2020/2021 Delaware Hunting & Trapping Guide

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

2020/2021 DELAWARE HUNTING & TRAPPING

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

WHAT’S NEW FOR 2020

DIGITAL DNREC LICENSING AND REPORTING SYSTEM page 9 PROCEDURES FOR LICENSE EXEMPT HUNTERS AND TRAPPERS page 6 DEER HARVEST REPORT CARD AND CARCASS TAGS page 20 WEBSITE ADDRESS CHANGE FOR HUNTER REGISTRATION SYSTEM: https://de.gov/DigitalDNREC page 4 CHANGES TO PUBLIC LAND TURKEY LOTTERY PROCESS page 30

Hunter Registration System Follow us on Facebook! https://de.gov/DigitalDNREC www.facebook.com/DelawareFishWildlife

DELAWARE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL: DIVISION OF FISH & WILDLIFE THOUSAND ACRE FARM Rustic, Unique Waterfront Corporate Events • Waterfowl Hunting • Apple Orchard

Thousand Acre Farms • 260 South Reedy Point Road, Middletown, DE 302.455.8880 • www.thousandacrefarm.com

FISH & WILDLIFE DIRECTORY FISH & WILDLIFE DIRECTORY CONTENTS 3 FISH AND WILDLIFE DIRECTORY 32 MIGRATORY BIRD HUNTING SECTION Harvest Information Program...... 32 4 ESSENTIAL NEWS AND REMINDERS Youth Hunt...... 32 5 LICENSING AND PERMITS SECTION Snow Geese...... 33 Licenses and Fees...... 5 Migratory Game Bird Season Summary...... 34 License Exempt Hunters and Trappers (LEN)...... 6 Tundra Swans...... 36 Trapping License Information...... 8 38 BOATING SAFETY Digital DNREC...... 9 Conservation Access Pass...... 13 39 FURBEARER TRAPPING AND HUNTING SECTION 14 DELAWARE BAYSHORE INITIATIVE Trapping Seasons...... 39 15 LICENSE $$$ WORKING FOR YOU Trapping Prohibitions...... 39 Hunting Seasons...... 39 15 GENERAL HUNTING INFORMATION Prohibited Methods of Take...... 15 41 PUBLIC LANDS HUNTING Legal Methods of Take...... 16 AND TRAPPING SECTION Operation Game Theft...... 16 Public Hunting Lands...... 41 Waterfowl Hunting on Public Lands...... 41 18 PHOTO CONTEST WINNERS Deer Hunting on Public Lands...... 41 19 YOUTH HUNTING Rules for State Wildlife Areas...... 42 Rules for Hunting on State Forest Service Lands...... 43 20 DEER HUNTING SECTION Deer Stand & Waterfowl Blind Facilities Season Dates...... 20 for Hunters with a Disability...... 43 Deer Harvest Report Cards and Tags...... 20 Rules for Delaware State Park Lands...... 44 Automated Deer Checking System...... 21 Rules for Federal National Wildlife Refuges...... 44 Chronic Wasting Disease...... 22 Lottery Application for Wildlife Area Turkey Hunts...... 45 Method of Take...... 23 Youth/Non-Ambulatory Hunt...... 24 46 DELAWARE HUNTER Sika Deer...... 25 EDUCATION PROGRAM Digital DNREC - Hunter Education...... 46 26 WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT ZONES AND Courses Offered...... 48 ANTLERED DEER AND TURKEY RULER Directions to Class Locations...... 49 28 SMALL GAME HUNTING SECTION Live Fire Liability Waiver...... 50 Season Dates...... 28 52 SUNRISE/SUNSET TABLE Bullfrog and Snapping Turtle Seasons...... 28 30 WILD TURKEY HUNTING SECTION Season Dates...... 30 Legal Firearms, Bows and Shot Sizes...... 30 Delaware Turkey Hunting Check Stations...... 31

FROM THE DIRECTOR OF THE DIVISION OF FISH & WILDLIFE

Over the years, I have addressed in this They live and breathe wildlife, hunting and trapping, both profes- column numerous ways the Division of Fish sionally and personally. It is a way of life and in their DNA. The next & Wildlife works to improve and maximize time you have a successful hunt or otherwise enjoy a day hunting or your Delaware hunting and trapping experi- trapping, take a moment to thank our staff. ence. These services put your hunting and The Division of Fish & Wildlife and its dedicated and passionate trapping license dollars to work by using staff are committed to providing you quality hunting and trapping science to manage sustainable wildlife opportunities and experiences, as We Bring You Delaware’s Great populations, and by creating quality habitat Outdoors through Science and Service. on and providing access to your extensive I encourage you to make the most of hunting and trapping oppor- public wildlife areas as well as delivering tunities in Delaware, whether you are local or from out of state. Have quality hunter and trapper education. a successful, enjoyable and safe hunting and trapping season. Our dedicated staff are an important and often overlooked part of delivering quality hunting and trapping and public wildlife areas for you. These individuals have a passion for wildlife biology, wildlife and habitat management, wildlife area stewardship and education that helps you spend quality time afield. David E. Saveikis - Director

2 2020/2021 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 & 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 agency programs. This summary is for the convenience of the hunters and trappers and is not intended to cover all hunting laws and regulations. When federal and state laws conflict, the law which is more restrictive governs. For the actual If you have any feedback or are inter- wording of the Wildlife Statutes and Regulations, please visit: ested in advertising, please contact us at Title 7, Delaware Code: https://delcode.delaware.gov/title7/index.shtml#TopOfPage 413.884.1001 or at www.JFGriffin.com DNREC Administrative Code: https://regulations.delaware.gov/AdminCode/title7/3000/3900%20Wildlife/3900.shtml

Graphic Design: Jon Gulley, Dane Fay, John Corey, DIRECTORY Evelyn Haddad, Chris Sobolowski DELAWARE DIVISION OF FISH & WILDLIFE RECREATIONAL LICENSING SECTION Main Office – R ichardson 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 Lottery/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. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Assawoman ��(302) 539-3160 Enforcement U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Office, 70 Sarah Circle, Suite F Hunter Education ��(302) 735-3600 Ext. 1 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

2020/2021 DELAWARE HUNTING AND TRAPPING GUIDE 3 ESSENTIAL NEWS AND REMINDERS

ESSENTIAL NEWS AND REMINDERS FOR THE HUNTING/TRAPPING SEASON

DIGITAL DNREC or by visiting https://de.gov/DigitalDNREC. POTENTIAL REGULATION CHANGES A new licensing, harvest reporting, and hunter LENs will no longer be issued through the At the time of printing, the Division of Fish & education is available to hunters and anglers. toll-free Hunter and Trapper Registration Wildlife was considering changes to regula- For more information, see pages 9-12. phone system. tions that would change statewide hunting and trapping regulations as well as rules concerning CONSERVATION ACCESS PASS See pages 6 and 21 for more information. the use of State Wildlife Areas. Please check the All registered motor vehicles used to access Division’s website prior to the hunting and trap- State Wildlife Areas must have a Conservation HUNTER REGISTRATION ping seasons to determine the outcome of these Access Pass. A Pass will be issued free to hunt- SYSTEM proposed changes. www.de.gov/fw ers, if requested, with the purchase of a hunting • Hunters and trappers that need to register license. See pages 13-14 for more information. a harvested deer or obtain a HIP Number, or Snow Goose Conservation Order Per- FERAL SWINE REGULATIONS mit Number may do so by visiting https:// • It shall be unlawful to release swine (pigs) de.gov/DigitalDNREC or by calling the toll into the wild, charge a fee for the purpose free number 1-855-DEL-HUNT (1-855-335- of killing swine, or shoot swine without 4868). Note that License Exempt Numbers first obtaining a permit from the Division. are no longer available through the phone potion of the Hunter Registration System FALCONRY SEASONS (HUNTING and are only available online and can now WITH THE AID OF A FALCON) be obtained where hunting licenses are sold. • For falconry season dates and bag limits, If you have problems with these systems, please contact the Division of Fish & Wildlife call (302) 735-3600 or (302) 739-9918 during at (302) 735-3600. normal business hours (8:00a.m. - 4:30p.m.) Monday - Friday. LICENSE EXEMPT HUNTERS • Hunters and trappers that are license exempt SUNDAY DEER HUNTING are required to obtain an annual License OPPORTUNITIES Exempt Number (LEN) at no cost. Hunters See the Deer Hunting Section for more can obtain a LEN by visiting a license agent information.

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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

Resident Adult Hunting License (Ages 16-64)1: Persons 16 years or over and under 65 (16-64 years) must purchase a license to hunt $39.50 in Delaware.

Resident Junior Hunting License (Age 13-15)1, 2: Persons 13 through 15 years must purchase a junior license to hunt. $5.00 Resident Guide Hunting License (Age 18+)1: Persons operating a hunting guide service must purchase a guide license. $159.50 Resident Trapping License (Ages 13-64)3: All persons under 65 years must purchase a license to trap in Delaware after first taking an $10.00 approved trapping education course if born after January 1, 1978. See page 8 for more information and the trapping license application.

Resident Fur Dealer License4: A person must obtain an annual license before engaging in the business of purchasing or receiving raw 50.00 furs or pelts for commercial purposes within this State, except muskrat furs or pelts.

Resident Waterfowl (Duck) Stamp (Age 16+): Persons 16 years or over and under 65 (16-64 years) must purchase a state waterfowl $15.00 (duck) stamp to hunt waterfowl in Delaware.

State Wildlife Area Waterfowl Blind and Deer Stand Permit: Hunters that use a State Wildlife Area waterfowl blind or deer stand for $20.00 hunting that was assigned through a daily lottery must purchase an annual Wildlife Area Deer Stand/Waterfowl Blind Lottery Permit. Resident Hunter’s Choice and Quality Buck Tag combination $20.00 Each additional Antlerless Deer Tag $20.00

NON-RESIDENT LICENSES, PERMITS AND TAGS PRICE

Non-Resident Adult Hunting License (Age 16+)1: Persons 16 years or over to hunt in this State $199.50 Non-Resident Junior Hunting License (Age 13-15)1, 2: Persons 13 through 15 years must purchase a junior license to hunt. $50.00 Non-Resident Guide Hunting License (Age 18+)1: Persons operating a hunting guide service must purchase a guide license. $475.00 State Wildlife Area Waterfowl Blind and Deer Stand Permit: Hunters that use a State Wildlife Area waterfowl blind or deer stand for $20.00 hunting that was assigned through a daily lottery must purchase an annual Wildlife Area Deer Stand/Waterfowl Blind Lottery Permit.

Non-Resident Trapping License (Age 13+)3: All persons must purchase a license to trap in Delaware after first taking an approved trap- $75.00 ping education course if born after January 1, 1978. See page 8 for more information and the trapping license application.

Non-Resident Fur Dealer License4: A person must obtain an annual license before engaging in the business of purchasing or receiving $475.00 raw furs or pelts for commercial purposes within this State, except muskrat furs or pelts.

Non-Resident Waterfowl (Duck) Stamp (Age 16+): Persons 16 years or over must purchase a state waterfowl (duck) stamp to hunt $15.00 waterfowl in Delaware.

Non-Resident 3-Day Hunting License (Age 16+): Three (3) consecutive day small game and waterfowl license (not valid for deer or turkey). $75.00 Non-Resident Antlered Deer Tag $50.00 Non-Resident 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 free FREE License Exempt Number (LEN) before hunting or trapping. See License Exempt Hunters and Trappers section on pages 6 and 21 for more Must Obtain a New LEN information, including who qualifies. LEN Each Year

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.

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. 1 - 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. 2 - 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. 3 - 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. 4 - License may only be purchased by visiting DNREC’s Richardson and Robbins Building, 89 Kings Hwy, Dover, DE 19901

2020/2021 DELAWARE HUNTING AND TRAPPING GUIDE 5 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 No (unless turning 12 and Under Yes No No No Yes Yes (except Youth day) 13 during season) 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.

on State Wildlife Areas and State Parks. For SOCIAL SECURITY SPECIAL LICENSE information on obtaining this card, call the NUMBER AND AND PERMITS Division of Fish & Wildlife at (302) 739-9912. HUNT FROM A VEHICLE PERMIT HUNTING LICENSES REQUIRED TO: Approved non-ambulatory hunters may be permitted to hunt specified game animals The Delaware Division of Child Support Ser- (These permits are only issued at DNREC’s from their vehicle with a permit issued by vices has the authority, under Federal Welfare Dover office located at 89 Kings Highway) the Division. Reform Legislation (Title 42 of the US Code, Section 666 (a) (13) ), to collect Social Secu- • Deal in raw furs commercially HIP NUMBERS rity Numbers for individuals who purchase Hearing impaired hunters can obtain their recreational hunting and fishing licenses. • Hold a field trial for dogs Harvest Information Program (HIP) numbers For more information go to https://de.gov/ online at https://de.gov/DigitalDNREC. huntinglicense • Ship game out of state • Breed game commercially LICENSE EXEMPT OBTAINING • Operate a shooting preserve HUNTERS/TRAPPERS A DUPLICATE • Possess or collect wildlife for Hunters and trappers that are license HUNTING LICENSE scientific purposes exempt are required to obtain an annual License Exempt Number Duplicate licenses may be printed free of charge • Possess live wild animals or any (LEN) at no cost. Hunters and Trappers shall by going to https://de.gov/DigitalDNREC. If protected animals obtain a separate LEN for each activity if they you need more information please call the engage in both. While not legally required to Recreational Licensing Office at (302) 739-9918 • Train dogs out of season purchase a license, those hunters and trappers or email [email protected]. (available only for retrievers) that are eligible to be license exempt may purchase a license so that their purchase can help direct conservation and management efforts for ONLINE LICENSING SPECIAL PERMITS FOR wildlife and the habitats they support. For those individuals that are exempt from purchasing a Delaware maintains a fully automated rec- HUNTERS WITH license but choose to do so, we thank you very reational licensing system. Sportsmen can much for your support to conservation. If a purchase and print licenses from our web- A DISABILITY license exempt hunter or trapper chooses to site 24 hours a day 7 days a week by visiting purchase a license they shall not obtain a LEN. https://de.gov/DigitalDNREC with a compat- A variety of hunting opportunities exist for The LEN system was created so that opinions ible computer and printer. We also partner hunters with a disability in Delaware. For a list and game harvests of license exempt hunters with over 85 Licensing Agents where licenses of deer stand and waterfowl blind facilities for and trappers could be evaluated and considered can be purchased including our Dover Fish & hunters with a disability, see page 43. when establishing new statutes, regulations and Wildlife office at 89 Kings Highway. A complete policies. If you obtain this LEN, use it whenever listing of Licensing Agents can be found on our STATE OF DELAWARE CERTIFIED you are asked for your license number such as website or by calling (302) 739-9918. HUNTER WITH DISABILITIES CARD for registering a deer, obtaining a HIP number Hunters with a disability must obtain a certification card to use all facilities and opportunities made available to hunters with a disability Continued on page 7

6 2020/2021 DELAWARE HUNTING AND TRAPPING GUIDE LICENSING AND PERMITS SECTION

Continued from page 6 • Disabled Resident Veteran: Residents or trapping, and/or fishing is permitted pur- non-residents who have been honorably suant to a written lease, if any, between the discharged from the armed forces of the farm owner and the occupant or resident or purchasing additional deer tags or permits. United States and certified by the Veterans of the farm. License exempt hunters receive five deer tags Administration as having at least a 60% at no cost. For more information about deer service-connected disability may hunt or • Non-Resident Organized Fox Hunt: A non- tags, please see page 21. License exempt hunt- trap without a license. resident participating in an organized fox ers not purchasing a hunting license who use hunt may participate without a license. a motor vehicle to access State Wildlife Areas • Resident One-time Military Veteran: Any must purchase a Conservation Access Pass. You resident who has served honorably for 90 or can obtain your annual LEN at https://de.gov/ more consecutive days on active duty in the LICENSE DigitalDNREC or by visiting any location that Armed Forces of the United States, including hunting licenses are sold. For a complete list of service as member of the Delaware National REQUIREMENTS license agents, please visit: https://dnrec.alpha. Guard, in military actions in Southwest Asia delaware.gov/fish-wildlife/licenses/agents/. associated with Operation Iraqi Freedom or RELATED TO NON- LENs are no longer available by calling the Operation Enduring Freedom may, for the Hunter Registration System. NOTE: If a hunter first 12 months following the date the resi- RESIDENT MILITARY or trapper is exempt from purchasing a license dent was honorably discharged or removed for reasons related to military service, please from active status, hunt without purchasing PERSONNEL contact the recreational licensing office at (302) a license. 739-9918 for more information on how to obtain Any member of the armed forces of the United your LEN as you may need to provide support- If a military hunter or trapper meets the exemp- States of America while actually stationed ing documentation. tion criteria, applicants are asked to complete within this State shall be deemed a resident If you have problems with these systems, call an application at www.dnrec.alpha.delaware. of this State for the purpose of obtaining a (302) 735-3600 or (302) 739-9918 during normal gov/fish-wildlife/licenses/exemptions/ or by license to hunt, trap and fish in this State. Each business hours (8:00am - 4:30pm) Monday - Fri- calling (302) 739-9918. Military licenses are such application shall be supported by a written day. For questions on LEN eligibility require- not available through State Licensing Agents statement signed by the applicant’s command- ments please contact the recreational licensing with the exception of the DAFB for active duty ing officer certifying the applicant’s place of office at (302) 739-9918 or www.dnrec.alpha.del- military stationed in Delaware purchasing a station within this State. aware.gov/fish-wildlife/licenses/exemptions/. license. License exempt Military exceptions To be eligible for the resident license, appli- For a complete list of license agents please visit: are only processed through the Dover office. cants are asked to complete an application at https://dnrec.alpha.delaware.gov/fish-wildlife/ Please call (302) 739-9918 for assistance. www.dnrec.alpha.delaware.gov/fish-wildlife/ licenses/agents/ licenses/exemptions/ or by calling (302) 739- The following are the criteria for which a Non-residents: 9918. These licenses are not available through person is exempt from purchasing a hunting • Non-Resident Snow Goose Hunter: A non- State Licensing Agents with the exception of or trapping license but they must obtain a free resident may hunt without a license while the DAFB for active duty military stationed in License Exempt Number: hunting snow geese, provided: Delaware purchasing a license.

