Where Can You Shoot A Gun In Delaware?

ByBuffalo Rifles Blog

Where Can You Shoot a Gun in Delaware?

Delaware is a small state with a big gun culture. There are over 200,000 gun owners in Delaware, and the state has a long history of hunting and shooting sports. But where can you actually shoot a gun in Delaware?

The answer to that question depends on a few factors, including your age, the type of gun you want to shoot, and where you live in the state. In this article, we’ll take a look at the different places where you can shoot a gun in Delaware, as well as the regulations that apply to each location.

We’ll also discuss some of the safety concerns that you should keep in mind when shooting a gun, and we’ll provide some tips for finding a good place to shoot in Delaware.

Public Shooting Ranges in Delaware

There are a number of public shooting ranges in Delaware that offer a variety of facilities and services for shooters of all levels. These ranges are a great place to practice your shooting skills, learn new techniques, or just have some fun.

List of Public Shooting Ranges in Delaware

  • Delaware State Shooting Range
  • Located in Wilmington, this range is open to the public and offers a variety of facilities, including a 25-yard rifle range, a 50-yard rifle range, a 100-yard rifle range, and a 200-yard rifle range. The range is also equipped with a pistol range, a trap and skeet range, and a sporting clays course.
  • Hours of operation: Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm; Saturday, 9am-6pm; Sunday, 10am-5pm
  • Fees: $10 per day for residents, $15 per day for non-residents
  • Rules and regulations: All shooters must be 18 years of age or older and must have a valid ID. All firearms must be unloaded and cased when entering the range. No open containers of alcohol or tobacco are allowed on the premises.
  • New Castle County Shooting Range
  • Located in Bear, this range is open to the public and offers a variety of facilities, including a 25-yard rifle range, a 50-yard rifle range, and a 100-yard rifle range. The range is also equipped with a pistol range and a trap and skeet range.
  • Hours of operation: Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm; Saturday, 9am-6pm; Sunday, 10am-5pm
  • Fees: $10 per day for residents, $15 per day for non-residents
  • Rules and regulations: All shooters must be 18 years of age or older and must have a valid ID. All firearms must be unloaded and cased when entering the range. No open containers of alcohol or tobacco are allowed on the premises.
  • Sussex County Shooting Range
  • Located in Georgetown, this range is open to the public and offers a variety of facilities, including a 25-yard rifle range, a 50-yard rifle range, and a 100-yard rifle range. The range is also equipped with a pistol range and a trap and skeet range.
  • Hours of operation: Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm; Saturday, 9am-6pm; Sunday, 10am-5pm
  • Fees: $10 per day for residents, $15 per day for non-residents
  • Rules and regulations: All shooters must be 18 years of age or older and must have a valid ID. All firearms must be unloaded and cased when entering the range. No open containers of alcohol or tobacco are allowed on the premises.

Hours of Operation and Fees

The hours of operation and fees for public shooting ranges in Delaware vary. Some ranges are open seven days a week, while others are only open during certain hours. The fees for using a public shooting range also vary, but they typically range from $10 to $20 per day.

Rules and Regulations

All public shooting ranges in Delaware have their own set of rules and regulations. It is important to read and understand these rules before using a public shooting range. Some of the most common rules and regulations include:

  • All shooters must be 18 years of age or older and must have a valid ID.
  • All firearms must be unloaded and cased when entering the range.
  • No open containers of alcohol or tobacco are allowed on the premises.
  • Shooters must wear hearing protection and eye protection at all times.
  • Shooters must follow all range commands.

Public shooting ranges in Delaware offer a safe and convenient place to practice your shooting skills. By following the rules and regulations, you can help to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.

Private Shooting Ranges in Delaware

In addition to public shooting ranges, there are also a number of private shooting ranges in Delaware. These ranges are typically owned and operated by individuals or businesses and offer a variety of facilities and services.

List of Private Shooting Ranges in Delaware

  • Delaware Gun Club
  • Located in Wilmington, this club offers a variety of facilities, including a 25-yard rifle range, a 50-yard rifle range, a 100-yard rifle range, and a

3. Hunting Grounds

Delaware is home to a variety of hunting grounds, including state parks, wildlife areas, and private land. Each hunting ground has its own set of regulations, so it is important to do your research before you go.

List of Hunting Grounds in Delaware

  • State Parks: Delaware has six state parks that offer hunting opportunities. These parks offer a variety of habitats, including forests, fields, and wetlands, which attract a variety of game animals. Hunting is allowed in all state parks during the appropriate seasons.
  • Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge
  • Delaware Seashore State Park
  • First State National Historical Park
  • Fort Delaware State Park
  • Killens Pond State Park
  • Lums Pond State Park
  • Wildlife Areas: Delaware has over 30 wildlife areas that offer hunting opportunities. These areas are managed by the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) to provide habitat for wildlife and to offer hunting opportunities. Hunting is allowed in all wildlife areas during the appropriate seasons.
  • Assawoman Wildlife Area
  • Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge
  • Delaware State Forest
  • First State National Historical Park
  • Fort Delaware State Park
  • Killens Pond State Park
  • Lums Pond State Park
  • Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge
  • Private Land: Hunting is also allowed on private land in Delaware. However, you must have the permission of the landowner before you can hunt on their property.

