Delaware
38,000
Est. Whitetail Population
24,000
No. Licenses Sold Annually
$92
Hunting license is $39.50 plus $20 for hunter’s choice or antlerless tag, and $20 for quality buck or antlered tag. A conservation access pass is $32.50.
Resident hunting license and deer permit
$314.50
License is $199.50. Some licenses are reciprocal for neighboring states, and the cost may vary depending on the state you live in, plus $50 for hunter’s choice or quality buck tag. A conservation access pass is $65.
Non-resident hunting license and deer permit
185 4/8"
Taken by Herbert Milam in Sussex County in 1978.
Record B&C Typical Stat
22
Total B&C Typical Entries
208 4/8"
Taken by Keith Lee in Sussex County in 2005.
Record B&C Non-Typical Stat
11
Record B&C Non-Typical Entries
Check out the latest deer-hunting info for Delaware. Image by William T. Smith
Season Dates (2026):
Deer season dates vary but generally run from September through early February. Please CONFIRM SEASON DATES.
The Grade: A
Delaware deer harvest numbers were down a few years ago, but they’re stronger now. In fact, Delaware deer hunters posted an all-time record harvest in 2024, taking 18,823 deer. The harvest dipped a bit in 2025, with the total harvest being 16,746 deer.
Delaware is a small but diverse state, with the habitat ranging from coastal marsh to upland hardwood forest. Archery season opens earlier than in most states (Sept. 1), giving hunters a crack at a velvet buck the first week of the season.
Samuel C. Millman, wildlife biologist with the state’s Division of Fish and Wildlife, said that Delaware has one of the longest deer seasons in the nation.
Even though it’s not Kentucky or Wisconsin, Delaware is good for deer hunting and gets an A again this season.
Antler Nation Knowledge:
All of Delaware’s B&C entries have come from Sussex, New Castle, and Kent counties. Huntable land can be scarce, but urban settings offer prime spots for bowhunting. With nearly 10% of the state being public land, hunters who can’t find private ground can still participate.
According to Delaware officials, certain wildlife areas have mandatory antler restrictions for hunters hoping to have an opportunity at an older buck. Other areas are archery only, and some areas require hunters to hunt from established stands rather than roam freely and choose where they want to hunt. Regardless, find the right PUBLIC LAND for you.
“Do not underestimate the wildlife areas’ productivity of big bucks,” Millman said. “I would encourage hunters to dig deep into the forested wildlife areas, as these bucks will keep to the forests for cover. When you think you’ve hiked deep into the forest, go a little deeper. You will not regret the extra effort. But don’t forget about the most recent change, which restricted use of trail cameras on state wildlife area properties.”
Delaware is a good state to get a youngster in the woods, as the minimum age of 10 years old for the youth hunt has been lifted. Restricted Sunday-hunting laws were also recently repealed, expanding hunting opportunities.
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