2019-2020 Hunting Seasons/Hunting Rules

Refer to map for approximate locations of indicated areas.

1. In addition to the rules and regulations found in the Delaware Hunting and Trapping Guide: 2019-2020, specific rules that apply to Brandywine Creek State Park are listed below.  Registration of all hunters participating in the Delaware State Park Hunting Program is required.  There is an annual $10 hunting program charge.  This charge is waived for Delaware hunters 65 or over.  Hunters may register at the Brandywine Creek State Park Office, other state parks where hunting is permitted or at the front desk of the DNREC Building, 89 Kings Highway, Dover.
2. Deer Hunting – Archery/Crossbow Seasons
   1. Archery/crossbow hunting ONLY is permitted for deer, in season, Monday, October 7, 2019 through Saturday, December 14, 2019.
   2. There is NO SUNDAY HUNTING in Delaware State Parks.
   3. If you plan to hunt at Brandywine Creek State Park, regardless of where you purchase your State Park Hunting Permit, you must appear in person at the Brandywine Creek State Park office during business hours prior to hunting to sign the archery hunting registration form. The park office is open daily April 1 – October 31, 8 am to 4 pm, and Weekdays November 1 to March 31, 8 am to 4 pm.
   4. Hunter orange must be worn by archery hunters at all times when dates overlap with any Statewide Gun Seasons.
   5. There are thirteen archery pin sites and three archery only metal tree stands.
   6. Hunting at the thirteen pin sites is only allowed from a portable non-damaging tree stand (provided by the hunter), not less than 10 feet above ground level, within the perimeter marked with paint on trees around a central numbered pin.
   7. Pin and stand sites will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis using the self-registration tag board system. The tag board is located immediately to the right of the Nature Center/Park Office entrance.
   8. Hunters are allowed to harvest a deer of either sex in Brandywine Creek State Park. The primary goal of the hunting program in Delaware State Parks is to reduce the overall deer herd and equalize the doe to buck ratio closer to 1 to 1 to reduce the negative impact of the herd on the natural plant and animal communities in the park. We encourage all hunters to harvest at least one doe during the season at Brandywine Creek State Park.
   9. It is illegal to use or build a nailed or permanent tree stand or ladder. Portable stands must be of a type that will not damage trees. Unattended stands will be confiscated.
   10. Deer drives are NOT permitted on park property.
   11. The clearing/cutting of vegetation to form shooting lanes or for any other purpose is prohibited.
   12. No parking is allowed in the active hunting area. Please park in designated areas.
3. Special Mid-week Managed Hunt (Antlerless Deer Only)
   1. Managed Hunt Date; January 8, 2020.
   2. An on-site lottery will be held at the Hawk Watch Parking Lot at 5 AM on the day of the hunt and again at 12:00 noon on the day of the hunt. Please arrive least 30 minutes prior to each lottery drawing to register.
   3. Special Hunts are for shotgun only: no muzzleloaders, crossbows or archery equipment allowed.
   4. Slugs only, no buckshot allowed.

MESSAGE TO ALL HUNTERS:

• Please be careful, discrete and considerate around other park visitors.  Understand that many park patrons are NOT hunters and some may feel threatened by your presence.
• By hunting in this park, you are a vital part of our “deer management team”.  White-tail deer have been shown to ecologically damage their habitat when they reach 20 deer per square mile.  In the majority of our parks, the deer herds have much greater densities than this. 
• Your harvest information is very important to us.  Please submit your data accurately.  Have a safe and successful hunt. 

Brandywine Creek 2019-20, Updated 7/8/2019

2019 - 2020 Hunting Seasons/Hunting Rules

Refer to map for approximate locations of indicated areas

1. In addition to the rules and regulations found in the Delaware Hunting and Trapping Guide: 2019-2020, specific rules that apply to Cape Henlopen State Park (East) are listed below. Registration of all hunters participating in the Delaware State Park Hunting Program is required. There is an annual $10 hunting program charge. This charge is waived for Delaware hunters 65 or over. Hunters may register at the Cape Henlopen State Park Office or at the front desk of the DNREC Building, 89 Kings Highway, Dover.
2. Hunting for deer is permitted in all designated areas in season from September 1, 2019 through February 1, 2020 . No firearm hunting for deer is permitted prior to the special Youth/Non-Ambulatory Disabled Deer Hunt on November 3, 2018. Handgun hunting is not permitted in the park. There is no hunting of any type from February 1 through August 31, 2019. There is NO SUNDAY HUNTING in Delaware State Parks.
3. Waterfowl Hunting
   1. Waterfowl Hunting is permitted in season in area A. Hunters may NOT construct blinds in this area.
   2. Waterfowl hunting in the park is restricted to between November 1, 2019 and February 1, 2020.
   3. No waterfowl hunting is permitted in the Gordon’s Pond area.
   4. There is NO SUNDAY HUNTING in Delaware State Parks.
4. Parking is in designated parking areas ONLY. Off-road driving is not permitted. Hunters are reminded to respect private property boundaries.
5. Spray Irrigation Area: The fields surrounding the county wastewater treatment facility on Wolfe Neck Road are actively sprayed with secondarily treated effluent. For health and safety reasons, hunters are not allowed on or near spray-irrigated fields or irrigation equipment except on the road through the property.
6. Deer Hunting – Archery and Crossbow hunting
   1. Permitted in area A, in season, from September 1, 2019 through February 1, 2020. Designated stands are for the convenience of the hunter and are not mandatory.
   2. There is a minimum 50-yard safety zone along all trails, except the Gordon’s Pond Trail which has a 100-yard safety zone.
   3. Permitted during approved firearms seasons as limited by the rules below and other applicable regulations. Note that hunter orange is required during gun seasons.
   4. Areas B, C and D are closed to hunting until further notice.
7. Deer Hunting - Muzzleloader Season
   1. Permitted in area A, but limited to January 27 – February 1, 2020 only. There is no October Muzzleloader Season in the Park.
   2. Muzzleloaders may also be used during Shotgun Seasons (see below).
8. Deer Hunting - Shotgun Seasons
   1. Permitted in Area A during the Youth/Non-Ambulatory Disabled Deer Hunt on November 2, 2019, November 15 - November 23, 2019; December 14 - December 21, 2019 Special Antlerless and January 18- January 25, 2020 seasons. No gun hunting is permitted until November Shotgun Season.
   2. Designated stands are for the convenience of the hunter and are not mandatory.
   3. Shotgun hunting in areas B, C and D will be closed to hunting until further notice.
9. Deer Hunting - General
   1. It is illegal to use a nailed or permanent deer stand or ladder. Portable stands must be of a type that will not damage trees. Unattended stands will be confiscated.
   2. Deer drives are NOT permitted on park property.
   3. Use designated parking areas only.
   4. Dependent upon ongoing construction, weather, or other factors, one or more areas may be closed. For updated or additional information, contact the park office at (302) 645-8983 or visit the Delaware State Parks website at www.destateparks.com.

MESSAGE TO ALL HUNTERS

• Please be careful, discrete and considerate around other park visitors. Understand that many park patrons are NOT hunters and some may feel threatened by your presence.
• Remember to make a safe and proper management decision before you shoot.
• Have a safe and successful hunt.

