Black bear reportedly seen in northern New Castle County

public advised to contact DNREC Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police if spotted

WILMINGTON (Dec. 4, 2019) – DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife has received reports of a black bear sighting from residents and local police agencies in the north Wilmington area and northern New Castle County. Black bear populations within neighboring states of Maryland, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania have expanded over the past several decades. As a result, it is not unusual for a bear find its way into Delaware. Attempts will be made to live-capture the bear if located and transport it to more suitable habitat out of state within the bear’s normal range.

For residents in the area where the bear has been sighted, the Division of Fish & Wildlife advises taking the following precautions:

If you see the bear:

o Do not approach, attempt to touch, feed, or shoot at the bear. Back away slowly – give it space. Go inside and wait for the bear to leave. Once inside, please contact Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police at 800-523-3336 to report the sighting.

o Keep in mind, most bears fear people and will retreat when they see you.

Eliminate potential food sources that could attract the bear by cleaning or removing anything outdoors that may smell like food. This includes:

o Locking garbage in a secure trash container, or keeping it inside until the day of pick-up.

o Rinsing trash containers with ammonia to eliminate food odors.

o Temporarily discontinuing the use of backyard compost piles.

o Storing cooking grills inside or keeping them clean of food residue.

o Temporarily removing birdfeeders ─ there are many wild food sources for birds during this time of year.

If you have animals, particularly dogs or cats:

Keep their food indoors. If animals are fed outdoors, only feed the animal what it will eat in one sitting to ensure that there is no food remaining.

o Corral livestock close to buildings and use outdoor lighting at night.

o If you have electric fencing, make sure it’s turned on to protect chicken coops, livestock nursery pens, etc.

o Promptly dispose of dead farm animals.

The public is encouraged to report sightings of the bear by calling the Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police 24-hour dispatch line at 800-523-3336 to help track its movements and to help locate the bear to enable a proper response. For general information on bears and wildlife, please call the Division of Fish & Wildlife’s Wildlife Section at 302-739-9912.

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for newly-renovated Millsboro Pond boating and fishing area

DOVER (Dec. 2, 2019) – Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control Secretary Shawn M. Garvin was joined today by U.S. Senator Tom Carper, State Senator Gerald Hocker, State Senator David Wilson, State Representative Ruth Briggs King, State Representative Richard Collins, Millsboro Mayor Michelle Truitt, and DNREC Division of Fish & Wildlife Director David Saveikis and staff, to cut the ribbon officially opening the newly-renovated Millsboro Pond Boating and Fishing Access Area.

Millsboro Pond is one of the most heavily-fished DNREC-maintained ponds in Delaware, hosting numerous bass tournaments and attracting largemouth bass enthusiasts regionally as well as locally. DNREC has partnered with the Town of Millsboro since the 1980s to provide public access to the town-owned pond.

Due to the popularity of Millsboro Pond, funding was secured to update public access, and construction began in July. The four-month project involved total reconstruction of the boat ramp, addition of a courtesy dock and lighting, and expansion and repaving of the parking lot to provide additional parking.

Funding for the $625,000 project was provided by DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife from Delaware fishing license revenues and federal Sport Fish Restoration grant funds, administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

The Millsboro Pond Boating and Fishing Access Area is managed by DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife and supports DNREC’s mission to enhance outdoor recreation access and support local communities.

For more information on the Little Creek Boating and Fishing Access Area, please contact the DNREC Division of Fish & Wildlife’s Fisheries Section at 302-739-9914.

Migratory Game Bird Stamp Design Contest Winner Announced

Indiana Artist’s Blue-Winged Teal to Adorn Hunting Stamps

The

Maryland Department of Natural Resources

is pleased to announce that Jeffrey Klinefelter of Etna Green, Ind. won the 46th Annual Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp Design Contest. Judges selected his stunning depiction of a hen and a drake blue-winged teal, complete with leg band and mirror-like reflection in the water, aptly named “Quiet Waters.”

