Hunting & Trapping In Virginia - Virginia Department of Game and ...

Hunting & Trapping 

in Virginia 

July 2010 – June 2011 

Youth Deer Hunting Day 

September 25 

Legacy Lifetime License 

see page 11 for details 

www.HuntFishVA.com

SINCE 1947 

GLEN ALLEN • VIRGINIA 

aT GREEN TOP, OuR STaFF HaS 

THE EXPERIENCE IN THE FIELD 

aND THE KNOWLEDGE TO HELP 

YOu WITH YOuR NEXT PuRCHaSE 

Virginians Serving Virginians 

for over 62 years! 

If you have questions about your next 

purchase, we will make sure you have 

the information you need to make a 

confident decision. 

Virginia’s Largest Independent Dealer! 

Green Top has one of the largest and varied 

selections of hunting and fishing supplies to 

choose from in Virginia. We will have what 

you need at a competitive price. 

Visit Us At… 

US Route 1 North 

Just 6 miles North of Richmond, VA 

Exit 86B off I-95 / Exit 43C off I-295 

10193 Washington Hwy / Glen Allen, Va. 23059 

(804) 550-2188 

or Visit Us Online at… 

www.greentophuntfish.com 

Monday - Friday: 8am – 9pm 

Saturday: 8am – 6pm Sunday: 9am – 5pm 

As you can see 

from these pictures, our staff 

not only sell the products, they 

also use them in the field. 

Text GTOP to 

68247 to 

be entered into 

our monthly 

drawing for 

a $100 

shopping 

spree. 

Text 

GTOP 

to 

68247

e 

ff 

y 

d.

LEE & PHIPPS, P.C. 

ATTORNEYS AT LAW 

Injury, Disability, and Wrongful Death Law 

throughout Virginia as a result of 

• Auto, Truck and Tractor Trailer Collisions 

• Defective Products and Equipment 

• Farm Accidents 

• Workers’ Compensation 

• Social Security Disability 

• Nursing Home Neglect 

Toll Free 800-559-9233/800-246-9697 

Sportsmen Representing Sportsmen 

NO ATTORNEY FEE UNLESS WE RECOVER FOR YOU * 

*Except for cost advanced

Commonwealth of Virginia 

Bob McDonnell, Governor 

Secretary of Natural Resources 

Douglas Domenech 

Department of Game 

and Inland Fisheries 

Bob Duncan, Executive Director 

Members of the Board 

Ward Burton 

Brent Clarke 

Sherry Smith Crumley 

William T. Greer, Jr. 

James W. Hazel 

Randy J. Kozuch 

John W. Montgomery, Jr. 

Mary Louisa Pollard 

Richard E. Railey, Jr. 

F. Scott Reed Jr. 

Charles S. Yates 

Mission Statement 

To manage Virginia’s wildlife and inland fish 

to maintain optimum populations of all 

species to serve the needs of the Commonwealth; 

To provide opportunity for all to 

enjoy wildlife, inland fish, boating and related 

outdoor recreation and to work diligently to 

safeguard the rights of the people to hunt, fish, 

and harvest game as provided for in the Constitution 

of Virginia; To promote safety for 

persons and property in connection with boating, 

hunting, and fishing; To provide educational 

outreach programs and materials that 

foster an awareness of and appreciation for 

Virginia’s fish and wildlife resources, their 

habitats, and hunting, fishing, and boating 

opportunities. 

The Department of Game and Inland Fisheries 

prohibits discrimination on the basis 

of gender, race, color, national origin, age, 

religion, or disability. Send all inquiries to 

Human Resources, Dept. of Game and 

Inland Fisheries, P. O. Box 11104, Richmond, 

VA 23230 or Office for Human 

Resources, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 

4401 N. Fairfax Drive, Mail Stop 2000, 

Arlington, VA 22203. 

Table of Contents 

7 General Information 

25 Bear Hunting 

29 Deer Hunting 

39 Small Game Hunting 

40 Turkey Hunting 

42 Furbearer Hunting & Trapping 

47 Public Hunting Lands 

64 Index and Sunrise/Sunset Table 

Virginia's Wildlife Restoration 

Program and You 

Hunters and trappers create many opportunities for Virginians to 

enjoy exceptional hunting, trapping and wildlife watching. Through 

the Federal Assistance in Wildlife Restoration program, you help 

the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries make wildlife oriented outdoor 

recreation even better each time you buy a firearm, ammunition or a hunting or trapping 

license. 

When you buy hunting-related equipment, a portion of the excise tax levied on 

the manufacturer goes to the Federal Assistance in Wildlife Restoration program. Virginia 

receives about $6.5 million each year from this program, which funds a large 

portion of the Department’s habitat management and wildlife population research 

projects. 

Cover photo ©Dwight Dyke 

This booklet is for general information. Specific laws are found in the Code of Virginia 

(http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?000+cod+TOC2901000) or the Game 

Department Regulation Manual (http://leg1state.va.us/000/reg/TOC04015.htm). For 

answers to specific questions about hunting and fishing, contact the Department of 

Game and Inland Fisheries office nearest you. 

www.HuntFishVA.com 5

Message From The Executive Director 

It is with great pleasure that I am able to 

introduce to you the 2010–2011 hunting 

and trapping seasons. These hunting and 

trapping seasons are a testament to the 

Department’s continued, strong commitment 

to protect our hunting heritage and 

provide a diversity of recreational opportunities 

for hunters and trappers in Virginia. 

They also reflect the outstanding work and 

dedication of our Department staff who are 

passionate about maintaining healthy 

wildlife populations and habitats. 

New this year is the Legacy Hunting 

or Fishing License. The Legacy Hunting 

License may be purchased for children less 

than 2 years of age and, at no additional fee, 

can be transferred into a lifetime license 

upon completion of hunter education. The 

new Legacy Hunting License complements 

our Apprentice Hunting License 

which provides residents and nonresidents 

the opportunity to try hunting when accompanied 

and directly supervised by a properly 

licensed mentor over 18 years of age. 

Both of these licenses represent important 

Department initiatives to promote and 

enhance Virginia’s hunting tradition. 

The Department noted some great 

successes during the past year. One of the 

most notable was Virginia’s very first 

Youth Deer Hunting Day. Despite heavy 

Department Headquarters 

4010 West Broad Street, P.O. Box 11104, Richmond,VA 23230 

(804) 367-1000; (804) 367-1278 TTY 

Regional Offices 

Region 1 

3801 John Tyler Memorial Hwy. 

Charles City, VA 23030 

(804) 829-6580 

Region 2 

1132 Thomas Jefferson Road 

Forest, VA 24551-9223 

(434) 525-7522 

Region 3 

1796 Highway Sixteen 

Marion, VA 24354 

(276) 783-4860 

LEE 

WISE 

SCOTT 

DICKENSON 

rains, which provided miserable hunting 

conditions, Virginia’s young hunters persevered 

to harvest 1,838 deer. It was a distinct 

honor for me to have so many young 

hunters send emails, letters, and photos 

sharing their experience from that day. 

Many young hunters were successful in 

harvesting a deer that day but some were 

not; however, as the emails and letters 

noted, the harvesting of a deer was not the 

real trophy of that day. The real trophy was 

the memories of the joy and fellowship of 

young hunters getting to spend quality time 

with their family, friends, mentors, and 

peers. 

On a less positive note, the Department 

received confirmation in January 

2010 that a white-tailed deer from western 

Frederick County tested positive for CWD. 

This was the first confirmed case of CWD 

in Virginia. Since 2005 when CWD was 

detected in Hampshire County, West Virginia 

less than 10 miles away from Virginia’s 

border in Frederick County, the 

Department has maintained an active 

CWD sampling strategy in this area. With 

the expansion of CWD in West Virginia 

and the discovery of CWD in Virginia, the 

Department has been taking measures to 

protect Virginia’s deer resource. These 

measures will necessarily affect hunters in 

Region 4 

P.O. Box 996, 517 Lee Highway 

Verona, VA 24482 

(540) 248-9360 

Region 5 

1320 Belman Road 

Fredericksburg, VA 22401 

(540) 899-4169 

BUCHANAN 

RUSSELL 

3 

WASHINGTON 

TAZEWELL 

SMYTH 

BLAND 

WYTHE 

GRAYSON 

GILES 

PULASKI 

MONTGOMERY 

FLOYD 

CRAIG 

ALLEGHANY 

ROANOKE 

BATH 

BOTETOURT 

FRANKLIN 

CARROLL 

PATRICK 

HENRY 

HIGHLAND 

ROCKBRIDGE 

AUGUSTA 

AMHERST 

BEDFORD 

CAMPBELL 

PITTSYLVANIA 

4 

ROCKINGHAM 

NELSON 

APPOMATTOX 

HALIFAX 

SHENANDOAH 

FREDERICK 

WARREN 

CLARKE 

PAGE RAPPAHANNOCK 

MADISON 

ALBEMARLE 

BUCKINGHAM 

2 

the immediate and surrounding areas 

where CWD is found, and we would ask 

your support in helping the Department 

implement these measures to insure the 

continued health of the deer herd. 

In closing, I want to say “Thank You” 

to all of you who make our work possible. 

Your license dollars and support of our programs 

are the foundation of the stewardship 

of Virginia’s wildlife resources. During 

these challenging economic times, your 

continued participation and support of 

hunting and trapping in Virginia insures 

that wildlife resources will remain a strong 

and vital part of Virginia for future generations. 

– Bob Duncan 

GREENE 

FLUVANNA 

PRINCE 

EDWARD 

CUMBERLAND 

FAUQUIER 

CULPEPER 

LOUDOUN 

FAIRFAX 

PRINCE WILLIAM 

ORANGE SPOTSYLVANIA 

LOUISA 

NOTTOWAY 

CHARLOTTE 

LUNENBURG 

MECKLENBURG 

5 

GOOCHLAND 

POWHATAN 

STAFFORD KING 

GEORGE 

CAROLINE 

HANOVER 

CHESTERFIELD 

AMELIA 

DINWIDDIE 

BRUNSWICK 

HENRICO 

GREENSVILLE 

KING WILLIAM 

CHARLES 

CITY 

PRINCE 

GEORGE 

SUSSEX 

ARLINGTON 

WESTMORELAND 

ESSEX 

KING AND QUEEN GLOUCESTER 

NEW 

KENT 

JAMES 

CITY 

SURRY 

SOUTHAMPTON 

RICHMOND 

LANCASTER 

MIDDLESEX 

YORK 

ISLE OF 

WIGHT 

NORTHUMBERLAND 

MATHEWS 

1 

NEWPORT 

NEWS 

VIRGINIA 

BEACH 

SUFFOLK CHESAPEAKE 

6 2010-2011 Hunting and Trapping in Virginia 

NORTHAMPTON 

HAMPTON 

PORTSMOUTH 

NORFOLK 

The sale of advertising paid a large portion of the cost of this publication. The Department of Game and Inland Fisheries neither endorses 

the products or services offered in the advertising, nor accepts any liability from the use of such products or services. 

Lee Walker 

ACCOMACK

What’s New for 

2010–2011 

General Information 

• It shall be illegal for any person to 

knowingly and intentionally facilitate 

or attempt to cause a violation of the 

baiting law by putting out bait or salt 

in a place used or occupied by hunters. 

Licenses 

• Legacy Lifetime License (for children 

less than 2 years of age). See page 11 

for details. 

• New dates and procedures have been 

established for the purchase of stationary 

waterfowl blind licenses to begin 

January 1, 2011. Details will be published 

in this fall’s Virginia Migratory 

Waterfowl Seasons and Bag Limits 

supplement to this digest. 

Bear 

• Hound Training/Chase Season 

It will be lawful to chase black bears 

with dogs without capturing or taking 

from August 14 through August 31on 

Cavalier WMA. 

Deer 

• Additional regulations related to deer 

hunting, movement of deer carcasses, 

deer feeding, and testing of hunter harvested 

deer in northwestern Virginia 

following discovery of CWD. See 

pages 37–38 for details. 

. 

• It is now legal for a person to possess 

shed antlers from deer. 

Additional Contacts 

Report Violations: 1-800-237-5712 

wildcrime @dgif.virginia.gov 

Contact a Conservation Police Officer 

(Game Warden) 

804-367-1258 

Boating Information: 804-367-1000 

Checking-in Game 

1-866 GOT-GAME (468-4263) 

Hunting and Trapping 

Regulation Review 

Process 

The Department has begun the process of 

reviewing the current hunting and trapping 

regulations for the 2011 and 2012 hunting 

seasons. 

• May 1–July 23, 2010: Scoping period 

for staff and public input on hunting 

and trapping regulation issues 

• August 17, 2010: Staff present regulatory 

issues and concepts identified 

during the scoping period to the Board 

for its consideration and modification 

• Public Comment Period: A public 

comment period would will be held from 

during September September 1–November 1–November 1 to gain 1 to 

gain public public input input on on regulatory issues 

and concepts 

• February 2011*: Staff will present 

recommended regulation amendments 

to the Board; Board proposes 

regulation amendments 

• Public Comment Period*: A 45-day 

public comment period, including including 

public meetings, would will be be held held to gain to 

input gain input on proposed on proposed regulation regulation amendments 

amendments. 

• May 2011*: Staff will make final recommendations 

on proposed regulations; 

Board adopts final regulation 

amendments 

• July 1, 2011: Effective date for Board 

adopted regulations 

* Specific dates to be determined following 

the July13, 2010 DGIF Board meeting. 

Quota Hunts 

1-877-VAHUNTS (1-877-824-8687) 

Virginia Department of Forestry, 

Charlottesville Office 

434-977-6555 

Department of Conservation and 

Recreation; Reservation Center 

800-933-7275 

USDA Wildlife Services 

804-739-7739 

Pass on the 

Hunting 

Tradition 

Working Together For 

Our Wildlife 

The Department is pleased and 

honored to have the support of 

numerous non-profit conservation 

organizations that are dedicated to 

wildlife conservation and education. 

Through the involvement of 

thousands of citizen volunteers, as 

well as a financial commitment to a 

variety of agency projects, organizations 

have supported wildlife conservation 

efforts that benefit all 

Virginia sportsmen and women. 

We encourage everyone to support 

these organizations and to become 

active participants in one or more of 

these groups. 

U. S. Forest Service 

George Washington and Jefferson Forest 

Supervisor 

540-265-5100 

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 

Information on federal wildlife inquiries 

only 

804-771-2883; 804-771-2280 

www.HuntFishVA.com 7 

Jon Messina 

General Information


General 

Information 

Mandatory Hunter 

Education Requirement 

Hunter Education courses provide instruction 

in hunter safety, principles of conservation, 

and sportsmanship. The courses are 

a minimum of 10 hours in length and cover 

many topics preparing new hunters to 

enjoy their experience in the outdoors. 

Courses are offered free of charge throughout 

the Commonwealth. A list of courses is 

available online, or you may contact one of 

the Department’s regional offices. You can 

call 1-866-604-1122 for a listing of Hunter 

Education classes near you. For information 

about obtaining a replacement certificate, 

check the Department’s website 

(www.HuntFishVA.com) or call 1-866- 

721-6911 

Virginia accepts and recognizes all 

states’ and countries’ hunting licenses 

and hunter education credentials for the 

purpose of complying with mandatory 

hunter education requirements. These 

may be in the form of an identification 

card or certificate. 

You must complete an approved hunter 

education course and carry your certificate 

while hunting if either of the following 

apply: 

• You are 12-15 years of age (you must 

complete hunter education but you do 

not have to carry your certificate if 

accompanied and properly supervised 

by a licensed adult). 

• You are at least 16 years of age and you 

are hunting with your first hunting 

license. 

Although it is recommended for all hunters, 

you are not required to complete hunter 

education if: 

• You are exempt from the requirement 

to purchase a license. 

• You are hunting with an apprentice 

license. In which case, you must be 

accompanied and directly supervised 

by an adult over the age of 18 who has, 

on his person, a valid Virginia hunting 

license. “Accompanied and directly 

supervised” means the adult maintains 

close visual and verbal contact with, 

Tree Stand Safety Guidelines 

• Use a full-body safety harness to secure yourself to the tree. Stay attached 

whenever you are off the ground. 

• Never climb with equipment; use a haul line to get your unloaded gun or bow 

into and out of the tree stand. Crossbows may be raised while cocked, but 

should never be loaded with an arrow until securely in the stand and ready to 

hunt. It can be dangerous to try to cock a crossbow while in a tree. 

• Keep manufactured tree stands in good working condition. Always follow the 

manufacturer’s instructions carefully. 

• Most falls occur because of the failure of homemade stands, especially as they 

age. It is best to avoid them. 

• While most manufactured tree stands are safe if used properly, they are occasionally 

found to be defective and recalled. To find out if your stand has been 

recalled, check the Consumer Product Safety Commission website at 

www.CPSC.gov. 

provides adequate direction to, and can 

immediately assume control of the 

firearm from the apprentice hunter. The 

apprentice hunting license cannot be 

used as proof of holding a previous 

hunting license, for the purposes of 

purchasing a hunting license without 

proof of hunter education. 

• You are under the age of 12. However, 

you may not hunt unless accompanied 

and directly supervised by a licensed 

adult. 

• You only hunt foxes with hounds while 

on horseback, but without firearms. 

Any person 16 years of age or older may 

certify that he or she has held a previously 

issued hunting license by signing the back 

of the license. 

Want to make a difference? 

Become a 

Hunter Education Instructor 

Contact: david.dodson@dgif.virginia.gov or go to 

www.HuntFishVA.com/hunting/education/ 


Eugene Hester

Eugene Hester 

Hunting Licenses and 

Fees 

Every person who is required to have a 

license must carry such license and shall 

show the license immediately upon request 

of any officer whose duty it is to enforce the 

game and inland fish laws, or upon the 

demand of any owner or lessee, or any 

employee or representative of such owner 

or lessee, upon whose land or water such 

person may be hunting, trapping or fishing. 

A license is not valid unless signed by 

the licensee. 

Residency Qualifications: 

• Persons who have been a bonafide resident 

of the city, county, or state for six 

consecutive months immediately preceding 

the date of purchasing a license. 

• Persons who have been domiciliary residents 

of the state for at least two months 

upon approval of a completed affidavit 

to be furnished by the Game Department. 

• Legal voters in Virginia. 

• Members of the armed forces if they 

reside in Virginia and are on active duty 

and are stationed at military installations 

within, or on ships based in Virginia. 

• Students (including nonresident students 

boarding on campus) residing in Virginia 

who are enrolled in bonafide Virginia 

schools. 

• Unnaturalized owners of real property in 

Virginia who have resided in a county for 

five years immediately prior to making 

application for a license may apply for 

resident licenses only in the county 

where they qualify. 

HUNTING LICENSE SALES 

1-866-721-6911 

customerservice@dgif.virginia.gov 

A customer service center is available 

to help purchasers of hunting 

and fishing licenses. Representatives 

will be available to answer 

questions about licensing, assist 

you in purchasing the licenses 

appropriate for your hunting or 

fishing outing, correct information 

on a current license or re-issue a lost 

license or hunter education 

certificate. 

License Exemptions 

All persons, except those listed below, 

must purchase the proper licenses before 

hunting or trapping. Where exempt, the 

exemption means the individual is exempt 

from the basic hunting license, bear, deer, 

turkey license, archery license, crossbow 

license, muzzleloading license, and Virginia 

Migratory Waterfowl Conservation 

Stamp. (All seasons, bag limits, and 

checking requirements apply) 

• Resident or non-resident landowners, 

their spouses, their children and grandchildren 

and the spouses of such children 

and grandchildren, or the landowner’s 

parents, resident or non-resident, do not 

need a license to hunt, trap or fish (on 

inland waters) within the boundaries of 

their own lands. 

• Tenants, on the land they rent and occupy, 

are not required to have a license, but 

must have the written permission of the 

landowner. Persons that lease property 

and do not permanently reside there are 

not exempt from license requirements. 

• Residents, 65 years of age and over, do 

not need a license to hunt or trap on private 

property in their county or city of 

residence. 

• Resident hunters under the age of 12 are 

not required to have a hunting license or 

hunter education. Non-resident hunters 

under the age of 12 need a hunting 

license but do not need hunter education 

to purchase one. All hunters under the 

age of 12 may not hunt unless immediately 

supervised by a licensed adult. 

• Residents under the age of 16 are not 

required to have a license to trap when 

accompanied by any person 18 years of 

age or older who possesses a valid Virginia 

trapping license. 

• Any person who is not hunting, but is 

aiding a disabled person to hunt when 

such disabled person possesses a valid 

Virginia Disabled Resident Lifetime 

hunting license or a Virginia Resident 

Disabled Veteran Lifetime license is not 

required to have a license. 

• Any American Indian who resides on a 

Virginia Indian reservation or a member 

of the Virginia recognized tribes who 

resides in the Commonwealth is not 

required to have a license; however, such 

Indian must have on his person an identification 

card or paper signed by the chief 

of his tribe, a valid tribal identification 

card, written confirmation through a 

central tribal registry, or certification 

from a tribal office. 

• Stockholders owning 50 percent or more 

of the stock of any domestic corporation 

owning land in Virginia, his or her 

spouse and children and minor grandchildren, 

resident or nonresident, to hunt, 

trap and fish within the boundaries of 

lands and inlands waters owned by the 

domestic corporation. 

Q: My resident son was 11 

years old at the beginning of 

the hunting season and did not 

need a license. He will turn 12 

in the middle of the season. 

Does he need to purchase a 

license? 

A: Yes. He will need his own 

hunting license and all applicable 

licenses, permits and stamps 

when he turns 12. He could 

obtain an Apprentice License as 

his basic hunting license if he has 

not yet taken a Hunter Education 

Course when he turns 12. 

Where to Get a License 

✦ Online: www.HuntFishVA.com. Select the license(s) you want, pay with 

your VISA or MasterCard, and print your license(s) after you pay. 

✦ In Person: Sold by some clerks of the Circuit Court and hundreds of 

license agents around the state. 

✦ By Phone: Customer Service, 1-866-721-6911 




What License Do I Need? 

Hunting 

Unless license exempt, some type of hunting 

license is required. A hunting license 

may be one of the following: Sportsman’s 

License, Hunting License, County or City 

Hunting License, Apprentice Hunting 

License, Junior Hunting, Junior Combination, 

Junior Lifetime, Lifetime, Service- 

Connected Totally and Permanently Disabled 

Veteran Resident Lifetime, Totally 

and Permanently Disabled Resident Special 

Lifetime, Senior Citizen or Nonresident 

3-Day Trip. 

Small Game 

A hunting license is required. National Forest 

Stamp, or State Forest Stamp, if applicable, 

is also required. 

Bear, Deer, and Turkey 

A bear, deer, turkey license is required in 

addition to a hunting license. National Forest 

Stamp, State Forest Stamp, County 

Damage Stamp and Bonus Deer Permits, if 

applicable, are also required. 

Archery 

Archery License is required in addition to a 

hunting license if hunting with a bow and 

arrow (longbow, recurve or compound) 

during any archery season. National Forest 

License Fees Issuance fee is included in the prices. 

Resident Hunting Licenses 

Licenses are valid for one year from the date of purchase with three 

exceptions: the bear, deer, turkey license, the Virginia migratory 

waterfowl conservation stamp, and the apprentice hunting license. 

Sportsman’s License (age 16 and older) . . . . . . . . . . . .$120.00 

Includes hunting license, bear, deer, turkey license, archery license, 

crossbow license, muzzleloading license, freshwater fishing 

license, and trout license 

Hunting License (age 16 and older) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . 18.00 

County or City Hunting License (age 16 and older) . . . . . 11.00 

For county or city of residence only 

Apprentice Hunting License . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11.00 

Annual bear, deer, turkey license and all applicable licenses, 

stamps, or permits are required in addition to this license. See 

description on page 11. Valid for 2 years from date of purchase. 

Junior Hunting License . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8.50 

(age 12 to 15; optional for under 12 years old) 

Junior Combination Hunting License (age 12 to 15) . . . .16.00 


crossbow license, and muzzleloading license. 

Stamp, State Forest Stamp, County Damage 

Stamp and Bonus Deer Permits, if 


Crossbow 

Crossbow license is required in addition to 

a hunting license if hunting with a crossbow 

during any archery season. National 

Forest Stamp, State Forest Stamp, County 

Damage Stamp and Bonus Deer Permits, if 


Muzzleloading 

Muzzleloading license is required in addition 

to the hunting license if hunting with a 

muzzleloading firearm during any muzzleloader 

deer season. National Forest Stamp, 

State Forest Stamp, County Damage 

Stamp and Bonus Deer Permits, if applicable, 

are also required. 

If hunting with archery tackle or muzzleloading 

rifle during any firearms deer 

season you do not need an archery, 

crossbow or muzzleloading license. 

Trapping 

A trapping license is required to trap. 

National Forest Stamp or State Forest 

Stamp, if applicable, are also required in 

addition to this license. 

Waterfowl 

A hunting license, Federal Duck Stamp and 

Virginia Migratory Waterfowl Conservation 

Stamp is required. A National Forest 

Stamp or State Forest Stamp, if applicable, 

may also be required. A HIP number is also 

required. Register online or call 1-888-788- 

9772. 

Lifetime Licenses 

Resident and nonresident lifetime licenses 

are purchased by an application and require 

supporting documentation of age, residency 

and/or disability. They are issued only 

through the Richmond office. Retail 

license agents cannot issue these licenses. 

Applications can be submitted in person at 

the Richmond office or mailed in. License 

applications can be found on the Department’s 

website or call customer service at 

1-866-721-6911. 

Replacement License 

If you purchased a license from a retail 

license agent, such as a sporting goods 

store, you can request a replacement at any 

retail license agent. 

If you purchased a license online, by 

phone or from the Richmond office you 

will need to request a replacement from 

customer service by calling toll free 1-866- 

721-6911. 

Junior Lifetime Hunting License (under age 12) . . . . . .250.00 

No annual bear, deer, turkey license required until age 12. National 

forest stamp, State Forest Stamp, County Damage Stamp and 

Bonus Deer Permits, if applicable, are required in addition to this 

license. Upon proof of completion of a hunter education course or 

equivalent, the license is transferable to a lifetime hunting license at 

no additional fee. Available through the Richmond office or by mail. 

Legacy Hunting License . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .125.00 

Must be purchased before age 2. See page 11 for more details. 

Available through the Richmond office or by mail. 

Lifetime Hunting License 


stamps, or permits are required in addition to this license. Available 

through the Richmond office or by mail. 

Age 12-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .255.00 

(hunter education course required under age 16) 

Age 45-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .205.00 

Age 51-55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .155.00 

Age 56-60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .105.00 

Age 61-64 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55.00 

Age 65 and over . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15.00 

10 2010-2011 Hunting and Trapping in Virginia

Create Lasting Memories 

Legacy Hunting or Fishing License 

• Issued only to an individual who is younger than two 

years of age and is valid for the lifetime of the license 

holder regardless of any change in that person’s 

status as a resident or nonresident. 

• Legacy hunting license is valid until the individual’s 

twelfth birthday. Upon proof of completion of a 

hunter education course or equivalent, this license is 

transferable to a lifetime hunting license at no 

additional charge. 

• The Legacy hunting or fishing license is available by 

application through the Richmond office or by mail. 

The cost is $125 for resident children and $250 for 

nonresident children. 

Apprentice Hunting License 

©Dwight Dyke 

With Your Family and Friends 

The apprentice hunting license serves as a first-time Virginia 

resident or nonresident hunting license and is good 

for 2 years. 

The license holder must be accompanied and directly 

supervised by a mentor over 18 who has on his or her person 

a valid Virginia hunting license. “Accompanied and 

directly supervised”occurs when a person over 18 maintains 

a close visual and verbal contact with, provides adequate 

direction to, and can immediately assume control of 

the firearm from the apprentice hunter. 

The license entitles the holder to a one-time deferral of the 

hunter education requirement. 

The apprentice license does not qualify the holder to purchase 

a regular hunting license, nor exempt the holder 

from compliance with Department regulations. 

A bear, deer, turkey license and all applicable stamps or 

permits are required in addition to the apprentice license. 

Previous Virginia resident and nonresident hunting license 

holders may not use an apprentice license. 

To learn more call 1-866-721-6911 or log on to 

www.HuntFishVA.com. 

Service-Connected Totally and Permanently Disabled 

Resident Veteran Lifetime License . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10.00 


crossbow license, muzzleloading license, and freshwater fishing 

license. All other applicable licenses, stamps, or permits are 

required in addition to this license. Available through the Richmond 

Office or by mail. 

Totally and Permanently Disabled Resident Special 

Lifetime License . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10.00 


stamps or permits are required in addition to this hunting license. 

Available through the Richmond Office or by mail. 

Senior Citizen Hunting License (age 65 and over) . . . . . . .7.00 


stamps or permits are required in addition to this license. 

One or more of the following may be required in addition to 

a resident hunting license. 

Bear, Deer, Turkey License (age 16 and older) . . . . . . . . .18.00 

Not required if senior citizen’s lifetime license was purchased 

before July 1, 1988. Not required for holders of Disabled Veterans 

Lifetime license. Valid July 1 through June 30 

Junior Bear, Deer, Turkey License (age 12 to 15) . . . . . . . .8.50 

Valid July 1 through June 30. 

Archery License . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18.00 

Crossbow License . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18.00 

Muzzleloading License . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18.00 

Nonresident Hunting Licenses 

Licenses are valid for one year from the date of purchase with three 

exceptions: the bear, deer, turkey license and the Virginia migratory 

waterfowl conservation stamp and the apprentice hunting 

license. 

Non-resident Hunting License (age 16 and older) . . . . . .86.00 

Non-resident 3-Day Trip License (age16 and older) . . . . .46.00 

Must be 3 consecutive hunting days; no Sunday hunting. 

Non-resident Apprentice Hunting License . . . . . . . . . . .21.00 


stamps, or permits may be required in addition to this license. See 

details on this page. Valid for 2 years from date of purchase. 

Non-resident Youth Hunting License (under age 12) . . . .13.00 

Non-resident Youth Hunting License (age 12 to 15) . . . . .16.00 

Non-resident Youth Combination Hunting License 

(age 12 to 15) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31.00 


crossbow license, and muzzleloading license. 

Non-resident Legacy Hunting License . . . . . . . . . . . . .250.00 

Must be purchased before age 2. See details on this page. Available 


Nonresident Lifetime Hunting License . . . . . . . . . . . . .505.00 


stamps or permits are required in addition to this license. Available 


continued on page 12 




Hunting (Shooting) Preserve . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18.00 

To hunt within the boundaries of a licensed shooting preserve, in 

lieu of other required licenses. 

Foxhound Training Preserve . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18.00 

To hunt within the boundaries of a licensed foxhound training preserve, 

in lieu of other required licenses. 

One or more of the following may be required in addition to 

a nonresident hunting license. 

Non-resident Bear, Deer, Turkey License 

Valid July 1 through June 30 

Age 16 and older . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66.00 

Age 12 to 15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16.00 

Under age 12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13.00 

Non-resident Archery License . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31.00 

Non-resident Crossbow License . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31.00 

Non-resident Muzzleloading License . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31.00 

Trapping Licenses 

One or more of the following is required to trap. Other licenses or 

permits may also be required. 

County or City Resident Trapping License . . . . . . . . . . .16.00 

For county or city of residence. 

Resident Trapping License . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41.00 

Resident Junior Trapping License (under age 16) . . . . . .11.00 

Resident Senior Citizen Trapping License . . . . . . . . . . . .7.00 

(age 65 and over) 

Resident Senior Citizen Lifetime Trapping License . . . .15.00 

(age 65 or over) Available through the Richmond Office or by 

mail. 

Service-Connected Totally and Permanently Disabled 

Veteran Resident Lifetime Trapping License . . . . . . . . .10.00 


Totally and Permanently Disabled Resident Special 

Lifetime Trapping License . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.00 


Non-resident Trapping License . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .156.00 

DVDs to Purchase 

A Professional Guide to Field Dressing, Skinning 

and Butchering White-tailed Deer . . . . . $12.00 

Squirrel Skinning Quick and Easy and Pan Fish 

Preparation and Filleting . . . . . . . . . . . . . $8.00 

Order online at www.HuntFishVA.com 

or call 804-367-2569. 

Miscellaneous Permits and Stamps 

One or more of the following may be required in addition to a 

hunting license. 

Permits: 

Resident Bonus Deer Permit (6 antlerless tags) . . . . . . . .18.00 

See page 29 

Nonresident Bonus Deer Permit (6 antlerless tags) . . . . .31.00 

See page 29 

National Forest Permit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4.00 

To hunt and trap within National Forests. Not required of residents 

under the age of 16 to trap; residents 65 and older who possess a 

valid license to hunt or trap. 

Virginia State Forest Use Permit (age 16 or older) . . . . . .16.00 

Allows hunting, trapping, fishing, mountain biking, and horse riding. 

No motorized vehicles on gated roads/trails (open or closed). 

Sold in cooperation with the Virginia Department of Forestry. 

Public Access Lands for Sportsmen (PALS) . . . . . . . . . .18.00 

See page 49 for more information. 

Stamps: 

Federal Migratory Bird Stamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15.00 

To take migratory waterfowl, required of persons 16 years of age 

and over in addition to hunting license and sold at U.S. Post Offices 

or online at www.duckstamp.com. Valid July 1-June 30 

Virginia Migratory Waterfowl Conservation Stamp . . .10.00 

Required of persons 16 years of age and older, unless license 

exempt. Valid July 1-June 30. 

Virginia Wildlife 

Special Offer 

■ 7 issues-$7.00 ■ 21 issues-$21.00 (Best Offer) 

■ New ■ Renewal 

Name __________________________________ 

Address _________________________________ 

City ___________________________________ 

State _________ Zip___________________ 

Make check payable to: Treasurer of Virginia. 

Send to: Virginia Wildlife, P.O. Box 11104, 

Richmond, VA 23230 

or call 1-800-710-9369 

and mention code J10HF 


Definitions 

Archery Tackle 

As used in this digest, archery tackle 

includes longbow, recurve bow, compound 

bow, and crossbow. 