Delaware Residents: 1. The nonresident resides in another state • Resident Youth Under 13: Residents under or Canadian province which extends the DELAWARE 13 years of age may hunt without a license same exemption to Delaware residents when accompanied by a person 18 years of (Currently, Maryland is the only state to GUIDE LICENSE age or older who is the lawful holder of a honor this exemption); hunting license or has a lawful right to hunt. 2. The nonresident is properly licensed, All individuals receiving monetary or in-kind or exempt from the licensing require- compensation for providing personal guide • Resident Senior 65 or Older: Residents, 65 ment, to hunt snow geese in the state services to hunters are required to have a Dela- years of age or older may hunt or trap with- or Canadian province in which he or ware Guide License. License holders must be out a license, but must have proof of age she resides; 18 years of age or older. and residency. 3. The nonresident purchases a Delaware Persons acquiring a guide license must waterfowl (duck) stamp. not have been convicted for violations of any • Resident Property Owner: Residents who wildlife or fisheries statutes or regulations own or live upon farms in this State contain- • Non-Resident Youth Under 13: Nonresidents within the last three years prior to applying ing 20 or more acres, and the members of other than aliens who are under 13 years for a Delaware Guide License. their immediate families who reside on the of age may hunt without a license when All persons possessing a Delaware Guide farm, may hunt and trap on said farm only accompanied by a person 18 years of age or License are required to complete and submit without purchasing a license. older who is the lawful holder of a hunting an annual report to the Division within seven license or has a lawful right to hunt. days after the close of the season to include the • Resident Organized Fox Hunt: Any unarmed following information which must be readily residents participating in an organized fox • Non-Resident Farm Occupant: Nonresi- available for inspection by enforcement offic- hunt may participate without a license. dents or aliens who are occupants of farms ers: full name of each hunter, address of each in this State containing 20 acres or more, who hunter in the party, hunting license number actually reside thereon, and the immediate for each hunter, date, number and species of MILITARY members of the family of such occupants each animal harvested, location of hunts and who also reside on said farm, may hunt or the name and license number of the guide. EXEMPTIONS: trap on said farms without a license. The guide shall retain all hunting field records for a period of three years. • Resident Military Hospital Inpatient: A • Non-Resident Property Owner: A nonresi- A resident or non-resident Guide license member of the armed forces of the United dent, who owns but is not an occupant of is valid as a Guide and a Hunting license. A States who is a patient in a military hospital a farm in this State containing 20 acres or separate hunting license is not required. may hunt or trap without a license, upon more, and the immediate members of the receipt by the Department of a written state- family of the nonresident farm owner may ment signed by the applicant’s commanding hunt or trap without a license on said farm officer certifying the nature of the applicant’s if the farm occupant or resident, if any, gives disability and place of station. the owner written permission or if hunting, Continued on page 8

2020/2021 DELAWARE HUNTING AND TRAPPING GUIDE 7 LICENSING AND PERMITS SECTION

Continued from page 7 • The non-resident resides in another state or their purchase will require approval by the Divi- Canadian province which extends the same sion before the sale can be processed so trappers exemption to Delaware residents. should plan ahead. Additionally, mail-in applica- A non-resident shall be exempt from the tions are available online at www.dnrec.alpha. guide licensing requirement only while guiding For questions about this license, please call delaware.gov/fish-wildlife/licenses/, by submit- hunters for snow geese (light geese), provided: the Division’s Recreational Licensing Office ting the trapping application (see below) in this at (302) 739-9918. guide or by calling (302) 739-9918. Licensed trap- • The non-resident is properly licensed to pers will be issued a permanent license number guide in another state or Canadian prov- that can be renewed annually. Once a trapping ince which extends the same exemption to TRAPPING LICENSES license has been issued, the Division of Fish & Delaware residents; Wildlife will automatically enroll the trapper in Trappers must purchase their trapping license the annual trapping license mail renewal pro- • The non-resident guide purchases obtains through the Division of Fish & Wildlife. Trapping gram. However, possibly as early as the 2021/22 a free License Exempt Number, a Delaware licenses are not available electronically from season, trappers may be able to purchase their migratory waterfowl (duck) stamp and licensing agents. Trappers can purchase their license at an agent once the system is capable of obtains a Delaware H.I.P. permit; license through their Digital DNREC account but processing these license types.

PRIVATE LAND TRAPPING PERMISSION FORM Name of Trapper: Address:

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

Dates: Additional Permissions/Rules: Trapper’s Signature: Date: Landowner’s Signature: Date: Landowner’s Phone Number:

Delaware Division of Fish & 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: Anyone trapping snapping turtles are required to obtain a Recreational Licensing Recreational Licensing free snapping turtle permit number and complete a post- Division of Fish & Wildlife (302) 736-7925 89 Kings Highway season survey that summarizes their harvest. Email to: Dover, DE 19901 Do you need a Snapping Turtle Permit Number?.... Yes No [email protected] An additional snapping turtle permit is needed Questions?: (302) 739-9918 for State Wildlife Areas. Call (302) 739-9912

8 2020/2021 DELAWARE HUNTING AND TRAPPING GUIDE Attention Hunters, Trappers & Outdoor Enthusiasts Welcome to Digital DNREC

WHAT IS • Browse and register for upcoming Hunter DO I HAVE TO CREATE AND USE Education courses through the “Courses” A DIGITAL DNREC ACCOUNT? “DIGITAL DNREC”? tab on your “My Dashboard” page when • No. You can still purchase your licenses, you sign in to your Digital DNREC account. stamps, permits, passes and tags at author- Digital DNREC is our new one-stop online por- ized licensing agents. A list of authorized tal for hunters, trappers, anglers and wildlife licensing agents can be found at: https:// area users. Digital DNREC gives you more con- dnrec.alpha.delaware.gov/fish-wildlife/ trol over your purchases and harvest reporting! licenses/agents/. Creating an account is fast, easy and free. Need help? Follow the instructions on the next • If you don’t create an account, you can still page to create your account today to access go online to: Digital DNREC. » Report your deer harvest.

ARE YOU A LICENSE EXEMPT » Obtain a Harvest Information Program HUNTER OR TRAPPER? (HIP) number for waterfowl and migra- • Create a Digital DNREC account and you tory bird hunting. will be able to apply online for your free License Exempt Number (LEN)! » Register for your Snow Goose Conserva- tion Order permit. • A LEN for hunting can only be obtained through Digital DNREC or an authorized » Report your snow goose hunting effort. licensing agent. You will no longer be able to obtain your LEN by calling the Hunter WHAT FEATURES ARE Registration System. ACCESSIBLE ONLY WITH A DIGITAL DNREC ACCOUNT? • Separate LENs will be issued for hunters and • Your Digital DNREC account will provide trappers. If you participate in both hunting easy access to your current licenses, stamps, and trapping, and you are license exempt for permits, passes and tags. Past items pur- both, you will receive two different LENs. chased or obtained in Digital DNREC can be viewed through “Order History”. DO YOU PLAN TO DRIVE THROUGH OR PARK ON A • Access and review prior years’ harvests. STATE WILDLIFE AREA? DO YOU NEED TO PURCHASE • Hunters (that are not license exempt) will • Traveling to hunt in another state? Access A LICENSE, STAMP, PERMIT, receive one free Conservation Access Pass your Hunter Safety Number (HSN) and cer- PASS OR TAGS? (CAP) with the purchase of a hunting license. tificate at any time to take with you. • Create a Digital DNREC account and log in to select and purchase licenses, stamps, • If you are a licensed trapper, a license- • Reprint missing or lost documents. permits, passes and tags. exempt hunter or trapper, not a hunter, or a licensed hunter who needs a CAP for another • Log in to view “My Dashboard” where you vehicle, you’ll need to purchase a CAP for can find all of your current purchases, view your vehicle. active licenses, stamps, permits, passes and tags, and reprint missing or lost documents. ARE YOU A DEER OR SNOW GOOSE HUNTER? ARE YOU A PARENT OR • You can view, manage and keep track of LEGAL GUARDIAN WITH your Deer Harvest Report Card and associ- YOUTH HUNTERS? ated deer tags. • Every adult hunter must have his or her own account to access the system online. • Need more deer tags? Quickly purchase more online as needed. • Parents or legal guardians can register their dependent children under the age of 18 on • Report your deer harvest. the parent’s or guardian’s account. • Report snow goose hunting effort under • See the following pages for additional your Conservation Order permit. instructions. • Keep track of your harvests each year — ARE YOU A NEW HUNTER your license and your harvest reporting are OR TRAPPER? tied to your account making access faster • Create a Digital DNREC account and sign and easier! up for a basic hunter education course and/ or a trapper safety education course.

2020/2021 DELAWARE HUNTING AND TRAPPING GUIDE 9 Getting Started with Digital DNREC Buying a License, Stamp, Permit, Pass and Tags: What Do I Need to Get Started?

TIP: A good password contains upper and CREATE YOUR lowercase letters, numbers and at least one of the following: !@#$%^&*. Passwords must be FREE ACCOUNT at least 8 characters in length. Start by visiting Digital DNREC at https:// STEP 2) epermitting.dnrec.delaware.gov and click on Next you will enter your date of birth, your REGISTER NOW under Personal Account address and other important information. Note Type. If you already have a Digital DNREC that you can skip entering your Social Secu- account, you can skip to “Signing in to Digital rity Number (SSN) or Hunter Safety Number DNREC and BUYING your license, stamp, (HSN) when creating your account; however, permit, pass and tags”. most licenses require both and you will be prompted to enter these numbers at the time you purchase a license if they are not already included with your account.

IMPORTANT: If you click “Yes” for Basic Hunter Education, Mandatory Trapper Educa- tion and/or Mandatory Turkey Education, you will be prompted to enter the state in which you took the course, an HSN issued by that state (if applicable). You will also be prompted to upload a copy of your hunter education certificate or card if the course was not taken in Delaware.

TIP: Use the right type of Web browser. For SIGNING IN the best user experience, we recommend using Google Chrome, Apple Safari, Moz- TO DIGITAL DNREC illa Firefox or Microsoft Edge. Do Not Use Internet Explorer. AND BUYING YOUR STEP 1) LICENSE, STAMP, Enter your name, email address and phone number. Then, create a password for your PERMIT, PASS account and click “Next”. AND TAGS IMPORTANT: To create an account, you will need a valid email address. Your email address TIP: Be prepared! Before you go any further, be can only be used to create one account. sure to have the following information ready and at hand: IMPORTANT: Your email address will be the username for your account and cannot • Your Delaware Hunter Safety Number be changed. (HSN) and card (if you did not enter or upload it while creating your account). If you have taken hunter education outside of TIP: Save time later and enter your SSN and Delaware, you will need to upload a copy HSN at this step. of your Hunter Education certificate or card from the state where it was taken. STEP 3) Check your email for a verification message • Your registration card for the vehicle you are from Digital DNREC. Click on the link in the most likely to use to access a state wildlife email to verify your account. area. Purchase of your hunting license comes with a free Conservation Access Pass. TIP: Your email should arrive within 15 minutes. If it does not arrive within 15 minutes, To begin, go to Digital DNREC at https://eper- check your Junk Mail or Spam folder. If it mitting.dnrec.delaware.gov and sign in with still has not arrived, you may click on the your email address and password. Once you “Resend Verification” link or call (302) 739- sign in, you will see “My Dashboard”. This 9918 for assistance. screen shows all current licenses and other

10 2020/2021 DELAWARE HUNTING AND TRAPPING GUIDE items you’ve purchased or obtained in Digital IMPORTANT: If you did not include your DNREC. It also includes a “Courses” tab where Social Security Number (SSN) and/or Hunter you can sign up for a course or view Hunter Safety Number (HSN) when you created your Education courses that you are registered for, profile, you will be prompted to do so now. and an “Action Items” tab for any outstanding actions on your account. To begin purchasing IMPORTANT: Some selections will require your hunting license, click the + Start Here additional information. If you make a selec- button and follow the steps below. tion that requires additional information, such as Conservation Access Pass, you will be prompted to fill in the required fields.

STEP 1) Program: Select “Yes” if the purchase is for you, the primary account holder. Choose your FINAL STEPS: Review your Cart. You can program: Division of Fish & Wildlife — Hunt- remove items from the Cart or purchase items ing & Trapping. Then click “Next”. for yourself or a Dependent by selecting “Save Cart & Return Home”, following the same IMPORTANT: If you select “No”, one or more instructions listed previously. To proceed with dependents you have already added to your your purchase, click on “Proceed to Checkout”. account will appear in the drop down box. If you select “No” and you have not added any dependents to your account, you will be prompted to do so here.

TIP: If you choose to “Save Cart and Return Home”, your Cart will expire within 24 hours and you will need to start over with your selections. TIP: For more details about Adding a Depend- ent to your account, see the next page “Step 4 TIP: If you do not know which items you want Next, enter your payment information, including — How do I purchase a license for a dependent to purchase now, you can always return to your billing address, and click on “Continue”. If under age 18?” your account in the future to purchase more you forget to enter required information marked items or to obtain free items such as a HIP with an “*” or enter the wrong credit card num- STEP 2) number or Snow Goose Conservation Order ber or expiration date, you will be prompted to License/Permit: Answer the residency question Permit number. If you choose not to get your make corrections. and select your license/permit type from the free Conservation Access Pass (CAP) at the drop-down box. Then click “Next”. time that you purchase your license, you can return to your account later and claim your one free CAP.

STEP 4) Terms of Service: Review and accept the Terms of Service. Click “Agree to Terms” at the bottom of the page if you accept.

STEP 5) Review & Pay: Review your order. Click “Add to Cart” when you are ready to proceed. STEP 3) Required Questions: Select any additional TIP: Before you click “Add to Cart”, be sure to items now, including additional deer tags, a review the items you have selected. Did you Delaware Waterfowl Stamp, a Conservation miss something? Did you change your mind Access Pass, a Deer Stand/Waterfowl Blind and want to remove something before going Lottery Permit or a Snow Goose Conservation to your cart? Go back to STEP 3) Required Order permit. You can also register for a Har- Questions to add or remove items. vest Information Program (HIP) number if you plan to hunt migratory birds. Then click “Next”.

2020/2021 DELAWARE HUNTING AND TRAPPING GUIDE 11 Getting Started with Digital DNREC Buying a License, Stamp, Permit, Pass and Tags: What Do I Need to Get Started?

Complete a final review of your credit card STEP 1A) STEP 2) information and billing address. If everything Personal Information: When you click on “My Once you have added the information for your is correct, click on “Confirm”. Profile”, the next screen will display your per- dependent and have clicked “Submit”, you sonal information. At the bottom of the screen, will be returned to your Personal Informa- any dependents associated with your account tion page. Your dependent will now be listed will be displayed. Click on “Add a Dependent” below your personal information. To purchase to add a new dependent to your account. a license, stamp, permit, pass and/or tags for your dependent, click on “My Dashboard” on the upper left of the screen.

TIP: It may take a minute or two to process once you click confirm. Do not use your browser’s back button during this time.

Lastly, when your transaction is complete you will see your order receipt. From here you can print your license and your receipt. Your license, stamp, permit, pass and tags will appear on TIP: Have your dependent’s information read- your account’s “My Dashboard” screen now ily available, including birth date, Social Secu- and the next time you visit Digital DNREC. rity Number (SSN) and Hunter Safety Number (HSN). Note that you can skip entering your STEP 3) dependent’s SSN or HSN during this step; how- Now back on your “My Dashboard” screen, ever, most licenses require both numbers and click on + Start Here. you will be prompted to enter these numbers at the time you purchase a license for your dependent if the information is not already included with your account.

STEP 1B) Personal Information: Input the required information for your dependent. Follow any prompts STEP 4) for any additional information requests. Click On the Program screen, select “No” to answer “Submit” when finished. if this purchase is for you. You will now find your dependent listed in the drop down menu. HOW DO I PURCHASE A LICENSE FOR A DEPENDENT UNDER AGE 18? To purchase a license for a dependent, you must first add the dependent to your account. Log in and hover your cursor over your name in TIP: If the dependent you want to select is the upper right corner of your screen. A small not listed, you will have to add the dependent menu of options will appear. Click on “My now. Select Add a Dependent from the drop Profile” from this list to begin. down list and you will be sent back to the “My Profile” screen to add additional dependents.

You may now proceed with purchasing a license, stamp, permit, pass or tags for your dependent. Return to STEP 2 on the previous page for purchasing instructions.

12 2020/2021 DELAWARE HUNTING AND TRAPPING GUIDE 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 Non-Resident Annual Conservation Access Pass $65.00 and 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 Conservation Area, including the Michael N. MCGINNIS POND WILDLIFE AREA Pass is assigned to a single specified regis- Castle Trail, designated fishing and boating • Except McGinnis Pond boating access area tered motor vehicle and may be transferred to access areas, educational facilities and shooting another registered motor vehicle of the same ranges. Additional areas may also be exempt. MIDLANDS WILDLIFE AREA ownership for a fee of $10.00 only through the For a complete list of areas where the Pass is Division of Fish & Wildlife Recreational Licens- required or areas where the Pass is exempt, MILFORD NECK WILDLIFE AREA ing Office 302-739-9918 or email dfwreclic@ please visit our website www.de.gov/fw or call • Except DuPont Nature Center and Cedar delaware.gov. the Division’s Wildlife Section at (302)739-9912. Creek boating access area If a free Conservation Access Pass is not A Conservation Access Pass shall not be selected during the purchase of the hunting required to access applicable lands leased from NANTICOKE WILDLIFE AREA license, one may be obtained by contacting the Department, provided access is for the • Except Phillips Landing boating access area the Division of Fish & Wildlife Recreational purpose for which such lands are leased. For Licensing Office and providing the hunter’s more information on furbearer trapping leases NORMAN G. WILDER driver’s license, hunting license and a vehicle see page 39 State Wildlife Areas. WILDLIFE AREA (INCLUDING registration card. Requests are processed in THE C&R CENTER) the order they are received and may take up to four weeks. STATE WILDLIFE OLD FURNACE WILDLIFE AREA The Conservation Access Pass must be dis- • Except Concord Pond boating access area played in the assigned vehicle as described AREAS REQUIRING on the Pass. PRIME HOOK WILDLIFE AREA The Pass is available annually July 1 - June 30 A VEHICLE and is valid from the date of the hunting license TAPPAHANNA WILDLIFE AREA purchase until June 30. The non-resident 3 day CONSERVATION hunting license receives a free annual Pass. TED HARVEY CONSERVATION AREA License exempt hunters not purchasing a ACCESS PASS • Except Scottons Landing boating access area hunting license who use a motor vehicle to access and the Logan Lane Fishing Pond State Wildlife Areas must purchase the Pass. ASSAWOMAN WILDLIFE AREA Hunters who are issued a free Pass may (INCLUDING THE OKIE PRESERVE) WOODLAND BEACH purchase additional Passes if they use multiple • Except to launch a boat, fish or crab at Sas- WILDLIFE AREA vehicles throughout the year to access State safras and Mulberry Landing boating access • Except Woodland Beach boating access area, Wildlife Areas where the Pass is required. The areas, Strawberry Landing dock and pavil- fishing pier, Aquatic Resources Education Conservation Access Pass may be purchased ion, and Memorial Pond Center and associated fishing ponds online at https://de.gov/licensing, at authorized license agents throughout the state or at AUGUSTINE WILDLIFE AREA A Conservation Access Pass is not required the Division’s licensing desk in the Richardson • Except Augustine Beach boating access area to access the C&D Canal Conservation Area & Robbins Building, 89 Kings Highway, Dover, including the Michael N. Castle Trail. DE. Remember to have your vehicle registra- BLACKISTON WILDLIFE AREA Fishing access areas listed in the Delaware tion card available at the time of purchase. Fishing Guide do not require a Conservation Please visit https://de.gov/DigitalDNREC to CEDAR SWAMP WILDLIFE AREA Access Pass, except for certain non-fishing/ purchase the Pass online or to find a complete • Except Collins Beach boating access area boating uses at Assawoman Wildlife Area as list of authorized license agents. If you have indicated above. questions about purchasing the Pass, please EAGLES NEST WILDLIFE AREA Please refer to area specific maps available call the Division’s Recreational Licensing Office online at https://de.gov/wamaps , the DNREC at (302) 739-9918. INDUSTRIAL FOREST LAND building in Dover, or call the Wildlife section Hunters using a motor vehicle to access WILDLIFE AREA – BARR AND at 302-739-9912 for allowable activities on each a State Wildlife Area to hunt from a water- LAUREL COMPLEXES Wildlife Area. fowl blind or deer stand must also have the Pass displayed in the vehicle. See page 42 for LITTLE CREEK WILDLIFE AREA more information. • Except Port Mahon boating access area, State Wildlife Areas exempt from the Con- DNREC Offices servation Access Pass include the C & D Canal MARSHY HOPE WILDLIFE AREA Continued on page 14

