Coronavirus (COVID-19) Notice
Although most refuge lands and outdoor spaces have remained open for the public to enjoy, we ask that you do the following:

  • Check local conditions on this website and call ahead for current information. Operations vary based on local public health conditions.
  • Face masks are required in all federal buildings and on all federal lands.
  • Maintain a safe distance between yourself and other groups.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
  • Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze
  • Most importantly, stay home if you feel sick


Features

  • Portions of Fowler Beach to Close

    Portions of Fowler Beach to Close for 2021 Beach-nesting Season

    Press Release

  • Public Use Area Closed January 16, 2021

    Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge Public Use Area Closed Saturday, January 16th, 2021 for Lottery Headquarters Deer Hunt

    News Release

  • Closure of Portions of Prime Hook Creek

    The easternmost three miles of Prime Hook Creek will be closed from Sept 1, 2020 - March 15, 2021, during the waterfowl hunt season.

    Press Release Creek Closure 2020

  • Back-barrier Salt Marsh

    Marsh and Water Monitoring Network

    Stay up to date with roadside water levels.

    Prime Hook NWR Marsh and Water Monitoring Network

Around the Refuge

2020-2021 Hunting Opportunities

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Hunting, which is identified by the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997 as one of the six wildlife-dependent recreational uses on refuges, is a very popular form of recreation at Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge.

Hunting Information

2020 Lecture Schedule

Check out the list of lectures scheduled for 2020 at Prime Hook NWR.

2020 Lecture Schedule

Delmarva Fox Squirrel Sightings

Delmarva Fox Squirrel

Have you seen one of these? We are mapping the sightings of the Delmarva fox squirrel. The Delmarva fox squirrel has recently been delisted and is no longer classified as a Federally endangered or threatened species. However, monitoring of this species will continue for 10 years to insure it is still doing well. We are mapping the distribution of this animal and are looking for photos or observations you may have made while visiting the refuge. If you have seen a fox squirrel please print the attached sighting report and turn it into the Visitor Contact Station located at 11978 Turkle Pond Road, Milton, DE. 19968, or call 302-684-8419 if you have any questions.

Delmarva Fox Squirrel sighting report
Marsh Restoration

Marsh Restoration

Salt marsh - USFWS.

Restoration to back-barrier salt marsh habitats from currently degraded open water conditions will rely on re-building dunes, restoring edaphic factors, hydrological and salinity regimes needed to support the natural recolonization of smooth saltmarsh grasses in Unit II and parts of Unit III.

Read the latest marsh restoration updates.

Planning

Comprehensive Conservation Planning

Front cover of the CCP - USFWS.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has approved a final CCP for Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge. The CCP will serve as a guide for managing wildlife conservation and visitor services programs on the refuge for the next 15 years. Visit the CCP page to learn more about the planning process and to download the CCP.

Comprehensive Conservation Planning

About the NWRS

National Wildlife Refuge System

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The National Wildlife Refuge System, within the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, manages a national network of lands and waters set aside to conserve America's fish, wildlife, and plants.

Learn more about the NWRS
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