Cape East Updated 08/7/2019

2019 - 2020 Hunting Seasons/Special Hunting Rules

Refer to map for approximate locations of indicated areas

1. In addition to the rules and regulations found in the “Delaware Hunting and Trapping Guide: 2019-2020,” specific rules that apply to Cape Henlopen State Park (East) are listed below. Registration of all hunters participating in the Delaware State Park Hunting Program is required. There is an annual $10 hunting program charge. This charge is waived for Delaware hunters 65 or over. Hunters may register at the Cape Henlopen State Park Office or at the front desk of the DNREC Building, 89 Kings Highway, Dover.
2. Hunters wishing to hunt on the Godwin Tract must register in person at the Cape Henlopen State Park office. The office is open daily 8:00 am to 4:30 pm through October. From November 1 to March 31 the office is open Monday – Friday 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.
3. Hunting for DEER ONLY is permitted in season from September 1, 2019 through February 1, 2020. There is NO SUNDAY HUNTING in Delaware State Parks.
4. There are six designated pin sites. Hunters must hunt from a portable, non-damaging tree stand from within the marked 25-yard perimeter around each pin. Stands must be a minimum of 10 feet above ground level.
5. Tags for the six pins will be available on a first-come, first-served basis on the tag board at the designated parking area. Tags may be pulled no sooner than 4:30 am on the day of the hunt.
6. Archery and Crossbow hunting
   1. Permitted in season, from September 1, 2019 through February 1, 2020.
   2. Permitted during approved firearms seasons Note that hunter orange is required during gun seasons.
7. Muzzleloader Season
   1. Permitted in season October 11, 12 14 – 19 and January 27 – February 1, 2020 only.
   2. Muzzleloaders may also be used during Shotgun Seasons (see below).
8. Shotgun Season
   1. Permitted during October 4, 5, 2125, 26 and 28, 2019 (Special Antlerless), November 2, 2019 (Youth Hunt), November 15, 16, 18 -23, 2019; December 14 - December 21, 2019 (Special Antlerless) and January 18- January 25, 2020 seasons.
9. It is illegal to use or build a nailed or permanent tree stand or ladder. Portable stands must be of a type that will not damage trees. Unattended stands will be confiscated.
10. Use of Bait is NOT permitted on park property.
11. Deer drives are NOT permitted on park property.
12. The clearing/cutting of vegetation to form shooting lanes or for any other purpose is prohibited.
13. Handguns, straight-walled pistol caliber rifles and sharps rifles are not permitted for deer hunting in Delaware State Parks.
14. There is no hunting of any type from February 2 through August 31, 2020.
15. Park vehicles in the designated parking area only. Vehicles are not permitted beyond the designated parking area.

MESSAGE TO ALL HUNTERS:

• The Godwin Tract is bordered by residential neighborhoods. Please observe all private property while hunting on the Godwin Tract.
• Remember to make a safe and proper management decision before you shoot.
• Have a safe and successful hunt.
• Failure to abide by the rules herein may result in the loss of hunting privileges in Delaware State Parks.

Cape Henlopen Godwin Tract 2019-20 Updated 08/7/2019

2019 - 2020 Hunting Seasons/Special Hunting Rules

Refer to map for approximate locations of indicated areas

1. In addition to the rules and regulations found in the Delaware Hunting and Trapping Guide: 2019-2020, specific rules that apply to Cape Henlopen State Park (West) are listed below. Registration of all hunters participating in the Delaware State Park Hunting Program is required. There is an annual $10 hunting program charge. This charge is waived for Delaware hunters 65 or over. Hunters may register at the Cape Henlopen State Park Office or at the front desk of the DNREC Building, 89 Kings Highway, Dover.
2. PLEASE NOTE: Due to a new lease agreement between DNREC and Sussex County the hunting area around the Wolf Neck Wastewater Treatment spray irrigation fields has changed. Parking for hunters accessing State Park lands has moved from inside the fenced area at the Wolf Neck facility to the State Park parking lot on Wolf Neck Road. See the Cape Henlopen State Park (West) Hunting Maps to see all changes.
3. 3. Hunting for deer is permitted in all designated areas in season from September 1, 2019 through February 1, 2020. No firearm hunting for deer is permitted prior to the special Youth/Non-Ambulatory Disabled Deer Hunt on November 2, 2019. Handguns, straight-walled pistol caliber rifles and Sharps rifles are not permitted for deer hunting in Delaware State Parks. There is no Upland Game Hunting in Cape Henlopen State Park. There is no hunting of any type from February 2 through August 31, 2020. There is NO SUNDAY HUNTING in Delaware State Parks.
4. All hunters must honor the 200-yard safety zone (100 yards on each side) along the Junction-Breakwater Trail. This area is heavily used throughout the year by the non-hunting public.
5. Waterfowl Hunting
   1. Waterfowl Hunting is permitted in season in areas E and F. Hunters may NOT construct blinds in these areas.
   2. Waterfowl Hunting in the park is restricted to between November 1, 2019 and January 31, 2020.
   3. There is NO SUNDAY HUNTING in Delaware State Parks.
6. Parking is in designated parking areas ONLY. Off-road driving is not permitted. Hunters are reminded to respect private property boundaries.
7. Spray Irrigation Area: Sussex County will be permitting deer hunting on lands around the Wolf Neck Wastewater Treatment Plant during the 2019-20 hunting season. For more information contact Sussex County at (302) 855-7700.
8. Deer Hunting – Archery and Crossbow hunting
   1. Permitted in areas G, E and F in season from September 1, 2019 through February 1, 2020.
   2. All areas labeled G are Archery/Crossbow ONLY areas. Archers must hunt at least 50 yards from the nearest trail or road. This safety distance increases to 100 yards on each side of the Junction-Breakwater Trail.
   3. Permitted during firearms seasons. Note that hunter orange is required during gun seasons, including in the archery and crossbow only areas.
9. Deer Hunting - Muzzleloader Season
   1. Permitted in areas E and F for the January 27, 2019 - February1, 2020 season only.
   2. There is not an October Muzzleloader Season in the Park.
10. Deer Hunting - Shotgun Seasons
    1. Permitted in areas E and F including the, Youth/Non-Ambulatory Disabled Deer Hunt November 2, November 15 - November 23, 2019, December 14 - December 21, 2019 Special Antlerless and January 13 and January 18 - January 26, 2020 seasons.
    2. Do NOT shoot into or across the spray irrigation fields when hunting Area E! This is dangerous and may lead to the closure of this area to public hunting.
11. Deer Hunting - General
    1. The clearing/cutting of vegetation to form shooting lanes or for any other purpose is prohibited.
    2. Deer drives are NOT permitted on park property.
    3. Deer drives are NOT permitted on park property. Park in designated parking areas only.
    4. Dependent upon ongoing construction, weather, or other factors, one or more areas may be closed. For updated or additional information, contact the park office at (302) 645-8983 or visit the Delaware State Parks website at www.destateparks.com.

MESSAGE TO ALL HUNTERS

• Please be careful, discrete and considerate around other park visitors. Understand that many park patrons are NOT hunters and some may feel threatened by your presence. Please show consideration to fellow hunters.

