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  • Nineteen DNREC Programs and Initiatives to Participate in UD’s Annual Coast Day

    Nineteen DNREC Programs and Initiatives to Participate in UD’s Annual Coast Day

    Nineteen different programs and initiatives spread out across the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control are scheduled to provide outreach, education and activities during the University of Delaware’s annual Coast Day event set for Sunday, Oct. 1. 

    Coast Day highlights how UD scientists, staff and students are gaining a deeper understanding of ocean environments and helping to serve coastal communities. Coast Day will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the University of Delaware’s Hugh R. Sharp Campus, 700 Pilottown Road, Lewes. 

    More than 30 different vendors will have exhibits at the event, and another 30 vendors will feature ocean- and coastal-related research. 

    DNREC’s tent will feature a mixture of informational brochures, educational materials, giveaways and activities. In addition, DNREC’s Coastal Section will announce the winners of the Delaware Ocean and Bay Photo Contest at 11:30 a.m. in the DNREC tent. 

    “Our Department interacts with Delawareans every day on a range of natural resources and environmental matters, from hunting and fishing licenses to clean water and air, climate change concerns, and our outstanding Delaware state parks system,” said DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin. “Coast Day provides us an opportunity to showcase the work we are doing across all our divisions to ensure the stewardship for and sustainability of our state’s resources now and for future generations.” 

    DNREC divisions scheduled to participate in Coast Day and their areas of expertise include: 

    Air Quality

    • Air Quality Index

    Climate, Coastal and Energy

    • Tree for Every Delawarean Initiative
    • Climate Action Plan
    • Clean Transportation – Information on clean transportation initiatives, giveaways, educational materials and activities for children and adults.
    • Ocean Photo Contest
    • Delaware Ocean and Bay Plan
    • Energy Programs
    • Energy Policy/ Governor’s Energy Advisory Council

    DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation

    • Delaware State Parks, including Cape Henlopen State Park

    Fish and Wildlife

    • Mosquito Control Section
    • DNREC’s DuPont Nature Center

    Waste and Hazardous Substances

    • Delaware Recycles Initiative
    • Delaware Brownfields Program

    Water

    • Well permitting and real-world equipment display
    • Wetlands and Waterways Section Permitting

    Watershed Stewardship

    • Shoreline and Waterway Management Section
    • Wetland Monitoring and Assessment Program
    • Nonpoint Source Program
    • Shellfish and Recreational Water Program
  • Public Health Advises Limiting Prolonged or Heavy Physical Activity and Outdoor Time for All Delawareans

    Public Health Advises Limiting Prolonged or Heavy Physical Activity and Outdoor Time for All Delawareans

    The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) has issued warnings of poor air quality in Delaware. Air quality that is unhealthy or very unhealthy is predicted Wednesday, June 7 and Thursday, June 8 by DNREC, and the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS), Division of Public Health (DPH) has advised all individuals to limit prolonged or heavy physical activity and time spent outdoors and to stay indoors, preferably in a space with filtered air.  

    Wildfires in eastern Canada are emitting particulate matter into the atmosphere, affecting air quality throughout the northeast, including in Delaware. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency provides an Air Quality Index with color codes to inform the public about conditions and how to avoid health effects associated with poor air quality. DNREC has declared a Code Red Action Day for particulate matter for Wednesday, June 7 and Thursday, June 8. These alerts warn of unhealthy particle pollution levels. DNREC also warned effects from the smoke may at times cause purple conditions, meaning the air quality is very unhealthy.

