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Crop damage deer removal in Delaware

In shortDelaware farmers with deer damage work through DNREC’s Deer Damage Assistance Program. Level 1 adds antlerless tags, Level 2 allows hunting from August 15 to May 15 after an inspection showing at least 5% crop loss, and Level 3 allows hunters on enrolled parcels year-round for commercial farms with at least 10% loss and a deer management plan.

White-tailed deer grazing. Photo: USFWS Mountain-Prairie, public domain.

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.

White-tailed buck at the edge of a field. Photo: USFWS Mountain-Prairie, public domain.

Snow geese feeding on a farm field. Photo: USFWS Mountain-Prairie, public domain.

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?

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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