Crop damage deer removal in Delaware
What are the three levels?
- Level 1, Deer Damage Assistance: extra antlerless deer during regular seasons. Antlerless Deer Damage Tags are free.
- Level 2, Severe Deer Damage Assistance: inspection, at least 5% crop loss, names of every hunter, hunting August 15 to May 15.
- Level 3, Extreme Deer Damage Assistance: commercial farms with at least 10% loss despite Level 2, an inspection and a third-party deer management plan updated every three years. Hunting year-round on the listed parcels.
DNREC expanded and sped up Level 3 enrollment in 2026 because of heavy damage reports, and is testing harvested deer for chronic wasting disease.
What does Delaware law allow on depredation farms?
- Straight-wall-cartridge rifles and qualifying handguns on farms in the depredation program, anywhere in the state.
- Sunday shooting when permitted through the depredation program.
- Baiting on private land outside the chronic wasting disease management zones.
How do we help Delaware farmers?
We document the damage, help prepare the deer management plan Level 3 requires, supply licensed hunters for the parcel list and keep the harvest records DNREC asks for.
Where can I read the Delaware law?
- Delaware Code Title 7, Conservation (fish, game and wildlife)
- 7 Del. Admin. Code 3900, Wildlife regulations
Last updated October 18, 2026. Reviewed by DelChester Wildlife Conservation Group.
Frequently asked questions
Can Delaware farmers have deer hunted year-round?
Yes, on parcels enrolled in Level 3 of the Deer Damage Assistance Program, for commercial farms with at least 10% crop loss and a deer management plan.
Can rifles be used for crop damage deer in Delaware?
Yes. Straight-wall-cartridge rifles and qualifying handguns may be used on farms in DNREC’s deer depredation programs.
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