Delaware Court Overturns Gun, Hunting Age Restrictions

A Delaware Superior Court ruled that House Bill 451, a 2022 law raising the minimum age to purchase firearms from 18 to 21 and requiring adult supervision for hunters aged 18 to 20, violates the state constitution. The court found the law infringed upon the constitutional rights of 18-to-20-year-olds to self-defense and bearing arms. This decision was the result of legal challenges led by the Delaware State Sportsmen’s Association, which argued that the law unlawfully restricted rights guaranteed to adults 18 and older. The ruling nullifies the age restrictions on firearm purchases and supervision requirements for hunters aged 18 to 21, allowing them to possess and use firearms without adult supervision. Gun violence prevention advocates have expressed frustration at this setback, while the state Attorney General’s office is still evaluating whether to appeal the decision. The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control has updated hunting regulations to reflect the court's ruling, maintaining supervision only for hunters under 18.