Delaware Hunting & Trapping

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

2019/2020 DELAWARE HUNTING & TRAPPING

WE BRING YOU DELAWARE’S GREAT OUTDOORS THROUGH SCIENCE AND SERVICE WHAT’S NEW FOR 2019sa REMINDER: EXPANDED SUNDAY DEER HUNTING OPPORTUNITIES page 17 STRAIGHT-WALLED PISTOL- CALIBER RIFLES ALLOWED FOR DEER HUNTING page 19 TUNDRA SWAN SEASON AND APPLICATION page 32 DEER RESEARCH RESULTS 2019 Photo Contest Winners page 42 page 14

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ThousandAcreFarm.indd All Pages 5/15/18 11:38 AM FISH & WILDLIFE DIRECTORY FISH & WILDLIFE DIRECTORY CONTENTS 3 FISH AND WILDLIFE DIRECTORY 28 MIGRATORY BIRD HUNTING SECTION Harvest Information Program...... 28 4 ESSENTIAL NEWS AND REMINDERS Youth Hunt...... 28 5 LICENSING AND PERMITS SECTION Snow Geese...... 29 Conservation Access Pass...... 5 Waterfowl...... 29 Trapping Permission Form...... 10 Migratory Game Bird Season Summary...... 30 Trapping License Information...... 10 Tundra Swans...... 32 11 LICENSE $$$ WORKING FOR YOU 34 BOATING SAFETY 11 GENERAL HUNTING INFORMATION 35 FURBEARER TRAPPING Prohibited Methods of Take...... 11 AND HUNTING SECTION Legal Methods of Take...... 12 Trapping Seasons...... 35 Operation Game Theft...... 12 Trapping Prohibitions...... 35 Hunting Seasons...... 35 14 PHOTO CONTEST WINNERS 37 PUBLIC LANDS HUNTING 15 YOUTH HUNTING AND TRAPPING SECTION 16 DEER HUNTING SECTION Public Hunting Lands...... 37 Season Dates...... 16 Waterfowl Hunting on Public Lands...... 37 Automated Deer Checking System...... 17 Deer Hunting on Public Lands...... 37 Chronic Wasting Disease...... 18 Rules for State Wildlife Areas...... 38 Handgun and Straight-Walled Pistol-Caliber Rifle Hunting...... 19 Rules for Hunting on State Forest Service Lands...... 39 Youth/Non-Ambulatory Hunt...... 20 Deer Stand & Waterfowl Blind Facilities for Hunters with a Disability.. 39 Sika Deer...... 21 Hunting on Federal Refuges...... 40 Rules for Delaware State Park Lands...... 40 22 WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT ZONES Lottery Application for Public Land Turkey Hunts...... 41 24 SMALL GAME HUNTING SECTION 42 DELAWARE DEER RESEARCH Season Dates...... 24 Bullfrog and Snapping Turtle Seasons...... 24 43 DELAWARE HUNTER EDUCATION PROGRAM 26 WILD TURKEY HUNTING SECTION Courses Offered...... 44 Season Dates...... 26 Directions to Class Locations...... 45 Legal Firearms, Bows and Shot Sizes...... 26 Live Fire Liability Waiver...... 46 Delaware Turkey Hunting Check Stations...... 27 48 SUNRISE/SUNSET TABLE

FROM THE DIRECTOR OF THE DIVISION OF FISH AND WILDLIFE

While Delaware is a small state, we tain deer hunting seasons. Delaware’s quality waterfowl hunting is have great hunting and trapping legendary on our extensive wetlands and waterways. Our wild turkey opportunities for a variety of abun- population has been restored through conservation investments, pro- dant wildlife game species. Science viding exciting hunting each spring. And we are working to provide new guides the Division of Fish & Wildlife and additional hunting seasons and opportunities in the near future. as we manage and sustain these Hunting and trapping opportunities are available on our nearly game populations throughout the 62,000 acres of public wildlife areas located throughout the state that state, establishing the Diamond State are open and managed for you, the hunter and trapper. We continue to as a gem for resident and nonresi- improve access on these wildlife areas, where we are also expanding dent hunters and trappers. habitat for small game species, including bobwhite quail. Our robust white-tailed deer popu- I encourage you to make the most of hunting and trapping oppor- lation provides exceptional hunting, tunities in Delaware, whether you are local or from out of state. Have both for number and quality of deer, a successful and safe hunting and trapping season as We Bring you with additional deer harvest needed Delaware’s Great Outdoors through Science and Service. to manage the herd in balance with their habitats. Deer hunting opportunities have been greatly expanded with the opening of all Sundays during the five month deer hunting season, and by authorizing the use of additional firearms during cer- David E. Saveikis - Director

2 2019/2020 DELAWARE HUNTING AND TRAPPING GUIDE FISH & WILDLIFE DIRECTORY

STATE OF DELAWARE John C. Carney Governor DELAWARE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL Shawn M. Garvin Secretary Williamstown, MA | Birmingham, AL DIVISION OF FISH AND WILDLIFE David E. Saveikis Director About This Guide ADVISORY COUNCIL ON WILDLIFE AND FRESHWATER FISH: Edward A. Montague, Chair This high-quality guide is offered to you Garrett L. Grier, Jr., Vice Chair by the Delaware Department of Natural Raymond F. Burris Nathan R. Hudson Dale R. Scuse Resources and Environmental Control J. Neal Dukes Joe C. Johnson F. Thomas Unruh through its unique partnership with J.F. Stephen M. Kendus Griffin Publishing, LLC.

The revenue generated through ad sales State and Federal law prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion and/ significantly lowers production costs and or disability. Complaints or inquiries should be directed to: Human Resource Office, Department of Natural generates savings. These savings translate Resources and Environmental Control, 89 Kings Highway, Dover, DE 19901. into additional funds for other important This summary is for the convenience of the hunters and trappers and is not intended to cover all hunting laws agency 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 FOR THE ACTUAL WORDING OF THE WILDLIFE STATUTES AND REGULATIONS, AS WELL AS A WIDE VARIETY OF 413.884.1001 or at www.JFGriffin.com OTHER INFORMATION, VISIT THE DIVISION’S WEBSITE at www.de.gov/fw

Graphic Design: Jon Gulley, Dane Fay, John Corey, DIRECTORY Evelyn Haddad, Chris Sobolowski DELAWARE DIVISION OF FISH AND WILDLIFE RECREATIONAL LICENSING SECTION Main Office – Richardson and Robbins Building, License information for fishing, hunting, 89 Kings Highway, Dover, Delaware 19901 trapping, Conservation Access Open 8:00 A.M. – 4:30 P.M. – Mon. thru Fri. Pass, and Charter/Head Boats �� (302) 739-9918 except on Holidays Boat Registration, Boat Ramp WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT Certificates and Commercial SECTION – (302) 739-9912 Fisheries Information �� (302) 739-9916 Wildlife Regional Offices FISH & WILDLIFE NATURAL RESOURCES POLICE Region 1 - Augustine WA, Natural Resources Police New Castle County �� (302) 834-8433 24 Hr. Dispatch ��.1-800-523-3336 Region 2 - Norman G. Wilder WA, Main Office �� (302) 739-9913 Kent County ��(302) 284-4795 Office of Boating Safety Region 3 - Assawoman WA, & Education �� (302) 739-9915 Sussex County ��(302) 539-3160 New Castle County ��(302) 836-4682 Wildlife Check Stations Kent County �� (302) 739-6139 Little Creek ��(302) 739-4610 Sussex County �� (302) 855-1901 Cedar Swamp �� (302) 653-8080 OPERATION GAME THEFT – 1-800-292-3030 Woodland Beach �� (302) 653-4802 FEDERAL WILDLIFE INFORMATION– Augustine ��(302) 836-7294 U.S. DERPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Assawoman ��(302) 539-3160 Enforcement U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Office, 70 Sarah Circle, Suite F Hunter Education ��(302) 735-3600 Camden, DE 19934 �� (302) 697-1612 Ommelanden Range ��(302) 323-5333 Bombay Hook National Wildlife This guide is also Refuge, near Smyrna ��(302) 653-9345 available online at Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge, near Milton �� (302) 684-8419

2019/2020 DELAWARE HUNTING AND TRAPPING GUIDE 3 ESSENTIAL NEWS AND REMINDERS LICENSING AND PERMITS SECTION

ESSENTIAL NEWS AND REMINDERS FOR THE HUNTING/TRAPPING SEASON

CONSERVATION ACCESS PASS that the Snow Goose Conservation Order POTENTIAL REGULATION CHANGES All registered motor vehicles used to access Permit is only available through the web site. At the time of printing, the Division of Fish & State Wildlife Areas must have a Conservation If you have problems with these systems, Wildlife was considering changes to regula- Access Pass. A Pass will be issued free to hunt- call (302) 735-3600 during normal business tions that would change statewide hunting and ers, if requested, with the purchase of a hunting hours (8:00a.m. - 4:30p.m.) Monday - Friday. trapping regulations as well as rules concerning license. See pages 5-6 for more information. the use of State Wildlife Areas. Please check the Division’s website prior to the hunting and trap- FERAL SWINE REGULATIONS ping seasons to determine the outcome of these • It shall be unlawful to release swine (pigs) proposed changes. www.de.gov/fw into the wild, charge a fee for the purpose of killing swine, or shoot swine without first obtaining a permit from the Division.

FALCONRY SEASONS (HUNTING WITH THE AID OF A FALCON) • For falconry season dates and bag limits, please contact the Division of Fish & Wildlife at (302) 735-3600. LICENSE EXEMPT HUNTERS • Hunters and trappers that are license exempt HUNTER/TRAPPER are required to obtain an annual License REGISTRATION SYSTEM Exempt Number (LEN) at no cost. • Hunters and trappers that need to register a harvested deer or obtain a HIP Number, See pages 8 and 17 for more information. GET THERE: With a powerful 24.8 HP* Kubota diesel engine, License ExemptDO MORE: Number Kubota’s Standard (LEN), L Series or is Snowavailable in 2WD or 4WD and delivers both performance and the RTV-X1100 is redefined, rugged and ready to help you accomplish quality. Engine, transmission and all integral components are manufactured by Kubota. Features a comfortable, your chores in comfort from a spacious, all-weather cab. Goose Conservationergonomic seat Orderand intuitive Permit operator controls. Number SUNDAY DEER HUNTING may do so by visiting www.dnrec.delaware. OPPORTUNITIES gov/delhunt or by calling the toll free num- See the Deer Hunting Section for more ber 1-855-DEL-HUNT (1-855-335-4868). Note information.

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BE POWERFUL: An unbeatable combination of performance and maneuverability with Kubota diesel engines up MAKE THE CUT: Depend on the Z700 commercial grade RTV-X Series L Series to 141.4 HP* and a 24F/24R Intelli-ShiftGrand transmission. L The M6Series offers greater comfort and visibility with an extra-spacious SSV Serieszero-turn mower for durability and all-around performance Grand X Cab. with 48, 54 or 60-inch decks. BE POWERFUL: An unbeatable combination of performance and maneuverability with Kubota diesel engines up MAKE THE CUT: Depend on the Z700 commercial grade to 141.4 HP* and a 24F/24R Intelli-Shift transmission. The M6 offers greater comfort and visibility with an extra-spacious zero-turn mower for durability and all-around performance S S R P Grand X Cab. with 48, 54 or 60-inch decks. Serving Delmarva since 1949 Open Mon - Fri 8am - 5pm Saturday 8am - Noon March - October Newark Felton Delmar 2063 Pulaski Hwy/Rt 40 54 Andrews Lake Rd/Rt 13 11196 E. Snake Rd/Rt 13 302.365.6000 302.284.0123 302.248.7070 www.kubota.com KubotaUSA.com www.kubota.com www.kubota.com *For complete warranty, safety and product information, consult *For complete warranty, safety and product information, consult *For complete warranty, safety and product information, consult your local Kubota dealer and the product operator’s manual. Power your local Kubota dealer and the product operator’s manual. Power your local Kubota dealer and the product operator’s manual. Power BurkeEquipment.com (HP/KW) and other specifications are based on various standards or (HP/KW) and other specifications are based on various standards or (HP/KW) and other specifications are based on various standards or recommended practices. Optional equipment may be shown. recommended practices. Optional equipment may be shown. © Kubota Tractor Corporation, 2018 © Kubota Tractor Corporation, 2016 recommended practices. Optional equipment may be shown. © Kubota Tractor Corporation, 2016 4 © Kubota Tractor Corporation, 2016 LICENSING AND PERMITS SECTION

CONSERVATION CONSERVATION ACCESS PASS ACCESS PASS CONSERVATION ACCESS PASS COSTS* PRICE Effective July 1, 2017, a Conservation Access Pass is required for any registered motor Resident Annual Conservation Access Pass $32.50 vehicle used to access designated Delaware Resident 3 Day Conservation Access Pass $10.00 State Wildlife Areas for any allowable activity, including hunting, birdwatching, hiking and Non-Resident Annual Conservation Access Pass $65.00 photography. The Conservation Access Pass will help Non-Resident 3 Day Conservation Access Pass $20.00 the Division of Fish & Wildlife maintain and improve these areas for hunting, wildlife view- Transfer to Vehicle of Same Ownership (Dover Office Only) $10.00 ing and wildlife photography. These funds One free Pass issued with the purchase of a hunting license. will also help support habitat improvements on State Wildlife Areas. License exempt hunters must purchase the Pass if accessing State Wildlife Areas where the Pass is required. A FREE annual Conservation Access Pass Vehicle registration card required at the time of purchase. will be provided with the purchase of a hunting license. In order to receive a free Conservation *A Conservation Access Pass purchased through a State Licensing Agent may include allowable agent fees. Access Pass the hunter must present a vehicle registration card at the time of the hunting license purchase. The Conservation Access Pass is assigned to a single specified regis- access areas, educational facilities and shooting tered motor vehicle and may be transferred to ranges. Additional areas may also be exempt. another registered motor vehicle of the same For a complete list of areas where the Pass is ownership for a fee of $10.00 only through the required or areas where the Pass is exempt, Division of Fish & Wildlife Recreational Licens- please visit our website www.de.gov/fw or call ing Office 302-739-9918 or email dfwreclic@ the Division’s Wildlife Section at (302)739-9912. delaware.gov. A Conservation Access Pass shall not be If a free Conservation Access Pass is not required to access applicable lands leased from selected during the purchase of the hunting the Department, provided access is for the license, one may be obtained by contacting purpose for which such lands are leased. For the Division of Fish & Wildlife Recreational more information on furbearer trapping leases Licensing Office and providing the hunter’s see page 35 State Wildlife Areas. driver’s license, hunting license and a vehicle registration card. Requests are processed in the order they are received and may take up STATE WILDLIFE to four weeks. The Conservation Access Pass must be dis- AREAS REQUIRING played in the assigned vehicle as described on the Pass. A VEHICLE The Pass is available annually July 1 - June 30 and is valid from the date of the hunting license CONSERVATION purchase until June 30. The non-resident 3 day hunting license receives a free annual Pass. ACCESS PASS License exempt hunters not purchasing a hunting license who use a motor vehicle to access ASSAWOMAN WILDLIFE AREA State Wildlife Areas must purchase the Pass. (INCLUDING THE OKIE PRESERVE) Hunters who are issued a free Pass may • Except to launch a boat, fish or crab at Sas- purchase additional Passes if they use multiple safras and Mulberry Landing boating access vehicles throughout the year to access State areas, Strawberry Landing dock and pavil- Wildlife Areas where the Pass is required. The ion, and Memorial Pond Conservation Access Pass may be purchased online, at authorized license agents throughout AUGUSTINE WILDLIFE AREA the state or at the Division’s licensing desk in • Except Augustine Beach boating access area the Richardson & Robbins Building, 89 Kings Highway, Dover, DE. Remember to have your BLACKISTON WILDLIFE AREA vehicle registration card available at the time of purchase. Please visit www.de.gov/fw to CEDAR SWAMP WILDLIFE AREA purchase the Pass online or to find a complete • Except Collins Beach boating access area list of authorized license agents. If you have questions about purchasing the Pass, please EAGLES NEST WILDLIFE AREA call the Division’s Recreational Licensing Office at (302)739-9918. INDUSTRIAL FOREST LAND Hunters using a motor vehicle to access WILDLIFE AREA – BARR AND a State Wildlife Area to hunt from a water- LAUREL COMPLEXES fowl blind or deer stand must also have the Pass displayed in the vehicle. See page 38 for LITTLE CREEK WILDLIFE AREA more information. • Except Port Mahon boating access area, The above is not an actual Delaware Conservation State Wildlife Areas exempt from the Con- DNREC Offices Access Pass. This is a rack-card advertisement used servation Access Pass include the C & D Canal to increase awareness about the new Delaware Conservation Area, including the Michael N. Conservation Access Pass requirements Castle Trail, designated fishing and boating Continued on page 6

2019/2020 DELAWARE HUNTING AND TRAPPING GUIDE 5 LICENSING AND PERMITS SECTION

MARSHY HOPE WILDLIFE AREA GENERAL HUNTING/TRAPPING 1. Effective July 1, 2017, a Conservation Access 1. Hunting is permitted in season and in MCGINNIS POND WILDLIFE AREA Pass is required for any registered motor accordance with state laws, regulations, • Except McGinnis Pond boating access area vehicle used to access designated Dela- and rules as specified on current wildlife ware State Wildlife Areas for any allowable area maps. MIDLANDS WILDLIFE AREA activities, including hunting, birdwatching, 2. Placement of temporary deer stands that hiking and photography. involve placing nails or screws into trees MILFORD NECK WILDLIFE AREA 2. Entry is permitted between sunrise and is prohibited. See respective area maps for • Except DuPont Nature Center and Cedar sunset unless lawfully hunting, fishing which areas allow use of temporary stands. Creek boating access area or boating. 3. Non-residents are prohibited from partici- 3. All lands administered by the Division pating in deer drives. No more than six (6) NANTICOKE WILDLIFE AREA are Carry-In / Carry-Out. Littering or resident hunters may participate in driving • Except Phillips Landing boating access area dumping trash including yard waste is deer at any one time. prohibited. 4. Hunting is prohibited on all dikes and NORMAN G. WILDER 4. The following activities are prohibited on walking on dikes is prohibited during open WILDLIFE AREA (INCLUDING State Wildlife Areas: waterfowl seasons. THE C&R CENTER) • Damaging or defacing buildings, equip- 5. Entering tidal and/or impounded waters ment, structures, signs or land features managed by the Division is prohibited dur- OLD FURNACE WILDLIFE AREA • Operating radio controlled devices, ing the waterfowl season unless lawfully • Except Concord Pond boating access area including drones, or the launching of hunting or trapping. model rockets 6. Persons who possess, consume, or are PRIME HOOK WILDLIFE AREA • Allowing dogs to run off leash. See #16 under the influence of drugs or alcoholic below for dog training and hunting beverages are prohibited from hunting or TAPPAHANNA WILDLIFE AREA information possessing firearms. • Camping 7. Firearms are allowed except for designated TED HARVEY CONSERVATION AREA • Open fires of any type prohibited areas: the Division may author- • Except Scottons Landing boating access area • Swimming ize firearm possession in designated pro- and the Logan Lane Fishing Pond • Posting signs, banners or notices of hibited areas. any type 8. The discharge of any firearm including WOODLAND BEACH • Vending or soliciting of any type paintball guns, air rifles, bows, and cross- WILDLIFE AREA • Cutting or removing firewood bows is prohibited unless lawfully hunting • Except Woodland Beach boating access area, • Placing caches or letterboxes or trapping. fishing pier, Aquatic Resources Education • Cutting, injuring or removing trees, 9. Trapping is prohibited except by valid con- Center and associated fishing ponds shrubs, wildflowers, ferns, mosses or tract or permit holders. other plants 10. Dog training is prohibited except within A Conservation Access Pass is not required • Collecting and/or removing any wildlife established dog training areas, during the to access the C&D Canal Conservation Area species unless lawfully hunting, trap- open hunting season for the game that the including the Michael N. Castle Trail. ping or fishing dog is being trained to hunt, or in accord- Fishing access areas listed in the Delaware • Operating unlicensed vehicles, motor ance with rules established on current Fishing Guide do not require a Conservation vehicles off of established roadways or area maps. Access Pass, except for certain non-fishing/ driving in excess of 20 MPH boating uses at Assawoman Wildlife Area as • Parking in a manner that blocks access indicated above. to a road, trail, or boat ramp. Violators Please refer to area specific maps available will be towed at owner’s expense online at www.de.gov/fw , the DNREC build- • Leaving a vehicle or trailer unattended ing in Dover, or call the Wildlife section at for more than 24 hours 302-739-9912 for allowable activities on each 5. Licensed fishing is permitted according to Wildlife Area. area specific rules established on current The following rules and regulations apply area maps. to all wildlife areas owned or managed by 6. Horses and bicycles may only be ridden the Division of Fish & Wildlife unless other- on maintained roads or trails that have wise authorized by written permit from the been designated by the Division on cur- Director or regional office. For additional area rent area maps. specific rules please see the respective State Wildlife Area map.

