Delaware actually offers some fantastic small game hunting, but the information is scattered everywhere. This guide fixes that problem by pulling everything from official DNREC sources into one place you can actually use. And if you’re planning to hunt multiple species, our complete Delaware guide covers deer, turkey, and waterfowl too.
Here’s what we’re covering to get you ready for Delaware’s 2026-2027 small game seasons:
- All the 2026-2027 season dates and bag limits you need
- License costs and requirements (residents, non-residents, and kids)
- Where to actually hunt—public areas and private land options
Let’s jump into what’s available this season.
Quick Overview of Delaware Small Game Seasons for 2026
Delaware’s got more small game variety than most people realize. From traditional squirrels and rabbits to year-round groundhog hunting, there’s something going on almost all the time. Recent data shows that gray squirrel season runs from September 14, 2026 through February 6, 2027—one of the longest seasons in the state.
| Species | Season Dates | Daily Bag Limit | Possession Limit | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gray Squirrel | Sept 14, 2026 – Feb 6, 2027 | $6 | 12 | Longest season; perfect for deer scouting |
| Cottontail Rabbit | Nov 23, 2026 – Feb 28, 2027 | $4 | $8.00 | Great for beagle hunters |
| Ring-necked Pheasant | Nov 23, 2026 – Feb 28, 2027 | $2 | $4.00 | Male only; stocked birds |
| Bobwhite Quail | Nov 23, 2026 – Jan 2, 2027 | No limit | — | Pen-raised only; need permit |
| Groundhog | July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027 | No limit | — | Year-round hunting |
| Bullfrog & Green Frog | May 1, 2026 – Sept 30, 2026 | — | — | Spear, gig, or hook only |
| Snapping Turtle | June 15, 2026 – May 15, 2027 | — | — | Year-round except spring |
License Quick Facts:
- Anyone born after January 1, 1967 needs hunter education before buying a license
- Resident hunting license (ages 16-64): $39.50
- Non-resident hunting license (ages 16+): $199.50
- Non-resident 3-day small game license: $75.00
- Junior hunting license (ages 13-15): $5.00 resident / $50.00 non-resident
- Kids under 13 need a License Exempt Number and adult supervision
Now let’s break down each species and what makes Delaware small game hunting worth your time.
Delaware Small Game Hunting Seasons
Delaware’s small game seasons are set up perfectly for hunters who want to stay busy. The squirrel season starts early enough to double as deer scouting, and rabbit season runs late enough to keep you hunting well into winter.
Gray Squirrel Season
This season kicks off before deer firearm seasons, which makes it perfect for learning your deer woods while actually hunting something.
Season Details:
- Dates: September 14, 2026 – February 6, 2027
- Daily bag limit: 6 squirrels
- Possession limit: 12 squirrels
What You Can Use: State regs allow “.17 through .22 caliber rimfire or .17 caliber pellet guns with rifled barrels, plus muzzleloader rifles up to .36 caliber.”
Important Warning: Gray squirrels are fair game, but Delmarva fox squirrels are endangered and totally off-limits. Fox squirrels are bigger and more silvery-gray. When you’re not sure, don’t shoot.
Sunday Rule: State Forest rules say no squirrel hunting on Sundays.
Cottontail Rabbit Season
Rabbit hunting is old-school Delaware tradition. Lots of hunters got their start following Dad around on squirrel and rabbit hunts.
Season Details:
- Dates: November 23, 2026 – February 28, 2027
- Daily bag limit: 4 rabbits
- Possession limit: 8 rabbits
Best Hunting: Beagle hunters do really well in Delaware’s farm country, where field edges and thick cover create perfect rabbit habitat.
Sunday Rule: No rabbit hunting on Sundays in Delaware.
Ring-necked Pheasant Season
Delaware stocks pheasants on public lands throughout the season. Even without wild birds, it’s still a solid upland opportunity.
Season Details:
- Dates: November 23, 2026 – February 28, 2027
- Daily bag limit: 2 (roosters only)
- Possession limit: 4
Key Rule: Only male pheasants are legal—hens are protected to help with stocking programs.
Bobwhite Quail Season
Critical Info: You can only harvest pen-raised bobwhite quail in Delaware. Wild quail populations are protected.
