RECORD HARVESTS FOR DELAWARE IN 2024-2025 WITH WILD TURKEY AND WHITE-TAILED DEER
State of DE - Delaware has made history with record-breaking harvests during the 2024-'25 hunting season.
The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) announced that this year's wild turkey and white-tailed deer hunting seasons both resulted in state record harvests, a landmark achievement for the state.
According to the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife, this is the first time Delaware has recorded such success for both game species in the same season.
Delaware's deer season, which begins on September 1st and spans nearly six months, is one of the longest big-game hunting seasons in the United States, providing ample opportunity for hunters. The spring wild turkey season, lasting from April 12 to May 10, closed out the state's hunting opportunities until the upcoming 2025-'26 season.
During this period, hunters bagged 800 turkeys, a notable increase from the 723 taken in 2024. This marked an impressive 11% rise over the previous year, further underscoring the significant conservation achievements since the state's first spring turkey season in 1991.
Joe Rogerson, DNREC Wildlife Section administrator, praised Delaware's turkey hunters, saying, "Delaware's turkey hunters continue to play a vital role in wildlife conservation." He highlighted how the record numbers were a testament to favorable habitat conditions and the dedication of hunters and landowners to sustainable game management.
The success was statewide, with Sussex County leading with 369 turkeys harvested, closely followed by Kent and New Castle counties. Notably, 170 turkeys were taken on public lands, indicating improved access for hunters.
Similarly, the white-tailed deer season was fruitful, with hunters taking 18,823 deer, a significant increase from the previous record set in the 2020-'21 season. Rogerson emphasized this as evidence of effective wildlife conservation and management efforts.
He noted, "The historic deer harvest also highlights continued success in wildlife conservation and management efforts across the state."
The DNREC's efforts, in partnership with the Delaware Department of Agriculture, have been key to balancing the deer population while providing significant opportunities for hunters. Sussex County reported the highest deer harvests, while Zone 7 in southwestern Kent County saw the most active deer activity.
Notably, this season saw the harvest of an estimated 14.5-year-old doe, shedding light on deer longevity. Such achievements underscore the state's commitment to conservation, highlighting the balance between maintaining healthy wildlife populations and supporting local hunting traditions.
For those interested in learning more about hunting in Delaware, more information is available on the DNREC's website at de.gov/hunting. Delaware continues to offer an exciting terrain for hunters and conservationists alike, proving yet again its prowess in wildlife management and game hunting.
