AN ACT TO AMEND CHAPTER 7, TITLE 7, DELAWARE CODE, RELATING TO THE HUNTING OF RED FOXES.
WHEREAS, the number of red foxes is such that in many localities in the State of Delaware they are becoming pests and are destructive of small game and domestic animals; and
WHEREAS, a substantial risk of damage to farm machinery is created by the den holes of red foxes; and
WHEREAS, although the red fox is a noble predator possessing superior instincts, overpopulation of the red fox in many areas of Delaware has resulted in an extremely poor health condition of the red fox, with reported cases of canine distemper, parvo—virus, sarcoptic mange, and rabies; and
WHEREAS, the periodic harvesting of red fox will provide a service to the specie and to the citizens of Delaware.
Section 1. Amend §793, Chapter 7, Title 7, Delaware Code, by striking the period "." at the end of the first sentence ending with the words "red fox" and inserting the following:
", except that red foxes may be shot in New Castle County commencing at the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal and thence proceeding in a southerly direction to embrace the remainder of New Castle County thence proceeding southerly to include Duck Creek Hundred in Kent County from November 1 through December 31 provided, however, no red fox may be shot during time when it is lawful to take deer with a firearm; provided, further, however, no red fox may be shot that are being pursued by a pack of hounds; provided further, however, no person shall take or kill, in any one day, more than four red foxes."
Section 2. Amend §703 of Chapter 7, Title 7, Delaware Code by striking the period '.' immediately following the word "dogs" and inserting the following:
", except that a red fox may be shot in New Castle County commencing at the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal and thence proceeding in a southerly direction to embrace the remainder of New Castle County, thence proceeding southerly to include Duck Creek Hundred in Kent County from November 1 through December 31; provided, however, no red fox may be shot during a time when it is lawful to take deer with a firearm; provided further, however, red fox may not be shot that are being pursued by a pack of hounds; provided further, however, no person shall take or kill, in any one day, more than four red foxes."
Approved March 28, 1991