6 2019/2020 DELAWARE HUNTING AND TRAPPING GUIDE LICENSING AND PERMITS SECTION

LICENSES, PERMITS, AND TAGS KNOW YOUR RESIDENCY STATUS: In Delaware, to purchase a resident license you must be living in Delaware for at least 1 year prior to purchasing a license. You may not establish residency in two different U.S. States. You might own homes in two or more states, but you can only claim residency in one U.S. State at a time. This is the state you claim residency on your FEDERAL income tax return. 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.

RESIDENT LICENSES, PERMITS AND TAGS PRICE

Persons 16 years or over and under 65 (16-64 years) must purchase a license to hunt in Delaware. $39.50

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. $159.50

All persons under 65 years must purchase a license to trap in Delaware after first taking an approved trapping education $10.00 course if born after January 1, 1978. See page 10 for more information and the trapping license application.

Persons 16 years or over and under 65 (16-64 years) must purchase a state waterfowl (duck) stamp to hunt waterfowl in Delaware. $15.00

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

Hunter’s Choice and Quality Buck Tag combination $20.00

Each additional Antlerless Deer Tag $20.00

NON-RESIDENT LICENSES, PERMITS AND TAGS PRICE

Persons 16 years or over to hunt in this State $199.50 (No exemptions are made for nonresidents over the age of 65 for licenses or stamps.)

Persons 13 through 15 years must purchase a junior license to hunt. $50.00

Persons operating a hunting guide service must purchase a guide license. $475.00

All persons must purchase a license to trap in Delaware after first taking an approved trapping education course if born $75.00 after January 1, 1978. See page 10 for more information and the trapping license application.

Persons 16 years or over must purchase a state waterfowl (duck) stamp to hunt waterfowl in Delaware. $15.00

Three (3) consecutive day small game license (not valid for deer or turkey). $75.00

Antlered Deer Tag $50.00

Quality Buck Tag $50.00

Each additional Antlerless Deer Tag $20.00

LICENSE EXEMPT RESIDENTS AND NON-RESIDENTS PRICE

Certain residents and non-residents are exempt from the requirement to purchase a hunting or trapping license but they Must Obtain a New must obtain a free License Exempt Number (LEN) before hunting or trapping. See License Exempt Hunters and Trappers LEN Each Year section on pages 8 and 17 for more LEN information, including who qualifies.

A Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation 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.

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. 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 passes, 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 but must have proof of age and residency. Non-Resident seniors are not exempt.

2019/2020 DELAWARE HUNTING AND TRAPPING GUIDE 7 LICENSING AND PERMITS SECTION QUICK REFERENCE: LICENSE AND PERMIT REQUIREMENTS FEDERAL STATE DEER STAND LICENSE EXEMPT JUNIOR HUNTING ADULT HUNTING RESIDENT WATERFOWL WATERFOWL HIP # AND WATERFOWL NUMBER LICENSE LICENSE STAMP STAMP BLIND PERMIT 12 and Under Yes No No No No Yes Yes (except Youth day) No (unless turning 13 thru 15 No Yes No No Yes Yes (except Youth day) 16 during season) 16 thru 64 No No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes (except Youth day) 65 and over Yes No No Yes No Yes Yes (except Youth day) FEDERAL STATE DEER STAND LICENSE EXEMPT JUNIOR HUNTING ADULT HUNTING NON-RESIDENT WATERFOWL WATERFOWL HIP # AND WATERFOWL NUMBER LICENSE LICENSE STAMP STAMP BLIND PERMIT 12 and Under Yes No No No No Yes Yes (except Youth day) No (unless turning 16 13 thru 15 No Yes No No Yes Yes (except Youth day) during the season) 16 thru 64 No No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes (except Youth day) 65 and over No No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes (except Youth day)

* For license requirements related to Delaware landowners of 20 acres or more, DE Military personnel and DE Veterans with a disability please call 302-739-9918 for qualifications.

information on obtaining this card, call the SOCIAL SECURITY SPECIAL LICENSE Division of Fish and Wildlife at (302) 739-9912. NUMBER AND AND PERMITS HUNT FROM A VEHICLE PERMIT Approved non-ambulatory hunters may be HUNTING LICENSES REQUIRED TO: permitted to hunt specified game animals from their vehicle with a permit issued by The Delaware Division of Child Support Ser- (These permits are only issued at DNREC’s the Division. vices has the authority, under Federal Welfare Dover office located at 89 Kings Highway) Reform Legislation (Title 42 of the US Code, HIP NUMBERS Section 666 (a) (13) ), to collect Social Secu- • Deal in raw furs commercially Hearing impaired hunters can obtain their rity Numbers for individuals who purchase Harvest Information Program (HIP) numbers recreational hunting and fishing licenses. For • Hold a field trial for dogs online at www.dnrec.delaware.gov/delhunt. more information go to www.dnrec.delaware. gov/fw/Services/Pages/Lic-Perm-Reg.aspx • Ship game out of state LICENSE EXEMPT OBTAINING • Breed game commercially HUNTERS/ A DUPLICATE • Operate a shooting preserve TRAPPERS • Possess or collect wildlife for HUNTING LICENSE scientific purposes Hunters and trappers that are license exempt are required to obtain an Duplicate licenses may be printed free of charge • Possess live wild animals or any annual License Exempt Number by going to www.de.gov/fw. Select Licenses, protected animals (LEN) at no cost. Hunters shall obtain no Registrations, Permits & CAP, then Recreational more than one LEN annually. While not legally Licenses, Permits, Stamps & Passes and then Lost • Train dogs out of season required to purchase a license, those hunt- Your Recreational License? If you need more (available only for retrievers) ers and trappers that are eligible to be license information please call the Recreational Licens- exempt may purchase a license so that their ing Office at (302) 739-9918 or email dfwreclic@ purchase can help direct conservation and delaware.gov. SPECIAL PERMITS FOR management efforts for wildlife and the habitats they support. For those hunters that are HUNTERS WITH exempt from purchasing a license but choose ONLINE LICENSING to do, we thank you very much for your sup- A DISABILITY port to conservation. If a license exempt hunter Delaware maintains a fully automated rec- chooses to purchase a license they shall not reational licensing system. Sportsmen can A variety of hunting opportunities exist for obtain an exempt number. The LEN system was purchase and print licenses from our web- hunters with a disability in Delaware. For a list created so that opinions and game harvests of site 24 hours a day 7 days a week by visiting of deer stand and waterfowl blind facilities for license exempt hunters and trappers could be www.de.gov/fw with a compatible computer hunters with a disability, see page 39. evaluated and considered when establishing and printer. We also partner with over 85 new statutes, regulations and policies. If you Licensing Agents where licenses can be pur- STATE OF DELAWARE CERTIFIED obtain this LEN, use it whenever you are asked chased including our Dover Fish & Wildlife HUNTER WITH DISABILITIES CARD for your license number such as for registering office at 89 Kings Highway. A complete list- Hunters with a disability must obtain a certifi- a deer, obtaining a HIP number or purchasing ing of Licensing Agents can be found on our cation card to use all facilities and opportuni- additional deer tags or permits. License exempt website or by calling (302) 739-9918. ties made available to hunters with a disability hunters receive five deer tags at no cost. For on State Wildlife Areas and State Parks. For more information about deer tags, please see

Continued on page 9

8 2019/2020 DELAWARE HUNTING AND TRAPPING GUIDE LICENSING AND PERMITS SECTION

Continued from page 8 License exempt Military exceptions are only MILITARY processed through the Dover office. Please call page 17. License exempt hunters not purchas- (302) 739-9918 for assistance. ing a hunting license who use a motor vehicle EXEMPTIONS: Non-residents: to access State Wildlife Areas must purchase • A nonresident may hunt without a license a Conservation Access Pass. You can obtain • A member of the armed forces of the United while hunting snow geese, provided: your annual LEN at www.dnrec.delaware. States who is a patient in a military hospital gov/delhunt or by calling the toll free number may hunt or trap without a license, upon 1. The nonresident resides in another state 1-855-335-4868 (1-855-DELHUNT). If you have receipt by the Department of a written state- or Canadian province which extends the problems with these systems, call (302) 735- ment signed by the applicant’s commanding same exemption to Delaware residents 3600 during normal business hours (8:00am officer certifying the nature of the applicant’s (Currently, Maryland is the only state to - 4:30pm) Monday - Friday. For questions on disability and place of station. honor this exemption); LEN eligibility requirements please contact the 2. The nonresident is properly licensed, or recreational licensing office at (302) 739-9918 or • Residents living in this State for at least 1 exempt from the licensing requirement, to www.dnrec.delaware.gov/fw/Services/Pages/ year immediately prior to the date of applica- hunt snow geese in the state or Canadian Rec-Lic.aspx. tion for a license who have been honorably province in which he or she resides; The following are the criteria for which a discharged from the armed forces of the 3. The nonresident purchases a migratory person is exempt from purchasing a hunting United States and certified by the Veterans waterfowl stamp or trapping license but they must obtain a free Administration as having at least a 60% • Nonresidents other than aliens who are License Exempt Number: service-connected disability may hunt or under 13 years of age may hunt without a Delaware Residents: trap without a license. license when accompanied by a person who • Residents under 13 years of age may hunt is the lawful holder of a hunting license or without a license when accompanied by a • Any resident who has served honorably for has a lawful right to hunt. person who is the lawful holder of a hunting 90 or more consecutive days on active duty license or has a lawful right to hunt. in the Armed Forces of the United States, • Nonresidents or aliens who are occupants including service as member of the Delaware of farms in this State containing 20 acres or • Residents, 65 years of age or older may hunt National Guard, in military actions in South- more, who actually reside thereon, and the or trap without a license, but must have proof west Asia associated with Operation Iraqi immediate members of the family of such of age and residency. Freedom or Operation Enduring Freedom occupants who also reside on said farm, may may, for the first 12 months following the hunt or trap on said farms without a license. • Residents who own or live upon farms in this date the resident was honorably discharged State containing 20 or more acres, and the or removed from active status may hunt • A nonresident, who owns but is not an occu- members of their immediate families who without purchasing a license. pant of a farm in this State containing 20 reside on the farm, may hunt and trap on acres or more, and the immediate members said farm only without purchasing a license. If a hunter or military trapper meets the exemp- of the family of the nonresident farm owner tion criteria, applicants are asked to complete may hunt or trap without a license on said • Any unarmed residents participating in an an application at www.dnrec.delaware.gov/ farm if the farm occupant or resident, if any, organized fox hunt may participate without fw/Services/Pages/Rec-Lic.aspx or by calling gives the owner written permission or if a license. (302) 739-9918. Military licenses are not avail- hunting, trapping, and/or fishing is per- able through State Licensing Agents with the mitted pursuant to a written lease, if any, exception of the DAFB for active duty military between the farm owner and the occupant stationed in Delaware purchasing a license. or resident of the farm.

• A nonresident participating in an organized fox hunt may participate without a license.

LICENSE REQUIREMENTS RELATED TO NON- RESIDENT MILITARY PERSONNEL Any member of the armed forces of the United States of America while actually stationed within this State shall be deemed a resident of this State for the purpose of obtaining a license to hunt, trap and fish in this State. Each such application shall be supported by a written statement signed by the applicant’s commanding officer certifying the applicant’s place of station within this State. To be eligible for the resident license, applicants are asked to complete an application at www.dnrec.delaware.gov/fw/Services/ Pages/Rec-Lic.aspx or by calling (302) 739- 9918. These licenses are not available through

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2019/2020 DELAWARE HUNTING AND TRAPPING GUIDE 9 LICENSING AND PERMITS SECTION GENERAL HUNTING INFORMATION

Continued from page 9 guide services to hunters are required to have a A resident or non-resident Guide license Delaware Guide License. License holders must is valid as a Guide and a Hunting license. A be 18 years of age or older. separate hunting license is not required. State Licensing Agents with the exception of Persons acquiring a guide license must A non-resident shall be exempt from the the DAFB for active duty military stationed in not have been convicted for violations of any guide licensing requirement only while guiding Delaware purchasing a license. wildlife or fisheries statutes or regulations hunters for snow geese (light geese), provided: within the last three years prior to applying for a Delaware Guide License. • The non-resident is properly licensed to DELAWARE All persons possessing a Delaware Guide guide in another state or Canadian prov- License are required to complete and submit ince which extends the same exemption to GUIDE LICENSE an annual report to the Division within seven Delaware residents; days after the close of the season to include the The Delaware Guide License is a relatively following information which must be readily • The non-resident guide purchases a Dela- recent addition to the licensing requirements. available for inspection by enforcement offic- ware migratory waterfowl (duck) stamp and As such, the Division of Fish and Wildlife gets ers: full name of each hunter, address of each obtains a Delaware H.I.P. permit; questions related to the specifics. Here are the hunter in the party, hunting license number requirements related to this license. For those for each hunter, date, number and species of • The non-resident resides in another state or still having questions, please call the Division’s each animal harvested, location of hunts and Canadian province which extends the same Recreational Licensing Office at (302) 739-9918. the name and license number of the guide. exemption to Delaware residents. All individuals receiving monetary or in- The guide shall retain all hunting field kind compensation for providing personal records for a period of three years. TRAPPING LICENSES PRIVATE LAND TRAPPING PERMISSION FORM Trappers must purchase their trapping license through the Division of Fish & Wildlife. Trapping Name of Trapper: licenses are not available electronically from Address: licensing agents or online. Applications are available online at www.de.gov/fw, by submitting the I hereby consent to the person listed above for trapping on my property on the trapping application (see below) in this guide or by calling (302) 739-9918 for an application. dates, and with the additional permissions, listed below: Trappers will be issued a license number that can be renewed annually and 25 metal trapping Dates: tags that are supplied during the first purchase. Additional Permissions/Rules: Additional metal trapping tags are available for Trapper’s Signature: Date: purchase at the Division’s Dover office. Once a trapping license has been issued, the Divi- Landowner’s Signature: Date: sion of Fish & Wildlife will automatically enroll Landowner’s Phone Number: the trapper in the annual trapping license mail renewal program.

Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife Trapping License Application

This is an application for a: Resident Trapping License...... $10.00 Non-Resident Trapping License...... $75.00 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 Services The license will not be issued without it. Mail to: Fax to: Recreational Licensing Recreational Licensing 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 10 GENERAL HUNTING INFORMATION

PROHIBITED • Use night vision or infrared devices while hunting. • For specifics on waterfowl and other migratory birds, see Federal METHODS OF TAKE - Regulations at www.fws.gov/le/hunting.html IT IS UNLAWFUL TO: FIREARMS AND ARCHERY EQUIPMENT GENERAL • Have a loaded firearm, or a cocked crossbow, in or on a motor- • Hunt out-of-season, without a license, take more than the daily limit, boat while underway, or in, against, or on a motor vehicle or farm or possess unlawfully killed game. machinery.

• Hunt within 100 yards of an occupied structure (unless hunter is the • Transport a muzzleloader with a charge in the barrel unless the cap owner or occupant, or has permission from the owner or occupant) or or primer is removed and the gun is enclosed in a case or the striking drop shot on buildings or people. When hunting deer with archery mechanism is removed. equipment, a hunter must be at least 50 yards from a structure. In New Castle County, north of I-295 and I-95 the distance is 200 yards • Hunt at night (1/2 hour after sunset to 1/2 hour before sunrise) when hunting with a firearm. except that frogs, raccoons and opossum may be hunted at night using a handheld light. • Discharge any firearm from or within 15 yards of public road or shoot across a public road or right-of-way. • Take game using a shotgun larger than 10 gauge, a fully automatic loading gun (machine gun), or use a centerfire rifle, except ground- • Trespass with gun or dog or trap on private property without prior hogs, foxes and coyotes may be hunted with a centerfire rifle. permission of the landowner whether or not the land is “posted.” • Use a shot larger than No. 2, except when hunting deer. Waterfowl • Damage any nest, den, or lair of game animals or birds. hunters may use non-toxic shot up to size T.

• Use an artificial light to illuminate wildlife from a motor vehicle for • Use a shotgun capable of holding more than three shells in total the purpose of hunting or observation. except for snow geese during the Conservation Order.

• Use poison or explosive tip arrows.

• Use a punt or swivel gun or any gun not normally fired from the License $$$ shoulder. FURBEARERS/TRAPPING • Use a trap, snare, pitfall, deadfall, cage, net, pen, baited hook, baited Working for You field, drug, poison, chemical or explosive to take game, except that Hunting and trapping license dollars are used to “match” federal muskrats, mink, otter, raccoons, opossum, rabbits , groundhogs, aid dollars under the Wildlife Restoration Act. License funds cover red foxes, coyotes and beavers may be trapped as permitted by law. 25% of approved project costs with Federal Aid covering the rest. Now that’s an investment you can “go wild” about. • Hunt muskrats with a dog. Hunters exempted from purchasing a hunting license may volun- tarily purchase a license which would allow the Division to match • Shoot or take muskrats or otters except by trap. additional federal funds for those activities shown in the adjoining chart. The Division thanks all of those who volunteer to financially MISCELLANEOUS support wildlife conservation in this way. • Sell, trade, or barter any game or any parts thereof, except as permitted by law. Hunters shipping lawfully taken game shall first obtain a notarized affidavit stating the game was lawfully killed, and include Distribution of the name of the sender and the number of animals enclosed. Wildlife Section Funding • Shoot hawks, owls, or other wild birds, except lawfully hunted game birds, house sparrows or starlings. 17% 7% • Possess live protected game animals. Hunter Education & Public Technical Range Management Assistance 3% • Obtain live rabbits from out-of-state without a health certificate. Administration • Permit dogs to run at large at any time. (Except landowners of 20 acres or more may permit their dogs to run from October 1 through February 28 on their own land.)

• Allow dogs to run at large between the hours of sunset and sunrise by any person on any day. All dogs must be licensed.

