When will I be required to have a hunting license using the new fee structure and requirements? The new fee structure went into effect July 1, 2007.
When will the new licenses be available to purchase? All licenses and permits are available as of August 10, 2007 at the Statewide License Agents. The new Waterfowl Blind and deer stand permit required for lottery-issued permits are available only at License Agents and at the DNREC building in Dover.
What are my options for purchasing licenses? The following are options available to hunters:
| Resident Hunting | $ 25.00 |
| Non-Resident Hunting | $130.00 |
| Non Resident 3-Day | $ 50.00 |
| Resident Guide | $100.00 |
| Non-Resident Guide | $300.00 |
| Public Lands Blind/Site Fee | $ 10.00 |
| Resident Junior Hunting (Ages 13-15) | $ 5.00 |
| Non-Resident Junior Hunting (Age 13-15) | $ 50.00 |
At what age do I need a license? Residents aged 16-64; resident youth license, aged 13-15; non residents age 16 and older; non-resident youth, aged 13-15.
I am a resident and 65 years or older. What are my exemptions from licensing? You are exempt from licensing if you are 12 years old or younger, or 65 years of age or older. Non-residents 12 years old or younger only are exempt.
What is the Delaware definition of a guide? A guide is someone who receives money or in-kind services for taking people hunting.
I own a 15-foot bass boat. I have a Delaware Hunting Guide license. Must I also have a Coast Guard license? Yes. When you take out a paying client, you must have a Coast Guard license in your possession. However, you do not need a Coast Guard license when you are operating your own boat for pleasure purposes (i.e., you are not operating with any passengers for hire).
Why does the Coast Guard require me to hold a license when I usually carry just one or two passengers for hire? As with other modes of transportation, many years ago the U.S. Congress insisted that passengers on vessels be afforded the same level of protection as those using other forms of public conveyance. In addition to requiring vessel operators to have the skills and knowledge necessary for safe operation (as demonstrated in order to obtain a license), they also wanted to reduce the threat of vessel casualties caused by operators under the influence of illegal drugs or alcohol. To meet those goals, they passed legislation requiring licenses and drug testing. The Coast Guard is the primary federal agency with the responsibility to enforce those regulations on vessels. The fine for not complying is severe, up to $10,000.
What is this new Blind/Stand Permit? The permit is a blind or stand permit and not a hunter permit. The permit is required to use waterfowl blinds and deer stands at the following areas: Augustine Wildlife Management Area (WMA) , Cedar Swamp WMA, Woodland Beach WMA, Ted Harvey WMA, Assawoman WMA, Little Creek WMA and Permit Areas. Permits are needed for stands and blinds only issued during the preseason or daily lottery at checking stations. They are not needed for first-come, first-served blinds or stands. One permit is needed to use a deer stand per day. One permit is needed to use a waterfowl blind per day regardless of the number of hunters. Permits are transferable. Permits must be turned in at the appropriate checking station when hunters are assigned a stand or blind. Permits are not available for sale at checking stations nor can they be bought online, but must be purchased at license agents or at the R&R Building in Dover. License agent listing can be found here and agents who sell hunting licenses also have the permits. Permits are non-refundable.
What should I do with my blind or deer stand permit if I am not selected in the lottery drawing? Keep your permit. It is valid and does not expire and may be used when you are selected for a blind or stand.
The Hunting Guide indicates that youth hunters under age 16 do not need a license, but Delaware requires a youth hunting license for 13- to 15-year-olds. What is the resolution? The Hunting Guide was printed prior to July 1, 2007, when the new fees went into effect. Therefore, youth hunters between 13 and 15 years old are required to have a hunting license. Youth hunters are not required to have a state waterfowl stamp.
What are the licensing requirements and exemptions for residents and non-residents for hunting and fishing? Title 7, Chapter 5, Delaware Code, defines the Division of Fish & Wildlife's authority.