The artwork will be featured on the

stamps that hunters purchase to hunt all migratory game birds in the state

, with the proceeds funding migratory game bird research and habitat enhancement on public lands.

The winner was chosen by a panel of judges on Nov. 10 at the 49th Annual Waterfowl Festival in Easton in front of art enthusiasts, as well as some of the entrants and their families.

“I am happy to win and am grateful to be a part of the event,” said a surprised Klinefelter.

“Congratulations to our winner and all participants. It was a great experience for our judges and staff to witness such a remarkable collection of entries,”

Wildlife and Heritage Service

Director Paul Peditto said. “We appreciate and thank all of the artists who participated this year.”

SUNDAY HUNTING BILL SIGNED INTO LAW

HARRISBURG, PA

– It’s official: expanded Sunday hunting is coming to Pennsylvania in 2020.

Gov. Tom Wolf today signed into law Senate Bill 147, which permits additional hunting on three Sundays per calendar year – one within the archery deer season, one within the firearms deer season and one selected by the Pennsylvania Game Commission.

The law will take effect Feb. 25, 2020, and the first new Sunday hunting opportunities will be identified by the Game Commission thereafter.

In Pennsylvania, Sunday hunting generally is limited to the hunting of foxes, coyotes, crows and feral hogs during open seasons.

Introduced by state Sen. Dan Laughlin, R-Erie, Senate Bill 147 passed the state House of Representatives by a 144-54 vote Oct. 29, then passed the state Senate by a 38-11 vote Nov. 18.

Game Commission Executive Director Bryan Burhans said today’s signing of Senate Bill 147 by Gov. Wolf is a win for Pennsylvania’s hunters.

“People today tend to lead busy lives, and hunters are no exception,” Burhans said. “No matter how badly a hunter might want to get out and enjoy the outdoors during hunting season, other responsibilities might take priority and make it difficult.

“Providing opportunity to experience hunting on previously closed Sundays has game-changing potential for hunters with tight schedules and, in many cases, will make a difference by enabling those hunters to hunt alongside their children, setting them on a path they’ll follow the rest of their lives,” Burhans said. “To Sen. Dan Laughlin and to all of those who supported the bill and helped to make it a reality, please accept a heartfelt thank you on behalf of the Game Commission and hunters statewide.”

Laughlin, Chair of the Senate Game and Fisheries Committee, said the new law will create opportunities for tens of thousands of working families across Pennsylvania.

“I believe this has been a long time in coming and is truly a tribute to the thousands of hunters and the many organizations who have supported this effort,” he said. “Weekends are essentially the only time that most working men and women can get out into the woods. The same could be said for many young people, the ones who represent the future of the sport. Lifting the ban will give them increased opportunities to pursue the activity that they love.”

Sen. Jim Brewster, D-McKeesport, who serves on the Senate Game and Fisheries Committee as Minority Chair, sees the new law as an important tool in helping to recruit new hunters and keep them active.

“Sunday hunting will boost interest in the sport and open up new opportunities for hunters who are unable to get into the woods on other days of the week,” Brewster said. “I have been a longtime supporter of adding days when hunters are able to be in the field.

“This law will create access yet provide reasonable protections for farmers and landowners,” he said. “Sunday hunting will allow us to usher in new generations of sportsmen and women to enjoy our woodlands.”

State Rep. Bill Kortz, D-Dravosburg, the Democratic Chair of the House Game and Fisheries Committee, said Sunday hunting provides for hunters who otherwise have little time to hunt.

“It opens up opportunities for hunters who work six days a week, for students in college, and for junior hunters who can spend an extra day being introduced to our sport,” Kortz said. “It’s a big win for hunters, while respecting the concerns of all who enjoy our state’s outdoor traditions.”

