Bombay Hook and Prime Hook will offer deer, waterfowl, and upland game/webless migratory bird hunting opportunities in 2024-2025.

Allowed is 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.

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. The deadline to apply is Sept. 15.

Headquarters hunt dates:

• Bombay Hook: Oct. 11 (muzzleloader), Nov. 15 (shotgun), Dec. 18 (antlerless)
• Prime Hook: Oct. 15 (muzzleloader) and Nov. 19 (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 four headquarters units. There will be 28 permits issued per hunt date.

In addition to the regular duck and goose seasons both refuges will be open for resident Canada goose and September teal seasons. 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 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.

The State of Delaware has closed all hunting of wild bobwhite quail for the 2024/25 season.

For more information, call Prime Hook at 302-684-8419 or Bombay Hook at 302-653-9345.