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.

The Hunter's Ethical Code (continued)

Respect Landowners

Ask landowners for permission to hunt.
Follow their restrictions on when and where you may hunt.
Treat livestock and crops as your own.
Offer to share a part of your harvest with the owner.
Leave all gates the way you found them.
If you notice something wrong or out of place, notify the landowner immediately.
Never enter private land that is cultivated or posted, unless you have obtained permission first. Some states require written permission from landowners

Contact the landowner while wearing street clothes and well in advance of when you wish to hunt.

Hunter speaking to landowner

How To Ask Landowners for Permission

Make contact well ahead of the hunting season.
Wear street clothes—no hunting gear or firearms.
Don’t bring companions—a “crowd” could be intimidating. Don’t bring your dog.
Don’t bring a firearm unless requested.
Introduce yourself and tell where you’re from. Tell your occupation if it will build credibility and that you are a hunter education graduate.
Explain how you will respect the property if permission is granted.
Be polite, even if permission is denied. Your courtesy may affect the outcome of future requests.

Landowner Complaints About Hunters

Don’t get permission to hunt.
Don’t tell the landowners when they arrive at or leave the property.
Make too much noise.
Leave litter behind.
Carry loaded firearms in vehicles.
Drive off the ranch roads.
Don’t leave gates as they were found (open or shut) when the hunter arrived.
Shoot too close to neighbors or livestock.
Leave fires unattended.
Violate game laws.
Drink alcohol to excess.

Hunter shaking hands with farmer

Delaware Division of
Fish & Wildlife

Course Overview

Course Chapters

Wildlife Guide

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Delaware Hunting
License Information

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