Smyrna legislator lauds expansion as a ‘game changer’
DOVER – Today the House passed legislation proposed by state Rep. William J. Carson relating to the hunting of game birds.
Currently, 42 states permit the hunting of game birds on Sundays, and Delaware Code only allows for deer hunting on Sundays. House Bill 271 would change the Delaware Code to allow for the hunting of game birds to occur on Sundays.
“Many Delawareans miss hunting opportunities because of work obligations,” said Rep. William J. Carson, D-Smyrna. “Adding Sundays to the season makes HB 271 a game changer for those who wish to hunt waterfowl.”
Rep. Carson notes, the prohibition of Sunday hunting first occurred in 1911 and isn’t suited for 2024, given today’s work demands, family schedules, and youth sports. He contends that Sundays are now sometimes the only opportunity Delawareans have to hunt game birds.
The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) would maintain oversight and continue to maintain population control. DNREC would still be charged with regulating the specific dates of duck season, which currently spans October to late January.
“Working families today face so many demands on their time. It doesn’t make sense to me that the State of Delaware would limit their recreational opportunities on the weekends, especially since we already allow other forms of hunting on Sundays,” said Sen. Jack Walsh, the Senate prime sponsor of HB 271. “Hunting of waterfowl and other game birds also tends to happen in areas exclusively dedicated to that purpose so I feel confident that this measure will help sportsmen enjoy their hobby without infringing on the rights of hikers, bikers and others.”
The bill has also received the following endorsement by Ducks Unlimited:
“Since 1937, Ducks Unlimited, Inc. has bolstered our wetlands and waterfowl conservation mission by empowering those who contribute most to this endeavor: hunters. As such, increased access to waterfowl hunting helps share our sporting traditions, increase hunter participation, and create more hunting opportunities for all. Through the framework of the North American Model
of Wildlife Conservation, waterfowl hunters have generated billions of dollars towards critical conservation efforts through the purchase of hunting licenses, duck stamps, and taxes paid on hunting equipment. Because of this direct link between hunter participation and waterfowl conservation, Ducks Unlimited, Inc. supports efforts to legalize public waterfowl hunting access on Sundays in the few remaining states that do not already allow it.”
With the elimination of this hunting prohibition, the bill hopes to increase hunting opportunities to families and bring awareness for new and young hunters to experience and appreciate the natural resources and wildlife throughout Delaware.
HB 271 now heads to the Senate for consideration.