Prior to passing the House of Representatives, Senate Bill 147 was amended to require all hunters on private land on the selected Sundays to carry written permission from the landowner. This requirement does not apply on Sundays when only foxes, coyotes, crows and feral hogs may be hunted.

The bill also gives Game Commission officers the authority to investigate private-land trespassing complaints and enforce trespassing violations as a primary offense. Previously, trespassing violations were referred to police unless a Game & Wildlife Code violation also was alleged. Once the new law takes effect, hunting-related private-land trespassing violations will be enforced year-round by the Game Commission.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Travis Lau – 717-705-6541

# # #

PRELIMINARY THREE-DAY BEAR HARVEST RESULTS

HARRISBURG, PA

– Through three days of Pennsylvania’s general bear season, hunters have harvested 1,498 bears, with bears taken in 52 counties.

That compares to a three-day 1,833 in the 2018 general season. However, the 2019 general season harvest is complemented by a large bear harvest during new and expanded early bear seasons for muzzleloader, firearms and archery hunters. Factoring in the early season harvest, 3,373 bears have been taken through Tuesday. That already tops the 2018 total bear harvest of 3,153, with plenty more bear hunting still to go.

After the season’s third day, two bears of more than 600 pounds have been added to the list.

A 743-pound bear taken Tuesday morning with a rifle in Greene Township, Pike County, by Matthew J. Erdie Jr., of Nazareth, ranks as the third-heaviest bear taken across all 2019 bear seasons.

Meanwhile, a 661-pounder taken Monday morning with a rifle in Lake Township, Wayne County, by Michael A. Biduck II, of West Abington, now ranks as the fifth-heaviest bear in 2019.

The largest bear through all 2019 seasons continues to be the 813-pound male taken with a rifle on the opening day of the general season in Smithfield Township, Monroe County, by Victor M. Vassalluzzo, of Kintnersville.

The heaviest bear ever taken in Pennsylvania was an 875-pounder harvested in 2010 in Middle Smithfield Township, Pike County. Since 1992, seven black bears weighing at least 800 pounds have been lawfully harvested in Pennsylvania hunting seasons.

Other large bears taken in the 2019 general season’s first three days – all taken with a rifle – include: a 747-pound male taken in Wright Township, Luzerne County, by J. Kripp Jr., of Mountaintop; a 696-pound male taken in Penn Forest Township, Carbon County, by Brian J. Borosh, of Jim Thorpe; a 657-pound male taken in Franklin Township, Columbia County, by Nicholas A. Podgurski, of Elysburg; a 656-pound male taken in Hanover Township, Luzerne County, by Dale J. Kobal, of Hunlock Creek; a 623-pound male taken in Beech Creek Township, Clinton County, by Mikael J. Catanese, of Sewickley; a 620-pound male taken in Miles Township, Centre County, by Reuben Kennel, of Turbotville; and a 604-pound male taken in Gallagher Township, Clinton County, by Steven Z. Rohrbach, of Lock Haven.

The top bear-hunting county in the state over the general season’s first three days was Lycoming County with 113 bears. It was followed by Tioga County with 107 bears.

Three-day preliminary harvests by county and region are:

The preliminary three-day bear harvest by Wildlife Management Unit was as follows:

WMU 1A

, 11 (17 in 2018);

WMU 1B

, 44 (100);

WMU 2A

, 3 (5);

WMU 2C

, 69 (115);

WMU 2D

, 92 (114);

WMU 2E

, 38 (56);

WMU 2F

, 170 (198);

WMU 2G

, 309 (344);

WMU 2H

, 49 (59);

WMU 3A

, 85 (99);

WMU 3B

, 138 (117);

WMU 3C

, 56 (45);

WMU 3D

, 161 (141);

WMU 4A

, 76 (123);

WMU 4B

, 32 (53);

WMU 4C

, 50 (83);

WMU 4D

, 92 (112);

WMU 4E

, 21 (48);

WMU 5A

, 1 (4);

WMU 5C

, 1 (0).