Cape West Updated 08/7/2019

2019 - 2020 Hunting Seasons Rules

Refer to map for approximate locations of indicated areas

1. In addition to the rules and regulations found in the Delaware Hunting and Trapping Guide: 2019-2020, specific rules that apply to the Delaware Seashore State Park are listed below. Registration of all hunters participating in the Delaware State Park Hunting Program is required. There is an annual $10 hunting program charge. This charge is waived for Delaware hunters 65 or over. Hunters may register at the Delaware Seashore State Park Office or at the front desk of the DNREC Building, 89 Kings Highway, Dover.
2. Waterfowl Hunting
   1. Waterfowl hunting, in season, is permitted from October 19, 2019 through January 31, 2020.
   2. Hunters must hunt from one of 16 designated and numbered blind sites only. No exceptions. Blind sites are located on Rehoboth and Indian River Bays and are designated by brown and white signs. Hunters must hunt within 10 yards of the designated blind site sign.
   3. Use of blind sites will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Hunters may build grass blinds for these sites after August 16, 2019. The Division of Parks and Recreation is not liable for blinds built on park property. Vegetation may not be cut from state park property. Phragmites and Chinese Silver Grass (Miscanthus) can NOT be used for blind construction.
   4. >NOTE: Waterfowl seasons as determined by the Delaware Division of Fish & Wildlife and approved by the United States Fish & Wildlife Service. Dates are available in the Delaware Hunting and Trapping Guide: 2019-2020 (pg. 30).
3. Deer Hunting – Archery/Crossbow, Muzzleloader, and Shotgun Seasons
   1. Deer hunting is open on Burtons Island for the 2019-20 season.
   2. Handguns, rifles with straight-walled handgun ammunition and Sharps rifles are not permitted for deer hunting in Delaware State Parks.
4. There is NO SUNDAY HUNTING in Delaware State Parks.
5. Hunting is prohibited within 50 yards of any park trail or road.
6. It is illegal to use or build a nailed or permanent tree stand or ladder. Portable stands must be of a type that will not damage trees. Unattended stands will be confiscated.
7. The clearing/cutting of vegetation to form shooting lanes or for any other purposes is prohibited.
8. No parking is allowed in the active hunting area. Please park in the designated area.
9. Deer drives are NOT permitted on park property.
10. There is no January handgun season in Delaware Seashore State Park. Use of handguns on state park property is prohibited.
11. Dependent upon ongoing construction, weather, or other factors, one or more areas may be closed. For updated or additional information, contact the park office at (302) 227-2800 or visit the Delaware State Parks website at www.destateparks.com.

MESSAGE TO ALL HUNTERS

• Please be careful, discrete and considerate around other park visitors. Understand that many park patrons are NOT hunters and some may feel threatened by your presence. Have a safe and successful hunt.

Updated August 7, 2019

2019 - 2020 Hunting Season Fresh Pond Tract Rules

Refer to map for approximate locations of indicated areas

1. In addition to the rules and regulations found in the Delaware Hunting and Trapping Guide: 2019-2020, specific rules that apply to the Fresh Pond Tract are listed below. Registration of all hunters participating in the Delaware State Park Hunting Program is required. There is an annual $10 hunting program charge. This charge is waived for Delaware hunters 65 or over. Hunters may register at the Delaware Seashore State Park Office or at the front desk of the DNREC Building, 89 Kings Highway, Dover.
   1. Hunting for deer only is permitted, in season, from September 1, 2019 through February 1, 2020 as indicated below. There is no hunting of any type from February 2 to August 31, 2020 .
   2. There is NO SUNDAY HUNTING in Delaware State Parks.
   3. There is no January handgun season in Delaware Seashore State Parks, including Fresh Pond.
   4. Deer drives are NOT permitted on park property.
   5. Dependent upon ongoing construction, weather, or other factors, one or more areas may be closed. For updated or additional information, contact the park office at (302) 227-2800 or visit the Delaware State Parks website at www.destateparks.com
2. Deer Hunting – Archery/Crossbow hunting
   1. Permitted September 1, 2019 – February 1, 2020.
   2. Note the areas marked Zone A & C on the map are Archery/Crossbow Only areas. Self-registration is by Zone and is on a first-come, first-served basis.
   3. In Hunting Zone B, self-registration for stands #1 -10 is on a first-come, first-served basis.
   4. Hunters must sign in and sign out on the registration board at the parking lot off of Hickman Road.
   5. These stands are for your convenience and are not mandatory. Archery hunters may hunt from a portable stand or from the ground throughout the zone so long as it is not within 50 yards of a trail or road.
   6. Portable stands must be of a type that will not damage trees. Unattended stands will be confiscated.
   7. There is no archery/crossbow hunting in Zone B during gun seasons.
   8. Note the 50 yard Safety Zones along the trails throughout the park as well as near occupied dwellings.
3. Deer Hunting – Muzzleloader and Shotgun Seasons
   1. Due to increased park use by the public, the first gun season will begin with the November Shotgun Season. As a result, the October Antlerless Shotgun dates and the October Muzzleloader Seasons are closed.
   2. Open during permitted seasons from designated stands #1-10 only, November 15 – November 23, 2019, December 14 – December 21, 2019, January 18 – January 25, 2020 and January 27 - February 1, 2020 (Muzzleloader)
   3. Self-registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. Hunters must sign in and sign out on the registration board re-located to the Hickman Road entrance. Sign-in sheets and tags will be distributed at 5:00 am during shotgun season.
   4. Handguns, rifles with straight-walled handgun ammunition and Sharps rifles are not permitted for deer hunting in Delaware State Parks.
   5. There is NO SUNDAY HUNTING in Delaware State Parks.
4. Small Game Hunting
   1. Due to increased trail traffic, hunting for rabbit and quail is prohibited at Fresh Pond.
5. Hunting is prohibited within 50 yards of any park trail. The clearing/cutting of vegetation to form shooting lanes or for any other purpose is prohibited.

MESSAGE TO ALL HUNTERS

• Please be careful, discrete and considerate around other park visitors. Understand that many park patrons are NOT hunters and some may feel threatened by your presence.
• Have a safe and successful hunt.

Updated 07/07/2018

2019 - 2020 Hunting Season Thompson Island Rules

Refer to map for approximate locations of indicated areas

1. In addition to the rules and regulations found in the Delaware Hunting and Trapping Guide: 2019-2020, specific rules that apply to the Fresh Pond Tract are listed below. Registration of all hunters participating in the Delaware State Park Hunting Program is required. There is an annual $10 hunting program charge. This charge is waived for Delaware hunters 65 or over. Hunters may register at the Delaware Seashore State Park Office or at the front desk of the DNREC Building, 89 Kings Highway, Dover.
2. Deer Hunting – Archery/Crossbow hunting
   1. Archery/crossbow hunting ONLY is permitted for deer, in season, Monday through Thursday, December 1, 2019 through January 30, 2020.
   2. There is NO SUNDAY HUNTING in Delaware State Parks.
   3. Hunting only allowed from a portable non-damaging tree stand (provided by the hunter), not less than 10 feet above ground level, within the perimeter marked with paint on trees around a central numbered pin.
   4. Pin sites will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis using the self-registration tag board system. The tag board is located in the parking lot at the end of Bay Road.
   5. It is illegal to use or build a nailed or permanent tree stand or ladder. Portable stands must be of a type that will not damage trees. Unattended stands will be confiscated.
   6. Deer drives are NOT permitted on park property.
   7. The clearing/cutting of vegetation to form shooting lanes or for any other purpose is prohibited.
   8. No parking is allowed in the active hunting area. Please park in the designated area.
   9. Hunter orange shall be worn in accordance with Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife regulations during gun seasons.
3. Hunting for waterfowl, rabbit, quail and dove is not permitted.

MESSAGE TO ALL HUNTERS

• Please be careful, discrete and considerate around other park visitors. Understand that many park patrons are NOT hunters and some may feel threatened by your presence.
• By hunting in this park, you are a vital part of our “deer management team”. White-tail deer have been shown to ecologically damage their habitat when they reach 20 deer per square mile. In the majority of our parks, the deer herds have much greater densities than this.
• Your harvest information is very important to us. Please submit your data accurately. Have a safe and successful hunt.