Bait 

Bait shall mean any food, grain, or other 

consumable substance that could serve as a 

lure or attractant; however, crops grown for 

normal or accepted agriculture or wildlife 

management purposes, including food 

plots, shall not be considered as bait. 

Dismal Swamp Line 

Beginning at a point on Rt. 10 where it 

intersects the Isle of Wight County line, 

then along this highway to its intersection 

with the corporate limits of Suffolk, then 

through Suffolk to its intersection with Rt. 

642 (White Marsh Road) and then along 

this highway in a southwest direction to Rt. 

604 (Desert Road), and then southerly 

along this highway to the North Carolina 

state line. 

East & West of the Blue Ridge 

The map below shows the counties that are 

east or west of the Blue Ridge. Counties 

colored blue are west of the Blue Ridge and 

those counties in white are east of the Blue 

Ridge. 

Furbearer Species 

Furbearer means beaver, bobcat, fox, mink, 

muskrat, opossum, otter, raccoon, skunk, 

and weasel. 

Game Species 

Game animal means bear, bobcat, deer, 

fox, rabbit, raccoon, and squirrel. 

LEE 

WISE 

SCOTT 

DICKENSON 

BUCHANAN 

RUSSELL 

WASHINGTON 

TAZEWELL 

SMYTH 

BLAND 

WYTHE 

GRAYSON 

West of the Blue Ridge 

Hunting and Trapping 

The act of or the attempted act of taking, 

hunting, trapping, pursuing, chasing, 

shooting, snaring or netting birds or animals, 

and assisting any person who is doing 

the same, regardless of whether birds or 

animals are actually taken. 

Loaded Crossbow or 

Muzzleloader 

A muzzleloading firearm is considered 

“loaded” when the muzzleloader is capped, 

or has a charged pan, or has a primer or battery 

installed in the firearm. 

The definition of a “loaded crossbow” 

is a crossbow that is cocked and has either a 

bolt or arrow engaged or partially engaged 

on the shooting rail or track of the crossbow, 

or with a “trackless crossbow” when 

the crossbow is cocked and a bolt or arrow 

is nocked. 

Nonmigratory Game Birds 

Nonmigratory game bird means grouse, 

pheasant, bobwhite quail and turkey. 

Nuisance Species 

The following animals: house mouse, Norway 

rat, black rat, coyote, groundhog, 

nutria, feral hog, European starling, English 

sparrow, mute swans and pigeon (rock 

dove) are designated as nuisance species 

and may be taken at any time (except on 

Sunday) by use of a firearm or other 

weapon and on some public lands during 

certain time periods, see National Forest- 

Game Department Regulations page 49. 

GILES 

PULASKI 

CARROLL 

MONTGOMERY 

FLOYD 

CRAIG 

ALLEGHANY 

ROANOKE 

BATH 

BOTETOURT 

FRANKLIN 

PATRICK HENRY 

HIGHLAND 

ROCKBRIDGE 

AUGUSTA 

BEDFORD 

CAMPBELL 

PITTSYLVANIA 

ROCKINGHAM 

AMHERST 

NELSON 

APPOMATTOX 

HALIFAX 

SHENANDOAH 

FREDERICK 

WARREN 


GREENE 

MADISON 

ALBEMARLE 

BUCKINGHAM 

FLUVANNA 

PRINCE 

EDWARD 

CUMBERLAND 

CLARKE 

FAUQUIER 

CULPEPER 

CHARLOTTE 

LUNENBURG 

MECKLENBURG 

LOUDOUN 

FAIRFAX 



LOUISA 

GOOCHLAND 

POWHATAN 

NOTTOWAY 

STAFFORD KING 

GEORGE 

CAROLINE 

HANOVER 

CHESTERFIELD 

AMELIA 

DINWIDDIE 

BRUNSWICK 

East of the Blue Ridge 

Feral hogs (also called wild hogs) are 

classified as nuisance animals in Virginia 

and it is illegal to release hogs to the wild in 

Virginia. However, several populations of 

feral hogs exist in the state and DGIF 

encourages the harvest of as many of these 

animals as possible. Feral hogs damage 

wildlife habitats and crop fields and can 

transmit diseases to other species, including 

humans. To hunt feral hogs, a hunter 

must have a hunting license and landowner 

permission. There is no closed season or 

daily bag limit on feral hogs, although 

hunting is not lawful on Sunday. Also, on 

Department-managed and National Forest 

lands, it is unlawful to have a bow or gun 

which is not unloaded and cased or dismantled 

except when it is lawful to take bear, 

deer, grouse, pheasant, quail, rabbit, raccoon, 

squirrel, turkey, waterfowl, or migratory 

game birds. 

Other Wildlife 

It is unlawful to take, possess, transport or 

sell all other wildlife species not classified 

as game, furbearer or nuisance, unless otherwise 

specifically permitted by law or regulation. 

HENRICO 

GREENSVILLE 

KING WILLIAM 

PRINCE 

GEORGE 

SUSSEX 

CHARLES 

CITY 

ARLINGTON 

WESTMORELAND 

ESSEX 


NEW 

KENT 

JAMES 

CITY 

SURRY 

SOUTHAMPTON 

RICHMOND 

LANCASTER 

MIDDLESEX 

YORK 

ISLE OF 

WIGHT 


MATHEWS 

NEWPORT 

NEWS 

VIRGINIA 

BEACH 


NORTHAMPTON 

HAMPTON 

PORTSMOUTH 

NORFOLK 


ACCOMACK 



Blaze Orange 

Requirements 

When hunting any species during the 

firearms deer season and youth deer day, 

every hunter, (see exceptions following) or 

persons accompanying a hunter, shall wear 

a blaze orange hat or blaze orange upper 

body clothing that is visible from 360 

degrees or display at least 100 square inches 

of solid blaze orange material at shoulder 

level within body reach and visible 

from 360 degrees. Hats may have a bill or 

brim color or design other than solid blaze 

orange. Hats shall not be in “camo” style, 

since the latter is designated to prevent visibility. 

A logo,which does not detract from 

visibility, may be worn on a blaze orange 

hat. 

Exceptions 

• Blaze orange is not required of waterfowl 

hunters, dove hunters, individuals 

participating in hunting dog field trials, 

and fox hunters on horseback without 

firearms. 

• Hunters hunting with archery tackle during 

an open firearms deer season, in 

areas where the discharge of firearms is 

prohibited by state law or local ordinance, 

are exempt from the blaze orange 

requirement. 

• Blaze orange is not required during the 

muzzleloading deer season(s). 

Hunting with Dogs 

• Dogs may be used to pursue wild birds 

and animals during hunting seasons 

where not prohibited. 

• When the chase begins on other lands, 

fox hunters and coon hunters may follow 

their dogs on prohibited lands, and 

hunters of all other game, when the chase 

begins on other lands, may go upon prohibited 

lands to retrieve their dogs, but 

may not carry firearms or archery tackle 

on their persons or hunt any game while 

thereon. The use of vehicles to retrieve 

dogs on prohibited lands shall be 

allowed only with the permission of the 

landowner or his agent. Any person who 

goes on prohibited lands to retrieve his 

dogs must identify himself when 

requested by the landowner or his agent. 

• Unlawful to use dogs when hunting any 

species with archery tackle during any 

archery season. 

• Unlawful to chase with dogs or hunt with 

dogs or to attempt to chase or hunt with 

dogs any wild animal from a baited site 

Hunting Hours 

(See page 64 for sunrise-sunset table) 

• There is no Sunday hunting. 

• One-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset for nonmigratory birds 

and game animals except during spring gobbler season. 

• One-half hour before sunrise until 12 noon during spring gobbler season, except the 

last 12 days the hunting hours are 1/2 hour before sunrise until sunset. 

• One-half hour before sunrise to sunset for Youth Spring Turkey Hunt Day. 

• Hours for bear hound training season are 1/2 hour before sunrise to 4-1/2 hours after 

sunset. 

• Bobcat, foxes, raccoons, and opossums may be hunted by day or night during 

authorized seasons. 

• Nuisance species may be taken day or night. 

or to train dogs on any wild animal from 

a baited site. Furthermore, it shall be 

unlawful to place, distribute or maintain 

bait or salt for any wild animal for the 

purpose of chasing with dogs, hunting 

with dogs, or the training of dogs. A baited 

site will be considered to be baited for 

30 days following the complete removal 

of all such bait or salt. 

• It is unlawful to intentionally cripple or 

otherwise harm any game animal for the 

intent of continuing a hunt, or chase, or 

for the purpose of training dogs. Upon 

treeing, baying, or otherwise containing 

an animal in a manner that offers the animal 

no avenue of escape, the person or 

the hunting party shall either harvest the 

animal if within a legal take season and 

by using lawful methods of take or terminate 

the chase by retrieving the dogs 

and allowing the animal freedom to 

escape for the remainder of the same calendar 

day. 

• It is unlawful to dislodge an animal from 

a tree for the intent of continuing a hunt, 

or chase, or for the purpose of training 

dogs. 

Training Dogs 

The training of dogs on live wild animals is 

considered hunting and is unlawful during 

the closed season except as noted below. 

• You must have a valid hunting license 

while training dogs on live wild animals. 

• You may train dogs during daylight 

hours on rabbits and non-migratory 

game birds on private lands. Participants 

shall have no weapons other than starter 

pistols in their possession and no wild 

animals shall be taken. Weapons may be 

in possession when training dogs on captive 

raised and properly marked mallards 

and pigeons so that they may be immediately 

shot or recovered, except on Sunday. 

• You may train dogs on National Forest or 

Department-owned lands only during 

authorized training seasons that specifically 

permit these activities. 

• You may train dogs on quail on designated 

portions of the Amelia Wildlife Management 

Area (WMA), Chester F. 

Phelps WMA, Chickahominy WMA 

and Dick Cross WMA from September 1 

to the day prior to the opening date of the 

quail hunting season, both dates inclusive. 

No weapons other than starter pistols 

may be in possession, and pen-raised 

birds may not be released. 

• Pen-raised quail may be released at any 

time on private land with landowner permission. 

However, except on hunting 

(shooting) preserves, birds can only be 

shot during the regular quail season. 

Regular bag limits apply. 

• You may train dogs during daylight 

hours on rabbits and non-migratory 

game birds on the Weston WMA from 

For Training Dogs on 

Military Bases Contact the 

Appropriate Base 

Fort A.P. Hill Game Check Station 

(804) 633-8244 

Fort Belvoir Outdoor Recreation 

(703) 805-3688 

Ft. Pickett Game Check Station 

(434) 292-2618 

Quantico Game Check Station 

(703) 784-5523 


September 1 thru March 31, both dates 

inclusive. Participants in this dog training 

season shall have no weapons other 

than starter pistols in their possession, 

shall not release pen-raised birds, and 

must comply with all regulations and 

laws pertaining to hunting. No game 

shall be taken. 

Hunting on Private 

Property 

Trespass violations, posting property, and 

access issues are all concerns affecting 

landowner’s considerations for allowing 

hunting. 

Hunters are reminded that it is unlawful 

to hunt on private property without the 

permission of the landowner, and hunters 

must have the permission of the landowner 

to track or retrieve wounded game on private 

property. 

On Posted Property: 

It is unlawful to hunt without written permission 

of the landowner and is punishable 

by a fine of up to $2500 and/or 12 months in 

jail. 

On Property Not Posted: 

It is unlawful to hunt any unposted property 

without permission of the landowner and is 

punishable by a fine of up to $500. 

Landowners may post their property by 

any of the following methods: 

• Using a paint mark of aluminum color 

paint consisting of a vertical line at least 

2 inches in width and at least 8 inches in 

length, no less than 3 feet and not more 

than 6 feet from the ground or normal 

water surface and visible when 

approaching the property. 

• Signs that specifically prohibit hunting, 

fishing or trespassing on the property. 

Permission to Hunt 

The person whose name and address appears on the opposite side of 

this form has promised to use your land for outdoor recreation in an ethical 

way. Please read the signed pledge on the reverse side for specifics. 

In deciding whether or not to allow this person to use your property, 

please consider that he/she is putting his/her name and address on 

the line as assurance that they will abide by your wishes and conduct 

themselves as true sportsmen or sportswomen. 

I grant __________________________________________________ 

permission to __________________________________ my property 

on these dates ____________________________________________ 

Landowner signature: _______________________________ 

over 

What Landowners 

Should Know 

For landowners, finding responsible 

hunters can provide many benefits for both 

the landowner and sportsmen allowed 

access to the property. There are benefits of 

having responsible hunters included as an 

important part of the landowner’s wildlife 

management plan, especially if they are 

absentee or do not hunt themselves. There 

are many in-kind benefits of such relationships 

including road maintenance, habitat 

improvement, security and safety. Reputable 

hunt clubs are also helpful, and lease 

fees can offset property taxes. Information 

on locating responsible hunters can be 

found by contacting local civic groups like 

Ruritans, or 4-H Clubs, sporting goods 

shops and area landowner contacts that participate 

in Tree Farm or Stewardship Programs. 

Members of sportsmen’s conservation 

organizations that are dedicated reputable 

partners with DGIF promote safety, 

ethics, habitat improvement and scientific 

management of wildlife. 

Liability 

Concern about legal liability for recreationists 

prevents some landowners from permitting 

hunting on their property. However, 

the Virginia General Assembly has 

addressed this concern in Virginia Code 

Section 29.1-509. Amended in 1982, this 

law exempts landowners who provide 

recreational opportunities to the public 

from liability for injury or damages provided: 

• the landowner does not charge a fee. 

• there is no gross negligence or “willful or 

malicious failure to guard or warn 

against a dangerous condition, use or 

structure” on the property. 

The property owner should eliminate 

obvious hazards such as open wells and 

falling down buildings, or fence-off and 

identify with warning signs any hazard that 

cannot be eliminated, such as a rock quarry. 

The landowner may wish to consider insuring 

the property subject to casualty and 

obtain comprehensive liability insurance. 

These are relatively inexpensive additions 

to standard and homeowner insurance policies. 

Sportsmen can be asked to help provide 

financial or other support in return for 

permission to use the lands. 

Fundamentally, sportsmen are 

responsible for their own safety and for any 

damages they cause to the property of others. 

Lease agreements and individual permit 

cards (sample available on website) 

include codes of ethical conduct while the 

holders are on the property. Furthermore, 

landowners can require sportsmen to show 

proof of insurance. Sportsman insurance is 

available through insurance companies and 

national sportsman organizations. 

Detailed information on leasing, liability 

and posting can be found in Extension 

Publication # 420-035 entitled “A 

Landowner’s Guide to Working With 

Sportsmen in Virginia.” Available online at 

http://www.ext.vt.edu/pubs/forestry/420- 

035/420-035.html. 

Permission to Hunt 

The person whose name and address appears on the opposite side of 

this form has promised to use your land for outdoor recreation in an ethical 

way. Please read the signed pledge on the reverse side for specifics. 

In deciding whether or not to allow this person to use your property, 

please consider that he/she is putting his/her name and address on 

the line as assurance that they will abide by your wishes and conduct 

themselves as true sportsmen or sportswomen. 

I grant __________________________________________________ 

permission to __________________________________ my property 

on these dates ____________________________________________ 

Landowner signature: _______________________________ 


over 

©DGIF 



Legal Use of Firearms 

and Archery Equipment 

Special restrictions may apply to specific 

firearms use in some counties. See Local 

Firearms Ordinances, pg. 19 for details. 

• No restrictions on shot size except for 

spring gobbler season when it is unlawful 

to have any shot in possession larger 

than number 2 fine shot while hunting. 

• Shotguns must not be larger than 10 

gauge. 

• Unplugged shotguns are legal for hunting 

non-migratory game and crows. 

• Shotgun barrels must be at least 18 inches 

long. 

• Shotguns with rifled barrels are permitted 

in areas where slugs may be used. 

• All game birds and animals, except deer, 

may be hunted with shotguns from 

boats. Hunters must have permission 

from the landowner to hunt/retrieve 

game located on private land. 

• Rifles used for deer or bear must be .23 

caliber or larger. 

• Rifles (including air rifles) may be used 

for taking wild animals and wild birds, 

except migratory game birds and waterfowl, 

and where prohibited by local ordinances. 

• Rifles (including air rifles), pistols, and 

revolvers may be used for hunting 

crows, except where prohibited by local 

ordinances. 

• Rifles (including air rifles), pistols, and 

revolvers may be used for hunting 

turkeys, except where prohibited by 

local ordinances. 

• Pistols, revolvers and muzzleloading 

pistols may be used for small game 

except where prohibited by local ordinances. 

• Pistols and revolvers are lawful for deer 

Hunter’s Name ____________________________________________________ 

Address__________________________________________________________ 

City ________________________________ St. _______ Zip ______________ 

Phone __(______)_________________________________ 

Auto License No ________________ Driver's License No.________________ 

I hereby absolve the landowner of all liability for my person while engaged in 

recreation on his property. 

SPORTSMAN'S PLEDGE 

In return for the privilege of using private property, I agree to: 

1. Respect the landowner's property, only go where he designates and assume 

liability for my actions and my person while on this property. 

2. Take every precaution against littering and fire. 

3. Obey the game, fish, and other wildlife laws. 

4. Observe all safety precautions and the traditions of good sportsmanship. 

Hunter's Signature ___________________________________________ 

and bear hunting only in those counties 

where hunting deer and bear with rifles is 

lawful. Cartridges used must be .23 caliber 

or larger and have a manufacturer's 

rating of 350 foot-pounds muzzle energy 

or more. 

• Muzzleloading shotguns, muzzleloading 

rifles or archery tackle may be used 

to hunt during the firearms seasons 

where not prohibited. 

• Archery tackle (including crossbows) 

may be used for hunting wild birds and 

animals. 

• Crossbows are legal to use by any hunter. 

– If a crossbow is used during an 

archery season (including the urban 

archery season) the hunter must have 

a crossbow license. 

– If a hunter chooses to use both conventional 

archery tackle and a crossbow 

during an archery season, they 

will need both an archery license 

when using the conventional bow and 

a crossbow license when using the 

crossbow. 

Valid Concealed 

Handgun Permit 

Holders May: 

• Possess a concealed handgun during 

archery seasons, muzzleloader seasons, 

and general firearms seasons in 

counties where rifles are prohibited. 

• Possess a concealed handgun on 

National Forest and Department 

lands during the closed season. 

• Possess and transport a loaded concealed 

handgun in or on any vehicle 

on National Forest and Department 

lands. 

– If a hunter chooses to use a crossbow 

during the firearms season, no crossbow 

license will be required (just as 

there is no requirement for a person to 

have an archery license if using conventional 

archery equipment during 

the firearms season). 

– The laws governing the use of archery 

tackle also apply to crossbow tackle. 

Unlawful Methods 

Penalties may include hunting or trapping 

privilege revocation for one year to 

life and forfeiture of firearms. 

A person found guilty of a violation a second 

time within three years of a previous 

conviction shall have their hunting or 

trapping privilege revoked by the court 

trying the case. 

It is unlawful to: 

• Hunt wild birds and wild animals with 

firearms or other weapons on Sunday, 

except on licensed shooting preserves. 

Raccoon hunters may hunt until 2:00 

a.m. Sunday mornings. 

• Hunt migratory game birds with a shotgun 

capable of holding more than three 

shells in the magazine and chamber, 

combined, unless allowed by Federal 

regulations and authorized by the 

Department. 

• Discharge a firearm or archery tackle in 

or across or within the right-of-way of 

any public road. 

• Cast a light attached to a vehicle or from 

a vehicle beyond a roadway upon places 

used by deer without written permission 

of the landowner or at anytime while in 

the possession of a rifle, shotgun, pistol, 

archery tackle, or speargun. 

• Handle any firearm in a reckless manner 

so as to endanger the life, limb, or property 

of any person. 

Hunter’s Name ____________________________________________________ 

Address__________________________________________________________ 

City ________________________________ St. _______ Zip ______________ 

Phone __(______)_________________________________ 

Auto License No ________________ Driver's License No.________________ 

I hereby absolve the landowner of all liability for my person while engaged in 

recreation on his property. 

SPORTSMAN'S PLEDGE 

In return for the privilege of using private property, I agree to: 

1. Respect the landowner's property, only go where he designates and assume 

liability for my actions and my person while on this property. 

2. Take every precaution against littering and fire. 

3. Obey the game, fish, and other wildlife laws. 

4. Observe all safety precautions and the traditions of good sportsmanship. 

Hunter's Signature ___________________________________________ 


• Destroy, mutilate, or take down “posted” 

signs or to litter. 

• Hunt adjacent to forest fires. 

• Willfully and intentionally impede the 

lawful hunting or trapping of wild birds 

or wild animals. 

• Kill or cripple and knowingly allow any 

non-migratory game bird or game animal 

to be wasted without making a reasonable 

effort to retrieve the animal and 

retain it in possession. 

• Hunt under age 12 without being accompanied 

and directly supervised by a 

licensed parent, guardian, or other adult 

designated by the parent or guardian. 

The term “accompanied and directly 

supervised” means the adult maintains 

close visual and verbal contact, provides 

adequate direction to, and can immediately 

assume control of the firearm. 

• Hunt with an Apprentice Hunting 

License without being accompanied and 

directly supervised by a licensed adult 

over the age of 18. The term “accompanied 

and directly supervised” means the 

adult maintains close visual and verbal 

contact, provides adequate direction to, 

and can immediately assume control of 

the firearm. 

• Shoot a rifle or pistol at wild birds or animals 

on or over the public inland waters 

of the state. However, licensed trappers 

may shoot a .22 caliber rimfire rifle or 

pistol on or over public inland waters for 

the purpose of dispatching trapped animals. 

• Carry a loaded rifle or pistol on a boat or 

other floating device on public inland 

waters for hunting wild birds or animals. 

• Shoot waterfowl or migratory game 

birds from a boat being propelled by a 

motor. 

• Hunt while under the influence of intoxicants 

or narcotic drugs. 

• Molest eggs, nest, den or young of any 

wild bird or animal, except nuisance 

species, at any time without a permit as 

required by law. 

• Occupy any baited blind or other baited 

place for the purpose of taking or 

attempting to take any wild game bird or 

wild game animal or to put out bait or salt 

for the purpose of taking or killing any 

wild game bird or wild game animal, 

except for the purpose of trapping 

furbearing animals. 

Unlawful Feeding of Certain Wildlife 

Not only is it illegal to hunt, chase with dogs, or attempt to kill game birds and 

animals from a baited site, it is also illegal to feed some wildlife under certain 

circumstances. The Department does not encourage the feeding of wildlife at any 

time of the year. Feeding restrictions help control the transmission of diseases, 

nuisance problems, littering concerns, and enforcement issues about hunting with 

bait. 

Unlawful to Feed Deer 

September 1, 2010 through January 1, 2011 

It is illegal to feed deer year round in Clarke, Frederick, Shenandoah, and 

Warren counties and in the City of Winchester. 

It is unlawful for any person to place or distribute food, salt, minerals or similar 

substances, to feed or attract deer from September 1 through the first Saturday in 

January, both dates inclusive. Nor, upon written notification by Department personnel, 

shall any person continue to place or distribute any food, salt, mineral or 

similar substances for any purpose if the placement of these materials results in the 

attraction of and/or feeding of deer. No part of this regulation shall be construed to 

restrict bona fide agronomic plantings (including wildlife food plots) or distribution 

of food to livestock. 

Unlawful to Feed Bears (anytime) 

It is unlawful for any person to place or distribute food, minerals, carrion or similar 

substances to feed or attract bear. Nor, upon written notification by Department 

personnel, shall any person continue to place or distribute any food, mineral, 

carrion or similar substances for any purpose if the placement of these materials 

results in the presence of bear in such numbers or circumstances to cause annoyance 

or inconvenience to any person, cause property damage, or endanger any 

person or wildlife. 

• Shoot or attempt to take any wild bird or 

animal from any vehicle, except as otherwise 

provided by law. 

• Exceed the bag limit or possess over the 

daily limit of any wild bird or animal 

while in the forests, fields, or waters of 

this state. 

• Use vehicles or possess firearms while 

retrieving dogs on private lands without 

permission of the landowner. 

• Use live birds or animals to decoy or call 

game. 

• Kill or attempt to kill any deer while in a 

boat or other type of watercraft. 

Shooting From the 

Road is Illegal 

Shooting at wildlife from a 

vehicle and/or from or across a 

public road is illegal. Penalties 

include: fines, license revocation 

and confiscation of firearms. 

• Hunt or attempt to kill or trap any species 

of wild bird or wild animal after having 

obtained the daily bag or season limit 

during such day or season. However, any 

properly licensed person, or a person 

exempt from having to obtain a license, 

who has obtained such daily bag or season 

limit while hunting may assist others 

who are hunting game by calling game, 

retrieving game, handling dogs or conducting 

drives if the weapon in his possession 

is an unloaded firearm, a bow 

without a nocked arrow or an unloaded 

crossbow. Any properly licensed person, 

or person exempt from having to obtain a 

license, who has obtained such season 

limit prior to commencement of the hunt 

may assist others who are hunting game 

by calling game, retrieving game, handling 

dogs, or conducting drives, provided 

he does not have a firearm, bow or 

crossbow in his possession. 

• Hold in captivity any live wild birds or 

wild animals outside the limits allowed 

by regulations without a permit. 




• Alter, change, borrow or lend a hunting 

license or permit. 

• Hunt with arrows to which any drug, 

chemical or toxic substance has been 

added or explosive-head arrows. 

• Possess or transport any wild bird or 

wild animal or the carcass or the parts 

thereof, unless specifically allowed and 

only in accordance with regulations. 

• Hunt wild birds and wild animals with 

fully automatic firearms, (i.e. machine 

guns). 

• Sell or purchase any wild bird or wild 

animal carcass or parts thereof, except as 

specifically permitted by law. 

• Virginia law specifies that it shall be 

unlawful for any person who has been 

convicted of a felony to knowingly and 

intentionally possess or transport any 

firearm. A muzzleloading firearm is considered 

a firearm under Virginia law. 

Any person prohibited from possessing, 

transporting, or carrying a firearm under 

this law may petition the circuit court of 

the jurisdiction in which he resides for a 

permit to possess or carry a firearm. 

• Use radio tracking equipment, except on 

dogs or on raptors permitted by a falconry 

permit, to aid in the chase, harvest or 

capture of wildlife. 

OUTDOOR EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES 

All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) Laws 

No ATV shall be operated: 

• On any public highway, or other public property, except as authorized by 

proper authorities or to the extent necessary to cross a public highway by 

the most direct route. 

• By any person under the age of 16, except that children between the ages of 

12 and 16 may operate ATVs powered by engines of no less than 70 nor 

more than 90 cubic centimeters displacement. 

• By any person unless he is wearing a protective helmet of a type approved 

by the Superintendent of State Police for use by motorcycle operators. 

• On another person’s property without the written consent of the owner of 

the property or as explicitly authorized by law. 

• With a passenger at any time, unless vehicle is designed and equipped to be 

operated with more than one rider. 

• The above does not apply to members of the household or employees of 

the owner or lessee of private property on which the ATV is operated. 

Sign Up Today! 

The Department offers exciting programs to the public that teach hands-on 

educational skills with outdoors activities. Programs are led by enthusiastic, 

knowledgeable, and professional instructors in a highly supportive 

atmosphere. 

Becoming an Outdoors Woman 

Go to: http://www.HuntFishVA.com/events/ 

Mother & Daughter Outdoors Weekend 

For information, contact Jimmy Mootz at 804-367-0656 or 

jimmy.mootz@dgif.virginia.gov 

Range Days 


Educational Hunting Workshops 


Educational Angling Workshops and Other Events 

Go to: http://www.HuntFishVA.com/education/fishing/ 

National Archery in the Schools 

Go to: http://www.HuntFishVA.com/events/virginia-nasp-tournament/ 

www.HuntFishVA.com 


T 

t 

t 

r 

r

1. No discharge of firearms except on 

approved ranges. 

2. No rifles larger than .22 for hunting. 

3. Unlawful to hunt with a muzzleloading 

shotgun loaded with slugs or sabot 

slugs. 

4. It shall be unlawful to use a rifle of a 

caliber larger than .22 rimfire except 

that groundhogs may be hunted with a 

rifle of a caliber larger than .22 rimfire 

between March 1 and August 31, and a 

rifle larger than.22 rimfire may be used 

for hunting all other game, bird and 

varminit species as allowed by state 

law and regulations. 

5. Lawful to hunt groundhogs with rifles 

of a caliber larger than .22 rimfire during 

the season between March 1 and 

August 31. 

6. No rifles larger than .22 for hunting 

except groundhogs outside of the regular 

hunting season. 

7. No rifles for deer hunting. 

8. No rifles for big game hunting. 

9. No hunting with shotguns loaded with 

slugs. 

Local Firearms Ordinances 

The following counties and cities have regulations concerning the use and transportation of firearms. The number or numbers following 

that county name indicate the regulations listed below for that particular county. In addition, certain counties have ordinances other than 

those listed, primarily pertaining to possession of firearms near parks or schools, hunting or discharging firearms near populated areas, 

residences, or buildings and age limitations for possession of loaded firearms on public roads. If a locality is not listed, state firearms 

restrictions apply (see Legal Use of Firearms and Archery Equipment on page 16). 

Accomack 43 

Albemarle 16, 54 

Amherst 18 

Arlington 59 

Buckingham 12, 60 

Caroline 6, 17 

Campbell 11 

Charles City 7, 33, 42 

Chesapeake 29, 46 

Chesterfield 7, 14, 21, 22, 

37, 54, 70 

Clarke 25, 54 

Culpeper 18, 22, 54 

Cumberland 5, 17, 27, 74 

Danville 54 

Dinwiddie 12, 13, 42 

Essex 7, 42, 49 

Fairfax 2, 25, 45 

Fauquier 14, 18, 22, 36 

37, 54 

Franklin 26 

Fredericksburg (city) 2, 18, 30, 51, 54, 64 

Gate City 55 

Gloucester 14 

Goochland 2, 9, 17, 23 

Greensville 15, 22 

Halifax 33, 61, 75 

Hampton (city) 31, 45 

Hanover 7, 20, 46, 53 

Isle of Wight 8, 12, 35 

James City 40, 54 

King and Queen 39, 42 

King George 6, 17, 22, 26, 54 

King William 10, 17, 18, 28 

Lancaster 6, 12, 26 

Loudoun 22, 54, 62, 63, 

64, 65 

Louisa 17, 27, 42 

Lunenburg 17 

Madison 22, 25, 54 

Mecklenburg 27 

Middlesex 26 

Nelson 22 

New Kent 8, 12, 25, 54 

Newport News 1 

Northampton 7, 53 

10. No hunting of big game with shotguns 

loaded with slugs. 

11. It shall be unlawful to hunt with a 

firearm on or within the ditch line of 

any primary or secondary highway. 

12. It is lawful to use muzzleloading rifles 

for game animals in the regular hunting 

season. 

13. It is lawful to hunt deer with muzzleloading 

rifles only from stands elevated 

10 feet. 

14. It is unlawful to hunt from the road with 

firearms. 

15. It is unlawful to hunt with firearms 

from the road and within 10 feet of the 

ditch bank. 

16. It is unlawful to hunt within 50 feet of 

the road. 

17. Muzzleloading rifles are permitted 

during any authorized deer season 

where firearms are permitted. 

18. It is unlawful to hunt with a firearm 

within 100 yds. of a road. 

19. It is unlawful to transport, possess or 

carry a loaded rifle in any vehicle while 

Northumberland 17, 26, 42, 54 

Orange 18, 22, 34 

Petersburg 54 

Pittsylvania 26 

Poquoson (city) 22, 69, 71, 72 

Prince George 4, 7, 9, 25, 32 

Prince William 2, 12, 18 

Rappahannock 18 

Richmond 6, 7, 66, 67 

Richmond (city) 54 

Roanoke 25, 54 

Southampton 3, 8, 19, 41, 42 

Stafford 18, 54 

Suffolk 44, 52, 76 

Surry 7, 53, 54 

Sussex 7, 48, 73 

Virginia Beach 2, 7, 18, 54, 

56, 57, 58 

Warren 54 

Westmoreland 24, 50 

Williamsburg 1, 54 

York 46, 47 

on the road from October 1 through 

February 15. 

20. It shall be unlawful to discharge or 

shoot any firearm or other weapon in or 

along any public road or street or within 

100 yards thereof or within 100 yards 

of any building occupied or used as a 

dwelling or place where the public 

gathers, not his own dwelling or residence. 

21. Except for target shooting, no person 

shall shoot an arrow from a bow with a 

peak draw weight of 10 pounds or more 

within 150 feet of a business, public 

building, public gathering, public 

meeting place, or dwelling of another 

unless they have the permission of the 

dwelling owner or occupant. 

Only Load Your 

Firearm When You 

Are Ready to Hunt 




22. It is unlawful to possess a loaded 

firearm on the road except when permission 

to hunt is obtained from 

landowners on each side. 

23. It is unlawful to transport or possess a 

loaded shotgun or loaded rifle on the 

road from sundown to sunrise. 

24. No rifles over .22 caliber for hunting 

except for groundhogs between March 

1 and August 31. 

25. No hunting with firearms of game 

species from within 100 yds. of a road. 

26. No hunting with firearms of any game 

animal from the road right of way. 

27. No hunting with firearms from the road 

including ditch to ditch. 

28. No hunting with a rifle larger than .22 

caliber or shotgun slugs during the deer 

season. 

29. When 100 yds. from a road and elevated 

from a stand 15 ft. above ground a 

rifle may be used to hunt big game east 

of the Dismal Swamp line. 

30. It shall be unlawful for any person to 

hunt any bird or game animal using a 

muzzleloading rifle or a shotgun loaded 

with slugs, except from a stand elevated 

at least 10 feet above the ground. 

31. All hunting within the City of Hampton 

is prohibited, with the exception of 

shotgun hunting from a licensed blind. 

No shot larger than 00 buckshot may be 

used, and no shot shall be discharged 

landward within 500 feet of the shoreline. 


rifles only from stands elevated 

at least 10 feet above the ground; however, 

this requirement shall be expressly 

inapplicable to all legally handicapped 

persons. 

