6
Daily duck limit
8
Daily goose limit
6
Teal limit (early)
$8.50
Waterfowl license (res.)
Season Information
Season DatesEarly Teal: Sept 1–16; Regular Season: Oct 7 – Jan 26 (split); Canada Goose Early: Sept 1–25
FlywayAtlantic Flyway
Zone InformationDelaware has a single statewide zone. Delaware Bay marshes constitute the primary waterfowl habitat. The Chesapeake and Delaware Canal connects the two major estuaries and concentrates migrating birds.
Species NotesDucks: 6/day; mallard 4 (2 hens); black duck 2; pintail 1; canvasback 1; scaup 2; wood duck 3. Brant: 2/day. Geese: Canada 8/day; snow/blue 20/day.
License & Permit Requirements
State Hunting License
✅ Required
Federal Duck Stamp
✅ Required
HIP Registration
✅ Required
HIP Registration Info
HIP registration required annually for all waterfowl hunters at no cost. Register online at de.gov/hunting or at any license agent. Delaware participates in the federal HIP survey to track harvest data.
How to Get Licensed for Waterfowl Hunting
1
Purchase a Delaware hunting license ($16.00 resident) from Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife.
2
Complete HIP Registration (free) — available when purchasing your hunting license or through the Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife website.
3
Purchase the Federal Duck Stamp ($25) — required for all waterfowl hunters age 16+. Available at USPS offices or online.
Additional Notes: Delaware Bay is one of the most important estuarine systems in the Atlantic Flyway and supports outstanding populations of black duck, teal, wigeon, and geese throughout the waterfowl season. The Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge and Bombay Hook NWR along the Delaware Bay shore are crown jewel habitats that attract enormous concentrations of waterfowl. Delaware's small size belies its exceptional waterfowl diversity, as its central location on the Atlantic Flyway means birds moving between New England and the Chesapeake regularly stage and winter here.
Buy DE License — Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife