49 6:49 7:01 7:18 6:15 6:52 4:44 7:18 4:43 7:17 5:10 6:47 5:45 7:03 7:16 6:16 7:46 5:44 8:14 5:36 8:32

22 5:54 8:23 6:21 7:48 6:50 7:00 7:19 6:14 6:53 4:43 7:18 4:43 7:17 5:11 6:45 5:47 7:02 7:17 6:15 7:47 5:43 8:15 5:37 8:32

23 5:55 8:22 6:22 7:47 6:50 6:58 7:20 6:13 6:54 4:43 7:19 4:44 7:16 5:12 6:44 5:48 7:00 7:18 6:13 7:48 5:42 8:16 5:37 8:32

24 5:55 8:21 6:23 7:45 6:51 6:56 7:21 6:11 6:55 4:42 7:19 4:44 7:15 5:13 6:43 5:49 6:59 7:19 6:12 7:49 5:42 8:17 5:37 8:32

25 5:56 8:21 6:24 7:44 6:52 6:55 7:22 6:10 6:56 4:42 7:20 4:45 7:15 5:14 6:41 5:50 6:57 7:20 6:11 7:50 5:41 8:17 5:37 8:32

26 5:57 8:20 6:25 7:42 6:53 6:53 7:23 6:09 6:57 4:41 7:20 4:45 7:14 5:15 6:40 5:51 6:55 7:21 6:09 7:51 5:41 8:18 5:38 8:32

27 5:58 8:19 6:26 7:41 6:54 6:52 7:24 6:07 6:58 4:41 7:20 4:46 7:13 5:17 6:38 5:52 6:54 7:21 6:08 7:52 5:40 8:19 5:38 8:32

28 5:59 8:18 6:27 7:39 6:55 6:50 7:25 6:06 6:59 4:41 7:21 4:47 7:13 5:18 6:37 5:53 6:52 7:22 6:07 7:53 5:40 8:20 5:39 8:32

29 6:00 8:17 6:28 7:38 6:56 6:48 7:26 6:05 7:00 4:40 7:21 4:47 7:12 5:19 6:35 5:54 6:51 7:23 6:06 7:54 5:39 8:21 5:39 8:32

30 6:01 8:16 6:29 7:36 6:57 6:47 7:27 6:04 7:01 4:40 7:21 4:48 7:11 5:20 6:49 7:24 6:04 7:55 5:39 8:21 5:39 8:32

31 6:01 8:15 6:30 7:35 7:28 6:03 7:21 4:49 7:10 5:21 6:47 7:25 5:38 8:22

Source: Nautical Almanac, U.S. Naval Observatory. Daylight Savings Time is included in the chart (in red). These times are for Dover, Delaware.

44 2015-2016 DELAWARE HUNTING AND TRAPPING GUIDE SUNRISE/SUNSET TABLE

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