33. The use of a muzzleloading rifle shall 

be permitted during the early muzzleloading 

season and during the entire 

regular firearm season for deer hunting. 

34. It is unlawful to transport or possess a 

loaded shotgun or rifle in a vehicle on a 

road during open deer season. 

35. It shall be unlawful to possess outside 

of a vehicle, or shoot or hunt with a 

rifle, muzzleloader, pistol, or shotgun 

loaded with slugs, or to possess shotgun 

slugs on Ragged Island Wildlife Management 

Area in Isle of Wight County. 

In addition, it shall be unlawful to discharge 

any firearm within 100 yards of 

the boardwalk or nature trail on Ragged 

Island Wildlife Management Area. 

36. It is unlawful to discharge a firearm 

from or across any sidewalk, highway 

or on public land. 

37. It is unlawful for minors to carry 

firearms on public highways or public 

lands unless accompanied by certain 

adults. 

38. It shall be unlawful to use any ammunition 

larger than .22 rimfire while hunting, 

except rifles up to .25 may be used 

to hunt groundhogs from March 1 to 

September 1 with written permission 

from the landowner. 

39. It shall be lawful to use muzzleloading 

rifles for deer and squirrels during the 

regular seasons. 

40. It shall be unlawful to discharge a rifle 

larger than .22 caliber, a muzzleloader 

larger than .36 caliber, or a shotgun 

loaded with slugs except from stands 

elevated at least 10 feet above the 

ground, except for groundhogs in certain 

areas between March 1 and September 

1. 

41. It shall be unlawful to hunt with a muzzleloading 

rifle at anytime. 

42. It shall be unlawful to use a rifle of a 

caliber larger than .22 rimfire except 

that groundhogs may be hunted with a 

rifle of a caliber larger than .22 rimfire 

between March 1 and August 31. 

43. It shall be unlawful to hunt with a 

firearm on or within 50 feet of the center 

of any primary and secondary highway. 

44. Rifles are permitted for bear and deer 

hunting when used from stands elevated 

at least 15 feet above the ground. 

(except legally handicapped hunters 

are exempt from tree stand requirements). 

45. All rifles, pistols, or shotguns loaded 

with slugs prohibited for any hunting. 

46. Discharging firearms or air-operated or 

gas-operated weapons prohibited within 

certain areas: check local county/city 

ordinances. 

47. No discharge of rifles larger than .22 

except on approved ranges. 

48. Muzzleloading rifles permitted during 

the special muzzleloading season. 

49. Muzzleloading rifles are permitted during 

any authorized firearms season for 

the hunting of game animals except for 

the hunting of turkeys during the spring 

gobbler season. 


hunt in the county with a shotgun 

loaded with slugs or a muzzleloading 

rifle other than during the prescribed 

open season for the hunting of big game 

species. 

51. It shall be unlawful to shoot an arrow 

from a bow in a manner that can be reasonably 

expected to result in the impact 

of the arrow upon the property of 

another without permission from the 

owner or tenant of such property. 

52. It shall be unlawful to discharge a 

firearm or air gun of .177 caliber or 

larger within any densely populated 

area; within 200 yards from any structure 

or within 100 yards from any public 

street, secondary road or highway 

within the city, except on a permitted 

firing range or at or upon the property 

of another without permission. 


rifles. 

54. It is unlawful to transport, possess, or 

carry a loaded rifle or shotgun in any 

vehicle on any public street, road or 

highway. 

55. It shall be unlawful for any person in 

the town, except a duly authorized officer 

in the course of his duty, to fire or 

discharge any gun, pistol or other 

firearms of any kind. 

56. No discharge of firearms across or 

within 150 yards of any building, 

dwelling, street, sidewalk, alley, roadway, 

public land, or public place. 

57. No discharge of firearms north or west 

of a line from the Chesapeake-Virginia 

Beach boundary; thence northwardly 

along North Landing Road; thence 

eastwardly along Indian River Road; 

thence northeastwardly along New 

Bridge Road; thence eastwardly along 

Sandbridge Road to the Atlantic Ocean, 

or across any land north of False Cape 

Park and east of Shipps Bay and Point 

Creek. No discharge of rifles larger 

than .22 south of this line except muzzleloading 

rifles may be used to hunt 

deer during the firearms deer season. 

58. Shotguns firing pellets lawful on certain 

agricultural lands of 50 contiguous 

acres or more, and on certain lands 

south of a line from the Chesapeake- 


5 

6

Virginia Beach boundary, thence northeastwardly 

along Elbow Road; thence 

southeastwardly along Salem Road; 

thence northeastwardly along North 

Landstown Road; thence southeastwardly 

along Princess Anne Road; 

thence eastwardly along Sandbridge 

Road to the Atlantic Ocean. The property 

must be permitted by the City 

Manager for this purpose. 


discharge or shoot off a firearm in the 

county. It shall be unlawful for any person 

to discharge or shoot or throw any 

dangerous missiles by mechanical, 

explosive, air-or gas-propelled means, 

or similar method or device onto or 

across any public sidewalk, path, or 

roadway, at any public structure or 

building, or at or onto the property of 

another. It is unlawful for any person to 

shoot a compound bow, crossbow, 

longbow, or recurve bow at or upon the 

property of another without permission. 

It shall be unlawful to discharge a 

projectile from any of the aforementioned 

bows within 100 yards of any 

public road, public building or structure, 

private residence or structure, or 

property of another. Nothing in this 

ordinance shall be construed to prohibit 

the use of firearms or other instruments 

or missiles or compound bows, crossbows, 

longbows, or recurve bows in 

lawful self defense or in the lawful 

defense of property, or to prohibit the 

use of firearms or other missiles or 

compound bows, crossbows, longbows, 

or recurve bows in supervised 

sport, recreation, or training conducted 

on safety-inspected and approved 

ranges and courses, provided the same 

is not contrary to existing law. 

60. It is lawful to hunt deer and bear with 

rifles from stands elevated at least 10 

feet above the ground during the regular 

hunting season. 

61. It is unlawful to hunt or attempt to hunt 

on a primary or secondary state maintained 

highway, and within the side 

ditches of such highways. 

62. Discharging firearms is prohibited 

within certain areas (check local county 

ordinance for area description), except 

deer hunting is permitted with handguns, 

shotguns, or muzzleloading rifles 

using a single projectile and all other 

hunting is allowed with rifles of .22 cal- 

iber rimfire or less, handguns, shotguns, 

and muzzleloading rifles using 

single or multiple projectiles. 

63. The discharge of firearms is prohibited 

within 50 yards of a highway in the primary 

or secondary system of state 

roads. 

64. Discharge of firearms is prohibited 

within 100 yards of any public park or 

school. 

65. Discharge of firearms is prohibited 

within 100 yards of a building with a 

current occupancy permit unless the 

owner or authorized agent has given 

permission. 

66. Muzzleloaders shall be legal firearms 

during any firearms season. 

67. Shotgun slugs shall be permitted for 

deer hunting. 


transport, possess or carry a loaded 

shotgun, rifle, pistol, or firearm of any 

nature in any vehicle or on his person 

over, along or on any public street, road 

or highway in the city. 


discharge an air gun, spring gun or 

firearm from, along, across or toward, 

or within 300 yards of any paved public 

street, highway or road or any building 

in the city. 

70. It shall be lawful to hunt game species 

with a muzzleloading rifle during the 

prescribed open seasons. 

71. The discharge or use of a rifle, except 

for a .22 caliber rim fire is prohibited 

within the city limits. 

72. The use of muzzleloading rifles during 

the prescribed open seasons for the 

hunting of game species is permitted in 

the city; provided, however, that the use 

of such muzzleloading rifle shall be 

only from a stand located at least 10 feet 

above the ground. 

73. No rifles for turkey hunting. 

74. Unlawful to hunt deer during the regular 

hunting season with a rifle of .23 caliber 

or larger either on public lands or in 

the area of the County bordered to the 

north by the James River, to the west by 

Route 602 from the Willis River, and to 

the south by Route 45 and Route 684 to 

the County line (generally known as 

Cartersville Historic District); except 

from a tree stand elevated at least 10 

feet above the ground. It shall be lawful 

to hunt with a muzzleloading rifle from 

the ground or from a tree stand elevated 

to any height. 

75. It is unlawful to hunt or shoot any live 

bird or wild animal with a rifle larger 

than a .22 caliber rimfire except that 

rifles larger than .22 caliber rimfire may 

be used to hunt from a stand eleveated 

at least 10 feet from the ground. It shall 

be unlawful to discharge a rifle larger 

than .22 caliber rimfire from an elevated 

stand within 100 yards of an adjoining 

property line without first obtaining 

written permissions of the owner or, if 

different than the owner, the occupant 

of the adjoining property or within 100 

yards of any public street or primary or 

secondary state maintained highway. 

76. Muzzleloading rifles are permitted during 

the open seasons for hunting game 

species from stands elevated at least 10 

feet above the ground. (except legally 

handicapped hunters are exempt from 

tree stand requirements) No early muzzleloader 

season east of the Dismal 

Swamp Line. 

Q: I understand I can take the 

plug out of my shotgun and 

hunt any game animal or bird 

except ducks. Is this true? 

A: You can remove your plug 

from your shotgun to hunt any 

non-migratory game bird or 

animal. You will need to have the 

gun plugged to hunt all migratory 

game birds, except crows, 

which includes doves, ducks, 

brant, geese, swan, coot, 

gallinules, rails, snipe, woodcock, 

and other species of birds on 

which open hunting seasons are 

set by federal regulations. 

Report Wildlife 

Violations 

1-800-237-5712 




VA RESIDENT 

BEAR - DEER - TURKEY 

11 

Before moving game from place of 

ill, license must be notched in the 

propriate area. Game must be checked 

t authorized check stations. Deer and 

pring gobblers may be checked toll free 

t 1-866-GOT-GAME ( 468-4263). 

HUNTING LICENSE ALSO REQUIRED 

Bear, Deer, and Turkey Tag Validation and Checking Requirements 

Validation of Tags 

• All hunters (unless license exempt) 

killing a bear, deer, or turkey are required 

to validate an appropriate tag on their 

bear, deer, turkey license (big game 

license), bonus deer permit, or special 

permit (DCAP, DMAP, or DPOP) at the 

place of kill prior to moving the animal 

in any way. To validate a tag, hunters 

must completely remove the designated 

notch area from the appropriate license 

or permit tag. 

• DO NOT detach license or permit tags to 

attach to the animal. Validation only 

requires the removal of the designated 

notch area from the appropriate license 

or permit tag. 

• It is unlawful for any person to validate 

(notch) a tag from any license or special 

permit prior to the killing of an animal. A 

tag that is mistakenly validated 

(notched) prior to the killing of an animal 

must be immediately voided by the 

licensee or permittee by writing, in ink, 

the word “VOID” on the line provided 

on the tag. 

• Hunters killing an elk are required to validate 

an appropriate deer tag. 

Checking Bear, Deer, Elk, and 

Turkey 

• Bear, deer, elk, and turkey must be 

checked by all hunters, including license 

exempt hunters, upon vehicle transport 

of the carcass or at the conclusion of 

legal hunting hours, whichever occurs 

first and without unnecessary delay. 

• Deer must be checked at either a check 

station, or by using the telephone or 

Internet checking system. 

DO NO REMOVE 

2010-11 

DO NO REMOVE 

2010-11 

DO NO REMOVE 

2010-11 

DO NO REMOVE 

2010-11 

DO NO REMOVE 

2010-11 

DEER EITHER SEX 

X5200185200 

Check Card or Confirmation Number 

DEER EITHER SEX 


DEER ANTLERLESS ONLY 






• Fall turkeys can only be checked at a 

check station so that feather samples 

may be collected. 

• Bears can only be checked at an official 

bear check station. 

• Elk can only be checked at a check station. 

• Spring turkeys must be checked within 

24 hours of harvest using the Department’s 

telephone reporting system (1- 

866-468-4263), Internet reporting website 

(http://www.3dgif.virginia.gov/ 

gamecheck/, or by calling the Department’s 

Customer Service Center (1-866- 

721-6911). Calls to report spring turkeys 

to the Customer Service Center must be 

made during business hours, Monday 

through Friday. 

• It is unlawful to destroy the identity (sex) 

of any animal until it is checked. After 

the appropriate tag has been validated 

(notched), successful hunters are 

allowed to dismember the carcass to 

pack it out from the place of kill as long 

as they do not destroy the identity of the 

sex and all the parts of the carcass 

(excluding internal organs) are present 

when the animal is checked. 

• Entries for the State Big Game Contest 

and for the Virginia Outdoor Sportsman 

Show : Deer and turkey checked by telephone 

(1-866-468-4263) or Internet, 

with the proper confirmation number, 

are eligible to be entered in the Eastern or 

Western Regional State Big Game Contest 

or the Virginia Outdoor Sportsman 

Show. To enter a turkey in a 

State/Regional Big Game Contest, successful 

hunters must weigh their birds on 

a certified scale and create a “Weight 

Certification” card (see page 23). 

Check Stations for Bear, Deer, 

Elk, and Fall Turkeys 

• Check station locations are listed on the 

Department’s website or call a Department 

Office listed on page 6. 

• Hunters checking animals at a check station 

will be given a check card furnished 

by the Department. The hunter shall 

immediately write the check card number 

in ink on the line labeled “check card 

or confirmation number” of the tag that 

was validated (notched) at the place of 

kill. 

• The check card must be kept in possession 

with the carcass until processed. 

• If the carcass of an animal that was 

checked at a check station is left unattended, 

the check card must be securely 

attached to the carcass. 

• Hunters needing a copy of a lost check 

card should call the appropriate Department 

region office listed on page 6 after 

March 1st. 

• Black bears must be checked at an official 

black bear check station. Locations 

can be obtained online at 

http://www.HuntFishVA.com/hunting/ 

checkstations/bear/, or from any check 

station, Conservation Police Officer, or 

Department office. In counties without 

established bear check stations, hunters 

may transport their kill to a bear check 

station in an adjoining county or may 

have the bear checked by a Conservation 

Police Officer or Wildlife Division staff 

member. Department staff can be 

reached by calling (804) 367-1258 or the 

nearest Department office. It is manda - 

tory for the successful bear hunter to 

remove or allow to be removed a pre - 

molar (tooth) from the carcass. This 

1. Remove the designated notch area from the appropriate 

tag on license prior to moving the animal in any way. 

Do not remove the tag from your license. 

2. Check your animal by the appropriate method, whether 

by calling 1-866-468-4263, taking it to a check station or 

on the Internet at www.HuntFishVA.com. Deer by any 

method above. Spring turkey only by phone or Internet. 

Bear, elk and fall turkey only at a check station. 

3. Write the check card number or the confirmation 

number (from telephone or Internet checking) in ink 

on the license tag next to the notch. 


tooth shall be sealed in the envelope 

attached to the check card and left with 

the Check Station operator. 

Telephone and Internet Checking 

for Deer and Spring Turkey 

Using the telephone checking system: 

– Call the toll-free number, 1-866-GOT- 

GAME (468-4263). 

– Only touch-tone phones may be used 

(rotary phones will not work). 

Using the Internet checking system: 

– Go to www.HuntFishVA.com and 

click on Hunting, then under Links 

click Check Game Online. 

– Hunters have the option of printing a 

check card at the end of Internetchecking 

sessions. 

• Only deer (except elk) and spring 

turkeys may be checked using the telephone 

or Internet checking system. 

• Before using either system, you will 

need your big game license, a pen and 

paper to record your confirmation number. 

If you are exempt from purchasing a 

big game license, you will need your driver’s 

license number or the last four digits 

of your Social Security number. 

• Follow the instructions and provide the 

requested information. 

• You will be given a confirmation number 

at the end of the telephone or Internet 

session. Write it down. Licensed hunters 

must then immediately write this confirmation 

number, in ink, on the line 

labeled “check card or confirmation 

number” of the tag that was validated. 

When using the telephone or Internet, be 

sure that the confirmation number is a 

letter followed by ten digits. If your telephone 

or Internet checking session is cut 

off or your confirmation number is not 

complete, start the session again and 

repeat steps until the complete confirmation 

number is obtained. 

• Bucks that have shed their antlers are 

considered antlerless deer and may be 

tagged with an antlerless only deer tag. 

For the process of checking in these 

shed-antlered bucks on the telephone 

and Internet, they should be checked in 

as an antlered deer with zero antler 

points. 

The telephone deer checking system will 

only accept antlered bucks with up to 29 

antler points. If you kill a buck with more 

than 29 points and check in by telephone, 

just enter antler points as 29. 

• Hunters checking two deer on the same 

day may get the same confirmation number 

for both animals. This is okay. 

Carcass Transferred or 

Unattended 

• If the kill is reported using the telephone 

or Internet checking system by a hunter 

who validated a tag, no personal check 

card is required as long as the hunter is in 

possession of the carcass; however, if the 

carcass is transferred to the possession of 

another individual or left unattended, a 

personal check card or Internet check 

card must be created and kept with the 

carcass until the carcass is processed. If 

the carcass is left unattended, the check 

card must be securely attached to the carcass. 

• License-exempt hunters: If the kill is 

reported using the telephone or Internet 

checking system by a hunter who is 

license exempt (for example, a landowner 

who did not have a license tag to vali- 

Virginia Big Game Contest 

Wild Turkey Weight Certification 

date at the place of kill), the hunter must 

create a personal check card or print an 

Internet check card. The check card must 

be kept with the carcass until the carcass 

is processed. If the carcass is left unattended, 

the check card must be securely 

attached to the carcass. 

Personal Check Card 

An animal reported using the telephone or 

Internet checking system will require the 

creation of a personal check card if: 

1. The hunter is license exempt. 

2. Possesses a Veteran’s Disabled 

Lifetime License. 

3. The carcass is transferred to someone 

else. 

4. The carcass is left unattended. 

The personal check card may be written 

on any type of paper using a pen and must 

include the hunter’s full name, date of kill 

and the telephone confirmation number. A 

check card printed from the Internet may be 

used in place of a personal check card. 

To enter a turkey in Virginia’s Big Game Contest, the applicant must submit a 

weight certification and the turkey’s beard, legs, and feet at the site of the 

contest being entered. The weight must be determined using a certified scale. 

The following information, written in ink, is required for the weight certification. 

This information may also be provided on any piece of paper, written in ink. 

Hunter Name ___________________________________________________ 

Street _________________________________________________________ 

City ___________________________________________________________ 

State ____________________________ Zip Code _____________________ 

Confirmation Number (spring birds only) _____________________________ 

Game Check Card Number (fall birds only) ____________________________ 

Date of Kill (Month/Day/Year) ______________________________________ 

County of Kill _______________________________________ 

Weight of turkey _____ lbs. _____ ozs. 

Signature of Person weighing bird __________________________________ 

Address of Person: _______________________________________________ 

Street _________________________________________________________ 

City ___________________________________________________________ 

State ___________________________ Zip Code ______________________ 

For more information on bear, deer, and turkey entries contact: 

Eastern Regional Contest Western Regional Contest 

Ken Pickin Jon D. Ritenour 

(757) 229-0490 (540) 434-8028 

www.vpsa.org www.iwla-rh.org 



HUNT ELK, BUFFALO, DEER (FALLOW/RED/WHITETAIL) . . . IN PENNSYLVANIA! 

Hunt our private herd Sept. thru April in the beautiful, 

rugged Allegheny Mtns. with a 3000 ft. friendly altitude. 

• Save hassles & costs of long-distance trips. 

• No drawing or license fee. 

• Hunt with weapons of choice. 

Largest Bull Selection on East Coast, High Success Rate! 

We provide one of the best big game hunting experiences in North America. 

There has never been a better time to go hunting at Majestic Lodge! 

Visit us before you book a hunt and see for yourself. 

Visit us at www.majesticworldlodge.com for more details! 

Phone: Offi ce: 1-877-365-6972 • Lodge: 1-814-693-0189 

Most scoring sizes 

available including 

non-typical and 400+ 

Elk Bulls. 

Blue Knob, PA 

A WESTERN WORLD. CLOSE TO HOME. IN THE ALLEGHENY MOUNTAINS!

! 

LEE 


Bear Hunting 

Bag Limits: 

One per license year, at least 100 pounds live weight or 75 pounds 

dressed weight (all internal organs removed). Females with cubs 

may not be harvested. 

Archery Bear Season 

October 2 through November 12: Statewide 

Legal Methods and Restrictions 

Special restrictions apply to archery tackle use during this season. 

See Legal Use of Firearms and Archery Equipment, pg. 16 for 

details. 

• Archery tackle (including crossbows) only. 

• Broadhead widths must be at least 7/8-inch wide or expand 

upon impact to 7/8-inch. 

• Bows must be capable of propelling a broadhead arrow at least 

125 yards. 

• Unlawful to use arrows to which any drug, chemical, or toxic 

substance has been added or explosive head arrows. 

• Unlawful to use dogs. 

• It is unlawful to have a firearm in possession except that a muzzleloading 

firearm, as defined in the muzzleloader bear season 

section, may also be in possession when and where there is an 

overlap with a special muzzleloading bear season where bear 

hunting with a rifle or muzzleloading firearm is permitted. 

Muzzleloader Bear Season 

October 30 through November 12 

In the counties (including the cities and towns within) 

of Accomack, Caroline, Charles City, Chesterfield, Culpeper, 

Essex, Fauquier, Fairfax, Fluvanna, Gloucester, Goochland, 

Hanover, Henrico, James City, King George, King William, King 

and Queen, Lancaster, Loudoun, Louisa, New Kent, Mathews, 

Middlesex, Northampton, Northumberland, Orange, Powhatan, 

Prince William, Richmond, Spotsylvania, Stafford, Westmoreland, 

York and in the cities of Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, and 

Portsmouth. 

November 6 through November 12 

In the counties of Albemarle, Alleghany, Amelia, 

Amherst, Appomattox, Augusta, Bath, Bedford, Botetourt, 

Brunswick, Buckingham, Campbell, Charlotte, Clarke, Cumberland, 

Dinwiddie, Franklin, Frederick, Greene, Greensville, Hali- 

WISE 

SCOTT 

DICKENSON 

BUCHANAN 

RUSSELL 

WASHINGTON 

TAZEWELL 

SMYTH 

BLAND 

WYTHE 

GRAYSON 

GILES 

PULASKI 

CARROLL 

MONTGOMERY 

FLOYD 

CRAIG 

ALLEGHANY 

ROANOKE 

BATH 

BOTETOURT 

FRANKLIN 

PATRICK 

HENRY 

fax, Henry, Highland, Isle of Wight, Lunenburg, Madison, Mecklenburg, 

Nelson, Nottoway, Page, Patrick, Pittsylvania, Prince 

Edward, Prince George, Rappahannock, Roanoke, Rockbridge, 

Rockingham, Shenandoah, Surry, Sussex, and Warren. 

Closed 

In the counties of Bland, Buchanan, Carroll, Chesapeake, 

Craig, Dickenson, Floyd, Giles, Grayson, Lee, Montgomery, 

Pulaski, Russell, Scott, Smyth, Southampton, Suffolk, 

Tazewell, Virginia Beach, Washington, Wise, and Wythe. 


Special restrictions apply to specific firearms use during this 

season. See Legal Use of Firearms and Archery Equipment, pg. 16 

and Local Firearms Ordinances, pg. 19 for details. 

• Only muzzleloading firearms, .45 caliber or larger, loaded 

from the muzzle of the gun. 

• Muzzleloading firearms must be single shot, capable of firing 

only a single bullet or saboted bullet (.38 caliber or larger). 

• Flintlock, percussion or electronic ignitions are permitted. 

• Unlawful to have in immediate possession any firearm other 

than a muzzleloading gun while hunting with a muzzleloader. 

• Unlawful to use muzzleloading pistols. 

• Must use at least 50 grains of black powder or black powder 

equivalent. 

• Smokeless powder is allowed in muzzleloading firearms 

designed for it. Never use smokeless powder of any type in any 

quantity in a muzzleloading firearm that is not specifically 

designed for it. 

• Scopes are permitted. 

• For the purposes of transportation in a vehicle, muzzleloading 

firearms are considered “unloaded” when all powder has been 

removed from the flashpan, or the percussion cap, primer, or 

battery has been removed from the firearm. For complete safety, 

a muzzleloader should be emptied by shooting into soft 

ground. 

• Unlawful to hunt bear with dogs. 

HIGHLAND 

ROCKBRIDGE 

AUGUSTA 

AMHERST 

BEDFORD 

CAMPBELL 

PITTSYLVANIA 

ROCKINGHAM 

NELSON 

APPOMATTOX 

HALIFAX 

SHENANDOAH 

FREDERICK 

WARREN 

CLARKE 


GREENE 

MADISON 

ALBEMARLE 

BUCKINGHAM 

FLUVANNA 

PRINCE 

EDWARD 

CUMBERLAND 

FAUQUIER 

CULPEPER 

LOUDOUN 

FAIRFAX 



LOUISA 

NOTTOWAY 

CHARLOTTE 

LUNENBURG 

MECKLENBURG 

GOOCHLAND 

POWHATAN 

STAFFORD KING 

GEORGE 

CAROLINE 

HANOVER 

CHESTERFIELD 

AMELIA 

DINWIDDIE 

BRUNSWICK 

HENRICO 

GREENSVILLE 

PRINCE 

GEORGE 

SUSSEX 


KING WILLIAM 

NEW 

KENT 

CHARLES 

CITY 

WESTMORELAND 

ESSEX 

JAMES 

CITY 

SURRY 

SOUTHAMPTON 

RICHMOND 

LANCASTER 

MIDDLESEX 

YORK 

ISLE OF 

WIGHT 


MATHEWS 

NEWPORT 

NEWS 

VIRGINIA 

BEACH 


NORTHAMPTON 

HAMPTON 

PORTSMOUTH 

NORFOLK 

ACCOMACK 

25 

Bear Hunting

Bear Hunting 

Firearms Bear Seasons 

October 1 through January 1 

In the cities of Chesapeake, Suffolk and Virginia 

Beach. 

November 20 through January 1 

In the counties of Alleghany, Augusta (west of I-81), 

Bath, Botetourt (west of I-81), Highland, Roanoke (north of I-81), 

Rockbridge (west of I-81), Rockingham (west of I-81), and 

Shenandoah (west of I-81). 


In the counties of Albemarle, Amherst, Arlington, 

Augusta (east of I-81), Bedford, Bland, Botetourt (east of I-81), 

Caroline, Charles City, Chesterfield, Clarke, Craig, Culpeper, 

Essex, Fairfax, Fauquier, Fluvanna, Frederick, Giles, Gloucester, 

Goochland, Greene, Hanover, Henrico, James City, King and 

Queen, King George, King William, Lancaster, Loudoun, Louisa, 

Madison, Mathews, Middlesex, Montgomery (north of I-81), Nelson, 

New Kent, Northumberland, Orange, Page, Powhatan, Prince 

William, Pulaski (north of I-81), Rappahannock, Richmond, 

Roanoke (south of I-81), Rockbridge (east of I-81), Rockingham 

(east of I-81), Shenandoah (east of I-81), Smyth (north of I-81), 

Spotsylvania, Stafford, Tazewell, Warren, Washington (that part 

north of I-81 which is also east of Rt. 19), Westmoreland, Wythe 

(north of I-81), York, and in the cities of Hampton, Newport News, 

Norfolk, and Portsmouth, and on Clinch Mountain and Hidden Valley 

Wildlife Management Areas. 

December 6 through 18 

In the counties of Buchanan, Campbell (west of Norfolk 

Southern Railroad), Carroll, Dickenson, Floyd, Franklin, 

Grayson, Henry, Lee, Montgomery (south of I-81), Patrick, Pittsylvania 

(west of Norfolk Southern Railroad), Pulaski (south of I-81), 

Russell, Scott, Smyth (south of I-81), Washington (south of I-81 

and that part north of I-81 that is west of Rt. 19), Wise, and Wythe 

(south of I-81). 

Exception 

- Clinch Mountain and Hidden Valley Wildlife Management 

Areas (see November 22–January 1 season) 

LEE 

WISE 

SCOTT 

DICKENSON 

I-81 

BUCHANAN 

RUSSELL 

WASHINGTON 

TAZEWELL 

SMYTH 

BLAND 

WYTHE 

GRAYSON 

GILES 

PULASKI 

CARROLL 

MONTGOMERY 

FLOYD 

CRAIG 

ALLEGHANY 

ROANOKE 

BATH 

BOTETOURT 

FRANKLIN 

PATRICK 

HENRY 

HIGHLAND 

ROCKBRIDGE 


In the counties of Amelia, Appomattox, Brunswick, 

Buckingham, Campbell (east of Norfolk Southern Railroad), 

Charlotte, Cumberland, Dinwiddie, Greensville, Halifax, Isle of 

Wight, Lunenburg, Mecklenburg, Nottoway, Pittsylvania (east of 

Norfolk Southern Railroad), Prince Edward, Prince George, 

Southampton, Surry, and Sussex. 

AUGUSTA 

AMHERST 

BEDFORD 

CAMPBELL 

PITTSYLVANIA 

ROCKINGHAM 

NELSON 

APPOMATTOX 

HALIFAX 

SHENANDOAH 

FREDERICK 

WARREN 

CLARKE 


MADISON 

ALBEMARLE 

BUCKINGHAM 

CHARLOTTE 

Closed 

In the counties of Accomack and Northampton. 





• Modern firearms 


• Muzzleloading firearms 

Dogs May Be Used to Hunt Bear Except: 

• During the firearms deer season in the counties west of the 

Blue Ridge and in the counties of Amherst (west of Rt. 29), 

Bedford, and Nelson (west of Rt. 151). 

• During the first 12 hunting days of the firearms deer season in 

Madison and Greene counties. 

• In the counties of Campbell (west of Norfolk Southern Railroad), 

Carroll (east of the New River), Fairfax, Floyd, 

Franklin, Grayson (east of the New River), Henry, Loudoun, 

Montgomery (south of I-81), Patrick, Pittsylvania (west of 

Norfolk Southern Railroad), Pulaski (south of I-81) Roanoke 

(south of I-81) and Wythe (southeast of the New River or that 

part bounded by Rt. 21 on the west, I-81 on the north, the county 

line on the east, the New River on the southeast and Cripple 

Creek on the south), and in the city of Lynchburg. 

GREENE 

FLUVANNA 

PRINCE 

EDWARD 

CUMBERLAND 

FAUQUIER 

CULPEPER 

LOUDOUN 

FAIRFAX 



LUNENBURG 

MECKLENBURG 

LOUISA 

GOOCHLAND 

POWHATAN 

NOTTOWAY 

STAFFORD KING 

GEORGE 

CAROLINE 

HANOVER 

CHESTERFIELD 

AMELIA 

DINWIDDIE 

BRUNSWICK 

HENRICO 

GREENSVILLE 

KING WILLIAM 

PRINCE 

GEORGE 

SUSSEX 

CHARLES 

CITY 

ARLINGTON 

WESTMORELAND 

ESSEX 


NEW 

KENT 

JAMES 

CITY 

SURRY 

SOUTHAMPTON 

RICHMOND 


LANCASTER 

MIDDLESEX 

YORK 

ISLE OF 

WIGHT 


MATHEWS 

NEWPORT 

NEWS 

VIRGINIA 

BEACH 


NORTHAMPTON 

HAMPTON 

PORTSMOUTH 

NORFOLK 


ACCOMACK

• On the Amelia, Chester F. Phelps, Featherfin, G. Richard 

Thompson and Pettigrew Wildlife Management Areas. 

• When hunting during the archery or muzzleloading bear seasons. 

• On Cavalier WMA dogs may only be used during the Bear 

Hound Training Season from August 14 through 31. 

Bear Checking 

All bears must be checked at an official bear check station. Locations 

for bear check stations are available on the DGIF website at 

http://www.huntfishva.com/hunting/checkstations/bear/ or by 

calling 1-804-367-1000. 

Bear information will need to be recorded on Black Bear 

Check Cards. There is no longer a combined check card for 

Bear, Deer, and Turkey. Do not record information on Deer 

and Turkey Check Card. Tooth collection is mandatory and 

the tooth envelope is part of the new Black Bear Check Card. 

Bear Hound Training/Chase Season 

NO BLACK BEAR MAY BE TAKEN DURING THIS SEASON. 

Hours 

One-half hour before sunrise to 4-1⁄2 hours after sunset. 

Licenses Required 

Same for hunting seasons where bears can be 

taken. See licenses, stamps and permits section 

for appropriate required licenses. 

LEE 

WISE 

SCOTT 

DICKENSON 

I-81 

BUCHANAN 

RUSSELL 


August 14 through September 25* 

(including Sundays) 

*Dogs may be used during Bear Hound Training 

Season on Cavalier WMA only August 14 

through 31. 


Closed 

WASHINGTON 

TAZEWELL 

SMYTH 

BLAND 

WYTHE 

GRAYSON 

GILES 

PULASKI 

CARROLL 

MONTGOMERY 

FLOYD 

CRAIG 

ALLEGHANY 

ROANOKE 

BATH 

BOTETOURT 

FRANKLIN 

PATRICK 

HENRY 

HIGHLAND 

ROCKBRIDGE 

Look Up the Age of Your Harvested 

Bear Online! 

The age of your harvested bear will be available online 9 to 10 

months after the harvest at www.huntfishva.com/wildlife/bear/ 

age/. Hunters without Internet access can request this information 

by calling 804-367-8001. 

Unlawful to Feed Bears (anytime): 

It is unlawful for any person to place or distribute food, minerals, 

carrion or similar substances to feed or attract bear. Nor, upon written 

notification by Department personnel, shall any person continue 

to place or distribute any food, mineral, carrion or similar substances 

for any purpose if the placement of these materials results 

in the presence of bear in such numbers or circumstances to cause 

annoyance or inconvenience to any person, cause property damage, 

or endanger any person or wildlife. 

Unlawful Methods: 

To have in possession a firearm, bow, crossbow or any weapon 

capable of taking a black bear while participating in the bear 

hound training season. The meaning of “possession” for the purpose 

of this section shall include, but not be limited to, having a 

firearm, bow, crossbow or any weapon capable of taking a black 

bear in or on one’s person, vehicle, or conveyance. 