2020/2021 DELAWARE HUNTING AND TRAPPING GUIDE 13 LICENSING AND PERMITS SECTION GENERAL HUNTING INFORMATION

GENERAL WILDLIFE AREA RULES Regulated hunting and trapping is authorized throughout many state wildlife areas. Please refer to the various season tables found within this guide for specific dates. Additionally, refer to pages 42 and 43 of this guide and specific area maps for more information. The following rules and regulations apply to all wildlife areas owned or managed by the Division of Fish & Wildlife unless otherwise authorized by written permit from the Director or regional office. For additional area specific rules please see the respective State Wildlife Area map. 1. Effective July 1, 2017, a Conservation Access Pass is required for any registered motor vehicle used to access designated Dela- ware State Wildlife Areas for any allowable • Allowing dogs to run off leash. See #10 in • Operating unlicensed vehicles, motor activities, including hunting, birdwatching, the HUNTING/TRAPPING column for vehicles off of established roadways or hiking and photography. dog training and hunting information driving in excess of 20 MPH 2. Entry is permitted between sunrise and • Camping • Parking in a manner that blocks access sunset unless lawfully hunting, fishing • Open fires of any type to a road, trail, or boat ramp. Violators or boating. • Swimming will be towed at owner’s expense 3. All lands administered by the Division • Posting signs, banners or notices of • Leaving a vehicle or trailer unattended are Carry-In / Carry-Out. Littering or any type for more than 24 hours dumping trash including yard waste is • Vending or soliciting of any type 5. Licensed fishing is permitted according to prohibited. • Cutting or removing firewood area specific rules established on current 4. The following activities are prohibited on • Placing caches or letterboxes area maps. State Wildlife Areas: • Cutting, injuring or removing trees, 6. Horses and bicycles may only be ridden • Damaging or defacing buildings, equip- shrubs, wildflowers, ferns, mosses or on maintained roads or trails that have ment, structures, signs or land features other plants been designated by the Division on cur- • Operating radio controlled devices, • Collecting and/or removing any wildlife rent area maps. including drones, or the launching of species unless lawfully hunting, trap- model rockets ping or fishing

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 – Bi-annual Maintenance Dredging at the Augustine Beach Boating Access Area. • Little Creek – Access Road Stabilization and Improvements Bayshore Restoration Projects • Augustine – Port Penn Lang Impoundment Habitat Restoration • Bowers Beach – Asphalt Removal and Climate-Smart Green Space Restoration Bayshore Recreation Projects • Aquatic Resources Education Center – Planning and Design for a New Canoe/Kayak Launch Area • Little Creek – David Small Boardwalk and Little Creek Tower Wildlife-Viewing Tower

14 2020/2021 DELAWARE HUNTING AND TRAPPING GUIDE GENERAL HUNTING INFORMATION

removed and the gun is enclosed in a case MISCELLANEOUS PROHIBITED or the striking mechanism is removed. • Sell, trade, or barter any game or any parts thereof, except as permitted by law. Hunt- METHODS OF TAKE - • Hunt at night (1/2 hour after sunset to 1/2 ers shipping lawfully taken game shall hour before sunrise) except that frogs, rac- first obtain a notarized affidavit stating IT IS UNLAWFUL TO: coons and opossum may be hunted at night the game was lawfully killed, and include using a handheld light. the name of the sender and the number of GENERAL animals enclosed. • Hunt out-of-season, without a license, take • Take game using a shotgun larger than more than the daily limit, or possess unlaw- 10 gauge, a fully automatic loading gun • Shoot hawks, owls, or other wild birds, fully killed game. (machine gun), or use a centerfire rifle, except lawfully hunted game birds, house except groundhogs, foxes and coyotes may sparrows or starlings. • Hunt within 100 yards of an occupied struc- be hunted with a centerfire rifle. ture (unless hunter is the owner or occupant, • Possess live protected game animals. or has permission from the owner or occu- • Use a shot larger than No. 2, except when pant) or drop shot on buildings or people. hunting deer. Waterfowl hunters may use • Obtain live rabbits from out-of-state without When hunting deer with archery equipment, non-toxic shot up to size T. a health certificate. a hunter must be at least 50 yards from a structure. In New Castle County, north of • Use a shotgun capable of holding more than • Permit dogs to run at large at any time. I-295 and I-95 the distance is 200 yards when three shells in total except for snow geese (Except landowners of 20 acres or more may hunting with a firearm. during the Conservation Order. permit their dogs to run from October 1 through February 28 on their own land.) • Discharge any firearm from or within 15 • Use poison or explosive tip arrows. yards of public road or shoot across a public • Allow dogs to run at large between the hours road or right-of-way. • Use a punt or swivel gun or any gun not of sunset and sunrise by any person on any normally fired from the shoulder. day. All dogs must be licensed. • Trespass with gun or dog or trap on private property without prior permission of the land- FURBEARERS/TRAPPING • Use bait to hunt game, except bait may be owner whether or not the land is “posted.” • Use a trap, snare, pitfall, deadfall, cage, net, used to hunt deer on privately-owned lands. pen, baited hook, baited field, drug, poison, • Damage any nest, den, or lair of game ani- chemical or explosive to take game, except • It shall be unlawful to release swine (pigs) mals or birds. that muskrats, mink, otter, raccoons, opos- into the wild, charge a fee for the purpose sum, rabbits , groundhogs, red foxes, coyotes of killing swine, or shoot swine without • Use an artificial light to illuminate wildlife and beavers may be trapped as permitted first obtaining a permit from the Division. from a motor vehicle for the purpose of hunt- by law. ing or observation. • It shall be unlawful to use antler traps, or • Hunt muskrats with a dog. any device intended to remove or collect • Use night vision or infrared devices while shed antlers from deer. hunting. • Shoot or take muskrats or otters except by trap. • For specifics on waterfowl and other Continued on page 16 migratory birds, see Federal Regulations at www.fws.gov/le/hunting.html FIREARMS AND IT IS UNLAWFUL TO HUNT ON SUNDAY, ARCHERY EQUIPMENT Except to chase red fox in season, on commercial shooting preserves, and to hunt deer on private land and • Have a loaded firearm, or a cocked crossbow, designated publicly-owned lands. in or on a motorboat while underway, or in, against, or on a motor vehicle or farm machinery. Local ordinances may be more restrictive than state laws. Check before hunting within • Transport a muzzleloader with a charge incorporated areas. in the barrel unless the cap or primer is

License Distribution of Wildlife Section Funding $$$ 3% 7% Administration Working for You Public Technical Assistance Hunting and trapping license dollars are used to “match” federal aid dollars under the Wildlife Restoration Act. License funds cover 17% 48% Hunter Education & Wildlife Area 25% of approved project costs with Federal Aid covering the rest. Range Management Now that’s an investment you can “go wild” about. Operations Hunters exempted from purchasing a hunting license may volun- tarily purchase a license which would allow the Division to match additional federal funds for those activities shown in the adjoining chart. The Division thanks all of those who volunteer to financially 25% Wildlife Management & support wildlife conservation in this way. Research

2020/2021 DELAWARE HUNTING AND TRAPPING GUIDE 15 GENERAL HUNTING INFORMATION

Continued from page 15 buckshot and must be plugged to hold only 3 MISCELLANEOUS shells (in chamber and magazine combined). It is unlawful to carry buckshot, rifle slug or PROVISIONS: pumpkin ball except while hunting for deer, LEGAL METHODS and conversely, it is also unlawful to carry shot Bullfrogs may be sold. smaller than buckshot while deer hunting. OF TAKE: Deer killed by motor vehicle may be retained by Muzzleloader no smaller than .42 caliber with the motorist killing the deer upon official tag- Squirrel, Rabbit, Pheasant, Quail: Longbow a barrel length of at least 20 inches. ging by the State Police or Division personnel. or shotgun using no larger than No. 2 shot. Shotguns must be plugged to hold only 3 shells Handguns are limited to revolvers and single (in chamber and magazine combined). Addi- shot pistols with a barrel length of at least 5.75 tionally, squirrels only may be hunted with .17 inches and no longer than 12.5 inches and SELECTED through .22 caliber rimfire or pellet firearm chambered for and using straight-wall hand- with a rifled barrel or a muzzleloader rifle of not gun ammunition in .357 to .38 caliber with a DEFINITIONS larger than .36 caliber firing a round projectile. cartridge case length of no less than 1.25 inches and a maximum case length of 1.82 inches, or Hunt: “Hunt” shall mean to chase, pursue, kill, Snapping Turtles: May be taken with gig, in .41 caliber to a maximum of .50 caliber and trap, take, or attempt to chase, pursue, kill, trap, trap, net or spear. a maximum case length of 1.82 inches. or take any form of wildlife.

Frogs: May be taken with spear, gig, or hook. Straight-walled pistol-caliber rifles may only Possession: “Possession” in addition to its be used to harvest deer. For more information ordinary meaning includes the location in Deer: Compound, recurve, longbow, and on these firearms, as well as restrictions on or about the defendant’s person, premises, Crossbow using sharpened broadhead arrows allowable cartridges, see page 23. belongings, vehicle or otherwise within his (min. width 7/8”). reasonable control.

Shotgun no smaller than 20 gauge for deer Seasons: “Seasons” shall be that period of time hunting using rifle slug, pumpkin ball or during which designated species of wildlife may be lawfully hunted pursuant to the regulations of the Department. It shall be unlawful to hunt those species of wildlife for which a “season” is designated at any time other than OPERATION GAME THEFT INFORMATION during that “season.”

What is “Operation Game Theft”? Class 3 – Reward: up to $100.00 Wildlife: “Wildlife” shall be any animal spe- The Operation Game Theft Fund was estab- 1. Hunting with an illegal type of weapon. cies not commonly under the domestication lished by the 130th General Assembly to 2. Hunting from a motor vehicle. of man and including but not limited to those animals defined by statute as “game” or “pro- assist in the apprehension and conviction of NOTE: An additional $100 reward will be tected wildlife.” game law violators. The fund is comprised of given by the Delaware Chapter of the National all the fines levied for violation of game laws Wild Turkey Federation for information leading “Antlered Deer” shall mean any deer with one in this state and donations. The Legislature to the arrest and conviction of anyone illegally or more antlers three inches long or longer, delegated the authority to the Division of Fish killing a wild turkey in Delaware. measured from the base of the antler where it & Wildlife to designate offenses for which joins the skull to the tip of the antler following rewards will be paid and the amount of the How do I get paid? any curve of the antler. reward. You will be paid in cash by the agent to whom you gave your name. “Antlerless Deer” shall mean any deer that What types of offenses are covered under has no antlers or antlers less than three inches the O.G.T. Program? Will my identity be confidential? in length. Up to $1,000.00 can be rewarded for informa- YES tion leading to the arrest and conviction of a Longbow: “Longbow” shall mean a straight Will I get paid for any information that I person(s) involved in: limb, reflex, recurve or compound bow. All provide? crossbows or variations thereof and mechani- Class 1 – Reward up to $1,000.00 No. Only information which leads to the arrest cal holding and releasing devices are expressly 1. Commercialization of Wildlife. and conviction of a violator. (Specific offenses excluded from the definition. 2. Killing of an endangered/threatened covered) species. Class 2 – Reward up to $500.00 WHAT DO I DO TO 1. Over limit of black ducks, canvasbacks, turkeys or Canada geese. REPORT GAME LAW 2. Poisoning wildlife. 3. Interstate transportation of illegally taken VIOLATIONS? wildlife. 4. Gross over limits of wildlife. Contact the Division of Fish & Wildlife Operation 5. Illegally hunting or trapping on a state Game Theft Hotline Toll-Free at 1-800-292-3030 game refuge. anytime, 24 hours a day. You will be given an 6. Hunting/Trapping out of season. To report game law OGT Case Number. You do not need to give your 7. Possessing, tending or setting killer traps violations call: name at this time. From this phone call, a Fish with a jaw spread in excess of 5 inches. & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Officer will 8. Illegally hunting at night. 1-800-292-3030 Continued on page 17

16 2020/2021 DELAWARE HUNTING AND TRAPPING GUIDE GENERAL HUNTING INFORMATION

Continued from page 16 Director of Fish and Wildlife at (302) 739-9910 or write to the Director of Fish and Wildlife at Win a $100 Gift Card! 89 Kings Highway, Dover, Delaware 19901. Your be dispatched or will return your call. Wildlife comments or suggestions will be forwarded to Take the monthly offenses need to be investigated immediately the proper individual for consideration. by an officer if there is to be a chance of making an arrest. The longer the delay in getting information to the agent, the smaller the chances of PR I VAT E L A N DOW NER obtaining an arrest and conviction. ASSISTANCE Delaware landowners hold over 80% of the land in Delaware, making them powerful decision-makers when it comes to land development and conservation. As land development And be entered to win increases, so does the pressure on wildlife a $100 gift certificate to your habitat, species, and natural resources. Con- servation efforts made by landowners are sporting good retailer of choice. necessary to ensure healthy ecosystems and Your anonymous participation advances wildlife populations that future generations are entitled to enjoy. To support landowners fish and wildlife conservation, helps in this effort, many state and federal agen- protect your right to hunt, fish and shoot, PUBLIC OPINION cies offer incentive programs with technical and guides companies in developing and financial assistance available to restore It is the desire of the Division of Fish & Wildlife or enhance wildlife habitat. There are several better outdoor products. to continue to provide the highest level of ser- programs available within DNREC that aim vice to the public using our wildlife areas, boat- to engage landowners in conservation efforts. ing access areas, ponds, and marine resources. DNREC also partners with federal and pri- The management of the Division of Fish & vate organizations to achieve the same goal Wildlife invites comments or suggestions on of conserving natural resources for a more the operation of our wildlife areas, wildlife livable Delaware. management programs, wildlife laws and regulations, or any problems encountered with Divi- For more information regarding these programs sion employees. To voice a comment or offer a and habitat improvements for non-game species suggestion, you may contact the office of the and quail, contact Jason Davis at (302) 735-3606.

17 The Delaware Division of Fish & Wildlife’s Photo Contest Hunting Photo Contest aims to showcase hunting activities throughout Delaware. The statewide photography competition has just completed its ninth year. The theme for the 2019/2020 contest was “Get Out and Hunt DE.” Winners Entries were judged by Division Director David Saveikis along with DNREC employees Craig Rhoads and Rebecca Hoover. Below are the top five. The first place pho- tograph is also featured on the cover. The 2020/2021 contest (for the 2021/2022 guide) will open on September 1, 2020.

1st Place 2nd Place “Making the Best Thanksgiving Memories,” taken by Thomas “Brody’s First Crossbow Hunt,” taken by Brian Glanding of his waterfowl-calling daughter, Maci Ann near Smyrna. Barrowcliff of Wilmington, of his son Brody’s harvest near Newark.

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

“Nov Shotgun 2019,” taken by “Fowl Dreams,” taken by Emily Murray “Good Day for an Early Dismissal,” taken Alan Passwaters of Seaford. of Frankford, featuring Timmy Dorey by Jennifer Ross of Clayton, featuring heading out at the Assawoman Refuge. her family—Charlie, Hailey, Huntley and David Ross with their Labrador Saige.

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

18 2020/2021 DELAWARE HUNTING AND TRAPPING GUIDE YOUTH HUNTING INFORMATION

YOUTH HUNTING 2020/2021 SCHEDULED YOUTH HUNTS INFORMATION Youth/Non-ambulatory Disabled Deer Hunt: November 7 and 8, 2020 The Division of Fish & Wildlife is commit- Youth/Non-ambulatory Disabled Turkey Hunt: April 3, 2021 ted to providing safe and responsible hunting Youth Waterfowl Hunting Days: October 17, 2020 and February 6, 2021 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 • Question: Can a person under the age of 18 DOES NOT have the lawful right to hunt (to environmental literacy in Delaware, create oppor- obtain a guide license? include calling) and may not accompany the tunities for children to participate in enriching youth hunter. outdoor experiences, combat childhood obesity, Answer: No. Guides must be 18 years of age and promote healthy lifestyles. Delaware’s multi- or older. • Question: Does an adult accompanying a agency initiative, which partners several state and youth hunting turkey need to have a license federal agencies with community organizations, • Question: Does an adult hunter accompa- and turkey safety course card even if the is part of the No Child Left Inside program. To nying a youth hunting waterfowl need to adult is not hunting? Also, does the adult further promote the outdoors and getting youth have a license and waterfowl stamps if he/ need a license and permit if he/she is calling involved with hunting Ducks Unlimited, in col- she is not hunting and not in possession of a but not in possession of a firearm? laboration with the Division will be hosting an firearm? Also, does the adult need a license Greenwing event on Saturday, March 27, 2021. and waterfowl stamps if he/she is calling, Answer: Yes. The accompanying adult must For more information, please visit: http://www. but not in possession of a firearm? have a valid Delaware license and must have greenwing.org/ completed an approved turkey hunting edu- Answer: Youth hunters must be accompa- cation course. Also, the accompanying adult HUNTER EDUCATION CLASSES nied by an adult 18 years of age or older (21 must be at least 21 years of age. All persons born after January 1, 1967 are years of age or older on a Youth Waterfowl required to satisfactorily complete a Basic Hunting Day) who is the lawful holder of a • Question: Does a hunter with a Junior Hunt- Hunter Education Course in order to obtain a hunting license or has a lawful right to hunt ing License need to have a State Wildlife Area Delaware Hunting License. Youth age 10 and and has a License Exempt Number (LEN). Waterfowl Blind and Deer Stand Permit? older are eligible to take the Basic Hunter Edu- Accompanying licensed and license exempt cation Course. Students under the age of 12 adult hunters must also have a federal water- Answer: Yes, unless the hunter is participat- must be accompanied by an adult. Parents are fowl (duck) stamp but only licensed hunters ing in a Division of Fish & Wildlife youth reminded that younger students require a level are required to have a state duck stamp, as hunting day and then the requirement to of maturity and vocabulary sufficient for under- well. If these criteria are not met, the adult have this permit is waived. 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 who is the lawful holder of a hunting license or has a lawful right to hunt and has a License Exempt Number (LEN). However, during the youth deer, turkey, and waterfowl seasons the accompanying, unarmed, adult Shoot or Don’t Shoot? must be 21 years of age or older. PURCHASING A HUNTING LICENSE Your Choice. • Both resident and non-resident youth ages 13 through 15 must purchase a junior license to hunt in Delaware. What a difference • Both resident and non-resident youth under a year makes! the age of 13 must obtain a License Exempt Number (LEN) and must be accompanied by a person who is the lawful holder of a Delaware hunting license or has a lawful right to hunt in Delaware. 1 ½ 2 ½ 3 ½ • Youth under the age of 16 do not need to purchase a State Waterfowl (Duck) Stamp.

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 National QDMA: www.qdma.com an adult hunting license? Email: [email protected] Answer: Yes. In this case, the youth should consider purchasing an adult hunting license DelawareQDMA.org instead of a youth hunting license in anticipa- DA tion of turning 16 during the course of the DE QDMA 14617 Arvey RD Laurel, DE 19956 hunting season. 19 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 - Jan. 31 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 - Jan. 31 displayed on the head, chest, and back Statewide Muzzleloader Oct. 9 - 18 Muzzleloaders may be equipped with scopes. Jan. 25 - 31 Statewide Muzzleloaders, handguns, and authorized straight-walled pistol-caliber rifles may be Shotgun Nov. 13 - 22 used during the shotgun seasons and may be equipped with scopes.** Jan. 16 - 24 Legal methods of take during these seasons include archery equipment, muzzleloaders, Statewide and shotguns. You may only take antlerless deer, or deer with both antlers less than 3 Special Antlerless Oct. 2-4, 19, 23-26, 30, and 31 inches in length. Archery (including crossbow) hunters may take antlered deer in October Dec. 12 - 20 but NOT during the December antlerless season. Season closed in Wildlife Management Sunday Jan. 3 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. 2, 4 - 9 See page 23 for more season details. Youth/ Statewide Hunters may use archery equipment, muzzeloaders, shotguns, handgun, or autho- Non-ambulatory Nov. 7 and 8 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.

