The Division of Parks and Recreation does not allow waterfowl hunting on any of the impounded waters within its property. However, it does allow access to various State controlled bodies of water through County owned boat ramps and launch areas. These areas are:

Estell Manor Park
Artesian Well Road Access Area
Steven's Creek Picnic Area floating dock (carry on only)

Lake Lenape
County boat ramp
Danger Beach access area (carry on only)
Note - Access after 7:30am only

All state licensed hunters wishing to access a County Park launch area for Duck Hunting must report to the Parks Reservation Office at 6303 Old Harding Highway - 625-8219

The Following is required upon registration:

1. Produce a valid hunting license, for the season to be hunted.
2. Provide name, address, telephone number, emergency contact information, and vehicle description for the permit.
3. Sign a standard county indemnification form.
4. Pay the $5 registration fee for the permit.
5. Maintain the permit in a visible location in the vehicle at all times while on County property.

These permits can be obtained seven days a week from 7:30 am till 5 pm at the Lenape Reservation Office. It is advisable for hunters to obtain applicable topographic maps of their chosen hunting area.

Boating activity will be in compliance with all safety regulations as described by the New Jersey State Statute.

Parking will be in designated areas only.

The Division will determine special boat ramp dates and times, based upon the waterfowl seasons set by the New Jersey DFGW. The Division reserves the right to suspend or cancel special access through launch areas.

Access permits can be revoked at any time by the Division.

In order to increase recreational opportunities while remaining responsible in regards to costs, note the following. To accommodate sportsmen, the following dates are scheduled for early openings on the North End Boat Ramp in the Estell Manor Park (for access to South River, and the Great Egg Harbor River). These days were selected to maximize usage.

Early opening Dates for the Estell Manor boat ramp:

October

17th - Sat. - first day of first segment
24th - Sat.- Weekend Day
31st - Sat. - Weekend Day

November

Nov. 6 & 7 - Youth Days
14th - Sat Weekend
21st - Sat. - First Day Second Segment - Thanksgiving
26, 27, 28 - Fri., Sat. - Thanksgiving Weekend

Note - Due to the Park Zone 61 Deer Hunting program the Estell Manor boat ramp will be closed Dec. 7th through Dec. 18th. The ramp will reopen on Dec. 19th for standard hour access 7:30 am till 30 minutes past sunset.

The North End launch area will open at approximately 5:00 AM
Lake Lenape will open at 7:30 AM
Parking is restricted to designated areas.
Hunters are required to contact the Atlantic County Division of Parks and Recreation Office prior to hunting to obtain an access permit.

Note - Registered sportsmen may hunt waterfowl under the proper federal seasons on days other then those listed above. The dates above are special early openings to benefit the waterfowl hunting program. Park openings on other dates vary from 6:45 am to 7:30 am daily. Our Lake Lenape ramp opens daily at 7:30 am. Ramp closing times are one half hour after sunset. Sunset times are posted at Lake Lenape Boathouse .Plan your hunt accordingly ,remember waterfowl hunting is one of many activities in your Park System. We hope you enjoy the program.