Hunting Seasons and Regulations

The hunting seasons and regulations in Delaware vary depending on the game animal. The following is a general overview of the hunting seasons and regulations in Delaware:

  • Deer: The deer hunting season in Delaware runs from October 1 to January 31. During the regular season, hunters are allowed to take one antlered deer and one antlerless deer. The antlerless deer season is open from October 1 to December 31. The youth deer season is open from October 1 to October 15.
  • Turkey: The turkey hunting season in Delaware runs from April 1 to May 31. During the regular season, hunters are allowed to take one turkey. The youth turkey season is open from April 1 to April 15.
  • Small game: The small game hunting season in Delaware runs from September 1 to March 31. During the regular season, hunters are allowed to take a variety of small game animals, including rabbits, squirrels, and doves.

4. Self-Defense

Legality of Carrying a Gun for Self-Defense in Delaware

It is legal to carry a gun for self-defense in Delaware, but there are some restrictions. You must be at least 18 years old to own a gun, and you must have a valid Delaware concealed carry permit to carry a gun concealed. To get a concealed carry permit, you must complete a firearms training course and submit to a background check.

Training Requirements for Carrying a Gun for Self-Defense

To get a concealed carry permit in Delaware, you must complete a firearms training course that is approved by the Delaware State Police. The course must include at least eight hours of instruction, and it must cover the following topics:

  • Gun safety
  • The laws governing the use of deadly force
  • The proper way to carry a gun
  • The proper way to shoot a gun

Resources for Learning About Gun Safety and Self-Defense

There are a number of resources available to help you learn about gun safety and self-defense. The following are a few of the resources that are available in Delaware:

  • Delaware State Police: The Delaware State Police offers a variety of firearms training courses, including a concealed carry permit course. For more information, visit the Delaware State Police website.
  • National Rifle Association (NRA): The NRA offers a variety of firearms training courses, including a concealed carry permit course. For more information, visit the NRA website.
  • National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF): The NSSF offers a variety of firearms training courses, including a concealed carry permit course. For more information, visit the NSSF website.

Delaware is a state with a rich hunting tradition. There are a variety of hunting grounds available in Delaware, and the hunting seasons and regulations are well-regulated. If you are interested in hunting in Delaware, there are a number of resources available to help you learn about gun safety and self-defense.

Where Can I Shoot a Gun in Delaware?

  • State-owned Shooting Ranges
  • The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) operates three state-owned shooting ranges:
  • Middletown Rifle and Pistol Range (New Castle County)
  • Smyrna Rifle and Pistol Range (Kent County)
  • Georgetown Rifle and Pistol Range (Sussex County)
  • These ranges are open to the public for a fee.
  • Private Shooting Ranges
  • There are a number of private shooting ranges in Delaware that are open to the public for a fee.
  • Some of these ranges offer a variety of shooting activities, such as rifle, pistol, and shotgun shooting.
  • Others specialize in a particular type of shooting, such as sporting clays or 3-gun competition.
  • On Private Property
  • In Delaware, you are allowed to shoot a gun on your own property as long as you are not violating any local ordinances.
  • You must also be sure that your target is properly backstopped and that you are not shooting in a direction that could endanger anyone or anything.

What Are the Gun Laws in Delaware?

  • Firearm Purchases
  • In order to purchase a firearm in Delaware, you must be at least 21 years old and have a valid state-issued ID.
  • You must also pass a background check.
  • The purchase of a handgun is subject to a 3-day waiting period.
  • Carrying a Concealed Weapon
  • In order to carry a concealed weapon in Delaware, you must have a valid permit.
  • To obtain a permit, you must be at least 21 years old, have a clean criminal record, and complete a firearms training course.
  • Open Carry
  • Open carry of a firearm is legal in Delaware without a permit.
  • Gun Safety
  • Delaware has a number of laws in place to promote gun safety, such as:
  • A requirement that all firearms be stored unloaded and in a safe place when not in use.
  • A prohibition on the sale of assault weapons and high-capacity magazines.
  • A requirement that all gun owners report lost or stolen firearms to the police.

What Are the Penalties for Violating Gun Laws in Delaware?

  • Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person
  • It is illegal for a person who is prohibited from possessing a firearm to do so.
  • Prohibited persons include:
  • Felons
  • Persons convicted of domestic violence
  • Persons who have been adjudicated mentally ill
  • Persons who are addicted to drugs or alcohol
  • The penalties for possessing a firearm by a prohibited person include:
  • Up to 5 years in prison
  • A fine of up to \$15,000
  • Unlawful Discharge of a Firearm
  • It is illegal to discharge a firearm in a reckless or negligent manner.
  • The penalties for unlawful discharge of a firearm include:
  • Up to 1 year in prison
  • A fine of up to \$2,500
  • Carrying a Concealed Weapon Without a Permit
  • It is illegal to carry a concealed weapon without a permit.
  • The penalties for carrying a concealed weapon without a permit include:
  • Up to 6 months in prison
  • A fine of up to \$1,000

Additional Resources

  • [Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control](https://www.dnrec.delaware.gov/)
  • [Delaware State Police](https://www.state.del.us/sor/)
  • [National Rifle Association](https://www.nra.org/)
  • [National Shooting Sports Foundation](https://www.nssf.org/)

    there are a variety of places where you can shoot a gun in Delaware. However, it is important to be aware of the specific regulations and requirements for each location. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that you are staying safe and legal while enjoying your time at the range.

Here are some key takeaways from this article:

  • There are a variety of places where you can shoot a gun in Delaware, including gun ranges, hunting grounds, and private property.
  • It is important to be aware of the specific regulations and requirements for each location.
  • You must be at least 18 years old to possess a firearm in Delaware.
  • You must have a valid permit to carry a concealed weapon in Delaware.
  • It is illegal to discharge a firearm within city limits.
  • Always be safe and responsible when handling a firearm.

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