Looking for a quality waterfowling adventure to help offset the hectic pace of the holiday season? Neighboring Delaware has an abundance of public lands available to duck and goose hunters. The Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge and the Augustine Wildlife Area are two of the best.

Rob Hossler, the manager of Delaware's Division of Wildlife, said Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge is one of the top waterfowl destinations in the state, particularly during late fall and early winter hunts.

In all, this federal property encompasses 10,000 acres, about 7,400 of which are found in the form of tidal marsh and freshwater marsh.

"Prime Hook has a good diversity of ducks," said Hossler. "The success rate there is very good. Water levels are more stable. It's worth the drive to get there."

Hossler said December hunters could expect to find good numbers of mallards and black ducks, the foundation of most public hunting areas. But there's a better chance of seeing gadwalls, pintails and widgeon at Prime Hook than at many other places.

Permits are required to hunt the Prime Hook NWR. Drawings are held each hunting day two hours before the start of shooting hours. Hunting days are Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays during regular Delaware hunting seasons.

All hunting takes place from the permanent blinds found there. Boats are required to reach all of the blinds. Boats are limited to 25 hp, and all boats, including canoes and other nonpowered watercraft, are required to have proper running lights. Officials of the refuge recommend push poles for navigating shallow water.

Shooting hours at Prime Hook are a half-hour before sunrise until 3 p.m. A questionnaire is provided with each permit and must be filled out by the hunter.

Augustine Wildlife Area exists as two parcels divided into four tracts. Public hunting is managed for not only waterfowl, but for deer and upland game as well. The various areas contain not only permanent duck blinds, but deer stands as well.

The placement of each is done according to the available habitat. Hunts on Augustine are managed affairs, subject to a daily lottery.

This wildlife area provides a wealth of waterfowling options. Blinds that front the Delaware River often provide action from diving ducks. Ones located on the numerous tidal creeks that make up the area are more likely to host dabblers.

Hossler said December hunters could expect to find good numbers of black ducks and mallards. Don't be surprised to see some gadwall and widgeon as well.

"The heaviest hunting pressure tends to occur in late fall and early winter," said Hossler. The wildlife manager noted that this coincides with the arrival of migratory birds.

Hunting days on Augustine are Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Shooting hours are from a half-hour before sunrise to sunset. Permits are issued from 1Z\x hours before shooting hours until 1 p.m.

All hunting must be done from state constructed blinds and pits, and a maximum of three hunters per blind is permitted. Hunting the tidal marsh requires the use of a boat and all necessary safety equipment.

Because of tidal fluctuation, boating hunters should be on the lookout for hazards like pilings that are underwater at high tide and ditches that are dry during low tide.

Hunters should also note that late season snow goose hunts are available at Augustine. These hunts are managed by a self-registration permit or sign-in board.

Information on the Augustine Wildlife Area can be obtained by phoning the facility's office at 302-834-8433.

Jeff Knapp is an outdoors columnist for the Butler Eagle.