DE SB31

Permits use of handguns for hunting deer on privately owned lands south of the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal and on designated state-owned lands, as well as on farms participating in the Department's deer depredation programs.

Restricts handguns to revolvers and single-shot pistols with barrel lengths of 5.75 to 12.5 inches, chambered in .357 magnum, .41 caliber, .41 magnum, .44 caliber, .44 magnum, .45 caliber, .454 caliber, .480 caliber, or .50 caliber with straight-wall ammunition.

Requires handguns to be carried openly in a sling or holster, not concealed.

Allows handgun use during a separate 7-day season beginning the first Saturday in January through the second Saturday in January, as well as in place of shotguns during the regular shotgun deer season.

Authorizes handgun use when harvesting deer under Department-approved deer depredation programs.