    Particle pollution can affect anyone, but it bothers some people more than others. DNREC and DPH have provided the following guidance:

    • Avoid strenuous outdoor activity. While people with respiratory conditions should stay inside, make sure they have their inhaler or medicine.
    • Wear a properly fitted (fit tested) N95 for those who must go outside for long periods of time. Typical masks such as cloth, surgical, or KN95 will not provide adequate protection from poor air quality from particulate matter. The best protection is to remain indoors in a cool and clean environment.
    • Avoid using anything that burns, such as wood fireplaces, gas logs, gas stoves and even candles.
    • Avoid spraying aerosol products.
    • Avoid frying or broiling meat.
    • Avoid smoking cigarettes.
    • Don’t vacuum while air quality remains unhealthy or very unhealthy since it stirs up particles already inside your home.
    • Reduce the amount of smoke and particulate matter in your vehicles by keeping the windows and vents closed, and, if available, operating the air conditioning in “recirculate” mode.
    • Continue to check the air quality for the coming days and sign up for air quality alerts at de.gov/aqi.
    • Access real-time data and interactive maps on current conditions at airnow.gov.

    DPH warns that certain populations—including young children, older adults, and those with lung conditions—could be more significantly impacted. While canceling outdoor events is not necessary, it is advisable to relocate indoors when possible. Individuals should make health decisions in consultation with their medical professionals and based on their own considerations. 

  • DNREC to Reopen The Point at Cape Henlopen State Park Sept. 1

    DNREC to Reopen The Point at Cape Henlopen State Park Sept. 1

    The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control will reopen The Point at Cape Henlopen State Park, including a stretch of ocean beach and dunes, and a half-mile along the bay shoreline on Thursday, Sept. 1. The bayside beach will remain closed until Oct. 1 for use by shorebirds migrating south for the winter.

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    The area to reopen includes a stretch of ocean beach and dunes that was previously closed on March 1. Since 1993, The Point has closed annually each March for the benefit of threatened and endangered beach-nesters and migratory shorebirds, including red knot, piping plovers, oystercatchers, least terns and other species.

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    The DNREC Divisions of Parks and Recreation, Fish and Wildlife, and Watershed Stewardship have worked together since 1990 to implement a management plan to halt the decline of beach-nester and migratory shorebird populations.

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    For more information, contact Cape Henlopen State Park at 302-645-8983, or stop by the park office.

  • DNREC Announces Youth Fishing Tournament Winners

    DNREC Announces Youth Fishing Tournament Winners

    Statewide Youth Fishing Tournament winner Onna Crowley, center, with OFC Callie Crouse, left, and Sr. Cpl. Adam Rourk, right, caught 18.8 pounds of fish from Lums Pond.

    The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) has announced the winners of the Delaware Natural Resources Police’s 36th annual Youth Fishing Tournament.

    Following a two year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the tournament returned Saturday with on-site weighmasters at three locations across the state attended by more than 200 youth anglers: Ingrams Pond in Sussex County, Akridge Scout Reservation in Kent County, and Lums Pond in New Castle County.

    Tournament participants ages 4 through 15 weighed their catches as they competed for the title of overall state winner along with trying to land each county’s top catch and age group titles.

    \The overall winner and champion this year was Onna Crowley, age 13, of Clayton, who caught 18.80 pounds of fish at Lums Pond, including the biggest fish caught of the day, a 12.1-pound carp.

    This year’s county winners and the overall statewide winner will be invited to a special trophy presentation on Governor’s Day at the 2022 Delaware State Fair in Harrington.

    New Castle County Winners

    Other New Castle County winners at Lums Pond, by age group and total weight of fish caught, were:

    Ages 4 through 7:
    First place – Myracle White, 2.29 pounds
    Second place – Claire Baron, 2.23 pounds
    Third place – Michael Hopkins, 0.93 pounds

    Ages 8 through 11:
    First place – Gabriel Alfaro, 12.14 pounds
    Second place – Ace Ginevan, 3.32 pounds
    Third place – Ava Ginevan, 1.36 pounds

    Ages 12 through 15:
    First place – Russell Reed, 7.92 pounds
    Second place – Tyler Harvell, 2.82 pounds
    Third place – Cody Wiseman, 2.55 pounds

    Kent County Winners

    At Akridge Scout Reservation, Dominic Webb was the day’s overall winner with a total of 5.25 pounds of fish. Other Kent County winners were:

