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.

Waterfowl and Wetland Birds

Waterfowl are warm-blooded animals that live on or near water, and include diving ducks and puddle ducks.

Puddle ducks are found primarily on the shallows of lakes, rivers, and freshwater marshes. Puddle ducks prefer to feed on or near the water’s surface. They launch themselves directly upward when taking off.

Waterfowl feet: Diving Duck Waterfowl feet: Puddle Duck

Diving ducks inhabit large deep lakes and rivers, coastal bays, and inlets. Diving ducks obtain most of their food by diving. They must run across the water to build up speed to take off.

Wetland birds live close to water in marshy and coastal areas. Examples of wetland birds are cranes and pelicans.

Canada Goose

Wood Duck

Delaware Division of
Fish & Wildlife

Course Overview

Course Chapters

Wildlife Guide

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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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