In winter, snow geese blanket the salt marshes and fields of Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge. Approximately 100,000 of these birds overwinter here, providing long hunting seasons, abundant hunting opportunities and a spectacle that has few rivals on the Atlantic Seaboard. A boat is required to access the snow goose area, as well as, Kelly Island and the Mahon Tract. On these tracts, hunters must use temporary blinds. The refuge also offers excellent opportunities for other waterfowl species, deer, small game and turkey. Each hunting area has specific regulations. Check with the refuge manager before planning your hunt.
2026 - 2027 Fall Hunting Opportunities at Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge
Bombay Hook will offer Deer, Waterfowl, Upland Game/Webless Migratory Bird, and Spring Turkey hunting opportunities this year. We allow hunting with archery/crossbow, shotgun, and muzzleloader. No centerfire rifles are permitted. The refuge is 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 the refuge office or online.
Deer
We will conduct a lottery for Headquarters unit deer hunts. Applications can be picked up at the refuge or printed from the refuge web site. Completed applications can be submitted in person or by mail to the refuge headquarters (address below). The deadline to apply is Tuesday, September 15th. Non-Headquarters areas will be open select days. See respective brochures for specific information.
Headquarters hunt dates
Bombay Hook: October 9th (Muzzleloader), November 13th (Shotgun), December 16th (Antlerless)
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.
The auto tour route and trails will be closed to all other uses during the Headquarters hunts. The visitor center will be open.
Waterfowl
In addition to the regular duck and goose seasons the refuge will be open for resident Canada goose and September teal seasons this year. Bombay Hook hunts on Kelly Island and Mahon Tract will continue to be issued at the Little Creek hunt check station.
Small Game
Small game seasons will be open in the South Upland, Steamboat Landing, and Fischer tracts. Shotgun shooting shot is the only permitted method of take. Non-toxic shot is highly encouraged. See brochures for season dates and closure information. The State of Delaware has closed all hunting of wild bobwhite quail for the 2026/27 season.
If you have any questions, please call (302) 653-9345.
Bombay Hook NWR
2591 Whitehall Neck Rd
Smyrna, DE 19977
https://www.fws.gov/refuge/bombay-hook
For information on hunting at Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge, please visit Hunting at Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge | FWS.gov