SUNDAY DEER DEER HARVEST REPORT CARDS DEER CARCASS TAGS Hunters will no longer receive tags that must be Hunters that successfully harvest a deer are no HUNTING attached to a deer before the animal is moved longer required to attach a tag to their deer at the from the place of kill. Instead, all hunters place of kill before the deer is moved, however OPPORTUNITIES legally allowed to hunt deer, will receive a Deer they must complete the appropriate section on Harvest Report Card which will show all of the the Deer Harvest Report Card. See Deer Harvest Sunday deer hunting for established deer sea- “tags” available to the hunter based on what Report Card section on this page for more infor- sons is legal on private land at the discretion they are eligible for and/or have purchased. mation. The only time a physical tag is required of the landowner and on designated publicly- Both the Deer Harvest Report Card and to be affixed to a deer is if the deer is no longer in owned lands. Deer seasons to include all state- Delaware Hunting License or LEN card must the hunter’s immediate possession, at which time wide Sunday deer hunting dates are indicated be in a hunter’s possession while a hunter is the successful hunter must affix a Deer Carcass within the table above. More information on hunting deer. If a hunter purchases additional Tag. These tags can be found in the middle of the statewide Sunday deer hunting dates and public tags, they will receive an updated Deer Har- paper version of this guide, within your Digital lands open to Sunday deer hunting is available at vest Report Card that will reflect their original DNREC account, at https://de.gov/fw or a hunter the Sunday deer hunting website: http://www. tags as well as the new tag(s). Additionally, may make their own Deer Carcass Tags provided dnrec.delaware.gov/fw/Pages/Sunday-deer- if a hunter had already harvested deer and they include the hunters’ name, license number, hunting.aspx or by calling the Wildlife Section recorded their harvest information on their harvest date and deer registration number once office 302-739-9912. card the harvest information will automatically the deer has been registered. It is unlawful to hunt any species on Sunday be printed on the newly issued card. The most Examples of what constitutes a deer leaving except deer on private land and designated recently issued Deer Harvest Report Card is a hunter’s immediate possession include drop- publicly-owned lands, or if hunting on a com- the version that the hunter must keep in their ping it off at a deer processor or taxidermist, mercial shooting preserve, or to chase (no har- possession moving forward and all previously donating it at one of the Division’s maintained vest) red fox in season. issued cards will no longer be valid. Sportsmen Against Hunger Coolers, or hanging Upon successfully harvesting a deer, and the deer to cool and the hunter leaving the area before the animal is moved from the place of to go somewhere else. A good rule of thumb, if DEER HARVEST kill or field dressed, the hunter must complete a Natural Resource Police Officer encountered the appropriate section of their Deer Harvest a hunter’s deer and the hunter wasn’t available REPORT CARDS Report Card that represents the type of deer they to talk with the Officer, than the deer needs to harvested. This section must be punched and the have a Deer Carcass Tag affixed to the animal. AND TAGS date of harvest must be recorded. See example to For questions, please call (302) 735-3600. the left. Once the deer is registered (no more than 24 hours following harvest) the deer registration RESIDENT LICENSED HUNTERS number is to be recorded in permanent ink on the Delaware hunting licenses come with a Deer card. IMPORTANT: Hunters shall not remove the Harvest Report Card that contains 4 antlerless “tags” from their Deer Harvest Report Card for deer tags. Quality Buck Tags are available for any reason, including being attached to a deer and $20 and come with a free Hunter’s Choice Tag the card should be kept as a complete document. and will be included on a hunter’s Deer Harvest If a harvested deer is no longer in a hunter’s Report Card if purchased. The Hunter’s Choice immediate possession, a Deer Carcass Tag must Tag can be used on an antlerless or antlered be affixed to the deer. See the Deer Carcass deer. The Quality Buck Tag can only be used 20 Tags section on this page for more information. on an antlered deer with a minimum outside DEER HUNTING SECTION spread of 15”. Hunters will only be allowed to associated Deer Harvest Report Card. License 1-855-DEL-HUNT (1-855-335-4868). Hunters harvest a maximum of 2 antlered bucks (all sea- exempt hunters may no longer make their own will answer a series of questions by using the sons combined) by using the Hunter’s Choice deer tags. For more information about LENs, computer or telephone. THIS YEAR: Hunters Tag and the Quality Buck Tag. All other deer please refer to pages 6 and 7. that harvest an antlered deer will be asked to taken must be antlerless. Additional antlerless License exempt hunters are only allowed report the antler spread and number of points. deer tags are available for $20 each. two antlered bucks during any license year A ruler can be found on the This deer tag system has been implemented by all methods and seasons combined. One bottom edge of pages 26 to encourage hunters to harvest antlerless deer free Hunter’s Choice Tag and one purchased and 27. Spread will be and to promote quality bucks. Quality Buck Tag. reported as “15 inches or greater” or “less than NON-RESIDENT DEER TAGS QUALITY BUCK TAGS 15 inches” as measured Non-resident hunting licenses will come with Quality Buck Tags may only be across the outside of the a Deer Harvest Report Card that contains 4 used on an antlered deer with an mainbeams (antler spread) antlerless deer tags. The cost of an Antlered outside antler spread of at least at their widest point; this Deer Tag and a Quality Buck Tag will be $50 15 inches. The distance between measurement’s path must each for non-resident hunters. Hunters may the tips of a deer’s ears when both be perpendicular to the purchase only one of each tag. If purchased, ears are held straight out from center line of the skull and these “tags” will be added to the hunter’s Deer the head in the “alert” position is parallel to the top of the Harvest Report Card. An antlered deer tag approximately 15 inches so a deer skull plate. See picture to may only be used on a deer with one or more in which this tag would be applicable would the right for example antlers measuring 3 inches or more. generally need to have antlers that are at least where to measure. When as wide as the space between his ear tips. reporting the number of LICENSED EXEMPT HUNTERS points, hunters shall report the number of points License exempt hunters will receive a Deer that are equal to or greater than one inch in Harvest Report Card that contains 4 antlerless AUTOMATED length. If a point is broken off and less than one deer “tags” and 1 Hunter’s Choice deer “tag” at inch or a point is shorter than one inch than it no charge. License exempt hunters may pur- DEER CHECKING should NOT be counted. At the end of the ques- chase a Quality Buck Tag using their annual tions, hunters will be given a deer harvest reg- mandatory License Exempt Number (LEN). The All successful deer hunters must register their istration number. This number will serve as cost of a Quality Buck Tag is $20 for resident or deer within 24 hours of harvest. Prior to register- proof the animal was checked and should be $50 for non-resident license exempt hunters. If ing a deer, hunters may not cut the meat or kept for your records and written in ink in the purchased, this tag will automatically be added remove any part of the deer except the internal appropriate section on a hunter’s Deer Harvest to their Deer Harvest Report Card. organs (known as the viscera). Hunters can Persons not required to purchase a hunting register their deer by visiting https://de.gov/ license in Delaware must obtain a LEN and DigitalDNREC or by calling the toll free number Continued on page 23 DUTCH NECK DEER BUTCHERING & Euromounts 302.562.3651 All Boneless Cuts • Vacuum Sealed M & G Ranch is a small family business taking great care 8 Flavors of Snack Sticks & Jerky in our custom deer specialties! We strive to give our customers the very best products Chip Steak • Sweet Bologna as quickly as possible. Summer Sausage • Breakfast Sausage Quality takes time, but we assure you that plus much more! it’s worth the wait! Fresh Sausage • Specialty Sausage & PROFESSIONAL Bologna • Snack Sticks • Jerky QUALITY Venison Bacon • Venison Scrapple EURO MOUNTS Whole Seasoned Roast • Skinless Hot Cleaned, Dogs • Chip Steak • BuckBoard Bacon whitened, Bulk Grinding & Bagging deodorized Pick up and delivery available! Only $175! Call for information. 1117 Slaughter Station Road, Hartly DE 1210 Dutch Neck Rd, Middletown, DE Frank: 347-461-1407 or Matt: 302-943-4669 dutchneckdeerbutchering.com www.MandGranch.com 21 Advice to Hunters and Rules Concerning Chronic Wasting Disease

• Upper canine teeth (buglers, whistlers, or butchering scraps on the ground as wild deer What is CWD? ivories); and in Delaware could come in contact with these Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is a naturally parts and if the animal that was processed had occurring disease of the brain and nervous • Finished taxidermy products. 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 Regionally, the states of Maryland, Pennsyl- put out on the ground. lesions that eventually result in death. The body vania, Virginia, and West Virginia have con- Any person who imports into Delaware any condition of animals that contract CWD tends firmed the presence of CWD. From these states, deer carcass or parts of a deer carcass (e.g. ant- to deteriorate before death. Currently there is hunters are restricted from bringing entire lers, meat, hide, etc.) that was tested for CWD no treatment for deer that contract CWD and deer carcasses and may only bring the above by another state and is notified that the animal is invariably fatal to the animal. No cases of mentioned parts from the counties in which has tested positive for CWD must report the human infection have been associated with CWD has been found. If hunters are hunting test results to the Division within 72 hours of CWD. Since 2002, the Division has collected in portions of these states outside of those receiving the notification by calling the Divi- over 9,000 CWD samples from deer harvested areas, they are not restricted from bringing sion at (302) 735-3600. in Delaware and none have been positive for their harvest back to Delaware. The biological material responsible for the disease. infecting deer with CWD can be spread • Maryland — Allegany and Washington through urine, among other materials. Many Counties hunters use natural deer urine as an attract- Laws and Best ant while deer hunting. If used improperly, • Pennsylvania — Adams, Armstrong, Bed- hunters could unknowingly be infecting the Management Practices ford, Berks, Blair, Cambria, Centre, Clarion, areas they hunt with CWD. Short of not using Clearfield, Cumberland, Franklin, Fulton, deer urine while hunting, hunters should take Pertaining to CWD Huntingdon, Indiana, Jefferson, Juniata, Lan- the following precautions to minimize the It is far easier and less expensive to implement caster, Lebanon, Mifflin, Perry, Somerset, chance that deer will come in contact with precautions that minimize the risk of CWD Snyder, Westmoreland, and York Counties these products. infecting the Delaware deer population than it is to manage the disease after it has been • Virginia — Clarke, Culpeper, Frederick, • Use attractants that do not contain natural detected. There are several things that indi- Madison, Orange, Shenandoah, and War- deer urine as an ingredient or use syntheti- vidual hunters can do to minimize the chance ren Counties cally produced products as a replacement. of CWD spreading to our state. It is unlawful to import or possess any • West Virginia — Berkley, Grant, Hampshire, • Do not pour or dispense natural deer urine carcass or parts of a carcass of any member Hardy, Jefferson, Mineral, and Morgan on the ground or in a place where a deer of the family Cervidae (deer, elk or moose) Counties could come in contact with the product. A originating from an entire state or Canadian better approach when using natural deer province or portion thereof, as described by CWD has been detected in 26 states and 3 Cana- urine as an attractant, would involve satu- the Delaware Division of Fish & Wildlife in dian provinces. For a complete list of restricted rating a scent wick, cotton ball, or other which CWD has been found in free-ranging areas within other states please visit http://cwd- material with the urine and then hanging or captive deer. Notwithstanding the forego- info.org/ or contact the Division at (302) 735-3600. the item on a branch high enough that it is ing, the following parts may be imported For a complete list of restricted areas within out of reach of a passing deer. At the end of into the state: other states please visit the websites above or each hunt, remove your scent station from contact the Division at (302) 735-3600. the field so that deer are unable to come in • Boned-out meat that is cut and wrapped; CWD may be present in some locations but contact with the lure. it hasn’t been detected by natural resource • Quarters or other portions of meat with no agencies. Therefore, all hunters should prop- part of the spinal column or skull attached; erly dispose of all portions of their carcass not For More Information consumed or used for taxidermy purposes. The • Hides or capes with no skull attached; parts that remain after processing a deer for on CWD consumption are considered household waste • Clean (no meat or tissue attached) skull and hunters should dispose of the skeleton, Additional information on CWD can be found plates with antlers attached; hide, and scraps in a sealed trash bag and at the CWD Alliance website www.cwd-info. place it with the rest of their household waste org and on the Delaware F&W website www. • Antlers (with no meat or tissue 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 2019/20 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.

22 2020/2021 DELAWARE HUNTING AND TRAPPING GUIDE DEER HUNTING SECTION

Continued from page 21 during the November and January Shotgun SHARPS RIFLE Deer Seasons. During these shotgun seasons, Hunters may use a single shot antique or authen- the handgun can be carried in place of a shotgun, tic reproduction black powder Sharps rifle of .45 Report Card. If you have problems with this but a handgun and a shotgun cannot both be to .60 caliber using paper patched bullets for system call (302) 735-3600. Hunters that take carried at the same time. Hunting deer with a hunting deer during any shotgun deer season. their deer to a butcher shop or taxidermist will handgun is not legal on Sunday, January 3, 2021, need to supply their registration number to the based on state law. CROSSBOWS shop owner as proof the deer was registered. Crossbows used must have a minimum pull STRAIGHT-WALLED PISTOL- weight of 125 pounds, be manufactured after CALIBER RIFLE 1980, and have a mechanical safety, and may METHOD OF TAKE Only straight-wall cartridges usable in handguns be equipped with a scope. Crossbows shall not may be used that are of .357 to 38 caliber with a be transported in or on a vehicle while in the HANDGUN HUNTING case length no less than 1.25 inches and a maxi- cocked position. Handguns legal for deer hunting are limited mum case length of 1.82 inches, or .41 caliber to to revolvers and single shot pistols with a bar- maximum of .50 caliber and a maximum case VERTICAL BOWS rel length of at least 5.75 inches and no longer length of 1.82 inches. Case length excludes the No person shall use a compound, recurve, or than 12.5 inches that use straight-wall handgun bullet portion of the cartridge. These rifles can- longbow with a pull weight less than 35 pounds. ammunition in .357 to .38 caliber with a car- not be loaded with more than three cartridges tridge case length of no less than 1.25 inches in the chamber and magazine combined when BAITING and a maximum case length of 1.82 inches, or hunting deer. Open, metallic/mechanical, optical It is lawful to distribute and hunt over bait while in .41 caliber to a maximum of .50 caliber and and telescopic sights may be used. These rifles hunting deer on privately owned lands only. a maximum case length of 1.82 inches. When cannot be used for deer hunting north of the hunting with a handgun, youth under the age Chesapeake and Delaware Canal. Throughout of 18 must be accompanied by an adult 18 years the rest of the state, these rifles may only be of age or older. used for deer hunting in place of a shotgun or The handgun must be carried openly on a handgun during the November and January sling or in a holster and not concealed. Handgun Shotgun Deer Seasons or in place of a handgun hunting for deer in only permissible on privately during the January Handgun Deer Season. Fur- owned lands situated south of the Chesapeake thermore, these rifles are not a legal method of and Delaware Canal and on many state-owned take for any other species (except groundhogs), lands. Consult area maps for more details. including red fox and coyotes. In addition to the January Handgun Deer Season, it is legal to hunt deer with a handgun Continued on page 23

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!❏ rregularegular 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,2020-21 BANQUET DATES and AND outreach MEMBERSHIP opportunities. INFORMATION Credit Card #:______Date County Contact Oct. 17 State Charles Spray - 302 682 4085 Exp. Date: ______April 24 New Castle Mike Towe - 302 354 2321 March 27 Kent Brian Sherwood - 302 363 6649 Make checks payable to NWTF. Send complete application to: February 13 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 23 DEER HUNTING SECTION

Continued from page 23 DELAWARE SPORTSMEN AGAINST WHITE-TAILED HUNGER PROGRAM DEER RESEARCH ADVISORY: Availability of the Sportsmen HARVESTING TAGGED DEER Against Hunger Program may be impacted by Over the past few years, the University of Dela- COVID-19. Hunters are advised to monitor the ware in collaboration with the Delaware Divi- Division’s website, http://de.gov/sah, for infor- sion of Fish & Wildlife, captured and tagged mation on the availability of coolers as well as deer in Delaware. All deer received numbered participating deer processors. Some, or all, loca- ear tags, and some received radio transmitter tions described below may not be available to collars. Both of which allowed us to collect data accept donated deer. However, the Division will on deer ecology and hunter harvests. Hunters be working hard to try and make this important should treat deer with collars and ear tags as program available without any impacts. any other deer. If a marked deer is legal for In addition to the contracted private deer pro- harvest, then it may be harvested. If a hunter cessors, the Division of Fish & Wildlife maintains harvests a marked deer, they are asked to call walk-in coolers where hunters can drop off deer the phone number listed on the metal ear tag for donation to the Sportsmen Against Hunger (302-831-4621), so information concerning the (SAH) Program. Only deer legally harvested in harvested deer can be collected. Someone Delaware are eligible to be donated through this will contact them for further information as program. Deer harvested out of state will not soon as possible. Since many of these deer are be accepted. These locations include in Sussex reported during the hectic firearms season, County: the Assawoman Wildlife Area near please feel free to contact us again if you have Bethany Beach, the Mosquito Control Office in not been contacted within a few days of previ- Milford, the headquarters office at Redden State ously calling. Forest near Georgetown, the Gumboro Com- munity Center in Millsboro and Trap Pond State Making Hunting & Fishing Dreams Come True Park near Laurel; In Kent County: the Little Creek for YoungsTers, 21 & unDer, with HUNTER ORANGE Wildlife Area main tract, east of Dover and the LiFe-THreaTening iLLnesses Main office on the Norman G. Wilder Wildlife Toll Free: 866-345-4455 During a time when it is lawful to take a deer Area near Viola; and in New Castle County: the www.HuntofaLifetime.org with a firearm, any person hunting any wildlife Augustine Wildlife Area, in Port Penn. For more except migratory game birds in this state shall information about walk-in cooler locations and display hunter orange on that person’s head, participating deer processors, visit the SAH web- chest, and back totaling no less than 400 square site http://de.gov/sah. If you own and operate a inches combined. If a hunter utilizes a ground private deer processing facility and would like blind to hunt deer during a time when it is law- more information about potentially becoming ful to take deer with a firearm and the hunter is involved with the SAH program, please contact completely concealed within a blind, then 400 the Division at (302) 739-9912. square inches of hunter orange material shall be placed within 10 feet outside of the blind and at least 3 feet off of the ground. YOUTH/ NON-AMBULATORY STATE DEER RECORDS DISABLED DEER The Division maintains records of the top hunter taken deer based on net Boone & HUNT, NOVEMBER 7 Crockett scores on its website at www. fw.delaware.gov/Hunting/Pages/DeerRecords. AND 8, 2020 aspx. Any whitetails meeting Pope & Young minimums for bow kills (125 typical, 155 Any youth from 10 years through 15 years and non-typical), Longhunter Society minimums individuals that are non-ambulatory disabled for muzzleloader kills (130 typical, 160 non- may hunt. Young hunters must be accompanied typical), handgun (130 typical, 160 non-typical) by an adult 21 years of age or older. Hunt- and shotgun and straight-walled pistol-caliber ers 13-15 years of age must have completed a When You Have Just One Shot rifles kills of 140 typical and better and 160 Hunter Education Course and possess a certifi- Make It Count non-typical and better are eligible for entry. The cation card and must also purchase a Delaware Division is interested in Delaware whitetails junior hunting license. taken in any year. Due to a retirement by the The normal bag limits and regulations apply. Division’s scorer for this program, the Division Adult companions must be licensed to hunt is unable to measure deer for acceptance into in Delaware (or exempt) but may not possess the program until further notice. However, if a firearm during the hunt. a hunter has their deer scored by an official Young hunters must be of sufficient size and America’s Easiest Loading measurer of one of the previously mentioned physical strength to safely handle a firearm. & Most Accurate Sabots organizations and it surpasses our minimum All deer taken must be registered. score requirements, a copy of the score sheet Open statewide on private and public lands. DEALER INQUIRIES INVITED can be submitted to the Division and your entry On State Wildlife Areas and Bombay Hook will be added to Delaware’s records book. For National Wildlife Refuge that require a stand more information, please call (302) 735-3600. allocation drawing, the lottery drawing will Toll Free: 800-922-6287 Antlers cannot be scored until at least 60 days be held 1.5 hours before legal shooting time. www.harvestermuzzleloading.com have passed since the deer was harvested.

