3900 Wildlife
(Penalty Section 7 Del.C. §103(d))
5.1 Possession of Wild Turkey Prohibited; Exceptions.
It shall be unlawful for any person, other than authorized representatives of the Division, to release or possess Meleagris gallopavo (wild turkey) in Delaware without a permit from the Division. The prohibition to possess and/or release Meleagris gallopavo shall include both birds taken from the wild and birds bred in captivity.
5.2 Instruction Requirement.
5.2.1 It shall be unlawful for any person 13 years of age or older to hunt wild turkeys in Delaware before passing a Division approved course of instruction in turkey hunting. In addition to official Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife sponsored courses, official NRA Wild Turkey Hunting Clinics, official NWF Turkey Hunting Courses and out-of-state Turkey Hunting Courses (minimum of 4 hours) officially sponsored and sanctioned by other state or provincial Hunter Education Programs shall be recognized as being Division approved courses of instruction in turkey hunting. This includes Division approved internet courses.
5.2.1.1 Youth hunters under the age of 13 must be accompanied by an adult 21 years of age or older who has had a Division approved course of instruction in turkey hunting. The adult must have a valid hunting license or license exempt number (LEN).
5.3 Method of Take.
5.3.1 It shall be unlawful for any person to use any firearm to hunt wild turkeys, except a 10, 12, 16, or 20 gauge shotgun loaded with size 4, 5, or 6 shot or a longbow, compound bow or crossbow with a broadhead arrow, 7/8 inches in minimum width. Notwithstanding the foregoing, 7 or 7 1/2 shot may be used in shotguns if it is part of a duplex or triplex load that also contains 4, 5 or 6 shot.
5.3.2 It shall be unlawful for any person to use bait or dogs to hunt wild turkeys.
5.3.3 It shall be unlawful for any person to “drive” wild turkeys.
5.3.4 It shall be unlawful for any person to shoot any wild turkey that is in a roost tree.
5.3.5 It shall be unlawful for any person to hunt wild turkeys unless said person is wearing camouflage clothing.
5.3.6 It shall be unlawful for any person to hunt wild turkeys if said person is wearing any garment with the colors white, red, or blue.
5.3.7 It shall be unlawful for any person to hunt wild turkeys and use artificial turkey decoys of either sex that are wholly or partially made from any part of a turkey that was formerly alive.
5.3.8 It shall be unlawful for any person to hunt wild turkeys using an electronic calling device.
5.4 Season and Limit.
5.4.1 The Division may establish a season for hunting bearded wild turkeys. The Division will determine the season length and bag limit. Except for persons 12 years of age or younger, it shall be unlawful for any person to hunt wild turkey without the written authorization of the Division in their possession. Proof of course completion referenced in 5.2 of this section shall serve as written authorization for private land hunters. Public land hunters must have both an annual permit from the Division as well as proof of course completion in their possession while turkey hunting.
5.4.2 It shall be unlawful for any person to hunt wild turkeys, except from one-half hour before sunrise to 1:00 p.m.
5.4.3 It shall be unlawful for any person to not check a wild turkey at an authorized checking station by 2:30 p.m. on the day of kill.
5.4.4 It shall be unlawful for any person to take or attempt to take more than one bearded wild turkey per season.
5.5 Special Season for Young and Disabled Hunters
5.5.1 Turkeys may be hunted on private land and selected public land on the Saturday prior to the opening of the regular spring turkey hunting season by disabled (non-ambulatory) hunters using a wheelchair for mobility, and hunters 10 years of age or older but less than 16 years of age (10-15 years inclusive). Hunters 13-15 years of age must have completed an approved course in hunter training as well as a Division approved turkey hunter safety class and possess a Delaware Resident or Non-Resident Junior Hunting License. Young hunters must be accompanied by a licensed non-hunting adult who is 21 years of age or older who has also completed a Delaware approved turkey hunter safety class. Young hunters must be of sufficient size, physical strength and emotional maturity to safely handle a shotgun.
3 DE Reg. 289 (8/1/99)
11 DE Reg. 334 (09/01/07)
12 DE Reg. 496 (10/01/08)
15 DE Reg. 1505 (04/01/12)
17 DE Reg. 238 (08/01/13)
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