AUGUSTA 

AMHERST 

BEDFORD 

CAMPBELL 

PITTSYLVANIA 

ROCKINGHAM 

NELSON 

APPOMATTOX 

HALIFAX 

SHENANDOAH 

FREDERICK 

WARREN 

CLARKE 


GREENE 

MADISON 

ALBEMARLE 

BUCKINGHAM 

CHARLOTTE 

FLUVANNA 

PRINCE 

EDWARD 

CUMBERLAND 

FAUQUIER 

CULPEPER 

LOUDOUN 

FAIRFAX 



LUNENBURG 

MECKLENBURG 

LOUISA 

GOOCHLAND 

POWHATAN 

NOTTOWAY 

STAFFORD KING 

GEORGE 

CAROLINE 

HANOVER 

CHESTERFIELD 

AMELIA 

DINWIDDIE 

BRUNSWICK 

HENRICO 

GREENSVILLE 

KING WILLIAM 

PRINCE 

GEORGE 

SUSSEX 

CHARLES 

CITY 

ARLINGTON 

WESTMORELAND 

ESSEX 


NEW 

KENT 

JAMES 

CITY 

SURRY 

SOUTHAMPTON 

RICHMOND 

LANCASTER 

MIDDLESEX 

YORK 

ISLE OF 

WIGHT 


MATHEWS 

NEWPORT 

NEWS 

VIRGINIA 

BEACH 


NORTHAMPTON 

HAMPTON 

PORTSMOUTH 

NORFOLK 

ACCOMACK 

27 

Bear Hunting

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Deer Hunting 


Do Not Feed Deer 

Department regulation makes it illegal to place or distribute food, 

salt, or minerals to feed or attract deer from September 1 through 

January 1, statewide (unless noted in the exception below). This 

prohibition does not include the planting of agronomic crops or 

wildlife food plots. 

• It is illegal to feed deer year round in Clarke, Frederick, 

Shenandoah, and Warren counties and in the City of Winchester. 

Bag Limits 

East of the Blue Ridge (except on National Forest lands in 

Amherst, Bedford, and Nelson counties). 

The bag limit for deer shall be two a day, six a license year. Of the 

six deer limit, no more than three may be antlered deer and at least 

three must be antlerless deer. 

West of the Blue Ridge and on National Forest lands in 

Amherst, Bedford, and Nelson counties. 

The bag limit for deer shall be one a day and five a license year. Of 

the five deer limit, no more than two may be antlered deer and at 

least three must be antlerless deer (unless noted in the exception 

below). 

• The bag limit for deer shall be two a day on private lands in 

Clarke, Frederick, Shenandoah, and Warren counties and 

in the City of Winchester. 

• If a hunter kills two antlered deer in Shenandoah County, at 

least one of the antlered deer must have at least 4 antler points, 

1 inch or longer, on one side. 

Earn A Buck (EAB) Q & A 

What is EAB? 

EAB is designed to increase the antlerless (a doe or button buck) 

deer kill. 

When and where will EAB be in effect? 

EAB is mandatory on private lands during all open deer seasons 

(archery, muzzleloading, and firearms) in Bedford, Clarke, Fairfax, 

Fauquier, Franklin, Frederick, Loudoun, Patrick, Prince 

William, Roanoke, Shenandoah, and Warren counties and in the 

City of Winchester. 

Will deer hunters have to kill an antlerless deer first under 

EAB? 

No, the first deer can be an antlered buck or an antlerless deer (a 

doe or button buck). 

How will EAB work? 

Hunters hunting on private lands in EAB counties will be required 

to shoot at least one antlerless deer (a doe or a button buck) before 

they can kill their second antlered buck of the deer season. East of 

the Blue Ridge, they will be required to kill a second antlerless deer 

on private land in an EAB county before they can kill their third 

antlered buck of the season. 


Earn a Buck (EAB) 

At least one antlerless deer must be taken on private lands in Bedford, 

Clarke, Fairfax, Fauquier, Franklin, Frederick, Loudoun, 

Patrick, Prince William, Roanoke, Shenandoah, and Warren 

counties and in the City of Winchester before the second antlered 

deer of the license year may be taken on private lands in any of 

these localities. Furthermore, at least two antlerless deer must 

have been taken on private lands in Bedford, Fairfax, Fauquier, 

Franklin, Loudoun, Patrick, and Prince William counties before 

the third antlered deer of the license year may be taken on private 

lands in any of these counties. 

Bag Limit Exceptions 

• Deer hunters, including those exempt from purchasing a 

license, on private land and authorized public lands may take 

more than the license-year bag limit of antlerless deer by 

using bonus deer permits or special permits (DCAP, DMAP, 

and DPOP). See Bonus Deer Permits below. 

• DCAP, DMAP, and DPOP tags do not count against the daily 

or season bag limit. 

Bonus Deer Permits 

• Are valid for one year from date of purchase. 

• Are valid for antlerless deer only. 

• No restriction on the number that may be purchased and used. 

• Allow deer to be taken in addition to the license year bag limit. 

• Do not allow daily bag limit to be exceeded. 

• Are valid only on private lands and authorized public lands. 

• Are not valid on National Forest and Department-owned 

lands. 

• Are not valid in Buchanan, Dickenson, and Wise counties. 

• Are valid during the archery, muzzleloader, and firearms deer 

seasons. 

• Are valid only on designated either-sex deer hunting days. 

What if I hunt deer in one of the EAB counties and in other 

counties in Virginia? 

EAB will still apply. Antlered bucks taken anywhere in the state 

count against the EAB antlered buck requirement, but only antlerless 

deer taken on private lands in the 13 designated EAB counties 

count toward the EAB antlerless deer requirement. 

Why require EAB? 

The Department's Deer Management Plan calls for deer populations 

to be reduced in all these counties, and traditional liberal deer 

regulations have not effectively achieved that objective. In fact, 

deer populations in several of these counties have increased. EAB 

has been demonstrated in several other states to be an effective 

management tool to control and reduce deer numbers. 

Can a deer hunter shoot an antlerless deer first and be “prequalified” 

to kill two bucks? 

Yes. 

Can antlerless deer “carry over” from year to year? 

No. 

What should I do if I have additional EAB questions? 

Email Matt Knox at matt.knox@dgif.virginia.gov. 

29 

Deer Hunting


Antlered and Antlerless Deer 

Deer Tags 

• Either-sex deer tags (commonly called “buck” tags) may be 

used on antlered or antlerless deer. 

• Antlerless only deer tags (commonly called “doe” tags) may 

only be used on antlerless deer. 

Antlered and Antlerless Deer 

Antlered Deer 

• Antlered deer must have antlers visible above the hairline. Virginia 

does not have a minimum antler length requirement. 

• An antlered deer must be tagged with an either-sex deer tag. 

Special Antler Restrictions 

Shenandoah County 

If a hunter kills two antlered deer in 

Shenandoah County, at least one of 

the antlered deer must have at least 

4 antler points, 1 inch or longer, on 

one side. 

Fairystone and Featherfin WMAs 

On the Quality Deer Management Area of the Fairystone 

WMA and FeatherfinWMA a legal antlered deer is a deer with 

at least 4 antler points, 1 inch or longer, on one side. 

Antlerless Deer 

• Antlerless deer may only be taken during designated eithersex 

deer hunting days during the archery season(s), muzzleloading 

season(s), and firearms season. Youth deer hunters see 

Special Youth Deer Hunting Day and Special Youth Antlerless 

Deer Regulation provisions (see next page). 

• Antlerless deer (does, button bucks, and shed-antlered bucks) 

may be tagged with an either-sex deer tag or an antlerless only 

deer tag. 

• Button bucks, male fawns approximately six months old, are 

considered antlerless deer. The hair covered bumps on a button 

buck's head are not antlers. They are the pedicels from which 

the antlers will grow the next year. 

• Antlered deer that have shed their antlers, usually in late 

December or early January, are also considered antlerless deer. 

1” 

Keep Your Firearms Pointed 

in a Safe Direction. 

1-866-GOT-GAME 

(468-4263) 

Antlered buck; photo ©Thomas Kirkland 

Button buck; photo ©Wyman Meinzer 

Shed-antlered buck (antlerless deer); 

photo ©Leonard Lee Rue III 

Responsibly Dispose of Your Deer 

Carcass and Unedible Deer Parts! 

Enhance the image of the deer hunter. 

Don’t give hunters a bad name by leaving deer parts 

in public locations, in parking lots, in waterways, or 

along roads. If you are caught dumping a carcass or 

animal parts in these areas, you may be charged 

with littering. 


Special Youth Antlerless Deer 

Regulation 

Deer hunters 15 years of age and under, resident or nonresident, 

may take one antlerless deer per license year on days other than 

designated either-sex deer hunting days during the muzzleloading 

seasons or the firearms seasons in all counties that have at 

least one either-sex deer hunting day during the firearms deer season. 

This regulation applies to all private and public lands 

(National Forest, State Forests, WMAs, etc.) statewide (except on 

public and private lands in Buchanan, Dickenson, and Wise counties). 

This regulation is in addition to either-sex deer hunting days. 

For example, if a youth deer hunter, 15 years of age or younger, 

killed one or more antlerless deer on designated either-sex deer 

hunting days, he or she could still take one antlerless deer on a day 

not designated an either-sex day. 

Plan Your Hunt, Hunt Your Plan. 

Tell Someone Where 

You Are Going. 

Youth Deer Hunting Day Q & A 

What does “accompanied and directly supervised by an 

adult” mean? 

Means the adult maintains close visual and verbal contact with, 

provides adequate direction to, and can immediately assume 

control of the firearm. 

What licenses are required? 

Resident deer hunters under 12 in Virginia are not required to 

purchase a license or have taken a hunter safety course. Conversely, 

deer hunters 12 and above must be licensed and have 

taken a hunter safety course. An exception to this rule is that 

hunters 12 and over could go hunting with an Apprentice 

License without having taken a hunter safety course (see 

Apprentice License Information on page 11). If a young hunter 

is over age 12 and has had a hunter safety course, the Junior 

Combination Hunting License (under 16 years of age) for 

$16.00 is the best deal. It includes statewide hunting privileges, 

archery, muzzleloading, and bear, deer, turkey tags. 

Can nonresident youth deer hunters hunt this day? 

Yes, the regulation applies to all youth hunters, resident or nonresident. 

Nonresident youth of any age need to have appropriate 

licenses. 

Are does legal and where? 

Yes, everywhere (except Fairfax, Loudoun, and Prince William 

counties) including the coal fields and National Forest and 

Department-owned lands. 

What weapons are legal? 

All legal deer hunting weapons, bows, crossbows, muzzleloaders, 

pistol, and rifles. Local firearm ordinances still apply. 


Youth Deer Hunting Day 

September 25 

• Statewide, except in Fairfax, Loudoun, and Prince William 

counties. 

• Deer hunters 15 years of age and under, when in compliance 

with all applicable laws and license requirements, may hunt 

deer when accompanied and directly supervised by an adult 

who has a valid Virginia hunting license on his person or is 

exempt from purchasing a hunting license. 

• Deer of either sex may be taken. 

• Adult hunters accompanying youth deer hunters may not carry 

or discharge firearms. 

• Blaze orange requirements and exceptions for firearms deer 

season are in effect (see page 14). 

• Deer hunting with dogs is prohibited. 

What is the bag limit? 

Unless specified in the youth deer hunting day regulation (e.g., 

accompanied by a licensed adult, orange required, no dog hunting, 

etc.) all other “normal” deer regulations apply (e.g., daily 

and season bag limits, tagging and checking, DMAP, DCAP, 

EAB, special antler restrictions, etc.). 

If a youth deer hunter kills a doe on the youth deer hunting 

day, does the special youth antlerless deer regulation that 

allows them to kill an antlerless deer on a buck only day still 

apply? 

Yes, except for the coal field counties of Buchanan, Dickenson, 

and Wise. The youth deer hunting day applies to these three 

counties. The special youth antlerless deer regulation does not 

apply to these three counties. 

How does a young hunter without a license check in a deer? 

Deer hunters that do not have to purchase a license will not have 

deer tags. If they go to a check station, they should just have the 

check station operator write down the young hunter, not the 

adult’s, name address, etc. Then the check station operator 

should check None for type of tag and write “less than 12” or 

“youth” in the blank next to None. If they call it in, they should 

tell the system they are license exempt by entering a “2” and 

then use the last 4 digits of their SSN and home ZIP for their 

“license” number. When the telephone system asks them for 

their type of tag, they should enter “None”. Deer killed by 

youth deer hunters on this day should not be checked in on the 

accompanying adult’s tag or license. 

31 



Archery Deer Seasons 

Early Archery Season: 


Late Archery Seasons: 

November 29 through January 1: 

• In all areas west of the Blue Ridge unless noted in the season 

exception below. 

Season Exception: Clarke and Floyd counties and on private 

lands in Frederick County. 

• In the counties (including the cities and towns within) of 

Amherst (west of Route 29), Bedford, Campbell (west of Norfolk 

Southern Railroad) and Nelson (west of Route 151). 

• On the Chester Phelps WMA and on National Forest lands in 

Frederick County. 

December 1 through January 1: 

• In the cities of Chesapeake, Suffolk (east of the Dismal Swamp 

line), and Virginia Beach. 


• In the counties (including the cities and towns within) of Floyd, 

Franklin, Henry and Patrick. 

Archery Either-Sex Deer Hunting: 

Deer of either-sex may be taken full season during the early and late 

archery deer seasons, unless otherwise noted below. 

• Only antlered deer may be taken during the early and late 

archery deer seasons on PALS (Public Access Lands) in Dickenson 

County. 

Early Antlerless-Only Archery Season 

During this season only antlerless deer may be taken. 

September 4 through October 1: 

• In Fairfax, Loudoun, and Prince William counties (except on 

Department-owned lands). 

Bowhunters Needed for Survey 

The Department has an ongoing statewide bowhunter 

survey to obtain information on bear, deer, turkey, small 

game, and furbearer populations. The deer data collected 

provides important information relative to deer population 

trends, adult sex ratios, and recruitment. The Department 

would like to increase the number and distribution 

of cooperators across the Commonwealth. 

If you would like to participate in this survey, please contact 

Mike Fies with your mailing address at 

mike.fies@dgif.virginia.gov. 

Participants will receive an annual survey form to complete 

during the early archery deer season and a copy of 

the results after they are compiled. The Department 

appreciates your interest and cooperation. 

Urban Archery Deer Seasons: 

During this season only antlerless deer may be taken. 

September 4 through October 1 and January 3 through March 26: 

• Within the incorporated limits of the cities of Colonial Heights, 

Danville, Emporia, Franklin, Fredericksburg, Lynchburg, 

Martinsville, Radford, Richmond, Staunton, Winchester and 

the towns of Altavista, Amherst, Blacksburg, Blackstone, 

Christiansburg, Farmville, Halifax, Independence, Kenbridge, 

Pearisburg, Pulaski, Purcellville, Richlands, Rocky Mount, 

Saltville, Stuart, Tazewell, West Point, and in Fairfax County. 

• Lists of properties available for hunting are not maintained by 

the Department or local governments. 

• Go to www.HuntFishVA.com/hunting/urban_archery for 

local restrictions and other urban archery information. 

Legal Methods and Restrictions During Archery 

Deer Seasons: 

Special restrictions may apply during this season. See Legal Use of 

Firearms and Archery Equipment, pg. 16 and Local Firearms Ordinances, 

pg. 19 for details. 


• Broadhead widths must be at least 7/8-inch wide or expand 

upon impact to 7/8 -inch. 


125 yards. 

• It is unlawful to use explosive head arrows or arrows to which 

any drug, chemical or toxic substance has been added. 

• It is unlawful to use dogs. 

• It is unlawful to have a firearm in possession except that a muzzleloading 

firearm, as defined in the muzzleloader deer seasons 

section, may also be in possession when and where there 

is an overlap with a muzzleloading deer season where deer 

hunting with a rifle or muzzleloading firearm is permitted. 

Muzzleloader Deer Seasons 

In all areas where hunting with a muzzleloading rifle is permitted. 

Early Muzzleloader Season: 

October 30 through November 12: 

Season Exception: 

• Closed in the cities of Chesapeake, Suffolk (east of the Dismal 

Swamp line), and Virginia Beach. 

Either-sex Deer Hunting Days East of the Blue Ridge: 

October 30 through November 12 (full season): 

In all areas (including Occoneechee State Park) unless otherwise 

noted below. 

• November 6: 

On State Forest lands, State Park lands (except Occoneechee 

State Park), Department-owned lands, and Philpott Reservoir. 

• Antlered deer only – no either-sex deer hunting days: 

On National Forest lands in Amherst, Bedford, and Nelson 

counties. 


Either-sex Deer Hunting Days West of the Blue Ridge: 

October 30 through November 12 (full season): 

• On private lands in Carroll, Clarke, Floyd, Frederick, Grayson, 

Montgomery, Roanoke, Shenandoah, and Warren counties. 

November 6: 

• On National Forest and Department-owned Lands in Bland, 

Carroll, Craig, Giles, Montgomery, Pulaski, Roanoke, and 

Wythe counties. 

• On private lands in Alleghany, Augusta, Bath, Bland, Botetourt, 

Craig, Giles, Highland, Page, Pulaski, Rockbridge, 

Rockingham (except on private lands west of Routes 613 and 

731), Scott, and Wythe counties. 

Antlered deer only – no either-sex deer hunting days: 

• On National Forest and Department-owned Lands in 

Alleghany, Augusta, Bath, Botetourt, Dickenson, Frederick, 

Grayson, Highland, Lee, Page, Rockbridge, Rockingham, 

Russell, Scott, Shenandoah, Smyth, Tazewell, Warren, Washington, 

and Wise counties. 

• On private lands in Buchanan, Dickenson, Lee, Rockingham 

(west of Routes 613 and 731), Russell, Smyth, Tazewell, Washington, 

and Wise counties. 

• On Channels State Forest, Grayson Highlands State Park, 

PALS (Public Access Lands) in Dickenson County, and Flannagan 

Reservoir. 

Late Muzzleloader Season East of the Blue Ridge: 


In the counties (including the cites and towns within) of Amherst 

(west of Route. 29), Bedford, Campbell (west of Norfolk Southern 

Railroad), Franklin, Henry, Nelson (west of Route 151), and 

Patrick, and in the cities of Chesapeake, Suffolk (east of the Dismal 

Swamp line), and Virginia Beach. 

Either-sex Deer Hunting Days East of the Blue Ridge: 

December 11 through January 1 (full season): 

• In the counties of Amherst (west of Route 29 except on National 

Forest lands), Bedford (except on National Forest lands), 

Campbell (west of Norfolk Southern Railroad), Franklin, 

Henry, Nelson (west of Route 151 except on National Forest 

lands), and Patrick. 


• In the cities of Chesapeake, Suffolk (east of the Dismal Swamp 

line), and Virginia Beach. 

January 1: 

• On National Forest lands in Amherst, Bedford, and Nelson 

counties. 

Late Muzzleloader Season West of the Blue Ridge: 



• Closed in Clarke County and on private lands in Frederick 

County. 

Either-sex Deer Hunting Days West of the Blue Ridge: 

December 11 through January 1 (full season): 

• On private lands in Carroll, Floyd, Grayson, Montgomery, 

Roanoke, Shenandoah, and Warren counties. 



• On private lands in Alleghany, Augusta, Bath, Bland, Botetourt, 

Craig, Giles, Highland, Page, Pulaski, Rockbridge, 

Rockingham (except on private lands west of Routes 613 and 

731), and Wythe counties. 

• On National Forest and Department-owned lands in Carroll, 

Craig, Bland, Giles, Montgomery, Pulaski, Roanoke, and 

Wythe counties. 

January 1: 

• On private lands in Dickenson (north of Route 83), Lee, Rockingham 

(west of Routes 613 and 731), Russell, Scott, Smyth, 

Tazewell, Washington, and Wise counties. 

• On National Forest and Department-owned lands in 

Alleghany, Augusta, Bath, Botetourt, Dickenson (north of 

Route 83), Frederick, Grayson, Highland, Lee, Page, Rockbridge, 

Rockingham, Russell, Scott, Shenandoah, Smyth, 

Tazewell, Warren, Washington, and Wise. 

• On Channels State Forest, Grayson Highlands State Park, and 

Flannagan Reservoir. 

Antlered deer only – no either-sex deer hunting days: 

• On private lands in Buchanan and Dickenson (south of Route 83). 

• On PALS (Public Access Lands) in Dickenson County. 

Legal Methods and Restrictions During 

Muzzleloader Deer Seasons: 

Special restrictions apply to specific firearms use during this season. 

See Legal Use of Firearms and Archery Equipment, pg. 16 

and Local Firearms Ordinance, pg. 19 for details. 

• Only muzzleloading firearms, .45 caliber or larger, loaded 

from the muzzle of the gun. 

• Muzzleloading firearms must be single shot, capable of firing 

only a single bullet or saboted bullet (.38 caliber or larger). 

• Flintlock, percussion or electronic ignitions are permitted. 

• Unlawful to have in immediate possession any firearm other 

than a muzzleloading firearm while hunting with a muzzleloader 

(see exception for valid concealed handgun permit 

holders on page 16). 

• Unlawful to use muzzleloading pistols. 

• Must use at least 50 grains of black powder or black powder 

equivalent. 

• Smokeless powder is allowed in muzzleloading firearms 

designed for it. Never use smokeless powder of any type, in 

any quantity, in a muzzleloading firearm that is not specifically 

designed for it. 

• Scopes are permitted. 

• For the purposes of transportation in a vehicle, muzzleloading 

firearms are considered “unloaded” when all powder has been 

removed from the flashpan, or the percussion cap, primer, or 

battery has been removed from the firearm. For complete safety, 

a muzzleloader should be emptied by shooting into soft 

ground. 

• Unlawful to hunt deer with dogs. 

• It is lawful to carry archery tackle when and where there is an 

overlap with a deer archery and muzzleloading season. 

1-866-GOT-GAME (468-4263) 

33 



Firearms Deer Seasons 

November 13 through 27: 


of Augusta, Bland, Rockingham, Scott, Smyth, and Washington. 

Either-sex Deer Hunting Days: 


In all areas unless otherwise noted below. 

November 20 and November 27: 

On National Forest lands in Bland County. 

November 27: 

On National Forest and Department-owned lands in Augusta 

County, and on National Forest lands in Rockingham, Smyth, 

Washington counties and on private lands west of Routes 613 

and 731 in Rockingham County and on Clinch Mountain 

WMA, Hungry Mother State Park, Hidden Valley WMA, and 

Channels State Forest. 

Antlered deer only-no either-sex deer hunting days: 

On National Forest lands in Scott County. Special Youth 

Antlerless Deer Regulation applies. 



of Amelia, Appomattox, Brunswick, Buckingham, Charlotte, 

Cumberland, Dinwiddie, Fluvanna, Goochland (west of U.S. 

Route 522), Louisa, Lunenburg, Mecklenburg, Nottoway, and 

Prince Edward. 


November 20, November 27, and December 20 through January 1: 



On Amelia WMA, Briery Creek WMA, Dick Cross WMA, 

and Horsepen Lake WMA. 

November 20, November 27, and December 4 through 

January 1: 

On Featherfin WMA (by quota hunt only). 


On Appomattox-Buckingham, 

Cumberland, and Prince Edward 

State Forests. 

LEE 

WISE 

SCOTT 

DICKENSON 

▲ Earn a Buck regulation 

applies, see page 29. 

BUCHANAN 

RUSSELL 

WASHINGTON 

TAZEWELL 

SMYTH 

BLAND 

WYTHE 

GRAYSON 

West of the Blue Ridge 

GILES 

PULASKI 

CARROLL 

Special either-sex deer 

regulation applies on 

private lands, see 

season date above. 

MONTGOMERY 

FLOYD 

CRAIG 

ALLEGHANY 

ROANOKE 

▲ 

▲ 

BATH 

BOTETOURT 

▲ 

FRANKLIN 

PATRICK 

HENRY 

HIGHLAND 



of Amherst (west of Rt. 29), Bedford, Botetourt, Campbell 

(west of Norfolk Southern Railroad), Carroll, Craig, Giles, 

Grayson, Montgomery, Nelson (west of Rt. 151), Pulaski, 

Roanoke, Shenandoah, Warren, and Wythe. 


November 13 through 27 (full season): 



On National Forest lands and Department-owned lands in 

Carroll and Roanoke counties and on National Forest lands in 

Craig, Giles, Montgomery, Pulaski, and Wythe counties and 

on Big Survey WMA. 

November 27: 

On National Forest lands in Amherst, Bedford, Botetourt, 

Grayson, Nelson, Shenandoah, and Warren counties and on 

portions of Grayson Highlands State Park. 

November 13 through December 11: 


of Floyd, Franklin, Henry, and Patrick. 


November 13 through December 11 (full season): 


November 20 and December 6 through 11: 

On Fairystone Farms WMA, designated areas of Fairystone 

State Park, and Philpott Reservoir. 

November 20, November 27, and December 6 through 11: 

On Turkeycock Mountain WMA. 

Mandatory CWD testing in portions 

of Frederick and Shenandoah counties, 

see pages 37–38. 

ROCKBRIDGE 

AUGUSTA 

▲ 

AMHERST 

BEDFORD 

CAMPBELL 

PITTSYLVANIA 

ROCKINGHAM 

NELSON 

HALIFAX 

SHENANDOAH 

APPOMATTOX 

▲ 

FREDERICK 

WARREN 

CLARKE 


GREENE 

MADISON 

ALBEMARLE 

BUCKINGHAM 

CHARLOTTE 

FLUVANNA 

PRINCE 

EDWARD 

▲ 

▲ ▲ 

▲ ▲ 

CUMBERLAND 

FAUQUIER 

CULPEPER 

LOUDOUN 

FAIRFAX 



LUNENBURG 

MECKLENBURG 

LOUISA 

GOOCHLAND 

POWHATAN 

NOTTOWAY 

✦ 

✦ ✦ 

STAFFORD KING 

GEORGE 

CAROLINE 

HANOVER 

CHESTERFIELD 

AMELIA 

DINWIDDIE 

BRUNSWICK 

East of the Blue Ridge 

▲ 

▲ 

HENRICO 

GREENSVILLE 

✦ 

✦ 

KING WILLIAM 

PRINCE 

GEORGE 

SUSSEX 

Special late antlerless only 

firearms deer season applies, 

see season date on page 35. 

CHARLES 

CITY 

ARLINGTON 

WESTMORELAND 

ESSEX 


NEW 

KENT 

JAMES 

CITY 

SURRY 

SOUTHAMPTON 

RICHMOND 

LANCASTER 

MIDDLESEX 

YORK 

ISLE OF 

WIGHT 


MATHEWS 

NEWPORT 

NEWS 

VIRGINIA 

BEACH 



NORTHAMPTON 

HAMPTON 

PORTSMOUTH 

NORFOLK 

ACCOMACK



of Accomack, Albemarle, Charles City, Chesterfield, Clarke, 

Culpeper (see season exception for C. F. Phelps WMA below), 

Essex, Fauquier (see season exception for C. F. Phelps WMA 

below), Frederick (see season exception for National Forest lands 

below), Gloucester, Greene, Greensville, Henrico, Isle of Wight, 

James City, King and Queen, Lancaster, Loudoun, Madison, New 

Kent, Northampton, Northumberland, Orange, Prince William, 

Rappahannock, Richmond, Southampton, Suffolk (west of the 

Dismal Swamp line), Surry, Sussex, Westmoreland, and York. 

• In Arlington County, City of Hampton, and City of Richmond 

(in the City of Richmond: archery only, no special permit is 

required for archery deer hunting). 

Note: Local Ordinances prohibit the discharge of firearms in 

these areas (see Local Firearms Ordinances, pg. 19). 

• In the City of Lynchburg (on private lands for which a special 

permit has been issued by the Chief of Police). 

• In the City of Newport News: archery only, no special permit is 

required for archery deer hunting. 

• In Fairfax County a special landowner permit is required to 

firearms deer hunt on private lands. Contact the Div. of Animal 

Control, 4500 West Ox Road, Fairfax, VA 22030 for details. No 

special police permit is required for archery deer hunting. 


November 13 through January 1 (full season): 



On Rapidan WMA. 

November 20 and January 1: 

On G.R. Thompson WMA. 


On the Carlisle Tract of the Hog Island WMA, Chickahominy 

WMA, and Ragged Island WMA. Special Youth Antlerless 

Deer Regulation applies. 



On C.F. Phelps WMA and National Forest lands in Frederick 

County. 


November 27: 

On National Forest lands in Frederick County. 

November 20: 

On C.F. Phelps WMA. 

✦ 

Late Antlerless-Only Firearms Deer Season 

January 3, 2011 through March 26, 2011: 

In the counties (including the cities and towns within) of 

Fairfax, Fauquier, Loudoun, and Prince William, except on 

Department-owned lands. During this season only antlerless deer 

may be taken. To firearms deer hunt on private lands in Fairfax 

County a special landowner permit is required (see above). 


October 1 through November 30: 

In the cities of Chesapeake, Suffolk (east of the Dismal 

Swamp line) and Virginia Beach. 


October 1 through November 30 (full season): In all areas. 



of Buchanan, Dickenson, and Wise. 


Antlered deer only—no either-sex deer hunting days in all areas. 

Special Youth Antlerless Deer Regulation does not apply. 



of Alleghany, Bath, Highland, Lee, Page, Rockbridge, Russell, and 

Tazewell. 


November 20 and November 26 and 27: 


November 27: 

On National Forest and Department-owned lands in Bath, 

Highland, and Rockbridge counties and on National Forest 

lands in Alleghany, Page, and Tazewell counties and Clinch 

Mountain WMA, Hidden Valley WMA, and Channels State 

Forest. 


On National Forest lands in Lee County. Special Youth 

Antlerless Deer Regulation applies. 



of Amherst (east of Rt. 29), Campbell (east of Norfolk Southern 

Railroad), Caroline, Goochland (east of U.S. Route 522), Halifax, 

Hanover, King George, King William, Mathews, Middlesex, Nelson 

(east of Rt. 151), Pittsylvania, Powhatan, Prince George, Spotsylvania, 

and Stafford. Note: dogs may not be used for deer hunting 

in Pittsylvania County (west of Norfolk Southern Railroad). 





On Powhatan WMA. 

November 20 and December 27 through January 1: 

On James River WMA. 

November 20 and January 1: 

On White Oak Mountain WMA. 

Firearms Either-Sex Deer Hunting For Incorporated 

Cities and Towns 

Deer of either sex may be taken full season during the firearms deer 

season within the incorporated limits of any city or town in the 

Commonwealth that allows deer hunting with a firearm (except in 

the counties of Buchanan, Dickenson, and Wise). 


35 


HEMI is a registered trademark of Chrysler Group LLC.


Legal Methods and Restrictions During 

Firearms Deer Seasons: 


See Legal Use of Firearms, pg. 16 and Local Firearms Ordinance, 

pg. 19 for details. 

• Modern firearms. 

• Hunters are allowed to use archery tackle or muzzleloading 

firearms to deer hunt during the firearms deer season with the 

following conditions: 

– all hunters are required to comply with the either-sex deer 

hunting days for the firearms deer season. 

– use of muzzleloading firearms is allowed only if not otherwise 

restricted. 

– muzzleloader deer hunters must wear blaze orange during the 

firearms deer season. 

– archery deer hunters must wear blaze orange during the 

firearms deer season except when hunting in areas where the 

discharge of firearms is prohibited. 

Dogs May Be Used For Deer Hunting Except: 

• West of the Blue Ridge. 

• East of the Blue Ridge in Bedford, Fairfax, Franklin, Henry 

Loudoun, Northampton, and Patrick counties, and Amherst 

(west of Rt. 29), Campbell (west of Norfolk Southern Railroad), 

Nelson (west of Rt. 151), Pittsylvania (west of Norfolk Southern 

Railroad), and the city of Lynchburg. 

• When hunting during archery and muzzleloading seasons and 

on the Youth Deer Hunting Day. 

• On many military areas. Check individual Post regulations. 

• On Amelia, Cavalier, Featherfin, Pettigrew, C.F. Phelps, and G. 

Richard Thompson Wildlife Management Areas. 

• During the first 12 hunting days of the firearms deer season in 

Madison and Greene counties. 

Elk Hunting 

• Elk of either sex, antlered or antlerless, may be taken during any 

open deer season using the firearms legal for deer during that 

season. 

• The taking of an elk counts towards the hunter's daily and license 

year bag limit for deer. 

• Licenses, tag validation, and checking requirements for elk are 

the same for deer except that elk must be checked at a check station. 

• It is unlawful to destroy the identity (sex) of any harvested elk 

until checked. Elk may be dismembered to pack it out from the 

place of kill. The identity of the sex and all parts of the carcass 

must be present when the elk is checked. 

Successful elk hunters are asked to contact the Wildlife Division 

of the Department’s Marion Regional Office at (276)-783- 

4860 as soon as possible after killing an elk so that arrangements 

can be made to collect Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) 

samples. CWD testing is voluntary. 

Hunters for the Hungry 

Hunters for the Hungry receives donated deer from successful 

hunters. Funds are raised to cover the costs of professional 

processing, then the venison is distributed to 

the needy across the state. 

This past season 405,340 pounds of venison was distributed. 

Over 4.15 million pounds or 16.5 million servings 

of venison have been distributed in Virginia since 

1991. 

Each $40.00 contribution allows another deer to be 

accepted. Hunters donating an entire deer are not 

required to pay any part of the processing fee. 

Legislation was passed in 2003 in honor of Hunters 

for the Hungry founder, David Horne. The David Horne 

Hunger Relief Bill gives you the opportunity to donate 

$2.00 or more to the Hunters for the Hungry program 

when you purchase your hunting license. One hundred 

percent of your donation will go to providing venison to 

the hungry. 

You can make a difference to the hungry and to the 

future of hunting in Virginia. For additional information 

e-mail: hunt4hungry@cs.com, visit the website at 

www.h4hungry.org, call 1-800-352-HUNT (4868), or 

write to P.O. Box 304, Big Island, VA 24526. 

