The first day of deer season has arrived, bringing crisp morning air, the quiet excitement of the woods, and a sense of anticipation that spans generations. At Delaware Wild Lands (DWL), this day is more than just a calendar date. It is a moment to celebrate the enduring connection between people, wildlife, and the landscapes that sustain them both.
Across the United States, hunting participation has declined steadily over the decades. In the early 1980s, roughly 16 million Americans hunted; today, hunters make up around 5% or less of the population¹. In Delaware, active hunters have dropped from about 30,000 at their peak in the 1970s to roughly 15,000 today², with fewer than 2% of residents holding a paid hunting license³. This decline also reduces an important source of funding for wildlife conservation.
Yet at Delaware Wild Lands, the tradition of hunting remains a meaningful and long-standing part of our land stewardship culture. DWL recognizes hunting as an important part of Delaware’s heritage, and our properties have supported generations of sportsmen and women.
Over the past year, DWL has worked closely with our hunt clubs to update lease agreements, taking important steps to keep pace with rising management costs and a changing ecology. While these updates naturally bring change, our clubs have been open and collaborative partners throughout the process.
Just as important, these conversations have given us an opportunity to better understand the traditions, stories, and community bonds that define our hunting partners. From long-running seasonal rituals to gatherings that mark the start of deer or waterfowl seasons, these traditions remain at the heart of why hunting continues to be such a cherished part of Delaware’s landscape.
We deeply value the time spent with our hunters and the insights they have shared. Their passion for the land, their stewardship ethic, and their commitment to passing traditions forward are essential to maintaining hunting opportunities.
To all of our hunters, and to everyone for whom the tradition of hunting runs deep, we thank you for your partnership and your dedication. Wishing you a safe and successful 2025–2026 hunting season.
~Delaware Wild Lands
DWL hunt club members and neighbors mark the start of deer season, honoring generations of hunting traditions. Photo courtesy of Brittany Young.
- U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. 2022 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation.
- DNREC. Despite Declining Numbers, Hunting Still Has Major Benefits for Participants and Delaware. 2024.
- DNREC. Despite Declining Numbers, Hunting Still Has Major Benefits for Participants and Delaware. 2024.