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IT IS UNLAWFUL TO HUNT ON SUNDAY, Except to chase red fox in season, on commercial shooting preserves, and to 25% 48% hunt deer on private land and designated publicly-owned lands. Wildlife Management & Wildlife Area Research Operations Local ordinances may be more restrictive than state laws. Check before hunting within incorporated areas. 11 GENERAL HUNTING INFORMATION

Continued from page 11 Snapping Turtles: May be taken with gig, Straight-walled pistol-caliber rifles are limited trap, net or spear. to manually-operated rifles, consisting of lever action, bolt action, pump action, single shot, Frogs: May be taken with spear, gig, or hook. and revolver rifles. These rifles may only be • Use bait to hunt game, except bait may be used to harvest deer. For more information used to hunt deer on privately-owned lands. Deer: Compound, recurve, longbow, and on these firearms, as well as restrictions on Crossbow using sharpened broadhead arrows allowable cartridges, see page 19. • It shall be unlawful to release swine (pigs) (min. width 7/8”). into the wild, charge a fee for the purpose of killing swine, or shoot swine without Shotgun no smaller than 20 gauge for deer MISCELLANEOUS first obtaining a permit from the Division. hunting using rifle slug, pumpkin ball or buckshot and must be plugged to hold only 3 PROVISIONS: • It shall be unlawful to use antler traps, or shells (in chamber and magazine combined). any device intended to remove or collect It is unlawful to carry buckshot, rifle slug or Bullfrogs may be sold. shed antlers from deer. pumpkin ball except while hunting for deer, and conversely, it is also unlawful to carry shot Deer killed by motor vehicle may be retained by smaller than buckshot while deer hunting. the motorist killing the deer upon official tagging by the State Police or Division personnel. LEGAL METHODS Muzzleloader no smaller than .42 caliber with OF TAKE: a barrel length of at least 20 inches. Handguns are limited to revolvers and single SELECTED Squirrel, Rabbit, Pheasant, Quail: Longbow shot pistols with a barrel length of at least 5.75 or shotgun using no larger than No. 2 shot. inches and no longer than 12.5 inches and DEFINITIONS Shotguns must be plugged to hold only 3 shells chambered for and using straight-wall hand- (in chamber and magazine combined). Addi- gun ammunition in .357 to .38 caliber with a Hunt: “Hunt” shall mean to chase, pursue, kill, tionally, squirrels only may be hunted with .17 cartridge case length of no less than 1.25 inches trap, take, or attempt to chase, pursue, kill, trap, through .22 caliber rimfire or pellet firearm and a maximum case length of 1.82 inches, or or take any form of wildlife. with a rifled barrel or a muzzleloader rifle of not in .41 caliber to a maximum of .50 caliber and larger than .36 caliber firing a round projectile. a maximum case length of 1.82 inches. Possession: “Possession” in addition to its ordinary meaning includes the location in or about the defendant’s person, premises, OPERATION GAME THEFT INFORMATION belongings, vehicle or otherwise within his reasonable control. 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. Seasons: “Seasons” shall be that period of time lished by the 130th General Assembly to 2. Hunting from a motor vehicle. during which designated species of wildlife may be lawfully hunted pursuant to the regula- assist in the apprehension and conviction of NOTE: An additional $100 reward will be tions of the Department. It shall be unlawful game law violators. The fund is comprised of given by the Delaware Chapter of the National to hunt those species of wildlife for which a all the fines levied for violation of game laws Wild Turkey Federation for information leading “season” is designated at any time other than in this state and donations. The Legislature to the arrest and conviction of anyone illegally during that “season.” delegated the authority to the Division of killing a wild turkey in Delaware. Fish and Wildlife to designate offenses for Wildlife: “Wildlife” shall be any animal spe- which rewards will be paid and the amount How do I get paid? cies not commonly under the domestication of the reward. You will be paid in cash by the agent to whom of man and including but not limited to those you gave your name. animals defined by statute as “game” or “pro- What types of offenses are covered under tected wildlife.” the O.G.T. Program? Will my identity be confidential? Up to $1,000.00 can be rewarded for informa- YES “Antlered Deer” shall mean any deer with one tion leading to the arrest and conviction of a or more antlers three inches long or longer, Will I get paid for any information that I person(s) involved in: measured from the base of the antler where it provide? joins the skull to the tip of the antler following Class 1 – Reward up to $1,000.00 No. Only information which leads to the arrest any curve of the antler. 1. Commercialization of Wildlife. and conviction of a violator. (Specific offenses 2. Killing of an endangered/threatened covered) “Antlerless Deer” shall mean any deer that species. has no antlers or antlers less than three inches in length. Class 2 – Reward up to $500.00 1. Over limit of black ducks, canvasbacks, Longbow: “Longbow” shall mean a straight turkeys or Canada geese. limb, reflex, recurve or compound bow. All 2. Poisoning wildlife. crossbows or variations thereof and mechani- 3. Interstate transportation of illegally taken cal holding and releasing devices are expressly wildlife. excluded from the definition. 4. Gross over limits of wildlife. 5. Illegally hunting or trapping on a state game refuge. Continued on page 13 6. Hunting/Trapping out of season. To report game law 7. Possessing, tending or setting killer traps violations call: with a jaw spread in excess of 5 inches. 8. Illegally hunting at night. 1-800-292-3030

12 2019/2020 DELAWARE HUNTING AND TRAPPING GUIDE GENERAL HUNTING INFORMATION GENERAL HUNTING INFORMATION

Continued from page 12 healthy ecosystems and wildlife populations PUBLIC OPINION that future generations are entitled to enjoy. To support landowners in this effort, many state WHAT DO I DO TO It is the desire of the Division of Fish and and federal agencies offer incentive programs Wildlife to continue to provide the highest with technical and financial assistance avail- REPORT GAME LAW level of service to the public using our wildlife able to restore or enhance wildlife habitat. areas, boating access areas, ponds, and marine There are several programs available within VIOLATIONS? resources. The management of the Division of DNREC that aim to engage landowners in Fish and Wildlife invites comments or sugges- conservation efforts. DNREC also partners with Contact the Division of Fish and Wildlife tions on the operation of our wildlife areas, federal and private organizations to achieve the Operation Game Theft Hotline Toll-Free at wildlife management programs, wildlife laws same goal of conserving natural resources for 1-800-292-3030 anytime, 24 hours a day. You and regulations, or any problems encountered a more livable Delaware. will be given an OGT Case Number. You do with Division employees. To voice a comment not need to give your name at this time. From or offer a suggestion, you may contact the office For more information, contact Jason Davis at this phone call, a Fish and Wildlife Natural of the Director of Fish and Wildlife at (302) (302) 735-3606. Resources Police Officer will be dispatched or 739-9910 or write to the Director of Fish and will return your call. Wildlife offenses need to Wildlife at 89 Kings Highway, Dover, Dela- be investigated immediately by an officer if ware 19901. Your comments or suggestions there is to be a chance of making an arrest. The will be forwarded to the proper individual longer the delay in getting information to the for consideration. agent, the smaller the chances of obtaining an arrest and conviction. PR I VAT E L A N DOW NER ASSISTANCE We Provide Hunting Opportunities to Delaware landowners hold over 80% of the land Law Enforcement Agents in Delaware, making them powerful decision- makers when it comes to land development and Injured in the Line of Duty. conservation. As land development increases, so does the pressure on wildlife habitat, species, To Volunteer Or Donate, Please Visit Our Website and natural resources. Conservation efforts made by landowners are necessary to ensure HuntingForHeroes.org

WORLD’S LARGEST EASTON DEALER VISIT OUR STORE & PRO SHOP TODAY! 2195-A Old Philadelphia Pike // Lancaster, PA // 17602 Showroom Hours: Mon, Wed & Thurs 9 am - 9 pm, Tues & Fri 9 am - 6 pm // Sat 8 am - 4 pm www.LancasterArchery.com Connect with us! 800-829-7408 13 Photo Contest Entries were judged by Division Direc- tor David Saveikis along with DNREC employees Justyn Foth and Rebecca Hoover. Below are the top five. The first place photograph is also featured on the cover. The 2019/2020 contest (for the WinnersThe Delaware Division of Fish & 2020/2021 guide) will open on September competition has just completed its eighth 1, 2019. Wildlife’s Hunting Photo Contest aims to year. The theme for the 2018/2019 contest showcase hunting activities throughout was “Our Hunting Tradition”. Delaware. The statewide photography

1st Place 2nd Place “Hunting Memories” submitted by Harry Hoch Jr of Greenwood, “Three Generations” taken by Jennifer Ross of featuring his father Dr. Harry L. Hoch and friend Bill Cole after a Clayton, featuring Dave, Huntly and Charlie Ross hunt in Harrington. with their harvest in Clayton.

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

“Thanks Dad,” taken by Jennifer “My Pride and Joy,” taken by Paul “Continuing the Tradition,” taken by Ross of Clayton, featuring Dave Skibicki of St. Georges, featuring his James Swatski of Milton, featuring his and Huntly Ross heading home in daughter Kimberly Pokoiski and her son Jimmy Swatski with their harvest Clayton. turkey in The Midlands. at Prime Hook.

For information about future contests, visit Congratulations to all the winners! http://de.gov/fwphotos

14 2019/2020 DELAWARE HUNTING AND TRAPPING GUIDE YOUTH HUNTING INFORMATION

YOUTH HUNTING 2019/2020 SCHEDULED YOUTH HUNTS INFORMATION Youth/Non-ambulatory Disabled Deer Hunt: November 2 and 3, 2019 The Division of Fish & Wildlife is commit- Youth/Non-ambulatory Disabled Turkey Hunt: April 4, 2020 ted to providing safe and responsible hunting Youth Waterfowl Hunting Days: October 19, 2019 and February 8, 2020 opportunities for youth in Delaware. The Division’s established youth hunting programs support Delaware’s recent Children in Nature Initiative, a statewide effort to improve Answer: No. Guides must be 18 years of age stamp. If the accompanying adult does not environmental literacy in Delaware, create oppor- or older. have a state and federal waterfowl (duck) tunities for children to participate in enriching stamp, the adult DOES NOT have the lawful outdoor experiences, combat childhood obesity, • Question: Does an adult accompanying a right to hunt (to include calling) and may not and promote healthy lifestyles. Delaware’s multi- youth hunting need to have a hunting license? accompany the youth hunter. agency initiative, which partners several state and federal agencies with community organiza- Answer: Yes. A youth must be accompanied • Question: Does an adult accompanying a tions, is part of the No Child Left Inside program. by a licensed hunter who has the lawful right youth hunting turkey need to have a license To further promote the outdoors and getting to hunt in Delaware. Also, if a youth is hunt- and turkey safety course card even if the youth involved with hunting Ducks Unlimited, ing his/her own property of 20 acres or more adult is not hunting? Also, does the adult in collaboration with the Division will be hosting and are license exempt, the youth may be need a license and permit if he/she is calling an Greenwing event on Saturday, April 4, 2020. accompanied by a license exempt hunter who but not in possession of a firearm? For more information, please visit: http://www. also has a lawful right to hunt that property. greenwingde.org/about Answer: Yes. The accompanying adult must • Question: Does an adult hunter accompa- have a valid Delaware license and must have HUNTER EDUCATION CLASSES nying a youth hunting waterfowl need to completed an approved turkey hunting edu- All persons born on or after January 1, 1967 have a license and waterfowl stamps if he/ cation course. Also, the accompanying adult are required to satisfactorily complete a Basic she is not hunting and not in possession of a must be at least 21 years of age. Hunter Education Course in order to obtain a firearm? Also, does the adult need a license Delaware Hunting License. Youth age 10 and and waterfowl stamps if he/she is calling, • Question: Does a Junior Hunter need to have older are eligible to take the Basic Hunter Edu- but not in possession of a firearm? a public lands blind site permit? cation Course. Students under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Parents are Answer: Yes. Youth hunters must be accom- Answer: Yes, unless the hunter is participat- reminded that younger students require a level panied by a Delaware licensed adult who ing in a Division of Fish & Wildlife youth of maturity and vocabulary sufficient for under- has both a state and federal waterfowl (duck) hunting day. standing adult subject matter and completing assignments. Students of smaller physical body size may find it very difficult or impossible to successfully complete the live firing exercise. Quality Deer Management Association ADULTS ACCOMPANYING YOUTH A youth, ages 15 and under, hunting in Dela- ware must be accompanied by an adult 18 years Delaware State Chapter of age or older except during the youth deer, turkey and waterfowl hunt days at which time the adult must be 21 years of age or older.

PURCHASING A HUNTING LICENSE Shoot or Don’t Shoot? • Both resident and non-resident youth ages 13 through 15 must purchase a junior license to hunt in Delaware. Your Choice. • Both resident and non-resident youth under the age of 13 must obtain a License Exempt What a difference Number (LEN) and must be accompanied by a person who is the lawful holder of a a year makes! Delaware hunting license or has a lawful right to hunt in Delaware.

• Youth under the age of 16 do not need to purchase a State Waterfowl (Duck) Stamp. 1 ½ 2 ½ 3 ½ FREQUENTLY ASKED YOUTH HUNTING QUESTIONS: • Question: If a youth licensed hunter (age 13-15) turns 16 in the middle of a hunting season, does that person need to purchase an adult hunting license? Answer: Yes. In this case, the youth should National QDMA: www.qdma.com consider purchasing an adult hunting license instead of a youth hunting license in anticipa- Email: [email protected] tion of turning 16 during the course of the hunting season. DelawareQDMA.org DA • Question: Can a person under the age of 18 DE QDMA 14617 Arvey RD Laurel, DE 19956 obtain a guide license? 15 DEER HUNTING SECTION

DEER SEASONS INCLUSIVE OF SUNDAYS SEASONS DATES ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Hunters may use archery equipment during the muzzleloader, shotgun and handgun Statewide Archery* seasons provided they wear at least 400 square inches of hunter orange material Sept. 1 - Feb. 2 displayed on the head chest, and back. Hunters may use crossbow equipment during the muzzleloader, shotgun and handgun Statewide Crossbow* seasons provided they wear at least 400 square inches of hunter orange material Sept. 1 - Feb. 2 displayed on the head, chest, and back Statewide Muzzleloader Oct. 11 - 20 Muzzleloaders may be equipped with scopes. Jan. 27 - Feb. 2 Statewide Muzzleloaders, handguns, and authorized straight-walled pistol-caliber rifles may be Shotgun Nov. 15 - 24 used during the shotgun seasons and may be equipped with scopes.** Jan. 18 - 26 Statewide Legal methods of take during these seasons include archery equipment, muzzleloaders, Oct. 4-6, 21, and shotguns. You may only take antlerless deer, or deer with both antlers less than 3 Special Antlerless and 25-28 inches in length. Archery (including crossbow) hunters may take antlered deer in October Dec. 14 - 22 but NOT during the December antlerless season. Season closed in Wildlife Management Sunday Jan. 5 is not open to handgun hunting. Handgun Zones 1A and 1B Authorized straight-walled pistol-caliber rifles may be used during the handgun season. Jan. 4, 6-11 See page 19 for more season details.

Youth/ Statewide Hunters may use archery equipment, muzzeloaders, shotguns, handgun, or autho- Non-ambulatory Nov. 2 and 3 rized straight-walled pistol-caliber rifles. Disabled Hunt *Archery and crossbow hunters may take antlered deer during the October antlerless deer season, but NOT during the December antlerless season. **It is now legal to hunt deer with a handgun or authorized straight-walled pistol-caliber rifle during any shotgun deer season (excluding the special antlerless seasons). Only 2 antlered deer may be taken during any license year (July 1 – June 30) by all methods and seasons combined.

DELAWARE BAYSHORE INITIATIVE Rich Natural Resources The Delaware Bayshore is recognized as an area of global ecological significance for its expansive coastal habitats and abundant wildlife and fish found throughout the region. The wild and scenic beauty of the area draws people to the Bayshore for recreational activities such as hunting, fishing, birding, boating, kayaking and other forms of ecotourism. Delaware Bayshore Initiative The Delaware Bayshore Initiative is geared toward conserving the area’s natural lands and waters, while also preserving the agricultural and maritime character of the landscape. The Initiative seeks to encourage Delawareans and visitors to pursue outdoor adventures along the Bayshore by enhancing access and outdoor recreation opportunities 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. Bayshore Facility Enhancement Projects • Augustine – Port Penn Tract Parking Improvements • Little Creek – Port Mahon Fishing Pier Repairs • Ted Harvey – Logan Lane Tract Portable Toilet Facility Bayshore Restoration Projects • Augustine & Cedar Swamp – Meadow Habitat Restoration Port Penn Tract Wildlife • Little Creek & Ted Harvey – Impoundment Water Control Restoration Viewing Platform • All Bayshore Wildlife Areas – Ongoing Phragmites and Invasive Species Control Bayshore Recreation Projects • Augustine – Port Penn Tract Wildlife Viewing Boardwalk and Platform • Little Creek – Main Tract Wildlife Viewing Boardwalk and Cedar Swamp Observation Tower Wildflower Meadow • Little Creek – Little River Boating and Fishing Access Area

16 2019/2020 DELAWARE HUNTING AND TRAPPING GUIDE DEER HUNTING SECTION

hunting season. Sunday deer hunting for estab- or antlered deer. The Quality Buck Tag can only be AUTOMATED lished deer seasons is legal on private land at the used on an antlered deer with a minimum outside discretion of the landowner and on designated spread of 15”. Hunters will only be allowed to har- DEER CHECKING publicly-owned lands. Deer seasons to include vest a maximum of 2 antlered bucks (all seasons all statewide Sunday deer hunting dates are indi- combined) by using the Hunter’s Choice Tag and All successful deer hunters must register their cated on page 16. More information on statewide the Quality Buck Tag. All other deer taken must deer within 24 hours of harvest. Prior to regis- Sunday deer hunting dates and public lands open be antlerless. Additional antlerless deer tags are tering a deer, hunters may not cut the meat or to Sunday deer hunting is available at the Sunday available for $20 each. remove any part of the deer except the internal deer hunting website: http://www.dnrec.dela- This deer tag system has been implemented to organs (known as the viscera). Hunters can reg- ware.gov/fw/Pages/Sunday-deer-hunting.aspx or encourage hunters to harvest antlerless deer and to ister their deer by visiting www.dnrec.delaware. by calling the Wildlife Section office 302-739-9912. promote quality bucks. Revenue will be used to fund gov/delhunt or by calling the toll free number It is unlawful to hunt any species on Sunday the phone-in deer registration system and to further 1-855-DEL-HUNT (1-855-335-4868). Hunters will except deer on private land and designated improve Delaware’s deer management program. answer a series of questions by using the computer publicly-owned lands, or if hunting on a com- or telephone. At the end of the questions, hunters mercial shooting preserve, or to chase (no har- LICENSED EXEMPT HUNTERS will be given a deer harvest registration number. vest) red fox in season. License exempt hunters will be allowed 4 antlerless This number will serve as proof the animal was deer and 1 Hunter’s Choice deer tag at no charge. checked and should be kept for your records and For a Quality Buck Tag, license exempt hunters written in ink on the deer tag utilized on the ani- DEER TAGS will have to purchase the Quality Buck Tag for $20 mal harvested. If you have problems with this using their annual mandatory License Exempt system call (302) 735-3600. Hunters that take their After harvesting a deer, an appropriate tag must Number (LEN). deer to a butcher shop or taxidermist will need be attached to the animal before it is field dressed Persons not required to purchase a hunting to supply their registration number to the shop or moved from the place of kill. Hunters must also license in Delaware must make their own deer tags owner as proof the deer was registered. record the harvest date, in ink, before attaching which include the hunter’s name, license exempt the tag to the deer. Hunters worried about the tag number, address, and reason for not having a valid falling off of the deer may laminate the tags prior Delaware hunting license or print a template of the SUNDAY DEER to heading afield, stuff the tag down inside the ear deer tags when obtaining the LEN online at www. canal prior to attaching it to the ear, or place the dnrec.delaware.gov/delhunt. The deer tags, along HUNTING tags inside a plastic bag. with identification and License Exempt Number must be carried while hunting. OPPORTUNITIES RESIDENT LICENSED HUNTERS Exempt hunters are only allowed 2 antlered Delaware hunting licenses come with 4 antler- bucks during any license year by all methods Delaware law changed in 2018 legalizing Sunday less deer tags. Quality buck tags are available for and seasons combined. 1 free Hunter’s Choice deer hunting for all deer seasons established by $20 and come with a free Hunter choice tag. The Tag and 1 purchased Quality Buck Tag. the Department beginning with the 2018/2019 Hunter’s Choice Tag can be used on an antlerless Continued on page 19 DUTCH NECK DEER BUTCHERING Henner Gibbons-Neff was born and raised on & Euromounts Maryland’s Eastern Shore and has grown up sailing, ﬁ shing, and boating all the Tributaries and the Atlantic Ocean. His father was an Agent 302.562.3651 and Broker for 30 years and real estate is in his blood. He is a farm owner, investment property All Boneless Cuts • Vacuum Sealed owner, has built multiple houses, and has 8 Flavors of Snack Sticks & Jerky been involved in conservation work and land development, so he understands the ins and outs Chip Steak • Sweet Bologna of real estate ownership. Summer Sausage • Breakfast Sausage plus much more! A native of Talbot County, Henner graduated from Easton High School and the Franklin P. Perdue School of Business at Salisbury University. He currently lives in Easton with his wife and 3 PROFESSIONAL children enjoying their spare time on the farm QUALITY and water as much as possible. EURO MOUNTS Cleaned, “Last year I closed $21,200,000 in sales. whitened, From one sportsman to another let me deodorized help you ﬁ nd your dream property on Only $175! the Eastern Shore of Maryland!”