    Ages 4 through 7:
    First place – Kohen Marvel, 2.60 pounds
    Second place – Hunter Hickman, 2.09 pounds
    Third place – Virginia Wallace, 2.00 pounds

    Ages 8 through 11:
    First place – Collin Meisinger, 4.45 pounds
    Second place – Cole Smith, 2.56 pounds
    Third place – Matthew DeCarlo, 2.02 pounds

    Ages 12 through 15:
    First place – Kirra Noble, 4.37 pounds
    Second place – Evan Knutsen, 3.69 pounds
    Third place – Gianna Velazquez, 3.11 pounds

    Sussex County Winners

    At Ingram’s Pond in Sussex County, Brody Spencer was the day’s overall winner with a total of 7.19 pounds of fish. Other Sussex County winners were:

    Ages 4 through 7:
    First place – Tristen Wertz, 3.17 pounds
    Second place – Caden Timmons, 1.76 pounds
    Third place – Lexi Briggs, 0.76 pounds

    Ages 8 through 11:
    First place – John Timmons, 2.29 pounds
    Second place – Owen Laux, 1.91 pounds
    Third place – Zachary Thompson, 1.59 pounds

    Ages 12 through 15:
    First place – Landon Elliot, 0.26 pounds

    The Youth Fishing Tournament was established to introduce youth to the sport of fishing and to teach the catch-and-release approach to conservation. More information on the Youth Fishing Tournament can be found at de.gov/yft.

  • Funding Available for Tree-Planting Projects in Delaware

    Funding Available for Tree-Planting Projects in Delaware

    Delaware agencies and non-profits have until July 1 to submit funding request proposals for reforestation projects through the Tree for Every Delawarean Initiative (TEDI).

    TEDI, administered through the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control Division of Climate, Coastal and Energy and the Delaware Department of Agriculture’s Delaware Forest Service launched last November.

    The initiative works with partners to enhance and support tree plantings throughout the state, with a goal of planting at least one tree for every Delawarean.

    Planting trees is a nature-based solution to reducing greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, playing a critical role in helping fight climate change. TEDI is part of the state’s comprehensive plan to respond to climate change and supports Delaware’s Climate Action Plan.

    Funding requests can include multiple projects and may range from $5,000 to $20,000.

    Applications must be submitted to DNREC’s Division of Climate, Coastal and Energy by 5 p.m. on Friday, July 1. Visit the TEDI website for more information about the program and the requirements of the call for proposals, or email questions to [email protected].

    Delawareans can join in the Tree for Every Delawarean Initiative by tracking trees they plant on their own property and inputting the information in the TEDI Tracker, which can be found at de.gov/tedi.

  • Tick season is here: Tips to prevent those pesky crawlers from biting you

    Tick season is here: Tips to prevent those pesky crawlers from biting you

    With spring heading into summer – it’s prime time for ticks – and as a result DNREC has partnered with the Division of Public Health to educate the public about the parasitic insects, including where they are found, how to identify different types, and what precautions to take if you’ve been bit.

    Some precautions to avoid or reduce tick exposure include:

    • wearing long sleeves and pants with the legs tucked into your socks
    • wearing light colored clothing to make ticks more visible
    • keep your grass short and remove brush from your yard
    • And always check for ticks after you’ve been outside for an extended period of time, removing them quickly decreasing the chance of disease transmission.

    For more tips on ticks – visit de.gov/ticks

  • Wild turkey hunting season kicks off in Delaware April 2nd

    Wild turkey hunting season kicks off in Delaware April 2nd

    Wild turkey hunting in Delaware begins Saturday, April 2 with a one-day turkey hunt for youth ages 10 through 15 and for non-ambulatory hunters, the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control announced today – with the regular turkey hunting season opening Saturday, April 9 and running through Saturday, May 7.

    Hunting hours are a half-hour before sunrise until 1 p.m. Monday through Saturday, with no Sunday hunting allowed. Only bearded turkeys may be harvested, and the bag limit is one bearded turkey per hunter each year, regardless of where and when harvested.

