Delaware bills · 153rd General Assembly (2025-2026)
Delaware HB 412
AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 7 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO HUNTING, TRAPPING, GAME ANIMALS, GAME BIRDS, DEER, AND PROTECTED WILDLIFE.
- Introduced
- In committee
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became law
Sponsors
- Brian Pettyjohn (Republican)
- Bryan Townsend (Democratic)
- William J. Carson (Democratic)
Summary
Official abstract published by the Delaware legislature· synopsis
This Substitute is different from the original bill in that it adds the activities of fishing, crabbing and clamming as requiring a license consistent with line 18 already in the code. The substitute also clarifies in section 2 that dogs may be used for tracking or recovering a wounded or dead deer that was lawfully shot during open deer season.
Section 1 of this Act closes a loophole that allows hunters and trappers who are exempt from obtaining a Delaware hunting or trapping license to avoid completing a Department-approved hunting or trapping education program. Although many exempt hunters and trappers already complete these programs, this legislation codifies the requirement. This Act also updates and clarifies the statutory language governing administration of drugs to wildlife.
Section 2 of this Act adds language to expressly permit the sale of taxidermy and antlers from lawfully taken deer.
This Act also makes technical corrections to conform with the Delaware Legislative Drafting Manual.
Text versions
Roll-call votes
State vote data last updated Oct 14, 2026, 12:15 PM.
| Date | Vote | Result | Your legislators |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 1, 2026 Senate | 2/3 | pass | Set your home in Delaware to see |
| Jun 11, 2026 House | SM | pass | Set your home in Delaware to see |
Actions
- Jul 23, 2026
Signed by Governor - Jul 1, 2026 · Senate
Passed By Senate. Votes: 20 YES 1 ABSENT - Jun 18, 2026 · Senate
Reported Out of Committee (Environment, Energy & Transportation) in Senate with 1 Favorable, 4 On Its Merits - Jun 11, 2026 · Senate
Assigned to Environment, Energy & Transportation Committee in Senate - Jun 11, 2026 · House
Passed By House. Votes: 39 YES 2 ABSENT - May 21, 2026 · House
was introduced and adopted in lieu of HB 412