First coyotes, now Delaware considers gray fox hunting

Some state lawmakers are again gunning for Delaware’s official state wildlife animal.

The House is expected to vote Tuesday on legislation allowing statewide hunting of the gray fox. It would also allow the possession, purchase and sale of hides of gray foxes that are legally taken.

The legislation says state officials could permit private landowners to manage foxes on their property, as long as they have a state-approved wildlife management plan that recommends a reduction in the number of foxes.

The bill also states that poultry owners can kill foxes that are attacking their livestock.

A similar bill passed the House last year but died after being amended by the Senate to prohibit a hunting season for the gray fox, which was designated as Delaware’s official wildlife animal in 2010.

Delaware also recently created a coyote hunting season, although only a handful of coyotes have been taken during the first two seasons.