    Youth participating in the one-day April 2 hunt must be 10 to 15 years of age and must be accompanied by an adult 21 years of age or older who has completed a Delaware-approved turkey hunter safety class and who possesses a Delaware hunting license or License Exempt Number (LEN).

    Accompanying adults may not hunt during the youth-day hunt. Regular-season turkey hunters under the age of 13 must be accompanied by an adult of 21 years of age or older who has completed a Delaware-approved turkey hunter safety class and who possesses a Delaware hunting license or LEN.

    Non-ambulatory hunters who participate in the one-day hunt on April 2 must need a wheelchair for mobility.

    Hunting regulations require that all harvested birds must be checked at an authorized turkey check station by 2:30 p.m. on the day the bird was harvested. A list of turkey check stations is available at dnrec.delaware.gov and in the 2021/2022 Delaware Hunting & Trapping Guide. Check station hours may vary, so hunters are advised to call the station to confirm hours of operation.

    Hunters who want their bird scored and entered into National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) records are reminded to have their turkey’s weight recorded on a certified scale. For more information, see the NWTF website.

    Hunting on state wildlife areas and in state forests during the spring regular turkey hunting season requires carrying a public land permit that was issued via preseason lottery, with the permit specifying the public lands and season segment/dates that can be hunted.

    Hunters participating in the special turkey hunt for youth and non-ambulatory hunters on April 2 may hunt without a public land permit on those state wildlife areas and state forests open to turkey hunting during the regular turkey hunting season as indicated on pages 43 and 45 of the Hunting & Trapping Guide.

    Additional information on hunting seasons and state wildlife areas is available in the Hunting & Trapping Guide or by calling the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife’s Wildlife Section at 302-739-9912. Information on hunting licenses and the Conservation Access Pass is available at de.gov/huntinglicense or by calling the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife Recreational Licensing office at 302-739-9918.

  • Sewage Spewed into Christina River

    Sewage Spewed into Christina River

    For Immediate Release

    March 24, 2022

    The New Castle County Department of Public Works repaired a force main break, which caused wastewater to overflow and spill into the Nonesuch Creek and Christina River.

    The overflow occurred when the force main ruptured near 419 Old Airport Road in New Castle. The wastewater spill was reported to the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control on Wednesday, March 23.

    The New Castle County Department of Public Works worked through the night to stop the spill and repair the 36-inch force main line. The crew was able to bypass flow and close a valve to stop the leak. The repair of the line was completed around noon on Thursday, March 24.

    DNREC Division of Water and New Castle County wastewater management staff are assessing bodies of water in the area impacted by the spill. Given the proximity to both the Christina River and the Nonesuch Creek, staff sampled upstream and downstream of both waterways.

    The break was caused by a failed weld on a 24-inch air release stack.

    To report environmental crimes and concerns in the state, the public may contact the DNREC Environmental Crimes Unit at 800-662-8802. For questions about this incident, contact the New Castle County Department of Public Works at 302-395-5700.

  • DNREC: $3 million fishery relief funding applications available until March 17

    DNREC: $3 million fishery relief funding applications available until March 17

    DNREC is reminding saltwater fishery-related businesses about funding that’s available to them, related to revenue declines during the heart of the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Eligible businesses can apply for a piece of nearly $3 million of federal funding through the Consolidated Appropriations Act by going to the state’s website at DNREC.Delaware.gov by March 17.

    According to DNREC, fishery-related businesses were hit hard during the pandemic, which saw over a 35% decline in revenue from March through December of 2020.

    Eligible business can also call DNREC Fisheries section at 302-739-9914 for more information on how to apply for funding.

  • Delaware man arrested on felony firearm charges at Cape Henlopen State Park

    Delaware man arrested on felony firearm charges at Cape Henlopen State Park

    Martin Hawkins, 55, of Bear, Delaware- Delaware Natural Resources Police

    A Delaware man was arrested on felony firearm charges after police found him riding a dirt bike armed with a pistol in Cape Henlopen State Park.