Henner Gibbons-Neff Meredith Fine Properties 1210 Dutch Neck Rd, Middletown, DE 101 N West St, Easton MD Cell: 410-829-0698 dutchneckdeerbutchering.com www.meredithﬁ neproperties.com 17 Advice to Hunters and Rules Concerning Chronic Wasting Disease

• Antlers (with no meat or tissue attached); butchering scraps on the ground as wild deer What is CWD? in Delaware could come in contact with these Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is a naturally • Upper canine teeth (buglers, whistlers, or parts and if the animal that was processed had occurring disease of the brain and nervous ivories); and CWD, the wild deer could become infected system in deer, elk, and moose. CWD attacks after coming into contact with the scraps you the brain of these animals producing small • Finished taxidermy products. put out on the ground. lesions that eventually result in death. The body Any person who imports into Delaware any condition of animals that contract CWD tends Regionally, the states of Maryland, Pennsyl- deer carcass or parts of a deer carcass (e.g. ant- to deteriorate before death. Currently there is vania, Virginia, and West Virginia have con- lers, meat, hide, etc.) that was tested for CWD no treatment for deer that contract CWD and firmed the presence of CWD. From these states, by another state and is notified that the animal is invariably fatal to the animal. No cases of hunters are restricted from bringing entire has tested positive for CWD must report the human infection have been associated with deer carcasses and may only bring the above test results to the Division within 72 hours of CWD. Since 2002, the Division has collected mentioned parts from the counties in which receiving the notification by calling the Divi- over 7,500 CWD samples from deer harvested CWD has been found. If hunters are hunting sion at (302) 735-3600. in Delaware and none have been positive for in portions of these states outside of those The biological material responsible for the disease (results from the samples collected areas, they are not restricted from bringing infecting deer with CWD can be spread during the 2017/18 and 2018/19 season were their harvest back to Delaware. through urine, among other materials. Many still pending at the time this publication was hunters use natural deer urine as an attract- printed). • Maryland — Allegany and Washington ant while deer hunting. If used improperly, Counties hunters could unknowingly be infecting the areas they hunt with CWD. Short of not using Laws and Best • Pennsylvania — Adams, Bedford, Berks, deer urine while hunting, hunters should take Blair, Cambria, Clearfield, Cumberland, the following precautions to minimize the Management Practices Franklin, Fulton, Huntingdon, Jefferson, chance that deer will come in contact with Lancaster, Lebanon, Somerset, and York these products. Pertaining to CWD Counties It is far easier and less expensive to implement • Use attractants that do not contain natural precautions that minimize the risk of CWD • Virginia — Clarke, Frederick, Shenandoah, deer urine as an ingredient or use syntheti- infecting the Delaware deer population than and Warren Counties cally produced products as a replacement. it is to manage the disease after it has been detected. There are several things that indi- • West Virginia — Berkley, Hampshire, Hardy, • Do not pour or dispense natural deer urine vidual hunters can do to minimize the chance Mineral, and Morgan Counties on the ground or in a place where a deer of CWD spreading to our state. could come in contact with the product. A It is unlawful to import or possess any CWD has been detected in 26 states and 3 Cana- better approach when using natural deer carcass or parts of a carcass of any member dian provinces. For a complete list of restricted urine as an attractant, would involve satu- of the family Cervidae (deer, elk or moose) areas within other states please visit http:// rating a scent wick, cotton ball, or other originating from an entire state or Canadian cwd-info.org/ or contact the Division at (302) material with the urine and then hanging province or portion thereof, as described by the 735-3600. the item on a branch high enough that it is Delaware Division of Fish & Wildlife in which For a complete list of restricted areas within out of reach of a passing deer. At the end of CWD has been found in free-ranging or cap- other states please visit the websites above or each hunt, remove your scent station from tive deer. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the contact the Division at (302) 735-3600. the field so that deer are unable to come in following parts may be imported into the state: CWD may be present in some locations but contact with the lure. it hasn’t been detected by natural resource • Boned-out meat that is cut and wrapped; agencies. Therefore, all hunters should properly dispose of all portions of their carcass not For More Information • Quarters or other portions of meat with no consumed or used for taxidermy purposes. part of the spinal column or skull attached; The parts that remain after processing a deer on CWD for consumption are considered household • Hides or capes with no skull attached; waste and hunters should dispose of the skel- Additional information on CWD can be found eton, hide, and scraps in a sealed trash bag and at the CWD Alliance website www.cwd-info. • Clean (no meat or tissue attached) skull place it with the rest of their household waste org and on the Delaware F&W website www. plates with antlers attached; for transport to a landfill. Do not dump your de.gov/fw.

THANK YOU TO OUR PARTICIPATING DEER PROCESSORS

The Division would like to sincerely thank the following deer Participating processors include: processors for allowing us to collect CWD samples at their facilities Dave’s Cut ‘Em Up in Delmar, Johnson’s Custom Cutting in Milton, during the 2018/19 hunting season. Their annual participation and Mark’s Butcher Shop in New Castle, Miller’s Butcher Shop in Camden- involvement with our monitoring program is extremely important to Wyoming, and Townsend Deer Butchering in Townsend. the program’s success.

18 2019/2020 DELAWARE HUNTING AND TRAPPING GUIDE DEER HUNTING SECTION

Continued from page 17 case length of 1.82 inches. When hunting with not permissible for use. These rifles cannot be a handgun, youth under the age of 18 must be loaded with more than three cartridges in the NON-RESIDENT DEER TAGS accompanied by an adult 18 years of age or older. chamber and magazine combined when hunting Non-resident hunting licenses will come with 4 The handgun must be carried openly on a deer. Open, metallic/mechanical, optical and antlerless deer tags. The cost of an Antlered Deer sling or in a holster and not concealed. Handgun telescopic sights may be used. Tag and a Quality Buck Tag will be $50 each for hunting for deer in only permissible on privately These rifles cannot be used for deer hunting non-resident hunters. Hunters may purchase owned lands situated south of the Chesapeake and north of the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal. only one of each tag. An antlered deer tag may Delaware Canal and on many state-owned lands. Throughout the rest of the state, these rifles may only be used on a deer with one or more antlers Consult area maps for more details. only be used for deer hunting in place of a shotgun measuring 3 inches or more. In addition to the January Handgun Deer Sea- or handgun during the November and January son, it is legal to hunt deer with a handgun during Shotgun Deer Seasons or in place of a handgun QUALITY BUCK TAGS the November and January Shotgun Deer Seasons. during the January Handgun Deer Season. Fur- Quality Buck tags may only be used During these shotgun seasons, the handgun can thermore, these rifles are not a legal method of on an antlered deer with an outside be carried in place of a shotgun, but a handgun take for any other species (except groundhogs), antler spread of at least 15 inches. and a shotgun cannot both be carried at the same including red fox and coyotes. The distance between the tips of a time. Hunting deer with a handgun is not legal deer’s ears when both ears are held on Sunday, January 5, 2020, based on state law. SHARPS RIFLE straight out from the head in the Hunters may use a single shot antique or authen- “alert” position is approximately STRAIGHT-WALLED PISTOL- tic reproduction black powder Sharps rifle of .45 15 inches so a deer in which this tag would be appli- CALIBER RIFLE to .60 caliber using paper patched bullets for cable would generally need to have antlers that are Rifles chambered for straight-wall ammuni- hunting deer during any shotgun deer season. at least as wide as the space between his ear tips. tion legal for deer hunting must be manually operated, consisting of: lever action, bolt action, CROSSBOWS pump action, single shot, and revolver rifles. Only Crossbows used must have a minimum pull weight METHOD OF TAKE straight-wall cartridges usable in handguns may of 125 pounds, be manufactured after 1980, and be used that are of .357 to 38 caliber with a case have a mechanical safety, and may be equipped HANDGUN HUNTING length no less than 1.25 inches and a maximum with a scope. Crossbows shall not be transported Handguns legal for deer hunting are limited case length of 1.82 inches, or .41 caliber to maxi- in or on a vehicle while in the cocked position. to revolvers and single shot pistols with a bar- mum of .50 caliber and a maximum case length rel length of at least 5.75 inches and no longer of 1.82 inches. Case length excludes the bullet VERTICAL BOWS than 12.5 inches that use straight-wall handgun portion of the cartridge. Additionally, if there is No person shall use a compound, recurve, or ammunition in .357 to .38 caliber with a cartridge not a commercially produced handgun available longbow with a pull weight less than 35 pounds. case length of no less than 1.25 inches and a maxi- that is chambered for ammunition that meets the mum case length of 1.82 inches, or in .41 caliber caliber and cartridge case length criteria than a to a maximum of .50 caliber and a maximum rifle chambered for that same ammunition is Continued on page 20

ATTENTION WILD TURKEY HUNTERS

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: ______JoinJoin us us today today to to help promote recruit newthe futurehunters ofand Delaware’s provide more wild huntableturkey hunting, land. ❏ Master Card ❏ Visa conservation,2019-20 BANQUET DATES and AND outreach MEMBERSHIP opportunities. INFORMATION Credit Card #: ______Date County Contact Sept. 20 State Charles Spray - 302 682 4085 Exp. Date: ______April 25 New Castle Mike Towe - 302 354 2321 March 21 Kent Brian Sherwood - 302 363 6649 Make checks payable to NWTF. Send complete application to: February 22 Sussex Stacie Street - 302-381-9354 Gary Showalter,Delaware NWTFSr., • 2407- 29476 Lighthouse Revel Rd Rd, Smyrna,Millsboro, DE DE 19977 19966 NWTF REMINDS YOU TO ALWAYS HUNT SAFELY 19 DEER HUNTING SECTION

Continued from page 19 Bethany Beach, the Mosquito Control Office WHITE-TAILED in Milford, the headquarters office at Redden State Forest near Georgetown, the Gumboro BAITING DEER RESEARCH Community Center in Millsboro and Trap Pond It is lawful to distribute and hunt over bait while State Park near Laurel; In Kent County: the Little hunting deer on privately owned lands only. HARVESTING TAGGED DEER Creek Wildlife Area main tract, east of Dover Over the past few years, the University of Dela- and the Main office on the Norman G. Wilder ware in collaboration with the Delaware Divi- Wildlife Area near Viola; and in New Castle sion of Fish and Wildlife, captured and tagged County: the Augustine Wildlife Area, in Port deer in Delaware. All deer received numbered Penn. IMPORTANT: The cooler located at the ear tags, and some received radio transmitter Woodland Beach Wildlife Area, east of Smyrna collars. Both of which allowed us to collect data is no longer available and has been moved to on deer ecology and hunter harvests. Hunters the Little Creek Wildlife Area, east of Dover. should treat deer with collars and ear tags as any For more information about walk-in cooler loca- other deer. If a marked deer is legal for harvest, tions, including the status of the cooler cur- then it may be harvested. If a hunter harvests a rently located at the Aquatic Resource Education marked deer, they are asked to call the phone Center, and participating deer processors, visit number listed on the metal ear tag (302-831-4621), the SAH website http://de.gov/sah. If you own so information concerning the harvested deer and operate a private deer processing facility can be collected. Someone will contact them for and would like more information about poten- further information as soon as possible. Since tially becoming involved with the SAH program, many of these deer are reported during the please contact Bill Jones at (302) 284-4795. hectic firearms season, please feel free to contact us again if you have not been contacted within a few days of previously calling. YOUTH/ NON-AMBULATORY HUNTER ORANGE DISABLED DEER During a time when it is lawful to take a deer with a firearm, any person hunting any wildlife HUNT, NOVEMBER 2 except migratory game birds in this state shall display on that person’s head, chest, and back a AND 3, 2019 total of not less than 400 square inches of hunter orange material. If a hunter utilizes a ground Any youth from 10 years through 15 years and blind to hunt deer during a time when it is law- individuals that are non-ambulatory disabled ful to take deer with a firearm and the hunter is may hunt. Young hunters must be accompanied completely concealed within a blind, then 400 by an adult 21 years of age or older. Hunters square inches of hunter orange material shall 13-15 years of age must have completed a Hunter be placed within 10 feet outside of the blind and Education Course and possess a certification COLLINS at least 3 feet off of the ground. card and must also purchase a Delaware junior hunting license. TAXIDERMY The normal bag limits and regulations apply. 3939 Webb Road · Pittsville, MD · 21850 STATE DEER RECORDS Adult companions must be licensed to hunt in Delaware (or exempt) but may not possess a The Division maintains records of the top firearm during the hunt. (410) 835-2782 hunter taken deer based on net Boone & Young hunters must be of sufficient size and www.DennisCollinsTaxidermy.com Crockett scores on its website at www. physical strength to safely handle a firearm. fw.delaware.gov/Hunting/Pages/DeerRecords. All deer taken must be registered. aspx. Any whitetails meeting Pope & Young Open statewide on private and public lands. On minimums for bow kills (125 typical, 155 non- State Wildlife Areas and Bombay Hook National Quality typical), Longhunter Society minimums for Wildlife Refuge that require a stand allocation muzzleloader kills (130 typical, 160 non-typical) drawing, the lottery drawing will be held 1.5 & Service or shotgun kills of 140 typical and better and hours before legal shooting time. Hunters should 160 non-typical and better are eligible for entry. arrive at least 1.5 hours before legal shooting Since 1991 The Division is interested in Delaware whitetails time to sign up. taken in any year. Bill Jones, Division biologist For more information on youth hunting, see and official measurer for Boone & Crockett, Pope the Youth Hunting section on page 15. & Young and the Longhunter Society, can be contacted at (302) 284-4795 for more information. Antlers cannot be scored until at least 60 days DEER HUNTING have passed since the deer was harvested. HOURS DELAWARE 1/2 hour before sunrise until 1/2 hour after sunset. SPORTSMEN AGAINST DEER HUNTING ON HUNGER PROGRAM PUBLIC LANDS In addition to the contracted private deer processors, the Division of Fish and Wildlife maintains For information on deer hunting on public lands, Whitetail & Sika Deer walk-in coolers where hunters can drop off deer see page 37. for donation to the Sportsmen Against Hunger Turkey • Waterfowl (SAH) Program. These locations include in Sus- Life Size Mounts sex County: the Assawoman Wildlife Area near Continued on page 21 20 State & Federally Licensed DEER HUNTING SECTION

Continued from page 20 WHERE ARE THEY FOUND? sika deer populations are at low to modertate Sika deer inhabit marshes, swamps, and associ- densitites. However, more research is needed ated woodlands and agricultural fields. Sika Deer to confirm this relationship. are a small elk introduced from Asia (China, SELLING DEER PARTS Japan, Korea, Taiwan) by private citizens into Q: Will sika deer breed with white-tailed deer? Maryland in 1916. Recently, their range has OR DEER MEAT expanded and some individuals have been found A: No, sika deer will not breed with a white- in Delaware. As a result, the Division will allow tailed deer as they are a separate species. Title 7 § 787 (d) of the Delaware Code states that Delaware hunters to harvest sika deer while hunt- Additionally, the breeding season for sika “No person shall purchase, sell or expose for sale, ing for white-tailed deer. The sika deer population deer occurs in mid to late October, while the or transport, ship or possess with the intent to in Delaware is still very small and the Division breeding season for white-tailed deer occurs sell, any deer or any part of such deer, except for would like to keep it that way. Sika deer are not in mid-November. the hides of lawfully killed deer, at any time.” native to the State, so following the Division’s Therefore, taxidermists and deer butchers may goal of not promoting nonnative species they Q: Are sika deer related to white-tailed deer? only charge for a service and may only charge may be harvested. those to whom they are providing the service. A: Sort of, both sika deer and white-tailed deer It is illegal to sell deer taxidermy items and deer WHAT DO THEY LOOK LIKE? are members of the deer family (Cervidae), but meat in Delaware. This includes the “recouping” They are 2.5 feet high at the shoulder, weigh are of a different genus Cervus (sika deer) and of processing fees for items or meat not picked up 50-100 pounds and the sika deer coat is dark Odocoileus (white-tailed deer). Sika deer are by the legal owner. brown to black. Some even have faint white actually more closely related to Rocky Moun- parallel spots on their back. They also have a tain elk than they are to white-tailed deer. white rump. Males (stags) are larger than females SIKA DEER (hinds) and have antlers. Males also have a dark shaggy mane running down their neck. WHITE-TAILED DEER WHAT TO DO IF YOU HARVEST ONE Tag the deer with the appropriate tag from your FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS RESEARCH RESULTS license as you would if you harvested a white- Q: Will sika deer compete with white-tailed tailed deer and register the deer as described on deer? For information and results concerning the page 16 of this guide. In addition to registering comprehensive white-tailed deer fawn survival the sika deer via the phone/internet registra- A: Research conducted in Maryland indicates research project that was recently completed by tion system please call the Division of Fish and that white-tailed deer and sika deer can coex- the Division of Fish & Wildlife, in collabora- Wildlife at (302) 735-3600 so that Division biolo- ist and it does not appear that they don’t usu- tion with the University of Delaware, please gists can collect additional harvest information. ally directly compete with each other when see page 42.

SPORTING CLAY RANGE

12613 Hunter’s Cove Rd Greenwood, DE

Beer & Wine • Groceries Sika Calls • Sika Scents Ammo • Hunting Supplies • Full-Service Deli Sporting Clays | Five Stand | Wobble Trap Concealed Carry Classes (302) 349-4334 WOOLFORD GENERAL STORE [email protected] 1614 Taylors Island Rd. owensstation.com Woolford, MD 410-228-3020 Mon-Sat: 6am-9pm Sun: 7am-6pm

21 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

SMALL GAME SEASONS DELAWARE SQUIRRELS Sussex County hosts AND BAG LIMITS two species of diurnal All seasons and limits subject to change. Please stay current by consulting the online version of this guide by tree squirrel: Gray visiting http://www.eregulations.com/delaware/hunting/ or call (302) 739-9912. and Delmarva Fox SEASONS DATES LIMIT ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Gray squirrels are quite common while Delmarva fox squirrels are so rare they Gray squirrels may be hunted with shotguns statewide, are on the state Endangered Species list. .17 through .22 cal. rimfire and pellet firearms and Sept. 14 - Feb. 1 If you hold a Delaware hunting license, you muzzleloading rifles up to .36 cal. south of the C&D Ca- Closed during are permitted to hunt gray squirrels but Gray Squirrel 6 nal. Only shotguns may be used north of the C&D Canal. Nov. Shotgun NOT fox squirrels. Before you shoot, take When a squirrel season overlaps with a deer firearms Deer Season a good look at the squirrel in your cross- season, squirrel hunters must wear 400 square inches of hunter orange displayed on the head, chest and back. hairs! Delmarva fox squirrels are more likely to walk on the ground rather than jump Rabbits may be hunted with shotguns, compound, from tree to tree as with gray squirrels. recurve, and lonbows. Rabbit hunters must wear at least Cottontail If you have seen a Delmarva fox squirrel, Nov. 25 - Feb. 29 4 400 square inches of hunter orange material displayed Rabbit on head, chest, and back when hunting during any deer please call the Species Conservation and firearms season. Research office (302-735-3600) and, if you have a camera, take a picture. Thanks! Groundhogs are an unprotected species and may be hunted with longbows, crossbows, shotguns, muzzle- Groundhogs July 1 - June 30 No limit loaders, handguns, and rimfire or centerfire rifles. A Gray Squirrel hunting license is not required to hunt groundhogs. Pheasants may be hunted with shotguns and longbows. FUR: Darker gray with rusty brown Ring-necked Pheasant hunters must wear at least 400 square inches highlights Pheasant Nov. 25 - Feb. 1 2 of hunter orange material displayed on head, chest, and (Male Only) EARS: Longer and pointy back when hunting during any deer firearms season. Bobwhite Quail may be hunted with shotguns and long- BELLY: White Bobwhite bows. Quail hunters must wear at least 400 square inches SIZE: Smaller with less bushy tail Nov. 25 - Jan. 4 6 Quail of hunter orange material displayed on head, chest, and back when hunting during any deer firearms season.