Three-day harvests by county and region are:

Northwest (221)

: Warren, 61 (52); Clarion, 35 (37); Venango, 30 (68); Forest, 26 (52); Jefferson, 25 (64); Butler, 20 (17); Crawford, 19 (49); Mercer, 4 (12); and Erie, 1 (15).

Southwest (114)

: Somerset, 34 (57); Armstrong, 30 (25); Indiana, 24 (30); Fayette, 14 (32); Cambria, 7 (13); Westmoreland, 4 (11); and Greene, 1 (0).

Northcentral (626)

: Lycoming, 113 (103); Tioga, 107 (86); Clinton, 87 (119); Potter, 76 (54); McKean, 59 (43); Clearfield, 53 (72); Elk, 51 (46); Centre, 35 (46); Cameron, 30 (61); and Union, 15 (13).

Southcentral (154)

: Huntingdon, 49 (76); Bedford, 34 (51); Fulton, 17 (33); Perry, 16 (14); Blair, 15 (21); Juniata, 8 (15); Mifflin, 6 (10); Franklin, 5 (14); Cumberland, 3 (4); and Adams, 1 (4).

Northeast (349)

: Pike, 66 (46); Monroe, 44 (46); Luzerne, 39 (50); Bradford, 36 (46); Wayne, 35 (29); Sullivan, 30 (30); Susquehanna, 29 (10); Wyoming, 19 (24); Lackawanna, 18 (15); Carbon, 16 (25); Columbia, 12 (17); and Northumberland, 5 (17).

Southeast (34)

: Dauphin, 14 (25); Schuylkill, 13 (17); Berks 6 (1); and Lebanon, 1 (7).

Delaware\’s Low-Digit Surf-Fishing Tag Auction starts Black Friday

Dover (Nov. 27, 2019) – DNREC’s Division of Parks & Recreation will auction Low-Digit Surf Fishing Tags starting Black Friday, Nov. 29 at

www.usgovbid.com

Between Nov. 29 and Dec. 11, bidders will have the option to bid on 10 tags, including tags 36, 63, 125 and 225, and on six “choice” categories, ranging from tags 51 to 9999. The highest bidder in each choice category can choose a number, if not already sold, within that category.

The minimum bid for a surf fishing tag is $250. By state law, surf-fishing tags numbered 1 through 200 are limited to vehicles registered in Delaware.

The auction of low-numbered plates was authorized by the Delaware General Assembly and allows DNREC’s Division of Parks & Recreation to auction low-digit tags to the highest bidder. All proceeds directly benefit Delaware State Parks, which is 65 percent self-funded.

For more information visit

www.destateparks.com/LowDigitTags

www.usgovbid.com

or by phone at 302-739-9200.

DNREC Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: Nov. 18-24

DOVER (Nov. 27, 2019) – To achieve public compliance with laws and regulations through education and enforcement actions that help conserve Delaware’s fish and wildlife resources and ensure safe boating and public safety, DNREC’s Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers between Nov. 18-24 made 1,433 contacts with hunters, anglers, boaters, and the general public, issuing 17 citations. Officers responded to 61 complaints regarding possible violations of laws and regulations or requests to assist the public. A Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police presence continued at the C&D Canal Conservation Area and Michael N. Castle Trail.

Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Actions

Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers concluded multiple trespassing to hunt investigations, resulting in two separate arrests of individuals charged with hunting and trespassing on closed Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) properties as described in a

press release

Citations issued by category, with the number of charges in parentheses, included:

Wildlife Conservation:

Hunting with an unplugged shotgun capable of holding more than three shells (1), unlicensed hunting (1), trespass to hunt (1), and wildlife area map violation – hunting on a Sunday in an area of Norman G. Wilder Wildlife Area closed to Sunday hunting (2).

Fisheries Conservation:

Commercial:

Possession of undersized oyster (1).

