MILTON — The annual Friends of Prime Hook U.S. Wildlife Refuge Nature Photography Contest is now accepting entries from photographers of all ages.

Contest categories are 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 13-17) and Junior Student (age 12 and under).

Photographs must be mailed or hand-delivered to the Refuge Office on or before Oct. 7.

Submitted photographs will be judged by professional photographers during the week of Oct. 9.

Winners will be announced at a reception from 2-4 p.m. Oct. 15 in the Refuge Auditorium.

Entries will be displayed in the auditorium through Dec. 9.

At the conclusion of the display, a People's Choice Award will be 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 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)." Simply, "native" should be 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 unframed and matted in white and 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 16"x 20". Neither the photographer's name nor any writing can be on the front of the matte.

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

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 vary, call the office at 302-684-8419 to make sure a volunteer or staff person is available to accept photos.

For a full and complete listing of the contest rules, visit friendsofprimehook.com or visit the refuge office.