Now let’s take a look at some of the seasons when — and places where — you can put these tips to good use.

DELAWARE
When it comes December and late-season deer hunting, Delaware hunters have some interesting options.

During the archery season, which runs through Jan. 31, whitetail hunters have the option of using crossbows in place of traditional bows.

Also in January, there’s a muzzleloader season that runs from Jan. 26 through 31, and a January shotgun season from the 17th through the 24th. Hunters can use crossbows during both of those seasons in lieu of either firearm.

Delaware also holds a special antlerless season from Dec. 13 through 20, when hunters can use a muzzleloader, shotgun, bow or crossbow.

If you’re into handgun hunting, a special season for handgunners runs from Jan. 3 through 10. There’s also a special Sharps rifle provision that allows the use of a single-shot antique reproduction blackpowder Sharps rifle of .45 to .60 caliber using a paper patched bullet for hunting during the shotgun seasons.

Delaware also makes special provisions for hunters with disabilities, who can apply for a special permit that allows them to hunt with a crossbow in any of the deer seasons.

Hunters with severe disabilities can also apply for a special permit to hunt from a vehicle.

Several of the state’s wildlife management areas also offer deer stands that are handicapped-accessible.

Permits to use the special stands are available via pre-season and daily lotteries. WMAs that offer handicapped accessible deer stands are Cedar Swamp (one stand), Woodland Beach (eight stands), Little Creek (two), Ted Harvey (five) and Assawoman (three stands).

NEW JERSEY
Garden State whitetail hunters have plenty of December and January special hunts to choose from in county and state parks, and also on federal lands. All these hunts are offered by lottery, and some have special regulations regarding the number and type of deer (antlerless or antlered) that are allowed to be harvested.

Most of these hunts are open for only a limited number of days during the various seasons. Listed here are some of the better hunts and ones of longer duration, but more information on all the special hunts in the state is available at the Division’s Web site, www.state.nj.us/dep/fgw.

The Atlantic City Parks System (Zone 61) allows 26 days of hunting in their parks during the permit shot- gun season, six-day firearms season, and nine days during the permit muzzleloader season.

High Point State Park (Zone 67) allows eight days of hunting during the permit muzzleloader season

Monmouth County Battlefield Park (Zone 64) offers whitetail hunters three choices for December and January hunting. Six days of hunting are allowed during the permit shotgun season, and another six days during the six-day firearms season.

Bowhunters can hunt the park for 45 days during winter bow season.

Rancocas State Park (Zone 48) is open to whitetail hunting during the winter bow season, while Washington Crossing State Park is open to hunters during the permit bow and winter bow seasons.

Some hunting is also available at the Earle Naval Weapons Station Depot, a federal installation (zones 39 and 40). Permit bow season is open to hunting for 52 days in both zones.