Delaware Bird Hunting

Seasons Span November 15 – February 7, 2026

State Drought Monitor – Upland hunting conditions are often highly dependent upon moisture for both habitat production and bird survival.

Season Dates

  • Pheasant:
    • General Season: Typically mid-November to early February, with specific dates for 2025-26 pending confirmation. Based on historical patterns, likely November 15, 2025 – February 7, 2026 (subject to confirmation with Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife).
    • Note: Sunday hunting may be restricted in certain areas, such as state parks.
  • Quail:
    • General Season: Typically mid-November to early February, with specific dates for 2025-26 pending confirmation. Likely November 15, 2025 – February 7, 2026 (subject to confirmation).
    • Check the Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife or eRegulations for exact 2025-26 season dates, as they may vary slightly from year to year.

Required Licenses and Costs

  • Hunting License:
    • Resident Hunting License: $25 (ages 16–64). Residents under 16 or over 65 may be exempt but may need a License Exempt Number (LEN).
    • Non-Resident Hunting License: $95 for an annual small game license.
    • Junior Hunting License: Required for ages 13–15, approximately $8.50 for residents, $20 for non-residents.
  • State Park Hunting Permit: For hunting in Delaware State Parks, a $10 annual permit is required for hunters aged 16–64.
  • Conservation Access Pass: Required for registered motor vehicles accessing State Wildlife Areas, issued free with a hunting license purchase upon request.
  • Hunter Education: Hunters born after January 1, 1967, must complete a hunter education course to purchase a license unless exempt.
  • Note: Always verify license requirements and costs with the Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife, as fees may change for 2025-26. For the most current pricing, visit https://dnrec.delaware.gov/fish-wildlife/licenses/.

Daily Bag Limits and Possession Limits

  • Pheasant:
    • Daily Bag Limit: 2 pheasants (male or female, where permitted).
    • Possession Limit: 4 pheasants (typically twice the daily bag limit, based on historical regulations).
  • Quail:
    • Daily Bag Limit: 6 quail (aggregate for all quail species).
    • Possession Limit: 12 quail (typically twice the daily bag limit, based on historical regulations).
  • Additional Notes:
    • Bag and possession limits apply to upland game birds taken in Delaware and are subject to verification with the Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife for the 2025-26 season.
    • Hunters must comply with regulations on state wildlife areas and state parks, where additional restrictions (e.g., designated stands or no Sunday hunting) may apply.

Additional Regulations

Sunday Hunting: Sunday hunting is permitted in some areas (e.g., private lands) but prohibited in Delaware State Parks and certain state wildlife areas.

Hunter Orange: At least 400 square inches of hunter orange must be worn on the head, chest, and back during firearm seasons in state wildlife areas and state parks.

Hunting Hours: Generally from half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset, unless otherwise specified (e.g., special seasons or areas).

Public Lands: Delaware offers over 62,000 acres of public hunting lands, including 19 state wildlife areas. Specific rules, such as managed dove fields or designated stands, may apply.