2010 Virginia Big Game Contest 

Eastern Regional 

September 11-12, 2010 

Southampton County Fairgrounds 

Franklin 

Western Regional and State Championship 

September 25-26, 2010 

Rockingham County Fairgrounds 

Harrisonburg 

For additional information and directions go to 

www.vpsa.org or www.iwla-rh.org 

Sponsored by the Virginia Department of Game and 

Inland Fisheries, Virginia Peninsula Sportsmen’s 

Association and the Rockingham-Harrisonburg 

Chapter Izaak Walton League of America. 

Deer and turkey checked by telephone or Internet 

with the proper confirmation number are eligible 

to be entered in the Eastern or Western Regional 

Big Game Contest. Turkey must have a certified 

weight, see pages 22–23. 


CWD Surveillance in 

Virginia 

The Department initiated Chronic Wasting 

Disease (CWD) surveillance in 2002. 

CWD was detected during 2005 in Hampshire 

County, West Virginia within 10 

miles of Frederick County, Virginia. Over 

the past few years, the Department’s surveillance 

efforts have been focused in 

western Frederick and northwestern 

Shenandoah counties as additional CWD 

positive samples in West Virginia were 

found closer to Virginia’s border. In January 

2010, the Department received confirmation 

that a deer killed by a hunter in 

western Frederick County near Gore had 

tested positive for CWD. 

Changes for CWD 

Management in 2010-2011 

Due to the detection of CWD in Frederick 

County, the Department has implemented 

a number of measures to protect Virginia’s 

deer resource. The following measures 

will be taken during the 2010-2011 hunting 

seasons to help slow and contain the 

spread of CWD. All of these measures 

outlined below will affect hunters in the 

CWD Containment Area located in Frederick 

County and the City of Winchester 

west of I-81 and that portion of Shenandoah 

County west of I-81 and north of 

Route 675 (see map). Note below that 

hunting season changes and a year-round 

ban on deer feeding also apply to surrounding 

areas (including Clarke, Frederick, 

Shenandoah, and Warren counties). 

(1) All deer killed by hunters within 

the CWD Containment Area on the following 

dates must be brought to a designated 

sampling station for CWD testing: 

• November 13, 20, and 27, 2010 

• CWD sampling stations will likely 

include Cather’s Market, Crossroads 

Grocery, Gore Grocery, State Line 

Store and T&R Processing in Frederick 

County and Larkin’s Store and 

Graden’s Supermarket in Shenandoah 

County 

• Hunters can still check their deer via 

telephone or Internet but must bring 

the deer to a designated CWD sampling 

station on the dates above 

• Please check the Department’s website 

and look for press releases before 

hunting season 

(2) Whole deer carcasses or deer parts 

cannot be transported out of the CWD 

Containment Area, except: 

• Deer parts currently allowed under the 

carcass importation ban (e.g., quarters, 

boned-out meat; see list on next 

page) 

• Whole deer carcasses or parts being 

transported directly to meat processors, 

taxidermists, or lined landfills 

within Frederick or Shenandoah 

counties 

(3) Three new hunting season changes 

will apply to private lands in Clarke, 

Frederick, Shenandoah, and Warren 

counties and the City of Winchester 

including: 

• The daily bag limit shall be two deer 

per day 

• Earn-A-Buck is in effect (see page 29 

for more information) 

• Both the early and late muzzleloading 

seasons on private lands in Shenandoah 

County will be full season eithersex 

• No changes have been made for public 

lands in any of these counties 

(4) Feeding of deer is prohibited yearround 

in Clarke, Frederick, Shenandoah, 

and Warren counties and the City 

of Winchester. 

(5) Rehabilitation is prohibited for any 

deer that originates from within the 

CWD Containment Area. 

Please also check the Department’s 

website (http://www.HuntFishVA.com/ 

wildlife/diseases/cwd/) for updates on 

CWD surveillance and management in Virginia. 

For more information about CWD in 

West Virginia, please see http://wvdnr.gov/ 

hunting/ChronicWaste.shtm. 

Hunter assistance and cooperation is 

essential to the Department’s efforts to 

monitor and manage CWD in Virginia. 




Carcass Importation Ban 

The primary objective in the management 

of CWD is to prevent its spread into 

new areas. One possible mode of disease 

transmission is by the importation of 

infected carcasses. In an effort to minimize 

the risk for disease spread, Virginia, along 

with a number of other states, has adopted 

regulations that prohibit the importation of 

whole carcasses and certain carcass parts of 

deer and elk harvested from states that have 

CWD. 

Virginia’s carcass transportation regulation 

prohibits the importation or possession 

of whole deer carcasses or specified 

parts of carcasses originating from a state 

or Canadian province in which CWD has 

been found in free-ranging or captive deer. 

This includes any member of the deer family 

Cervidae (including but not limited to 

white-tailed deer, black-tailed deer, mule 

deer, fallow, axis, and sika deer, elk, moose, 

and caribou). 

States and provinces with CWD 

include Alberta, Colorado, Illinois, Kansas, 

Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, 

Nebraska, New Mexico, New York, North 

Dakota, Oklahoma, Saskatchewan, South 

Dakota, Utah, West Virginia, Wisconsin, 

and Wyoming. 

Virginia’s regulation does provide for 

the importation and possession of the following 

carcass parts: 

• Boned out meat that is cut and 

wrapped (either commercially or privately). 

• Quarters or other portions of meat 

with no part of the spinal column or 

head attached. 

• Hides and capes with no heads 

attached. 

• Clean (no meat or tissue attached) 

skull plates with antlers attached. 

• Antlers with no meat or tissue 

attached. 

• Upper canine teeth, also known as 

“buglers,” “whistlers,” or “ivories.” 

• Finished taxidermy products. 

A legible label shall be affixed to 

packages or containers holding the allowed 

carcass parts with the following information: 

the species of animal, the state or 

province from where the animal originated, 

and the name and address of the person 

who killed or owned the animal. 

Any person who imports into Virginia 

any deer carcass or parts described above 

and is notified that the animal has tested 

positive for CWD must report the test 

results to the Department within 72 hours 

of receiving the notification. In order to 

facilitate the proper disposal of any infected 

material, the Department may take into 

possession any imported carcass or carcass 

part of an animal if the animal has tested 

positive for CWD. 

Since regulations regarding CWD 

may change at any time due to new information 

or data, it is recommended that, 

before hunting, you check the CWD regulations 

in your home state, the state in 

which you will be hunting, and states 

which you will travel through en route 

home from your hunting area. A summary 

of state-by-state carcass transportation regulations 

is provided on the CWD Alliance 

Web site (www.cwd-info.org) under the 

Regulations section. 

Taking Deer Carcasses out of Virginia 

Now that Virginia is considered a CWD positive state, deer hunters must 

follow carcass importation regulations in other states when they transport a 

deer carcass out of Virginia (see http://www.cwd-info.org/index.php/ 

fuseaction/policy.regulationsMap). Hunters anywhere in Virginia going into 

Kentucky, North Carolina, Tennessee, or West Virginia must bone-out or 

quarter their deer carcass so the brain and spinal cord is removed. Maryland 

will accept whole deer carcasses from Virginia except carcasses originating 

from Virginia’s CWD Containment Area, where carcasses must be boned-out 

or quartered so the brain and spinal cord is removed before they can be 

transported into Maryland. 

QUAIL ACTION PLAN 

Department staff are working with a broad range of public 

and private partners to restore critical upland habitat 

needed by the bobwhite quail to thrive. Among the many 

initiatives underway are: 

• Establishment of early succession wildlife focus areas 

across the state, in concert with the work performed 

by Soil & Water Conservation Districts in Virginia; and 

• Wildlife professionals assisting with delivery of USDA 

Farm Bill programs to landowners that benefit quail 

and other, early succession wildlife species; 

• Establishment of demonstration areas that showcase 

technical management tools put in place to effectively 

manage for quail. 

For more information about the quail plan, go to: 

http://www.huntfishva.com/wildlife/quail/action-plan/quail-action-plan.pdf 

To contact a Private Lands Wildlife Biologist: 

marc.puckett@dgif.virginia.gov 


L 

S 

s 

a 

• 

• 

• 

• 

C 

S 

A 

S 

S 

• 

• 

G 

S 

C 

G 

L 

s 

G 

o 

G 

i

Small Game Hunting 








• Dogs may be used by regulation (see Hunting with Dogs, 

pg. 14). 

Crow 

Seasons: 

August 21 through March 19 on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and 

Saturday only. 

September 1 through March 10 on National Forest Lands and 

Department Lands (Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 

only). 

• Crows are a federally regulated migratory species; however, no 

HIP number is required and hunters may use unplugged shotguns 

to hunt them. 

• Electronic calls may be used on private and public lands. 

Groundhog 

Season: 

Continuous open season on private lands. 

Groundhog hunting on National Forest Lands and Department 

Lands is permitted from September 1-March 10 and during the 

spring turkey season. 

Groundhog hunting is permitted during the spring squirrel season 

only on Department lands that are open for spring squirrel hunting. 

Groundhog hunting is not permitted on National Forest lands during 

the spring squirrel season. 

Hunting Preserves 

Pen-raised game birds may be taken on licensed hunting 

preserves from September 1 through April 30. A 

list of hunting preserves open to the public may be 

obtained from the Permits Section at the Department's 

Richmond office or at www.HuntFishVA.com. A 

resident hunting pen-raised game birds on a licensed 

hunting preserve is required to have a hunting license. 

A nonresident is required to have either a nonresident 

hunting license or a special nonresident hunting 

(shooting) preserve license which is valid only within 

the boundaries of licensed hunting preserves. 

The Virginia Wildlife magazine article “Upland Game 

Bird Trail” is online at www.HuntFishVA.com/virginiawildlife/special-feature.asp. 

Grouse 

Bag Limit: Three per day. 

Season: 

October 23 through February 12 west of I-95 

Continuous closed season east of I-95 

Quail and Pheasant 

Bag Limits: Quail: six per day 

Pheasant: no daily or seasonal bag limit 

Season: 


Rabbit 

Bag Limit: Six per day 

Season: 

October 30 through February 28 

Squirrel (Gray, Red, and Fox*) 

*Fox squirrel open only in the counties west of the Blue Ridge and 

in the counties of Albemarle, Bedford, Culpeper, Fauquier, 

Franklin, Greene, Loudoun, Madison, Orange, Patrick, Prince 

William, and Rappahannock during any authorized squirrel season. 

Bag Limit: All squirrels combined - six per day. 

Seasons: 

Fall Season: September 4 through January 31: statewide 

Spring Season: June 4 through 18, 2011 

Gray and red squirrels may be harvested on all private lands 

and on the following wildlife management areas:Amelia, Big 

Survey, Briery Creek, Cavalier, Chickahominy, Dick Cross, 

Fairystone (including Fairystone State Park and Philpott 

Reservoir), Featherfin, Goshen, Hardware River, Havens, 

Hog Island (Carlisle Tract only), Horsepen, James River, Little 

North Mountain, Merrimac Farm, Pettigrew, Phelps, 

Powhatan (including the Goochland Tract), Rapidan, 

Thompson, Turkeycock Mountain, and White Oak Mountain. 

Fox squirrels may be harvested on all private lands in counties 

with an open fox squirrel season during the regular squirrel 

season and on the following wildlife management areas: 

Big Survey, Goshen, Havens, Little North Mountain, Merrimac 

Farm, Phelps, Rapidan, and Thompson. 

• Dogs may be used to hunt squirrels during the spring season. 

Q: I plan to squirrel hunt only in Prince William 

County during the special Late Antlerless-Only 

Firearms Deer Season. Do I need to wear blaze 

orange as I will not be deer hunting? 

A: Yes. Blaze orange must be worn during any 

firearms deer season. 


Small Game Hunting

Turkey Hunting 

LEE 

Turkey Hunting 

Bag Limits: 

General: One per day, three per license year, no more than two of 

which may be taken in the fall. 

Archery and Fall Firearms Season: Turkeys of either sex may be 

taken. 

Spring Turkey Season: One per day, bearded turkeys only. 

Archery Turkey Season 


• Except in areas where there is a closed firearm season on turkey. 

Legal Methods and Restrictions for Archery Turkey 

Season 



and Local Firearms Ordinances, pg.19 for details. 


• Decoys and blinds may be used. 

• Broadhead widths must be at least 7/8-inch wide or expand upon 

impact to 7/8-inch. 


125 yards. 

• Unlawful to use dogs when hunting with archery tackle during 

the archery season. 

• Unlawful to have a firearm in possession 

Fall Firearms Turkey Seasons 

Wild turkeys killed in the fall must be checked at 

a Game Check Station so feather samples can be 

collected to estimate reproductive success. 

Feather samples are not collected during the 

spring season. 

WISE 

SCOTT 

DICKENSON 

BUCHANAN 

RUSSELL 

WASHINGTON 

TAZEWELL 

SMYTH 

BLAND 

WYTHE 

GRAYSON 

GILES 

PULASKI 

CARROLL 

MONTGOMERY 

FLOYD 

CRAIG 

ALLEGHANY 

ROANOKE 

BATH 

BOTETOURT 

FRANKLIN 

PATRICK 

HENRY 

HIGHLAND 

ROCKBRIDGE 

Youth Fall Turkey Hunt Day 

October 16: 

• Hunting hours are from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half 

hour after sunset. 

• Youth hunters (resident or nonresident) must be 15 years of age 

or younger to participate. 

• Youth hunters between the age of 12 and 15 must have appropriate 

valid hunting licenses. Resident hunters under the age of 12 

are not required to have a license, but they must be accompanied 

by a licensed adult. 

• All youth must be accompanied and directly supervised and 

within sight of an adult. Adult hunters accompanying youth 

must possess a valid Virginia hunting license (or be exempt from 

purchasing a hunting license); may assist with calling; and shall 

not carry or discharge a firearm. 

Fall Firearms Turkey Seasons 

October 23 through November 5, November 25, and 


In the counties of Alleghany, Amherst (west of Rt. 29), Augusta, 

Bath, Bedford, Bland, Botetourt, Campbell (west of Norfolk 

Southern Railroad), Carroll, Clarke, Craig, Dickenson, Floyd, 

Franklin, Frederick, Giles, Grayson, Henry, Highland, Lee, Montgomery, 

Nelson (west of Rt. 151), Page, Patrick, Pittsylvania (west 

of Norfolk-Southern Railroad), Pulaski, Roanoke, Rockbridge, 

Rockingham, Russell, Scott, Shenandoah, Smyth, Tazewell, Warren, 

Washington, Wise, Wythe and on Camp Peary. 

Closed: 

In the county of Arlington and the cities of Chesapeake, 

Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, Portsmouth and Virginia 

Beach. 

AUGUSTA 

AMHERST 

BEDFORD 

CAMPBELL 

PITTSYLVANIA 

ROCKINGHAM 

NELSON 

APPOMATTOX 

HALIFAX 

SHENANDOAH 

FREDERICK 

WARREN 

CLARKE 


GREENE 

MADISON 

ALBEMARLE 

BUCKINGHAM 

CHARLOTTE 

FLUVANNA 

PRINCE 

EDWARD 

CUMBERLAND 

FAUQUIER 

CULPEPER 

LOUDOUN 

FAIRFAX 



LUNENBURG 

MECKLENBURG 

LOUISA 

GOOCHLAND 

POWHATAN 

NOTTOWAY 

STAFFORD KING 

GEORGE 

CAROLINE 

HANOVER 

CHESTERFIELD 

AMELIA 

DINWIDDIE 

BRUNSWICK 

HENRICO 

GREENSVILLE 

KING WILLIAM 

PRINCE 

GEORGE 

SUSSEX 

CHARLES 

CITY 

ARLINGTON 

WESTMORELAND 

ESSEX 


NEW 

KENT 

JAMES 

CITY 

SURRY 

SOUTHAMPTON 

RICHMOND 

LANCASTER 

MIDDLESEX 

YORK 

ISLE OF 

WIGHT 


MATHEWS 

NEWPORT 

NEWS 

VIRGINIA 

BEACH 


NORTHAMPTON 

HAMPTON 

PORTSMOUTH 

NORFOLK 


ACCOMACK



In the counties of Albemarle, Amelia, Amherst (east of Rt. 29), 

Appomattox, Brunswick, Buckingham, Campbell (east of Norfolk 

Southern Railroad), Caroline, Charlotte, Chesterfield, Culpeper, 

Cumberland, Dinwiddie, Essex, Fairfax, Fauquier, Fluvanna, 

Goochland, Greene, Greensville, Halifax, Hanover, Henrico, King 

and Queen, King William, Loudoun, Louisa, Lunenburg, Madison, 

Mecklenburg, Nelson (east of Rt. 151), Nottoway, Orange, Pittsylvania 

(east of Norfolk-Southern Railroad), Powhatan, Prince 

Edward, Prince William, Rappahannock, Spotsylvania, and 

Stafford. 



In the counties of Charles City, Gloucester, James City, King 

George, Lancaster, Mathews, Middlesex, New Kent, Northumberland, 

Richmond, Westmoreland, and York (except on Camp 

Peary). 

October 23 through November 5 and 

November 25: 

In the counties of Accomack, Buchanan, Isle of Wight, Northampton, 

Prince George, Southampton, Surry, Sussex, and in the city of 

Suffolk. 

Legal Methods and Restrictions for Fall Firearms 

Seasons and Youth Fall Turkey Hunt Day 


See Legal Use of Firearms and Archery Equipment, pg. 16 and 

Local Firearms Ordinances, pg. 19 for details. 




• Decoys, blinds, and dogs may be used 

• Unlawful to use electronic calls 

Spring turkeys can only be checked online at 

www.HuntFishVA.com or by telephone 

(1-866-Got-Game [468-4263]). 

Spring turkeys must have certified weight to enter 

in Big Game contest, see pages 22–23. 

Spring Gobbler Hunters Needed For Survey! 

For years the Department has conducted a statewide survey 

of spring gobbler hunters to collect observations and 

their opinions, but participation has been declining. Survey 

results help the Department with many wild turkey 

conservation issues. Participants receive an annual 

report and a complimentary Department calendar. To 

participate, send your name and mailing address to 

Gary.Norman@dgif.virginia.gov or call 540-248-9360. 


Youth Spring Turkey Hunt Day 

April 2, 2011: 

• One-half hour before sunrise to sunset. 

• Bag limit is one per day, bearded birds only. 

• Youth hunters (resident or nonresident) must be 15 years of age 

or younger to participate. 

• Youth hunters between the age of 12 and 15 must have appropriate 

valid hunting licenses. Resident hunters under the age of 12 

are not required to have a license, but they must be accompanied 

by a licensed adult. 

• All youth must be accompanied and directly supervised and 

within sight of an adult. Adult hunters accompanying youth 

must possess a valid Virginia hunting license (or be exempt from 

purchasing a hunting license); may assist with calling; and shall 

not carry or discharge a firearm. 

Spring Turkey Season 

Bag Limit: 

One per day, bearded turkeys only. Hunters may take one, two or 

three bearded turkeys depending on how many turkeys were taken 

in the fall season. 

Seasons: Statewide 

April 9 through April 30, 2011: 

One-half hour before sunrise until 12 noon each day. 

May 2 through May 14, 2011: 

One-half hour before sunrise to sunset. 

Legal Methods and Restrictions for Spring 

Turkey Season and Youth Spring Turkey Hunt Day 







• Decoys and blinds may be used 

• Unlawful to use electronic calls 

• Unlawful to use dogs during spring turkey season 

• When using a shotgun it is unlawful to use or have in possession 

any shot larger than number 2 fine shot during spring turkey season. 

Q: I understand that bearded hens are legal in the 

spring gobbler season. Are bearded hens common? 

I understand they are infertile and removing 

them from the population would be helpful. 

A: Bearded hens are not common, probably less 

than 5% of hens have beards. The primary reason 

why bearded hens are legal in the spring season is 

because it is oftentimes very difficult to tell them 

apart from bearded males. Contrary to common 

belief, bearded hens are indeed fertile. 

41 

Turkey Hunting

Furbearer Hunting & Trapping 

Furbearer Hunting Seasons 


Special restrictions apply to specific firearms use during these seasons. 

See Legal Use of Firearms and Archery Equipment, pg. 16 





• Dogs may be used (except where prohibited, see Hunting with 

Dogs, pg. 14). 

• Electronic calls for bobcat, coyote and fox 

• Hunting permitted day or night 

• Lights may be used as long as the light is not attached to or cast 

from a vehicle. 

• Night vision scopes and laser sights may be used. 

• No hunting on Sunday, except for raccoons, which may be hunted 

until 2:00 a.m. on Sunday mornings. 

Coyote 

Season: 

Continuous open season on private lands. Coyote hunting on 

National Forest Lands and Department Lands is permitted from 

September 1 through March 10 and during the spring turkey season 

and spring squirrel season on certain areas (see page 39 for area 

listings for spring squirrel season). Coyotes may not be hunted on 

Sundays. 

Coyote Bounty Law 

Coyote bounties are not administered by DGIF. Counties have the 

option of establishing their own coyote bounty system. For more 

information, hunters and trappers should contact their County 

Administrator or County Board of Supervisors. 

Coyote; ©Bill Lea 

Opossum 

Season: 

October 15 through March 10: statewide 

Skunk 

Season: 

Continuous open season to take striped skunk on private lands. 

Striped skunk hunting on National Forest Lands and Department 

Lands is permitted from September 1 through March 10 and during 

time periods when it is legal to hunt spring turkeys. Continuous 

closed season for taking spotted skunks and the pelts of spotted 

skunks may not be sold. 

Fox 

Firearms 

Season: 

November 1 though February 28 

Closed in Albemarle, Clarke, Culpeper, Fauquier (except Quantico), 

Loudoun, Louisa, and Rappahannock counties. 

Dogs May Be Used to Hunt Foxes Except: 

During the firearms season for deer on the Gathright, Goshen, 

Highland and Little North Mountain Wildlife Management Areas 

and within the boundaries of the George Washington/Jefferson 

National Forests. 

Chase Only 

Season: 

Continuous open season statewide (including Sundays) unless 

noted below. 

Closed March 1 through October 31 and during the firearms season 

for deer on the George Washington/Jefferson National Forests and 

on Gathright, Goshen, G. Richard Thompson, Highland, Little 

North Mountain, and Rapidan WMAs. 

Restrictions: 

• Unlawful to have in possession a firearm when hunting fox outside 

of the firearms fox season. Possession shall include, but not 

be limited to, having any firearm in or on one’s person, vehicle, 

or conveyance. 

Electronic Calls 

It is unlawful to take or attempt to take wild animals and 

wild birds with recorded or electronically amplified calls, 

except for bobcat, coyote, crow, and fox. Electronic calls 

may be used on private lands with written permission of 

the landowner and on public lands (except where specifically 

prohibited) during periods when the use of 

firearms is permitted. 


Bobcat 

Bag Limit 

Two per hunting party taken between noon one day and noon the 

following day. Season bag limit shall be 12 bobcats taken by hunting 

and trapping combined. 

Archery 

Season: 

October 2 through 30: statewide 


• Unlawful to use dogs when hunting with bow and arrow or 

crossbow during the bobcat archery season. 

• Unlawful to have a firearm in possession. 

Firearms 

Season: 

November 1 through February 28: statewide 

Dogs May Be Used to Hunt Bobcat Except: 

During the firearms season for deer in the counties of Alleghany, 

Amherst (west of Route 29), Augusta, Bath, Bedford, Botetourt, 

Campbell (west of Norfolk Southern Railroad), Clarke, Frederick, 

Highland, Nelson (west of Rt. 151), Page, Pittsylvania (west of 

Norfolk Southern Railroad), Rockbridge, Rockingham, Shenandoah, 

and Warren and within the boundaries of the George Washington/Jefferson 


Electronic Checking Requirement 

for Bobcats 

All hunters or trappers who kill a bobcat are required to report 

the kill within 24 hours through the Department’s electronic 

harvest reporting system. Bobcats can be checked with a touchtone 

telephone (a rotary phone will not work) by calling the tollfree 

number 1-866-GOT-GAME (468-4263). Bobcats can also be 

checked using the Internet. Successful hunters and trappers can 

access the Department’s Web page at www.HuntFishVA.com, then 

click on “Hunting,” then “Check Game Online” under the “Links” 

tab. 

Before using the telephone or Internet checking system, you 

will need your hunting license number, a pen, and a piece of paper 

to record your confirmation number. If you are exempt from purchasing 

a license, you will need your driver’s license number or the 

last four digits of your Social Security number. At the end of the 

check-in session, you will be provided with a confirmation number 

that is a letter followed by ten digits. Write this number down 

and store it in a secure location where it can be retrieved to 

prove compliance with the checking requirement or to request 

CITES tags. If your telephone or Internet session is cut off before 

you get a complete confirmation number, start the session again 

and continue until the complete confirmation number is obtained. 

If you have more than one bobcat to check in, you will have the 

opportunity to report additional animals at the end of the session. 

You may get the same confirmation number for multiple animals. 

If you plan to take the bobcat to a taxidermist, you must 

securely attach written documentation to the carcass that includes 


the full name of the hunter or trapper, date of kill, and the harvest 

confirmation number. 

Bobcats legally killed by landowners outside the season and 

legally possessed road-killed bobcats are not required to be 

checked in using the electronic harvest reporting system. If you 

plan to take a bobcat to a taxidermist that does not require checking, 

you must securely attach the same information described 

above (except for the confirmation number) and a description of 

how the bobcat was legally obtained. 

CITES Tagging Requirement For 

Bobcats 

Bobcat pelts that are sold, traded, transported out of state, or 

shipped out of state must also have a CITES tag affixed to each animal. 

A valid confirmation number will be needed to obtain a 

CITES tag. No CITES tag is needed to have a bobcat mounted by a 

Virginia taxidermist or to ship a bobcat pelt out-of-state for tanning 

purposes. 

To obtain a CITES tag for a bobcat, contact our Customer 

Service Center at (866) 721-6911. If you cannot reach Customer 

Service, you can contact your local Conservation Police Officer or 

the nearest Department regional office (listed on page 6). Make 

sure that you have a valid harvest confirmation number for each 

CITES tag requested. Tags ordered from our Customer Service 

Center will be mailed directly to the hunter or trapper, along with 

instructions for tagging. All bobcat pelts required to have a CITES 

tag must have them affixed by April 1. 

Q: Are laser sights, night vision scopes and 

infrared scopes legal to use when legally hunting 

at night? 

A: Yes, these devices are legal to use when legally 

hunting at night. The following animals are legal to 

hunt at night: bobcat, coyote, feral hog, fox, opossum, 

raccoon, and skunk. 

What does the acronym CITES mean? 

CITES is an abbreviation for the Convention on International 

Trade in Endangered Species. It is an international 

agreement between governments to ensure that international 

trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does 

not threaten their survival. Although the bobcat and otter 

species found in Virginia are not endangered, their pelts 

are similar in appearance to several endangered animals in 

other countries. As a result, the United States agreed to 

affix CITES tags to all bobcat and otter pelts before they 

leave the country. Virginia is required to participate in this 

program to comply with the CITES agreement. 

43 

furbearer Hunting & Trapping


Raccoon 


• Raccoons may be hunted until 2:00 a.m. Sunday mornings. 

• Lights may be used as long as the light is not attached to or cast 

from a vehicle. 

Chase Only 

Seasons: 

Continuous chase season (including Sundays) 

In all counties and portions of counties east of Rt. 29 

and in the counties of Loudoun (east of Rt. 15) and Prince William 

(east of Rt. 15). 

August 1 through May 31 (including Sundays) 

On private lands in all counties and portions of 

counties west of Route 29 and in the counties of Loudoun (west of 

Rt. 15) and Prince William (west of Rt. 15) and on Fairystone 

Farms, G. Richard Thompson, Rapidan and Turkeycock Wildlife 

Management Areas. 

August 1 through May 31 (including Sundays) on 

Private Lands and 

August 14 through September 25 (including Sundays) on National 

Forest and Department Controlled Lands in the counties of Bland, 

Buchanan, Craig, Dickenson, Giles, Lee, Montgomery (north of 

Interstate 81), Pulaski (north of Interstate 81), Russell, Scott, 

Smyth (north of Interstate 81), Tazewell, Washington (north of 

Interstate 81), Wise, and Wythe (north of Interstate 81). 

LEE 

WISE 

SCOTT 

DICKENSON 

I-81 

BUCHANAN 

RUSSELL 

WASHINGTON 

TAZEWELL 

SMYTH 

BLAND 

WYTHE 

GRAYSON 

GILES 

PULASKI 

CARROLL 

MONTGOMERY 

FLOYD 

CRAIG 

ALLEGHANY 

ROANOKE 

BATH 

BOTETOURT 

FRANKLIN 

PATRICK 

HENRY 

HIGHLAND 

ROCKBRIDGE 

Route 29 

Firearms 

Season: 

October 15 through March 10: statewide 

NO RACCOON MAY BE TAKEN EXCEPT DURING THE FIREARMS SEASON. 

Bag Limits: 

East of the Blue Ridge: Two per hunter taken between noon one 

day and noon the following day. 

West of the Blue Ridge:Two per hunting party (individual or organized) 

taken between noon one day and noon the following day. 

Unlawful Methods: 

To have in possession a firearm, bow, axe, or any tree climbing 

device when chasing raccoons outside of the firearms season. 

Possession shall include, but not be limited to, having 

these devices in or on one’s person, vehicle, or conveyance 

while engaged in the act of chasing. 

AUGUSTA 

AMHERST 

BEDFORD 

CAMPBELL 

PITTSYLVANIA 

ROCKINGHAM 

NELSON 

APPOMATTOX 

HALIFAX 

SHENANDOAH 

FREDERICK 

WARREN 

CLARKE 


GREENE 

MADISON 

ALBEMARLE 

BUCKINGHAM 

CHARLOTTE 

FLUVANNA 

PRINCE 

EDWARD 

CUMBERLAND 

FAUQUIER 

CULPEPER 

LOUDOUN 

FAIRFAX 



LUNENBURG 

MECKLENBURG 

LOUISA 

GOOCHLAND 

POWHATAN 

NOTTOWAY 

STAFFORD KING 

GEORGE 

CAROLINE 

HANOVER 

CHESTERFIELD 

AMELIA 

DINWIDDIE 

BRUNSWICK 

Route 29 

HENRICO 

GREENSVILLE 

KING WILLIAM 

PRINCE 

GEORGE 

SUSSEX 

CHARLES 

CITY 

ARLINGTON 

WESTMORELAND 

ESSEX 


NEW 

KENT 

JAMES 

CITY 

SURRY 

SOUTHAMPTON 

RICHMOND 

LANCASTER 

MIDDLESEX 

YORK 

ISLE OF 

WIGHT 


MATHEWS 

NEWPORT 

NEWS 

VIRGINIA 

BEACH 


NORTHAMPTON 

HAMPTON 

PORTSMOUTH 

NORFOLK 


ACCOMACK 

g 

r 

f 

n 

o 

a 

m 

p 

7 

s 

s 

6 

w 

s

Trapping 

General Regulations 

Residents under 16 years of age do not need a license to trap when 

accompanied by any person 18 years of age or older who possesses 

a valid state or county license to trap. Trappers using box traps for 

rabbits do not need a license, but permission of the landowner is 

necessary. County residents 65 years of age and over do not need a 

license to trap on private property in their county of residence. 

National Forest lands will be open during the regular trapping seasons. 

Check local ordinances before trapping near highways. 

Trapping on Department-owned or controlled lands and 

waters is allowed under the regulations of the Board unless prohibited 

by posted rules. The posted rules may require written authorization 

to trap on some areas or may specify other restrictions. 

It is lawful to set traps in water from December 1 through the 

last day of February, both dates inclusive, and at anytime within the 

incorporated limits of any city or town in the Commonwealth and 

in the counties of Arlington, Chesterfield, Fairfax, Henrico, James 

City, Loudoun, Prince William, Spotsylvania, Stafford, Roanoke 

and York, except as otherwise specifically provided by department 

permit or by local ordinances. 

Any person setting or in possession of a steel foothold or body 

gripping trap or snare shall have it marked by means of a nonferrous 

metal tag bearing his name and address or a permanent identification 

number issued by the Department. This requirement shall 

not apply to landowners on their own land, nor to a bonafide tenant 

or lessee within the bounds of land rented or leased by him, nor to 

anyone transporting any such trap from its place of purchase. 

Trappers must visit all traps once each day and remove all animals 

caught therein, except for completely submerged body-gripping 

traps which must be visited once every 72 hours. 

The use of body gripping traps with a jaw spread in excess of 

7-1/2 inches is prohibited except when such traps are at least half 

submerged by water. 

It is unlawful to set on land any steel foothold trap with teeth 

set upon the jaws or with a maximum inside jaw spread exceeding 

6-1/2 inches measured perpendicular to the hinges. 

It is unlawful to set above the ground any body gripping trap 

with a jaw spread in excess of 5 inches when using any bait, lure or 

scent. However, baited body gripping traps with a jaw spread 


Opening 

not to 

exceed 60 

square 

inches 

between 5 and 6-1/2 inches may be used within an enclosure with 

openings no greater than 60 square inches and the trap trigger 

recessed at least 12 inches from all openings (see diagram below). 

Traps must be staked to prevent enclosures from turning over and 

may only be used on private lands with written permission of the 

landowner. 

No deadfalls traps may be used. Snares set on land must have 

loops less than 12 inches in diameter with the top of the snare loop 

no more than 12 inches above the ground. Land snares may only be 

used with written permission of the landowner. 

It is unlawful to willfully molest, damage, or remove any trap, 

or any lawfully caught bird or animal from or in any way disturb 

traps or snares legally set by another person. 

No trapping of furbearing animals within 300 yards of First 

Landing/Seashore State Park and the Virginia Marine Science 

Museum in the City of Virginia Beach. 

It is unlawful to shoot a rifle or pistol at wild birds or animals 

on or over public inland waters; however, a licensed trapper may 

shoot a .22 caliber rimfire rifle or pistol on or over public inland 

waters for the purpose of dispatching a trapped animal. 