Season Details:
- Dates: November 23, 2026 – January 2, 2027
- No daily bag limit for pen-raised birds
Permit Required: You need a Division permit for pen-raised quail hunting.
Groundhog Season
Groundhog hunting gives you a year-round small game option. Perfect for off-season practice or getting new hunters started without season pressure.
Season Details:
- Dates: July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027 (year-round)
- No bag limit
Bullfrog, Green Frog & Snapping Turtle Seasons
These are niche opportunities for hunters wanting something different.
Bullfrog & Green Frog:
- Dates: May 1, 2026 – September 30, 2026
- Legal methods are spear, gig, or hook
Snapping Turtle:
- Dates: June 15, 2026 – May 15, 2027 (year-round except spring closure)
Delaware Small Game Licenses and Permits
License stuff gets confusing fast, especially if you’re from out of state or helping kids get started. Here’s everything you need to hunt legally in Delaware.
Delaware Hunting Licenses
Hunter Education: Everyone born after January 1, 1967 has to complete a 10-hour hunter education course before getting a Delaware hunting license. All live courses are free and include actual shooting time with trained instructors.
| License Type | Age Range | Resident Cost | Non-Resident Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Hunting License | 16-64 (R) / 16+ (NR) | $40 | $199.50 |
| 3-Day Small Game License | 16+ | N/A | $75.00 |
| Junior Hunting License | 13-15 | $5 | $50.00 |
| Senior Hunting License | 65+ | Reduced | — |
Non-Resident Tip: If you’re planning a short trip, that 3-day small game license at $75 saves you serious money over the full $199.50 annual license.
Youth Hunters: Kids 10 and older can take the Basic Hunter Education Course. Children under 13 need a License Exempt Number (LEN) and must hunt with a licensed adult 21 or older.
Where to Buy: Delaware’s got a fully automated system through Digital DNREC. You can buy and print licenses online anytime, which is great for last-minute hunting trips.
Delaware Hunting Permits
Some small game species need extra permits beyond your basic hunting license.
What You Need:
- Bobwhite Quail: Division permit required for pen-raised birds
- Waterfowl Stamps: Not needed for upland small game, but hunters 16 or older need the Delaware Migratory Waterfowl Stamp ($15) and Federal Duck Stamp ($25) for any waterfowl hunting
- Conservation Access Pass: Required to drive into state wildlife areas
Getting Permits: Everything goes through DNREC’s online system, which makes planning multi-species trips much easier.
Where to Hunt Small Game in Delaware
Delaware has over 62,000 acres of public hunting land across 19 Wildlife Management Areas. But in a small state with growing hunting pressure, you need to know your options.
Best Public Lands for Small Game
Delaware’s Division of Fish and Wildlife manages plenty of public hunting opportunities, but competition can get intense during peak times and weekends.
Top Wildlife Management Areas:
- Assawoman Wildlife Area — Good for deer, waterfowl, and small game; Sussex County location with mixed habitat
- Blackiston Wildlife Area — Turkey and small game hunting with habitat that supports multiple species
- Trap Pond State Park — Small game hunting for rabbits and squirrels in designated areas; good for families
- Delaware State Forest — Heads up: Small game hunting closes during firearm deer season; no Sunday hunting on State Forest lands
Access Info: You need a Conservation Access Pass for any registered vehicle entering Delaware’s state wildlife areas.
Guided Hunts
Most guided hunting in Delaware focuses on waterfowl and deer. Small game guiding services are pretty limited. Most small game hunting here is self-guided on public land or private property you’ve leased.
If you want professional help, try contacting local outfitters who might include small game as part of bigger hunting packages.
Private Land Hunting with Hunting Locator
Private land access completely changes your Delaware hunting experience. Less pressure, better game populations, and you can hunt when conditions are right instead of fighting crowds on public land.
Leasing Options: Plenty of Delaware farmers and landowners welcome responsible hunters who help manage wildlife while providing extra income. Most lease agreements run annually and can cover multiple species.
Buying Land: For serious hunters, owning hunting property in Delaware gives you long-term access and the ability to manage habitat. Delaware’s small size means you can own hunting land within driving distance of major Mid-Atlantic cities.
