AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 7 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO HUNTING, TRAPPING, GAME ANIMALS, GAME BIRDS, DEER, AND PROTECTED WILDLIFE.

153rd General Assembly (2025-2026) Introduced by Bill Carson and 2 co-sponsors

HB 412 proposes changes to Delaware wildlife management and hunting rules, altering licenses, seasons, bag limits, and enforcement for game and protected species.

Passed By Senate. Votes: 20 YES 1 ABSENT

Summary of HB 412 (Session 153, Delaware)

Purpose and intent

HB 412 aims to amend Title 7 of the Delaware Code, which governs wildlife management, hunting, trapping, game animals and birds, deer, and protected wildlife.

The bill is designed to modify existing provisions in areas related to hunting, trapping, and protection of wildlife, with changes that could affect hunting practices, wildlife management authority, and protections for game species and protected wildlife.

Key provisions and changes (as introduced)

While the exact text of HB 412 is not provided here, the bill’s scope typically includes adjustments to:

Permitting and licensing requirements for hunters and trappers.
Hunting restrictions, seasons, bag limits, and permit quotas for game animals and game birds.
Regulations surrounding deer management, including harvest limits, tagging, and reporting.
Protections and management rules for protected wildlife, potentially including species-specific protections or exemptions.
Procedures for wildlife management agency rulemaking, enforcement, and penalties for violations.

The bill may introduce new provisions, consolidate existing regulations, or modify penalties and enforcement mechanisms to reflect updated wildlife management priorities.

Who would be affected

Hunters and trappers: changes to licenses, seasons, bag limits, and permit processes could affect how and when they hunt or trap.

Deer hunters and managers: any revised deer management provisions would influence harvest quotas, tagging requirements, and reporting.

Wildlife agencies and enforcement: potential updates to regulatory authority, rulemaking procedures, and enforcement penalties.

General public and protected species: changes to protections for wildlife could affect conservation status, habitat management, and potential exemptions or allowances for certain activities.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introduction: HB 412 was introduced and assigned to the Natural Resources & Energy Committee in the Delaware House on May 12, 2026.

Next steps (typical process): The committee would review the bill, hold hearings, and may amend provisions before sending it to the full House for a vote. If passed, it would move to the Senate for consideration and potential reconciliation in a conference committee.

Additional context

The bill lists three co-sponsors: Bill Carson, Brian Pettyjohn, and Bryan Townsend. Their involvement may reflect cross-jurisdictional or bipartisan support (as applicable in Delaware politics).

Without the full text, exact revisions, definitions, and specific regulatory changes cannot be enumerated. The above reflects the typical scope of amendments to Title 7 related to hunting and wildlife management.

If you can provide the exact text or a link to the bill's full language, I can deliver a more detailed, line-by-line summary of specific statutory changes, precise provisions, and the exact regulatory impact.