Public Safety:

Failure to display required hunter orange during a firearms deer season (1), possession, purchase, ownership, or control of a firearm or ammunition by a person prohibited (1), possession of a loaded firearm in a motor vehicle (1), possession of marijuana – civil (1), and driving without using headlights (1)*.

Other:

Trespassing after hours on a state wildlife area (6)*.

Includes citation(s) issued at the C&D Canal Conservation Area.

DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife recognizes and thanks the majority of anglers, hunters, and boaters who comply with and support Delaware’s fishing, hunting, and boating laws and regulations. The Public are encouraged to report fish, wildlife, and boating violations to the Delaware Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police by calling 302-739-4580 or through the DENRP Tip app on a smartphone, which can be downloaded free of charge by searching “DENRP Tip” via the Google Play Store or the iTunes App Store. Wildlife violations may also be reported anonymously to Operation Game Theft by calling 800-292-3030, going online to

http://de.gov/ogt

, or using the DENRP Tip app. Verizon customers can connect to Operation Game Theft directly by dialing #OGT.

Are you AWARE?

Delaware Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police wish you a Happy Thanksgiving.

For those who will be hunting this holiday, please remember the following:

Waterfowl hunters should check their hunting gear bags, coats, boats, and any other gear to make sure that they are not carrying any lead shot left over from deer or other hunting seasons.

After harvesting a deer, an appropriate tag must be attached to the animal before it is field dressed or moved from the place of harvest.

All successful deer hunters must register their deer within 24 hours of harvest.

Prior to registering a deer, hunters may not cut the meat or remove any part of the deer except the internal organs.

If you have an emergency, call the Delaware Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police 24 hour dispatch line at 302-739-4580.

For more information on the 2019/2020 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 – click on

2019/2020 Delaware Hunting & Trapping Guide

Delaware\’s Low-Digit Surf-Fishing Tag Auction starts Black Friday

Dover (Nov. 27, 2019) – DNREC’s Division of Parks & Recreation will auction Low-Digit Surf Fishing Tags starting Black Friday, Nov. 29 at

www.usgovbid.com

The minimum bid for a surf fishing tag is $250. By state law, surf-fishing tags numbered 1 through 200 are limited to vehicles registered in Delaware.

For more information visit

www.destateparks.com/LowDigitTags

www.usgovbid.com

or by phone at 302-739-9200.

CNB Hunting/Fishing Pennsylvania: Firearms Deer Season Begins Saturday

A Saturday opener for the firearms deer season and the possibility of more older bucks throughout the Commonwealth have many Pennsylvanians excited about Nov. 30 and the weeks to follow.

Last year’s firearms deer season saw rainy weather nearly statewide throughout much of the opening day. But even then, 30 percent of the antlered deer harvested in the 2018-19 firearms season were taken on opening day. It was the best day of the season for buck harvest.

It’s likely that opening day will continue to be the best for buck harvest this year, when the season will open on a Saturday, said Christopher Rosenberry, supervisor of the Game Commission’s Deer and Elk Section.

“We expect the opening Saturday to become the biggest harvest day for bucks,” said Rosenberry. “The first Monday will play a lesser role, but how much less remains to be seen. The second Saturday, since it is concurrent with the start of antlerless season, will probably become the second-biggest harvest day for bucks.”

And there now is a third Saturday in the season, as well, since the season was expanded from 12 days to 13 to accommodate a Saturday opener in which more hunters likely will be able to participate.

Pennsylvania’s firearms season historically has drawn the biggest crowds of all hunting seasons and consequently has been the state’s principal deer-management tool for more than a century. Its coming preoccupies many Pennsylvanians through their Thanksgiving meals and sends many more to a variety of outlets to fill their last-minute needs.

“Every deer hunter wants to be afield for the opener,” noted Pennsylvania Game Commission Executive Director Bryan Burhans. “They spend days and days, scouting, buying specialized gear and getting their packs ready.

