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In a little more than a week’s time, Delaware hunters will head out afield to mark the start of the 2025/26 hunting season. For many, this isn’t just a pastime — it’s a Delaware tradition that brings families together and offers the rare gift of deferring daily demands to reconnect with nature. Whether it’s the solitude of a deer stand at sunrise or the rush of adrenaline from the wingbeats of ducks lifting off the marsh, time afield is a vivid reminder of how deeply hunting is tied to the First State’s heritage.
The season officially kicks off Sept. 1 with archery and crossbow deer, resident Canada goose and of course the Labor Day weekend dove shoot — the traditional Delaware opener that signals fall is near. Early teal and gray squirrel seasons follow close behind, expanding the opportunities to be enjoyed by Delaware’s hunting community. All the better if the family hunting dog comes along to bring back the game that goes into a hunter’s bag – but be careful to keep that retriever or squirrel hound hydrated in September as summer temperatures can still hover around 90 degrees or hotter.
Through the Division of Fish and Wildlife, DNREC manages nearly 68,000 acres of public wildlife areas, ensuring safe, sustainable hunting opportunities while protecting and enhancing habitats for wildlife. Regulated hunting remains one of the most important tools for managing game populations and supporting wildlife conservation. Hunters are encouraged to review the 2025/26 Delaware Hunting & Trapping Guide for season dates, regulation changes, licensing requirements and safety reminders before heading afield.
Learn more at de.gov/hunting.
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Delaware is home to more than 2,800 known animal species. Many are doing just fine or even thriving, but some are experiencing harder times. About 700 of these animals, as well as some 300 plant species, are included in Delaware’s draft 2025-2035 Wildlife Action Plan as Species of Greatest Conservation Need. Learn more about how DNREC uses the plan to preserve our flora and fauna, including 90 animal species designated as endangered, in this offering from Outdoor Delaware. Read more
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The sun rising over dozens of horseshoe crabs congregating on the beach, dolphins breaching the water with a lighthouse in the background and an idyllic scene of Assawoman Bay at twilight are among the five winning images out of nearly 500 entries submitted to the 2025 Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control Photo Contest. See the winning photographs and learn about the artists who took them. Read more
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Delawareans Encouraged to Participate in Community Engagement Sessions for Climate Action Plan Update
Delawareans are encouraged to share their suggestions and provide feedback on the next version of the state’s Climate Action Plan during community engagement sessions planned in each county in September. Read more
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State’s First 2025 Detection of West Nile Virus Found in DNREC’s Sentinel Chickens
West Nile Virus (WNV) has been detected in Delaware for the first time for 2025 in sentinel chickens that help DNREC monitor the state for mosquito-borne illnesses. The DNREC Mosquito Control Section detected WNV at three different sentinel chicken flock locations in New Castle County sampled Aug. 11 and confirmed virus-positive two days later by the Division of Public Health laboratory. Read more
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DNREC, USFWS and Tri-State Bird Rescue Collaborate to Rehab Adult Piping Plover
“Nomad,” an adult piping plover that had spent much of his migratory life on Delaware beaches, went further inland for rehabilitation recently at Tri-State Bird Rescue in Newark after sustaining an injury at Fowlers Beach on Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge. Through the efforts of DNREC, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Tri-State, Nomad made his way back to a healthy beach-nesting lifestyle upon his release in July at The Point on Cape Henlopen. Read more
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Volunteers Sought for 38th Delaware Coastal Cleanup Saturday, Sept. 13
Volunteer registration is now open for the 38th annual Delaware Coastal Cleanup, set for Saturday, Sept. 13, at more than 45 sites statewide. Hosted by the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, this popular annual event invites volunteers to help maintain the state’s beaches and waterways from 9 a.m. to noon. Read more
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DNREC Opens Applications for 2026 Community Environmental Project Fund Grants Through Aug. 31
The DNREC Environmental Justice Office announced today it is accepting grant applications for the 2026 Community Environmental Project Fund (CEPF) through Aug. 31, 2025. Proposed environmental and recreation projects can range from $5,000 to $50,000, and any community or non-profit organization is eligible to apply for a CEPF grant. CEPF is funded by penalties assessed by DNREC for violations of the state’s environmental laws and regulations, and preference is given in the CEPF grant selection process to projects in communities within 2 miles of an environmental violation. Read more
