DNREC Offers Expanded Assistance for Farmers Due to Significantly Increased Reports of Deer Damage
June 17, 2026/
DNREC has expanded its deer damage assistance programs in response to increased reports of crop losses caused by deer across Delaware. The agency is now offering expedited enrollment in the Extreme Deer Damage Assistance Program (EDDAP), allowing qualifying farmers to seek relief immediately without first completing certain paperwork requirements. Under EDDAP, hunters may harvest antlerless deer year-round on enrolled properties to help reduce damage. Farmers are reporting unusually high crop losses this year, with drought conditions worsening the impact. DNREC officials say the agency will continue working with the Delaware Department of Agriculture to explore additional assistance for affected farmers. The announcement comes as DNREC also responds to Delaware’s first confirmed case of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), a neurological disease affecting deer. Deer harvested through damage assistance programs will be tested, helping the state monitor and respond to the disease. Hunters and the public can find current information and guidance at the de.gov/cwd webpage.