24 Continued on page 25 DEER HUNTING SECTION

Continued from page 24 service. It is illegal to sell deer taxidermy items WHAT DO THEY LOOK LIKE? and deer meat in Delaware. This includes the They are 2.5 feet high at the shoulder, weigh “recouping” of processing fees for items or meat 50-100 pounds and the sika deer coat is dark Hunters should arrive at least 1.5 hours before not picked up by the legal owner. brown to black. Some even have faint white legal shooting time to sign up. parallel spots on their back. They also have a For more information on youth hunting, see white rump. Males (stags) are larger than females the Youth Hunting section on page 19. SIKA DEER (hinds) and have antlers. Males also have a dark shaggy mane running down their neck. WHAT TO DO IF YOU HARVEST ONE DEER HUNTING Follow the same steps as you would if you har- FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS vested a white-tailed deer and register the deer Q: Will sika deer compete with white-tailed deer? HOURS as described on pages 20 and 21 of this guide. In addition to registering the sika deer via the A: Research conducted in Maryland indicates 1/2 hour before sunrise until 1/2 hour after sunset. phone/internet registration system please call that white-tailed deer and sika deer can coexist the Division of Fish & Wildlife at (302) 735-3600 and it does not appear that they don’t usu- so that Division biologists can collect additional ally directly compete with each other when DEER HUNTING ON harvest information. sika deer populations are at low to modertate densitites. However, more research is needed PUBLIC LANDS WHERE ARE THEY FOUND? to confirm this relationship. Sika deer inhabit marshes, swamps, and asso- For information on deer hunting on public lands, ciated woodlands and agricultural fields. Sika Q: Will sika deer breed with white-tailed deer? see page 41. Deer are a small elk introduced from Asia (China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan) by private citi- A: N o, sika deer will not breed with a white-tailed zens into Maryland in 1916. Recently, their range deer as they are a separate species. Addition- SELLING DEER PARTS has expanded and some individuals have been ally, the breeding season for sika deer occurs in found in Delaware. As a result, the Division will mid to late October, while the breeding season OR DEER MEAT allow Delaware hunters to harvest sika deer for white-tailed deer occurs in mid-November. while hunting for white-tailed deer. The sika No person shall purchase, sell or expose for sale, deer population in Delaware is still very small Q: A re sika deer related to white-tailed deer? or transport, ship or possess with the intent to and the Division would like to keep it that way. sell, any deer or any part of such deer, except Sika deer are not native to the State, so following A: S ort of, both sika deer and white-tailed deer for the hides of lawfully killed deer, at any time. the Division’s goal of not promoting nonnative are members of the deer family (Cervidae), but Therefore, taxidermists and deer butchers species they may be harvested. are of a different genus Cervus (sika deer) and may only charge for a service and may only Odocoileus (white-tailed deer). Sika deer are charge those to whom they are providing the actually more closely related to Rocky Moun- tain elk than they are to white-tailed deer. SOUTHERN SPORTSMAN Hunting Lodge, Inc.

• Father/Son Hunts 150+150+ Acres Acres of of • Corporate Discounts foodfood plots plots planted planted on on for 6 or more -8 -8State State Wildlife Wildlife Areas Areas -Bombay-Bombay Hook Hook NWR NWR • Great Prices! -Redden-Redden State State Forest Forest (No Trophy Fees) • Great Lodging WEWE KEEP KEEP ITIT LOCALLOCAL With Excellent RecentlyRecently funded funded local local grants grants -$5,000+ Delaware 4-H Shooting, Hunting & Conservation Program Meals -$5,000+-$2,300+ Delaware BOW 4-HBecoming Shooting, Outdoor Hunting Woman & Conservation in DE Mentored Program Hunt -$2,300+-$4,500 BOW Catch Becoming a Dream FoundationOutdoor Woman Hunt for in DEa chronically Mentored ill Hunt child -$1,500-$4,500 New Catch Castle a Dream 100 Archers Foundation to rehab Hunt practice for a chronically range used ill for child camps -$1,500-Funded New Castle 8 spotting 100 scopes Archers for to Delaware rehab practice Military range Academy usedRiﬂe forTeam camps Book Your Lifetime Memory Now! -Funded-Funded 8 spotting 5 Archery scopes 3-D targetsfor Delaware for Lower Military DE Archers Academy 4-HRiﬂe ProgramTeam -Funded-Funded 5 Archery Venturing 3-D targets 357 shooting for Lower & hunter DE Archers education 4-H program Program www.southernhunting.com -Funded Venturing 357 shooting & hunter education program Annual Banquet: Saturday January 30, 2021 William Lyon 33730 AnnualModern Banquet: Maturity Saturday Center January Dover, 30, DE 2021 Modern Maturity Center Dover, DE Dave Lyon 33233 Contact: Hollis Warren (302) 270-2400 or Rich Hawkins (302) 242-4868 — Alabama’s Black Belt — Contact: Hollis Warren (302) 270-2400 or Rich Hawkins (302) 242-4868 25 Antlered Deer and Turkey Ruler

WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT 1 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 2 295 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

3 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.

4 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 5 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.

6 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

7 16, east by Route 13, and west by the Maryland State Line. 8 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

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. 10

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 11 113 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. 12 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

13 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. 14 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. 15 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. 15 - Feb. 6 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. 23 - Feb. 27 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. 23 - Feb. 6 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. 23 - Jan. 2 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: A minimum of 250 square inches of hunter orange is required when hunting small game on a State Wildlife Area except when it is lawful to take deer with a firearm and then a minimum of 400 square inches must be worn. 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 snapping Snapping BELLY: Creamy white June 15 - May 15 No limit turtle permit number must be obtained and will be is- Turtle* 1 sued at the time of the trapping license purchase. Those SIZE: 1 ⁄2 times larger with interested in trapping 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.

28 2020/2021 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 2018/19 was 56 years old, with the youngest age of 6 and oldest 92. The Division is currently testing an electronic version of the surveys, if you would like to participate, be sure to include an email address when purchasing a hunting license. Thank you to all the hunters and trappers who participate in these surveys each year!

Estimated Mammal Harvest from the 2018/19 Hunter Mail Survey: GROUNDHOG CATEGORY OPPOSUM RACCOON SQUIRREL RED FOX COYOTE RABBIT

# of Hunters 1,043 857 112 47 484 279 56 # 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 2018/19 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 busy banding waterfowl as part of a expansive monitoring initiative across the Atlantic Flyway. 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.

2020/2021 DELAWARE HUNTING AND TRAPPING GUIDE 29 WILD TURKEY HUNTING SECTION

TURKEY SEASON CLOTHING YOUTH/ Delaware’s spring wild turkey hunting season For safety reasons, it will be illegal to wear any NON-AMBULATORY will run from April 10, 2021 - May 8, 2021. A spe- visible garment having the colors red, white cial one-day hunt for youth and non-ambulatory or blue. DISABLED TURKEY disabled hunters will occur on April 3, 2021. No Sunday hunting. Public land permits can HUNT, APRIL 3, 2021 only be used on the property and season segment BLINDS/DECOYS for which they are issued. Applications must be Open statewide. Any youth from 10 years received by January 8, 2021 to be processed for Temporary blinds of vegetation or camouflage through 15 years and individuals that are the lottery drawing. material are legal. Artificial turkey decoys are non-ambulatory disabled may hunt. Young Segment dates (A-D) for Public Land legal. Decoys may have no parts from a formerly hunters must be accompanied by an adult 21 Permits are: live turkey. years of age or older. Hunters 13-15 years old (A) April 10 - April 16 must have a valid Delaware junior hunting (B) April 17 - April 23 license and must have taken a Basic Hunter (C) April 24 - April 30 RESTRICTIONS Safety course as well as a Delaware approved (D) May 1 - May 8 turkey hunter safety course. Dogs or bait may not be used. Hunters may Adult companions must be licensed to hunt not drive turkeys or shoot them while they in Delaware (or exempt) and must have taken a TURKEY HUNTING are at roost. Delaware approved turkey hunter safety class. Adult companions may not possess a firearm HOURS during the hunt. Young hunters must be of MANDATORY sufficient size and physical strength to safely 1/2 hour before sunrise until 1:00 p.m. All turkeys handle a firearm. must be checked at an authorized turkey check TURKEY SAFETY The normal bag limits and regulations apply station by 2:30 p.m. on the day the bird is killed. and all turkeys taken must be registered. COURSE All state wildlife areas and state forests open for turkey hunting will be open for the Youth/ TURKEY CHECK Before hunting turkeys in Delaware for the first Non-Ambulatory Disabled Turkey Hunt. Hunt- time, all hunters age 13 and older must com- ers may go to any areas they choose. If over- STATIONS plete a mandatory turkey education course. For crowding occurs, the Division may add this hunt more information, please see inset located in to its pre-season lottery system in future seasons. Locations and hours will be posted on the Divi- bottom right corner of this page and page 48 For more information on youth hunting, see sion’s website www.de.gov/fw. just prior to the of this guide. Upon successful completion of the Youth Hunting section on page 19. season. Information can also be obtained by this course, hunters will need to reprint their calling 735-3600 or 739-9912. See page 31 for hunting license (if they already have a license) the list of tentative Turkey Checking Stations. as completion of the course will be indicated on the license. Hunters that have already suc- FIRST TIME cessfully completed the course will no longer LEGAL BIRDS need to carry a card as proof of completion as TURKEY HUNTERS long as their hunting license indicates they have AND BAG LIMIT completed the course. In addition, public land All first time Delaware turkey hunters hunters must have an annual permit from the must successfully complete a Division Bearded birds only. Bag limit is one turkey Division if hunting on a State Wildlife Area or approved Turkey Hunting Safety Course. per year. from the Delaware Department of Agriculture This includes both public and private if hunting on a State Forest. hunters. Public land hunters must have completed the Turkey Hunting Safety CALLS Course before they can apply for a public PUBLIC LAND land turkey permit. All non-electric calls will be legal. For safety To register for a classroom Turkey reasons, hunters should not imitate the male TURKEY PERMITS gobbling call. Hunting Safety Course, call the Hunter A permit is needed to hunt turkey on pub- Education Office at (302) 735-3600 Ext. 1. lic lands. See page 45 for the permit applica- Delaware also accepts two online LEGAL FIREARMS, tion form to hunt on State Wildlife Areas. See turkey courses: page 43 for information on how to hunt on WildTurkeyHuntingCourse.com BOWS, AND State Forest Lands. Hunters will no longer be (Certification fee $39.95) eligible to receive a permit to hunt on both State SHOT SIZES Forests and State Wildlife Areas in the same todayshunter.com/turkey101/ season. The State Forest Lottery will be held (Certification Fee $29.99) 1. Shotguns – 20, 16, 12, 10 gauge – legal shot after the State Wildlife Area Lottery. Hunters sizes: #4, #5, #6. Ammunition containing 7 or that successfully receive a State Wildlife Area Note: Upon completion of the online 7 ½ shot may be used if it is part of a duplex permit, and applied for a State Forest permit, course, students must contact the or triplex load containing 4, 5, or 6 shot. will have their State Forest application removed Hunter Education office at hunteredu- 2. Muzzleloaders – smoothbore muzzleloading before the lottery takes place and they will [email protected] or 302.735.3600 shotguns only; #4, #5, #6 shot only. not be eligible for the State Forest lottery. This (Ext. 1) to update their account to reflect 3. Longbow/compound/crossbow – Minimum change is being made to maximize the number course completion. Students will be broadhead width of 7/8 inches. of individual hunters that have an opportunity required to submit a copy of their course 4. Crossbows may be used for turkey hunting. to hunt on publicly-owned land each season. completion certificate. Please include Crossbows must meet the same standards a phone number where the Hunter as for deer hunting. Education Office may call, in case there are any questions.

30 2020/2021 DELAWARE HUNTING AND TRAPPING GUIDE WILD TURKEY HUNTING SECTION

WILD TURKEY DELAWARE TURKEY HUNTING RESEARCH CHECK STATIONS* HARVESTING LEG BANDED TURKEYS NEW CASTLE COUNTY SUSSEX COUNTY The University of Delaware in collaboration Ommelanden Hunter Education Wildlife Recreations with the Delaware Division of Fish & Wildlife, and Training Center has been capturing and banding turkeys in 9641 Tharp Road, Seaford 1205 River Road, New Castle, DE 19720 (302) 430-9453 Delaware. All turkeys will receive numbered (302) 323-5333 leg bands, and some will receive radio transmit- For hours of operation, please call Hook ‘Em and Cook ‘Em ters, both of which allow us to collect data on (302) 735-3600 34444 Coastal Highway, Unit 3, turkey ecology and hunter harvests. Hunters Bethany Beach should treat turkeys with transmitters and leg (302) 539-6243 bands as they would an unmarked turkey. So KENT COUNTY that we can accurately evaluate turkey sur- McKay Wildlife and Kelly’s Outdoors vival, hunters should not target marked birds Hunter Education Field Office 29920 John H, Williams Hwy., Millsboro or refrain from harvesting marked birds if they 6180 Hay Point Landing Road, Smyrna (302) 934-7517 can tell they are banded prior to harvest as this (Intersection of Route 9/Shorts Landing Road) will influence our research results. If a marked Lankfords Gun Shop (302) 735-3600 turkey is legal for harvest, then it may be har- 614 West Stein Hwy, Unit 2, Seaford vested. If a hunter harvests a marked turkey, Little Creek Wildlife Area Check Station (302) 536-7077 they are asked to call the phone number listed Route 9, Bayside Drive, Little Creek South Fork Deli on the metal leg band, (302) 831-4621, or the (Just south of the Town of Little Creek) 32890 Rd 510, Laurel Division at (302) 735-3600 so that information (302) 739-4610 concerning the harvested turkey can be col- (302) 875-8700 lected. Furthermore, hunters must still register Williamsville Store their turkey in the same manner described 3544 Williamsville Road, Houston within this Guide. (302) 424-2277 Miller’s Butcher Shop & Sporting Goods 577 Morgan’s Choice Road, Wyoming (302) 697-8278 Delmarva Speed & Sport 689 Warner Road, Milford (302) 424-1179

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

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.

2020/2021 DELAWARE HUNTING AND TRAPPING GUIDE 31 MIGRATORY BIRD HUNTING SECTION

H.I.P. will fulfill these needs. Under the Harvest Stamp and state waterfowl (duck) stamp and HARVEST Information Program, migratory bird hunters has a H.I.P. number. need a special permit to hunt. To get the per- INFORMATION mit, hunters have to provide their name and • When purchasing your waterfowl (duck) address, and answer a few questions about their stamp on the electronic systems, the stamp PROGRAM – H.I.P. previous year’s hunting effort and success. This image is printed on your license if you pur- information is collected by the state, remains chase your hunting license at the same time. If you are a Delaware migratory bird totally confidential, and goes immediately to If you purchase the stamp separately you hunter (ducks, geese, swans, doves, the USFWS which randomly selects hunters to will receive the stamp image. The Division woodcock, rails, snipe, and coots), you receive a survey form. This way, hunters have no longer mails original waterfowl (duck) MUST obtain a new H.I.P number each year. the forms to record harvest information during stamps automatically at the end of the season H.I.P. is the “Harvest Information Program” the season instead of after the fact like the old (June 30th of each year). If you would like an which is required by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife survey required. By surveying while hunting original stamp sent to you please call (302) Service (USFWS). It was started in 1992 when is going on, much better information should 739-9918 and provide your name, address California, Missouri, and South Dakota par- be available to the Service for evaluating bird and order ID number after you purchase ticipated in the pilot program. For many years, harvests and the status of migratory bird spe- the electronic stamp. the USFWS has collected waterfowl harvest cies. If you are going to hunt migratory birds in information through a post-season survey of Delaware, you MUST have a H.I.P. number. To hunters who purchased Federal duck stamps. obtain your number please visit https://de.gov/ This survey was fine for its time, but better DigitalDNREC or call toll free 1-855-335-4868. YOUTH WATERFOWL information is now needed. Also, the previ- THIS PERMIT IS FREE. Hunters shall record ous survey did not provide harvest data on their 6-digit H.I.P. number on their hunting HUNTING DAYS other migratory birds like doves and woodcock. license. If the H.I.P. number is obtained at the same time the license is acquired, or if a YOUTH WATERFOWL HUNTS, hunter reprints their license after receiving OCTOBER 17, 2020 AND NON-TOXIC SHOT their number, it will automatically be printed FEBRUARY 6, 2021 on the license. Open statewide on private and public lands, including state wildlife areas and the federal Non-toxic shot, as approved by the U.S. refuges. The lottery drawing for state blinds Fish and Wildlife Service, is required for NON-RESIDENT 3-DAY is 1.5 hours before legal shooting time except all waterfowl hunting within the State of for the Little Creek WA where the drawing Delaware. There are no exceptions. HUNTING LICENSE is 2 hours before legal shooting time. Hunt- For a list of currently approved non-toxic ers should arrive prior to 2 hours before legal shot types visit http://flyways.us/faq/ • The non-resident 3-day hunting license shooting time to sign up for the lottery. what-type-shot-approved-non-toxic-us. may be used to hunt waterfowl provided Children 10 through 15 years old may hunt, the hunter has purchased the Federal Duck but must be accompanied by a licensed adult 21

The most up-to-date regulations online.

32 MIGRATORY BIRD HUNTING SECTION

years of age or older. No state or federal stamps During the waterfowl season, it shall be unlaw- on page 7 for information related to reciprocity are required. Thirteen, fourteen and fifteen ful for any person to hunt from a boat, or a in other states. Maryland resident hunters can year old hunters must purchase a Delaware floating or fixed blind in the Little River in areas hunt snow geese in Delaware with their Mary- junior hunting license. Regular season limits bounded on both sides by land administered land resident hunting license provided they and waterfowl hunting regulations apply. by the Division. obtain a Delaware License Exempt Number Adult companions must be licensed to hunt During the waterfowl season, it shall be (LEN) specifically for hunting snow geese and in Delaware (or exempt) but may not possess unlawful for any person to hunt within 900 they must obtain a Delaware License Exempt a firearm during the hunt. For more informa- feet of the shoreline (high tide line) of the Dela- Number (LEN), Delaware Waterfowl (Duck) tion on youth hunting, see the Youth Hunting ware River and Bay, between the Appoquin- Stamp, a Federal Duck Stamp, a Delaware section on page 19. imink River and the Smyrna River, without H.I.P. number and are in compliance with the written permission of the closest adjoining Delaware Hunter Safety laws. When obtaining WATERFOWL REGULATIONS WERE landowner(s). Furthermore, it shall be unlawful the LEN, Maryland residents will be asked to ADOPTED THROUGH FEDERAL for any person to hunt within 1,500 feet of the provide their Maryland DNR ID number. For REGULATIONS. shoreline (high tide line) of the Delaware River more information about how to obtain a LEN and Bay, between the Smyrna River and the see pages 6 and 7. This agreement only applies Murderkill River, without written permission to residents of Maryland and Delaware. HUNTING of the closest adjoining landowner(s). It shall be unlawful for tender boats servic- CONSERVATION ORDER FROM BOATS ing gunning (layout) rigs to be further than The snow goose Conservation Order (CO) 1,500 feet from the rig or to conduct any activ- will reopen during the winter and spring of During the waterfowl season, it shall be unlaw- ity, except to pick up downed birds or service 2021 after other waterfowl hunting is closed. ful for any person to hunt from a boat of any the rig. When the CO is open, snow goose hunters can kind that is within 1,500 feet of an established use unplugged shotguns and electronic calls. blind, unless they have permission from the In addition, hunting hours are extended to a blind owner, except that: SNOW GEESE half hour before sunrise to a half hour after • Any person may retrieve crippled waterfowl sunset and daily bag and possession limits by the use of a boat in accordance with fed- Hunters are reminded that Delaware and Mary- are removed. Participants hunting during the eral Regulations land have a reciprocal agreement for hunting CO must have a valid Delaware or Maryland snow geese. Delaware hunters can hunt snow resident hunting license and Delaware License • Any person may use a boat for transporta- geese in Maryland with their Delaware hunting Exempt Number (LEN) if the hunter is a Mary- tion to and from an established blind law- license provided they have a Maryland Migra- land resident, a Delaware Waterfowl (Duck) fully used by such person tory Game Bird Stamp, a Federal Duck Stamp, a Stamp (Federal stamp not required), a Delaware Speed and handlingMaryland H.I.P.come number and standard. are in compliance HIP number and the free CO permit issued by • Any person may hunt from a boat that is with Maryland Hunter Safety laws. Holders of firmly secured and enclosed in an estab- a Delaware resident guide license should refer lished blind.Hunting permit’s toon the “Delaware you. Guide/Hunt License” section Continued on page 36 Speeds up to 40 mph. Plus best-in-class acceleration and handling* with cargo. The gas-powered Sidekick was born for your next hunt. Visit us today.