“When they’re sitting in the dark, waiting for daylight and hoping for a big buck to come, most deer hunters couldn’t be happier, particularly if their son or granddaughter is joining them. It’s a fulfilling experience, regardless of what happens.”

“Older, bigger-racked bucks are making up more of the buck harvest than they have for at least a couple decades,” Rosenberry said. “Hunters like the bucks in Pennsylvania today compared to what many of them saw 30 years ago.”

Every year, Pennsylvania hunters are taking huge bucks. Some are “book bucks,” antlered deer that make the Pennsylvania Big Game Records book or Boone & Crockett Club rankings. Others simply win neighborhood bragging rights.

But it’s important to remember, every deer matters when only about a third of hunters harvest whitetails during Pennsylvania’s slate of deer seasons.

“Whether it’s a young hunter’s first deer, or a big buck that fell to a hunter on a dark-to-dark sit, they all matter to these hunters, their families and the communities in which they live,” emphasized Burhans. “Hunting deer has been an exciting Pennsylvania pastime for centuries, and it’s sure to remain that way for many generations to come.”

STATEWIDE SEASON

The statewide general firearms season runs from Nov. 30 to Dec. 14. In most areas, hunters may take only antlered deer during the season’s first six days, with the antlerless and antlered seasons then running concurrently from the first Saturday, Dec. 7, to the season’s close. In WMUs 2B, 5C and 5D, however, properly licensed hunters may take either antlered or antlerless deer at any time during the season.

Rules regarding the number of points a legal buck must have on one antler also vary in different parts of the state, and young hunters statewide follow separate guidelines.

For a complete breakdown of antler restrictions, WMU boundaries and other regulations, consult the

2019-20 Pennsylvania Hunting & Trapping Digest

, which is available online at the Game Commission’s website,

www.pgc.pa.gov.

Hunters statewide must wear at all times a minimum of 250 square inches of fluorescent orange material on their head, chest and back combined. An orange hat and vest will satisfy the requirement. Nonhunters who might be afield during the deer season and other hunting seasons are asked to consider wearing orange, as well.

HUNT SAFELY FROM TREE

STANDS- WEAR A HARNESS

Wearing a full-body harness is essential to staying safe when using a tree stand, but a harness can prevent falls to the ground only if it is connected to the tree.

“That means you must wear your harness, and be sure it’s connected to the tree, at all times you’re in the stand, as well as when you’re getting into and out of the stand, or climbing or descending trees,” explained Meagan Thorpe, Game Commission hunter-education chief.

A hunter using a climbing stand should tie-in the safety rope or strap that pairs with the harness before beginning to climb.

BEAR SEASON\’S NOT OVER YET

As we are getting ready to close out the statewide firearms bear season, remember an opportunity to harvest a bear still exisits in many WMU\’s throught the state during the firearms deer season.

EXTENDED BEAR SEASON DATES

Nov. 30-Dec. 7, 2019

WMU\’s: 1B, 2C, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 4A, 4B,

4C, 4D, 4E, 5A

Nov. 30- Dec. 14, 2019

WMU\’s: 2B, 5B, 5C, 5D

From all of us here at the Pennsylvania Game Commission, Happy Thanksgiving. Good luck and hunt safely!

Delaware hunting and trapping seasons opening in December

A retriever brings back a snow goose taken by a Delaware hunter near Little Creek/DNREC photo.

Multiple opening waterfowl hunting seasons run into January

DOVER (Nov. 26, 2019) – Numerous Delaware hunting and trapping seasons open in December, including multiple waterfowl seasons that extend into or through January, coinciding with the influx of a variety of migratory waterfowl for the winter, DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife announced today. Many other hunting and trapping seasons provide opportunities to enjoy the winter outdoors as temperatures drop and provide favorable hunting and trapping conditions.

