Various hunting seasons open in October

Additional Delaware hunting seasons are open in October, including snow goose, duck, and other migratory bird and firearm deer seasons. Deer hunting is allowed on all Sundays through Jan. 31, 2022, using only those hunting methods legal for the respective established deer hunting seasons, with additional information available at de.gov/sundayhunt. 

Hunting season dates open in October:

• Snow goose: Oct. 1 through Jan. 31, 2022; Feb. 5, 2022
• Antlerless deer: Oct. 22-25 and Oct. 29-31, including Sundays
• Ducks, coots and mergansers: first season split Oct. 22 through Nov. 1.

Continuing hunting seasons include:

• Moorhen, gallinule, sora, Virginia rail, king rail and clapper rail: through Nov. 24
• Common snipe: through Nov. 27
• Archery and crossbow deer: through Jan. 31, 2022, including all Sundays
• Gray squirrel: through Feb. 5, 2022 (closed during November shotgun deer season)
• Coyote: through Feb. 28, 2022
• Crows: through March 26, 2022 (Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays only)
• Groundhog: through June 30, 2022.

The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife offers many hunting opportunities on state wildlife areas. For more information, go to de.gov/wamaps.

A Delaware hunting license or License Exempt Number is required to hunt, and most waterfowl hunters are required to purchase a Delaware waterfowl (duck) stamp and a Federal Duck Stamp. Migratory bird hunters, except crow hunters, also need a Federal Harvest Information Program number, which can be obtained through the DNREC ePermitting website or by calling toll free 855-DEL-HUNT (855-335-4868). If using the DNREC ePermitting system, hunters should either create a profile or use the Quick Hunting Registration option.

Registered motor vehicles used to access designated wildlife areas owned or managed by the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife are required to display a Conservation Access Pass. Hunters can opt to receive one free annual CAP with the purchase of any Delaware hunting license. To obtain a CAP, hunters will need the registration card for the vehicle to which the pass will be assigned.

Delaware hunting licenses, Delaware waterfowl stamps and Conservation Access Passes can be purchased online at de.gov/huntinglicense or from hunting license agents statewide. Hunters obtaining a LEN are reminded that they should create a profile using the DNREC ePermitting system portal or obtain a LEN at a hunting license agent if they have not already done so. Federal Duck Stamps can be purchased at U.S. post offices, Bombay Hook and Prime Hook national wildlife refuges, and online at 2021/2022 Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp.

Additional information on hunting seasons and wildlife areas is available in the 2021/2022 Delaware Hunting & Trapping Guide or by calling the Wildlife Section at 302-739-9912. Information on hunting licenses, the state waterfowl stamp and the Conservation Access Pass is available at de.gov/huntinglicense or by calling the Recreational Licensing office at 302-739-9918.