DELAWARE - DNREC's Division of Fish and Wildlife has updated Delaware hunting regulations after a state Supreme Court ruling struck down an earlier decision that allowed 18-to-20-year-old hunters to hunt without direct supervision.
Delaware hunting regulations have been updated to once again require some hunters ages 18 to 20 to be directly supervised when using certain firearms. This comes after a state Supreme Court ruling that overturned a lower court's decision to allow those hunters to hunt unsupervised.
Hunters ages 18 to under 21 may hunt without direct supervision for archery and crossbows, pellet/air guns, muzzleloaders and shotguns. Hunters ages 18 to under 21 must be under direct supervision when hunting with rimfire firearms and centerfire rifles. This is the direct supervision requirement that is under court challenge.
Hunters ages 18 to under 21 must be under direct supervision when hunting with rimfire firearms and centerfire rifles. This is the direct supervision requirement that is under court challenge. (DNREC)
Anyone under the age of 16 is required to be under direct supervision when hunting. Ages 16 to under 18 may hunt without direct supervision if they have permission from a parent or guardian, have completed an approved basic hunter education course and are in possession of a valid hunting license. That applies to all weapon types.
Under House Bill 451, passed in 2022, hunters ages 18 to 20 are generally prohibited from possessing certain firearms unless an exception applies. One of those exceptions allows them to possess and use firearms for hunting while under the direct supervision of someone who is at least 21 years old.
A Delaware Superior Court ruling in 2025 found the state constitution's right to keep and bear arms applied to people beginning at age 18. DNREC said that decision allowed hunters ages 18 to 20 to hunt without direct supervision using a broader range of firearms. The Delaware Supreme Court reversed that ruling, causing DNREC to update its regulations and the 2026-27 Delaware Hunting and Trapping Guide.
