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Photo by Cavan Images

The nation's second-smallest state has a rich waterfowling tradition and still offers some great opportunities.

Part of the Delmarva Peninsula (comprised by most of Delaware and portions of Maryland and Virginia), the state is bordered to the east by the Delaware River and Delaware Bay, one of the most important waterfowl wintering areas in North America. However, the watershed has suffered widespread habitat loss and degradation because of land-conversion and land-management practices.

Delaware hunters shoot good numbers of mallards, wood ducks, greenwings and black ducks. Honkers dominate the goose harvest, though the state features good opportunities for greater snow geese during the spring conservation season.