Tools/Legal light/Delaware

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 6:09 AM to 7:46 PM EDT.

Updated September 2026
Sun altitude · Fri, Sep 11EDT · Game animals
HORIZON30°60°12 AM3 AM6 AM9 AMNOON3 PM6 PM9 PM12 AMLEGAL 6:09 AMENDS 7:46 PMSUNRISE 6:39 AMSUNSET 7:16 PM
NightTwilightDayLegal window
Now
—
 
Legal from6:09 AM
Sunrise6:39 AM
Sunset7:16 PM
Legal until7:46 PM
Civil dawn6:12 AM
Civil dusk7:43 PM
Legal day13h 37m
Daylight12h 37m
NESW
Sunrise bearing84°
Sunset bearing276°
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 7:46 PM EDT at Dover (7:16 PM sunset plus the after-sunset offset). Set your precise location above for your exact spot.