New Law Allows Some Eligible Youths to Hunt, Target Shoot Independently

August 21, 2026

State of Delaware, House Republican Caucus

Earlier this week, the governor signed legislation to allow some young Delawareans to hunt and target shoot independently.

Sponsored by State Rep. Jeff Spiegelman (R-Townsend, Smyrna, Clayton), House Substitute 1 for House Bill 427 (as amended), allows 16 and 17 year-olds to target shoot or hunt without the direct supervision of an adult over the age of 21.

Under the measure, qualifying youths must have the permission of a parent or guardian, complete a hunter education course and, if pursuing game, have a valid hunting license.

Additional sponsors on the bill included State Rep. Bill Carson (D-Smyrna) and Sen. Brian Pettyjohn (R-Georgetown). All three legislators are co-chairs of the General Assembly's Delaware Sportsmen's Caucus, a bipartisan group of lawmakers that study hunting and fishing issues and advocate for sportsmen.

"Recruiting young hunters is paramount to maintaining Delaware's sporting heritage," Rep. Spiegelman said. "This law represents a key tool to do exactly that. Thank you to all the stakeholders, especially our non-profit partners, for helping to preserve the future of hunting in the First State."