Hunting seasons opening in December:

Beaver: Dec. 2 – March 20, 2020, private land only

Woodcock and common snipe: Dec. 7 – Jan. 21, 2020

Antlerless deer: Dec. 14 – 22, including all Sundays*

Waterfowl (ducks, coots, and mergansers): Dec. 13 – Jan. 31, 2020

Brant: Dec. 21 – Jan. 1, 2020

Canada geese (migratory): Dec. 21 – Jan. 21, 2020

*Archery and crossbow hunters may NOT take antlered deer during the December antlerless deer season.

Trapping seasons opening in December:

Red fox, coyote: Dec. 1 – March 10, 2020

Muskrat, mink, otter, raccoon, opossum, nutria:

o New Castle County: Dec. 1 – March 10, 2020 (March 20 on embanked meadows)

o Kent and Sussex counties: Dec. 15 – March 15, 2020

Beaver: Dec. 1 – March 20, 2020

Continuing hunting seasons include:

Bobwhite quail: through Jan. 4, 2020

Sea ducks in the special sea duck area: through Jan. 31, 2020 (See page 30 of the hunting

guide

for more information about the special sea duck area.)

Tundra swan: through Jan. 31, 2020, by permit only, issued via pre-season lottery

Snow goose: through Jan. 31, 2020, and Feb. 8, 2020

Mourning dove: through Jan. 31, 2020

Ring-necked pheasant (male only): through Feb. 1, 2020

Gray squirrel: through Feb. 1, 2020

Archery and crossbow deer: through Feb. 2, 2020, including all Sundays

Cottontail rabbit: through Feb. 29, 2020

Red fox (hunt): through Feb. 29, 2020

Coyote (hunt): through Feb. 29, 2020

Raccoon & opossum (hunt): through Feb. 29, 2020*

Crow: through March 31, 2020 (Thursday, Friday, and Saturdays only)

Red fox (chase) through April 30, 2020**

Groundhog: through June 30, 2020 (open year-round)

*Raccoon and opossum may be hunted from 7 p.m. until midnight during the December and January firearm deer seasons.

**Red fox chase season closed during December antlerless season.

DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife offers many hunting opportunities on state wildlife areas. Wildlife area maps and rules are available at

Wildlife Area Hunting Maps

A Delaware hunting license or License Exempt Number (LEN) is required to hunt, and most waterfowl hunters require a Delaware waterfowl (duck) stamp. More information on hunting license and Delaware waterfowl stamp requirements is available at

Delaware Licenses

. Waterfowl and other migratory game bird (except crow) hunters will need a Federal Harvest Information Program (HIP) number. To register for a LEN or HIP number, hunters can go to

Delaware Hunter and Trapper Registration

or call toll free 1-855-335-4868. For hunters age 16 and older, a federal migratory bird stamp is also required to hunt waterfowl.

To purchase a hunting license, either in person or online, hunters born after Jan. 1, 1967, must have a basic hunter education safety course card/number. Hunters who took a Delaware hunter safety course starting in 2008 can print their hunter safety card by going to

http://de.gov/huntersafety

. Hunters who took their Delaware hunter safety course before 2008 should call the Hunter Education Office at 302-735-3600, ext. 1 to obtain a hunter safety card.

Registered motor vehicles used to access designated wildlife areas owned or managed by the Division of Fish & Wildlife are required to display a Conservation Access Pass (CAP). 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

Delaware Licenses

, at the license desk in DNREC’s Dover office at 89 Kings Highway, Dover, DE 19901, and from hunting license agents statewide. Federal migratory bird stamps are available at U.S. Post Offices, Bombay Hook and Prime Hook national wildlife refuges, and online at

Federal duck stamps

For more information on hunting, click

2019-2020 Delaware Hunting & Trapping Guide

and

Wildlife Area Hunting Maps

. Hard copies of the guide and hunting maps are also available at the license desk in DNREC’s Dover office. More information on hunting licenses, season details, and the Conservation Access Pass is also available by calling the DNREC Division of Fish & Wildlife’s Wildlife Section office at 302-739-9912.