This project aims to monitor research and manage delawares deer population to ensure IT remains within both the biological and cultural carrying capacities while allowing for sustainable…

The U.S. Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service awarded $353,192 to the State of Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) under the Wildlife Restoration and Basic Hunter Education and Safety program (CFDA 15.611) for the period of July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2030. This Formula Grant supports comprehensive deer population management and monitoring activities designed to maintain Delaware's deer herd within sustainable biological and cultural carrying capacities while supporting recreational hunting opportunities and ecological balance.

DNREC will deliver population surveys, deer health tracking, habitat condition assessments, and implementation of management strategies including controlled hunting regulations and habitat improvements. Key deliverables include research studies, habitat restoration projects, and community outreach and education programs. The grant benefits Delaware residents, hunters, wildlife managers, conservationists, farmers, and other stakeholders affected by deer population dynamics. Subrecipient activities will encompass data collection, research support, habitat restoration implementation, and facilitation of community engagement initiatives related to deer management and long-term statewide herd health.

This project aims to monitor research and manage delawares deer population to ensure IT remains within both the biological and cultural carrying capacities while allowing for sustainable recreational use. Activities will include conducting population surveys tracking deer health and habitat conditions implementing management strategies such as controlled hunting and habitat improvements and engaging with stakeholders to assess cultural carrying capacity. Expected outcomes include a well managed deer population that supports ecological balance minimizes human wildlife conflicts enhances recreational hunting opportunities and ensures the long term health of the statewide deer herd. Intended beneficiaries include delawares residents hunters wildlife managers conservationists farmers and other stakeholders affected by deer population dynamics. If applicable subrecipient activities will involve assisting with data collection conducting research studies implementing habitat restoration projects and facilitating community outreach and education programs related to deer management.