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Trackchairs to Provide Accessibility to Trails at Five Delaware State Parks
The DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation has expanded the Trackchair program for people with disabilities to five state parks, including Cape Henlopen, Killens Pond, Lums Pond, Trap Pond and White Clay Creek. Read more
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DNREC to Offer Free Fly-Fishing Lessons for Adult Anglers at Aquatic Resources Education Center
DNREC encourages Delawareans age 18 or older interested in learning about the increasingly popular sport of fly fishing to register for a free course offered by the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife in conjunction with the White Clay Fly Fishers Club. Read more
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DNREC Unveils 2025 Photo Contest Winners
Winning entries for the inaugural 2025 DNREC Photo Contest were unveiled during Governor’s Day (July 24) at the Delaware State Fair. DNREC encouraged photographers of all ages and skill levels to submit eye-catching images of the natural world in the state of Delaware, with five categories were open for submissions: People Enjoying Nature, Watersheds: Landscapes and Waterways, Wildlife and Aquatic Life, Hunting and Fishing, and Youth Entries. Read more
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DNREC Confirms New State Records for Two Invasive Fish Species Increasingly Sought After by Anglers
DNREC recently confirmed state record catches for two invasive fish species. A 33-pound, 15.68-ounce Flathead Catfish was caught by Jason Wise of Bear, establishing the first state record for the species, while a 15-pound, 8-ounce Northern Snakehead, measuring 31.5 inches, was caught in June by Dyllan Rust of Harrington, surpassing the previous record for the species, established less than a month earlier, by 11 ounces. Read more
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DNREC Confirms New State Record Golden Tilefish
DNREC has certified a new state record for Golden Tilefish by Logan Smith of Dover after he reeled in a 56-pound 3.2-ounce specimen which measured 42.5-inches in length to surpass the previous record set in 2020 by nearly 3.5 pounds. Read more
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Meet Ben Parsons, the 2025 Governor’s Young Environmentalist Award recipient! Ben is making a real impact in Delaware! From preserving 60 acres in Sussex County for the Black Forest Wildlife Coexist Program to launching Sussex Teens Are Responsible Stewards (STARS), Ben is leading the way in conservation, education and youth empowerment.
Through his work with STARS and Contractors for a Cause, Ben has inspired community cleanups, native plantings, and wildlife workshops — proving that one person can spark change. Now nominated as a junior board member of the Black Forest Wildlife Coexist Foundation, he continues to lead by example.
Like, comment and subscribe!
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Take A Kid Fishing!
August 22, 9 a.m.
Aquatic Resources Education Center
2520 Lighthouse Rd., Smyrna
More Info
A New Kind of Seasickness: Marine Debris
August 22, 1 p.m.
Dupont Nature Center
2992 Lighthouse Rd., Milford
More Info
Basic Hunter Education Course
August 22, 6:30 p.m.
Ommelanden Hunter Education Training Center
1205 River Rd., New Castle
More Info
Feeding Time at the DuPont Nature Center
August 23, 1 p.m.
DuPont Nature Center
2992 Lighthouse Rd., Milford
More Info
Beachcombing with DuPont Nature Center Naturalists
August 27, 2:30 p.m.
DuPont Nature Center
2992 Lighthouse Rd., Milford
More Info
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Small Fry Adventures
August 27, 10 a.m.
Aquatic Resources Education Center
2520 Lighthouse Rd., Smyrna
More Info
Public Hearing: Proposed Wildlife Regulations Amendments
August 27, 6 p.m.
A Virtual Hearing
More Info
Wild About Whales
August 28, 11 a.m.
Dupont Nature Center
2992 Lighthouse Rd., Milford
More Info
It's Fun to be a Fish
August 29, 11 a.m.
DuPont Nature Center
2992 Lighthouse Rd., Milford
More Info
Storybook Saturday
August 30, 11 a.m.
DuPont Nature Center
2992 Lighthouse Rd., Milford
More Info
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 This summer’s Field Trip Fridays highlighted how DNREC’s work connects science, community and conservation across Delaware. At the Delaware State Fair, Secretary Greg Patterson and Governor Matt Meyer joined DNREC staff at the DNREC building, where families explored fish tanks, archery, bird box building, zoo animals, geology games and more. The fair showed how protecting the environment can be fun and interactive for all ages.
A visit to Delaware State University’s Water Quality Testing Laboratory underscored DNREC’s strong partnership with faculty and students at one of only two higher education institutions nationwide, and the only HBCU, to achieve National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program certification. Together, DNREC and DSU are advancing water quality research, environmental justice, community outreach and workforce development.
At the Indian River Inlet, Secretary Patterson toured the upgraded Sand Bypass System, which now uses electric engines to pump sand across the inlet. This innovative system supports cleaner energy goals while keeping navigation channels open and protecting beaches at Delaware Seashore State Park.
