Yes, you can kill raccoons in Delaware, but only under specific legal conditions. The law distinguishes between killing raccoons in residential/commercial areas versus doing so during regulated hunting/trapping seasons.
Nuisance Raccoons in Residential/Commercial Areas
Under Delaware’s nuisance wildlife regulations (7 Del. Admin. Code § 3900-10.1), raccoons may be controlled (killed) without a permit when:
- Location: Within residential or commercial areas of incorporated cities or towns, OR inside residential or commercial structures
- Condition: The raccoon is causing damage
- Examples: Raccoons damaging property, entering homes, or causing harm to structures
Important Restrictions
Even when you’re allowed to kill a nuisance raccoon:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Trap type | Outside established trapping seasons, only live traps may be used (without a depredation permit) |
| Method compliance | Methods must be consistent with Delaware State laws and DNREC regulations |
| No permit needed | Killing raccoons causing damage in incorporated areas does not require a permit |
When You Can Hunt/Trap Raccoons Recreationally
General Prohibition with Exceptions
Under Delaware Code § 786(a), no person shall kill any raccoon at any time between 1 hour before sunrise and 1 hour after sunset. However, exceptions allow:
- Trapping with dogs: Raccoons may be trapped, hunted with dogs, or taken during periods defined by Departmental regulations
- Night hunting: Raccoons may be hunted at night on foot or while riding a horse/mule during open season with dogs or lights
- Specific areas: In New Castle County and parts of Kent County, raccoons may be trapped/hunted with dogs with landowner permission any time except Sundays
- Box traps: Statewide, raccoons may be legally trapped in box traps that confine without harming (maximum 195 square inches opening)
Seasonal Restrictions
- Raccoons may be hunted at night
- Private shooting preserves: October 15–March 31
- Use of .22 caliber rimfire pistol: Legal for hunting raccoons and opossums
Key Takeaway
You can kill raccoons in Delaware without a permit only when they’re causing damage in incorporated cities/towns or inside structures. For recreational hunting/trapping, you must follow seasonal regulations, use proper methods (live traps outside seasons), and hunt at night (not between 1 hour before sunrise and 1 hour after sunset).
SOURCE:
- https://law.justia.com/codes/delaware/title-7/chapter-7/subchapter-vi/section-786/
- https://dnrec.delaware.gov/fish-wildlife/hunting/furbearers/
