The 2024 Delaware wild turkey game is sure to thrill both experienced and beginners. Enthusiasts will have plenty of chances to catch these birds this year due to their growing turkey population. This page covers the complete schedule, including dates, bag restrictions, rules, and more.
Delaware Turkey Season
Spring
- April 13 – May 11, 2024
Youth & Non-ambulatory
- 6-Apr-24
The Youth and Non-Ambulatory Hunt is available statewide and welcomes non-ambulatory people who use wheelchairs and children between the ages of 10 and 15. Young hunters must be accompanied by an adult with a valid license and completed a course on turkey hunting safety. All birds taken must be registered, and the usual bag restrictions exist.
Bag Limit
Only bearded bird may be lawfully killed during the turkey season, and only one bird may be taken per person every year.
Hunting Licenses
| Licenses | Resident | Nonresident |
| Resident Adult (Ages 16-64) | $39.50 | $199.50 |
| Resident Junior (Age 13-15) | $5.00 | $50.00 |
| Resident Guide (Age 18+) | $159.50 | $475.00 |
Note: you may review the complete list of licenses on the Delaware regulations website.
Hunting Regulations
- No matter where they hunt, first-timers must take a Division-approved Safety Course. The training is required for public land permits. Register for a classroom course at 302-735-3600 x 1. Delaware accepts WildTurkeyHuntingCourse.com and todayshunter.com. However, online course completers must contact the Hunter Education office at huntereducation@delaware.gov or 302-735-3600 x 1 to update their account and send a copy of their course completion certificate and a phone number for queries.
- Before the season, the Division of Fish and Wildlife will provide turkey check station sites and hours on their website. Hunters may phone 302-735-3600 or 739-9912 for this information. Must be checked at a station by 2:30 p.m. The preliminary checking stations are listed under “Turkey Hunting Check Stations.
- May hunt from 30 minutes before dawn until 1:00 p.m.
- Allowed shotguns with #4, #5, and #6 shot sizes and longbows, compounds, and crossbows with a minimum broadhead width of 7/8 inches. Crossbows must fulfill deer-hunting regulations.
- Permitted with any non-electric call; however, hunters should avoid using male gobbling noises for safety.
- For safety, cannot wear red, white, or blue clothing.
- Dogs, bait, and Sunday turkey hunting are forbidden. Birds at roost cannot be shot or driven toward hunters.
- Public land need permits. The Public Lands Hunting & Trapping website has information about State Forest Land hunting, whereas State Wildlife Area hunting requires a permit. State Forest and State Wildlife Area permits are unavailable for the same season. Hunters who acquire a State Wildlife Area permit will not be eligible for the State Forest Lottery, which will follow. This modification allows more hunters to hunt on public property each season.
- First-timer 13 and older to take a turkey education course. Hunting licenses will reflect course completion. Hunting in State Wildlife Areas or State Forests requires annual permission from the Division of Delaware Department of Agriculture. The training is not necessary for children under 13. However, they must obtain a License Exempt Number and hunt with an adult.
- The University of Delaware and Division of Fish and Wildlife band turkeys to study their ecology and hunter harvests. Some have radio transmitters and numbered leg bands. Targeting tagged turkeys or not collecting them will alter study outcomes. Should call the leg band number or the Division to report lawfully captured birds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do public land hunters need permits?
Yes, public land licenses must be applied for by January 6 and may only be utilized on the area and season segment for which they are given.
