Delaware Hunting Seasons Open September 1 to Mark Start of 2025/26 Season

STATE OF DE - Multiple hunting seasons will open statewide in Delaware on Monday, September 1, marking the beginning of the 2025/26 hunting season. The early season hunts represent a longstanding tradition for Delaware hunters.

These hunters play a vital role in assisting the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control with conservation management of the state's wildlife populations.

Primary Season Openings

The archery and crossbow deer season will open September 1. This season remains the most prominent among the early season hunts. Other seasons opening the same day include resident Canada goose, mourning dove, and coyote hunting seasons.

Additional seasons will open later in September. The gray squirrel season begins Monday, September 15. Early teal season starts Saturday, September 20.

State Wildlife Area Opportunities

Hunters pursuing mourning doves on State Wildlife Areas will find additional opportunities in September. Fields specifically managed for doves will provide enhanced hunting experiences during this period.

New Waterfowl Season Regulations

The 2025/26 waterfowl season in Delaware includes new allowances for special hunting methods during the September resident Canada goose season. These methods include extended shooting hours from one-half hour before sunrise through one-half hour after sunset. Hunters may use unplugged shotguns and electronic calls during this period.

Federal law prohibits special hunting methods for geese when another waterfowl season is open. The overlap between the later portion of the early resident Canada goose season and the September teal season creates specific restrictions.

The state's September teal zone will be open to both resident Canada goose hunting and teal hunting from September 20-25. Special hunting methods will not be allowed during this overlap period.

Special hunting methods for resident Canada geese will be allowed inside the September teal zone from September 1-19. This timeframe occurs before the September teal season opens.

Outside the teal zone, these methods will be allowed throughout the resident Canada goose season from September 1-25.

Additional Information

The Delaware Hunting & Trapping Guide contains comprehensive information about Delaware hunting seasons and hunting on state wildlife areas. Information about hunting licenses, the state waterfowl stamp, and Delaware's Conservation Access Pass is available at de.gov/huntinglicense.