Permanent Identification Number 

For Trap Tags 

Trappers now have the option of using a permanent identification 

number on their trap tags instead of their name 

and address. The Department will assign a unique number 

to interested trappers for permanent use. To obtain a trapper 

ID number, contact the Verona Regional Office at (540) 

248-9360 for instructions. Please remember that this 

method of tag marking is OPTIONAL and that you may 

continue to use tags with your name and address, if you 

prefer. 

Virginia Trappers Association 

Reward Program 

Every year, Virginia trappers lose hundreds of traps to 

thieves. The Virginia Trappers Association is offering a 

reward, up to $500, for individuals who report trap theft to 

the Department that results in a successful prosecution. 

Anyone who sees traps being stolen is encouraged to 

report it through the Department’s poaching hotline at 1- 

800-237-5712 or email at wildcrime@dgif.virginia.gov. 

If you encounter traps while in the outdoors, you have 

a legal obligation to respect the trapper's private property 

and leave them alone. At the same time, trappers have an 

ethical obligation not to set traps in areas where they are 

likely to be encountered by the general public or their pets. 

45 

furbearer Hunting & Trapping


Trapping Seasons 

There is a continuous open season to trap beaver, muskrat, opossum 

and raccoon within the incorporated limits of any city or town 

in the Commonwealth, and in the counties of Arlington, Chesterfield, 

Fairfax, Henrico, James City, Loudoun, Prince William, 

Spotsylvania, Stafford, Roanoke and York. 

When beavers are damaging crops or lands, the owner of the 

premises, his agent, or tenant, may kill the animals or have them 

killed. This includes shooting, except in areas where the discharge 

of firearms is prohibited. 

Beaver 

December 1 through February 28 

Bobcat 

November 15 through February 28 

Bag limit: The season bag limit shall be 12 bobcats in the aggregate, 

taken by hunting and trapping combined. 

All trapped bobcats must be reported within 24 hours through 

the Department’s electronic harvest reporting system. A 

CITES tag may also be required for some bobcats. Please see page 

43 for details regarding bobcat checking and tagging procedures. 

Coyote 

Continuous open season. 

Fox 


Fox trapping is prohibited in Clarke (except on G. Richard Thompson 

WMA), Fauquier (except on Chester F. Phelps WMA and G. 

Richard Thompson WMA), Loudoun, and Rappahannock counties. 

Mink 


Muskrat 


Nutria 

Continuous open season 

Opossum 


Otter 


Bag Limit 

The season bag limit shall be 2 otters in all counties west of the Blue 

Ridge. There is no season bag limit in counties east of the Blue 

Ridge. 

Mandatory Check-in Requirements 

The entire skinned carcass of all otters trapped in counties west of 

the Blue Ridge must be presented to an agent of the Department 

within 3 days of capture. For more information on submitting otter 

carcasses contact your nearest regional office listed on page 6. 

CITES Tagging Requirement For Otter 

Otter pelts that are sold, traded, transported out of state, or shipped 

out of state must also have a CITES tag affixed to each animal. No 

CITES tag is needed to have an otter mounted by a Virginia taxidermist 

or ship an otter pelt out-of-state for tanning purposes. To 

obtain a CITES tag, contact your local Conservation Police Officer 

or the nearest Department regional office (listed on page 6). All 

otter pelts required to have a CITES tag must have them affixed by 

April 1. 

Rabbit 

May be taken with box traps from October 15-January 31 provided 

no traps shall be set on the lands of another without written permission 

of the landowner. 

Raccoon 


Skunk 

Continuous open season for striped skunk. Continuous closed season 

for taking spotted skunk and the pelts of spotted skunk may not 

be sold. 

Weasel 


Boat Smart 

Wear Your Life Jacket 

A disproportionate number of sportsmen die in boating 

accidents, most often from falls overboard or capsizing. 

Wearing a life jacket may save your life. It is estimated that 

88 percent of boating-related drownings could have 

been prevented had the victim been wearing a life jacket. 

The newest type of life jacket, the manual or automatic 

inflatable, is lightweight and comfortable. They are 

versatile enough to be worn at any time of the year, and 

will easily fit over a hunting coat or sweater. 

Safety Tips 

✦ Check the weather before leaving. 

✦ Wear a life jacket, vest or float coat. 

✦ Remain seated and keep weight evenly 

distributed. 

✦ Anchor from the bow, never from the stern. 

✦ Properly load your boat. 

✦ Stay with your boat if it should capsize. 

✦ Guard against hypothermia. 

✦ Leave the alcohol at home. 


1 

2 

3

Public Hunting Lands 

Department Wildlife Management Areas 

The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries maintains 37 management areas totaling 

nearly 200,000 acres for the benefit of all citizens for a variety of wildlife-related outdoor recreational 

opportunities. Thirty-four management areas are open for some type of hunting. These 

lands are purchased and maintained with hunting, fishing, and trapping license fees and with Federal 

Assistance in Wildlife Restoration funds, derived from the sale of hunting-related equipment. 

We encourage the public to visit these areas to enjoy wildlife, habitats and the bountiful natural 

resources found there. 


click on Find Game 

LEE 

WISE 

SCOTT 

DICKENSON 

BUCHANAN 

RUSSELL 

20 21 

WASHINGTON 

TAZEWELL 

SMYTH 

BLAND 

19 

WYTHE 

GRAYSON 

GILES 

PULASKI 

17 

18 

CARROLL 

MONTGOMERY 

FLOYD 

1. Game Farm Marsh WMA, 530 acres 

2. Saxis WMA, 5,574 acres 

3. *Mockhorn Island/GATR WMA, 7,642 acres 

4. *Hog Island/Carlisle WMA, 3,908 acres 

5. *Princess Anne WMA, 1,546 acres 

6. *Cavalier/Dismal Swamp WMA, 4,485 acres 

7. Ragged Island WMA, 1,537 acres 

8. Chickahominy WMA, 5,218 acres 

9. Powhatan WMA, 4,463 acres 

10. *Amelia WMA, 2, 217 acres 

11. *Dick Cross WMA, 1,400 acres 

12. Briery Creek WMA, 3,164 acres 

13. *Featherfin WMA, 2,800 acres 

14. Horsepen WMA, 2,910 acres 

15. White Oak Mt. WMA, 2,712 acres 

16. Turkeycock Mt. WMA, 2,678 acres 

17. Crooked Creek WMA, 1,796 acres 

18. Stewarts Creek WMA, 1,100 acres 

19. Big Survey WMA, 7,300 acres 


CRAIG 

ROANOKE 

PATRICK 

ALLEGHANY 

23 

22 

25 

BATH 

BOTETOURT 

FRANKLIN 

HENRY 

HIGHLAND 

ROCKBRIDGE 

AUGUSTA 

BEDFORD 

CAMPBELL 

16 

29 

28 

27 

26 

PITTSYLVANIA 

NELSON 

AMHERST 

15 

ROCKINGHAM 

APPOMATTOX 

HALIFAX 

SHENANDOAH 

FREDERICK 

WARREN 

CLARKE 


MADISON 

ALBEMARLE 

24 

GREENE 

BUCKINGHAM 

CHARLOTTE 

31 

30 

13 

12 

14 

FLUVANNA 

PRINCE 

EDWARD 

CUMBERLAND 

FAUQUIER 

CULPEPER 

LOUDOUN 

FAIRFAX 


STAFFORD 


LUNENBURG 

11 

MECKLENBURG 

32 

33 

37 

34 

35 

36 

LOUISA 

GOOCHLAND 

9 

10 

POWHATAN 

NOTTOWAY 

CAROLINE 

HANOVER 

CHESTERFIELD 

AMELIA 

DINWIDDIE 

BRUNSWICK 

GREENSVILLE 

KING 

GEORGE 

HENRICO 

KING WILLIAM 

CHARLES 

CITY 

PRINCE 

GEORGE 

SUSSEX 

ARLINGTON 

WESTMORELAND 

ESSEX 


NEW 

KENT 

1 

8 

JAMES 

CITY 

SURRY 

SOUTHAMPTON 

RICHMOND 

20. Hidden Valley WMA, 6,400 acres 

21. Clinch Mt. WMA, 25,477 acres 

22. Fairystone WMA, 5,321 acres 

23. Havens WMA, 7,190 acres 

24. James River WMA, 1,213 acres 

25. Gathright WMA, 13,428 acres 

26. Lake Robertson WMA, 581 acres 

27. Goshen WMA, 16,125 acres 

28. Little North Mt. WMA, 17,572 acres 

29. Highland WMA, 14,283 acres 

30. Hardware River WMA, 1,034 acres 

31. Rapidan WMA, 10,327 acres 

32. Thompson WMA, 3,963 acres 

33. Weston WMA, 265 acres 

34. C. F. Phelps WMA, 4,540 acres 

35. Lands End WMA, 450 acres 

36. Pettigrew WMA, 934 acres 

37. *Merrimac Farm WMA, 300 acres 

* some or all hunting by quota drawing (see pages 53–58) 

LANCASTER 

MIDDLESEX 

4 

YORK 

ISLE OF 

WIGHT 

7 


MATHEWS 

NEWPORT 

NEWS 

VIRGINIA 

BEACH 


2 

ACCOMACK 

3 

NORTHAMPTON 

HAMPTON 

PORTSMOUTH 

NORFOLK 

6 

5 

47 

Public Hunting Lands


Rules For Wildlife 

Management Areas 

Dogs 

• It is lawful to chase with dogs or train 

dogs on Department-owned lands only 

during authorized hunting, chase or 

training seasons that specifically permit 

these activities. 

• Dogs must be leashed at all times outside 

of open hunting, chase, or training seasons. 

Camping/Fires 

• Primitive camping (no water, electric 

hookups, bathrooms or other facilities) 

is permitted for up to 14 consecutive 

days when occupants are engaged in 

authorized activities. No more than 3 

camping units are permitted per site. 

• Camping is prohibited on or within 100 

yards of any boat ramp or fishing lake or 

at other specific sites as posted. 

• It is unlawful to leave a campfire unattended. 

From February 15 to April 30 

campfires are allowed only between the 

hours of 4:00 p.m. and midnight. 

Firearms 

• It is unlawful to have in possession or in 

a vehicle a bow, crossbow or firearm, 

which is not unloaded and cased or dismantled 

except when it is lawful to take 

bear, deer, grouse, pheasants, quail, rabbit, 

raccoon, squirrel, turkey or waterfowl; 

and additionally, migratory game 

birds on Department owned lands east of 

the Blue Ridge; or by permit issued by 

the Department. (See exception for valid 

concealed handgun permit holders on 

page 16.) 

• It is unlawful to possess or transport a 

loaded firearm or loaded crossbow in or 

on any vehicle at any time on a WMA. 

(See exception for valid concealed handgun 

permit holders on page 16.) 

• Target shooting is permitted on designated 

ranges only. 

Fishing, Boating and Swimming 

• Please refer to the current Virginia 

Freshwater Fishing Regulations digest 

and posted signs for any special creel 

and size restrictions that may apply to 

wildlife management areas. 

• It is unlawful to use boats propelled by 

gasoline motors, sail or by mechanically 

operated recreational paddle wheel, 

unless otherwise posted. 

• Swimming is prohibited. Anglers 

actively engaged in fishing, hunters 

actively engaged in hunting, and trappers 

lawfully trapping may wade in public 

fishing lakes. 

• It is unlawful to use trotlines on public 

fishing lakes. 

General 

• Activities involving groups of more than 

12 persons require written authorization 

from the Department. 

• Display or consumption of alcoholic 

beverages in public is prohibited. 

• Commercial activities are prohibited 

except by written authorization from the 

Department. 

Horseback/Bicycle Riding and 

Hiking 

• Horseback and bicycle riding are welcome 

on all roads and trails unless otherwise 

posted. Please avoid riding in cultivated 

or planted fields, or on eroded 

areas. Riders and cyclists should be 

mindful of all open hunting seasons. 

• Hiking is welcome. Hikers should be 

mindful of all open hunting seasons. 

• Please avoid engaging in these activities 

when they may interfere with hunters, 

anglers, and wildlife watchers. 

• Blaze orange hat or clothing is recommended 

for non-hunters during hunting 

seasons. 

Hunting & Trapping 

• Please refer to the current hunting and 

trapping seasons found in this digest. 

Special seasons and bag limits that apply 

to a wildlife management area will be 

posted at the entrance. 

Resource and Property Damage 

• It is unlawful to construct or occupy any 

permanent structure (including a permanently-affixed 

tree stand) except by 

Department permit. 

• It is unlawful to cut, mutilate, destroy or 

remove vegetation, or to remove minerals, 

artifacts or other property from the 

area. Metal detecting/artifact hunting is 

prohibited. 

• It is unlawful to damage, deface, or 

remove any building, gate, fence, sign or 

other property. 

Special Antler Rules 

• It shall be unlawful to kill an antlered 

deer on Featherfin Wildlife Management 

Area or on the special Fairystone 

Quality Deer Management Area unless 

the deer has at least four antler points, 1 

inch or longer, on either the right or left 

antler. 

Vehicles 

• Motor vehicles are prohibited behind 

barricades or gates designed to prevent 

entry or within areas otherwise posted to 

prohibit motor vehicles. 

• Operation of ATVs and other unlicensed 

motor vehicles is prohibited. 

• Cross-country motor vehicle travel (offroad 

travel) is prohibited. 

• A motorized wheelchair suitable for use 

in an indoor pedestrian area is not considered 

a motorized vehicle and, therefore, 

is not covered by any restrictions 

on the use of motorized vehicles on 

department owned lands. The term 

wheelchair means a device designed 

solely for use by a mobility-impaired 

person for locomotion that is suitable for 

use in an indoor pedestrian area. 

• Motor vehicles, campers, and trailers 

may be parked on Department-owned 

lands only when the owners/responsible 

party are engaged in authorized activities. 

Disabled Hunter Access 

The Department offers disabled hunter 

access to programs and facilities, opening 

many roads to vehicles during the 

hunting seasons and providing access 

for the mobility impaired on all of its 

management areas. Additionally, mobility 

impaired hunters may use certain 

motorized wheelchairs for access to 

areas closed to other vehicles. 

Other uses are allowed only by written authorization from the 

Department or by posted rules. 


National Forests 

Day use fees are required on certain recreation 

areas. Please visit the George Washington/Jefferson 

National Forest website, 

www.fs.fed.us/r8/gwj or contact the appropriate 

office below, for more information 

on fees and seasonal pass information. 

Supervisor’s Office: (540) 265-5100 

Clinch: (276) 328-2931 

North River: (540) 432-0187 

Glenwood-Pedlar: (540) 291-2189 

James River: (540) 962-2214 

Lee: (540) 984-4101 

Mt. Rogers National Recreation 

Area: (276) 783-5196 

Eastern Divide: (540) 552-4641 

Warm Springs: (540) 839-2521 

Regulations Specific to 

National Forest and 

Game Department Lands 

It shall be unlawful to have in possession a 

bow, crossbow, or any firearm which is not 

unloaded and cased or dismantled on all 

National Forest lands statewide, or on 

Department-owned lands and on lands 

managed by the Department under cooperative 

agreement in counties west of the 

Blue Ridge Mountains except during the 

period when it is lawful to take bear, deer, 

grouse, pheasant, quail, rabbit, raccoon, 

squirrel, turkey or waterfowl on these 

lands; and on Department-owned lands and 

on lands managed by the Department under 

cooperative agreement in counties east of 

the Blue Ridge Mountains except during 

the period when it is lawful to take bear, 

deer, grouse, pheasant, quail, rabbit, raccoon, 

squirrel, turkey, waterfowl or migratory 

game birds on these lands. (See exception 

for valid concealed handgun permit 

holders on page 16.) 

It shall be unlawful to possess or transport 

a loaded firearm or loaded crossbow in 

or on any vehicle at any time on National 

Forest lands or Department-owned lands. 

(See exception for valid concealed handgun 

permit holders on page 16.) 

“Loaded firearm” is defined as a 

firearm in which ammunition is chambered 

or loaded in the magazine or clip, when 

such magazine or clip is found engaged or 

partially engaged in a firearm. 

The definition of a loaded muzzleloading 

firearm will include a firearm 

which is capped, or has a charged pan, or 

has a primer, or battery installed in the 

firearm. 

The definition of a “loaded crossbow” 

is a crossbow that is cocked and has either a 

bolt or arrow engaged or partially engaged 

on the shooting rail or track of the crossbow, 

or with a “trackless crossbow” when 

the crossbow is cocked and a bolt or arrow 

is nocked. 

The word “possession” shall include, 

but not be limited to, having any bow, 

crossbow, or firearm in or on one’s person, 

vehicle or conveyance. 

It is unlawful to chase with a dog or 

train dogs on National Forest lands or 

Department-owned lands except during 

authorized hunting, chase or training seasons 

that specifically permit these activities 

on these lands. 

Access Roads 

Hunter access roads on Department lands 

seasonally open to motor vehicles will be 

open (weather permitting) from the 1st Saturday 

in October to the 2nd Saturday in 

February and the 1st Saturday in April to 

the 3rd Saturday in May. 

Opening and closing dates of hunter 

access roads on National Forest Lands may 

vary by ranger district. Opening and closing 

dates are determined by management 

considerations for the areas accessed by 

these roads. Contact the local ranger district 

listed at left for opening and closing 

dates on specific roads. 

Any motor driven vehicle using roads 

normally open to motor vehicles on 

Department and National Forest lands shall 

conform with all state laws for highway 

travel. No cross country travel is permitted. 

All terrain vehicle (ATV) and off-road 

vehicle (ORV) travel is permitted only on 

designated National Forest roads and trails. 

Foot travel is invited on roads closed 

to motor vehicles. 

Unauthorized Feeding 

It is unlawful to place or direct the 

placement of, deposit, distribute, or 

scatter food or salt capable of 

attracting or being eaten by bear, 

deer or turkey on National Forest 

lands and Department-owned 

lands. This regulation does not prohibit 

the proper disposal of food in 

trash receptacles provided by the 

National Forest or by the Department. 

See page 17 for other feeding 

restrictions. 

Camping Policy 

Primitive camping (no water, electric 

hookups, bathrooms or other facilities) is 

permitted on Department-owned lands, 

except as otherwise posted. Camping is 

prohibited on or within 100 yards of any 

Department-owned or controlled boat 

ramp or fishing lake. Camping on Department-owned 

lands is not to exceed 14 consecutive 

days. Only 3 camping units permitted 

per site. 

Camping on the George 

Washington/Jefferson National Forests for 

more than 21 consecutive days without terminating 

occupancy for a minimum of 10 

consecutive days within a 31-day time period 

is prohibited. For more information, 

please visit the National Forest website 

www.fs.fed.us/r8/gwj or call the appropriate 

office. No trash service is provided. 

“Pack it in, Pack it out.” 

Structures 

It is unlawful to construct, maintain or 

occupy any permanent structure, except by 

permit, on Department-owned lands and 

National Forest lands. 

It is unlawful to maintain any temporary 

dwelling on Department-owned land 

for more than 14 consecutive days. Persons 

constructing or occupying such structures 

are responsible for complete removal of 

temporary structures. 

Tree Stands 

It is unlawful to construct, maintain or 

occupy any permanent tree stand on 

Department-owned lands, National Forest 

lands and on Department of Conservation 

and Recreation-owned or controlled lands. 

Portable tree stands, which are not permanently 

affixed, may be used. Use of a full 

body safety harness while hunting from 

tree stands is strongly recommended. 

Public Access Lands For 

Sportsmen (PALS) 

PALS is a program that opens additional 

lands for public use. Through this cooperative 

private/public program the Department 

has opened more than 19,000 acres of 

private land in Dickenson County to public 

hunting, fishing and trapping. The property 

is owned by Heartwood Forestland Fund 

IV and managed by The Forestland Group, 

LLC. The Department manages access for 

hunting, fishing and trapping. PALS permits 

are only sold through license agents 

and the fee is $18.00. Hunters, anglers and 




trappers must buy the permit from a license 

agent. Inquiries about this area should be 

directed to the Marion Regional Office at 

(276) 783- 4860. 

The Department hopes to provide 

additional PALS lands in the future across 

other parts of the Commonwealth. 

State Forests 

Hunting is allowed on Appomattox-Buckingham 

State Forest, Prince Edward-Gallion 

State Forest, Cumberland State Forest, 

and Sandy Point State Forest (804-492- 

4121), and Channels State Forest (276- 

676-5488). A State Forest Use Permit is 

required and may be purchased from 

license agents or online at 

http://www.HuntFishVA.com/licenses. No 

motorized vehicles permitted on gated 

roads and trails (opened or closed). 

Information on regulations governing 

the use of state forests is available at: 

http://www.dof.virginia.gov/stforest/ 

regulations.shtml. 

State Parks 

Virginia State Parks offer a wide variety of 

hunting opportunities as well as countless 

other outdoor activities for the entire family. 

Hunting opportunities range from open 

hunting in designated areas to managed 

deer hunts where individuals participate 

through a reservation or lottery system. 

Specific sites that offer hunting may 

change from year to year. Managed deer 

hunts are a tool in Virginia State Parks’ 

overall deer management program. Participating 

hunters are asked to support our 

management efforts by following harvest 

guidelines associated with each hunt. 

Detailed hunting opportunities on pages 

51–53 for specific information. 

For more information about hunting 

in a Virginia State Park or to make reservations, 

call 1-800-933-PARK, or on the Web 

at http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/ 

hunting.shtml. Overnight accommodations 

are available at many sites during part of 

the hunting season; contact the Reservation 

Center or visit the website for additional 

information and to reserve cabins or campsites. 

Military Areas 

Fort A.P. Hill 

Archery Season: October 2 through 

November 12. 

Muzzleloading Season: October 30 

through November 12. 

General Firearms: November 13 through 

January 1. One deer per day. Closed 

Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas, 

New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day. 

All persons 12 years of age and older must 

present a hunter education certificate in 

order to purchase an A.P. Hill hunting permit. 

Contact Fort A.P. Hill Game Check Station 

at (804) 633-8244 for details about the 

hunter education requirements, permits, 

fees, antler restrictions, and seasons and 

bag limits for all other game species. 

Fort Pickett 

Deer: 


January 1. Two per day, six per year. Eithersex 

deer hunting on Wednesdays and 

November 20, November 27, and December 

20 through January 1. 

Quail: 

Hunting permitted on Tuesdays, Thursdays, 

and Saturdays only. 

Contact the Ft. Pickett Game Check Station 

at (434) 292-2618 for further details about 

seasons and special restrictions. 

Quantico Marine Reservation 

Deer: 


January 1. Closed Christmas Eve, Christmas 

Day, and New Year’s Day. Open half 

day on Thanksgiving Day. 

Archery Season: October 2 through 

November 13. 

No Muzzleloading Season. 

Consult Quantico Game Check Station for 

daily and seasonal bag limits, other seasons 

and further details, at (703) 784-5523. 

Fort Belvoir 

Archery Only: qualification required. 

Deer: September 4, 2010 through March 

26, 2011. 

Spring Turkey: April 9 through May 14, 

2011. 

Contact Outdoor Recreation staff at (703) 

805-3688 for further details. 

National Parks 

Hunting is prohibited in all National Parks 

in Virginia. For current information related 

to any permitted hunting activities view 

Park specific websites or contact via Park 

public information telephone lines. 

(example: Blue Ridge Parkway 

www.nps.gov/blri or 1-828-298-0398). 

Federal Refuges 

Hunting is allowed on the following 

National Wildlife Refuges in Virginia. For 

more information, contact the appropriate 

refuge manager at: 

* Back Bay: (757) 721-2412 

Chincoteague: (757) 336-6122 

* Great Dismal Swamp: (757) 986-3705 

Eastern Shore: (757) 331-2760 

* James River: (804) 829-9020 or 

(804) 333-1470 

Mason Neck/Occoquan: 

(703) 490-4979 

* Plum Tree Island: (804) 829-9020 

or (804) 333-1470 

* Presquile: (804) 829-9020 or 

(804) 333-1470 

* Rappahannock River Valley: 

(804) 333-1470 

* Quota hunts are offered through DGIF 

Quota Hunt program; see pages 53–58. 

U.S. Army Corps of 

Engineers 

John H. Kerr Reservoir 

The John H. Kerr Reservoir is a federally 

managed multipurpose project located on 

the Virginia-North Carolina border. It consists 

of a 50,000 acre reservoir and 55,000 

acres of land surrounding the lake which 

offers 40,000 acres open to hunting. The 

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers maintains 

26 wildlife management areas located 

around Kerr Reservoir. For more information 

contact: 

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 

1930 Mays Chapel Road 

Boydton, VA 23917 

(434) 738-6143 

http://www.saw.usace.army.mil/jhkerr/ 

index.htm 

John W. Flannagan Reservoir 

The John W. Flannagan Reservoir in western 

Dickenson County provides 6,400acres 

of land open to public hunting. The 

area offers deer, black bear, wild turkey, 

and small game hunting opportunities. For 

further information contact: (276) 835- 

9544 or http://www.lrh.usace.army.mil/ 

projects/lakes/jwf/. 


Virginia State Parks and Natural Areas Hunting Opportunities: 2010–2011 Season 

State Park or 

Natural Area 

Hunting Dates 

Reservation Hunts 

Lottery Hunts 

Lottery Deadline 

Belle Isle 11/9–10 ✔ 9/24 12 M $15 ✔ 

Lancaster County 

804-462-5030 12/14–15 ✔ 9/24 12 G $15 ✔ 

Caledon Natural Area 11/3–4 ✔ 9/10 20 M $15 ✔ 

King George County 11/10–11 

540-663-3861 

Chippokes Plantation 

Surry County 12/18 ✔ 10/14 30 M $15 ✔ 

757-294-3728 S bs 

Claytor Lake 

Pulaski County 1/7–8 ✔ 10/15 20 M, Ss $15 ✔ 

540-643-2500 

Douthat 11/2–4 ✔ 9/3 45 M $15 ✔ 

Bath County 11/9–11 

540-862-8100 11/16–17 ✔ 9/3 45 G $15 ✔ 

Grayson Highlands 11/13 ✔ 10/1 30 YG $5 $10 ✔ 

Grayson County 11/15–16 ✔ 10/1 30 G $5 $10 ✔ 

276-579-7092 12/11 ✔ 10/1 30 M $5 $10 ✔ 

James River 11/8–10 ✔ 9/17 

Buckingham County 12/6–8 15 A, M $15 ✔ 

434-933-4355 12/13–15 ✔ 9/17 15 S $15 ✔ 

Kiptopeke 11/5–6 ✔ 9/29 4 A, M $5 $10 ✔ 

Northampton County 11/19–20 ✔ 9/29 4 S $5 $10 ✔ 

757-331-2267 12/3–4 

Lake Anna 11/17 

Spotsylvania County 11/30–12/1 ✔ 9/30 20 M, S $15 ✔ 

540-854-5503 

Leesylvania 

Prince William County 1/12 ✔ 11/5 15 S* $5 $10 ✔ 

703-730-8205 

Natural Tunnel 12/11 ✔ 10/29 10 YM $5 $10 ✔ 

Scott County 

276-940-2674 12/13–14 ✔ 10/29 10 M $5 $10 ✔ 

Pocahontas 10/18–23 ✔ 9/16 10 A $15 ✔ 

Chesterfield County 12/6–8 ✔ 9/16 25 M, S $15 ✔ 

804-796-4255 12/16–18 


Key: A=Archery M=Muzzleloading Firearms S=Shotgun bs=Buckshot only s=Slugs only G= General Firearms 

YG=Youth General Firearms YM=Youth Muzzleloading Firearms *=special qualification required. 

Call the State Parks Reservation Center at 1-800-933-PARKto participate. All hunts have special regulations. 

Contact the individual park or the reservation center to obtain the hunt specific rules. 


Reservation Period 

Begins 

Number of 

Hunters/Day 

Weapons Allowed 

Application Fee 

Hunting Fee 

Reservation Fee 

Hunter Education 

Required 



Virginia State Parks and Natural Areas Hunting Opportunities: 2010–2011 Season 

State Park or 

Natural Area 

Hunting Dates 


Lottery Hunts 

Shenandoah River 11/15 ✔ 10/1 7 YG $15 ✔ 

Warren County 

540-622-6840 11/22–23 ✔ 10/1 14 G $15 ✔ 

Smith Mountain Lake 11/1–2 ✔ 9/9 30 A, M $15 ✔ 

Bedford County 11/8–9 

540-297-6066 

Staunton River 

Halifax County 11/3–4 ✔ 9/2 17 A, M $15 ✔ 

434-572-4623 

York River 11/8–9 ✔ 9/23 42 A, M $15 ✔ 

James City County 

757-566-3036 12/6–7 ✔ 9/23 37 S $15 ✔ 

Lottery Hunts 

Hunting opportunities by lottery in 2010 

are offered at Grayson Highlands State 

Park, Kiptopeke State Park, Leesylvania 

State Park, and at Natural Tunnel State 

Park. A separate lottery application is 

required for each hunt. A $5 non-refundable 

application fee is required with each 

completed application and a $10 hunting 

fee will be collected at the site. Proof of 

hunter education certification and required 

licenses must be presented at check-in. 


Belle Isle State Park, Caledon Natural 

Area, Chippokes Plantation State Park, 

Claytor Lake State Park, Douthat State 

Park, James River State Park, Lake Anna 

State Park, Pocahontas State Park, Shenandoah 

River State Park, Smith Mountain 

Lake State Park, Staunton River State Park, 

and York River State Park offer hunting 

opportunities by reservation. Hunters may 

reserve a preferred day and at some sites, a 

preferred stand or zone. There is a reservation 

fee of $15 per day; there may be limits 

to the number of reservations allowed per 

call. The fee is non-refundable. Proof of 

hunter education certification and required 

licenses must be presented at check-in. 

Special Youth Hunts 

Three special Youth hunts are planned: a 

general firearm hunt on Monday, November 

15 at Shenandoah River State Park, a 


Lottery Deadline 

Reservation Period 

Begins 

Number of 

Hunters/Day 

general firearm hunt on Saturday, November 

13 at Grayson Highlands State Park, 

and a muzzleloader hunt on Saturday, 

December 11 at Natural Tunnel State Park. 

To participate, youth ages 12 to 17 should 

follow the same process as for our other 

hunts. Note that youth ages 16 to 17 may 

hunt alone, youth ages 12 to 15 must be 

accompanied by a non-hunting adult (with 

valid hunter safety certification). 

Southern Heritage Deer Hunt 

Chippokes Plantation State Park hosts a 

traditional hunting experience on December 

4. This is an old-fashioned hunt featuring 

three traditional meals, a blessing of the 

hounds, rides to and from the hunt stands 

and a butchering service. Reservations 

may be made up to one year in advance. 

Fee: $325/adult or youth 16 and older; 

$200/child, ages 12 to 17, if stand is shared 

with a paying adult; $50 per non-hunting 

companion. 

Cooperative Hunts 

Wheelin’ Sportsmen Hunt 

There are two special opportunities for 

people with disabilities to hunt: a muzzleloader 

hunt on Monday, November 8 at 

Shenandoah River State Park, and a shotgun 

and muzzleloader hunt on Tuesday, 

November 16 at Lake Anna State Park. 

Contact Gene Hayden (540) 241-3502 or 

Mike Deane (434) 996-8508 or 

www.vanwtf.com for more information. 

Weapons Allowed 

Application Fee 

Hunting Fee 

Reservation Fee 

Hunter Education 

Required 

False Cape State Park Deer and 

Feral Hog Lottery Hunt 

The False Cape State Park’s Deer and Feral 

Hog hunt is run in conjunction with the 

Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Legal 

harvest is deer and feral hogs; using shotguns. 

Hunt dates are October 2, October 4, 

and October 29 through 30, with a lottery 

deadline of August 27. Application information 

is available online at 

http://www.vaquotahunts.com or by phone 

at 1-877-VAHUNTS Monday-Friday 

9:30-4:30 EST. Additional information is 

available at www.HuntFishVA.com. A separate 

lottery hunt for a Hogs only will be 

held on December 11, 2010, January 8 and 

22 and February 5 and 19, 2011. Applications 

are due by October 1, 2010. There is 

an application and hunt fee. 

Mason Neck State Park 

This hunt is run in conjunction with the 

Potomac River National Wildlife Refuge 

Complex. Lottery information and applications 

are available by contacting the 

Refuge office at (703) 490-4979 or online 

at http://www.fws.gov/occoquanbay/pdf/ 

Hunting%20Opportunities.pdf. Hunt dates 

will be determined. Selected hunters must 

attend an orientation and show proof of 

weapons qualification in order to participate. 

There is an application and hunt fee. 

Lottery deadline is September 24, 2010. 

continued on page 53

Claytor Lake State Park Youth 

Deer Hunt and Workshop 

This workshop and hunt for youth (ages 12 

to 17) is held in conjunction with the Virginia 

Department of Game and Inland 

Fisheries on December 10 and 11, 2010. 

Workshop includes a Friday evening seminar 

on deer biology/management, hunting 

safety/ethics and muzzleloader safety, and 

a Saturday either-sex guided hunt. Participants 

must be accompanied by a non-hunting 

adult, and meet all hunter education and 

licensing requirements. For more information 

and to register contact Jimmy Mootz 

(804) 367-0656, or 

jimmy.mootz@dgif.virginia.gov. 

Registration deadline is November 15, 

2010. 

You are sharing 

public lands 

with others 

who may not 

be hunting or well 

aware of hunting 

regulations. 

©Dwight Dyke 

©Dwight Dyke 

Don't Make a Mistake. 

Be Sure of Your Target 

and Beyond. 

2010–2011 Quota Hunts 

General Information and 

Application 

Quota hunts provide hunters unique opportunities 

to access public lands that otherwise 

may be closed to hunting. Hunters can 

participate in random drawings to hunt 

waterfowl, white-tailed deer, black bear, 

quail, rabbits, turkeys, and feral hogs. To 

participate, hunters must apply pre-season 

and submit a non-refundable application 

fee. Application fees are $7.50 for all hunts 

except the Radford Deer Hunt. The application 

fee for the Radford Deer Hunt is 

$10.00. 

