Legal shooting light in Delaware

In short

In Delaware, legal shooting light for game animals runs from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. At Dover today that is 6:53 AM to 6:38 PM EDT.

Updated September 2026

Sun altitude · Mon, Oct 26EDT · Game animals

NightTwilightDayLegal window

Now

—

Legal from6:53 AM

Sunrise7:23 AM

Sunset6:08 PM

Legal until6:38 PM

Civil dawn6:55 AM

Civil dusk6:35 PM

Legal day11h 45m

Daylight10h 45m

Sunrise bearing106°

Sunset bearing254°

The Delaware ruleCommon rule · confirm with agency

Game animals & non-migratory birdsone-half hour before sunrise → one-half hour after sunset

Confirm with: Delaware wildlife agency. Sun times computed with astronomy-engine (USNO convention: upper limb, refraction).

All states·Delaware season dates·Delaware regulations

Delaware shooting hours, answered

What are the legal shooting hours in Delaware?

For game animals, Delaware allows hunting from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. This is the common rule; confirm the exact wording with the state agency.

When does legal light end today at Dover?

Today legal light ends at 6:38 PM EDT at Dover (6:08 PM sunset plus the after-sunset offset). Set your precise location above for your exact spot.