Hunting in Delaware: 4 Things to Know Before Applying for a Hunting Permit for Adults

Hunting is a sport that serves many purposes, such as keeping the animal population down to providing a bonding spirit between families and friends.

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Like anything that involves the use of weapons, there are a number of rules and regulations put in place to protect the animals, hunters, and the public. Before applying for a hunting permit or license, be sure to familiarize yourself with as much information as possible to make sure that hunting is an activity in which you want to participate.

Learn the Specific Hunting Seasons
While most hunting takes place in the fall and winter, there are some seasons that extend into the spring or run throughout the year. Take the time to learn when the specific hunting seasons are and what limitations there are. For example, in 2015-16, deer season runs from Sept. 1 until Jan. 30, but not for all types of weapons. For example, archery equipment may be used the entire season, but shotguns can only be used for eight says in November and seven days in January.

Make Sure You Know the Rules and Regulations for Delaware
Although hunting rules vary little from state to state, make sure you know the hunting rules for the state of Delaware. Some are basic rules, such as not hunting without a license or hunting out of season while some are more specific like not using artificial light to illuminate wildlife from a motor vehicle or using night vision or infrared while hunting in the dark. In addition to overall rules, there are specific rules to know for using archery equipment and firearms, and when trapping.  Eregulations.com provides general hunting information for the Diamond State.

Take the Required Courses Before Applying for a License
There are a number of hunter education courses offered through Delaware's Division of Fish & Wildlife, explained on their webpage. The Basic Hunter Education course is available to take online or in a brick-and-mortar classroom setting. Each one, however, requires the learner to participate in a Field Day to test the knowledge they have learned. Those hunter looking to bag wild turkeys must also take a one-day Mandatory Turkey Education course, which can also be taken online, if needed. Trappers also have a mandatory course that must be taken and passed, while there are optional courses that the state recommended hunters take, such as the International Bowhunter Education Program, Successful Hunting with a Muzzleloader, Handgun Hunting for Deer, and Precision Firearms.

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Know Where You Want to Hunt
While private hunting can take place in practically any place in the state as long as it does not encroach on the public, there are certain areas within each county in the state designated as public hunting areas. These include state parks, state forests, and wildlife management areas. Within each area, there are rules as to when can and cannot be hunted. For example, most state parks in each county allow for deer hunting, but not other types of game. However, many wildlife areas allow for hunting of small game, waterfowl, and wild turkey, along with deer. Delaware's Division of Fish & Wildlife provides hunting maps on their website.

This article is for information only. Please check current regulations before hunting.

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