Hunting in Delaware: 7 Things to Know About Hunting on Private Lands

More than 80 percent of the land in Delaware is in the hands of private owners. With that in mind, many hunts take place on private lands. The state's Division of Fish & Wildlife offers guidelines for hunting on private lands in Delaware.

Here are seven things to know before setting out on a hunting trip.

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1. Baiting Deer
You can bait and hunt deer, but only on private lands.

2. Trespassing
You must have the permission of the landowner to hunt or enter the lands where you plan to hunt. Violations of this requirement are considered criminal trespassing.

3. Following the Law
Hunters cannot violate state laws regardless of where they are hunting. This includes bag limits, not hunting protected animals, and following regulations on discharging firearms.

4. Use of Dogs
All dogs being used to hunt must have a state license.

5. Check Ordinances
While state laws apply to the entire state, some cities and townships have their own laws regarding hunting. All hunters should check the regulations in the region they intend to hunt, regardless of it being private or public lands.

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6. No Sunday Hunts
It is unlawful in the state of Delaware to hunt on a Sunday. There have been efforts to overturn the ban, according to Outdoor Life, but the rule remains.

Bans on Sunday hunting began in the 1700s in the time of “blue laws,” according to the Coalition to Lift State Bans on Sunday Hunting. These laws followed the sentiment that God wanted Sunday as a day of rest, so no hunting should be allowed. Delaware is one of 11 states that still bans Sunday hunting.

7. Mature Deer
If you haven’t had any luck deer hunting on public lands, consider working with a private landowner for permission. Deer tend to move from public lands during hunting season once the first shots ring out, according to Hunting The First State. If firearm hunting isn’t an option, consider approaching the landowner about the possibility of archery hunting. 

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

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