2024-25 Hunt information Press Release

2024 - 2025 FALL HUNTING OPPORTUNITIES

AT BOMBAY HOOK AND PRIME HOOK NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGES

Bombay Hook and Prime Hook will offer Deer, Waterfowl, and Upland Game/Webless Migratory Bird hunting opportunities this year. We allow hunting with archery/crossbow, shotgun, and muzzleloader.  No centerfire rifles are permitted. The refuges are not open to hunting on Sundays.

In addition to all applicable State and Federal stamps and licenses, all hunters are required to obtain a hunting permit from the refuge for the specific hunt in which they are participating. (i.e. deer permit for deer hunting, waterfowl permit for waterfowl, etc.) Permits include additional information/regulations and are available at each refuge’s office or online. 

Deer: 
Both refuges will conduct a lottery for Headquarters unit deer hunts. Applications can be picked up at either refuge or printed from refuge web sites. Completed applications can be submitted in person or by mail to either refuge headquarters (addresses below). The deadline to apply is Sunday, September 15^th.

Headquarters hunt dates:
Bombay Hook: October 11^th (Muzzleloader), November 15^th (Shotgun), December 18^th (Antlerless) 
Prime Hook: October 15^th (Muzzleloader) and November 19^th (Shotgun) 

Bombay Hook will offer permits in units H-1, H-2, H-3, H-4, H-5, and H-6. There will be 45 permits issued per hunt date.  
Prime Hook will offer permits in the 4 headquarters units. There will be 28 permits issued per hunt date. 

Waterfowl: 
In addition to the regular duck and goose seasons both refuges will be open for resident Canada goose and September teal seasons this year. Bombay Hook hunts on Kelly Island and Mahon Tract will continue to be issued at the Little Creek hunt check station. Prime Hook hunts will be issued via hunter led daily lottery at the Prime Hook hunt check station.

Small Game:
Small game seasons will be open in the South Upland, Steamboat Landing, and Fischer tracts at Bombay Hook. At Prime Hook; Fowler North, Prime Hook North and Prime Hook South units are open for small game. Shotgun shooting shot is the only permitted method of take. Non-toxic shot is required at Prime Hook and highly encouraged at Bombay Hook. See brochures for season dates and closure information. The State of Delaware has closed all hunting of wild bobwhite quail for the 2024/25 season.