Measure expands the opportunity to hunt ducks, geese, and other game birds to seven days a week
BISMARCK, NORTH DAKOTA — For most things in life, having opportunity is critical. Waterfowl hunters in Delaware just received a huge boost in opportunity when Gov. John Carney signed House Bill 271 into law this week. The new law repeals the decades-old prohibition of hunting waterfowl and other game birds on Sundays in Delaware.
As a result, hunters will now be able to hunt both days of the weekend, which for many working people and students, essentially doubles the number of days they have available to hunt waterfowl.
Delta Waterfowl provided written and oral testimony in favor of the bill, which passed the Delaware Senate on a 20-0 vote on March 19. The House also passed the measure without a single “no” vote.
“We want to thank Gov. Carney for signing House Bill 271 into law and finally putting an end to the antiquated prohibition against hunting waterfowl on Sundays in Delaware,” said Cyrus Baird, senior director of government affairs for Delta Waterfowl. “Removing these Sunday hunting restrictions across the Atlantic Flyway continues to be a huge priority for duck hunters and Delta Waterfowl, and we hope this victory in Delaware will help build momentum to expand access and opportunity in neighboring states by repealing their Sunday hunting prohibitions as well.”
Delaware’s Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control maintains authority to establish and regulate season dates, bag limits, and enforcement for the hunting of game birds. Now, the DNREC has the authority to allow Sunday hunting for waterfowl and game birds. Previously, a prohibition on Sunday hunting for deer was relaxed in 2016 and lifted entirely in 2018.
In anticipation of HB 271 becoming law, the DNREC developed a season structure for 2024-25 waterfowl hunting to include Sundays. Duck and goose hunters in Delaware will be able to hunt on Sundays this fall.
Surveys show that sportsmen and women often cite a ‘lack of time’ as a top reason they quit hunting. Many hunters are prevented from introducing new or novice hunters to the great outdoors because they are competing against work, organized sports, and other activities on Saturdays. Allowing Sunday waterfowl hunting provides access equity and helps recruit and retain a robust hunter population needed to provide critical funding for conservation in Delaware. Importantly, it helps ensure the tradition of waterfowl hunting will remain strong in Delaware and throughout the Atlantic Flyway.
Delta Waterfowl is The Duck Hunters Organization, a leading conservation group working to produce ducks and secure the future of waterfowl hunting in North America. Visit deltawaterfowl.org.
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