Updated 07/07/2018

2019 - 2020 Hunting Season Rules

Refer to map for approximate locations of indicated areas

1. In addition to the rules and regulations found in the Delaware Hunting and Trapping Guide: 2019-2020, specific rules that apply to Ft. DuPont State Park - Grass Dale are listed below. Registration of all hunters participating in the Delaware State Park Hunting Program is required. There is an annual $10 hunting registration fee for hunters 16-64 years of age. This charge is waived for Delaware hunters age 65 or over. Hunters may register at the Fort Delaware/DuPont State Park Office at Grass Dale; at the front desk of the DNREC Building, 89 Kings Highway, Dover; or at any of the other State Parks that have a hunting program. You must be registered prior to hunting. Deer hunting, as described below, is the only hunting permitted at Fort DuPont State Park – Grass Dale.
2. Information listed in the 2019-20 Delaware Hunting and Trapping Guide – includes incorrect information regarding hunting at Fort Delaware State Park. There is no hunting of any kind permitted on Pea Patch Island at Fort Delaware State Park.
3. Due to impending development by the Fort Dupont Redevelopment Corporation at this site, Shotgun and Muzzleloader Hunting will no longer be permitted at Fort Dupont State Park.
4. Parking: For stands A&B parking is available in the lot at the end of Old Battery Lane. For stands C-E parking is available at the end of Maple Blvd. For stand F parking is available near the entrance to the park maintenance yard along North Reedy Point Road north of the Grass Dale Center. Please refer to the map.
5. Archery Hunting (October 11, 2019 to February 1, 2020)
   1. Archery hunting will be allowed from an elevated position in designated archery stands only, lettered A-F.
   2. Please be advised, The Riverview Trail will be open during archery seasons.
6. General Rules
   1. There is NO SUNDAY HUNTING in Delaware State Parks.
   2. Field dressing should be done off trails and out of the public view.
   3. All stands are filled on a first come-first served basis by using the self-registration board located at the Grass Dale Center. No tag may be removed prior to 5am. Tags must be returned to board anytime a hunter leaves the stand.
   4. Small game hunting at Fort DuPont State Park is prohibited.
   5. Deer hunting with any type of firearm is prohibited.
7. Dependent upon ongoing construction, weather, or other factors, one or more areas may be closed. For updated or additional information, contact Fort Delaware State Park office at (302) 834-7941 or visit the Delaware State Parks website at www.destateparks.com.

MESSAGE TO ALL HUNTERS

• Please be sure to sign in at the hunter information board in the Grass Dale Center Parking lot before heading to one of the designated hunting stands.
• Please be careful, discrete and considerate around other park visitors. Understand that many park patrons are NOT hunters and some may feel threatened by your presence.
• Have a safe and successful hunt.
• State parks are carry-in, carry-out areas. Please take any trash you accumulate with you.

Fort Dupont 2019-20, Updated August 7, 2019

2019 - 2020 Hunting Season Rules

Refer to map for approximate locations of indicated areas

1. In addition to the rules and regulations found in the Delaware Hunting and Trapping Guide: 2019-2020, specific rules that apply to Holts Landing State Park are listed below. Registration of all hunters participating in the Delaware State Park Hunting Program is required. There is an annual $10 hunting program charge. This charge is waived for Delaware hunters 65 or over. Hunters may register at the Delaware Seashore State Park Office or at the front desk of the DNREC Building, 89 Kings Highway, Dover.
2. Deer Hunting – Archery/Crossbow Seasons
   1. Archery/crossbow hunting ONLY is permitted for deer, in season and in designated areas from Monday, October 21, 2019 through Saturday, February 1, 2020.
   2. Hunting within 50 yards of any park trail is prohibited.
   3. There is NO SUNDAY HUNTING in Delaware State Parks.
   4. It is illegal to use or build a nailed or permanent tree stand or ladder. Portable stands must be of a type that will not damage trees. Unattended stands will be confiscated.
   5. Deer drives are NOT permitted on park property.
   6. The clearing/cutting of vegetation to form shooting lanes or for any other purpose is prohibited.
   7. No parking is allowed in the active hunting area. Please park in the designated area.
3. Dependent upon ongoing construction, weather, or other factors, one or more areas may be closed. For updated or additional information, contact the park office at (302) 227-2800 or visit the Delaware State Parks website at www.destateparks.com.
4. Hunting for waterfowl, rabbit, quail and dove is not permitted.

MESSAGE TO ALL HUNTERS

• Notice there have been slight safety zone modifications to the hunting area near the pavilion and east of the entry road.
• Please be careful, discrete and considerate around other park visitors. Understand that many park patrons are NOT hunters and some may feel threatened by your presence.
• By hunting in this park, you are a vital part of our “deer management team”. White-tail deer have been shown to ecologically damage their habitat when they reach 20 deer per square mile. In the majority of our parks, the deer herds have much greater densities than this.
• Your harvest information is very important to us. Please submit your data accurately. Have a safe and successful hunt.

Holts Landing 2019-20, Updated July 11, 2019

2019 - 2020 Hunting Season Rules

Refer to map for approximate locations of indicated areas

1. In addition to the rules and regulations found in the “Delaware Hunting and Trapping Guide: 2019-2020”, specific rules that apply to Killens Pond State Park are listed below. Registration of all hunters participating in the Delaware State Park Hunting Program is required. There is an annual $10 Hunting Permit that must be purchased for hunters 16-64 years of age. This charge is waived for Delaware hunters age 65 or over and Youth Hunters ages 13-15 years of age. Hunters may purchase this permit at the Killens Pond State Park Office; at the front desk of the DNREC Building, 89 Kings Highway, Dover; or at any of the other State Parks that have a hunting program. You must have this permit prior to hunting.
2. If you plan to hunt at Killens Pond State Park, regardless of where you purchase your State Park Hunting Permit, you must appear in person at the Killens Pond State Park office during business hours prior to hunting to sign the archery hunting registration form. The park office is open daily April 1 – October 31, 8 am to 4pm, and weekdays November 1 to March 31 8 am to 4 pm.
3. Deer hunting, as described below, is the only hunting permitted at Killens Pond State Park.
4. Deer Hunting – Archery/Crossbow Seasons
   1. Hunting is permitted in season and in accordance with Delaware state laws, regulations, and rules.
   2. Archery/crossbow hunting ONLY is permitted for Antlerless Deer Only, in season, Monday, October 1, 2019 through Saturday, November 30, 2019.
   3. There is NO SUNDAY HUNTING in Delaware State Parks.
   4. Hunter orange must be worn by archery hunters at all times when dates overlap with any Statewide Gun Seasons.
   5. Hunting only allowed at 10 designated pin sites (refer to map for approximate locations). Hunters must hunt from a portable non-damaging tree stand, provided by the hunter, not less than 10 feet above ground level. Stands must be placed within the perimeter marked with paint on trees around the central numbered pin.
   6. Pin sites will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis using the self-registration tag board system. The tag board is located in the parking lot at the Dog Training Area on Paradise Alley Road. No tag may be removed prior to 5am. Tags must be returned to board anytime a hunter leaves the stand.
   7. It is illegal to use or build a nailed or permanent tree stand or ladder. Portable stands must be of a type that will not damage trees. Unattended stands will be confiscated.
   8. Deer drives are NOT permitted on park property.
   9. No arrows or bolts may be nocked prior to hunting in tree stand. No cocked crossbows are allowed prior to hunting in tree stand. Spot and stalk hunting is prohibited.
   10. The clearing/cutting of vegetation to form shooting lanes or for any other purpose is prohibited.
   11. No baiting is allowed.
   12. No motorized hand carts or ATVs are allowed to recover harvested deer. Manual deer carts are authorized for use.
   13. No parking is allowed in the active hunting area. Please park in the designated area.
   14. Hunters are allowed to harvest Antlerless Deer Only in Killens Pond State Park. The primary goal of the hunting program in Delaware State Parks is to reduce the overall deer herd and equalize the doe to buck ratio closer to 1 to 1 to reduce the negative impact of the herd on the natural plant and animal communities in the park.
5. All successful deer hunters must log their harvested deer at the tag board location and register their deer through DNREC Fish and Wildlife within 24 hours of harvest. Hunters can register their deer by visiting www.dnrec.delaware.gov/delhunt or by calling the toll free number 1-855-DEL-HUNT (1-855-335-4868). Hunters will answer a series of questions by using the computer or telephone. At the end of the questions, hunters will be given a deer harvest registration number. This number will serve as proof the animal was checked and should be kept for your records and written in ink on the deer tag utilized on the animal harvested. If you have problems with this system call (302) 735-3600. Hunters that take their deer to a butcher shop or taxidermist will need to supply their registration number to the shop owner as proof the deer was registered.
6. Hunting Zone for registration will be Killens Pond State Park, Public Hunting.