Hunters may apply by mail, telephone, 

or online at the Department’s website. For 

Quota Hunt information and descriptions 

go to pages: 53 to 58 or go to www.Hunt- 

FishVA.com and click on “Hunting,” then 

“Quota Hunts.” 

The Department of Game and Inland 

Fisheries reserves the right to manage 

hunter access and hunter use on Department-owned 

and controlled lands as 

deemed appropriate. 

When Applying By: 

Mail: Fill out the application on pages: 

60 or 61–62, or download and print the 

application from the DGIF website. Mail 

application to: Virginia Quota Hunts, c/o 

CyberData, Inc., P.O. Box 9009, Hicksville, 

New York 11802. Remit check(s) payable 

to: CyberData, Inc. 

Telephone: Call 1-877-VAHUNTS 

(1-877-824-8687) between the hours of 

9:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m., Monday–Friday. 

Have your credit card number and hunt 

selections available at the time of your call. 

In addition, have pencil and paper ready to 

write down and save your confirmation 

number for future reference. 

Online: at www.HuntFishVA.com, 

select “Hunting,” then “Quota Hunts.” 

Note: AOL (America Online) subscribers, 

must apply by telephone or by mail, credit 

card payments cannot be processed from 

AOL accounts. Online applicants should 

keep their confirmation number for future 

reference. 

Hunters who apply will receive a confirmation 

number for each hunt applied for. 

Applicants will also receive notification by 

mail or by email on selection status (selected 

or not selected) for each hunt applied for. 

Hunters may receive additional hunt 

dates as a bonus if the hunt series applied 

for does not fill to capacity. To be eligible 

for this opportunity, select “I will accept 

any date” when applying for your hunt. 

New for the 2010–2011 Quota 

Hunt Season: 

• The Hog Island Wildlife Management 

Area Waterfowl Hunt has changed 

back to Saturday hunting during the 

last segments of the general duck season. 

Morning hunts will conclude at 

11:00 a.m. Hunters will be required to 

arrive 30 minutes earlier than past 

years. Stand-by drawings will be available. 

• The Princess Anne Wildlife Management 

Area Waterfowl Hunts will occur 

on Saturdays during the last segments 

of the general duck season. Boats, 

blinds and decoys will no longer be 

provided. Hunters will now check in at 

the management area headquarters. A 

stand-by drawing will be conducted to 

fill vacancies. 

• The New Kent Forestry Center Dove 

hunt has changed from selecting 45 

hunters to selecting 30 hunters. 

• The Great Dismal Swamp NWR Bear 

Hunt fee has been reduced to $25. 

Unfilled permits will be backfilled 

with a second lottery. 

Early Application Deadlines: 

• Radford Army Ammunition Plant Deer 

Hunts, Series #211—Applications 

must be received on or before Friday, 

August 13, 2010. 

• New Kent Forestry Center Dove 

Hunts, Series #601—Applications due 

July 30, 2010 and only by telephone or 

online! 

New Quota Hunts: 

• # 212 Lone Star Lakes—Deer Shotgun 

/ Muzzleloader 

• # 216 Lone Star Lakes—Late Archery 

or Late Muzzleloading (Hunter choice) 

- Deer 

• #605 Fulfillment Farms—Quail and 


Rabbit 




Waterfowl 

#101 Hog Island Wildlife Management 

Area (WMA) 

Hunt waterfowl at Hog Island WMA in 

Surry County. Hunt includes morning hunt 

until 11:00 a.m. each Saturday during the 

last segments of the general duck season. 

Hunter check-in starts promptly at 4:30 

a.m. Hunting parties are provided a blind, 

boat and decoys for the hunt. Nine (9) 

hunters are randomly selected for each day 

of hunting, and selected hunters are 

allowed two guests. Limited access to the 

area requires hunters be transported by 

Department personnel to their blind location. 

Dogs are allowed and recommended. 

Hunt dates: TBA 

Application due: October 1, 2010 

#102 Princess Anne WMA Waterfowl 

Hunts 

Hunt waterfowl on managed impoundments 

at Princess Anne WMA in Virginia 

Beach. Hunt includes half day hunting each 

Saturday during the last segments of the 

general duck season. Hunter check-in starts 

at 5:00 a.m. Four hunters will be randomly 

selected for each day of hunting and selected 

hunters are allowed three guests. Dogs 

are allowed and recommended. Note: 

Blinds, boats and decoys are no longer 

available for this hunt. Hunters are to provide 

their own decoys. 



#103 Dutch Gap Conservation Area 

Waterfowl Hunts 

Hunt waterfowl on the Dutch Gap Conservation 

Area in Chesterfield County. Hunt 

days are during the last two segments of the 

waterfowl season. Each successful applicant 

will be allowed two guests. Three 

hunters will be randomly selected for each 

set of hunt dates. Hunting is from floating 

blinds at designated blind stakes only. 



#104 Tundra Swan Permit 

Tundra Swan hunting is by permit only. 

Each permit holder will be authorized to 

take one tundra swan. The hunt area is limited 

to east of U.S. Route I-95 and south of 

Chopawamsic Creek on the Prince William 

/ Stafford County line. 

Tundra Swan season: December 1, 2010 

–January 31, 2011 (No Sunday hunting) 


#105 Lake Orange Waterfowl Hunts 

Hunt waterfowl on Lake Orange, Orange 

County. Hunt days are Wednesdays and 

Saturdays during the last two segments of 

the waterfowl season. Each successful 

applicant will be allowed two guests. One 

hunter will be randomly selected for each 

hunt date. Hunting will only be allowed on 

a designated section(s) of Lake Orange. 

Only floating blinds, anchored within 50 

feet of shore, or portable blinds along the 

designated shoreline will be allowed. 



#106 Dick Cross WMA Waterfowl 

Hunts 

Hunt waterfowl on designated impoundments 

at Dick Cross WMA in Mecklenburg 

County. Hunt days are every Wednesday 

during the last two segments of the waterfowl 

season. Two hunters will be randomly 

selected for each hunt date. Hunts begin 1/2 

hour before sunrise and end at 3:00 p.m. 

each Wednesday. Selected hunters may 

bring two guests. Hunters must provide 

decoys. Dogs are allowed. There are no 

boat landings or direct vehicular access 

provided. Small boats or canoes may be 

used but must be transported on foot. 



#107 Princess Anne WMA Floating 

Blind Stake Waterfowl Hunts 

Hunt waterfowl for half days on the waters 

of Back Bay and North Landing River in 

the City of Virginia Beach. There are 58 

floating blind stakes available for hunting. 

Drawing order will be randomly selected 

for each hunt day prior to the hunting season. 

Each hunt day, hunters present will 

select their blind in the order assigned by 

the preseason drawing. Drawings start 

promptly at 5:00 a.m. Hunters who are late 

or without a draw number can participate in 

a standby drawing starting after the quota 

drawing. Limited water access to the area 

requires that all hunting parties have a boat/ 

float blind and float blind license. All 

hunters are required to stop hunting at 1:00 

p.m. and have all decoys retrieved and be 

away from the blind stakes by 2:00 p.m. It 

is recommended that each hunting party 

visit the hunting area prior to the season to 

locate boat access, blind stakes, and scout 

the area in general. You must be familiar 

with the area to locate the blind stakes 

before shooting time! 

Hunt days: Three days weekly. Mondays, 

Wednesdays, and Saturdays (except for 

holiday weeks when the hunts are scheduled 

to coincide with state holidays) or 

opening day. 



#108 Plum Tree National Wildlife 

Refuge Waterfowl Hunts 

Hunt waterfowl for full days on the Cow 

Island Unit of Plum Tree Island National 

Wildlife Refuge in the City of Poquoson. 

Hunting is available from 6 licensed blind 

locations. Hunters select preferred dates for 

two-day hunt packages during the last two 

segments of the regular duck season. Each 

hunter selected is allowed 2 guests. Hunters 

must provide their own boat access to the 

refuge, decoys, and hunting gear. Dogs are 

permitted and encouraged. The nearest 

boat launch access to the hunting area is 

from the Rens Road Public Boat Ramp in 

Poquoson. 

Hunt Days: Opening Days, Wednesdays, 

Saturdays, and Holidays 



More information: (804) 829-9020 or 

http://www.fws.gov/northeast/plumtree 

island/hunting.html 


Deer 

#201 Hog Island WMA Archery Deer 

Hunts 

Archery hunting for white-tailed deer on 

the Hog Island WMA in Surry County during 

the dates listed below. A total of seven 

hunters are selected for each set of hunt 

days. Each successful applicant will be 

allowed one guest. Hunters must be present 

for a 5:00 a.m. pre-hunt briefing on first 

hunt day of assigned period. Stand-by 

drawings will be held at the conclusion of 

the briefing for replacing “no-show” slots. 

Hunt dates archery: October 2 & 4–6 (no 

Sunday hunting), 7–9, 11–13, 14–16, 2010 

Application due:August 27, 2010 

#202 Hog Island WMA Deer Shotgun 

and Muzzleloader Hunts 

Shotgun or muzzleloader hunting for 

white-tailed deer on the Hog Island WMA 

in Surry County. A total of seven hunters 

are selected for each set of hunt days. Each 

successful applicant will be allowed one 

guest. Hunters must be present for a 5:00 

a.m. pre-hunt briefing on first hunt day of 

assigned period. Stand-by drawings will be 

held at the conclusion of the briefing for 

replacing “no-show” slots. 

Hunt dates muzzleloader: October 

18–20, 21–23, 25–27, 28–30, 2010 


#203 The Nature Conservancy, North 

Landing River 

Hunt deer on a 2300 acre tract on the North 

Landing River in Virginia Beach. Please 

note: this tract is accessible only by boat 

and is composed of very dense difficult 

wetland habitat. Hunters must provide their 

own boat for access. Fifty hunters will be 

selected to hunt this property for the 2010- 

2011 deer seasons (general firearms, late 

archery and late muzzleloader). Each successful 

hunter will be allowed one guest. 

Successful applicants must return a signed 

waiver prior to the season. Failure to submit 

a waiver will result in revocation of 

hunting privileges. 

Hunt dates: October 1, 2010–January 1, 

2011 (No Sunday hunting) 

Application due: August 27, 2010 

#204 Mockhorn Island WMA Deer 

Hunts 

Muzzleloader hunting for white-tailed deer 

on the GATR Tract of Mockhorn Island 

WMA in Northampton County. The 365acre 

GATR Tract is the mainland portion of 

Mockhorn Island WMA on the Eastern 

Shore. This tract is accessible by vehicle. A 

total of two hunters are selected for each set 

of hunt dates. Each successful applicant 

will be allowed one guest. 

Hunt dates muzzleloader: October 30 

and November 1–3 (no Sunday hunting), 

Nov. 4–6, Nov. 8–10, Nov. 11–12, 2010 

(two days only). 


#205 Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge 

and False Cape State Park Deer and 

Hog Hunt 

Shotgun hunting for white-tailed deer and 

feral hogs on Back Bay National Wildlife 

Refuge and False Cape State Park in the 

City of Virginia Beach. A total of 118 

hunters are selected per hunt day. A standby 

drawing will be available for “no 

shows” on each day of the hunt. A hunter 

education certification (card) is required. 

Please note: for successful applicants there 

will be a hunt permit fee per person of: 

$10.00/day to the Back Bay NWR/False 

Cape State Park payable on the day of the 

hunt. For complete lottery/standby information 

and zone maps go to the following 

websites before registering for this hunt: 

http://www.fws.gov/backbay/hunting.htm 

or 

http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/ 

hunting.shtml 

Hunt dates: October 2 & 4 and 29 & 30, 

2010. 


#206 Rappahannock River Valley 

National Wildlife Refuge 


the Rappahannock River Valley National 

Wildlife Refuge in Caroline, Essex, King 

George, Richmond and Westmoreland 

counties. Hunt tracts include: Hutchinson, 

Thomas (Essex County); Mothershead 

(Westmoreland County); Toby’s Point 

(King George County); Tayloe, Laurel 

Grove, Wright, Franklin (Richmond County); 

Port Royal (Caroline County). Applicants 

may apply for both seasons. Each 


guest. Please note: For successful applicants 

there will be an additional hunt fee of 

$25/season to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife 

Service. Successful applicants will be notified 

by U.S. mail on where to mail hunt fee. 

Applications for unfilled hunt slots will be 

accepted (on a walk-in basis only) from 

9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. every Tuesday–Thurs- 

day, beginning Tuesday, September 28, 

2010. 

Hunt dates archery: 

Season I: October 2–15 (except Sundays) 

Season II: October 16–29 (except Sundays) 



http://www.fws.gov/northeast/ 

rappahannock/hunting.html 



Muzzleloader hunting for white-tailed deer 

on the Rappahannock River Valley National 

Wildlife Refuge in Essex, King George 

and Richmond counties. Hunt tracts 

include: Hutchinson (Essex County); 

Toby’s Point (King George County); Laurel 

Grove, Tayloe, Wilna, Wright (Richmond 

County). Applicants may apply for 

multiple hunt dates. Each successful applicant 

will be allowed one guest. Please 

note: For successful applicants there will 

be an additional hunt fee of $10/day per 

hunter to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 

Successful applicants will be notified 


Applications for unfilled hunt slots will be 

accepted (on a walk-in basis only) from 

9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. every Tuesday–Thursday, 

beginning Tuesday, October 19, 2010. 

Hunt dates muzzleloader: October 30; 

November 5, 6; 2010 







Firearms (shotgun/muzzleloader) hunting 

for white-tailed deer on the Rappahannock 

River Valley National Wildlife Refuge in 

Essex, King George, and Richmond counties. 

Hunt tracts include: Hutchinson 

(Essex County); Toby’s Point (King 

George County); Laurel Grove, Tayloe, 

Wilna, Wright (Richmond County). Applicants 

may apply for multiple hunt dates. 

Each successful hunter will be allowed one 

guest. Please note: For successful applicants 

there will be an additional hunt fee of 

$10/day per hunter to the U.S. Fish and 

Wildlife Service. Successful applicants 

will be notified by U.S. mail on where to 

mail hunt fee. Applications for unfilled 

hunt slots will be accepted (on a walk-in 





basis only) from 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. every 

Tuesday–Thursday, beginning Tuesday, 

October 19, 2010. 

Hunt dates firearms: November 13, 19, 

20, 25, 26, 27, 2010 





#209 Presquile National Wildlife Refuge 

Firearms hunting for white-tailed deer on 

the Presquile National Wildlife Refuge in 

Chesterfield County. Presquile is an island 

in the James River near Hopewell, Virginia. 

Hunters must provide their own boat 

access to the island and hunting gear. Boat 

launch access to the refuge is from Deep 

Bottom public boat ramp (Henrico County) 

or Hopewell Marina (launch fee collected 

on site), City of Hopewell. Please note: For 

successful applicants there will be an additional 

hunt fee of $10/day per hunter to the 

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Successful 

applicants will be notified by U.S. mail on 

where to mail hunt fee. 

Hunt dates firearms: November 15, 20, 

29, 2010 



http://www.fws.gov/northeast/presquile/ 

hunting.html 

#210 James River National Wildlife 

Refuge 


the James River National Wildlife Refuge 

in Prince George County. Each successful 

hunter will be allowed one guest. Please 

note: For successful applicants there will 

be an additional hunt fee of $50/season per 

hunter to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 

Successful applicants will be notified 


Hunt dates archery: October 2–23, 2010 

(except Sundays) 



http://www.fws.gov/northeast/james 

river/hunting.html 

#211 Radford Army Ammunition Plant 

Deer Hunts 

Hunt quality white-tailed deer at the Radford 

Army Ammunition Plant (RAAP) in 

Pulaski County. Bow hunting and shotgun 

hunting are allowed. Hunters and the day 

they will hunt are selected by computer 

drawing. Applications are limited to one 

hunter per year. The application is found on 

page 60 of the hunting digest. Hunters who 

are drawn must submit a background check 

as required by the Department of Defense. 

Information regarding background checks 

will be supplied to successful applicants. A 

list of “Frequently Asked Questions” about 

the Radford Hunt is posted at www.Hunt 

FishVA.com; go to Hunting, Quota Hunts. 

Hunt dates archery: October 16, 23, 2010 

Hunt dates shotgun: November 13, 17, 

20, 27 and December 1 & 4, 2010 

Application due: On or before August 13, 

2010. 

NEW #212 Lone Star Lakes Park 

Firearms (shotgun/muzzleloader) hunting 

for white-tailed deer within Suffolk’s Lone 

Star Lakes Park. A total of 8 hunters are 

selected for each set of hunt dates. Each 


guest. Hunters must be present for a 5:00 

a.m. pre-hunt briefing on the first hunt day 

of assigned period. Please note: for successful 

applicants and their guests there 

will be an additional hunt fee of: $25.00 for 

each hunter (permit holder $25 and guest 

$25) payable to the City of Suffolk on the 

first day of the hunt segment. Please make 

all checks payable to Ronald H. Williams, 

Treasurer. Stand-by drawings for no-show 

slots will be held at the conclusion of the 

briefing on a walk-in basis only. 

Hunt dates firearm: October 1–2, 2010 

(shotgun or muzzleloader) 


#213 Lone Star Lakes Park 

Archery hunting for white-tailed deer within 

Suffolk’s Lone Star Lakes Park . A total 

of 8 hunters are selected for each set of hunt 

dates. Each successful applicant will be 


for a 5:00 a.m. pre-hunt briefing on the first 

hunt day of assigned period. Please note: 

for successful applicants and their guests 

there will be an additional hunt fee of: 

$25.00 for each hunter (permit holder $25 

and guest $25) payable to the City of Suffolk 

on the first day of the hunt segment. 

Please make all checks payable to Ronald 

H. Williams, Treasurer. Stand-by drawings 

for no-show slots will be held at the conclusion 

of the briefing on a walk-in basis only. 




Archery hunting for white-tailed deer within 

Suffolk’s Lone Star Lakes Park. A total 















Hunt dates archery: November 5–6, 2010 



Firearms hunting for white-tailed deer 

within Suffolk’s Lone Star Lakes Park. A 

total of 8 hunters are selected for each set of 

hunt dates. Each successful applicant will 

be allowed one guest. Hunters must be 

present for a 5:00 a.m. pre-hunt briefing on 

the first hunt day of assigned period. Please 

note: for successful applicants and their 

guests there will be an additional hunt fee 

of: $25.00 for each hunter (permit holder 

$25 and guest $25) payable to the City of 

Suffolk on the first day of the hunt segment. 





Hunt dates firearm: November 12–13, 

2010 (shotgun or muzzleloader) 


NEW #216 Lone Star Lakes Park 

Late Archery or Late Muzzleloading 

(hunters choice) for white-tailed deer within 

Suffolk’s Lone Star Lakes Park. A total 















Hunt dates firearm: December 17–18, 

2010 (archery or muzzleloader) 



Multi-Species WMA Hunts 

#301 Cavalier and Dismal Swamp Tract 

(formerly Dismal Swamp WMA) 

WMA Hunts 

Hunt white-tailed deer, and any other legal 

game species in season during the General 

Deer Firearm season in the City of Chesapeake. 

A total of 50 hunters are selected for 

each set of hunt dates. Each successful 

applicant will be allowed one guest. No 

center fire rifles permitted. Please note: 

The Dismal Swamp Tract of the Cavalier 

Wildlife Management Area is a separate 

parcel of land and not to be confused with 

the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife 

Refuge. 

Hunt dates firearm: October 1–2, 4–6, 

7–9, 11–13, 14–16, 18–20, 21–23, 25–27, 

28–30 November 1–3, 4–6, 8–10, 11–13, 

15–17, 18–20, 22–24, 25–27, 29–30, 2010 

(no Sunday hunting). 


#302 Featherfin WMA 

Hunt any game species in season on the 

Featherfin WMA in Appomattox, Buckingham, 

and Prince Edward Counties. A 

total of 14 hunters are selected for each set 

of hunt days. Each successful applicant will 

be allowed one guest. Applicants who do 

not receive their preferred hunt dates will 

be assigned random hunt dates. Hunter 

quota restrictions do not apply on open 

hunting season dates other than those listed 

below. A special 4-pt. antler rule is posted 

and applies during all open deer seasons. 

Hunt dates: Oct. 30–Nov. 3 (no Sunday 

Hunting), Nov. 4–6, Nov. 8–10, Nov. 

11–13, Nov. 15–17, Nov. 18–20, Nov. 

22–24, Nov. 25–27, Nov. 29–Dec. 1, Dec. 

2–4, Dec. 6–8, Dec. 9–11, Dec. 13–15, 

Dec. 16–18, Dec. 20–22, Dec. 23–25, Dec. 

27–29, Dec. 30–Jan. 1, 2011. 


#303 Merrimac Farm WMA 

Hunt any game species in season (except 

quail) on the Merrimac Farm WMA in 

Prince William County. Hunt days are 

Mondays, Wednesdays, Saturdays and 

State Holidays. One hunter will be selected 

for each hunt day. Each successful applicant 

will be allowed up to two guests. Deer 

must be hunted from elevated stands. Dogs 

may be used to find and retrieve game, 

except for deer. 

Hunt dates: Oct. 2, 4, 6, 9, 11, 18, 20, 23, 

30, Nov. 1, 3, 6, 8, 10, 11, 13, 22, 24, 25, 27, 

Dec. 6, 8, 11, 20, 22, 25, 2010, Jan. 1, 3, 5, 

8, 11, 17, 19, 22, 29, 2011. 


2011 Spring Turkey Hunts 

#401 Featherfin WMA 

Hunt spring gobblers on the Featherfin 

WMA in Appomattox, Buckingham, and 

Prince Edward Counties. A total of 6 

hunters are selected to hunt during each set 

of hunt days. Successful applicants will be 

entitled to bring 1 guest. April 2, 2011 is a 

youth turkey hunting day. Adults are not 

permitted to carry firearms on this day. To 

apply for the YOUTH HUNTING DAY 

applicants must be licensed adults 18 years 

old or older. The successful applicant may 

chaperone one youth 15 years of age or 

younger on April 2nd. Hunter quota restrictions 

are not in effect from May 2nd–May 

14th. 

Hunt dates: April 2, 2011 (Youth Day), 

April 9–13 (no Sunday hunting), April 

14–16, April 18–20, April 21–23, April 

25–27, April 28–30, 2011. 


#402 Amelia WMA 

Hunt spring gobblers on the Amelia WMA 

in Amelia County. A total of 3 hunters are 

selected to hunt during each set of hunt 

days. Successful applicants will be entitled 

to bring 1 guest. April 2, 2011 is a youth 

turkey hunting day. Adults are not permitted 

to carry firearms on this day. To apply 

for the YOUTH HUNTING DAY applicants 

must be licensed adults 18 years old 

or older. The successful applicant may 


younger on April 2. Hunter quota restrictions 


15th. 


April 9–13 (no Sunday hunting), April 14– 

16, April 18–20, April 21–23, April 25–27, 

April 28–30, 2011. 


#403 Mockhorn Island WMA Spring 

Turkey Hunts 

Hunt spring gobblers on the GATR Tract of 

Mockhorn Island WMA, Northampton 

County. The GATR Tract is the mainland 

part of Mockhorn Island WMA on the Eastern 

Shore. One hunter is selected for each 

hunt segment. Each successful applicant 

will be allowed two guests. April 2, 2011 is 

a youth turkey hunting day. Adults are not 

permitted to carry firearms on this day. To 

apply for the YOUTH HUNTING DAY 

applicants must be licensed adults 18 years 

old or older. The successful applicant may 


younger on April 2. Hunter quota restrictions 


14th. 


April 9–13 (no Sunday hunting), April 14– 

16, April 18–20, April 21–23, April 25–27, 

April 28–30, 2011. 


#404 Merrimac Farm WMA 

Hunt spring gobblers on the Merrimac 

Farm WMA in Prince William County. 

One hunter will be selected for each hunt 

segment listed below. The successful applicant 

drawn for Segment 1 will be allowed 

to chaperone a youth as a guest on that day. 

Each applicant may harvest no more than 

one turkey per hunt segment. Any turkey 

harvested by the youth hunter on the Youth 

Hunting day will not count towards the 

applicant’s bag limit. 

Hunt dates: Fridays, Saturdays, and Mondays 

only. 

Segment 1: April 2 (Youth Day) and 

April 9–25. 

Segment 2: April 29–May 14, 2011. 


Bear 

#501 Great Dismal Swamp National 

Wildlife Refuge 

Shotgun hunting (slugs only) for black 

bears on Great Dismal Swamp National 

Wildlife Refuge, in designated areas of the 

Virginia portion of the refuge for the dates 

listed below. A total of 50 hunters will be 

selected to hunt. Each hunter will be 

allowed to bring one guest. A maximum 

harvest limit of 20 bears is imposed on this 

hunt, and therefore the number of hunt days 

could be reduced as this quota is 

approached. Hunting conditions could be 

considered “rigorous.” First time hunters 

are encouraged to visit the Refuge and 

attend scouting day to familiarize themselves 

with hunting conditions. Please 

note: for successful applicants and their 

guests there will be an additional hunt fee 

of: $25 for each hunter (permit holder $25 

and guest $25). Successful applicants will 

be notified on where to mail the hunt fee. 

Unfilled permits will be backfilled with a 

second lottery. For more information about 

the bear hunt program, please visit the following 

website: http://www.fws.gov/ 

northeast/greatdismalswamp/bear_ 

hunt.html 




Scouting date: November 18, 2010 (also a 

deer hunt permit can be purchased for 

access to hunt areas: see page 59 under 

Manged Hunts) 

Hunt dates: November 19–20, 2010 (permitees 

hunt both days) 


Small Game 

Dove 

#601 New Kent Forestry Center Dove 

Hunts 

Hunt doves on designated fields at the 

Department of Forestry Center in Providence 

Forge. Hunt dates are opening day, 

Labor Day, and the second Saturday of the 

dove season. 30 hunters will be randomly 

selected for each hunt date. Hunts start at 

12:00 p.m. Selected hunters may bring one 

guest. Dogs are allowed. 

Hunt dates: September 4, 6, 11, 2010 

Application due: July 30, 2010 

Rabbit 

#602 New Kent Forestry Center Rabbit 

Hunts 

Hunt rabbits at the Department of Forestry 

Center in Providence Forge. One hunter 

will be randomly selected for each of the 

two three day hunt periods. Selected 

hunters will be entitled to hunt on the 

forestry center for a three day period. 

Selected hunters may bring 5 hunting 

guests each time he hunts. Dogs are 

allowed. 

Hunt dates: February 3–5, February 

10–12, 2011 


Quail 

#603 New Kent Forestry Quail Hunts 

Hunt quail at the Department of Forestry 

Center in Providence Forge. One hunter 

will be randomly selected for the three day 

hunt period. Selected hunters will be entitled 

to hunt on the forestry center for a three 

day period. Selected hunters may bring 2 

hunting guests each time he hunts. Dogs 

are allowed. 

Hunt dates: January 13-15, 2011 

Applications due:August 27, 2010 

Hog 

#604 False Cape State Park Hog Hunts 

Shotgun/Muzzleloader hunting for feral 

hogs on False Cape State Park in the City of 

Virginia Beach. A total of 44 hunters are 

selected per hunt day. Please note: for successful 

applicants there will be an additional 

hunt fee of $10/day to False Cape State 

Park payable on the day of the hunt. A 

hunter certification (card) is required. For 

complete hunt information and zone maps 

go to the following website before registering 

for this hunt: http://www.dcr.virginia. 

gov/state_parks/hunting.shtml 

Hunt dates: December 11, 2010 January 8 

and 22 and February 5 and 19, 2011 


NEW Quail and Rabbit 

#605 Fulfillment Farms Quail and 

Rabbit Hunts (Albemarle County) 

Hunt quail and/or rabbits at the Wildlife 

Foundation of Virginia’s Fulfillment Farms 

in southern Albemarle County. One hunter 

will be randomly selected for each of the 

two hunt segments. Successful applicants 

may bring 2 hunting guests. Selected 

hunters will be allowed to hunt only one 

day within the hunt segment (either 

Wednesday or Thursday or Friday). A prehunt 

safety briefing will be required and 

coordinated through the Wildlife Foundation 

of Virginia. An aerial photo of the area, 

directions, and permit will be provided to 

successful applicants. Quail and rabbit 

hunting dogs will be allowed. 

Hunt dates: 

Hunt Segment 1: December 8–10, 2010 

(one day only) 

Hunt Segment 2: January 5–7, 2011 (one 

day only). 


2010-2011 Managed 

Hunts and Workshops 

Managed Hunts are generally by on-site 

random drawings or by application through 

the local Resource Office. Hunting opportunities 

are provided on various Department 

Wildlife Management Areas and 

National Wildlife Refuges. For information 

on Managed Hunts, go to the Agency 

website at: www.HuntFishVA.com, select 

Managed Hunts. 

The Department of Game and Inland 

Fisheries reserves the right to manage 

hunter access and hunter use on Depart- 

ment-owned and controlled lands as 

deemed appropriate. 

Waterfowl 

Hog Island WMA September Waterfowl 

Hunts 

Hunt resident Canada geese and teal (when 

in season) on the first, third and fourth 

Wednesday’s in September for half day on 

Hog Island WMA in Surry County. A total 

of 30 hunters are selected each morning of 

the hunt. There are no blinds or decoys provided 

for these hunts. Dogs are allowed and 

recommended. 

Hunt days: Wednesdays 


Drawing begins promptly at 5:00 a.m. 

Hog Island–Youth Waterfowl Day 

This is an opportunity for 30 youth to hunt 

waterfowl on the Hog Island WMA in 

Surry County. The Department in cooperation 

with The Wildlife Foundation of Virginia 

will host a youth waterfowl hunting 

day in October (to be announced Sept. 1, 

2010 see Agency website). The hunt is 

restricted to youths (15 years of age and 

under) and each youth must be accompanied 

by a licensed adult (only the youth 

may carry a firearm). All youth hunters are 

to be registered for this event. To register, 

contact the Hog Island WMA after September 

1, 2010 at: (757) 357-5224. There are 

no blinds or decoys provided for these 

hunts. Dogs are allowed and recommended. 

Hunt date: TBA 

Hunters to arrive by 4:45 a.m. 

Princess Anne WMA Float Blind 

September Canada Goose/Teal Hunts 

and October Waterfowl 

Hunt September Canada geese/teal and 

waterfowl (during the October waterfowl 

season) on the Princess Anne WMA in Virginia 

Beach. The area’s 58 float blind 

stakes are available to float blind hunters on 

a first come, first served basis. Hunters are 

not allowed to tie float blinds to stakes 

before 5:00 a.m. Half-day (until 1:00 p.m.) 

hunting allowed on Opening Day, Mondays, 

Wednesdays, Saturdays and State 

Holidays. It is recommended that each 

hunting party visit the hunting area prior to 

the season to locate boat access, blind 

stakes, and scout the area in general. You 

must be familiar with the area to locate the 


lind stakes before shooting time. Dogs are 

allowed and recommended. 

Hunt days: Opening Day, Mondays, 

Wednesdays, Saturdays and State Holidays. 

Hunt dates: 

September Geese: TBA 

September Teal: TBA 

October Waterfowl: TBA (No Sunday 

Hunting) 

Hunters may not tie up to blind stakes until 

5:00 a.m. 

Princess Anne WMA Stationary Blind 

September Canada Goose/Teal Hunts 

and October Waterfowl 

This is an opportunity to hunt September 

Canada geese/teal and waterfowl during 

the October waterfowl season on the 

Princess Anne WMA in Virginia Beach. 

The area’s impoundment system will be 

first come, first served. The area offers halfday 

(until 1:00 P.M.) hunting on Opening 

Day, Mondays, Wednesdays, Saturdays, 

and State Holidays. Hunters are required to 

park in the designated parking areas off 

Munden Road. 

Hunt days: Opening Day, Mondays, 

Wednesdays, Saturdays and State Holidays. 

Hunt dates: 

September Geese: TBA 

September Teal: TBA 

October Waterfowl: TBA (No Sunday 

Hunting) 

Hunters may not occupy area before 5:00 

a.m. 

Princess Anne WMA Late Snow Goose 

Hunts 

This is an opportunity for float blind 

hunters to hunt snow geese at the Princess 

Anne WMA after the general duck season. 

The Princess Anne blind stakes and 

impoundments at Back Bay are available 

for snow goose hunting after the general 

duck season. These hunts will be permitted 

after the general duck season and will be on 

a first come, first served basis. Daily hunting 

times will be 1/2 hour before sunrise to 

sunset. 


Princess Anne WMA – Youth Waterfowl 

Day 

Float blind stakes will be open on a first 

come, first served basis to youths 15 years 

or younger when accompanied by an adult. 

The Department will host a youth 

waterfowl hunting day in October (to be 

announced September 1, 2010, see Agency 

website). Only youths may hunt and carry a 

firearm. Youth hunters must be accompanied 

by a licensed adult. Depending upon 

impoundment conditions and number of 

participants there may be an option to use 

blinds on Beasley and Whitehurst tracts. 

This will be coordinated at the Trojan club 

house at 5:00 a.m. on the hunt day. 

Hunt day: TBA 

Hunters to arrive promptly at 5:00 a.m. 

Deer 

Deer Hunts–Disabled Hunters 

C.F. Phelps WMA Deer Hunt for the 

Disabled 

This is an opportunity for persons with permanent 

disabilities to hunt white-tailed 

deer on the Hogue Tract of the C.F. Phelps 

WMA in Fauquier County. Two disabled 

hunters per day are chosen to hunt during 

the archery, muzzleloader, and general 

firearms deer seasons. Each successful 

applicant may be accompanied by one 

companion, who may hunt if properly 

licensed. To apply for this special hunt you 

must include the name, date of birth, 

address, and telephone number(s) (business, 

cell and home), hunting license number, 

vehicle description, and vehicle license 

number of the disabled hunter and companion 

hunter, and preferred hunting dates. 

Mail the information required to: Virginia 

Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, 

ATTN: Hogue Tract Hunt, 1320 Belman 

Road, Fredericksburg, VA. 22401. 

Application due: by the close of business 

on September 17, 2010. 

Hunt days: Mondays, Wednesdays, 

Saturdays, and State Holidays. 