GET THERE: With a powerful 24.8 HP* Kubota diesel engine, DO MORE: Kubota’s Standard L Series is available 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. ergonomic seat and intuitive operator controls. Speed and handling come standard.GET THERE: With a powerful 24.8 HP* Kubota diesel engine, DO MORE: Kubota’s Standard L Series is available 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, Hunting permit’s on you. your chores in comfort from a spacious, all-weather cab. ergonomic seat and intuitive operator controls. Speeds up to 40 mph. Plus best-in-class acceleration and handling* with cargo. The gas-powered Sidekick was born for your next hunt. Visit us today.

Speed and handling come standard. Hunting permit’s on you. 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-ShiftBest transmission.-in-Class The M6 offersacceleration greater comfort and andvisibility with handling an extra-spacious with cargo zero-turn mower for durability and all-around performance Grand X Cab. Speed and handlingwith 48, 54 or 60-inch decks. Speeds up to 40 comemph. Plus best-in-class acceleration standard. and handling* with cargo. 40mph • Gas Powered • 2 year/1000 hour warranty The gas-powered Sidekick was born for your next hunt. Visit us today.

Best-in-Class acceleration and handling with cargo BE POWERFUL: An unbeatable combination of performance and maneuverability with Kubota diesel engines up MAKE THE CUT: Depend on the Z700 commercial grade 40mph • Gas Powered • 2 year/1000 hour warranty 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 HuntingGrand X Cab. permit’s onwith 48, 54you. or 60-inch decks. Serving Delmarva* since 1949 Speeds up to 40 mph. Plus best-in-class accelerationOpen and Mon handling - Fri 8am with- 5pm cargo. Saturday 8am - Noon The gas-powered Sidekick was born for your next hunt. Visit us today. March - October

www.kubota.com BurkeEquipment.com *For complete warranty, safety and product information, consult your local Kubota dealer and the product operator’s manual. Power (HP/KW) and other specifications are based on various standards or Sidekick.Kubota.com recommended practices. Optional equipment may be shown. © Kubota Tractor Corporation, 2016 Delmar Class is ased on these models: Polaris anger P 900 ohn eere 3 awasai ule PO. The handling comparison was performed on the A PA course in gravel conditions. uota Tractor Corporation 2020. This material is for descriptive purposes onl. uota disclaims all representations and warranties expressSidekick.Kubota.com or implied or an liailit from 11196 E. Snake Rd/Rt 13 • 302.248.7070 the use of this material. or complete warrant safet and product information consult our local uota dealer. or the complete disclaimer go to uotaA.com/disclaimers and see the posted disclaimer. Class is ased on these models: Polaris anger P 900 ohn eere 3 awasai ule PO. The handling comparison was performed on the A PA course in gravel conditions. www.kubota.com Felton uota Tractor Corporation 2020. This material is for*For descriptive complete warranty,purposes safetyonl. uota and product disclaims information, all representations consult and warranties express or implied or an liailit from the use of this material. or complete warrant safetyour and local product Kubota information dealer and consult the product our localoperator’s uota manual. dealer. Poweror the complete disclaimer go to uotaA.com/disclaimers54 Andrews Lake Rd/Rt 13 • 302.284.0123 (HP/KW) and other specifications are based on various standards or and see the posted disclaimer. recommended practices. Optional equipment may be shown. © Kubota Tractor Corporation, 2016 Newark 2063 Pulaski Hwy/Rt 40 8 302.365.6000 33

Best-in-Class acceleration and handling with cargo 40mph • Gas Powered • 2 year/1000 hour warranty

Sidekick.Kubota.com Class is ased on these models: Polaris anger P 900 ohn eere 3 awasai ule PO. The handling comparison was performed on the A PA course in gravel conditions. uota Tractor Corporation 2020. This material is for descriptive purposes onl. uota disclaims all representations and warranties express or implied or an liailit from the use of this material. or complete warrant safet and product information consult our local uota dealer. or the complete disclaimer go to uotaA.com/disclaimers and see the posted disclaimer. MIGRATORY BIRD HUNTING SECTION DELAWARE MIGRATORY GAMEBIRD SEASON SUMMARY DUCKS SEASON DATES DAILY BAG LIMIT POSSESSION LIMIT

Oct 23 - Nov 3 Ducks (Regular Season) Nov 23 - Nov. 28 6 18 Dec 11 - Jan 30

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 17 & Feb 6 Youth must be age 10-15. Daily bag limits as listed below apply for ducks, mergansers, coots, moorhens, gallinules, Canada geese, snow geese, brant, 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; 1 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 30* 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 1 - Sep 25 15 45

Nov 25 - Nov 28 Canada Goose (Migratory) 1 3 Including White-fronted geese Dec 19 - Jan 18

Nov. 23 - Nov. 28 Brant 2 6 Dec. 11 - Jan. 30 Snow Goose Oct 1 - Jan 30 and Feb. 6 25 No limit Including Ross’ goose Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge open Mon., Wed., and Fri. with permission of Refuge Manager. Feb 1 - Feb 5 Snow Goose Conservation Order No bag or possession limits Feb 8 - Apr 9 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 https:// de.gov/DigitalDNREC (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 6, 2021 which is the second youth waterfowl day and will reopen on Monday, February 8, 2021. Snow geese, including Ross’ geese, may be harvested on Saturday, February 6, 2021 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) Nov. 11 - Jan. 30 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

34 2020/2021 DELAWARE HUNTING AND TRAPPING GUIDE MIGRATORY BIRD HUNTING SECTION

OTHER SPECIES SEASON DATES DAILY BAG LIMIT POSSESSION LIMIT

Sep 1 - Oct 5* Mourning Dove 15 45 Nov 23 - Jan 30

* During the month of September, all hunters must use non-toxic shot when dove hunting on State Wildlife Areas.

King & Clapper Rails Sep 5 - Nov 25 10* 30 * Singly or in combination of the two species

Sora & Virginia Rails Sep 5 - Nov 25 25* 75 * Singly or in combination of the two species

Nov 23 - Nov 28 Woodcock 3 9 Dec 5 - Jan 19

Sep 11 - Nov 28 Common Snipe 8 24 Dec 5 - Jan 19

Moorhens & Gallinules Sep 5 - Nov 25 15 45

Crow July 2, 2020 - Mar 27, 2021 and Jun 24 - 26, 2021* 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.

HOPKINS GUN SHOP

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Continued from page 33 their license after receiving their number, it annual random lottery. Hunters that are suc- will automatically be printed on the license. cessfully selected during the lottery will be the Division. Holders of a Delaware resident Hunters will also be provided a log to help notified in early September. The application for guide license should refer to the “Delaware them keep track of their hunting effort dur- the lottery may be found below and all appli- Guide/Hunt License” section on pages 7 and ing the CO. When they are finished hunting, cants must have a valid 2020/21 hunting license 8 for information related to reciprocity in other or by May 15, 2021, hunters are required to or valid License Exempt Number by September states. The Snow Goose Conservation Order report their hunting effort by visiting visiting 25, 2020. If not, their permit will be forfeited Number can be obtained by visiting https:// https://de.gov/DigitalDNREC or by calling and issued to another hunter. Each permit de.gov/DigitalDNREC or by calling 1-855-DEL- 1-855-DEL-HUNT (1-855-335-4868). is valid statewide but landowner permission HUNT (1-855-335-4868). THIS PERMIT IS is required to hunt on privately-owned land FREE. The need for the Delaware Waterfowl and hunters should refer to the information (Duck) Stamp follows the requirements on page TUNDRA SWANS provided with their permit for rules concern- 6 of this guide as related to hunter age. Hunt- ing when and where tundra swan hunting is ers shall record their 6-digit Snow Goose CO Tundra swans may be hunted by permit only. allowed on publicly-owned lands. number on their hunting license. If the Snow Hunters are only eligible for one permit annu- A total of 67 permits will be issued dur- Goose CO number is obtained at the same time ally and will be limited to one tundra swan ing the 2020/21 tundra swan hunting season the license is acquired, or if a hunter reprints per season. Permits will be issued through an with no more than 4 permits being issued to

SWAN IDENTIFICATION

Tundra Swan Mute Swan Trumpeter Swan • Regulated season by permit only: • Currently allowed to be harvested during • Closed Season » 1 Permit/person/season any waterfowl season • Few records in Delaware • Adult: large and entirely white with a long • Unlimited take • Adult: large and entirely white with a long neck, with black wedge shaped bill show- • Non-native/exotic neck, with black wedge shaped bill, black ing a small yellow spot on the black facial • Adult: large and entirely white with a long facial skin in front of the eye skin in front of the eye neck, bright orange bill, black skin around • Juvenile: pale dusky-brown/gray with • Juvenile: pale dusky-brown/gray with face with large black knob at the base of extensive white highlights and a pink cen- extgensive white highlights and a mostly the upper part of the bill ter to a black bill pink bill with black tip • Juvenile: pale dusky-brown/gray with extensive white highlights and a mostly pink bill with black base. Small black knob at the base of the upper part of the bill Source: www.allaboutbirds.org

2020-2021 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 2020/21 hunting license or License Exempt Number by September 25, 2020 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 28, 2020. Late applications will not be accepted. No exceptions.

36 2020/2021 DELAWARE HUNTING AND TRAPPING GUIDE MIGRATORY BIRD HUNTING SECTION individuals through eligible waterfowl conservation organizations and the remaining will be issued through a random lottery run by the WOOD DUCK BOX PROGRAM Division. The number of permits available to non-residents will be capped and shall not Plastic Bellrose wood duck nest exceed the percentage of non-resident hunt- boxes are available to Delaware prop- ers as determined from the most recent year erty owners for purchase through the for which hunting license sales were certified Division of Fish & Wildlife’s regional (17.51% were non-residents). For the 2020/21 wildlife offices. Nest box costs are swan season, no more than 11 tundra swan subsidized with State Waterfowl permits will be given to non-residents. Stamp funds. Because of these sub- The Division will issue a non-reusable tag sidies, these $60 nest boxes can be with each permit that the successful hunter must purchased from the Division for just immediately affix to the bird at the time of kill. $30. Contact a Fish & Wildlife regional All hunters that successfully harvest a tundra manager to learn more! swan must visit a designated state-operated check station or Natural Resource Police Officer New Castle County: (302) 834-8433 within 24 hours of harvest to register their swan Kent County: (302) 284-4795 and to have biological data collected from the Sussex County: (302) 539-3160 bird. Information pertaining to registration procedures will be included within the permit pack- age that each selected hunter will receive prior to the season. Hunters will also receive a swan hunting questionnaire that must be returned to the Division at the end of the tundra swan season to assess hunter effort and success. Hunters are required to return this questionnaire even if they do not harvest a tundra swan. Hunters who fail to return the questionnaire will be ineligible for the following year’s swan lottery.

CAUTION: Shot carries beyond the lethal range. Hunters should use extreme caution when selecting the direction they shoot in.

DELAWARE WATERFOWL (DUCK) STAMP PROGRAM

2020 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 2020 entries submitted had to depict an American Wigeon and Chocolate Labrador Retriever. The 2020 prints and stamps (as well as the 2018 and 2019 prints and stamps) will be available July 1, 2020. After June 30, 2020 the 2017 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.

2020/2021 DELAWARE HUNTING AND TRAPPING GUIDE 37 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 and not wearing your engine cut-off switch

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, if boat construction will permit entrapment of flammable vapors. • Never cross large bodies of water during 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 Guard regulations require all vessels to carry day and night distress signaling devices. • Stay with your boat if you capsize and can’t Outboard motorboats less than 16’ in length are exempt from daytime requirements. get to shore. Try to climb on it.

* Test for serviceability of PFD—All PFD’s must be readily accessible, in serviceable condition, legibly marked with • Avoid standing up or moving around the 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.

38 2020/2021 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 next page. 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 20 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. 29* muzzleloader seasons are 7:00 PM until midnight. landowner. For your convenience, trappers and No Limit Mar. 1 - Mar. 31 who wish to trap on private property may Opossum See page 20 for deer season dates. use the Private Land Trapping Permission Hunting season: See Raccoons section on next page for special zone Form on page 8 in this guide. Nov. 1 - Feb. 27** where season is open all year, except Sundays, including during the deer seasons listed above. • Fail to visit traps, except those set for muskrats, at least once every 24 hours. Raccoons and opossums may be hunted with compound, recurve, longbow, shotgun, or .22 caliber • Set traps any time before the opening day of rimfire pistol. a season or any time after the last day of a *Season closed during the Oct. muzzleloader, Oct. season. (There is no provision in Delaware’s antlerless, Nov. Youth/Non-ambulatory Disabled Hunt, laws to set up traps the day before a season Chase only season Nov. Shotgun, and Dec. antlerless seasons. Season opens or to allow the removal of traps for (no harvest al- open on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday on private several days after a season closes.) lowed): Oct. 1 land only during the Jan. handgun, Jan. shotgun, and - Apr. 30*except Jan. muzzleloader deer seasons provided the owner • Set foothold traps with a jaw spread in excess season closed dur- of the private land has authorized such fox chasing to of 6 ½” above the waterline or 7 ¾” beneath the ing deer shotgun, occur thereon. See page 20 for deer season dates. waterline. “Waterline” shall refer to beneath Red Fox muzzleloader and No Limit the surface of the water or below the mean ** Red fox may be harvested with a compound, antlerless seasons high tide line in an area ordinarily subject recurve, longbow, crossbow, shotgun, muzzleloading occuring Oct. to the rise and fall of the tide. Jaw spread is rifle, rimfire or centerfire rifle up to .25 caliber. thru Dec. Red fox may not be harvested with handguns or Hunt: straight-walled pistol-caliber rifles. Continued on page 40 Nov. 1 - Feb. 27** See next page 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. 1 - Feb. 27 No Limit Coyotes may not be harvested with handguns or Professional Grade - Top Price straight-walled pistol-caliber rifles. See next page for firearm restrictions during firearms Trappers, Hunters, Fur Dealers deer seasons. - Any Lot Size Welcome Dec. 1 - Mar. 20 - Beavers may be hunted with shotguns, compound, Beaver Private Land Only 8 per Season Sell Any Time 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 raccoons, opossums, red fox, and coyotes. (856) 848-5885 639 Mantua Grove Rd West Deptford, NJ 08066 [email protected] PO Box 139 www.zanderfur.com Gibbstown, NJ 08027 2020/2021 DELAWARE HUNTING AND TRAPPING GUIDE 39 FURBEARER TRAPPING & HUNTING SECTION

Continued from page 39 • Set traps (except box/cage traps) within 10’ of COYOTES exposed meat used as bait. The use of animal measured as the widest distance from this fur or feathers without any attached animal Anyone that shoots or traps a coyote must report inside of both jaws on a line drawn perpen- tissue is not restricted. the harvest by contacting the Division of Fish & dicular through the jaw pivot points when • Trap within 100 yards of an occupied structure Wildlife at (302) 735-3600 by the close of business the trap is in the set position. (unless trapper is the owner or occupant, or on the day following the harvest. Harvest reports has permission from the owner or occupant). are an important way for Division biologists to • Set foothold traps in areas above the water- track coyote distribution and abundance across line without them having offset, laminated, the state. During any deer firearms season, it will or padded jaws, with the exception being TRAPPING be unlawful to hunt coyotes with any firearm that coil-spring traps with a jaw spread of 4 that is not also legal for deer hunting except inches or less and long-spring traps with a FROM BOATS coyotes may never be harvested with a straight- jaw spread of 4 ½ inches or less do not need walled pistol-caliber rifle or handgun. Hides of to be padded, laminated or have offset jaws. An individual may use a boat to tend lawfully coyotes legally taken may be sold. set traps for fur-bearing wildlife • Set foothold traps with toothed or serrated 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 sentative of the Division of Fish & Wildlife in mum diameter of 5/64 inches. Cable restraints with foothold traps, including foot encapsulat- accordance with CITES requirements. Please must be equipped with a relaxing-type lock. ing style traps, cable contact the Division at (302) 735-3600 to make The cable may not exceed 7 feet in length from restraints, or box traps arrangements to have your otter tagged once the anchor point to the relaxing lock and must operated to confine but the pelt has been stretched and dried but before be equipped with at least one swivel device, not harm the entrapped it is sold or shipped out of state. Tags will not which allows for 360° rotation, between the animal. The trap opening be distributed to trappers but instead must be loop and the anchor. The cable restraint must of 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 of the a circumference greater than 38 inches when year (except on Sundays). fully open, or a circumference less than 6 ¼ Raccoons may be BE AV E R inches when fully closed. Cable restraints hunted and trapped any with a maximum loop circumference of 12 time of the year on pri- Landowners with damage caused by beavers may ½ inches do not require cable stops. Cable vate land in New Castle take up to 8 per season without a permit from restraints must be maintained in good condi- and Kent Counties east December 1 through March 20 provided they tion so that all components operate properly. of Rte. 13 from Federal report their catch by April 1. Beavers may not be School Lane (near the taken at any other time. More than 8 may be taken • Move, take, or damage any trap, or take, or Ommelanden Range with a permit from the Division. Beaver hides and attempt to take, wildlife from any trap without in New Castle County) the meat of lawfully taken beaver harvested any- first acquiring specific advance permission. south to the St. Jones where within or outside of Delaware may be sold. River in Kent County. • Use killer or conibear traps with a jaw spread Where Rte. 13 and Rte. 1 split in Dover, the west- in excess of 5 inches. erly boundary follows Rte. 1 until it meets the St. RED FOX Jones River with permission from the landowner. • Use diving or box traps for muskrats. In all other areas of the state, the regular season It is unlawful to kill a red fox that is being pur- applies. See previous page. 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. It Identification is unlawful to hunt red fox with the aid of a light. While coyotes have been in Delaware for at least 20 years, many reported coyote sightings are misidenti- fied dogs and red foxes. Adult coyotes generally weigh GRAY FOX from 20 to 45 pounds. Coyotes look somewhat like 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 during the established hunting and trapping the ground. Most coyotes are brownish gray in color seasons for red fox. No take is permitted north with a light gray to cream-colored belly although they of the canal. Anyone that shoots or traps a gray can vary in color from reddish to even black. Coyote Coyote fox must report the take to the Division within tracks are often confused with those made by a red 7 days of the harvest by calling (302) 735-3600. fox or domestic dog likely due to the variation in size and shape of domestic dog breeds, some of which are similar to coyotes. Coyote tracks are smaller than many NUTRIA people think and are oval in shape, whereas dog tracks are generally more round. Additionally, the middle toe Anyone that traps a nutria must report the har- pads of a coyote track generally point inward whereas vest by contacting the Division of Fish & Wild- the toe pads of a domestic dog generally do not (see life at (302) 735-3600 by the close of business on inset image for comparison, size, and shape). the day following the harvest. Harvest reports For more information on coyotes in Delaware, please are an important way for Division biologists to visit the Division’s webpage on Coyotes at https://dnrec. Red Fox track nutria distribution and abundance across alpha.delaware.gov/fish-wildlife/hunting/coyotes/. the state. Captured nutria may not be released back into the wild alive and must be killed. Hides of nutria legally taken may be sold.

