MILTON — The Prime Hook annual Friends of Prime Hook U.S. Wildlife Refuge Nature Photography Contest opening reception will be Oct. 13.

The contest is open to photographers of all ages and usually draws more than 200 entries.

Photographs must be mailed or hand-delivered to the Refuge Office on or before Oct. 6.  Submitted photographs will be judged by professional photographers during the week of Oct. 9. Winners will be announced, and awards given at a reception from 2-4 p.m. in the Refuge Auditorium on Oct. 13.

Entries will be displayed in the auditorium through Dec. 7.

The public is encouraged to come view the exhibit during refuge hours. Call the refuge office at 302-684-8419 to make sure the auditorium will be open. There is no admission charge.

Entries may be in any or all of these categories:  Delmarva Scenery, Native Birds, Other Native Wildlife (fish, insects, amphibians, mammals, reptiles, etc.), Native Plants and Flowers, The Beauty of Prime Hook, Senior Student (age 13 to 17) and Junior Student (age 12 and under).

The "People's Choice Award" is presented to the most popular photograph in the show. Each visitor is encouraged to pick their favorite picture and cast a ballot for that photograph. Instructions on how to vote will be on display in the auditorium.

The Grand Prize is awarded in memory of late photographer April Abel and is given to the entry judged "Best in Show."

Monetary awards will be given to the first, second and third place winners in each category and to the student winners.

A special award will be given to the winner in "The Beauty of Prime Hook" category.

To qualify as Delmarva Scenery, photographs must have been taken on the Delmarva Peninsula. The Beauty of Prime Hook category encompasses only photographs taken within the boundaries of the Refuge.

Photographs of wildlife, flowers, and plants must be of native species. Native is defined as "grown, produced, or originating in a particular place or in the vicinity" or "living or growing naturally in a particular region (indigenous)” and taken to mean "not introduced by humans." Ineligible subjects include cultivated plants and flowers and domestic animals like dogs and cows.

Each photograph must be matted in white, be unframed and should have the name, address, telephone number and email of the entrant as well as the name of the photograph, location photo was taken and the category in which it is to be entered placed on the reverse side of the matte. The total dimensions (the photograph plus the matte) cannot exceed 16inches by 20 inches. Neither the photographer's name nor any writing can be on the front of the matte.

Use adequate adhesive. All prints must be mounted to the matte board (not inserted or taped).

There is a mounting spray available in art or photographic supply stores. Peel and stick mattes are another option. Proper mounting will preserve, protect, and better present your photograph. It will also prevent mattes and photographs from coming loose and falling during the exhibit.

The entry fee is $5 per photograph or six photos for $25 and must be included with the submitted photographs. Student entries are free. Make checks payable to the Friends of Prime Hook N.W.R. 

The Refuge address is 11978 Turkle Pond Road, Milton, DE. 19968. Refuge hours may vary, so call the office at 302-684-8419 before dropping off photographs.

Entries remain on display during the duration of the exhibition and may be picked up after Dec. 9. If unable to pick up entry, enclose a stamped, self-addressed envelope with submission. Entries not picked up before Jan. 7, 2025, will become the property of the Friends of Prime Hook NWR and may be used for promotional purposes or fundraising. The Friends of Prime Hook NWR assume no liability for entries lost or damaged during the exhibit.

For more information, call the refuge at 302-684-8419. For a full and complete listing of the contest rules, visit friendsofprimehook.com or visit the refuge office.