MESSAGE TO ALL HUNTERS:

• Please be careful, discrete and considerate around other park visitors. Understand that many park patrons are NOT hunters and some may feel threatened by your presence.
• By hunting in this park, you are a vital part of our “deer management team”. White-tail deer have been shown to ecologically damage their habitat when they exceed 20 deer per square mile. In the majority of our parks, the deer herds reach much greater densities.
• Your harvest information is very important to us. Please submit your data accurately.
• State Parks are carry-in, carry-out areas. Please take any trash you accumulate with you.
• No Trespassing on neighboring private property.
• Have a safe and successful hunt.

Killens Pond 2019-20, Updated 8/21/2019

2019 - 2020 Hunting Season Rules

Refer to map for approximate locations of indicated areas

1. In addition to the rules and regulations found in the Delaware Hunting and Trapping Guide: 2019-2020, specific rules that apply to Lums Pond State Park are listed below. All hunters must register at Lums Pond State Park hunting prior to hunting in the park. There is an annual $10 hunting registration fee charge. This fee is waived for Delaware hunters 65 or over. If you intend to hunt at Lums Pond, hunters must register, in person, at the park office. A valid 2018/2019 Delaware hunting license is required to register. NOTE: Once obtained, this registration will be valid for hunters participating in the Delaware State Park Hunting Program at any Delaware State Park that has hunting. However, it is the hunter’s responsibility to become familiar with each park’s specific rules and regulations.
2. There is NO SUNDAY HUNTING in Delaware State Parks.
3. Hunting with any firearm is prohibited until the November shotgun season.
4. Archery hunting is prohibited until October 7, 2019.
5. There is no small game, dove or waterfowl hunting at Lums Pond State Park.
6. There is no early (October) muzzleloader or shotgun seasons, January handgun season, or January muzzleloader season at Lums Pond State Park.
7. Deer Hunting – Archery/Crossbow Season
   • Permitted, in season, in Zones A, B, C, D, W, X, Y, and Z, from October 7, 2019 to February 1, 2020.
   • Within Zone Z, five stands are available on a first-come, first-serve basis for hunter safety and convenience. Use of these stands is mandatory. Hunting outside of the stands in Zone Z is not permitted. Only archery/crossbow hunting is permitted in Zones W, X, Y, and Z.
   • During archery/crossbow seasons, hunting is prohibited within 50 yards of any park trail due to increased visitor usage throughout the park. As rule of thumb, hunters should not be visible from trails.
   • Hunter orange must be worn by archery hunters at all times when dates overlap with any Statewide Gun Seasons.
8. Deer Hunting—Shotgun Season
   • Permitted, in season, in Zones A, B, C, and D. Shotgun seasons are as follows:
   • November 15 - November 23, 2019
   • December 14 - December 21, 2019 (Antlerless)
   • January 18 - January 25, 2020
   • Handguns, rifles with straight-walled handgun ammunition and Sharps rifles are not permitted for deer hunting in Delaware State Parks.
9. Hunters (both archery/crossbow and shotgun) must register at the tag board in the R. C. Field. All hunters are required to sign out a tag for the area he/she will be hunting in, before entering the hunting area. The tag must be displayed on the dashboard of the hunter’s vehicle. Tags must be returned and the hunter must sign out when the hunter leaves their hunting area for any reason. Tags may not be removed from the board until 5:00 AM daily. Failure to comply with these rules will result in revocation of park hunting privileges.
10. Two ground blinds have been created for Permanently Disabled Hunters (PD) to use during deer shotgun seasons. Note the locations on the map listed as PDB1 and PDB2. You must be registered as Permanently Disabled to use these blinds. To register you must contact the Lums Pond Park Office (302) 368-6989.
11. Hunting or shooting from Lums Pond or over the pond is strictly prohibited.
12. During shotgun seasons hunting is prohibited within 15 yards of any park trail. While trails are closed during all shotgun deer seasons, other park users sometimes enter upon the trails. Be aware of your target and what is beyond it.
13. It is illegal to use or build a nailed or permanent tree stand or ladder. Portable stands must be of a type that will not damage trees. Unattended stands will be confiscated.
14. The clearing/cutting of vegetation to form shooting lanes or for any other purpose is prohibited. Tying ribbon or placing of reflective tacks (hot dots) on trees is prohibited.
15. The possession and/or consumption of alcoholic beverages or drugs are strictly prohibited.
16. The main park entrance gate on Howell School Road opens to the public at 8:00 a.m. and closes at sunset. (Daily sunset times can be found at www.destateparks.com) Dependent upon ongoing construction, weather, or other factors, one or more areas may be closed. For updated information, contact the park office at (302) 368-6989 or visit the Delaware state parks website at www.destateparks.com. Please report any hunting violations immediately by calling 1-800-523-3336.

MESSAGE TO ALL HUNTERS

• Please be careful, discrete and considerate around other park visitors. Understand that many park patrons are NOT hunters and some may feel threatened by your presence.
• Deer remain in moderate numbers in the park. By hunting in Lums Pond, you are a vital part of our “deer management team”.
• Proper management of Lums’ deer herd is simple: we must harvest does and let more yearling and button bucks walk away to balance the herd’s sex ratio to increase the number of mature males. Make a proper management decision before you shoot.
• Have a safe and successful hunt.

Lums Pond 2019-20 Updated August 7, 2019

Refer to map for approximate locations of indicated areas.

1. In addition to the rules and regulations found in the “Delaware Hunting and Trapping Guide: 2019-2020”, specific rules that apply to Lums Pond State Park are listed below.  All hunters must register at Lums Pond State Park hunting prior to hunting in the park.  There is an annual $10 hunting registration fee charge.  This fee is waived for Delaware hunters 65 or over.  If you intend to hunt at Lums Pond, hunters must register, in person, at the park office.  A valid 2019/2020 Delaware hunting license is required to register.  NOTE:  Once obtained, this registration will be valid for hunters participating in the Delaware State Park Hunting Program at any Delaware State Park that has hunting.  However, it is the hunter’s responsibility to become familiar with each park’s specific rules and regulations.
2. There is NO SUNDAY HUNTING in Delaware State Parks.
3. Hunting is prohibited until October 7, 2019. 
4. There is no small game, dove or waterfowl hunting at Sunset Lake. 
5. Deer Hunting – Archery/Crossbow Seasons
   • Archery/crossbow hunting ONLY is permitted for deer, in season, Monday, October 7, 2019 through Saturday, February 1, 2020.
   • There is NO SUNDAY HUNTING in Delaware State Parks.
   • If you plan to hunt at Sunset Lake, regardless of where you purchase your State Park Hunting Permit, you must appear in person at the Lums Pond State Park office during business hours prior to hunting to sign the archery hunting registration form.  The park office is open daily April 1 – October 31, 8 am to 4 pm, and Weekdays November 1 to March 31, 8 am to 4 pm.
   • Hunter orange must be worn by archery hunters at all times when dates overlap with any Statewide Gun Seasons.
   • There are eight archery pin sites.  Hunting at the eight pin sites is only allowed from a portable non-damaging tree stand (provided by the hunter), not less than 10 feet above ground level, within the perimeter marked with paint on trees around a central numbered pin.
   • Pin sites will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis using the self-registration tag board system.  The tag board is located at the parking lot located off of RT 72 just south of Reybold Road .
   • It is illegal to use or build a nailed or permanent tree stand or ladder.  Portable stands must be of a type that will not damage trees.  Unattended stands will be confiscated.
   • Deer drives are NOT permitted on park property.
   • The clearing/cutting of vegetation to form shooting lanes or for any other purpose is prohibited.
   • To access Pins 1- 4 is hunters must park in the parking lot where the tag board is located.  To access pins 5 – 8 hunters must park off the shoulder of the southbound lanes of RT 72 beginning across from the entrance to the New Castle Hundred Archery Club to no more than 0.2 miles south of that point.
6. It is illegal to use or build a nailed or permanent tree stand or ladder.  Portable stands must be of a type that will not damage trees.  Unattended stands will be confiscated.
7. The clearing/cutting of vegetation to form shooting lanes or for any other purpose is prohibited.  Tying ribbon or placing of reflective tacks (hot dots) on trees is prohibited.
8. The possession and/or consumption of alcoholic beverages or drugs are strictly prohibited.
9. The main park entrance gate on Howell School Road opens to the public at 8:00 a.m. and closes at sunset.  Dependent upon ongoing construction, weather, or other factors, one or more areas may be closed.  For updated information, contact the park office at (302) 368-6989 or visit the Delaware state parks website at www.destateparks.com.  Please report any hunting violations immediately by calling 1-800-523-3336.