Field Trip Friday also took us to a Sussex County farm, where DNREC joined the Department of Agriculture to examine crop losses caused by deer. The visit highlighted prevention tactics, special hunting programs and community partnerships that help farmers protect their livelihoods, hunters support food access through Delaware Hunters Against Hunger and agencies plan long-term solutions.
From state fairs to farms, laboratories and coastlines, Field Trip Fridays continue to showcase DNREC’s commitment to protecting Delaware’s natural resources while connecting directly with the communities we serve.
Want a firsthand look? Check out our #FieldTripFriday playlist and follow us on social!
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Air Quality Forecast
We provide regular air quality forecasts and an air quality index to help you know if you need to take precautions. When planning outings this summer, be sure to check the forecast by visiting de.gov/aqi. You can also view Delaware’s real-time air quality data at , and you can track ozone and particulate matter levels using the EPA’s AirNow app or .
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Delaware Recycles
Recycling conserves valuable natural resources and energy, reduces greenhouse gas emissions and helps us take responsibility for our waste today, as opposed to leaving a burden for future generations.
Delaware has one recycling program that is the same whether at home, at work or at school. To learn more about how to recycle or check out our Delaware Recyclopedia tool that takes the guess work out of recycling, visit de.gov/recycling.
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Digital DNREC E-Permitting
Use the Digital DNREC ePermitting system for recreational fishing and hunting licenses, license exempt numbers, deer harvest report cards and tags, deer damage assistance, hunter education, waterfowl stamps, permits, Conservation Access Passes and harvest reporting.
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DNREC Language Services
We provide free interpretation services, upon request, to help ensure full participation by all communities, primarily those with limited English proficiency.
Requests for oral interpretation of an application or assistance with submitting a public comment must be made no later than 10 days prior to the close of that application’s comment period. Requests for live oral interpretation must be made no later than 10 days prior to date of the DNREC-hosted public hearing, meeting, or community event.
Submit a request using the interpretation services request form: de.gov/dnrectranslations
Learn more at de.gov/titlevi
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Mosquito Control Section
DNREC’s Mosquito Control Section provides mosquito control services throughout Delaware to maintain quality of life and protect public health by reducing the possibility of mosquito-borne illnesses. It uses the latest Integrated pest management approach, combining source reduction with the judicious use of insecticides. Learn more at de.gov/mosquito.
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Recreational Water Program
Our Recreational Water Program samples beaches across Delaware, regularly testing for indicator bacteria from mid-May through mid-September. Samples are cultured to detect viable Enterococcus indicator bacteria that correlate with potential increased risk of illness from swimming or wading. While indicator bacteria levels, which may be elevated after rainfall, typically return to normal quickly, DNREC issues swimming advisories when sample results exceed water quality standards so the public can make informed decisions. Learn more and subscribe to water quality alerts at de.gov/recwater.
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 Meet Richard Julian, interpretive programs manager at Cape Henlopen State Park.
Richard celebrated 20 years with DNREC in March. As interpretive programs manager at Cape Henlopen State Park, Richard’s primary focus is the Seaside Nature Center. “I oversee all the environmental education and natural history programming,” he explains. The nature center is home to five 1,000-gallon aquariums, one 300-gallon touch tank and a variety of live animals located at the trailhead of the Seaside Nature Trail.
What drew Richard to Cape Henlopen was the coastal environment. “My passion is coastal ecosystems, whether it’s fish, birds or teaching people about coastal resources. So, when I interviewed for this position, this felt more like something that I wanted to do. Then I never left because this is the best park,” he shares.
As an undergraduate student, Richard studied psychology. While in school, he had an educational internship with the International Crane Foundation in Wisconsin. There, he found his passion — to educate and entertain at the same time.
Over the years, Richard has had many seasonal workers and interns work alongside him. His advice for those starting out: “Do the best you can with what you’ve got and have fun. If you’re not having fun, then you should probably be doing something different or doing it with different people.”
He likes working at DNREC because of the people he collaborates with on the job. “We’re all on the same mission to provide quality visitor experiences and connect people to the resource,” he explains.
“I took a picture of this on the trail — what is it?” is the most common question he gets while working at the nature center. “One of my favorite things is when people come in with a mystery thing,” he says. “Bring me a picture of something you don’t know. I’m here to learn with you.”
The best time to stop by the Seaside Nature Center? Richard suggests it should be the first place you visit when exploring Cape Henlopen State Park. “Some of our exhibits are designed to hopefully get you familiar with places to go,” he shares.
Thank you, Richard, for your enthusiastic teaching techniques and curiosity about coastal ecosystems. DNREC is proud to have you on board at the Seaside Nature Center.
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