    According to Delaware Natural Resources Police, on Saturday, Dec. 4, state park officers arrested 55-year-old Martin Hawkins, of Bear, for felony firearm possession.

    Officers made contact with Hawkins after they spotted him on a Yamaha dirt bike in the Holland Glade Tract of Cape Henlopen State Park.

    Hawkins was found to be in possession of a loaded and concealed .380 semi-automatic pistol, an open container of beer, marijuana, and marijuana paraphernalia, according to police.

    Hawkins was charged with Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon A Firearm (Felony), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia-Marijuana Related (Civil Violation), Enter Lands Administered by Division Except as Authorized (Violation), Possession Alcoholic Beverages in Nature Trails in State Parks (Violation), Operate Motor Vehicle on Division Roads/Areas Not Designated for such Purpose (Violation). He was given a no contact order with Cape Henlopen State Park and released on his own recognizance.

  • Additional hunting seasons kick off this month in Delaware

    Additional hunting seasons kick off this month in Delaware

    Delaware waterfowl hunters are gearing up for the state’s third duck hunting season segment, which runs from Friday, Dec. 10 through Monday, Jan. 31, 2022, and the second Canada goose hunting season segment, which runs from Friday, Dec. 24 through Saturday, Jan. 22, 2022, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control announced today. Additional hunting seasons to include the special antlerless deer season open in December, as well as the opening of numerous trapping seasons.

    Deer hunters are encouraged to harvest does (female deer) to help manage the size and quality of Delaware’s deer population. Deer hunting is allowed on all Sundays through January 2022, using only those hunting methods legal for the respective established deer hunting seasons. Additional information is available at de.gov/sundayhunt.

    Hunting season dates opening in December:

    • Beaver: Dec. 1 through Mar. 19, 2022, Private Land Only
    • Woodcock and common snipe: Dec. 3 through Jan. 17, 2022
    • Antlerless deer: Dec. 11 through 19, including Sundays Dec. 12 and 19*
    • Ducks, coots and mergansers: Dec. 10 through Jan. 31, 2022
    • Brant: Dec. 11 through Jan. 31, 2022
    • Canada goose (Migratory season): Dec. 24 through Jan. 22, 2022

    *Archery and crossbow hunters may hunt deer during the December antlerless season but may NOT harvest antlered deer.

    Trapping season dates opening** in December:

    • Muskrat, mink, otter, raccoon, opossum, nutria:
      ○ New Castle County: Dec. 1 through Mar. 10, 2022 (March 20 on embanked meadows)
      ○ Kent and Sussex counties: Dec. 15 through Mar. 15, 2022
    • Red fox and coyote: Dec. 1 through Mar. 10, 2022
    • Beaver: Dec. 1 through Mar. 20, 2022, Private Land Only

    **Groundhog trapping season continues through June 30, 2022

    Continuing hunting seasons include:

    • Bobwhite quail: through Jan. 1, 2022
    • Mourning dove: through Jan. 31, 2022
    • Archery and crossbow deer: through Jan. 31, 2022, including all Sundays
    • Sea ducks in Special Sea Duck Area: through Jan. 31, 2022
    • Tundra swan (by special permit ONLY): through Jan. 31, 2022
    • Snow goose: through Jan. 31, 2022 and Feb. 5, 2022
    • Ring-necked pheasant (male only): through Feb. 5, 2022
    • Gray squirrel: through Feb. 5, 2022
    • Cottontail rabbit: through Feb. 28, 2022
    • Coyote (hunting): through Feb. 28, 2022
    • Red fox (hunting): through Feb. 28, 2022
    • Raccoon and opossum (hunting): through Feb. 28, 2022***
    • Crows: through March 26, 2022, June 23 through 25, 2022 and June 30, 2022 (Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays only)
    • Groundhog: through June 30, 2022

    ***Special raccoon and opossum hunting hours during the December antlerless, January handgun, January shotgun and January muzzleloader deer seasons are 7:00 p.m. until midnight (reference the hunting and trapping guide for these deer season dates).