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. BULLFROG AND SNAPPING TURTLE SEASONS

SEASONS DATES LIMIT* ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Delmarva Fox Squirrel Bullfrog May 1 - Sept. 30 24 Daily May be taken with a valid hunting or fishing license. FUR: Silver gray with creamy to white belly, ears and muzzle (rarely have Snapping turtle minimum length is 11 inches on the any brown fur) curvature of the top shell. Traps must be tagged with trapper’s name and address or current year’s license EARS: Shorter and wider number. Baited fish hooks are unlawful. A free snap- Snapping BELLY: Creamy white June 15 - May 15 No limit ping turtle permit number must be obtained and will Turtle* 1 be issued at the time of the trapping license purchase. SIZE: 1 ⁄2 times larger with Those wishing to trap on Division of Fish & Wildlife lands fuller tail and state-owned ponds will need to contact the Re- gional 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. NOTE: Delaware Snapping Turtle Regulations require anyone who traps snapping turtles to obtain a free Snapping Turtle Permit Number. Please be sure to request this on your trapping application if needed. An additional snapping turtle permit is required for State Wildlife Areas and state-owned ponds and may be obtained through the regional office located within the county in which trapping is intended. Trapping snapping turtles on State Wildlife Areas is NOT exempt from the Conservation Access Pass if required.

24 2019/2020 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, coyotes and gray foxes, hunters and trappers are not required to report the animals they harvest. These surveys allow biologists to determine harvest information for all of the other wildlife species that are hunted and/or trapped. Around 5,500 hunters and 630 potential trappers are surveyed annually. The average age of those surveyed in 2017/18 was 52 years old, with the youngest age of 13 and oldest 87. Thank you to all the hunters and trappers who participate in these surveys each year!

Estimated Mammal Harvest from the 2017/18 Hunter Mail Survey: GROUNDHOG CATEGORY OPPOSUM RACCOON SQUIRREL RED FOX COYOTE RABBIT

# of Hunters 1,977 1,977 577 453 1,236 1,009 597 # of Days 8,651 7,333 1,483 309 4,655 10,649 865 Hunted # of Days per 4.4 3.7 2.6 0.7 3.8 10.6 1.4 Hunter Total # Har- 5,108 5,046 1,030 0 1,009 2,348 1 vested Harvest 0.6 0.7 0.7 0 0.2 0.2 0.0 per Day

Estimated Game Bird Harvest from 2017/18 Hunter Mail Survey: WOODCOCK PEN-RAISED PEN-RAISED WILD QUAIL SEA DUCKS MOURNING CATEGORY PHEASANT PHEASANT CANADA TURKEY GOOSE GOOSE DUCKS BRANT CROW SNOW QUAIL SNIPE RAILS DOVE WILD

# of 2,945 680 474 721 21 103 21 144 3,852 5,294 2,039 659 3,481 680 453 Hunters # of Days 8,177 1,050 1,009 2,019 124 536 124 494 12,338 37,756 9,454 1,133 30,423 1,545 371 Hunted # of Days per 2.8 1.5 2.1 2.8 6.0 5.2 6.0 3.4 3.2 7.1 4.6 1.7 8.7 2.3 0.5 Hunter Total # Har- 37,467 2,183 556 1,050 0 2,348 0 597 571 34,893 13,183 1,071 40,619 3,151 41 vested Harvest 4.58 1.41 0.55 0.52 0.00 4.38 0.00 1.21 0.05 0.92 1.39 0.95 1.34 2.04 0.11 Per Day

WATERFOWL LEG BANDING

Division wildlife biologists have been testing waterfowl for Avian Influenza, and banding American Black Ducks as part of an Atlantic Flyway black duck monitoring initiative. Did you know? Reports from hunters of harvested waterfowl with leg bands help biologists learn more about species distribution (travel, etc.) and survival rates! Old bands may still have a phone number and/or website to report bands. Since fall 2017, the reporting phone number has been discontinued. If you harvest a banded bird, please go to www.reportband.gov to report the band.

2019/2020 DELAWARE HUNTING AND TRAPPING GUIDE 25 WILD TURKEY HUNTING SECTION

TURKEY SEASON CLOTHING • All turkeys taken must be registered. Delaware’s spring wild turkey hunting season For safety reasons, it will be illegal to wear any • All state wildlife areas and state forests open will run from April 11, 2020 - May 9, 2020. A spe- visible garment having the colors red, white for turkey hunting will be open for the Youth/ cial one-day hunt for youth and non-ambulatory or blue. Non-Ambulatory Disabled Turkey Hunt. disabled hunters will occur on April 4, 2020. Hunters may go to any areas they choose. If No Sunday hunting. Public land permits can overcrowding occurs, the Division may add only be used on the property and season segment BLINDS/DECOYS this hunt to its pre-season lottery system in for which they are issued. Applications must be future seasons. received by January 10, 2020 to be processed for Temporary blinds of vegetation or camouflage the lottery drawing. material are legal. Artificial turkey decoys are For more information on youth hunting, see Segment dates (A-D) for Public Land legal. Decoys may have no parts from a formerly the Youth Hunting section on page 15. Permits are: live turkey. (A) April 11 - April 17 (B) April 18 - April 24 WILD TURKEY (C) April 25 - May 1 RESTRICTIONS (D) May 2 - May 9 RESEARCH Dogs or bait may not be used. Hunters may not drive turkeys or shoot them while they are HARVESTING LEG TURKEY HUNTING at roost. BANDED TURKEYS Over the next several years, the University of HOURS Delaware in collaboration with the Delaware MANDATORY Division of Fish and Wildlife, will be capturing 1/2 hour before sunrise until 1:00 p.m. All turkeys and banding turkeys in Delaware. All turkeys must be checked at an authorized turkey check TURKEY SAFETY will receive numbered leg bands, and some station by 2:30 p.m. on the day the bird is killed. will receive radio transmitters, both of which COURSE allow us to collect data on turkey ecology and hunter harvests. Hunters should treat turkeys TURKEY CHECK Before hunting turkeys in Delaware for the first with transmitters and leg bands as they would time, all hunters must complete a mandatory an unmarked turkey. So that we can accurately STATIONS turkey education course. For more information, evaluate turkey survival, hunters should not please see inset located in bottom right corner target marked birds or refrain from harvesting Locations and hours will be posted on the Divi- of this page and page 44 of this guide. Upon marked birds if they can tell they are banded sion’s website www.de.gov/fw. just prior to the successful completion of this course, hunters prior to harvest as this will influence our season. Information can also be obtained by will receive a card as proof of completion. This research results. If a marked turkey is legal calling 735-3600 or 739-9912. See page 27 for card must be in your possession while hunt- for harvest, then it may be harvested. If a hunter the list of tentative Turkey Checking Stations. ing. In addition, public land hunters must have harvests a marked turkey, they are asked to call an annual permit from the Division. the phone number listed on the metal leg band (302-735-3600) so information concerning the LEGAL BIRDS harvested turkey can be collected. Furthermore, PUBLIC LAND hunters must still register their turkey in the AND BAG LIMIT same manner described within this Guide. TURKEY PERMITS Bearded birds only. Bag limit is one turkey per year. A permit is needed to hunt turkey on public lands. See page 41 for the permit CALLS application form to hunt on State Wildlife Areas. All non-electric calls will be legal. For safety YOUTH/ reasons, hunters should not imitate the male FIRST TIME gobbling call. NON-AMBULATORY TURKEY HUNTERS DISABLED TURKEY LEGAL FIREARMS, All first time Delaware turkey hunters HUNT, APRIL 4, 2020 must successfully complete a Division BOWS, AND approved Turkey Hunting Safety Course. Open statewide. Any youth from 10 years SHOT SIZES through 15 years and individuals that are non- This includes both public and private ambulatory disabled may hunt. Young hunters hunters. Public land hunters must have 1. Shotguns – 20, 16, 12, 10 gauge – legal shot must be accompanied by an adult 21 years of completed the Turkey Hunting Safety sizes: #4, #5, #6. Ammunition containing 7 or age or older. Hunters 13-15 years old must have Course before they can apply for a public 7 ½ shot may be used if it is part of a duplex a valid Delaware junior hunting license and land turkey permit. or triplex load containing 4, 5, or 6 shot. must have taken a Basic Hunter Safety course To register for a classroom Turkey 2. Muzzleloaders – smoothbore muzzleloading as well as a Delaware approved turkey hunter Hunting Safety Course, call the Hunter shotguns only; #4, #5, #6 shot only. safety course. Education Office at (302) 735-3600. 3. Longbow/compound/crossbow – Minimum The normal bag limits and regulations apply. Delaware also accepts an online broadhead width of 7/8 inches. Adult companions must be licensed to hunt in Turkey Hunting Safety Course. 4. Crossbows may be used for turkey hunting. Delaware (or exempt) and must have taken a Dela- The online course can be found at Crossbows must meet the same standards ware approved turkey hunter safety class. Adult www.wildturkeyhuntingcourse.com. as for deer hunting. companions may not possess a firearm during Upon completion of the online course, the hunt. Young hunters must be of sufficient size contact the Hunter Education Office. and physical strength to safely handle a firearm.

26 2019/2020 DELAWARE HUNTING AND TRAPPING GUIDE WILD TURKEY HUNTING SECTION

DELAWARE TURKEY HUNTING CHECK STATIONS* KENT COUNTY NEW CASTLE COUNTY *NOTE: List of check stations subject to Ommelanden Hunter Education change without notice. Visit www.de.gov/fw McKay Wildlife and and Training Center after April 1 for any changes. Hours may vary. Hunter Education Field Office 1205 River Road, New Castle, DE 19720 Call the station where you will check a bird to 6180 Hay Point Landing Road, Smyrna (302) 323-5333 confirm hours of operation. (Intersection of Route 9/Shorts Landing Road) For hours of operation, please call (302) 735-3600 Check station hours may vary, so hunters (302) 735-3600 are advised to call the station where they are Little Creek Wildlife Area Check Station likely to check a bird to confirm the hours of Route 9, Bayside Drive, Little Creek SUSSEX COUNTY operation. Hunters who want to have their (Just south of the Town of Little Creek) Wildlife Recreations bird scored and entered into the National (302) 739-4610 9641 Tharp Road, Seaford Wild Turkey Federation records are reminded Williamsville Store (302) 430-9453 to have their bird’s live weight recorded on a certified scale. If the check station does not 3544 Williamsville Road, Houston Hook ‘Em and Cook ‘Em have a certified scale, hunters will have to go (302) 424-2277 3444 Coastal Highway, Unit 3, Bethany Beach to another shop to have the turkey re-weighed. Miller’s Butcher Shop (302) 539-6243 577 Morgan’s Choice Road, Wyoming Kelly’s Outdoors (302) 697-8278 29920 John H, Williams Hwy., Delmarva Speed & Sport Millsboro, DE 19966 689 Warner Road, Milford (302) 934-7517 (302) 424-1179 Lankfords Gun Shop Blue Hen Outdoors (New address) 614 West Stine Hwy, Unit 2, Seaford 595 North DuPont Blvd., Dover (302) 536-7077 (302) 492-7675

WILD TURKEY SIGHTING SURVEY

During the months of July and August, the Division asks hunters and the general public to submit their observations of turkeys as part of an annual survey of the population. Survey forms may be found in June on the Division’s website at www.de.gov/fw or it may be obtained by calling (302) 735-3600.

2019/2020 DELAWARE HUNTING AND TRAPPING GUIDE 27 MIGRATORY BIRD HUNTING SECTION

H.I.P. will fulfill these needs. Under the Harvest arrive prior to 2 hours before legal shooting time HARVEST Information Program, migratory bird hunters to sign up for the lottery. need a special permit to hunt. To get the per- Children 10 through 15 years old may hunt, INFORMATION mit, hunters have to provide their name and but must be accompanied by a licensed adult 21 address, and answer a few questions about their years of age or older. No state or federal stamps PROGRAM – H.I.P. previous year’s hunting effort and success. This are required. Thirteen, fourteen and fifteen information is collected by the state, remains year old hunters must purchase a Delaware If you are a Delaware migratory bird totally confidential, and goes immediately to junior hunting license. Regular season limits hunter (ducks, geese, doves, wood- the USFWS which randomly selects hunters to and waterfowl hunting regulations apply. cock, rails, snipe, and coots), you receive a survey form. This way, hunters have Adult companions must be licensed to hunt MUST obtain a new H.I.P number each year. the forms to record harvest information during in Delaware (or exempt) but may not possess What is H.I.P.? H.I.P. is the “Harvest Information the season instead of after the fact like the old a firearm during the hunt. For more informa- Program” being implemented by the U.S. Fish survey required. By surveying while hunting tion on youth hunting, see the Youth Hunting and Wildlife Service (USFWS). It was started is going on, much better information should section on page 15. in 1992 when California, Missouri, and South be available to the Service for evaluating bird Dakota participated in the pilot program. For harvests and the status of migratory bird spe- WATERFOWL REGULATIONS WERE many years, the USFWS has collected water- cies. If you are going to hunt migratory birds in ADOPTED THROUGH FEDERAL fowl harvest information through a post-season Delaware, you MUST have a H.I.P. number. To REGULATIONS. survey of hunters who purchased Federal duck obtain a permit visit www.dnrec.delaware.gov/ stamps. This survey was fine for its time, but delhunt or call toll free 1-855-335-4868. better information is now needed. Also, the THIS PERMIT IS FREE. HUNTING previous survey did not provide harvest data on other migratory birds like doves and woodcock. FROM BOATS YOUTH WATERFOWL During the waterfowl season, it shall be unlaw- NON-TOXIC SHOT HUNTING DAYS ful for any person to hunt from a boat of any kind that is within 1,500 feet of an established YOUTH WATERFOWL HUNTS, blind, unless they have permission from the Non-toxic shot, as approved by the U.S. OCTOBER 19, 2019 AND blind owner, except that: Fish and Wildlife Service, is required for FEBRUARY 8, 2020 • Any person may retrieve crippled waterfowl all waterfowl hunting within the State of Open statewide on private and public lands, by the use of a boat in accordance with fed- Delaware. There are no exceptions. including state wildlife areas and the federal eral Regulations For a list of currently approved non-toxic refuges. The lottery drawing for state blinds is shot types visit http://flyways.us/faq/ 1.5 hours before legal shooting time except for • Any person may use a boat for transporta- what-type-shot-approved-non-toxic-us. the Little Creek WMA where the drawing is 2 tion to and from an established blind law- hours before legal shooting time. Hunters should fully used by such person

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• Any person may hunt from a boat that is Maryland H.I.P. number and are in compliance follows the requirements on page 8 of this firmly secured and enclosed in an estab- with Maryland Hunter Safety laws. Holders guide as related to hunter age. lished blind. of a Delaware resident guide license should refer to the “Delaware Guide/Hunt License” During the waterfowl season, it shall be unlaw- section on pages 10 for information related to WATERFOWL ful for any person to hunt from a boat, or a reciprocity in other states. Maryland resident floating or fixed blind in the Little River in areas hunters can hunt snow geese in Delaware with • The non-resident 3-day hunting license can bounded on both sides by land administered their Maryland resident hunting license pro- now be used to hunt waterfowl provided by the Division. vided they have a Delaware Waterfowl (Duck) the hunter has purchased the Federal Duck During the waterfowl season, it shall be Stamp, a Federal Duck Stamp, a Delaware H.I.P. Stamp and state waterfowl (duck) stamp and unlawful for any person to hunt within 900 number and are in compliance with the Dela- has a H.I.P. number. feet of the shoreline (high tide line) of the Dela- ware Hunter Safety laws. This agreement only ware River and Bay, between the Appoquin- applies to residents of Maryland and Delaware. • When purchasing your waterfowl (duck) imink River and the Smyrna River, without stamp on the electronic systems, the stamp written permission of the closest adjoining CONSERVATION ORDER image is printed on your license if you pur- landowner(s). Furthermore, it shall be unlawful The snow goose Conservation Order (CO) chase your hunting license at the same time. for any person to hunt within 1,500 feet of the will reopen during the winter and spring of If you purchase the stamp separately you shoreline (high tide line) of the Delaware River 2019/20 after other waterfowl hunting is closed. will receive the stamp image. The Division and Bay, between the Smyrna River and the When the CO is open, snow goose hunters can no longer mails original waterfowl (duck) Murderkill River, without written permission use unplugged shotguns and electronic calls. stamps automatically at the end of the season of the closest adjoining landowner(s). In addition, hunting hours are extended to a (June 30th of each year). If you would like an It shall be unlawful for tender boats servic- half hour before sunrise to a half hour after original stamp sent to you please call (302) ing gunning (layout) rigs to be further than sunset and daily bag and possession limits 739-9918 and provide your name, address 1,500 feet from the rig or to conduct any activ- are removed. Participants hunting during and order ID number after you purchase ity, except to pick up downed birds or service the CO must have a valid Delaware or Mar- the electronic stamp. the rig. yland resident hunting license, a Delaware Waterfowl (Duck) Stamp (Federal stamp not required), a Delaware HIP number and the Continued on page 32 SNOW GEESE free CO permit issued by the Division. Holders of a Delaware resident guide license should Hunters are reminded that Delaware and Mary- refer to the “Delaware Guide/Hunt License” CAUTION: land have a reciprocal agreement for hunting section on pages 10 for information related snow geese. Delaware hunters can hunt snow to reciprocity in other states. This permit Shot carries beyond the lethal range. geese in Maryland with their Delaware hunting can be obtained by computer registration at Hunters should use extreme caution when license provided they have a Maryland Migra- www.dnrec.delaware.gov/delhunt. The need selecting the direction they shoot in. tory Game Bird Stamp, a Federal Duck Stamp, a for the Delaware Waterfowl (Duck) Stamp

dudu eventsevents making the off-season endurable sincesince 19371937

DU hosts over 4,000 events across the country each year. By attending your local event, you can have a great time while helping us fill the skies with waterfowl. To find an event near you, visit ducks.org/events. 29 MIGRATORY BIRD HUNTING SECTION DELAWARE MIGRATORY GAMEBIRD SEASON SUMMARY DUCKS SEASON DATES DAILY BAG LIMIT POSSESSION LIMIT

