Delaware

Delaware Muzzleloader Hunting Season 2022-2023

Season	Dates
Muzzleloader	Statewide Oct 7 – 16 Jan 23 – 29

Muzzleloaders must be loaded from the muzzle using any manufacturer’s approved propellant and they may be equipped with a scope.

During the Delaware Muzzleloader Hunting Season it is unlawful to transport a muzzleloader with a charge in the barrel unless the cap or primer is removed and the gun is enclosed in a case or the striking mechanism is removed. A muzzleloader should be no smaller than .42 caliber.

Delaware Muzzleloader Hunting Season Firearms and Archery Equipment rules:

• Have a loaded firearm, or a cocked crossbow, in or on a motorboat while underway, or in, against, or on a motor vehicle or farm machinery.
• Transport a muzzleloader with a charge in the barrel unless the cap or primer is removed and the gun is enclosed in a case or the striking mechanism is removed.
• Hunt at night (1/2 hour after sunset to 1/2 hour before sunrise) except that frogs, raccoons and opossum may be hunted at night using a handheld light.
• Take game using a shotgun larger than 10 gauge, a fully automatic loading gun (machine gun), or use a centerfire rifle, except groundhogs, foxes and coyotes may be hunted with a centerfire rifle.
• Use a shot larger than No. 2, except when hunting deer. Waterfowl hunters may use non-toxic shot up to size T.
• Use a shotgun capable of holding more than three shells in total except for snow geese during the Conservation Order.
• Use poison or explosive tip arrows.
• Use a punt or swivel gun or any gun not normally fired from the shoulder.

Visit the Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife for more information.

Knight Rifles, America’s Muzzleloader!