    The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife offers many hunting opportunities on state wildlife areas, with details available at de.gov/wamaps. Information specific to Sunday deer hunting on state wildlife areas is available at de.gov/sundayhunt.

    A Delaware hunting license or License Exempt Number (LEN) is required to hunt, and most waterfowl hunters are required to purchase a Delaware waterfowl (duck) stamp and a Federal Duck Stamp. Migratory bird hunters, except crow hunters, also need a Federal Harvest Information Program (HIP) number, which can be obtained through the DNREC ePermitting system website or by calling toll free 855-DEL-HUNT (855-335-4868). If using the DNREC ePermitting system, hunters should either create a profile or use the “Quick Hunting Registration” option.

    Registered motor vehicles used to access designated wildlife areas owned or managed by the Division of Fish and Wildlife are required to display a Conservation Access Pass (CAP). Hunters can opt to receive one free annual CAP with the purchase of any Delaware hunting license. To obtain a CAP, hunters will need the registration card for the vehicle to which the pass will be assigned.

    Delaware hunting licenses, Delaware waterfowl stamps and Conservation Access Passes can be purchased online at de.gov/huntinglicense or from hunting license agents statewide. Hunters obtaining a LEN are reminded that they should create a profile using the DNREC ePermitting system portal or obtain a LEN at a hunting license agent if they have not already done so. Federal Duck Stamps are available for purchase at U.S. Post Offices, Bombay Hook and Prime Hook national wildlife refuges and online at 2021/2022 Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp.

    Additional information on hunting seasons and state wildlife areas is available in the 2021/2022 Delaware Hunting & Trapping Guide or by calling the Wildlife Section at 302-739-9912. Information on hunting licenses, the state waterfowl stamp and the Conservation Access Pass is available at de.gov/huntinglicense or by calling the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife Recreational Licensing office at 302-739-9918.

  • Bethany Crest water now safe to drink, cook with following advisory

    Bethany Crest water now safe to drink, cook with following advisory

    Residents of the Bethany Crest community near Millville can now resume normal use of their water following a health advisory was issued last month after testing showed high levels of PFAs.

    Results from samples taken from the water system serving residents of the Bethany Crest community near Millville returned test results that were below the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Health Advisory Level (HAL) of 70 parts per trillion (ppt) for PFAS in drinking water.

    Residents may now resume normal use of the water, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) and Division of Public Health (DPH) announced this week.

    Following a sampling that found the source water from Bethany Crest water system (before treatment) was near or at the HAL, DNREC and DPH acted quickly to sample the finished drinking water (after treatment) going to residents.

    Samples taken by DNREC showed that an ion exchange treatment that had already been in place for the Bethany Crest water system had been successful in removing PFAS from the community’s drinking water. Out of an abundance of caution, DPH had advised Bethany Crest residents to use bottled water provided by the water system owner for drinking and cooking while the finished water samples were being tested.

    Testing results from an Oct. 23 sampling for PFAS in the Bethany Crest water system showed that the ion exchange treatment had removed PFAS to significantly below the health advisory level of 70 ppt. The results also indicated that while other wells and public water in the area sampled within a one-mile radius of Bethany Crest showed PFAS detections, all were below the EPA health advisory level.

    Bethany Crest is a manufactured housing community with a small water system serving approximately 50 homes. The sampling of source water was collected as part of a proactive screening of public water sources throughout the state being conducted by DNREC.

    DPH is continuing to work with the system owner to identify long-term strategies that can be implemented to ensure the risk to residents does not increase in the future.

    Meanwhile, DNREC’s Remediation section conducted an assessment to identify potential sources of the contamination, and DNREC will open an investigation immediately into locating the source or sources of the PFAS detected in the Bethany Crest water system.

