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DelawareHS 1 for HB 412153rd General Assembly (2024–2026)House

AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 7 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO HUNTING, TRAPPING, GAME ANIMALS, GAME BIRDS, DEER, AND PROTECTED WILDLIFE.

Sponsored By: William J. Carson (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

6 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 4 costs, 1 mixed.

Lawful deer mounts and antlers sell

You may buy, sell, offer for sale, ship, or transport completed taxidermy mounts and antlers from lawfully killed deer. Hides remain allowed under the same exception, which also covers possession with intent to sell. A mount must be finished to qualify; other deer and deer parts remain subject to sales restrictions. Importing and eating venison from lawfully killed deer remains allowed when it is approved for sale by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Delaware clammers and crabbers need licenses

Delaware residents must get a general license before clamming or crabbing in the state. Existing exceptions in Title 7, Chapter 5 still apply. The law does not set a license fee.

Younger hunters must complete safety training

Residents and nonresidents born after January 1, 1967, must complete at least 10 hours of hunter instruction before applying for a hunting license. License-exempt hunters must also complete the training. Training covers safe equipment use, hunter responsibility, wildlife management, and wildlife identification; residents must have live firing with a trained instructor. Department staff or authorized agents provide nonresident instruction. Proof of qualifying courses from other states or Canadian provinces satisfies the requirement.

Younger trappers must complete approved training

Residents and nonresidents born after January 1, 1978, must complete Department-approved trapping education before applying for a trapping license. License-exempt trappers must also complete the course. The law does not set a course length or fee.

Wildlife drug use requires permission

Giving drugs to protected wildlife generally requires written permission from the Fish and Wildlife Director. Title 7 permits or Department rules can also authorize use. Drugs include fertility control, disease prevention or treatment, immobilization, and growth stimulation. Licensed veterinarians and Department-permitted wildlife rehabilitators may treat sick or injured wild animals. Official-duty exceptions remain for the Department, the U.S. government, and Department-authorized commercial nuisance wildlife-control operators. Each violation is a class B environmental misdemeanor.

Deer recovery expands alongside enforcement powers

Deer must still be legally taken during open season and lawful hours; the law sets no new hunting schedule. Weapons and other evidence used in violations can be seized and forfeited under Superior Court criminal rules. That court handles both the violation and forfeiture. Dogs may be used solely to track or recover wounded or dead deer lawfully shot during open season, subject to Department rules. Using dogs to hunt or pursue deer with intent to kill remains prohibited.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • William J. Carson

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Brian Pettyjohn

    Republican • Senate

  • Jeffrey N. Spiegelman

    Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 59 • No: 0

Senate vote • 7/1/2026

Passed (2/3 required)

Yes: 20 • No: 0

House vote • 6/11/2026

Passed (SM required)

Yes: 39 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Signed by Governor

    7/23/2026Governor

  2. Passed By Senate. Votes: 20 YES 1 ABSENT

    7/1/2026Senate

  3. Reported Out of Committee (Environment, Energy & Transportation) in Senate with 1 Favorable, 4 On Its Merits

    6/18/2026Senate

  4. Assigned to Environment, Energy & Transportation Committee in Senate

    6/11/2026Senate

  5. Passed By House. Votes: 39 YES 2 ABSENT

    6/11/2026House

  6. was introduced and adopted in lieu of HB 412

    5/21/2026House

Bill Text

  • Current

    5/21/2026

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