The core mission of the Mid-Atlantic Chapter of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, a non-profit conservation organization, is to preserve our unique outdoor heritage of hunting and fishing through education, stewardship, and advocacy on behalf of our public lands, waters, and wildlife. Preserving and increasing public access and opportunity for hunters and anglers is critical to our mission.
Mid-Atlantic BHA believes restrictions on Sunday hunting are an impediment to reasonable hunting access and we support efforts to reverse such limitations in the Mid-Atlantic region. In the past, the chapter has advocated for lifting Sunday hunting restrictions in Virginia and Maryland.
In keeping with our beliefs, we are in support of Delaware House Bill 271, sponsored by Rep. William J. Carson, D-28. The measure would eliminate the current prohibition against hunting game birds on Sundays. The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control would maintain the authority to establish and regulate season dates, bag limits and enforcement for the hunting of game birds. Under current law, Delaware prohibits the hunting of any game birds or game animals (except deer) on Sundays.
The bill passed the state House January 25, 2024 with a vote of 37 to zero and now moves to the Senate Environment, Energy & Transportation Committee.
The Mid-Atlantic Chapter supports Sunday hunting in Delaware and urges state legislators to remove current restrictions.
We encourage members and supporters to contact the members of the Senate Environment, Energy & Transportation Committee via the contact information HERE and ask them to support HB 271.
About Chris Hennessey
Eastern Regional Manager for BHA. Working with chapter leaders and members to conserve and protect access to our public lands and waters. Mainly a Keystone State hunter and angler, but loves having public land everywhere he goes.