40 2020/2021 DELAWARE HUNTING AND TRAPPING GUIDE PUBLIC LANDS HUNTING AND TRAPPING SECTION PUBLIC HUNTING AREAS WITHIN HUNTING EACH COUNTY OPPORTUNITIES ZONEA DEER WATERFOWL TURKEYB SMALL GAME ON PUBLIC LANDS NEW CASTLE WATERFOWL STATE WILDLIFE AREAS Waterfowl hunters have a variety of opportunities 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 C&D Canal Conservation Area 1A,1B,2,3 X X X X individual area maps for specific area rules Cedar Swamp Wildlife Area 3 X*(L) X (L) X X (L) and regulations. The following areas are by permit only STATE PARKS issued through a daily lottery: Auburn Valley State Park X • Augustine WA Brandwine Creek State Park 1A X** • Cedar Swamp WA Lums Pond State Park 1B X • Woodland Beach WA • Kelley Island (part of Bombay Hook National White Clay Creek State Park 1A X Wildlife Refuge) STATE FORESTS • Little Creek WA (portions of) Blackbird State Forest 2 X* X X X • Ted Harvey CA (potions of) KENT • Assawoman WA (portions of) • Prime Hook WA and Prime Hook National STATE WILDLIFE AREAS Wildlife Refuge (lotteries run through Blackiston Wildlife Area 4 X X X X National Wildlife Refuge lottery system) Little Creek Wildlife Area 5 X (PL) X (PL, T) X X (PL) McGinnis Pond Wildlife Area 8 X DEER Deer hunters have a variety of opportunities Milford Neck Wildlife Area 9 X X (T) X X to hunt on public lands in Delaware. Refer to Norman G. Wilder Wildlife Area 6 X X X X individual area maps for specific area rules Ted Harvey Conservation Area 5,8 X (PL) X (PL, T) X X (PL) and regulations. Urban/Fortney Wildlife Area 4 X X The following areas have firearm deer hunting by permit only issued through a daily lottery. Woodland Beach Wildlife Area 5 X* (PL) X (L, T) X X (PL) • White Clay Creek State Park STATE PARKS • Augustine WA Killens Pond State Park 8 X • Blackbird State Forest STATE FORESTS • Cedar Swamp WA • Woodland Beach WA (except the Lighthouse Taber State Forest 7 X X X X Island tract) NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGES • Little Creek WA (portions of) Bombay Hook NWR 5 X X X • Ted Harvey CA SUSSEX • Assawoman WA (portions of) • Deer hunting at Lums Pond, Trap Pond, STATE WILDLIFE AREAS Cape Henlopen, and Delaware Seashore Assawoman Wildlife Area 15,17 X (PL) X (L) X X State Parks is by permit only and hunters Barr Complex 11 X X X X should contact the Park Office where they intend to hunt for specific site information. Industrial Forest Lands - Laurel 13,16 X X X X For more information call (302) 739-9220 or Marshy Hope Wildlife Area 10 X X X X visit destateparks.com. Midlands Wildlife Area 14 X X X X Milford Neck Wildlife Area 9 X X X X Nanticoke Wildlife Area 13 X X X X QUALITY BUCK Old Furnace Wildlife Area 11 X X X MANAGEMENT Prime Hook Wildlife Area 9 X X (L) X X STATE PARKS AREAS 9 X X Cape Henlopen State Park The Cedar Swamp (except the Rocks tract) and Delaware Seashore State Park 15 X X Woodland Beach State Wildlife Areas as well as Holts Landing State Park 15 X the Dulany Manor tract of Blackbird State Forest Trap Pond State Park 16 X X and the Chesapeake, Ellendale, Headquarters, and Jester tracts of Redden State Forest and Kil- STATE FORESTS lens Pond State Park are Quality Buck Areas. All Redden State Forest 8,11,12,15 X* X X X hunters (except hunters under 17 years of age NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGES and non-ambulatory hunters hunting on either Prime Hook NWR 9,12 X X (L) X the Cedar Swamp or Woodland Beach State Wildlife Areas) hunting these areas shall not A – Zone refers to the Wildlife Management Zone(s) in which the public land is located. Refer to page 26 for zone boundaries. take an antlered deer with a minimum outside B – All public land turkey hunting by preseason lottery only. See page 45 for application. X – Species allowed to be hunted here. See area map for specific seasons, rules, and locations. antler spread of less than 15 inches at any time. L – Hunting only available through daily lottery. See area map for lottery requirements. Only bucks that qualify for the existing Quality PL – Hunting on portions of area only available through daily lottery. Buck Tag are legal in these areas. Antlerless T - Open for September Teal Season deer can still be legally harvested. *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.

2020/2021 DELAWARE HUNTING AND TRAPPING GUIDE 41 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 45 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. https://de.gov/DigitalDNREC. • 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 & 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 $5.00 plus $1.00 for shipping. Maps are also Areas, except for the C&D Canal Conser- available for free at https://de.gov/wamaps. vation Area. See pages 13 and 14 for more information. Continued on page 43

The Lowcountry Awaits PROFESSIONAL FISHING GUIDE FLY AND CONVENTIONAL

INSHORE × NEARSHORE × OFFSHORE Charleston, SC (843)860-4231 × john@ yrightcharters.com www. yrightcharters.com 42 PUBLIC LANDS HUNTING AND TRAPPING SECTION PUBLIC LANDS HUNTING AND TRAPPING SECTION

they may be found at https://agriculture.dela- DEER STAND & WATERFOWL ware.gov/forest-service/forms-information/ THE FOLLOWING RULES AND BLIND FACILITIES FOR HUNTERS REGULATIONS APPLY TO ALL STATE FOREST LANDS: WITH A DISABILITY • State Forests are year-round multiple use areas. Hunters share the use of State Forest DEER AREA DEER STANDS WATERFOWL BLINDS Lands with other public users such as hikers, LOCATIONS campers, horseback riders, firewood cutters, WHEELCHAIR LIMITED WHEELCHAIR WHEELCHAIR LIMITED and loggers. ACCESSIBLE MOBILITY ACCESSIBLE ACCESSIBLE MOBILITY • No special permits are required to hunt on State Forest lands, except as specified in the Augustine WA 1 1 1 1 DNREC Division of Fish & Wildlife annual Hunting and Trapping Guide. Properly Cedar Swamp WA 4 6 1 3 licensed hunters may hunt during any open season except on areas designated, such as Woodland Beach WA 2 8 3 those marked with Wildlife Sanctuary, NO HUNTING, Safety Zones signs, or Closed to Little Creek WA 3 2 Public White-tailed Deer Hunting. Ted Harvey CA 5 3 1 • Portions of State Forest tracts will be closed to public white-tailed deer hunting from Assawoman WA 9 1 September 1st-January 31st. Please contact each State Forest for a list of these closures. Old Furnace WA 2 4 • Hunting is only permitted as specified on State Forest maps available free-of-charge Nanticoke WA 1 from State Forest offices and online at https:// White Clay Creek SP 9 agriculture.delaware.gov/forest-service/ m a p s/. Trap Pond SP 1 • Sunday hunting is prohibited on all State Forest property. Lums Pond SP 2 • No permanent deer stands, platforms, lad- ders, or blinds may be constructed. No All hunters wishing to hunt from a designated disabled stand or blind must possess a valid State of Delaware Certified screw-in steps, tree spikes, screws, or nails Hunter with Disabilites card. For more information about this program please call (302) 739-9912. are allowed. All parts of temporary (portable) deer stands must be removed on the final day of the January muzzleloader sea- • Hunting is prohibited on all dykes and son; any stands remaining after this date walking on dykes is prohibited during open RULES FOR will be removed and become property of waterfowl seasons. the Delaware Forest Service. Stands may • No trapping on state areas without a valid DELAWARE FOREST be placed after August 1 prior to the start lease. Leases will be bid in October of each year. of the new year’s hunting season. Owners • Non-resident hunters may not participate in SERVICE LANDS of deer stands left on Delaware State Forest deer drives and must hunt from a station- lands during the designated time period ary position only. Non-resident hunters (BLACKBIRD, REDDEN, AND are required to tag/clearly identify their may not walk with a loaded firearm while TABER STATE FORESTS) stand with the owners name and phone deer hunting as this will be considered (Administered by Delaware Forest Service, number. Failure to do you will result in driving deer. Department of Agriculture) Please contact each removal of the stand by Delaware Forest • Small game hunting closed during Decem- State Forest office for a list of any tract closures. Service officials. ber and January Shotgun deer seasons. See • For Redden State Forest information call: • Deer drives by any person or persons are not area maps for details. (302) 856-2893. permitted on any State Forest land at any time. • Baiting for deer hunting is prohibited. • For Blackbird State Forest call: (302) 653-6505. • For deer hunting, only the entrails (internal • Rabbit dogs may be trained on some areas • For Taber State Forest call: (302) 698-4549. organs known as viscera) may be left behind on Sundays during September, October, and on State property. All other deer parts must November except for the Sundays during TURKEY HUNTING CHANGES be removed from State property. firearm deer seasons. See specific wildlife ON STATE FOREST LANDS • Portions of some State Forest tracts are only area maps for dog training regulations. The Delaware Forest Service will be be issu- open to archery hunting for deer. Please • No permanent non-state deer stands are per- ing permits to hunt turkeys on State Forest contact your local State Forest office for more mitted. Temporary portable deer stands may Lands through a separate public lottery system information. be used on some areas (see individual area not found within this guide. Hunters will no • Small game hunting is closed on State Forest maps). Temporary portable stands may be longer be eligible to receive a permit to hunt lands during firearm deer season. erected at the owners own risk after August on both State Forests and State Wildlife Areas • The Delaware Forest Service reserves the 15th and must be removed by February 15th. in the same season. The State Forest Lottery right to close to hunting specific State Forest Any stands left after this date will become will be held after the State Wildlife Area Lot- tracts during specific hunting seasons. There- property of the Division. tery. Hunters that successfully receive a State fore, it is important to consult the current • It shall be unlawful to possess, consume or Wildlife Area permit, and applied for a State hunting guide for a listing of these closures. be under the influence of alcoholic bever- Forest permit, will have their State Forest appli- • Trapping rights may be leased for State For- ages, liquors or drugs while hunting or in cation removed before the lottery takes place est lands. No other trapping is permitted on the possession of firearms when on lands and they will not be eligible for the State Forest State Forest lands. administered by the Division. lottery. This change is being made to maximize • Target shooting is prohibited. • Collection and removal of any wildlife species the number of individual hunters that have an from a State Wildlife Area is prohibited unless opportunity to hunt on publicly-owned land otherwise provided by statute, regulation or each season. Applications are due by January 8, authorized by the Division Director. 2021 and are available at State Forest offices or Continued on page 44

2020/2021 DELAWARE HUNTING AND TRAPPING GUIDE 43 PUBLIC LANDS HUNTING AND TRAPPING SECTION

Continued from page 43 Barlow tracts due to low hunter participation. hunting is also permitted in a few state parks. Please contact BSF for further details. Sunday hunting, handgun and rifle hunting • Waterfowl hunting is permitted on State • Dulany Tract is managed for Quality bucks only. are not permitted in Delaware state parks. Forest property only in designated areas on • No small game hunting on the Dulany Tract. A State Park Registration fee ($10) is required designated days. Please refer to state forest • Archery hunting is permitted from BSF lot- to hunt on State Park lands. Register at any regulations posted at each office and on the tery stands. State Park where hunting is permitted or the back of each map. • During Archery seasons bow hunters, using DNREC office at 89 Kings Highway in Dover. • Red fox hunting is allowed on State Forest BSF stands, must be within 50 yards of their Your registration is good for all State Parks lands but centerfire rifles are not permitted. designated stand. where hunting is permitted for the season. • No dumping or littering. • Please note that archery hunting is the only Include your E-mail address on the registration • Placing paint, ribbon, flagging, reflectors, type of hunting allowed on the Meadows and or send a request to be added to our hunting etc., is not permitted north Barlow Tracts. The Meadows Tract con- mailing list to DNREC_StatePark_Hunting@ • No living trees, shrubs or other vegetation tains the BSF Education Center, which includes delaware.gov to receive information about Spe- may be cut, felled, uprooted, removed or outdoor education trails, so hunters may cial Hunt opportunities and other hunting otherwise injured or destroyed. encounter other individuals on this property. program updates. • No off-road vehicles registered or unregistered. • Stands will be available during the Archery State Park Rules are generally more restric- • Camping is available by permit in desig- seasons on a first-come, first-served basis. tive than on State Wildlife Areas. You can nated areas only. • No more than one hunter may hunt from a obtain the rules and maps specific for the • It is unlawful to use bait for hunting pur- stand at any one time. Park you intend to hunt, at that park’s office, poses on all State Forest lands. • Squirrel hunting is not allowed with a rifle on the State Parks website at https://www. • No parking in front of access gates to State or muzzleloading rifle. Shotgun squirrel destateparks.com/Adventures/Hunting, by Forest lands. hunting is permitted. email request to DNREC_StatePark_Hunting@ • The trails of BSF trails are generally closed delaware.gov or by calling (302) 739-9220. RESTRICTIONS APPLYING TO during firearm hunting seasons, but hunt- REDDEN STATE FOREST ers may encounter other individuals on • Headquarters, Jester, Ellendale and Chesa- BSF properties. RULES FOR BOMBAY peake Tracts are Quality Buck only (doe harvest is permitted on these tracts). RESTRICTIONS APPLYING HOOK & PRIME TO TABER STATE FOREST. RESTRICTIONS APPLYING TO • All hunters must sign in at kiosks. HOOK NATIONAL BLACKBIRD STATE FOREST • Squirrel hunting is not allowed with a rifle Maps delineating these areas are available at or muzzleloading rifle. Shotgun squirrel WILDLIFE REFUGES Blackbird State Forest headquarters, on the hunting is permitted. DDA website (agriculture.delaware.gov) or by Stretched along the eastern coastline of Dela- calling (302)-653-6505. ware near Milton and Smyrna and covering • Deer hunting is limited to numbered stands on RULES FOR 26,000 acres, the Bombay Hook & Prime Hook Tybout, White Road, Dulany and South Barlow. National Wildlife Refuges provide habitat for • For all firearm seasons, there will be a lottery DELAWARE STATE a diversity of wildlife. held at Blackbird State Forest (BSF) head- Game species are sought after by avid quarters, located on the Tybout tract, at 502 PARK LANDS hunters on both refuges. Hunting, which is Blackbird Forest Road, 1.5 hours before legal identified by the National Wildlife Refuge hunting time. (ADMINISTERED BY DIVISION System Improvement Act of 1997 as one of the • The Tybout, White Road, Dulany, and Barlow OF PARKS AND RECREATION) six wildlife-dependent recreational uses on tracts will closed to all deer hunting during State Parks are year-round multiple use areas. refuges, is an important part of Delaware’s the October Anterless season. Hunters share park lands with other recrea- heritage and tradition. Public hunting oppor- • During the January Handgun season, the tional user groups including hikers, bikers, tunities are available for deer, upland game Tybout tract will be closed to all hunting. There runners, equestrians and others. & webless migratory birds, and waterfowl on will be no lottery held for the White Road, Deer hunting is an important management both refuges. A complete listing of hunting Barlow, and Dulany tracts during this season, tool used by natural resource managers to reduce information and regulations can be accessed it will be on a first come first serve basis. the impact of deer on the natural communities in for Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge at • During the January Shotgun and January Muz- Delaware’s state parks. Deer hunting is permit- http://bombayhook.fws.gov or (302) 653-9345 zleloader seasons there will be limited lotteries ted in nine of Delaware’s seventeen state parks. and for Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge held for the Tybout, White Road, Dulany, and Limited recreational small game and waterfowl at http://primehook.fws.gov or (302) 684-8419.

44 2020/2021 DELAWARE HUNTING AND TRAPPING GUIDE PUBLIC LANDS HUNTING AND TRAPPING SECTION PUBLIC LANDS HUNTING AND TRAPPING SECTION

2021 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. • Awarded permits are non-transferable and hunters may only receive one public land permit each season, either a State Wildlife Area or a State Forest permit, not both. • Remember: You can’t apply for a State Wildlife Area Turkey Permit if you have not completed an approved Turkey Hunting Safety Class. • If you are selected for a 2021 permit, failure to accurately complete and return the Division provided survey card will result in disqualification from the 2022 lottery. 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-Barr (5) Norman G. Wilder (9) Applications are due by Janu- Augustine (3) Industrial Forest-Laurel (4) Old Furnace (7) ary 8, 2021 and are available Blackiston (4) Little Creek (6) Prime Hook (2) at State Forest offices or they may be found at https://agri- Cedar Swamp (3) Marshy Hope (4) Tappahanna (3) culture.delaware.gov/forest- C&D Canal (5) Midlands (13) Ted Harvey (4) service/forms-information/ Eagles Nest (6) Milford Neck (8) Woodland Beach (4) See page 43 for more Nanticoke (10) information. 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 (4/10-4/16) B (4/17-4/23) C (4/24-4/30) D (5/1-5/8) 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 8, 2021.

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 63% of applicants who selected 5 unique areas received permits while only 36% 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

2020/2021 DELAWARE HUNTING AND TRAPPING GUIDE 45 Attention Hunters, Trappers & Outdoor Enthusiasts Digital DNREC: Hunter Education

• Select whether you are signing up for the IMPORTANT: If you are unable to attend the WHAT IS primary account holder or for a dependent. course you selected: “DIGITAL DNREC”? • In the “Choose Your Program “ box, select • Go to the courses page. “Hunter Education Courses” from the drop Digital DNREC is our new one-stop online down menu and click next. • View the course that is pending in your portal for hunters, trappers, anglers and wild- profile and click on the “Options” tab. life area users, including Hunter Education. • Under Course Type, select the course you Digital DNREC’s Hunter Education section would like to take using the drop down menu. • Click on “Withdraw” and you are withdrawn allows users to browse and register for upcom- from the course. ing courses as well as view and print their • After you have selected the course, please Hunter Education Certificate. Signing up for review the course description and any pre- If you would like to sign up for a new course courses is easy and fast. To get started: requisites and then click “Next”. that is being offered, please repeat the steps you originally followed to sign up for a new course. • Go to Digital DNREC at: https://epermitting. IMPORTANT: Please read all of the require- dnrec.delaware.gov and sign in to your profile. ments and the disclaimer for the course you HOW TO VIEW/PRINT YOUR have selected. HUNTER EDUCATION CERTIFICATE AND HUNTER • Select the date, time and location of the class SAFETY NUMBER (HSN): you would like to attend then click on next. You will be notified by e-mail of the status (grade) of the course you completed. To view • If you took a course online and are taking the or print your certificate: second part of the course in person, you will need to upload your certificate of completion • Sign in to Digital DNREC. from the online course. • Click on the courses tab. • Upload your Liability Waiver (if Required). • Click on the “View Hunter Education Cer- tificate” tab.

• Select the profile you would like to view/ print the certificate for and the certificate will appear.

IMPORTANT: Delaware state law requires all basic hunter education students to participate • Next, select the “Courses “ tab. in a live firing experience with a trained firearms instructor in order to successfully complete the course. State insurance rules require all participants in any course which includes live firing to sign a Release From Liability Waiver before taking part in live firing.

• Review your selection and click on confirm.

• Log in to view “My Dashboard” under the • Click on “Sign-up for Courses.” “Courses” tab and view the status of the course you selected.