Finding Good Private Land: Hunting Locator connects hunters with verified landowners throughout Delaware offering hunting leases and land sales. Our platform cuts through the guesswork of finding legitimate opportunities, with detailed property info, pricing, and direct landowner contact. Whether you want a small family tract or a large hunting lease, Hunting Locator gives you access to Delaware’s best private hunting opportunities you won’t find anywhere else.
Small Game Hunting Tips
Success in Delaware’s small game seasons means adapting your approach to each species and understanding the state’s unique conditions.
What Actually Works:
- Use Squirrel Season for Scouting — That early squirrel season is perfect for learning deer woods layout, finding travel corridors, and locating productive spots for multiple species
- Hunt Farm Edges for Rabbits — Delaware’s agricultural areas provide excellent rabbit habitat where crop fields meet brushy cover and fence rows
- Find the Mast Trees — Oak-hickory stands with mature nut trees hold squirrels consistently throughout the season
- Time It Right — Early morning and late afternoon give you the most squirrel and rabbit activity, especially when it’s cooler
- Know Stocking Schedules — Contact DNREC for pheasant stocking schedules on public lands so you can time your hunts
- Practice Your Shooting — Squirrel hunting is outstanding training for new hunters, teaching woods skills like stealth, shot placement, and game recovery
- Respect Private Property — Always get written permission before hunting private land and follow all landowner rules
- Watch the Weather — Squirrels and rabbits are most active during stable weather; skip hunting during severe fronts
More Resources from Hunting Locator
Get more Delaware hunting info with these guides and tools:
- Delaware Hunting Season Guide — Complete overview of all Delaware seasons
- Delaware Deer Hunting Season — Detailed deer hunting guide
- Delaware Turkey Hunting Season — Spring and fall turkey seasons
- Delaware Waterfowl Hunting Season — Waterfowl guide with blind lottery info
- Delaware Migratory Bird Hunting Season — Dove, woodcock, and other migratory birds
- Delaware Coyote Hunting Season — Year-round predator hunting
- Delaware Hunting Land Leases — Browse private hunting leases
FAQ
When does gray squirrel season open in Delaware for 2026?
Gray squirrel season opens September 14, 2026 and runs through February 6, 2027. This early start gives you great opportunities to scout deer woods while hunting squirrels before other seasons begin.
What hunting license do non-residents need for Delaware small game?
Non-residents need either a full hunting license ($199.50) or a 3-day small game license ($75.00). That 3-day option saves you serious money for short hunting trips and covers all small game species.
Can youth hunters participate in Delaware small game seasons?
Yes, youth ages 13-15 can buy a junior hunting license ($5.00 resident / $50.00 non-resident). Kids under 13 need a License Exempt Number (LEN) and must hunt with a licensed adult 21 or older who stays within 30 yards.
Are there Sunday hunting restrictions for small game in Delaware?
Yes, you can’t hunt squirrels and rabbits on Sundays in Delaware. This is different from deer and waterfowl rules that allow Sunday hunting on private land with permission.
What’s the difference between gray squirrels and Delmarva fox squirrels?
Gray squirrels are legal game with a daily bag limit of 6. Delmarva fox squirrels are endangered and completely off-limits. Fox squirrels are noticeably bigger with silvery-gray coloring—when you’re not sure, don’t shoot.
Do I need special permits for Delaware small game hunting?
Most small game species only need a hunting license. But pen-raised bobwhite quail hunting requires a Division permit, and everyone needs a Conservation Access Pass to drive into state wildlife areas.
The Final Shot
Delaware’s 2026 small game seasons give you almost six months of hunting opportunities, from the September squirrel opener through late February rabbit and pheasant seasons. With proper licensing, solid knowledge of the regulations, and access to good hunting spots, you can keep hunting well past traditional big game seasons while building skills that make you a better hunter overall.
Success with Delaware small game comes down to understanding what each species needs and getting access to productive hunting areas. Whether you stick with public Wildlife Management Areas or go private through Hunting Locator’s verified lease network, Delaware’s small game opportunities are waiting for you. Start planning your 2026 season now—those September squirrels won’t wait around, and neither should you.
