DE HB97

Amends Delaware Code Title 7, Section 704(g) to allow handgun use for deer hunting on farms permitted by the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control through its deer depredation programs.

Permits handgun use on privately owned lands south of the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal and state-designated lands, plus farms approved for deer depredation purposes.

Handguns must be revolvers or single-shot pistols with barrel length of 5.75 to 12.5 inches chambered in specified calibers (.357 magnum, .41 caliber, .44 magnum, .45 caliber, .454 caliber, .480 caliber, or .50 caliber).

Handguns must be carried openly on a sling or in a holster and cannot be concealed during hunting.

Handguns may be used during a separate 7-day season beginning the first Saturday in January through the second Saturday in January, or in place of shotguns during the regular shotgun deer season.