    PFAS are a group of man-made chemicals used in industry and consumer products. Due to their extensive use in these products over time, PFAS are found in people, wildlife, and fish and are known as “forever chemicals” because some PFAS can stay in people’s bodies a long time and cause health problems with long-term exposure.

  • Additional hunting seasons open up next month in Delaware

    Additional hunting seasons open up next month in Delaware

    Numerous Delaware hunting seasons open next month, including the popular November deer shotgun season which runs from Friday, Nov. 12 through Sunday, Nov. 21, as well as the firearms deer hunt available only to youth and non-ambulatory hunters on Saturday, Nov. 6 and Sunday, Nov. 7, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control announced today.

    Duck, Canada goose and other hunting seasons also open in November.

    Hunters are encouraged by the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife to harvest does (female deer) during the various deer hunting seasons to help manage the size and quality of Delaware’s deer population. Deer hunting is allowed on all Sundays through Jan. 31, 2022, using only those hunting methods legal for the respective established deer hunting seasons, with additional information available at de.gov/sundayhunt.

    A convenient Deer Harvest Report Card issued to hunters with their hunting license or License Exempt Number (LEN) is now used to record harvested deer, replacing the paper deer tags vulnerable to damage and loss that were previously attached to deer upon harvest in Delaware. Hunters are reminded that they must complete the appropriate section of their Deer Harvest Report Card before the deer is moved from the harvest location and keep the card in their possession. Hunters may obtain a Deer Harvest Report Card at de.gov/digitaldnrec or by calling 302-739-9918 for assistance. Harvested deer must also be registered within 24 hours of harvest in the ePermitting system or by calling toll free at 855-DEL-HUNT (855-335-4868).

    Successful deer hunters who wish to donate venison to those in need are encouraged to participate in Delaware’s Sportsmen Against Hunger Program. Field-dressed deer may be donated at participating butchers or self-serve, walk-in coolers maintained by the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife, with additional information and participating butcher and cooler locations found online at de.gov/sah. All donated deer will be processed free of charge to the hunter, and the meat will be distributed to participating charitable organizations. Last year, hunters donated over 21,000 pounds of processed venison that provided more than 84,000 meals to Delawareans in need.

    In addition to the deer shotgun season, November provides many other popular hunting opportunities, including the opening of the second duck season split, sea duck season in the Special Sea Duck Area and first Canada goose season split.

    Hunting season dates opening in November:

    • Raccoon and opossum (hunt only): Nov. 1 through Feb. 28, 2022*
    • Red fox (hunt only): Nov. 1 through Feb. 28, 2022
    • Deer youth/non-ambulatory hunt: Nov. 6 and Nov. 7
    • Deer shotgun: Nov. 12 through 21, including all Sundays
    • Tundra swan (by special permit ONLY): Nov. 11 through Jan. 31, 2022
    • Woodcock (first season split): Nov. 22 through 27
    • Ducks, coots and mergansers (second season split): Nov. 22 through 27
    • Brant (first season split): Nov. 22 through 27
    • Sea ducks in Special Sea Duck Area: Nov. 23 through Jan. 31, 2022
    • Bobwhite quail: Nov. 22 through Jan. 1, 2022
    • Mourning dove (second season split): Nov. 22 through Jan. 31, 2022
    • Ring-necked pheasant (male only): Nov. 22 through Feb. 5, 2022
    • Cottontail rabbit: Nov. 22 through Feb. 28, 2022
    • Canada goose (first season split): Nov. 24 through 27
      *Raccoon and opossum hunting seasons are closed during the November youth/non-ambulatory hunt and November shotgun deer season. Special hunting hours for raccoon and opossum during the December antlerless, January handgun, January shotgun and January muzzleloader deer seasons are 7 p.m. until midnight (reference the hunting and trapping guide for these deer season dates).

