Delaware Introduces New Law Expanding Hunting Opportunities

DELAWARE – Governor Matt Meyer signed a new bill that removes the hunting restrictions on Sundays and expands the allowed ammunition.

“For most Delawareans, hunting is a weekend activity,” Rep. Spiegelman said. “Speaking on behalf of the Sportsmen’s Caucus, we all felt that removing the antiquated ban would give more working Delawareans greater access to recreational opportunities and more opportunities to enjoy these experiences with their children.” 

The new law will allow hunters to pursue all game animals and game birds during hunting seasons. The law was supported by Delaware Sportsmen’s Caucus (DSC), and received wide bipartisan support, with a 19-0 win in the Senate and a 38-1 win in the House.

Sunday hunting in Delaware was originally banned due to historically observed “blue laws”, which restricts certain activities on Sundays such as specific retail items and alcohol sales. Although the other aspects were repealed decades ago, the hunting regulations continued into the 21st century. It wasn’t until 2016 when Delaware allowed deer hunting on five allotted Sundays, then expanded to include game birds in 2024. 

The bill also includes looser restrictions surrounding ammunition usage within deer hunting, expanding the allowed rifles ammunition size.

“We heard from a lot of hunters who wanted to use rounds like the .400 Legend,” Rep. Spiegelman said. “This law expands the allowable caliber size to include this and other popular deer hunting rounds.”

The new law is effective immediately.

For more information on hunting regulations, visit Delaware’s Division of Fish and Wildlife website.