All were lost during the Great Depression and purchased by the U.S. Forest Service. Assawoman has been managed as a wildlife area since 1943. Most recently purchased was the Hickman Tract in 1989. That tract contains a rare plant site and is home to the protected Delmarva fox squirrel. Assawoman Wildlife Area is managed for migrating and wintering waterfowl, white-tailed deer and bobwhite quail.
Funds come from a federal excise tax on guns and ammunition.
Also protected are the Canada Goose, black and mallard ducks, and amphibians and reptiles. If you decide to go to Assawoman Wildlife Area, you can take this auto tour designed by the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control. Brochures detailing the locations of each site along the tour are also available. Take the first left after the bridge onto Road 363. Follow Road 363 to Road 364 and turn left.