MESSAGE TO ALL HUNTERS:

• Please be careful, discrete and considerate around other park visitors.  Understand that many park patrons are NOT hunters and some may feel threatened by your presence.
• Deer remain in moderate numbers in the park.  By hunting in Lums Pond, you are a vital part of our “deer management team”. 
• Proper management of Lums’ deer herd is simple: we must harvest does and let more yearling and button bucks walk away to balance the herd’s sex ratio to increase the number of mature males.  Make a proper management decision before you shoot.
• Have a safe and successful hunt.

LPSP(Sunset Lake)2019-20 Updated August 30, 2019

2019 - 2020 Hunting Season Rules

Refer to map for approximate locations of indicated areas

1. In addition to the Rules and regulations found in the Delaware Hunting and Trapping Guide: 2019-2020, specific rules that apply to Trap Pond State Park are listed below. Registration of all hunters participating in the Delaware State Park Hunting Program is required. There is an annual $10 hunting program charge. This charge is waived for Delaware hunters 65 or over. Hunters may register at the Trap Pond State Park Office or at the front desk of the DNREC Building, 89 Kings Highway, Dover.
2. Hunting within 50 yards of any trail is prohibited.
3. There is NO SUNDAY HUNTING in Delaware State Parks.
4. Small Game
   1. Use of firearms is premitted for hunting Gray Squirrel, Cottontail Rabbit and Bobwhite Quail in-season, in Zone C, G and Zone I from October 12, 2019 through January 17, 2020 except during ANY deer firearm season.
5. Deer Hunting – Archery/Crossbow Seasons
   1. Permitted in any area labeled as Zone A and B from September 1, 2019 through February 1, 2020. Areas labeled as Zone A and Zone B are ARCHERY/CROSSBOW ONLY.
   2. Also permitted in Zones C, D, E, G, I, J, and T; from September 1, 2019 through February 1, 2020.
   3. Hunters must wear hunter orange when archery hunting during any deer firearm season in all zones including Zone A.
   4. There is NO SUNDAY HUNTING in Delaware State Parks.
6. Deer Hunting – Muzzleloader Seasons
   1. Permitted in Zones C, D, E, G, I, J, and T, October 11 &15-19, 2019; January 27, 2019 – February 1, 2020.
   2. Note that Area B is closed for this season.
   3. Saturday hunting during October will not be permitted on October 5th or October 12th in Trap Pond State Park.
   4. Muzzleloaders may also be used during Shotgun Seasons (see below).
   5. There is NO SUNDAY HUNTING in Delaware State Parks.
7. Deer Hunting – Shotgun Seasons
   1. Permitted in Zones C, D, E, G, I, J, and T, November 15-23, 2019, December 14-21, 2019 Special Antlerless and January 18 - 25, 2020
   2. Handguns, rifles using straight-walled handgun ammunition and Sharps rifles are not permitted for hunting deer in Delaware State Parks.
   3. There is NO SUNDAY HUNTING in Delaware State Parks.
8. Deer stands have been placed in Zones C, D, and E to increase hunter safety and convenience. Use of these stands is on a first come/first serve basis and is not mandatory.
9. Access - Hunters may not cross private property without permission.
   1. Parking for Area A is located on Wooten Road at the Dog Training Area. Parking within the main park to hunt is prohibited.
   2. Access to Zone G is directly from Arvey Road or from a farm road off Hudson Road.
   3. Hunters must access Zone J directly from adjacent public roads or two parking areas indicated on map.
   4. Access to Zone J on the east side of Hitch Pond Road is only from the forest that is owned by Delaware State Parks. Do not cross the privately owned fields adjacent to park property for any reason.
10. Deer drives/baiting/salt blocks are NOT permitted on park property.
11. Off-road driving is not permitted. Hunters are reminded to respect private property boundaries. Hunters may cross State Park leased crop land on foot once the crop has been removed.
12. It is illegal to use or build a nailed or permanent deer stand or ladder. Portable stands must be of a type that will not damage trees. Unattended stands will be confiscated. The clearing/cutting of vegetation to form shooting lanes or for any other purpose is prohibited.
13. Dependent upon ongoing construction, weather, or other factors, one or more areas may be closed. For updated or additional information, contact the park office at (302) 875-5153 or visit the Delaware State Parks website at www.destateparks.com.
14. Please be careful, discrete and considerate around other park visitors. Understand that many park patrons are NOT hunters and some may feel threatened by your presence. Have a safe and successful hunt.

Trap Pond Main Updated August 6, 2019

2019 - 2020 Hunting Season Rules

Refer to map for approximate locations of indicated areas

In addition to the rules and regulations found in the Delaware Hunting and Trapping Guide: 2019-2020, specific rules that apply to White Clay Creek State Park are listed below. of all hunters participating in the Delaware State Park Hunting Program is required. There is an annual $10 hunting registration fee. This charge is waived for Delaware hunters age 65 or over and for juvenile hunters age 10 - 15. Registration will take place at the White Clay Creek State Park Office.