Oct 25 - Nov 6 Ducks (Regular Season) Nov 25 - Nov. 30 6 18 Dec 13 - Jan 31

September Teal Sep 12 - Sep 30 6 18 Limited to the designated teal zone south of the C & D Canal to Lewes, and east of Routes 13, 113/113A, and 1. Bag limit may include any combination of blue- winged and/or green-winged teal Youth Waterfowl Hunt Oct 19 & Feb 8 Youth must be age 10-15. Daily bag limits as listed below apply for ducks, mergansers, coots, moorhens, gallinules, Canada geese, snow geese, grant, and swans. Limits are described by each species. Daily Bag Limits and Possession Limits The daily limit of 6 ducks (excluding mergansers and coots) may include, in any combination, up to: 2 mallards of which, no more than 1 may be a hen; 2 black ducks; 1 pintail; 2 canvasback, 3 wood ducks; 2 redheads; 2 scaup, 6 teal; 6 shovelers; 6 gadwall; 6 wigeon; 6 goldeneye; 6 ring-necked ducks; 6 bufflehead; 6 ruddy ducks; 1 mottled duck; 1 fulvous whistling-duck; 4 scoters; 4 eiders; 4 long-tailed ducks. The possession limit is 3 times the daily limit. The season on harlequin ducks remains closed. Sea Ducks Nov 23 – Jan 31* 5** 15** Scoters, Eiders, and Long-tailed ducks * Season dates apply to Special Sea Duck Area where ducks may be taken not less than 800 yards (1/2) mile seaward from the Delaware Bay shore or the Atlan- tic Ocean shore beginning at an east-west line between Port Mahon and the Elbow Cross Navigation Light, south to the Delaware-Maryland line. The shooting of crippled sea ducks from a motorboat under power will be permitted in the designated sea duck hunting area. Sea ducks may be harvested within the designated Special Sea Duck Area only during the Sea Duck Season. Sea ducks may be taken outside of the Special Sea Duck Area only during the regular duck season and are part of the regular duck season bag and possession limits. ** The daily bag limit for sea ducks to include no more than 4 scoters, 4 long-tailed ducks, or 4 eiders. Within the Special Sea Duck Area, during the regular duck season, the sea duck limit may be in addition to limits for other ducks during the regular duck season. The season on harlequin ducks remains closed. COOT Same as Duck Season 15 45

MERGANSERS** Same as Duck Season 5 15

** Daily bag limit may include no more than 2 hooded mergansers (6 in possession)

GEESE AND BRANT SEASON DATES DAILY BAG LIMIT POSSESSION LIMIT

Canada Goose (Resident) Sep 2 - Sep 25 15 45

Nov 28 - Nov 30 Canada Goose (Migratory) 1 3 Including White-fronted geese Dec 21 - Jan 21

Dec 21 - Jan 1 Brant 2 6 Jan 4 - Jan 27 Snow Goose Oct 1 - Jan 31 and Feb. 8 25 No limit Including Ross’ goose Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge open Mon., Wed., and Fri. with permission of Refuge Manager. Feb 1 - Feb 7 Snow Goose Conservation Order No bag or possession limits Feb 10 - Apr 10 During the Conservation Order (CO) unplugged shotguns and electronic calls may be used to harvest snow geese. Shooting hours have been extended to ½ hour after sunset and daily bag & possession limits have been eliminated. Hunters who wish to participate in the CO must register for a free, annual permit, available by visiting www. dnrec.delaware.gov/delhunt (after Jan 1st). Participants are required to re-visit this website after the CO has closed to report their harvest to the Division of Fish & Wildlife. The Snow Snow Goose Conservation Order will be closed on Saturday, February 8, 2020 which is the second youth waterfowl day and will reopen on Monday, February 10, 2020. Snow geese, including Ross’ geese, may be harvested on Saturday, February 8, 2020 within the regular season framework. No liberal methods allowed during the Conservation Order may be allowed this day and a daily bag limit of 25 applies. SWANS SEASON DATES DAILY BAG LIMIT POSSESSION LIMIT

Tundra Swan (By special permit ONLY) Oct. 25 - Jan. 31 1 per season 1 per season

Mute Swan Legal to take during any open waterfowl season No limit No limit

(Closed during the Snow Goose Conservation Order)

Trumpeter Swan Closed Season 0 - Closed Season 0 - Closed Season

30 2019/2020 DELAWARE HUNTING AND TRAPPING GUIDE MIGRATORY BIRD HUNTING SECTION

OTHER SPECIES SEASON DATES DAILY BAG LIMIT POSSESSION LIMIT

Sep 2 - Oct 7 Mourning Dove 15 45 Nov 25- Jan 31

During the month of September, all hunters must use non-toxic shot when dove hunting on State Wildlife Areas. King & Clapper Rails Sep 2 - Nov 21 10* 30 * Singly or in combination of the two species Sora & Virginia Rails Sep 2 - Nov 21 25* 75 * Singly or in combination of the two species Nov 25 - Nov 30 Woodcock 3 9 Dec 7 - Jan 21

Sep 13 - Nov 30 Common Snipe 8 24 Dec 7 - Jan 21

Moorhens & Gallinules Sep 2 - Nov 21 15 45 Crow Jun 20 - Mar 31* No Limit No Limit *Thurs., Fri., & Sat. only To view regulations for hunting of migratory game birds, see: • USFWS complete Federal Regulations (50 CFR Part 20): http://www.fws.gov/hunting/whatres.html • Synopsis of Federal Regulations: http://de.gov/migbirdhuntref NOTE: When State law is different from the Federal law the hunter must comply with the most restrictive law. NOTE: The shooting hours for all mute swans and migratory game birds, including waterfowl except during the Snow Goose Conservation Order, are 1/2 hour before sunrise until sunset.

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Continued from page 29 will also receive a swan hunting questionnaire return this questionnaire even if they do not that must be returned to the Division at the harvest a tundra swan. Hunters who fail to end of the tundra swan season to assess hunter return the questionnaire will be ineligible for TUNDRA SWANS effort and success. Hunters are required to the following year’s swan lottery. New this year: Tundra swans may be hunted by permit only. Hunters are only eligible for one permit annually and will be limited to one SWAN IDENTIFICATION tundra swan per season. Permits will be issued through an annual random lottery. Hunters that are successfully selected during the lot- Tundra Swan tery will be notified in early September. The • Regulated season by permit only: application for the lottery may be found below »» 1 Permit/person/season and all applicants must have a valid 2019/20 • Adult: large and entirely white with a long hunting license or valid License Exempt Num- neck, with black wedge shaped bill show- ber by September 20, 2019. If not, their permit ing a small yellow spot on the black facial will be forfeited and issued to another hunter. Each permit is valid statewide but landowner skin in front of the eye permission is required to hunt on privately- • Juvenile: paul dusky-brown/gray with owned land and hunters should refer to the extgensive white highlights and a mostly information provided with their permit for pink bill with black tip rules concerning when and where tundra swan hunting is allowed on publicly-owned lands. Mute Swan A total of 84 permits will be issued during • Currently allowed to be harvested during the 2019/20 tundra swan hunting season with any waterfowl season no more than 5 permits being issued to individuals through eligible waterfowl conserva- • Unlimited take tion organizations and the remaining will be • Non-native/exotic issued through a random lottery run by the • Adult: large and entirely white with a long Division. The number of permits available to neck, bright orange bill, black skin around non-residents will be capped and shall not face with large black knob at the base of exceed the percentage of non-resident hunt- the upper part of the bill ers as determined from the most recent year • Juvenile: pale dusky-brown/gray with for which hunting license sales were certified extensive white highlights and a mostly (16.06% were non-residents). For the 2019/20 pink bill with black base. Small black knob swan season, no more than 13 tundra swan at the base of the upper part of the bill permits will be given to non-residents. The Division will issue a non-reusable tag Trumpeter Swan with each permit that the successful hunter must immediately affix to the bird at the time • Closed Season of kill. All hunters that successfully harvest • Few records in Delaware a tundra swan must visit a designated state- • Adult: large and entirely white with a long operated check station or Natural Resource neck, with black wedge shaped bill, black Police Officer within 24 hours of harvest to facial skin in front of the eye register their swan and to have biological data • Juvenile: pale dusky-brown/gray with collected from the bird. Information pertaining extensive white highlights and a pink to registration procedures will be included center to a black bill within the permit package that each selected Source: www.allaboutbirds.org hunter will receive prior to the season. Hunters

2019-2020 Application for Tundra Swan Permit Application Information: • Print all information clearly. Illegible information could result in application being rejected. • Submitting more than one application per individual will result in disqualification. • Awarded permits are non-transferrable. Only successful applicants will be notified. • Successful hunters chosen during the lottery must obtain a 2019/20 hunting license or License Exempt Number by September 20, 2019 Hunter’s Name: License # or LEN:______Address: Date of Birth:______City, State, Zip:______Telephone Number:______*Mail swan applications to: Wildlife Section, Tundra Swan Permit Application, 6180 Hay Point Landing Road, Smyrna, DE 19977 The Wildlife Section must receive the Tundra Swan Permit application by 4:00 PM on Friday, August 30, 2019. Late applications will not be accepted. No exceptions.

32 2019/2020 DELAWARE HUNTING AND TRAPPING GUIDE MIGRATORY BIRD HUNTING SECTION

WOOD DUCK BOX PROGRAM

Plastic Bellrose wood duck nest boxes are available to Delaware property owners 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) 284-4795 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.

DELAWARE WATERFOWL (DUCK) STAMP PROGRAM

2019 Delaware Waterfowl (Duck) Stamp 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. These funds improve waterfowl habitat in Delaware and Canada and help to ensure that waterfowl species will prosper and provide enjoyment for generations to come. All 2019 entries submitted had to depict and Long-tailed Duck (Old Squaw) and a Black Labrador Retriever. The 2019 prints and stamps (as well as the 2017 and 2018 prints and stamps) will be available July 1, 2019. After June 30, 2019 the 2016 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 the Division at (302) 739-9918 or visit our website: http:// de.gov/waterfowlstamp.

2019/2020 DELAWARE HUNTING AND TRAPPING GUIDE 33 BOATING SAFETY BOATING SAFETY DELAWARE SMALL BOAT Each year more hunters die from drowning and the effects of hypothermia than from gunshot wounds. Statistics show that the majority of EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS capsizing and falls overboard occur with boats CLASS 1 less than 20 feet in length. Some boat designs CLASS A EQUIPMENT (16 FEET TO LESS THAN are not as stable as others. Hunters often use (LESS THAN 16 FEET) smaller, more easily transportable crafts like 26 FEET) john boats, bass boats or canoes. These types of boats, because of their flat bottoms or nar- 1. Annual registration fee $20.00 $40.00 row beams, are more prone to swamping or capsizing. Personal Flotation Devices (PFD’s) are 2. Decals & boat number Display properly on bow Display properly on bow essential and should be worn at all times. Special wearable flotation vests and coats for hunting 3. Personal flotation Device One approved wearable PFD are available and are comfortable and warm One approved wearable PFD (PFD)*Must be serviceable for each person on board plus for the coldest duck and goose hunting days. for each person on board (see below) one throwable PFD. PRIMARY CAUSES OF HUNTING- RELATED WATER DEATHS: One hand, mouth or power One hand, mouth or power • Hypothermia – The rapid loss of body heat 4. Whistle operated, and audible at least operated, and audible at least in cold water one half (1/2) mile one half (1/2) mile

• “Dry” Drowning – Constriction of the throat One type B-1, if carrying pas- One type B-1, if carrying pas- due to a sudden inrush of water, resulting sengers for hire, sengers for hire, or if boat con- in suffocation 5. Fire Extinguisher Portable or if boat construction struction will permit entrapment will permit entrapment of of flammable vapors. • “Wet” Drowning – The displacement of air flammable vapors. in the lungs with water 6. Lights • Massive Heart Attacks in older, out-of-shape non-swimmers in cold water

• Being run over by own boat, especially when starting in gear

Most drownings could have been prevented. Drownings occur because the victim made the wrong decision; did not realize the dangers of boating in rough, cold water; was not properly prepared; had the wrong equipment; or failed to wear a PFD (life jacket).

BOATING SAFETY TIPS: • Wear your PFD (life jacket) 7. Ventilation At least two ventilator ducts fitted with cowls or equivalent, • Never cross large bodies of water during if boat construction will permit entrapment of flammable vapors. rough weather in a boat that can’t take the conditions due to size and/or overloading. 8. Atlantic Ocean, Delaware Bay and Delaware River South of Artificial Island—U.S. Coast • Stay with your boat if you capsize and can’t Guard regulations require all vessels to carry day and night distress signaling devices. get to shore. Try to climb on it. Outboard motorboats less than 16’ in length are exempt from daytime requirements.

• Avoid standing up or moving around the * Test for serviceability of PFD—All PFD’s must be readily accessible, in serviceable condition, legibly marked with boat. approval number of the U.S. Coast Guard and be of appropriate size. PFD’s must have flotation material without rot or being waterlogged, untorn or damaged coverings and straps in good condition. • Never move about your boat with a loaded firearm.

• Read the capacity plate attached to the inside hull as a guide to keep from overloading TAKE A BOATING your boat. EDUCATION COURSE • Distribute your gear evenly. DID YOU KNOW? Those persons born on or after January 1, • Don’t drink alcohol. Alcohol lowers your CPR can save your life! Cold water not only 1978 must take an approved boating edu- body’s core temperature and encourages kills, but in some instances, it preserves. Warm- cation course before operating a boat. individuals to take chances they wouldn’t ing drowning victims from the inside out by Contact the Office of Boating Safety & normally take. Guns, alcohol and/or drugs CPR or warm, moist inhalation may bring them don’t mix. It is illegal to be in possession of a back to life! Education for more information on taking firearm while under the influence of alcohol a classroom course: (302) 739-9915. OR or drugs in a public place. Take an online course at http://de.gov/ boatsafety.

34 2019/2020 DELAWARE HUNTING AND TRAPPING GUIDE FURBEARER TRAPPING & HUNTING SECTION

STATE WILDLIFE FURBEARER TRAPPING SEASONS AREAS SPECIES SEASON Each year the Division accepts sealed bids for Muskrat, Mink, Otter New Castle County** Dec. 1- Mar. 10 persons to trap on its wildlife areas. Bidding Raccoon,* Opossum, Nutria Kent & Sussex Counties Dec.15 - Mar. 15 information is published in early August and bids are opened in early October. Bid informa- Beaver Dec. 1 - Mar. 20*** tion can be obtained through the Office of Man- Red Fox, Coyote Dec. 1 - Mar. 10 agement and Budget Bid Solicitation website at http://bids.delaware.gov or by calling the Divi- July 1 - June 30 Groundhog sion at (302) 739-9912. No trapping is permitted A trapping license is not required to trap groundhogs. on any Division lands without a permit. A .22 rimfire pistol may be used to dispatch wildlife caught in a trap. *Box traps may be used for raccoon during the hunting “kill” season. **In New Castle County, on embanked meadows, the season closes March 20. TRAPPING ***Season bag limit is 8 beavers. See more information in the beaver section on page 36. PROHIBITIONS – IT IS UNLAWFUL TO: • Use traps to take wildlife except muskrats, FURBEARER HUNTING SEASONS mink, otter, beaver, raccoons, opossum, groundhogs, nutria, red foxes, and coyotes. Rabbits may be trapped by landowners, their AND BAG LIMITS tenants, or their respective children during SPECIES SEASON DAILY LIMIT NOTE the open season. * Chase Only Season: Season closed during the Oct. • Use any type of trap, except for muskrats, muzzleloader and Oct. antlerless deer seasons. See without marking the trap with a metal tag page 16 for deer season dates. stating the trapper’s license number and year ** Hunting Season: Season closed during the Nov. or the trapper’s name and address. Chase only season Youth/Non-ambulatory Disabled Hunt and Nov. Shot- (no harvest al- gun deer seasons. Special hunting hours during the • Set traps on public or private land without lowed): Dec. antlerless, Jan. handgun, Jan. shotgun, and Jan. first acquiring written permission from the Raccoon Sept. 2 - Oct. 31* muzzleloader seasons are 7:00 PM until midnight. landowner. For your convenience, trappers and No Limit Mar. 2- Mar. 31 who wish to trap on private property may Opossum See page 16 for deer season dates. use the Private Land Trapping Permission Hunting season: See Raccoons section on page 36 for special zone Form on page 10 in this guide. Nov. 1-Feb. 29** where season is open all year, except Sundays, including during the deer seasons listed above. • Fail to visit traps at least once every 24 hours. Raccoons and opossums may be hunted with com- • Set traps any time before the opening day of pound, recurve, longbow, shotgun, or .22 caliber a season or any time after the last day of a rimfire pistol. season. (There is no provision in Delaware’s *Season closed during the Oct. muzzleloader, Oct. laws to set up traps the day before a season antlerless, Nov. Youth/Non-ambulatory Disabled Hunt, opens or to allow the removal of traps for Chase only season Nov. Shotgun, and Dec. antlerless seasons. Season several days after a season closes.) (no harvest al- open on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday on private lowed): Oct. 1 land only during the Jan. handgun, Jan. shotgun, and • Set foothold traps with a jaw spread in excess - Apr. 30*except Jan, muzzlelaoder deer seasons provided the owner of 6 ½” above the waterline or 7 ¾” beneath the season closed dur- of the private land has authorized such fox chasing to waterline. “Waterline” shall refer to beneath the ing deer shotgun, occur thereon. See page 16 for deer season dates. surface of the water or below the mean high tide Red Fox muzzleloader and No Limit line in an area ordinarily subject to the rise and ** Red fox may be harvested with a compound, antlerless seasons fall of the tide. Jaw spread is measured as the recurve, longbow, crossbow, shotgun, muzzleloading occuring Oct. rifle, rimfire or centerfire rifle up to .25 caliber. thru Dec. Red fox may not be harvested with handguns or Continued on page 36 Hunt: straight-walled pistol-caliber rifles. Nov. 1 - Feb. 28 ** See page 36 for firearm restrictions during firearms deer seasons. Coyotes may be harvested with compound, recurve, longbow, crossbow, shotgun, muzzleloading rifle, ZANDER FUR rimfire, or centerfire rifle up to .25 caliber. Coyote Sept. 2 - Feb. 28 No Limit Coyotes may not be harvested with handguns or Professional Grade - Top Price straight-walled pistol-caliber rifles. See page 36 for firearm restrictions during firearms Trappers, Hunters, Fur Dealers - deer seasons. Any Lot Size Welcome Dec. 2 - Mar. 20 - Beavers may be hunted with shotguns, compound, Sell Any Time Beaver Private Land Only 8 per Season - recurve, or longbows. (see pg. 35) Eastern and Western Shore Buying Schedules Listed Online Only raccoons and opossum may be hunted at night with the aid if a light. Electronic calls may be used to hunt rac- (856) 848-5885 639 Mantua Grove Rd coons, opossums, red fox, and coyotes. West Deptford, NJ 08066 [email protected] PO Box 139 www.zanderfur.com Gibbstown, NJ 08027 35 FURBEARER TRAPPING & HUNTING SECTION

Continued from page 35 • Set traps (except box/cage traps) within 10’ of COYOTES exposed meat used as bait. The use of animal widest distance from this inside of both jaws fur or feathers without any attached animal Anyone that shoots or traps a coyote must report on a line drawn perpendicular through the jaw tissue is not restricted. the harvest by contacting the Division of Fish & pivot points when the trap is in the set position. • Trap within 100 yards of an occupied structure Wildlife at (302) 735-3600 by the close of business (unless trapper is the owner or occupant, or on the day following the harvest. Harvest reports • Set foothold traps in areas above the water- has permission from the owner or occupant). are an important way for Division biologists to line without them having offset, laminated, track coyote distribution and abundance across or padded jaws, with the exception being the state. During any deer firearms season, it will that coil-spring traps with a jaw spread of 4 TRAPPING be unlawful to hunt coyotes with any firearm inches or less and long-spring traps with a that is not also legal for deer hunting except jaw spread of 4 ½ inches or less do not need FROM BOATS coyotes may never be harvested with a straight- to be padded, laminated or have offset jaws. walled pistol-caliber rifle or handgun. Hides of An individual may use a boat to tend lawfully coyotes legally taken may be sold. • Set foothold traps with toothed or serrated set traps for fur-bearing wildlife jaws. RIVER OTTER • Set snares, now referred to as cable restraints, RACCOONS without the following criteria being met: com- Otters must be tagged by an authorized repre- prised of stranded steel cable with a mini- Raccoons may be trapped in season statewide with sentative of the Division of Fish & Wildlife in mum diameter of 5/64 inches. Cable restraints foothold traps, including foot encapsulating style accordance with CITES requirements. Please must be equipped with a relaxing-type lock. traps, cable restraints, contact the Division at (302) 735-3600 to make The cable may not exceed 7 feet in length from or box traps operated arrangements to have your otter tagged once the anchor point to the relaxing lock and must to confine but not harm the pelt has been stretched and dried but before be equipped with at least one swivel device, the entrapped animal. it is sold or shipped out of state. Tags will not which allows for 360° rotation, between the The trap opening of be distributed to trappers but instead must be loop and the anchor. The cable restraint must box/cage traps may affixed to otter pelts by a representative from the have stops affixed to the cable to ensure that not exceed 195 square Division so bring your pelts with you for tagging. the cable that makes up the loop may not have inches. At any time a circumference greater than 38 inches when of the year (except on fully open, or a circumference less than 6 ¼ Sundays). BE AV E R inches when fully closed. Cable restraints Raccoons may be with a maximum loop circumference of 12 hunted and trapped Landowners with damage caused by beavers ½ inches do not require cable stops. Cable any time of the year may take up to 8 per season without a permit restraints must be maintained in good condi- on private land in New from December 1 through March 20 provided tion so that all components operate properly. Castle and Kent Coun- they report their catch by April 1. Beavers may ties east of Rte. 13 from not be taken at any other time. More than 8 • Move, take, or damage any trap, or take, or Federal School Lane may be taken with a permit from the Division. attempt to take, wildlife from any trap without (near the Ommelanden Beaver hides and the meat of lawfully taken first acquiring specific advance permission. Range in New Castle beaver harvested anywhere within or outside County) south to the of Delaware may be sold. • Use killer or conibear traps with a jaw spread St. Jones River in Kent County. Where Rte. 13 in excess of 5 inches. and Rte. 1 split in Dover, the westerly boundary follows Rte. 1 until it meets the St. Jones River RED FOX • Use diving or box traps for muskrats. with permission from the landowner. In all other areas of the state, the regular season applies. It is unlawful to kill a red fox that is being pur- See page 35. sued by dogs. During any deer firearms season, it will be unlawful to hunt red fox with any firearm that is not also legal for deer hunting COYOTES except red fox may never be harvested with a straight-walled pistol-caliber rifle or handgun. Identification It is unlawful to hunt red fox with the aid of While coyotes have been in Delaware for at least 20 a light. years, many reported coyote sightings are misidenti- fied dogs and red foxes. Adult coyotes generally weigh from 20 to 45 pounds. Coyotes look somewhat like GRAY FOX small collie dogs. They have erect pointed ears, a The collateral take of gray fox shall not be unlaw- slender muzzle, and a bushy tail usually held low to ful south of the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal the ground. Most coyotes are brownish gray in color during the established hunting and trapping with a light gray to cream-colored belly although they Coyote seasons for red fox. No take is permitted north can vary in color from reddish to even black. Coyote of the canal. Anyone that shoots or traps a gray tracks are often confused with those made by a red fox must report the take to the Division within fox or domestic dog likely due to the variation in size 7 days of the harvest by calling (302) 735-3600. and shape of domestic dog breeds, some of which are similar to coyotes. Coyote tracks are smaller than many people think and are oval in shape, whereas NUTRIA dog tracks are generally more round. Additionally, the middle toe pads of a coyote track generally point Anyone that traps a nutria must report the har- inward whereas the toe pads of a domestic dog gen- vest by contacting the Division of Fish & Wild- erally do not (see inset image for comparison, size, life at (302) 735-3600 by the close of business on and shape). Red Fox the day following the harvest. Harvest reports For more information on coyotes in Delaware, are an important way for Division biologists to please visit the Division’s webpage on Coyotes at track nutria distribution and abundance across http://www.dnrec.delaware.gov/fw/Hunting/Pages/ the state. Captured nutria may not be released back into the wild alive and must be killed. Coyotes.aspx. 36 Hides of nutria legally taken may be sold. PUBLIC LANDS HUNTING AND TRAPPING SECTION PUBLIC HUNTING AREAS WITHIN HUNTING OPPORTUNITIES EACH COUNTY ON PUBLIC LANDS ZONE A DEER WATERFOWL TURKEY B SMALL GAME WATERFOWL NEW CASTLE Waterfowl hunters have a variety of oppor- STATE WILDLIFE AREAS tunities to hunt on public lands in Delaware Augustine Wildlife Area 3 X (L) X (L, T) X X including marsh blinds/blind sites, upland Eagles Nest Wildlife Area 3 X X (PL) X X blinds, goose pits, and upland fields. Refer to individual area maps for specific area rules C&D Canal Conservation Area 1,2,3 X X X X and regulations. Cedar Swamp Wildlife Area 3 X*(L) X (L) X X (L) The following areas are by permit only STATE PARKS issued through a daily lottery: • Augustine WA Brandwine Creek State Park 1 X** • Cedar Swamp WA Fort Delaware State Park 1 X X • Woodland Beach WA Lums Pond State Park 1 X • Kelley Island (part of Bombay Hook National White Clay Creek State Park 1 X Wildlife Refuge) • Little Creek WA (portions of) STATE FORESTS • Ted Harvey CA (potions of) Blackbird State Forest 2 X* X X • Assawoman WA (portions of) KENT • Prime Hook WA and Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge (lotteries run through STATE WILDLIFE AREAS National Wildlife Refuge lottery system) Blackiston Wildlife Area 4 X X X X Little Creek Wildlife Area 5 X (PL) X (PL, T) X X (PL) DEER McGinnis Pond Wildlife Area 8 X Deer hunters have a variety of opportunities to hunt on public lands in Delaware. Refer to Milford Neck Wildlife Area 9 X X (T) X X individual area maps for specific area rules Norman G. Wilder Wildlife Area 6 X X X X and regulations. Ted Harvey Conservation Area 5,8 X (PL) X (PL, T) X X (PL) The following areas have firearm deer hunting by permit only issued through a daily lottery. Urban/Fortney Wildlife Area 4 X X • White Clay Creek State Park Woodland Beach Wildlife Area 5 X* (PL) X (L, T) X X (PL) • Augustine WA STATE PARKS • Blackbird State Forest Killens Pond State Park 8 X** • Cedar Swamp WA • Woodland Beach WA (except the Lighthouse STATE FORESTS Island tract) Taber State Forest 7 X X X • Little Creek WA (portions of) NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGES • Ted Harvey CA • Assawoman WA (portions of) Bombay Hook NWR 5 X X X • Deer hunting at Lums Pond, Trap Pond, SUSSEX Cape Henlopen, Fort DuPont, and Delaware STATE WILDLIFE AREAS Seashore State Parks is by permit only and Assawoman Wildlife Area 15,17 X (PL) X (L) X X hunters should contact the Park Office where they intend to hunt for specific site informa- Barr Complex 11 X X X X tion. For more information call (302) 739-9220 Industrial Forest Lands - Laurel 13,16 X X X X or visit destateparks.com. Marshy Hope Wildlife Area 10 X X X X Midlands Wildlife Area 14 X X X X QUALITY BUCK Milford Neck Wildlife Area 9 X X X X Nanticoke Wildlife Area 13 X X X X MANAGEMENT Old Furnace Wildlife Area 11 X X X Prime Hook Wildlife Area 9 X X (L) X X AREAS STATE PARKS The Cedar Swamp (except the Rocks tract) Cape Henlopen State Park 9 X X and Woodland Beach State Wildlife Areas as well as the Dulany Manor tract of Blackbird Delaware Seashore State Park 15 X X State Forest and the Chesapeake, Ellendale, Holts Landing State Park 15 X Headquarters, and Jester tracts of Redden Trap Pond State Park 16 X X State Forest are Quality Buck Areas. All hunt- STATE FORESTS ers (except hunters under 17 years of age and non-ambulatory hunters hunting on either Redden State Forest 8,11,12,15 X* X X the Cedar Swamp or Woodland Beach State NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGES Wildlife Areas) hunting these areas shall not Prime Hook NWR 9,12 X X (L) X take an antlered deer with a minimum outside antler spread of less than 15 inches at any time. A – Zone refers to the Wildlife Management Zone(s) in which the public land is located. Refer to page 22 for zone boundaries. B – All public land turkey hunting by preseason lottery only. See page 41 for application. Only bucks that qualify for the existing Quality X – Species allowed to be hunted here. See area map for specific seasons and rules. Buck Tag are legal in these areas. Antlerless L – Hunting only available through daily lottery. See area map for lottery requirements. deer can still be legally harvested. PL – Hunting on portions of area only available through daily lottery. T - Open for September Teal Season *Some tracts are managed as Quality Buck Areas. See area map for more details. **Deer hunting available under special regulations. See area map for more details. 37 PUBLIC LANDS HUNTING AND TRAPPING SECTION

SMALL GAME / TURKEY • Hunters should note that days open for hunt- • All vehicles used on wildlife areas must be ing some species on public lands may vary licensed, used only on designated roads, not Small game hunters have a variety of oppor- from the general hunting season. Hunters exceed 20 m.p.h., and not make excessive tunities to hunt on public lands in Delaware. should check the regulations for each public noise. See wildlife area maps for detailed Refer to individual area maps for specific area area they plan to hunt. regulations. rules and regulations. • No person may trespass into areas closed The following areas have rabbit hunting by • To view public lands open to Sunday deer by the Division. permit only issued through a daily lottery: hunting, please visit the Sunday deer hunt- • Entry is limited from sunrise to sunset, • Cedar Swamp WA ing website: http://www.dnrec.delaware. except to lawfully hunt and fish. • Woodland Beach WA (portions of) gov/fw/Pages/Sunday-deer-hunting.aspx or • No camping or swimming without special • Little Creek WA (portions of) call the Wildlife Section office 302-739-9912. authorization of the Division. • Ted Harvey CA (portions of) • No dumping or littering, no target shooting • Assawoman WA (portions of) DEER STAND / WATERFOWL including paintball. BLIND LOTTERY PERMIT • Hunting can only be done as specified on Turkey hunting is only available through Hunters that use a State Wildlife Area water- area maps available from the Division. a preseason lottery. See page 41 for more fowl blind or deer stand for hunting that was • Horses may be used on wildlife areas only on information. assigned through a daily lottery must purchase established roads open to vehicular traffic. No a $20 annual Wildlife Area Deer Stand/Water- off road vehicles registered or unregistered. fowl Blind Lottery Permit. All individuals must • Firearms are allowed except for desig- RULES FOR STATE be in possession of this permit when using the nated prohibited areas; the Division may blind or stand. These permits can be purchased authorize firearm possession in designated WILDLIFE AREAS where hunting licenses are sold or online at prohibited areas. www.de.gov\fw. • The discharge of any firearm including AREA MAPS paintball guns, air rifles, bows, and cross- Maps for all state wildlife areas may be bows is prohibited unless lawfully hunting obtained from the Division of Fish and Wildlife GENERAL RULES or trapping. Office, 89 Kings Hwy., Dover, Delaware 19901. • No rifled guns allowed on lands along the Regulations covering each area are included. Hunters are advised to check each area map C&D Canal except muzzleloaders and shot- Individuals can receive up to 5 maps free. for specific rules and information. guns during the deer seasons when it is Additional maps will cost $0.50 cents each. A • A Conservation Access Pass is required for lawful to use such firearms. complete booklet of maps can be obtained for all vehicles using designated State Wildlife • Hunting is prohibited on all dykes and $5.00 plus $1.00 for shipping. Maps are also Areas, except for the C&D Canal Conser- walking on dykes is prohibited during open available for free on the Division’s Web Site vation Area. See pages 5 and 6 for more waterfowl seasons. (www.fw.delaware.gov). information. Continued on page 39

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• No special permits are required to hunt on DEER STAND & WATERFOWL State Forest lands, except as specified in the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife annual Hunting and Trapping Guide. Prop- BLIND FACILITIES FOR HUNTERS erly licensed hunters may hunt during any open season except on areas designated, WITH A DISABILITY such as those marked with Wildlife Sanctu- ary, NO HUNTING, Safety Zones signs, or DEER AREA DEER STANDS WATERFOWL BLINDS Closed to Public White-tailed Deer Hunting. LOCATIONS • Portions of State Forest tracts will be closed WHEELCHAIR LIMITED WHEELCHAIR WHEELCHAIR LIMITED to public white-tailed deer hunting from ACCESSIBLE MOBILITY ACCESSIBLE ACCESSIBLE MOBILITY September 1st-January 31st. Please contact each State Forest for a list of these closures. Augustine WA 1 1 1 1 • Hunting is only permitted as specified on State Forest maps available free-of-charge Cedar Swamp WA 4 6 1 3 from State Forest offices and online at http:// dda.delaware.gov/forestry/maps.shtml. Woodland Beach WA 2 6 3 3 • Sunday hunting is prohibited on all State Forest property. Little Creek WA 2 2 • No permanent deer stands, platforms, lad- Ted Harvey CA 6 3 1 ders, or blinds may be constructed. No screw-in steps, tree spikes, screws, or nails Assawoman WA 4 5 1 are allowed. All parts of temporary (portable) deer stands must be removed on the Old Furnace WA 2 final day of the January muzzleloader season; any stands remaining after this date Nanticoke WA 1 will be removed and become property of White Clay Creek SP 3 the Delaware Forest Service. Stands may be placed after August 1 prior to the start Fort DuPont SP 1 of the new year’s hunting season. Owners of deer stands left on Delaware State Forest Lums Pond SP 2 lands during the designated time period are required to tag/clearly identify their stand All hunters wishing to hunt from a designated disabled stand or blind must possess a valid State of Delaware Certified with the owners name, phone number, and Hunter with Disabilites card. For more information about this program please call (302) 739-9912. current Delaware hunting license number. Failure to do you will result in removal of the stand by Delaware Forest Service officials. • Deer drives by any person or persons are not permitted on any State Forest land at any time. • No trapping on state areas without a valid RULES FOR • For deer hunting, only the entrails (internal lease. Leases will be bid in October of each year. organs known as viscera) may be left behind • Non-resident hunters may not participate in DELAWARE FOREST on State property. All other deer parts must deer drives and must hunt from a station- be removed from State property. ary position only. Non-resident hunters SERVICE LANDS • Portions of some State Forest tracts are only may not walk with a loaded firearm while open to archery hunting for deer. Please deer hunting as this will be considered (BLACKBIRD, REDDEN, AND contact your local State Forest office for more driving deer. TABER STATE FORESTS) information. • Small game hunting closed during Decem- (Administered by Delaware Forest Service, • Small game hunting is closed on State Forest ber and January Shotgun deer seasons. See Department of Agriculture) Please contact each lands during firearm deer season. area maps for details. State Forest office for a list of any tract closures. • The Delaware Forest Service reserves the • Baiting for deer hunting is prohibited. • For Redden State Forest information call: right to close to hunting specific State For- • Rabbit dogs may be trained on some areas (302) 856-2893. est tracts during specific hunting seasons. on Sundays during September, October, and • For Blackbird State Forest call: (302) 653-6505. There-fore, it is important to consult the November except for the Sundays during • For Taber State Forest call: (302) 698-4549. current hunting guide for a listing of these firearm deer seasons. See specific wildlife closures. area maps for dog training regulations. TURKEY HUNTING CHANGES • Trapping rights may be leased for State For- • No permanent non-state deer stands are per- ON STATE FOREST LANDS est lands. No other trapping is permitted on mitted. Temporary portable deer stands may The Delaware Forest Service will be be issuing State Forest lands. be used on some areas (see individual area permits to hunt turkeys on State Forest Lands • Target shooting is prohibited. maps). Temporary portable stands may be through a separate public lottery system not • Waterfowl hunting is not permitted on State erected at the owners own risk after August found within this guide. Applications are due Forest land or waters. 15th and must be removed by February 15th. by January 10, 2020 and are available at State • Red fox hunting is allowed on State Forest Any stands left after this date will become Forest offices or they may be found ath t t p s :// lands but centerfire rifles are not permitted. property of the Division. agriculture.delaware.gov/forest-service/ • No dumping or littering. • It shall be unlawful to possess, consume or forms-information/ • Placing paint, ribbon, flagging, reflectors, be under the influence of alcoholic bever- etc., is not permitted ages, liquors or drugs while hunting or in THE FOLLOWING RULES AND • No living trees, shrubs or other vegetation the possession of firearms when on lands REGULATIONS APPLY TO ALL may be cut, felled, uprooted, removed or administered by the Division. STATE FOREST LANDS: otherwise injured or destroyed. • Collection and removal of any wildlife • State Forests are year-round multiple use • No off-road vehicles registered or species from a State Wildlife Area is prohib- areas. Hunters share the use of State Forest unregistered. ited unless otherwise provided by statute, Lands with other public users such as hikers, regulation or authorized by the Division campers, horseback riders, firewood cutters, Director. and loggers. Continued on page 40

2019/2020 DELAWARE HUNTING AND TRAPPING GUIDE 39 PUBLIC LANDS HUNTING AND TRAPPING SECTION

Continued from page 39 • No more than one hunter may hunt from a where hunting is permitted for the season. stand at any one time. Include your E-mail address on the registration • Camping is available by permit in desig- • Squirrel hunting is not allowed with a rifle or send a request to be added to our hunting nated areas only. or muzzleloading rifle. Shotgun squirrel mailing list to DNREC_StatePark_Hunting@ • It is unlawful to use bait for hunting pur- hunting is permitted. delaware.gov to receive information about Spe- poses on all State Forest lands. • The trails of BSF trails are generally closed cial Hunt opportunities and other hunting • No parking in front of access gates to State during firearm hunting seasons, but hunt- program updates. Forest lands. ers may encounter other individuals on State Park Rules are generally more restric- BSF properties. tive than on State Wildlife Areas. You can RESTRICTIONS APPLYING TO obtain the rules and maps specific for the REDDEN STATE FOREST RESTRICTIONS APPLYING Park you intend to hunt, at that park’s office, • Headquarters, Jester, Ellendale and Chesa- TO TABER STATE FOREST. on the State Parks website at http:// www. peake Tracts are Quality Buck only (doe • All hunters must sign in at kiosks. destateparks.com/activities/hunting/, by email harvest is permitted on these tracts). • Squirrel hunting is not allowed with a rifle request to DNREC_StatePark_Hunting@dela- or muzzleloading rifle. Shotgun squirrel ware.gov or by calling (302) 739-9220. RESTRICTIONS APPLYING TO hunting is permitted. BLACKBIRD STATE FOREST Maps delineating these areas are available at RULES FOR BOMBAY Blackbird State Forest headquarters, on the RULES FOR DDA website (agriculture.delaware.gov) or by HOOK & PRIME calling (302)-653-6505. DELAWARE STATE • Deer hunting is limited to numbered stands HOOK NATIONAL on Tybout, White Road, Dulany and South PARK LANDS Barlow. WILDLIFE REFUGES • For all firearm seasons, there will be a lottery (ADMINISTERED BY DIVISION held at Blackbird State Forest (BSF) head- OF PARKS AND RECREATION) Stretched along the eastern coastline of Dela- quarters, located on the Tybout tract, at 502 State Parks are year-round multiple use areas. ware near Milton and Smyrna and covering Blackbird Forest Road, 1.5 hours before legal Hunters share park lands with other recrea- 26,000 acres, the Bombay Hook & Prime Hook hunting time. tional user groups including hikers, bikers, National Wildlife Refuges provide habitat for • Dulany Tract is managed for Quality bucks runners, equestrians and others. a diversity of wildlife. only. Deer hunting is an important management Game species are sought after by avid • No small game hunting on the Dulany Tract. tool used by natural resource managers to hunters on both refuges. Hunting, which is • Archery hunting is permitted from BSF lot- reduce the impact of deer on the natural com- identified by the National Wildlife Refuge tery stands. munities in Delaware’s state parks. Deer hunt- System Improvement Act of 1997 as one of the • During Archery seasons bow hunters, using ing is permitted in nine of Delaware’s sixteen six wildlife-dependent recreational uses on BSF stands, must be within 50 yards of their state parks. Limited recreational small game refuges, is an important part of Delaware’s designated stand. and waterfowl hunting is also permitted in a heritage and tradition. Public hunting oppor- • Please note that archery hunting is the only few state parks. tunities are available for deer, upland game type of hunting allowed on the Meadows and Sunday hunting and handgun hunting are & webless migratory birds, and waterfowl on north Barlow Tracts. The Meadows Tract con- not permitted in Delaware state parks. both refuges. A complete listing of hunting tains the BSF Education Center, which includes A State Park Registration fee ($10) is required information and regulations can be accessed outdoor education trails, so hunters may to hunt on State Park lands. Register at any for Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge at encounter other individuals on this property. State Park where hunting is permitted or the http://bombayhook.fws.gov or (302) 653-9345 • Stands will be available during the Archery DNREC office at 89 Kings Highway in Dover. and for Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge seasons on a first-come, first-served basis. Your registration is good for all State Parks at http://primehook.fws.gov or (302) 684-8419.

