Effective October 30, 2009, the Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife changed their guidelines for distance learning. Students are now required to spend a minimum amount of time on each course page before proceeding to the certification exam.

Click here to go to the latest version of the Today's Hunter in Delaware online course—the official hunter education course of the Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife.

Go to the new Delaware course

The following course material is for reference only. Please go to the new course to complete your Delaware certification.

Field Dressing Small Game

Wear latex gloves. Cut through the skin and pelvic bone at the anus. Cut up to the breastbone, working a finger under the blade to avoid cutting the stomach or intestines.
Hold the animal with one hand. With the other, reach into the body cavity and pull the esophagus and windpipe loose. Then work the internal organs loose. Pull the lower intestine and anus free in a downward motion.
Wipe out the cavity, and allow the body to cool.

Illustration of dressing small game such as rabbit

Field Dressing Game Birds

Wear latex gloves. Pluck off the bird’s belly feathers.
Make an incision at the anus. Cut up to the breastbone.
Insert two fingers into the body cavity and pull free the internal organs, stomach, and intestine. Pull free the lower intestine and anus.
Drain the body cavity; and store it in a cool, ventilated place.

Illustrated steps to dressing a game bird

Delaware Division of
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Delaware Hunting
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Official hunting safety course for Delaware hunters last modified: November 9, 2009
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