1. General Deer Hunting Rules
   1. There is NO SUNDAY HUNTING in Delaware State Parks.
   2. Failure to comply with any state laws, rules, regulations, and/or policies may result in arrest and/or suspension of all hunting privileges in Delaware State Parks.
   3. For safety reasons, only one adult and only one firearm (shotgun/muzzleloader/bow/crossbow) is permitted at each stand/post site.
   4. Note that you must harvest an antlerless deer (female deer are the priority) in White Clay Creek State Park first, before harvesting a buck. To become ‘Buck Eligible’ you must have your antlerless deer confirmed by contacting a Park Ranger (302) 368-6900, 943-7350, 943-8617 and 943-0125. Archery hunters who harvest an antlerless deer during archery season will be qualified to harvest a buck (by bow or gun) during the shotgun seasons.
   5. Driving deer into and/or through hunting areas is prohibited.
   6. The clearing/cutting of vegetation to form shooting lanes or for any other purpose is prohibited.
   7. Juvenile hunters age 10 - 17 must be accompanied by an adult when applying for a Delaware State Park hunting permit and/or when signing in to hunt during the Shotgun Season’s on-site lottery. A parent or guardian is to be available (by telephone) the entire time the 16 – 17 juvenile is hunting. Juvenile hunters age 10 - 15 must be accompanied by a licensed hunter or by a license exempt hunter, age 18 or older, at all times while hunting. Only one firearm is allowed per stand.
   8. When tracking a wounded deer, hunters must use every physical effort to recover the deer. When tracking a wounded deer, hunters must keep arrows in their quiver or keep shotgun action open and unloaded; muzzleloaders must have percussion cap or primer removed. DO NOT shoot at a deer that you, yourself, did not wound. If you observe a wounded deer, contact a Park Ranger.
   9. When field dressing a deer, hunters should be courteous to other hunters and park visitors. The deer should always be dressed well off any trails and out of public view. If you kill a deer: you must first field tag the deer carcass; then field dress the deer; then drag it out – in that order.
   10. Please take your trash, soiled field dressing apparel, shell casings, etc. with you when you are finished hunting that day.
   11. The consumption of alcoholic beverages prior to hunting and the possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages while hunting is prohibited.
   12. A “Person Prohibited” in accordance with Delaware criminal code may not hunt with or possess any firearm including; shotgun, muzzleloader, crossbow, compound or recurve bow. If you have questions, contact a Park Ranger.
   13. A handgun is a prohibited method of take at White Clay Creek State Park.
   14. Driving motorized vehicles off-road into fields, woods, or along trails is prohibited.
   15. Permanently Disabled Hunters are an important and growing part of our hunting population. For more information regarding permanently disabled hunting rules and opportunities, refer to the last page.
2. Whitely Farms, David English, and Judge Morris West
   1. Please be considerate of the hayride groups that will be using the Whitely Farms fields and the Nine Foot Road parking area on Saturday afternoons through November 4.
   2. There are ten archery / shotgun pins (51, 53, 54, 56-62), one wooden archery / shotgun stand (55), and one archery-only pin (52) in the Whitely Farms area of White Clay Creek State Park.
   3. There are eight archery-only pins (AA-HH) in the David English area. All White Clay Creek State Park archery rules and conditions apply.
   4. The ten archery / shotgun Whitely Farms pins will be available to shotgun hunters during the White Clay Creek State Park shotgun deer seasons. All White Clay Creek State Park shotgun rules and conditions apply.
   5. Shotgun hunting within the Whitely Farms area will only be from a portable non-damaging tree stand (provided by the hunter) within the painted radius. Gun hunting from the ground is not allowed. Only one person is allowed in each portable tree stand. The bottom of the portable tree stand must be at least 10 feet above the ground when gun hunting.
   6. Any shotgun hunter who selects stand 55 must hunt from the wooden stand. Stand 55 archery hunters may use the wooden stand or they may use a climber stand within the painted radius.
   7. Be aware that the hunter at the neighboring pin(s) may be posted anywhere within their assigned radius so be particularly cautious when shooting in the general direction of your neighboring pin(s).
   8. Pins 51-60 are signed from the Nine Foot Road parking area. If the Nine Foot Road parking area is full, park along the gravel shoulder of Nine Foot Road. You may also park at the new Smith Mill parking area. Pins 61 and 62 are signed from the new Smith Mill parking area.
   9. Pins AA, BB, CC, EE, FF, GG and HH are signed from the park office parking area. Pin DD is signed from the trail directly opposite the bottom of the Cart Road Trail, where stands 3 – 11 park. Parking along Pleasant Hill Road is not allowed.
   10. Five archery-only pins (UU, VV, WW, XX, YY) are located in Judge Morris. These pins are located on the west side of Polly Drummond Hill Road. Hunters will be allowed to park in the paved Judge Morris parking area which is located on Polly Drummond Hill Road. The Old Coach Road parking area, the Upper Pike Creek Road bridge area, and the Judge Morris parking area on Polly Drummond Hill Road are the only three areas where Judge Morris hunters are allowed to park. Pins M-V will be signed from the Old Coach Road lot. Pins UU – YY will be signed from the trail opposite the Judge Morris lot on Polly Drummond Hill Road.
3. Archery Deer Hunting Seasons
   October 7, 2019 – November 14, 2019
   November 25, 2019 - December 13, 2019
   
   Archery Rules (including Crossbow)
   1. If you plan to archery hunt at White Clay Creek State Park, regardless of where you purchase your State Park Hunting Permit, you must appear in person at the White Clay Creek State Park office (during business hours) prior to hunting to sign the archery hunting registration form. There is no additional fee to archery hunt.
   2. Archery hunting is permitted only from elevated stands or from a portable non-damaging (without screw pegs) tree stand, or on the ground. Hunting must be within the painted radius around each elevated stand/pin. When an elevated stand does not have a painted radius, archer must hunt from the elevated stand.
   3. Hunting in Archery Zones shall be from a portable non-damaging (without screw pegs) tree stand placed within the zone boundaries. Only one hunter is permitted in each zone. Hunting from ground level is prohibited within the archery zones.
   4. The Chambers Rock Zone 1 is marked with an archery pin in the northwest and southwest corners and a painted perimeter marking a rectangular area. The east boundary of the zone does not extend beyond the wood line.
   5. Archery Zone 2 is located in the wooded area southwest of the Upper Pike Creek Road bridge pull off. Zone 2 is bordered by Pike Creek and Upper Pike Creek Road. Zone 2 hunters must be posted in an elevated climber stand at least 20 yards away Upper Pike Creek Road. Shooting at deer that are either in the creek or across the creek is prohibited.
   6. Archery Zone 3 is located in the wooded area at the south end of the Judge Morris property. This area is bordered by fields and by a private parking area. Hunters are not allowed to park in the private parking area on the south side of this zone. Hunters must be posted in an elevated climber stand at least 20 yards away from the private parking area. Zone 3 is ONLY open to archery hunting on Saturdays, on Thanksgiving Day, and on the day after Thanksgiving. *This area is subject to closure on Saturdays when the mansion grounds are being used.
   7. Archery Zone 4 is located in the wooded area north of Smith Mill Road, down hill from the Silent Knights flying field. Access to this zone shall be from the Smith Mill Road parking lot along the hedgerow along Paper Mill Road. Do not walk across the Silent Knights mowed runway.
   8. There is no longer a lottery the first two days of the archery season. Stands and pins will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis using the self-registration tag board system. Self-registration will take place at the Smith Mill parking lot which is located off of Paper Mill Road. The archery tag board is located in the Smith Mill parking lot. Hunters must sign in and out there, and pick up their stand tag at the bulletin board in the lot. The tag must be placed on the dashboard of the hunter’s vehicle and be visible at all times when hunting.
      Reminder: Tags are not to be removed before 5:00 AM prior to the end of Daylight Savings Time. After DST ends, tags are not to be removed prior to 4:30 AM. As stated on the Self-Registration form, this applies to all stands including the Permanently Disabled Stands. During shotgun seasons tags may be removed 21/2 hours prior to legal hunting time to avoid congestion in the Smith Mill parking lot during shotgun lotteries.
   9. When leaving the area for any reason (e.g. lunch, work, coffee, deer kill, etc.), hunters must sign out and return the tag to the bulletin board.
   10. Hunters that fail to sign out and return the tag to the bulletin board when leaving the area or that have another person sign in and pick up a tag for them will lose their hunting privileges for the rest of the season.
   11. The archery-only stations or ‘pins’ (Stations A-X, AA-HH, UU-YY, J-PD, M-PD) and Archery Zones (1-4) will be open for archery hunting during both the archery season listed above and during legal shotgun seasons, in accordance with all applicable regulations. Each of these stations is indicated by a labeled post. Hunting is permitted from the painted radius around the labeled post.
   12. PD stands 1, 19, 26, 38, 50, J, and M are only to be used by PD archery hunters during the archery season.
   13. During shotgun seasons, archery hunters wishing to hunt from the archery-only stations can use the self-registration tag board system as they do during the regular archery hunting seasons. Note: Hunter orange must be worn by archery hunters at all times when dates overlap with any Statewide Gun Seasons, including early October gun seasons and November Youth/Non-ambulatory Disabled Hunt. (Oct. 8-13, 15, 19, 20, 22, 26, 27, 29 and Nov. 3)
   14. Archery/Crossbow hunters must take one antlerless deer from White Clay Creek State Park during the 2019-20 season before they may take an antlered deer.
4. Shotgun Deer Hunting Seasons
   November 15 - November 23, 2019
   December 18 – December 21, 2019 – Special Antlerless Season
   January 18 - January 25, 2020
   
