Facility Rules and Policies
In order to protect wildlife and their habitats, certain restrictions are in effect on the refuge.
The refuge is open daily sunrise to sunset, with extended hours for Bogle's Wharf. Some areas of the refuge are closed seasonally. The refuge is closed during hunt days. Check the main page of the website for current visitor contact station hours.
Visitors must stay on designated roads and trails. Venturing outside of roads and trails open to the public is prohibited. Trails are limited to foot traffic only. Public areas are noted on the refuge map.
Pet must be on a handheld leash no longer than 6 feet.
Commercial guide services and tours on the refuge must be authorized through the issuance of Special Recreation Permits (SRP). A “commercial use” is when any person, group or organization makes or attempts to make a profit, receive money/remuneration, amortize equipment, or obtain goods or services as compensation from participants in activities occurring on public lands. Non-profit organizations that do not receive funds beyond that which covers the group’s basic costs (e.g., meals and transportation costs) are not considered commercial; however, non-profit status does not disqualify consideration of the use as commercial if any profit is made from the visit.
To apply for a SRP, please fill out this application form and return to Ray Paterra, Visitor Services Manager.
Feeding or disturbing wildlife, and the collection of any wildlife and plants is strictly prohibited.
Collecting or disturbing any artifacts you may find is strictly prohibited. Please contact the refuge office via phone or email if you discover an artifact.
Boats may only be launched from the Ingleside Recreation Area (car-top only) or the Bogles Wharf public boat ramp. See the refuge map for locations. Bogles wharf is open daily 5am - 10pm, and requires a Kent County trailer permit.
Strictly prohibited to maintain public health and safety and to protect refuge resources. Launching, landing, or operating unmanned aircraft from or on lands and waters administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service within the boundaries of Eastern Neck NWR is prohibited.
Prohibited on the refuge.
Allowed at Bogles Wharf, Tundra Swan Boardwalk, Ingleside Recreation Area, and the Kent Narrows Bridge. All State of Maryland fishing regulations apply. See the refuge map for fishing areas.
Firearm use is allowed by refuge hunt permit holders during special refuge hunts only. For hunting information and dates, please see the Hunting Page.