DELAWARE - DNREC announced today that several Delaware hunting seasons will open on Tuesday, September 1. They include deer, Canada goose and mourning dove and will mark the start of the 2026-27 hunting season in Delaware.
The special September teal and gray squirrel seasons will open later in the month, officials say. A complete list of season dates and regulations for all species can be found in the annual Delaware Hunting & Trapping Guide.
There are several recent regulatory changes for the 26-27 hunting season. They include:
- Sunday hunting to be open for all game species
- Expanded muzzleloader specifications
- Expanded straight-walled pistol-caliber rifles
- No minimum age requirement for the special Delaware youth hunts by the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife
- 16- and 17-year-olds can now hunt and conduct target practice without direct supervision, as long as they have permission from a parent or guardian and have completed basic hunter education
DNREC says expanded hunting opportunities are available during the resident Canada goose season for the second year in a row. However, these are not available at locations where and when the special September teal season is open. Hunters can check the aforementioned Hunting & Trapping Guide for additional information pertaining to changes for waterfowl hunting.
DNREC reminds hunters who plan to go out during the early seasons for Canada geese, teal and mourning doves that their migratory seasons have not yet been finalized. Hunters are advised to check the Federal Register beginning today for news regarding the finalizing of federal regulations. Final season selections for Delaware are expected in the register by August 31.
Furthermore, with the recent detection of Chronic Wasting Disease among deer in Delaware, an addendum to the hunting guide is now available online or in hard copy at licensing agents throughout the state. DNREC advises hunters to review the addendum regarding new requirements and opportunities for having their deer tested. More information can be found here.
Updated state wildlife area maps are expected to be online by September 1. Information on hunting licenses, the state waterfowl stamp and the Conservation Access Pass can be found here.