   Regular Shotgun Season Rules
   1. a. Stands will be assigned by an on-site shotgun lottery each day of the hunt at the Smith Mill Parking Lot two hours prior to legal shooting time on the day of the hunt and again at 12:00 noon on the day of the hunt.
   2. Hunters must take one antlerless deer from White Clay Creek State Park during the 2018-19 season before they may take an antlered deer.
   3. Hunting at White Clay Creek State Park is for wildlife management. Hunters are encouraged to shoot multiple antlerless deer provided that hunter already has the necessary number of antlerless deer tags in possession.
   4. Use of muzzleloaders is permitted during the Shotgun Seasons. There are no Muzzleloader Seasons in White Clay Creek State Park.
   5. Hunters are required to hunt from their assigned elevated deer stand. All hunters picked for a stand in the morning must hunt in the morning and remain in their stand until 9 a.m. Afternoon hunters must be in their assigned stand by 3 p.m. With the exception of a personal emergency, a hunter may only leave their stand before 9 am in the morning or before the end of legal shooting time in the afternoon or evening to dispatch a downed deer that the hunter wounded provided that downed deer can be seen by the hunter from their stand.
   6. When shotgun hunters are finished hunting for the day, they must return their daily hunting permit to the permit box in the Carpenter Recreation Area parking lot. Daily permits must be filled out completely before returning them.
   7. During the daily shotgun season lottery, if stand M-PD, PD 1, PD19, PD26, PD38 or PD50 has not been assigned to a Permanently Disabled Hunter, then they will be included in the normal daily lottery drawings. If a PD stand is issued to a non-PD hunter in the morning lottery, the permit for the PD stand must be turned in prior to the noon drawing.
   8. During shotgun seasons, archery hunters wishing to hunt from the archery-only stations can use the self-registration tag board system as they do during the regular archery hunting seasons. Self-registration will take place at the new Smith Mill parking lot, located directly off of Paper Mill Road. The archery tag board is located in the new Smith Mill parking lot. Hunter orange must be worn when dates overlap with any Statewide Gun Season, including early October gun seasons!
   9. There will be shotgun hunting from designated pin sites on the east side of Judge Morris during the four day December antlerless shotgun season. Shotgun hunting within the Judge Morris area will only be from a portable non-damaging tree stand (provided by the hunter) within the painted radius. Gun hunting from the ground is not allowed. Only one person is allowed in each portable tree stand. The bottom of the portable tree stand must be at least 10 feet above the ground when gun hunting.
   10. Possession of a loaded firearm, except while lawfully hunting from an assigned deer stand, is prohibited.
5. November 2, 2019 Shotgun Youth Hunt
   1. There will be a Youth Shotgun Deer Hunt at White Clay Creek State Park on Saturday November 3, 2018. This one day hunt will be open to juvenile hunters ages 10-15 who have completed a Hunter Education course, possess a Division hunting permit, and (when age required) possess a Delaware junior hunting license.
   2. The buck eligibility requirement is waived for youth shotgun hunters during this one day hunt. Only lottery selected shotgun youth hunters may harvest an antlered buck on this date without first harvesting an antlerless deer.
   3. Each juvenile hunter must be accompanied by an adult mentor who is at least 18 years of age. The mentor must have the lawful right to hunt in the State of Delaware, possess a valid Division of Parks & Recreation hunting permit, and either possess a valid Delaware hunting license or be hunting license exempt.
   4. The accompanying mentor is not allowed to shoot. Only one youth and one adult will be allowed to occupy each deer stand. Youth hunters may use a shotgun or a muzzleloader.
   5. Gun hunting, by juveniles or by adults, in other areas of White Clay Creek State Park on November 4 is prohibited. Juvenile archery hunters are still required to be “buck eligible” to harvest an antlered deer with a bow on November 3.
   6. Selected youth hunters, and their adult mentor, will participate in a traditional on-site stand lottery drawing at the Carpenter Recreation Area on November 2. The stand lottery drawing will take place two hours prior to legal shooting time. Once stands are assigned, youth hunters may keep their stands for the entire day. There will be no noon stand lottery drawing. A deer stand permit cannot be transferred to another youth hunter.

Dependent upon ongoing construction, weather, or other factors, one or more areas may be closed. Hunters are encouraged to carry a cell phone while they are scouting, hunting, and tracking. For updated or additional information, contact the park office at (302) 368-6900 or visit the Delaware State Parks website at www.destateparks.com. The White Clay Creek State Park office is located at the intersection of Chambers Rock Road and Thompson Station Road. Park office hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Please immediately report any medical emergencies, hunting accidents, or violations of any hunting laws, rules, or regulations to a Park Ranger, the park office, or by calling the DNREC dispatch center at 1-302-739-4580 or 1-302-739-4863.

White Clay Creek Hunting Opportunities for Permanently Disabled Hunters

Permanently Disabled Hunters are a small but important segment of our hunting population that is likely to grow larger in coming years. As we have increased hunting opportunities for all hunters, we have been increasing opportunities for Permanently Disabled Hunters. The rules that follow below are meant to accomplish these goals.

Before you consider registration as a Permanently Disabled Hunter, understand that this will limit your hunting opportunities within the park to just a few stands or pins, and you will still have to participate in the daily lottery for these limited opportunities with other Permanently Disabled Hunters. This is strictly intended for those hunters that are physically unable to access the majority of the stands in the park because of difficult terrain and long walking distances. Read the instructions below. All of the White Clay Creek Hunting Rules in the park will also apply to the Permanently Disabled Hunter as well.

• A hunter wishing to participate must obtain a disabled hunter certification card to use all facilities and opportunities made available to disabled hunters on State Wildlife Areas and State Parks. For more information on obtaining this card, call the Division of Fish and Wildlife at (302) 739-9912
• Archery Stand J-PD, Archery Stand M-PD, as well as stands PD1, PD19, PD26, PD38 and PD50. By registering as a Permanently Disabled Hunter you are limiting your hunting to these locations. These seven sites are for Permanently Disabled Hunters not confined to a wheelchair (Category 2). They will be equipped with stairs instead of ladders to facilitate access to the stands.
• During the morning shotgun lottery, if Stands M-PD, PD1, PD19, PD26, PD38 and PD50 are not assigned to Permanently Disabled Hunters, these six stands become available to non-Permanently Disabled Hunters. If a PD stand is issued to a non-PD hunter in the morning lottery, the permit for the PD stand must be turned in prior to the noon drawing so that the stand once again becomes available to an afternoon lottery PD hunter.
• During the archery season, stands M-PD, PD1, PD19, PD26, PD38 and PD50 are only available to permanently disabled hunters. PD archery hunters may hunt from the ground within the painted radius of any pin.
• Stand J-PD is for Permanently Disabled hunters only. J-PD is not available at any time to hunters who are not permanently disabled.
• Park staff will not be available to help the Permanently Disabled Hunter retrieve game or otherwise provide assistance except in the case of an emergency. Permanently Disabled Hunters must make arrangements with a friend or family member to help them.
• Two Wheelchair Accessible locations (NAWA) for the 2018-19 season are located at Lums Pond State Park. For more information please contact Delaware State Parks Operations at (302)739-9220 or Lums Pond State Park at (302) 368-6989.

WCCSP 2019-20, updated August 7, 2019