Newly updated state wildlife area maps available online and in print

New state wildlife area maps with updated regulations and details for accessing the facilities at each area are now available for the 2016-17 season, DNREC's Division of Fish and Wildlife announced. The maps and area-specific regulations can be found by searching for Delaware Wildlife Area Maps. Hunters and other wildlife area users should note that the maps have undergone a major revision this year, and some area regulations such as hunting seasons and open days may have changed from past years.

"Over the past several years, many area-specific regulations have been added or modified, sometimes making the old maps difficult for hunters and other wildlife area users to understand due to differences between the maps and area rules. This year, we took an in-depth look at standardizing our wildlife area rules statewide," said Craig Rhoads, program manager for the Division of Fish and Wildlife, Habitat Conservation and Management.

"These changes make it easier for hunters and other wildlife area visitors to keep track of open hunting seasons, allowable activities and facilities available at different state wildlife areas. We strongly encourage all wildlife area users to read the new map regulations for each area they plan to visit to ensure they are following the most current regulations."

Several areas have revised rules. "We've looked at properties statewide and evaluated where we could increase hunting opportunities," Rhoads said. "For example, several areas are now open to expanded waterfowl hunting opportunities, and rules pertaining to temporary deer stands on non-lottery areas have been relaxed."

For complete information on the 2016-17 hunting seasons – including hunter education, licensing, hunting and trapping seasons, limits, regulations, wildlife area information and more, with sections devoted to deer, small game, turkey and migratory birds -  go to www.eregulations.com/delaware/hunting. Guides also are available from license agents throughout the state.

Paper copies of the maps – printed in color for the first time – are available at DNREC's Dover licensing desk in the Richardson and Robbins Building, 89 Kings Highway in Dover. Licensing desk customers may take up to five printed maps of individual wildlife areas free of charge. A complete set of statewide maps costs $5 to purchase at the licensing desk, or $6 by mail. For more information, call DNREC's licensing desk at 302-739-9918 or the Wildlife Section office at 302-739-9912.