    Continuing hunting seasons include:

    • Moorhen, gallinule, sora, Virginia rail, king rail and clapper rail: through Nov. 24
    • Common snipe: through Nov. 27
    • Snow goose: through Jan. 31, 2022; Feb. 5, 2022
    • Deer archery and crossbow: through Jan. 31, 2022, including all Sundays
    • Gray squirrel: through Feb. 5, 2022 (closed during November deer shotgun season)
    • Coyote (hunting): through Feb. 28, 2022
    • Crows: through March 26, 2022, June 23 to 25, 2022 and June 30, 2022 (Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays only)
    • Groundhog: through June 30, 2022

    A Delaware hunting license or License Exempt Number (LEN) is required to hunt, and most waterfowl hunters are required to purchase a Delaware waterfowl (duck) stamp and a Federal Duck Stamp. Migratory bird hunters, except crow hunters, also need a Federal Harvest Information Program (HIP) number, which can be obtained through the DNREC ePermitting system or by calling toll free 855-DEL-HUNT (855-335-4868). If using the DNREC ePermitting system, hunters should either create a profile or use the “Quick Hunting Registration” option.

    Registered motor vehicles used to access designated wildlife areas owned or managed by the Division of Fish and Wildlife are required to display a Conservation Access Pass (CAP). Hunters can opt to receive one free annual CAP with the purchase of any Delaware hunting license. To obtain a CAP, hunters will need the registration card for the vehicle to which the pass will be assigned.

    Delaware hunting licenses, Delaware waterfowl stamps and Conservation Access Passes can be purchased online at de.gov/huntinglicense or from hunting license agents statewide. Hunters obtaining a LEN are reminded that they should create a profile using the DNREC ePermitting system or obtain a LEN at a hunting license agent if they have not already done so. Federal Duck Stamps are available for purchase at U.S. Post Offices, Bombay Hook and Prime Hook national wildlife refuges and online at 2021/2022 Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp.

    Additional information on hunting seasons and wildlife areas is available in the 2021/2022 Delaware Hunting & Trapping Guide or by calling the Wildlife Section at 302-739-9912. Information on hunting licenses, the state waterfowl stamp and the Conservation Access Pass is available at de.gov/huntinglicense or by calling the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife Recreational Licensing office at 302-739-9918.

  • DNREC announces grants to support Pollution Restoration Projects

    DNREC announces grants to support Pollution Restoration Projects

    Delaware communities adversely affected by environmental pollution can now apply for Community Environmental Project Fund (CEPF) restoration grants for the 2022 grant cycle through the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control.

    The CEPF was created by the Delaware General Assembly in 2004 through legislation that authorized DNREC to establish a grant fund by withholding 25% of funds collected as penalties for violations of environmental regulations. These funds are returned to the communities where violations occurred through competitive grants to nonprofit organizations in support of community environmental projects. Grants are available to affected communities to fund restoration projects that result in:

    • Reduced pollution
    • Enhanced natural resources
    • Enhanced recreational opportunities
    • Applicants can identify the drainage basin location of their projects with a mapping tool available at dnrec.delaware.gov.

    IRS tax-exempt organizations are eligible for CEPF grants of up to $25,000. These groups include civic and community organizations, educational institutions, counties, municipal governments, state agencies and quasi-state agencies. The application deadline is Friday, Dec. 17, 2021. The projects funded in this grant cycle can begin on July 1, 2022 and should be completed by June 30, 2023.

    DNREC will hold a virtual public workshop focused on the CEPF program to assist applicants with finalizing their applications at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 16. Connection information for the workshop is posted at de.gov/dnrecmeetings, and at de.gov/cepf. Pre-registration is encouraged, but not required for participation.

    Recent CEPF projects statewide have included a habitat restoration and scrap tire cleanup, a pollenating rain garden at a school, healthy home and energy assessments, a museum trail project, an energy savings model home for a low income community, a native plantings project to mitigate stormwater runoff, educational signage for a stormwater management site, funding to support plastic pollution education and a floating dock and canoe/kayak project that provides recreational access and helps stabilize canal banks.

    The grant applicationOpen this document with ReadSpeaker docReader, workshop details and more information about the CEPF are available online at de.gov/cepf.