You will receive a reminder e-mail before the scheduled course.

46 2020/2021 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 after January 1, 1967 to satisfactorily complete a Basic Hunter IS REQUIRED. Education Course in order to obtain a Delaware hunting license or Youth Hunting License. Since Seating is limited and classes will fill quickly 1970, tens of thousands of Delaware hunters have been certified by the volunteer instructors as hunting season approaches. Delaware law of the Delaware Hunter Education Program. The program has been extremely successful and now requires live firing of a shotgun as part 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, YOUTH PARTICIPANTS the Division of Fish & 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: https://de.gov/huntersafety

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 https://de.gov/huntersafety or call (302) 735-3600 Ext. 1.

• 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. If you have any questions or want to make sure your waiver has arrived at our office, please call (302) 735-3600 Ext. 1.

2020/2021 DELAWARE HUNTING AND TRAPPING GUIDE 47 DELAWARE HUNTER EDUCATION PROGRAM DELAWARE HUNTER EDUCATION PROGRAM

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

MANDATORY TURKEY EDUCATION Seating is limited. Confirm course dates. Advance online registration at https://de.gov/ Plan Ahead! huntersafety is required for all courses or call Don’t wait until the last minute to take the course! (302) 735-3600 Ext. 1. Classes are usually available somewhere in the state during every month of the year. In addition to complying with other hunter If you plan to go hunting in the coming season, and you need hunter education certification education requirements, all hunters 13 years in order to buy a hunting license, check the latest online schedule today at https://de.gov/ of age or older must successfully complete a huntersafety. Delaware-approved turkey hunter education Register for the course of your choice online at https://de.gov/huntersafety or call (302) course before they can legally hunt turkeys 735-3600 Ext. 1 during business hours. All course schedules are subject to cancellation in Delaware. or change without notice. It can take several weeks to process tests and enter the results Upon successful completion of this course, into our computer. hunters will need to reprint their hunting license (if they already have a license) as completion of the course will be indicated on the license. Hunters that have already successfully TRADITIONAL, LIVE BASIC skills, specialty hunting techniques, wildlife completed the course will no longer need to HUNTER EDUCATION COURSES management, wildlife ID, survival, etc. Students carry a card as proof of completion as long Seating is limited. Advance online registration with certificates in hand must then register and as their hunting license indicates they have at https://de.gov/huntersafety is required for attend a specially designed, “hands–on” field completed the course. In addition, public land all courses or call (302) 735-3600 Ext. 1. day training session for final Delaware certi- hunters must have an annual permit from the New hunters learn safety, ethics, firearm fication. Field day training for online courses Division if hunting on a State Wildlife Area or types, safe gun handling, marksmanship tech- includes Delaware laws and regulations, load- from the Delaware Department of Agriculture niques, specialty hunting techniques, wildlife ing, unloading, safe handling and transporting if hunting on a State Forest. management, wildlife ID, survival, etc. Dela- of firearms; field skills involving blinds, boats ware requires hunter ed certification via tra- and tree stands; zones of fire; obstacle crossing; Online Turkey Course Option ditional live course or via internet course and operation of safeties and shotgun live firing. Delaware also accepts two online turkey field day for all hunters born after January 1, Live firing of shotguns requires a liabil- courses: 1967. The courses are recognized in all states ity release signed by students 18 or older or and Canadian provinces. a notarized signature of parents/guardians • www.WildTurkeyHuntingCourse.com Sign up for traditional basic hunter educa- of students under the age of 18. All students (Certification fee $39.95) tion course given live at one of the classroom must have protective shooting glasses and locations throughout the state. Delaware law hearing protection. Adult and youth firearms, • www.todayshunter.com/turkey101/ now requires all basic hunter education course targets and ammunition will be provided. For (Certification Fee $29.99) participants to participate in a live firing expe- more information Delaware approved Internet rience with a trained instructor. Live firing of courses visit https://de.gov/huntersafety or Note: Upon completion of the online course, stu- shotguns requires a liability release signed by call (302) 735-3600 Ext. 1. dents must contact the Hunter Education office students 18 or older or a notarized signature of at [email protected] or (302) 735- parents/guardians of students under the age IBEP BOWHUNTER EDUCATION 3600 (Ext. 1) to update their account to reflect of 18. All students must have protective shoot- Seating is limited. Advance online registration course completion. Students will be required ing glasses and hearing protection. Adult and at https://de.gov/huntersafety is required for to submit a copy of their course completion cer- youth firearms, targets and ammunition will all courses or call (302) 735-3600 Ext. 1. tificate. Please include a phone number where be provided. All live courses are free of charge Though not a Delaware requirement, this spe- the Hunter Education Office may call, in case with most held in the late summer and fall. cial course is required in many other states and there are any questions. Classes are available all year at Ommelanden provinces for bowhunters. Participants in this Hunter/Trapper Education Center on Route 9 course learn bowhunting methods, game trail- MANDATORY TRAPPER EDUCATION near New Castle. Pre-registration is required. ing and recovery, field experience, bowhunting Seating is limited. Advance online registration To sign up, go to the Hunter Education Online safety, reading game signs, safe use of tree stands, at https://de.gov/huntersafety is required for Access at https://de.gov/huntersafety or call calling, field dressing, and more. Youths under all courses or call (302) 735-3600 Ext. 1. (302) 735-3600 Ext. 1. the age of 14 must attend with a responsible adult. Trapper education is a mandatory prereq- Live firing and a signed release of liability uisite for purchasing a Delaware trapping ONLINE OPTION FOR BASIC and advance online registration are required license for all persons born after January 1, HUNTER EDUCATION COURSES for participation at https://de.gov/huntersafety. 1978. Class and Field work sessions include Complete your hunter education coursework trapping history, heritage and ethics, furbear- online with one of three private vendors. All YOUNG WATERFOWLERS PROGRAM ing animals of Delaware, trapping equipment, three courses allow you to study and take the Participation is limited. Advance online registra- boating safety, hypothermia, practical water exam for free, with a fee due only when you are tion at https://de.gov/huntersafety is required for sets, hands-on instruction, how tides affect ready to have the vendor certify your successful all courses or call (302) 735-3600 Ext. 1. sets, proper skinning techniques, fur handling completion. The State of Delaware has reviewed Always a favorite, these courses (approx 20 and how to market furs. and approved these interactive courses but hours) provide youths between the ages of 12 receives no portion of the vendor’s fee. New – 16, exposure to the complete waterfowl experi- Online Option for Trapper Course: hunters learn safety, ethics, firearm types, safe ence. Everything from waterfowl ID, biology, Delaware also accepts an online trapper gun handling, hunting and marksmanship blind construction and safety, decoy use, duck course that can be found at www.trappered.

48 2020/2021 DELAWARE HUNTING AND TRAPPING GUIDE DELAWARE HUNTER EDUCATION PROGRAM DELAWARE HUNTER EDUCATION PROGRAM

com (Illinois Basic Trapper Course and Kan- DELAWARE MASTER HUNTER the opportunity to learn from your peers and sas Furbearer Course). Upon completion of Seating is limited. Advance online registration share some of the things you’ve learned the the online course, students must contact the at https://de.gov/huntersafety is required for hard way. As a lifelong advocate and ambas- Hunter Education office at huntereducation@ all courses or call (302) 735-3600 Ext. 1. sador for hunting you want to help continue the delaware.gov or (302) 735-3600 Ext. 1 to update heritage of hunting and ensure its future for the their account to reflect course completion. Stu- Not for Beginners. coming generations. You’d value the personal dents will be required to submit a copy of their You are already an experienced hunter. You love satisfaction of being a Delaware Master Hunter, course completion certificate. Please include hunting; you read about it and think about it officially qualified, certified and recognized by a phone number where the Hunter Education all year long. You are dedicated to the princi- the State of Delaware. Office may call, in case there are any questions. ples of ethical, responsible, fair chase hunting. If the above description sounds like you, you You’ve learned a lot over the years but you may be a candidate for the Delaware Master For more information about additional classes are always ready to learn more. You want to Hunter Program. Download an application and or the Hunter Education Program, visit our keep yourself up to date with the latest hunt- check the online schedule for dates at https:// website at https://de.gov/huntersafety ing developments, trends, tactics, skills and de.gov/huntersafety or call (302) 735-3600 Ext. regulations. You realize that there is a lot more 1 and ask for an application by mail for this Or contact: to learn about wildlife, wildlife management unique, one-of-a-kind program. The Delaware The Hunter Education Office and the role of hunting in our modern society. Hunter Education Office of the Division of 6180 Hay Point Landing Road You know that hunting is a controversial issue Fish & Wildlife will be glad to mail you an Smyrna, DE 19977 and you want to keep up to date on what’s hap- application form and an information sheet (302) 735-3600 Ext. 1. pening in Delaware. You’d like to benefit from with 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 onto Rte. 9/River Rd. Ommelanden Range is approximately 2 miles on the right side of the road DNREC / DIV F & W AUDITORIUM across from Kirkwood Soccer Club. IN THE R & R BUILDING - 89 KINGS HIGHWAY IN DOVER From the North: From Route 13, turn left onto Federal Lane. Turn left onto Rte. 9/River Rd. From US 13, turn west on Loockerman Street. Ommelanden Range is approximately 100 yards on the right side of the road across from Cross the bridge and turn right at the first traf- Kirkwood Soccer Club. fic light (next to the Post Office). The road leads directly into the DNREC building parking lot. For Ommelanden Range hours of operation and pricing, visit https://de.gov/huntersafety or call (302) 323-5333.

KENT COUNTY HUNTER EDUCATION TRAINING HUNTER CENTER AT LITTLE CREEK WILDLIFE AREA – RT 9 DOVER / LITTLE CREEK, 3018 BAYSIDE DRIVE EDUCATION DOVER, DE 19901, (302) 735-3600 EXT. 1 From SR 1, south of Dover Air Force Base, take exit 91 for Little Creek/ NEEDS YOU! Kitts Hummock. Travel 3.5 miles north on SR9 to Little Creek. (3018 Have you ever thought Bayside Drive is .5 miles south of Little Creek city limits on the east side of the roadway) of becoming a Delaware The Little Creek Wildlife Area is located on the east side of Rt 9, approximately one mile Volunteer Hunter – Trapper south of Little Creek. Education Instructor? Download an application at https://de.gov/ huntersafety, and mail it to the Office of OWENS STATION SHOOTING SPORTS & Hunter Education, 6180 Hay Point Landing HUNTER EDUCATION CENTER Road, Smyrna, DE 19977, or call the Hunter 12613 HUNTERS COVE ROAD, GREENWOOD, DE 19950 Education Coordinator at (302) 735-3600 From Rt 113, take Rt 16 West approx 4.75 miles and turn South (left) Ext. 1 with questions about the program. 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.

2020/2021 DELAWARE HUNTING AND TRAPPING GUIDE 49 DELAWARE HUNTER EDUCATION PROGRAM

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2020/2021 DELAWARE HUNTING AND TRAPPING GUIDE 51 SUNRISE/SUNSET TABLE SUNRISE AND SUNSET AT DOVER, DELAWARE (Eastern Standard Time) From July 2020 - June 2021

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 6:03 8:13 6:31 7:32 6:58 6:44 6:30 5:00 7:03 4:39 7:21 4:50 7:08 5:23 6:34 5:55 6:46 7:26 6:03 7:55 5:38 8:22

2 5:40 8:32 6:04 8:12 6:32 7:30 6:59 6:42 6:31 4:59 7:04 4:39 7:21 4:51 7:07 5:24 6:33 5:56 6:44 7:27 6:02 7:56 5:37 8:23

3 5:41 8:31 6:05 8:11 6:33 7:28 7:00 6:40 6:32 4:58 7:04 4:39 7:21 4:52 7:06 5:25 6:31 5:57 6:43 7:28 6:01 7:57 5:37 8:24

4 5:41 8:31 6:05 8:10 6:34 7:27 7:01 6:39 6:33 4:57 7:05 4:39 7:21 4:53 7:05 5:27 6:30 5:58 6:41 7:29 6:00 7:58 5:37 8:24

5 5:42 8:31 6:06 8:09 6:35 7:25 7:02 6:37 6:34 4:56 7:06 4:39 7:21 4:54 7:04 5:28 6:28 5:59 6:40 7:30 5:59 7:59 5:36 8:25

6 5:43 8:31 6:07 8:07 6:36 7:24 7:03 6:36 6:36 4:55 7:07 4:39 7:21 4:55 7:03 5:29 6:27 6:00 6:38 7:31 5:58 8:00 5:36 8:25

7 5:43 8:30 6:08 8:06 6:36 7:22 7:04 6:34 6:37 4:54 7:08 4:39 7:21 4:56 7:02 5:30 6:25 6:01 6:37 7:32 5:56 8:01 5:36 8:26

8 5:44 8:30 6:09 8:05 6:37 7:21 7:05 6:33 6:38 4:53 7:09 4:39 7:21 4:57 7:01 5:31 6:24 6:02 6:35 7:33 5:55 8:02 5:36 8:27

9 5:44 8:30 6:10 8:04 6:38 7:19 7:06 6:31 6:39 4:52 7:10 4:39 7:21 4:58 7:00 5:32 6:22 6:03 6:34 7:34 5:54 8:03 5:36 8:27

10 5:45 8:29 6:11 8:03 6:39 7:17 7:07 6:30 6:40 4:51 7:11 4:39 7:21 4:59 6:59 5:34 6:21 6:04 6:32 7:35 5:53 8:04 5:35 8:28

11 5:46 8:29 6:12 8:01 6:40 7:16 7:08 6:28 6:41 4:50 7:11 4:39 7:21 5:00 6:58 5:35 6:19 6:05 6:31 7:36 5:52 8:05 5:35 8:28

12 5:46 8:28 6:13 8:00 6:41 7:14 7:09 6:27 6:42 4:50 7:12 4:40 7:20 5:01 6:57 5:36 6:17 6:06 6:29 7:37 5:51 8:06 5:35 8:29

13 5:47 8:28 6:14 7:59 6:42 7:13 7:10 6:25 6:43 4:49 7:13 4:40 7:20 5:02 6:56 5:37 6:16 6:07 6:28 7:38 5:50 8:07 5:35 8:29

14 5:48 8:27 6:15 7:58 6:43 7:11 7:11 6:24 6:45 4:48 7:14 4:40 7:20 5:03 6:54 5:38 7:14 7:08 6:26 7:39 5:49 8:07 5:35 8:29

15 5:49 8:27 6:16 7:56 6:44 7:09 7:12 6:22 6:46 4:47 7:14 4:40 7:19 5:04 6:53 5:39 7:13 7:09 6:25 7:40 5:49 8:08 5:35 8:30

16 5:49 8:26 6:16 7:55 6:45 7:08 7:13 6:21 6:47 4:46 7:15 4:41 7:19 5:05 6:52 5:41 7:11 7:10 6:23 7:41 5:48 8:09 5:35 8:30

17 5:50 8:26 6:17 7:54 6:45 7:06 7:14 6:20 6:48 4:46 7:16 4:41 7:19 5:06 6:51 5:42 7:10 7:11 6:22 7:42 5:47 8:10 5:35 8:30

18 5:51 8:25 6:18 7:52 6:46 7:04 7:15 6:18 6:49 4:45 7:16 4:41 7:18 5:07 6:49 5:43 7:08 7:12 6:20 7:42 5:46 8:11 5:36 8:31

19 5:52 8:24 6:19 7:51 6:47 7:03 7:16 6:17 6:50 4:44 7:17 4:42 7:18 5:08 6:48 5:44 7:06 7:13 6:19 7:43 5:45 8:12 5:36 8:31

20 5:53 8:24 6:20 7:49 6:48 7:01 7:17 6:15 6:51 4:44 7:17 4:42 7:17 5:09 6:47 5:45 7:05 7:14 6:18 7:44 5:45 8:13 5:36 8:31

21 5:53 8:23 6:21 7:48 6:49 7:00 7:18 6:14 6:52 4:43 7:18 4:43 7:17 5:10 6:45 5:46 7:03 7:15 6:16 7:45 5:44 8:14 5:36 8:31

22 5:54 8:22 6:22 7:47 6:50 6:58 7:19 6:13 6:53 4:43 7:18 4:43 7:16 5:12 6:44 5:47 7:02 7:16 6:15 7:46 5:43 8:15 5:36 8:32

23 5:55 8:21 6:23 7:45 6:51 6:56 7:20 6:11 6:54 4:42 7:19 4:44 7:15 5:13 6:43 5:48 7:00 7:17 6:14 7:47 5:42 8:15 5:37 8:32

24 5:56 8:20 6:24 7:44 6:52 6:55 7:21 6:10 6:55 4:42 7:19 4:44 7:15 5:14 6:41 5:49 6:59 7:18 6:12 7:48 5:42 8:16 5:37 8:32

25 5:57 8:20 6:25 7:42 6:53 6:53 7:22 6:09 6:56 4:41 7:19 4:45 7:14 5:15 6:40 5:50 6:57 7:19 6:11 7:49 5:41 8:17 5:37 8:32

26 5:58 8:19 6:26 7:41 6:54 6:52 7:24 6:07 6:58 4:41 7:20 4:46 7:13 5:16 6:38 5:52 6:55 7:20 6:10 7:50 5:41 8:18 5:38 8:32

27 5:58 8:18 6:27 7:39 6:55 6:50 7:25 6:06 6:59 4:41 7:20 4:46 7:12 5:17 6:37 5:53 6:54 7:21 6:08 7:51 5:40 8:19 5:38 8:32

28 5:59 8:17 6:27 7:38 6:56 6:48 7:26 6:05 7:00 4:40 7:20 4:47 7:12 5:18 6:36 5:54 6:52 7:22 6:07 7:52 5:39 8:19 5:38 8:32

29 6:00 8:16 6:28 7:36 6:56 6:47 7:27 6:04 7:01 4:40 7:21 4:48 7:11 5:20 6:51 7:23 6:06 7:53 5:39 8:20 5:39 8:32

30 6:01 8:15 6:29 7:35 6:57 6:45 7:28 6:03 7:02 4:40 7:21 4:49 7:10 5:21 6:49 7:24 6:05 7:54 5:38 8:21 5:39 8:32

31 6:02 8:14 6:30 7:33 7:29 6:01 7:21 4:49 7:09 5:22 6:48 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.

52 2020/2021 DELAWARE HUNTING AND TRAPPING GUIDE SUNRISE/SUNSET TABLE Shooters & Hunters: Help Prevent Wildfires.

he target shooting and hunting community prides itself on being safe • Make it a point to know the Tand responsible with firearms in all regulations and rules related to situations—from using them outdoors to storing shooting in areas experiencing dry them safely at home. Sometimes, however, and hot conditions, whether on public unusual conditions such as extremely dry or private land or at shooting ranges. environments require an extra level of awareness Many national forests, for example, do and safety on the part of shooters. not allow recreational shooting when Wildfires have many possible causes. The National fire restrictions are in effect. Shooting Sports Foundation, the trade association • Consider the type of ammunition and for the firearms and ammunition industry, reminds targets you are using. Minimize the all shooters that during dry and hot weather risk of fires by not using steel-jacketed conditions their use of certain ammunition and ammunition, ammunition with steel-core targets could accidentally ignite a wildfire. NSSF components, tracer rounds or exploding reminds all target shooters and hunters, as well targets in fire-prone areas. as other outdoor enthusiasts, to consider the potential consequences of their activities in fire- • Remember that equipment, such as prone environments. cars and ATVs, can have extremely hot exhaust systems that could ignite dry vegetation, so park only in designated areas. • Extinguish and dispose of smoking materials safely. • Follow guidelines to extinguish campfires. • Warn others of potential dangers and behaviors for starting wildfires. • Report any wildfire you see to authorities. • Spread this message to other target shooters, hunters and outdoor enthusiasts.

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