40 2019/2020 DELAWARE HUNTING AND TRAPPING GUIDE PUBLIC LANDS HUNTING AND TRAPPING SECTION PUBLIC LANDS HUNTING AND TRAPPING SECTION

2020 Application for State Wildlife Area Turkey Hunts Application Information: • Print all information clearly. Illegible information could result in application being rejected. • Submitting more than one application per individual will result in disqualification. • Select each area 1 time only. Listing an area more than once does not change your odds of being drawn. • To maximize your likelihood of being drawn please select 5 different areas. • Awarded permits are non-transferrable. • Remember: You can’t apply for a State Wildlife Area Turkey Permit if you have not completed an approved Turkey Hunting Safety Class. Hunter’s Name: License # or LEN:______Address: Date of Birth:______City, State, Zip:______Telephone Number:______Eligible State Wildlife Areas (approximate # of permits per segment) State Forests Assawoman (4) Industrial Forest Laurel (4) Norman G. Wilder (8) Applications are due by Augustine (2) Little Creek (6) Old Furnace (6) January 10, 2020 and are available at State Forest Blackiston (4) Marshy Hope (4) Prime Hook (2) offices or they may be Cedar Swamp (3) Midlands (12) Tappahanna (3) found at https://agriculture. C&D Canal (4) Milford Neck (8) Ted Harvey (4) delaware.gov/forest-service/ forms-information/ Eagles Nest (3) Nanticoke (8) Woodland Beach (4) Industrial Forest Barr (5) 1) SELECT UP TO 5 AREAS 2) CIRCLE PREFERRED SEGMENT (1 ONLY) A B C D 1 3) I WILL ACCEPT THE FOLLOWING SEGMENT (circle all that apply) 2 A B C D 3 4) SELECT AREA OR SEGMENT PREFERENCE 4 My AREA is more important than my segment 5 My SEGMENT is more important than my area

Segments: A (4/11-4/17) B (4/18-4/24) C (4/25-5/1) D (5/2-5/9) Mail turkey applications to: Wildlife Section, State Wildlife Area Turkey Application, 89 Kings Hwy, Dover, DE 19901 The Wildlife Section must receive the Turkey Hunt application by January 10, 2020.

TIPS FOR INCREASING YOUR ODDS OF BEING SELECTED

Select 5 unique areas. Selecting the same area more than once does not increase your chances of being selected for that area. Last year 60% of applicants who selected 5 unique areas received permits while only 49% of applicants who selected only 1 area received permits.

• Areas which were difficult to draw due to the number of applications received compared to the number of permits available include: »» Blackiston WA, C&D Canal, Cedar Swamp WA, Norman G. Wilder WA, and the Tappahanna WA

• Areas which were easier to draw due to the number of applications received compared to the number of permits available include: »» Industrial Forest – Laurel, Industrial Forest – Barr, Marshy Hope WA, and Nanticoke WA

2019/2020 DELAWARE HUNTING AND TRAPPING GUIDE 41 What’s Really Killing Delaware’s Fawns? By: Justin Dion, Dr. Jacob Haus, and Dr. Jacob Bowman

Predators are one of the most widely dis- What this showed us was that natural sources cussed topics of deer management in the of mortality can cause low fawn survival similar past few years, particularly in regards to fawn to estimates seen in areas with predators. Our survival. If you were to ask any hunter what findings suggest that predators may simply be factor is most limiting to fawn recruitment removing the “doomed surplus” – the individu- nationwide, chances are they will say coy- als who would have died regardless of preda- otes. It is no surprise why; nearly 90 percent tor intervention. For example, if a predator kills of survival studies over the past 30 years a fawn that is dying of pneumonia, the event have documented predation as the leading is recorded as predation because we have no source of mortality for fawns. Many hunters way of knowing the animal was sick before it have implemented predator control efforts was eaten. This scenario might explain why with the common-sense logic that because many studies outside of Delaware have found predators kill fawns, less predators will mean predation to be the most important cause of greater fawn survival. While this appears to mortality, as well as why predator manage- have worked in some areas, in other areas ment efforts have been largely unsuccessful. during the fawning season. What we saw was deer managers have seen little to no return If predation is not driving fawn mortality, that mature does use a smaller home range on investment from these strategies. then what is? What we found was that 3 than immature does in the weeks leading up Delaware offered a unique opportunity to factors noticeably influenced the probabil- to and following birth. Animals in areas of high examine fawn survival in a region where pre- ity of mortality for fawns in Delaware; birth quality resources usually maintain smaller dation is all but non-existent. Small pockets weight, daily precipitation, and the age of ranges because they have to travel less to of coyotes have been present in the state for their doe. Fawns weighing less than about meet their nutritional demands. It appeared some time but the coyote population is not yet 6.5 pounds at birth had a greater risk of death more mature, dominant does were occupying large enough to potentially have large-scale than fawns that were 6.5 pounds or heavier, higher quality habitat than immature does. impacts on fawn survival. Black bears and and approximately one inch of rain doubles What does this all mean for hunters in Dela- bobcats populations have not been estab- the risk of death for a fawn that day. Doe ware? Well, when coyote population do start lished in the state for more than 100 years. maturity was another important factor. We to rise, it’s important to keep in mind that If predation is limiting fawn recruitment, than captured all the mothers to the fawns in our trapping and predator hunting can provide fawn survival in Delaware should be through study, gave them a GPS collar and used their great recreation opportunities, but may not the roof! tooth development to estimate their age. We significantly increase fawn survival. If you want We spent the summers of 2016 and 2017 divided the does into two categories: mature to protect your fawns, first hope we don’t get capturing and collaring 109 newborn fawns and immature. As most hunters know, bucks big rain showers in early June, then spend the throughout Sussex County. When a fawn grow larger antlers as they age because they rest of the year promoting quality habitat with died, we sent the carcass to veterinarians can allocate more resources to antler growth fat old does. However, if you management for necropsy to determine if any injuries to once muscular and skeletal development is goals are to reduce the deer population on the carcass occurred before or after death. complete. Similarly, does have reached their your property than focusing harvest on mature The timing of the injury was important; injuries peak body size by about 4 years of age, which (adult) does will have the greatest impact. occurring before death are from predators means they are able to focus all nutritional Several deer from the project are still car- and injuries after death are from scavengers resources on the growth of their fawns rather rying ear tags and radio collars. If you harvest like foxes and vultures, which are plentiful in than their own body growth. We considered or find a deer with a collar or ear tags, please Delaware. What we found was somewhat does older than 4 at the time they gave birth to call (302) 831-4621 to report the animal to surprising: even in the absence of preda- be mature. These does are also experienced University of Delaware researchers. We greatly tors, many fawns were still dying. In fact, our mothers and would therefore be more capable appreciate the many landowners who allowed survival estimate after 90 days was only 45%; of caring for their offspring. What we found us access to their property to capture and toward the lower end of survival estimates in supported these ideas, with fawns of mature track deer. This project would not have been the region from studies over the past 15 years, does experiencing lower rates of mortality possible without their generous support. This all of which listed predation as the leading when compared to immature does. research was funded by the Delaware Division cause of mortality. The connection between the maturity of the of Fish and Wildlife through a grant from the More important was the discovery that doe and survival of her fawns was logical, but Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program all of our fawn deaths were linked to natural we wanted to dig deeper to see if we could (Pittman-Robertson Act), University of Dela- causes such as emaciation, disease, or birth find a mechanism for the connection. First, we ware, and the McIntire-Stennis grant from the defects. No fawns were killed by predators. looked at the difference in home range size U.S. Department of Agriculture.

42 2019/2020 DELAWARE HUNTING AND TRAPPING GUIDE DELAWARE HUNTER EDUCATION PROGRAM

THE DELAWARE HUNTER IMPORTANT NOTICE Courses including live firing are offered free EDUCATION PROGRAM of charge throughout the year. Certification will not be issued to any person under the age of ten (10). All firearms and ammunition are provided by the Hunter Education Program. Please try to complete your training at least one month before you plan to hunt. Your certification cards can be printed online a few days after you complete the course. The card must be presented to purchase a Delaware hunting license.

Delaware’s Hunter Education Program was established in 1970. Section 501, Title 7, Delaware ADVANCE REGISTRATION Code, requires all persons born on or after January 1, 1967 to satisfactorily complete a Basic IS REQUIRED. Hunter Education Course in order to obtain a Delaware hunting license or Youth Hunting Seating is limited and classes will fill quickly License. Since 1970, tens of thousands of Delaware hunters have been certified by the volunteer as hunting season approaches. Delaware law instructors of the Delaware Hunter Education Program. The program has been extremely suc- now requires live firing of a shotgun as part cessful and effective in significantly reducing risk and accidents. of basic hunter education. 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 YOUTH PARTICIPANTS Division of Fish and Wildlife and Delaware’s general public who may or may not be hunters Certification will not be issued to youths under themselves. In response, the Delaware Hunter Education Program has also changed to meet the the age of ten. Students under the age of twelve demands and challenges of a new hunting era. In addition to a live firing requirement, today’s must be accompanied by a responsible adult. curriculum includes an increased emphasis on safety and ethical behavior, landowner relations, Parents are reminded that younger students wildlife identification, wildlife management and conservation, hunting laws and regulations. require a level of maturity and vocabulary The Delaware Hunter Education Program is committed to preserving Delaware’s heritage sufficient for understanding adult subject mat- of fair chase hunting. In addition to mandatory Basic Hunter Education, Turkey Education and ter and completing assignments. Students of Trapper Education courses, the program offers advanced courses in Bowhunting, Muzzleload- smaller physical body size may find it very ing, Handgun Hunting for Deer, Successful Deer Hunting, Precision Firearms for Large Game, difficult or impossible to successfully complete Young Waterfowler’s Program, Deer Workshops, etc. live firing exercises.

NEED A NEW HUNTER EDUCATION CARD?

• WANT TO SEE WHERE & WHEN COURSES ARE SCHEDULED? • NEED TO UPDATE YOUR ADDRESS OR CHANGE YOUR CONTACT INFO? • WANT TO SIGN UP FOR A COURSE? • NEED A REPLACEMENT CARD? USE YOUR ONLINE ACCESS AT: www.fw.delaware.gov/huntered

MANDATORY LIVE-FIRE REQUIREMENT AND RELEASE OF LIABILITY WAIVER Since January 1, 2010, section 501 Delaware Code Title 7 has required all basic hunter education students to participate in a live firing experience with a trained firearms instructor in order to complete the course. Insurance rules of the State of Delaware require all participants in any course which includes live firing to sign a “Release From Liability Waiver”. This form is a legal release. Sign up for a course online at www.fw.delaware.gov/huntered or call (302) 735-3600.

• 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.

2019/2020 DELAWARE HUNTING AND TRAPPING GUIDE 43 DELAWARE HUNTER EDUCATION PROGRAM DELAWARE HUNTER EDUCATION PROGRAM

COURSE OFFERINGS AND LOCATIONS Always a favorite, these courses (approx 20 hours) provide youths between the ages of 12 Please note that our courses are taught by volunteer instructors who schedule most of their – 16, exposure to the complete waterfowl experi- courses from late August through December. All class details are subject to change without ence. Everything from waterfowl ID, biology, notice based on availability of instructors and sufficient student participation. The classes blind construction and safety, decoy use, duck listed below may not always be available. Not all of the printed locations may be used. The calling, camouflage technique, boating safety, online schedule is the most accurate and will be updated immediately as soon as new courses bird recovery, laws and regulations, language are available and posted. and tradition, firearms, ammo and equipment will be covered. The course includes basic hunter education and finishes with an actual mentored waterfowl hunt. Participants must be hunter education qualified prior to hunting. A signed release of liability and advance online registration at www.de.gov/fw are Plan Ahead! required for participation. Don’t wait until the last minute to take the course! Classes are usually available somewhere in the state during every month of the year. MANDATORY TURKEY If you plan to go hunting in the coming season, and you need hunter education certification EDUCATION in order to buy a hunting license, check the latest online schedule today at www.fw.delaware. Seating is limited. Confirm course dates. gov/huntered. Advance online registration at www. Register for the course of your choice online at www.fw.delaware.gov/huntered or call fw.delaware.gov/huntered is required for (302) 735-3600 during business hours. All course schedules are subject to cancellation all courses or call (302) 735-3600. or change without notice. It can take several weeks to process tests and enter the results In addition to complying with other hunter into our computer. education requirements, Delaware hunters 13 years of age or older must successfully complete a mandatory, one day turkey hunter education class before they can legally hunt turkeys in Delaware (public or private land) or apply for a public land TRADITIONAL, LIVE BASIC fee. New hunters learn safety, ethics, firearm turkey hunting permit on public and private land. HUNTER EDUCATION COURSES types, safe gun handling, hunting and marks- As proof of course completion, all turkey Seating is limited. Advance online registra- manship skills, specialty hunting techniques, hunters must carry a Delaware Hunter Educa- tion at www.fw.delaware.gov/huntered is wildlife management, wildlife ID, survival, tion Program issued hunter education card that required for all courses or call (302) 735-3600. etc. Students with certificates in hand must includes the mandatory turkey education course New hunters learn safety, ethics, firearm then register and attend a specially designed, endorsement. types, safe gun handling, marksmanship tech- “hands–on” field day training session for final niques, specialty hunting techniques, wild- Delaware certification. Field day training Online Turkey Course Option life management, wildlife ID, survival, etc. for online courses includes Delaware laws Delaware also accepts an online turkey course Delaware requires hunter ed certification via and regulations, loading, unloading, safe that can be found at www.wildturkeyhunting- traditional live course or via internet course handling and transporting of firearms; field course.com. Upon completion of the online and field day for all hunters born on or after skills involving blinds, boats and tree stands; course, contact the Hunter Education office at 01/01/1967. The courses are recognized in all zones of fire; obstacle crossing; operation of (302) 735-3600. states and Canadian provinces. safeties and shotgun live firing. Sign up for traditional basic hunter educa- Live firing of shotguns requires a liabil- MANDATORY TRAPPER tion course given live at one of the classroom ity release signed by students 18 or older or EDUCATION locations throughout the state. Delaware a notarized signature of parents/guardians Seating is limited. Advance online registra- law now requires all basic hunter education of students under the age of 18. All students tion at www.fw.delaware.gov/huntered is course participants to participate in a live must have protective shooting glasses and required for all courses or call (302) 735-3600. firing experience with a trained instructor. hearing protection. Adult and youth firearms, Trapper education is a mandatory prerequi- Live firing of shotguns requires a liability targets and ammunition will be provided. For site for purchasing a Delaware trapping license release signed by students 18 or older or a more information Delaware approved Internet for all persons born on or after January 1, 1978. notarized signature of parents/guardians courses visit www.fw.delaware.gov/huntered Class and Field work sessions include trap- of students under the age of 18. All students or call (302) 735-3600. ping history, heritage and ethics, furbearing must have protective shooting glasses and animals of Delaware, trapping equipment, hearing protection. Adult and youth firearms, IBEP BOWHUNTER EDUCATION boating safety, hypothermia, practical water targets and ammunition will be provided. Seating is limited. Advance online registra- sets, hands-on instruction, how tides affect All live courses are free of charge with most tion at www.fw.delaware.gov/huntered is sets, proper skinning techniques, fur handling held in the late summer and fall. Classes are required for all courses or call (302) 735-3600. and how to market furs. available all year at Ommelanden Hunter/ Though not a Delaware requirement, this Trapper Education Center on Route 9 near special course is required in many other states Online Option for Trapper Course: New Castle. Pre-registration is required. To and provinces for bowhunters. Participants in Delaware also accepts an online trapper course sign up, go to the Hunter Education Online this course learn bowhunting methods, game that can be found at www.trappered.com (Kan- Access at www.fw.delaware.gov/huntered or trailing and recovery, field experience, bow- sas Furbearer Course). Upon completion of the call (302) 735-3600. hunting safety, reading game signs, safe use of online course, contact the Hunter Education tree stands, calling, field dressing, and more. Office at (302) 735-3600. ONLINE OPTION FOR BASIC Youths under the age of 14 must attend with a HUNTER EDUCATION COURSES responsible adult. For more information about additional classes Complete your hunter education coursework Live firing and a signed release of liability or the Hunter Education Program, visit our online with one of three private vendors. All and advance online registration are required website at www.fw.delaware.gov/huntered three courses allow you to study and take for participation at www.de.gov/fw. the exam for free, with a fee due only when Or contact: you are ready to have the vendor certify your YOUNG WATERFOWLERS PROGRAM The Hunter Education Office successful completion. The State of Delaware Participation is limited. Advance online reg- 6180 Hay Point Landing Road has reviewed and approved these interactive istration at www.fw.delaware.gov/huntered is Smyrna, DE 19977 courses but receives no portion of the vendor’s required for all courses or call (302) 735-3600. (302) 735-3600.

44 2019/2020 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 registra- that there is a lot more to learn about wildlife, recognized by the State of Delaware. tion at www.fw.delaware.gov/huntered is wildlife management and the role of hunting in If the above description sounds like you, you required 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 learned a lot over the years but you are always continue the heritage of hunting and ensure its Fish and Wildlife will be glad to mail you an ready to learn more. You want to keep yourself future for the coming generations. You’d value application form and an information sheet with up to date with the latest hunting developments, the personal satisfaction of being a Delaware details about the next course.

DIRECTIONS TO HUNTER/TRAPPER EDUCATION CLASSROOM LOCATIONS

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

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

OWENS STATION SHOOTING SPORTS & HUNTER EDUCATION 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.

2019/2020 DELAWARE HUNTING AND TRAPPING GUIDE 45 DELAWARE HUNTER EDUCATION PROGRAM

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Missed the printed edition? Ask about year-round digital opportunities. 47 SUNRISE/SUNSET TABLE SUNRISE AND SUNSET AT DOVER, DELAWARE (Eastern Standard Time) From July 2019 - June 2020

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 7:30 6:01 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 7:31 6:00 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 6:01 6:38 7:31 5:57 8:01 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 5:30 6:25 6:02 6:37 7:32 5:56 8:02 5:36 8:26

8 5:44 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 7:24 7:03 6:35 7:33 5:55 8:02 5:36 8:27

9 5:44 8:30 6:10 8:05 6:38 7:20 7:06 6:33 6:38 4:53 7:09 4:39 7:21 4:57 7:01 5:32 7:22 7:04 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 7:20 7:05 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 7:19 7:06 6:31 7:36 5:52 8:05 5:35 8:29

12 5:46 8:29 6:12 8:01 6:41 7:16 7:09 6:28 6:42 4:50 7:12 4:40 7:21 5:00 6:58 5:35 7:17 7:07 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 4:49 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 5:48 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 8:31

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 8:13 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 6:58 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 8:18 5:38 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 6:51 7:24 6:07 6:58 4:41 7:20 4:46 7:13 5:17 6:38 5:52 6:54 7:22 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 7:23 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 7:24 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 5:40 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 black). These times are for Dover, Delaware.

48 2019/2020 DELAWARE HUNTING AND TRAPPING GUIDE SUNRISE/SUNSET TABLE

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