Delaware Court Rules Young Adult Hunters No Longer Need Supervision

State of DE - A Delaware Superior Court has eliminated supervision requirements for hunters between 18 and 21 years old. The ruling removes a provision from a 2022 state law that would have required direct supervision from someone 21 or older.

Kent County Resident Judge Reneta L. Green-Streett issued the decision in Birney et al. v. Delaware Department of Safety and Homeland Security et al. The court found in favor of the plaintiffs on August 29, 2025.

Background of the Case

The 2022 law, known as HB 451, was signed by then-Governor John Carney. The legislation included a provision requiring hunters between 18 and 21 to hunt under direct supervision from a person age 21 or older. This provision was set to take effect for the first time during the 2025-26 hunting seasons.

The Superior Court determined that Delaware's constitutional right to keep and bear arms extends to all Delawareans aged 18 or older. This constitutional protection eliminates the supervision requirement for young adult hunters.

Impact on Current Hunting Regulations

The court's conclusion states that "HB 451's provisions that do not affect the rights of 18-to-20-year-olds... remain intact." This means other aspects of the 2022 law remain in effect.

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control will update the online 2025-26 Delaware Hunting and Trapping Guide. The revised guide will clarify that individuals between 18 and 21 can hunt without direct supervision from someone 21 or older.

Hunting supervision requirements for individuals under 18 remain unchanged. The department has prepared a revised chart showing current supervision requirements following Judge Green-Streett's decision.

The ruling takes effect as Delaware's hunting seasons open on Monday, September 1.