Delaware Hunting Seasons, 2023-2024




Delaware is a small state, but don’t let its size fool you. The “Small Wonder” state has exceptional and prosperous deer hunting — in the 2022-2023 season, deer hunters bagged 16,848 harvested deer, the 10th year in a row that Delaware hunters have taken more than 14,000.

While the state offers ample hunting seasons, Delaware is strict regarding its hunting times. Sunday hunting is illegal, except on commercial shooting preserves or red fox chases during that season. As of mid-2016, pending legislation would allow for some deer season hunts on Sundays, though it is important to check with the Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife for additional information and updates.

Delaware Deer Seasons

Archery and CrossbowSept. 1-Jan. 31
MuzzleloaderOct. 6-15
Jan. 22-28
General Firearm/ShotgunNov. 10-19
Jan. 13-21
HandgunJan. 6
Jan. 8-12
Special AntlerlessOct. 1
Oct. 16
Oct. 20-23
Oct. 27-30
Dec. 9-17
Youth and Non-ambulatory HuntNov. 4-5

*Archery and crossbow hunters may bag antlered bucks through the October antlerless seasons. They may not do so during the December antlerless season.

Delaware has legalized deer hunting with a handgun during shotgun seasons as well as handgun season, though hunters can only use one take method during the hunt. It is illegal to hunt with both shotgun and handgun at the same time.

Delaware Spring 2024 Turkey Seasons

Public Land Permit AApr. 13-19
Public Land Permit BApr. 20-26
Public Land Permit CApr. 27-May 3
Public Land Permit DMay 4-11

Delaware separates its turkey hunting season by private and public land permits. Hunters on private lands are able to hunt throughout the entire season, while hunters with public land hunting permits must obey additional season dates based by permit.

Delaware Small Game Seasons

Gray SquirrelSept. 15-Feb. 3
Cottontail RabbitNov. 20-Feb. 29
GroundhogsJuly 1-June 30
Ring-necked Pheasant (Male Only)Nov. 20-Feb. 3
Bobwhite QuailNov. 20-Jan. 6

Delaware hunting seasons, bagging totals and available licenses vary by region. For information on how to obtain season licenses for harvest, visit the Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife website.