Hunt dates muzzleloader: October 

30–November 11, 2010 

Hunt dates general firearms: November 

13–27, 2010 

Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife 

Refuge Deer Hunt 

Public deer hunting by shotgun and bow on 

designated areas of Great Dismal Swamp 

National Wildlife Refuge. Either sex deer 

may be taken all season, per State and Federal 

regulations. Hunting conditions could 

be considered “rigorous.” First time 

hunters are encouraged to visit the Refuge 

©Dwight Dyke 

and attend scouting day to familiarize 

themselves with hunting conditions. There 

is a fee of $15.00. To apply send your name, 

address, and phone number to Great Dismal 

Swamp NWR Attn: Deer Hunt, 3100 

Desert Road, Suffolk, VA 23434 with your 

payment of $15.00. For information about 

the deer hunt program, visit the following 

website: http://www.fws.gov/northeast/ 

greatdismalswamp/deer_hunt.html. 

Hunt dates: October 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, and, 

November 4, 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20 

Scouting Day: September 25, 2010 

Application due: To scout and hunt all 

dates, applications must be submitted by 

September 15, 2010. To hunt the November 

dates, applications must be submitted 

by October 15, 2010. 

Hunting Workshops – Deer 

The Virginia Department of Game and 

Inland Fisheries will host a Novice Youth 

Deer Hunt on the Occoquan Bay National 

Wildlife Refuge in Prince William County. 

This is an opportunity for beginning 

hunters to learn more about deer and deer 

hunting and participate in an afternoon 

hunt. For registration information and 

workshop details, contact the Fredericksburg 

Regional Office at (540) 899- 4169. 

Workshop date: Saturday, December 11, 

2010 

Lifetime Licenses 

Open the door to a lifetime of 

enjoyment in the great outdoors of 

Virginia with a lifetime hunting license! 

It’s an investment that keeps on giving.. 

For more information visit: 

http://www.HuntFishVA.com/forms/ 

lifetime_licenses/instructions. html 

or call1-866-721-6911 




APPLY ONLINE 

www.vaquotahunts.com 

IT’S FAST! IT’S EASY! 

DEPARTMENT OF GAME & INLAND FISHERIES 

2010 RADFORD ARMY AMMUNITION PLANT DEER HUNT 

IMPORTANT: Your application must be received on or before August 13, 2010 to be included in the drawing. 

2 

ARCHERY 

 

1 

SHOTGUN 

 

Check only one: 

WEAPON CHOICE 

Fill in all fields. Incomplete applications will be disqualified. Please print clearly. 

If non-1st time hunter, make sure name is identical to previous years. 

First 

M.I. 

APPLICANT 

Oct. 16, 23 

Nov. 13, 17, 20, 27, Dec. 1, 4 

1 

HUNTER SAFETY COURSE REQUIRED 

2 

QUALIFICATION REQUIRED - SKILLS TEST 

Last 

RULES & REGULATIONS: (PLEASE READ) 

The New River Unit of the Radford Army Ammunition Plant is a 2,800 acre area managed for quality white-tailed deer. 

This year's hunting dates will be October 16, and October 23 for archery, and November 13, November 17, 

November 20, November 27, December 1, and December 4 for shotgun. The Department of Game & Inland Fisheries 

uses a computer drawing to select individuals and the day they will hunt. There are three ways to apply for the Radford 

Hunt: 1) On-line at www.vaquotahunts.com, 2) toll-free at 1-877-VAHUNTS (1-877-824-8687), or 3) by mail: 

Address 

Zip Code 

State 

City 

and mail to: 

Virginia Quota Hunts 

c/o CyberData, Inc. 

P.O. Box 9009 

Hicksville, NY 11802 

 

Include a $10.00 

application fee 

Money order, personal, or cashier’s 

check made out to CyberData, Inc. 

Fee is non-refundable. 

 

Fill out this 

application 

Incomplete applications 

will be disqualified. 

 

DATE OF BIRTH: 

DAYTIME PHONE#: 

(REQUIRED) 

* 

KEY NUMBER: 

(appears on last year’s 

drawing results letter) 

EVENING PHONE#: 

Your application must be received on or before August 13, 2010 to be included in the drawing. IMPORTANT 

One application per applicant/coapplicant. Submitting more than one application will not increase your chances of 

being drawn. 

Applicants must be at least 12 years of age. Successful applicants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult 

possessing a valid hunting license. Adults accompanying applicants under 18 will not be allowed to hunt. 

Successful applicants will be notified through mail or email by September 10. Unsuccessful applicants will also 

receive notification of the drawing results. 

Antlerless deer are the only legal game, except during either-sex hunts. In order to qualify to apply for a drawing to 

participate in an either-sex hunt, an individual's previous hunt must have been an antlerless hunt. 

Hunt applicants may apply individually or with a coapplicant on the same application. When applying with a 

coapplicant for an either-sex hunt, both applicants' most recent hunt at RAAP must have been for antlerless deer. 

When applying with a coapplicant for any hunt, standing for the drawing will be based on the lower number of 

preference points of the two applicants. 

Successful applicants must possess all appropriate VA hunting license(s). All Federal & State game laws are applicable. 

All shooting will be done from elevated stands. Hunters must remain within 50 yards of stand unless accompanied 

by a VDGIF representative. 

For archery hunting, bow must be capable of propelling a broadhead arrow at least 125 yards. Broadhead arrow 

points must be at least 7/8 inch wide. Broadheads must be covered with quiver. A maximum of four (4) arrows will 

be allowed. All archery hunters selected will be required to qualify prior to hunting by shooting two (2) of three (3) 

arrows into a target 9 inches in diameter at 20 and 30 yard distances from a stand elevated 14 feet above the 

ground. THOSE WHO DO NOT QUALIFY WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO HUNT. Dates and locations for qualifying 

will be furnished to successful applicants. 

Shotgun hunters will be required to wear a blaze orange cap and vest or jacket. Only slugs will be allowed. 

Shotguns must be 20 gauge or larger. A maximum of four (4) shells will be allowed. Only factory loaded shells are 

permitted. Scopes may be used on shotguns. 

No smoking, lighters, matches, or other spark producing devices are permitted. 

All persons entering the installation to hunt will be subject to search. 

Transportation to and from stands will be provided. Privately owned vehicles will not be allowed on the installation. 

Applicants who are drawn to hunt will be required to submit a background check to the Radford Army Ammunication 

Plant. See FAQs for details -- www.dgif.virginia.gov/hunting/quotahunts/raap-faq.asp. 

All shotgun hunters regardless of age must have completed a hunter safety education course before participating in a 

shotgun hunt. 

Answers to questions about the hunt can be found on our website at www.dgif.virginia.gov or by 

calling VDGIF, 

Blacksburg Office at (540) 961-8304. 

We reserve the right to alter or close the hunting season or to close any zone. 

This program received Federal financial assistance in Sport Fish and/or Wildlife Restoration. Under Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, Section 504 of the 

Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title II of the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 

1972, the U.S. Department of the Interior prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex, or disability. If you believe that you have 

been discriminated against in any program, activity, or facility as described above, or if you desire further information please write to the office for Human 

Resources, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 4040 North Fairfax Drive, Room 300, Arlington, VA 22203. 

EMAIL ADDRESS: 

* 

CO-APPLICANT 


Not required for 1st time applicants. 

M.I. 

First 

Last 

Address 

Zip Code 

State 

City 

DATE OF BIRTH: 

DAYTIME PHONE#: 

(REQUIRED) 

* 

KEY NUMBER: 

(appears on last year’s 

drawing results letter) 

EVENING PHONE#: 

EMAIL ADDRESS: 

Not required for 1st time applicants. 

* 

There are a limited number of wheelchair accessible stands. 

I am mobility impaired and interested in applying for one of these stands. 

I will be accompanied by a non-hunting assistant 

STANDS FOR MOBILITY IMPAIRED: 

 

 

Assistant’s name Assistant’s Date of Birth

Assistant’s name Assistant’s Date of Birth Resources, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 4040 North Fairfax Drive, Room 300, Arlington, VA 22203. 

 

or APPLY BY MAIL 

 

NOTE: Applications must be postmarked on or before the application due date to be accepted. 

Check the boxes of the hunts you want to apply for. 

SELECT HUNTS TO APPLY FOR Specify your hunt day preference. Indicate if you are willing to accept any hunt day in the event you do not win your hunt day preference. 

NEW! NEW! NEW! - Applicants for some hunts may 

With the exception of hunts 205, 207 & 208, you you may may apply apply for for each each hunt hunt only only one one time time time. time time Additional entries will be disqualified. 

receive additional hunt dates as a bonus if 

You may apply more than once for hunts 205, 207, & 208 ONLY but not for the same day and you must fill out separate applications and pay the 

the series applied for does not fill to capacity application fee each time. 

I I will will accept accept any any date date 

date 

 

# # TITLE TITLE 

HUNT HUNT DAY DAY PREF PREF. PREF PREF Y Y N N ZONE/TRACK ZONE/TRACK PREF PREF. PREF APPLIC. APPLIC. DUE 

DUE 

WATERFOWL 

DEER 

MULTI-SPECIES 

WMA HUNTS 

2010 SPRING 

TURKEY HUNTS 

BEAR 

SMALL GAME 


2010 - 2011 HUNTING SEASON QUOTA HUNTS 

APPLY ONLINE 

http://www.vaquotahunts.com 

Apply online for the 2010-2011 Quota Hunts. It s the fastest and easiest 

way! Application fee by credit card or check. On the internet, go to: 

http://www.vaquotahunts.com. 

This site works best in IE or Firefox browsers (will not work in AOL.) AOL subscribers should call or mail in their applications. 

IT S fast& 

easy! 

101 Hog Island WMA Waterfowl Hunts 

102 Princess Anne WMA Waterfowl Hunts 

103 Dutch Gap Conservation Area Waterfowl Hunts 

___________ ___________ 

Zone/Track 

___________ ___________ Preference 

___________ ___________ not applicable 

10/1/2010 

10/1/2010 

10/1/2010 

104 Tundra Swan Permit 

105 Lake Orange Waterfowl Hunts 

___________ ___________ for these hunts 

(green areas) 

___________ ___________ 

10/1/2010 

10/1/2010 

106 Dick Cross WMA Waterfowl Hunts ___________ ___________ 10/1/2010 

107 Princess Anne WMA Floating Blind Stake Waterfowl Hunts TBA ____ ___________ 10/1/2010 

108 Plum Tree Island National Wildlife Refuge Waterfowl Hunts ___________ ___________ 10/1/2010 

201 Hog Island WMA Deer Hunts (Archery) ___________ ___________ 8/27/2010 

202 Hog Island WMA Deer Hunts (Shotgun & Muzzleloader) ___________ ___________ 8/27/2010 

203 The Nature Conservancy, North Landing River Oct. 1 - Jan. 2 _ ___________ 8/27/2010 

204 Mockhorn Island WMA Deer Hunts (Muzzleloader) ___________ ___________ 8/27/2010 

205 Back Bay Natl Wildlife Refuge, False Cape St. Park Deer & Hog Hunt* ___________ ___________ 8/27/2010 

206 Rappahannock River Valley National Wildlife Refuge (Archery)* ___________ ___________ 8/27/2010 

207 Rappahannock River Valley National Wildlife Refuge (Muzzleloader)* ___________ ___________ 8/27/2010 

208 Rappahannock River Valley National Wildlife Refuge (Firearms)* ___________ ___________ 8/27/2010 

209 Presquile National Wildlife Refuge (Firearms)* ___________ ___________ 8/27/2010 

210 James River National Wildlife Refuge (Archery)* Oct. 2 - Oct. 23 ___________ 8/27/2010 

212 Lone Star Lakes Park (Firearms)* (NEW) Oct. 1 - Oct. 2 ___________ 8/27/2010 

213 Lone Star Lakes Park (Archery)* Oct. 22 - Oct. 23 ___________ 8/27/2010 

214 Lone Star Lakes Park (Archery)* Nov. 5 - Nov. 6 ___________ 8/27/2010 

215 Lone Star Lakes Park (Firearms)* Nov. 12- Nov. 13 ___________ 8/27/2010 

216 Lone Star Lakes Park (Archery or Muzzleloader)* (NEW) Dec. 17 - Dec. 18 ___________ 8/27/2010 

301 Cavalier & Dismal Swamp Tract WMA Hunts (formerly Dismal Swamp WMA) 

302 Featherfin WMA 

___________ ___________ 

___________ ___________ 

8/27/2010 

8/27/2010 

303 Merrimac Farm WMA ___________ ___________ 8/27/2010 

401 Featherfin WMA ___________ ___________ 10/1/2010 

402 Amelia WMA ___________ ___________ 10/1/2010 

403 Mockhorn Island WMA Spring Turkey Hunts ___________ ___________ 10/1/2010 

404 Merrimac Farm WMA ___________ ___________ 10/1/2010 

501 Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge * Nov. 19 - Nov. 20 ___________ 8/27/2010 

601 New Kent Forestry Center Dove Hunts ___________ ___________ 7/30/2010 

602 New Kent Forestry Center Rabbit Hunts ___________ ___________ 8/27/2010 

603 New Kent Forestry Center Quail Hunts ___________ ___________ 8/27/2010 

604 False Cape State Hog Hunts* ___________ ___________ 10/1/2010 

605 Fulfillment Farms Quail & Rabbit Hunts (Albemarle County) (NEW) ___________ ___________ 10/1/2010 

CONTINUE TO NEXT PAGE 

*For winning applicants of these hunts there will be an additional hunt fee either payable by mail in advance of the hunt or payable on the day of the hunt. Information on 

additional payments will be sent via US Mail with the winning applicants package. For additional information about these fees, see the Hunting Hunting & & & Trapping Trapping Trapping in 

in 

Virginia Virginia Regulations Regulations Regulations Digest Digest 

Digest or online at www.quotahunts.com 




APPLY BY MAIL (continued) 

 

ENTER 

I WISH TO PAY BY: CHECK A non-refundable non-refundable application fee of $7.50 per hunt applies. Make check payable to CyberData, CyberData, Inc. 

Inc. 

CREDIT CARD Fill in the information below as it appears on your credit card statement. Please print clearly. 

THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION 

Fill in all fields. Incomplete applications will be disqualified. Please print clearly. 

APPLICANT NAME: 

CALCULATE FEES 

MAILING ADDRESS: 

 


2010 - 2011 HUNTING SEASON QUOTA HUNTS 

Last First 

Street 

Email Address 

# OF HUNT(S) SELECTED 

Name 

(as it appears on the credit card) 

Address 

(Street address, City, State, Zip) 

City State Zip Code 

DATE OF BIRTH: Gender 

2010-2011 HUNTING LIC#: 

(REQUIRED) 

MAIL APPLICATION (WITH FEE) TO: 

x $7.50 (each) 

Virginia Quota Hunts 

c/o CyberData, Inc. 

P.O. Box 9009 

Hicksville, New York 11802 

= $ 

Credit Card # CVV2/CID# 

CC Expiration Date 

Daytime Phone# Evening Phone# 

x 

Signature 

Male 

Female 

I authorize the use of this credit card for the amount detailed above. 

IMPORTANT: If paying by check, include a non-refundable non-refundable application fee of $7.50 for each each hunt applied for. 

Make check payable to: CyberData, CyberData, Inc. 

Inc. 

If paying by credit card, check that all the credit card information is correct in the form above. Sign your 

name (the card holder) on the signature line. 

All winning applicants will be notified by mail or email of their drawing result. All permits are 

non-transferable 

non-transferable. non-transferable Guest(s) must be accompanied by the permit holder. 

Application Application by by Phone: Phone: Available Monday - Friday (9:30 am - 4:30 pm EST) Call 1-877- 1-877- 1-877-VAHUNTS 

1-877- 1-877- AHUNTS 


M.I.

. 

. 

r 

Public Ranges 

The Department of Game and Inland Fisheries 

has public sighting-in ranges available 

at the Wildlife Management Areas 

(WMA) listed below. These ranges were 

built for sportsmen to properly sight-in 

their firearms before going afield during 

the hunting seasons. All Department public 

sighting-in ranges are handicapped accessible. 

Range rules and hours of operation 

are prominently posted at each range to 

promote shooting safety and proper care of 

the facilities. No reservations are required 

and there are no fees. Shooters are limited 

to one hour of shooting when range is full. 

Be sure to bring your own paper targets, 

cardboard backing, clothespins and tape. In 

order to help maintain the ranges, all target 

materials and brass must be removed for 

proper disposal off site. “Leave No Trace.” 

Specific hours and dates of operation, 

range rules, scheduled closures, travel 

directions and other information is posted 

on the Department website at 

www.huntfishva.com/hunting/shooting 

ranges.asp. 

The use of firearms and bows at public 

ranges during closed general firearms hunting 

seasons is restricted to the area within 

the established range boundaries for target 

shooting purposes only. Such weapons are 

required to be unloaded and cased or dismantled 

on all national forest and department-owned 

lands outside the range 

boundaries during this period. 

Also noted below are shooting ranges 

found on the George Washington and Jefferson 


NOTE: The Department reserves the 

right to manage use and access of these 

facilities as deemed appropriate. These 

facilities are subject to emergency closures. 

Department Sighting-In 

Ranges 

Amelia Wildlife Management Area: Six 

covered bench positions from 25–100 

yards for rifle, muzzleloader and shotgun 

patterning at stationary paper targets; area 

for clay bird shooting (bring own thrower 

and targets); and archery range. Pistol 

shooting is prohibited. General dates of 

operation are September 1 to March 31. 

With the exception of state holidays, the 

range is closed on Mondays for maintenance. 

For information contact: Forest 

Regional Office, (434) 525-7522. 

Chickahominy Wildlife Management 

Area: Ten covered bench shooting positions 

from 25–100 yards for rifle, muzzleloader 

and shotgun sighting-in at stationary 

paper targets. Additional covered area for 

stand up shotgun patterning. Pistol and clay 

target shooting are prohibited. General 

dates of operation are September 1 to 

March 31. With the exception of state holidays, 

the range will be closed on Mondays 

for maintenance. For information contact: 

Charles City Regional Office, (804) 829 - 

6580. 

Clinch Mountain Wildlife Management 

Area: Six covered bench-rest stations from 

25–100 yards for rifle, muzzleloader and 

shotgun patterning at stationary paper targets. 

Pistol and clay target shooting are prohibited. 

General dates of operation are September 

1 to March 31. With the exception 

of state holidays, the range will be closed on 

Mondays for maintenance. Snow and ice 

may result in temporary range closures in 

January, February and March. For information 

contact: Marion Regional Office, (276) 

783- 4860. 

Gathright Wildlife Management Area: 

Six covered bench-rest stations from 







Mondays for maintenance. For information 

contact: Verona Regional Office, (540) 

248- 9360. 

C. F. Phelps Wildlife Management Area: 

Six covered bench-rest stations from 







Mondays for maintenance. For information 

contact: Fredericksburg Regional Office, 

(540) 899-4169. 

White Oak Mountain Wildlife Management 

Area: Six covered bench positions 

from 25–100 yards for rifle, muzzleloader, 

and shotgun patterning at stationary paper 

targets. Pistol and clay target shooting are 

prohibited. General dates of operation are 

September 1 to March 31. With the exception 

of state holidays, the range will be 

closed on Mondays for maintenance. For 

information contact Forest Regional 

Office, (434) 525-7522. 

National Forest Shooting 

Ranges 

The Blacksburg Shooting Range offers 

two facilities: an 18-position rifle/pistol for 

firing at stationary targets and a single position 

shotgun (trap) range. For information 

contact: Eastern Divide Ranger District, 

(540) 552- 4641. 

The Bath County Shooting Range has 10 

covered bench rests for shooting 50–100 

yards. Pistols, rifles, and shotguns are 

allowed at stationary targets. Moving targets 

are prohibited. For information contact: 

Warm Springs Ranger District, (540) 

839-2521. 

The Hite Hollow Shooting Range is available 

for rifle, pistol, and shotgun shooting 

at stationary targets. Moving targets are 

prohibited. For information contact: North 

River Ranger District, (540) 432-0187. 

The Low Moor Shooting Range provides 

6 covered rifle bench rests and 3 covered 

pistol bench rests. Features include rifle 

range—stationary targets at 50 and 100 

yards, and pistol range—stationary targets 

at 25 yards. Moving targets are prohibited. 

For information contact: James River 

Ranger District, (540) 962-2214. 

The Pott’s Slope Shooting Range is handicapped-accessible 

with a covered shooting 

area. There are nine lanes for rifle and pistol 

use with stationary targets at 25, 50, and 

100 yards. For information contact: Eastern 

Divide Ranger District, (540) 552- 

4641. 

The West Side Shooting Range provides 

shooting lanes of various lengths with covered 

shooting benches. For more information 

contact: North River Ranger District, 

(540) 432-0187. 

The Wythe Shooting Range includes six 

25 yard lanes and four 100-yard lanes. For 

more information contact: Mt. Rogers 

National Recreation Area, (800) 628-7202. 

NOTE: When visiting the National Forest, 

please remember firearms may be 

discharged for target practice only at 

established shooting ranges. Discharging 

a firearm in a developed recreation 

site is dangerous and prohibited. For 

more information contact: the George 

Washington and Jefferson National Forest 

Headquarters at 516 Valleypointe 

Parkway, Roanoke, VA 24019, or call 

(540) 265-5100. 



Index and Sunrise/sunset 

Sunrise and Sunset Timetable–Richmond, Virginia 

Times below are Eastern Standard Time. Add one hour for Daylight Saving Time when in use. 

JULY 10 AUG 10 SEPT 10 OCT 10 NOV 10 DEC 10 JAN 11 FEB 11 MAR 11 APR 11 MAY 11 JUNE 11 

Day Rise Set Rise Set Rise Set Rise Set Rise Set Rise Set Rise Set Rise Set Rise Set Rise Set Rise Set Rise Set 

AM PM AM PM AM PM AM PM AM PM AM PM AM PM AM PM AM PM AM PM AM PM AM PM 

1 4:52 7:35 5:14 7:18 5:40 6:39 6:05 5:53 6:35 5:12 7:06 4:52 7:25 5:02 7:14 5:34 6:42 6:03 5:56 6:32 5:15 7:00 4:50 7:25 

2 4:53 7:35 5:15 7:17 5:41 6:37 6:06 5:52 6:36 5:11 7:07 4:52 7:25 5:03 7:13 5:35 6:40 6:04 5:54 6:33 5:14 7:01 4:50 7:26 

3 4:53 7:35 5:16 7:16 5:42 6:36 6:07 5:50 6:37 5:09 7:08 4:52 7:25 5:04 7:12 5:36 6:39 6:05 5:53 6:34 5:13 7:01 4:50 7:27 

4 4:54 7:35 5:16 7:15 5:43 6:34 6:08 5:49 6:38 5:08 7:09 4:51 7:25 5:05 7:11 5:37 6:37 6:06 5:51 6:35 5:12 7:02 4:49 7:27 

5 4:54 7:34 5:17 7:14 5:43 6:33 6:09 5:47 6:39 5:07 7:09 4:51 7:25 5:06 7:10 5:38 6:36 6:07 5:50 6:36 5:10 7:03 4:49 7:28 

6 4:55 7:34 5:18 7:13 5:44 6:31 6:10 5:46 6:40 5:07 7:10 4:51 7:25 5:06 7:09 5:39 6:35 6:08 5:48 6:37 5:09 7:04 4:49 7:28 

7 4:55 7:34 5:19 7:12 5:45 6:30 6:11 5:44 6:41 5:06 7:11 4:51 7:25 5:07 7:08 5:40 6:33 6:09 5:47 6:38 5:08 7:05 4:49 7:29 

8 4:56 7:34 5:20 7:11 5:46 6:28 6:12 5:43 6:42 5:05 7:12 4:51 7:25 5:08 7:07 5:41 6:32 6:10 5:45 6:39 5:07 7:06 4:49 7:30 

9 4:57 7:33 5:21 7:09 5:47 6:27 6:12 5:41 6:43 5:04 7:13 4:52 7:25 5:09 7:06 5:42 6:30 6:11 5:44 6:40 5:06 7:07 4:48 7:30 

10 4:57 7:33 5:21 7:08 5:48 6:25 6:13 5:40 6:44 5:03 7:14 4:52 7:25 5:10 7:05 5:44 6:29 6:12 5:43 6:41 5:05 7:08 4:48 7:30 

11 4:58 7:33 5:22 7:07 5:48 6:24 6:14 5:38 6:45 5:02 7:14 4:52 7:25 5:11 7:04 5:45 6:27 6:13 5:41 6:41 5:04 7:09 4:48 7:31 

12 4:59 7:32 5:23 7:06 5:49 6:22 6:15 5:37 6:46 5:01 7:15 4:52 7:24 5:12 7:03 5:46 6:26 6:14 5:40 6:42 5:03 7:09 4:48 7:31 

13 4:59 7:32 5:24 7:05 5:50 6:21 6:16 5:35 6:47 5:01 7:16 4:52 7:24 5:13 7:02 5:47 6:24 6:15 5:38 6:43 5:03 7:10 4:48 7:32 

14 5:00 7:31 5:25 7:04 5:51 6:19 6:17 5:34 6:48 5:00 7:17 4:52 7:24 5:14 7:01 5:48 6:23 6:16 5:37 6:44 5:02 7:11 4:48 7:32 

15 5:01 7:31 5:26 7:02 5:52 6:18 6:18 5:33 6:50 4:59 7:17 4:53 7:24 5:15 6:59 5:49 6:21 6:17 5:35 6:45 5:01 7:12 4:48 7:33 

16 5:01 7:30 5:27 7:01 5:53 6:16 6:19 5:31 6:51 4:58 7:18 4:53 7:23 5:16 6:58 5:50 6:20 6:18 5:34 6:46 5:00 7:13 4:48 7:33 

17 5:02 7:30 5:27 7:00 5:53 6:15 6:20 5:30 6:52 4:58 7:19 4:53 7:23 5:17 6:57 5:51 6:18 6:19 5:33 6:47 4:59 7:14 4:48 7:33 

18 5:03 7:29 5:28 6:58 5:54 6:13 6:21 5:29 6:53 4:57 7:19 4:54 7:22 5:18 6:56 5:52 6:17 6:20 5:31 6:48 4:58 7:15 4:48 7:34 

19 5:03 7:28 5:29 6:57 5:55 6:11 6:22 5:27 6:54 4:56 7:20 4:54 7:22 5:19 6:55 5:53 6:15 6:21 5:30 6:49 4:58 7:15 4:49 7:34 

20 5:04 7:28 5:30 6:56 5:56 6:10 6:23 5:26 6:55 4:56 7:20 4:55 7:22 5:20 6:53 5:54 6:14 6:21 5:29 6:50 4:57 7:16 4:49 7:34 

21 5:05 7:27 5:31 6:54 5:57 6:08 6:24 5:25 6:56 4:55 7:21 4:55 7:21 5:22 6:52 5:55 6:12 6:22 5:27 6:50 4:56 7:17 4:49 7:34 

22 5:06 7:26 5:32 6:53 5:58 6:07 6:25 5:23 6:57 4:55 7:21 4:56 7:21 5:23 6:51 5:56 6:11 6:23 5:26 6:51 4:56 7:18 4:49 7:35 

23 5:07 7:26 5:33 6:52 5:58 6:05 6:26 5:22 6:58 4:54 7:22 4:56 7:20 5:24 6:50 5:57 6:09 6:24 5:25 6:52 4:55 7:19 4:49 7:35 

24 5:07 7:25 5:33 6:50 5:59 6:04 6:27 5:21 6:59 4:54 7:22 4:57 7:19 5:25 6:48 5:58 6:08 6:25 5:23 6:53 4:54 7:19 4:50 7:35 

25 5:08 7:24 5:34 6:49 6:00 6:02 6:28 5:20 7:00 4:54 7:23 4:57 7:19 5:26 6:47 5:59 6:06 6:26 5:22 6:54 4:54 7:20 4:50 7:35 

26 5:09 7:23 5:35 6:48 6:01 6:01 6:29 5:18 7:01 4:53 7:23 4:58 7:18 5:27 6:46 6:00 6:05 6:27 5:21 6:55 4:53 7:21 4:50 7:35 

27 5:10 7:22 5:36 6:46 6:02 5:59 6:30 5:17 7:02 4:53 7:23 4:59 7:17 5:28 6:44 6:01 6:03 6:28 5:20 6:56 4:53 7:22 4:51 7:35 

28 5:11 7:22 5:37 6:45 6:03 5:58 6:31 5:16 7:03 4:53 7:24 4:59 7:17 5:29 6:43 6:02 6:02 6:29 5:18 6:57 4:52 7:22 4:51 7:35 

29 5:11 7:21 5:38 6:43 6:04 5:56 6:32 5:15 7:04 4:52 7:24 5:00 7:16 5:30 6:00 6:30 5:17 6:58 4:52 7:23 4:51 7:35 

30 5:12 7:20 5:38 6:42 6:04 5:55 6:33 5:14 7:05 4:52 7:24 5:01 7:15 5:31 5:59 6:31 5:16 6:59 4:51 7:24 4:52 7:35 

31 5:13 7:19 5:39 6:40 6:34 5:13 7:24 5:01 7:14 5:33 5:57 6:31 4:51 7:25 

Apply corrections below to Richmond sunrise-sunset times 

to obtain official times at other Virginia locations. 

Location Correction 

Newport News -5 minutes 

Norfolk -5 minutes 

Roanoke +10 minutes 

Tazewell +16 minutes 

Williamsburg -3 minutes 

Winchester +3 minutes 

Location Correction 

Bristol +19 minutes 

Cape Charles -6 minutes 

Charlottesville +4 minutes 

Chincoteague -8 minutes 

Danville +8 minutes 

Fredericksburg 0 minutes 


Index 

Access Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 

Air Rifles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 

Antlered & Antlerless Deer . . . . . . . . 30 

Apprentice License . . . . . . . . . . . 10, 11 

Archery (Early) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 

Archery (Late) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 

Archery (Urban) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 

Archery Tackle (Definition) . . . . . . . 13 

Assisting with Hunt . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 

ATV Laws . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 

Bag Limit Exceptions . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 

Bait (Definition) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 

Bear (Bag Limits, size requirements) 25 

Bear Check Stations . . . . . . . . . . 22, 27 

Bear Checking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22, 27 

Bear Hound/Training Chase Season . .27 

Bear Hunting (Archery) . . . . . . . . . . 25 

Bear Hunting (Firearms) . . . . . . . . . . 26 

Bear Hunting (Muzzleloader) . . . . . . 25 

Beaver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13, 46 

Big Game Checking Requirements . .22 

Big Game Contest/Show . . . . . . . 22, 36 

Blaze Orange Requirements . . . . . . . 14 

Bobcat Hunting . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13, 43 

Bobcat Mandatory Electronic 

Checking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 

Bobcat (Tagging Requirements) . . . . 43 

Bonus Deer Permits . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 

Bowhunter Survey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 

Camping Policy (National Forest) . . . 49 

Carcass (Disposal of Deer) . . . . . . . . 30 

Carcass (Transferring/ 

Left Unattended) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 

Carcass Importation Ban (Deer) . . . . 38 

Concealed Handguns . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 

Coyote Hunting . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42, 46 

Crossbow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13, 16 

Crossbow, Loaded . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 

Crow Hunting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 

CWD - Chronic Wasting Disease . . . . 37 

Deer (Archery) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 

Deer (Archery, Early) . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 

Deer (Bag Limits) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 

Deer (Firearms) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34-35 

Deer (Firearms - Late Antlerless Only) 35 

Deer (Muzzleloader - Early) . . . . . 32-33 

Deer (Muzzleloader - Late) . . . . . . . . 33 

Deer (Urban Archery) . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 

Deer (Youth Hunting Day) . . . . . . . . 31 

Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 

Disabled Hunts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48, 59 

Dismal Swamp Line (Definition) . . . 13 

DMAP/DCAP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 

Dogs (Hunting with) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 

Dogs (Training) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 

Earn a Buck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 

East and West of Blue Ridge . . . . . . . 13 

Electronic Calls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 

Elk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 

Feather Collection (Wild Turkey) . . . 40 

Federal Refuges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 

Feeding Wildlife (Unlawful) . . . . . . . 17 

Felons (Firearms) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 

Fox Hunting . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13, 42, 46 

Fox, Chase only . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 

Furbearer Species (Definition) . . . 13, 42 

Game Species (Definition) . . . . . . . . 13 

Groundhog Hunting . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 

Grouse Hunting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 

HIP 1-888-788-9772 . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 

Hogs, Feral . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13, 58 

Hours (Hunting) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14, 64 

Hunter Education (Lost Card 

1-866-721-6911) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 

Hunter Education Requirements . . . . . 8 

Hunters for the Hungry . . . . . . . . . . . 36 

Hunting (Shooting) Preserves . . . 11, 39 

Landowner Liability . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 

Legal Use of Archery Equipment . . . . 16 

Legal Use of Firearms . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 

License Exemptions 

(Personal Check Card) . . . . . . . . . . 23 

License Requirements (Hunting) . . . . 10 

License Requirements (Trapping) . . . 10 

License (Replacement) . . . . . . . . . . . 10 

Licenses & Fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-12 

Lifetime License Requirements . . . . . 10 

Lights (Use of) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16, 43 

Local Firearms Ordinances . . . . . 19-21 

Managed Hunts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58-59 

Military Areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 

Mink . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13, 46 

Muskrat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13, 46 

Muzzleloader, Bear Season . . . . . . . . 25 

Muzzleloader, Early Deer . . . . . . . . . 32 

Muzzleloader (Electronic Ignition)25, 33 

Muzzeloader, Late Deer . . . . . . . . . . 33 

Muzzleloader; Loaded, Unloaded .13, 49 

National Forest Hunting . . . . . . . . . . 49 

National Parks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 

Non-Migratory Game Birds 

(Definition) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 

Nuisance Species (Definition) . . . . . . 13 

Nutria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13, 46 

Opossum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13, 42, 46 

Otter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13, 46 

Permission to Hunt Form . . . . . . . 15-16 

Personal Check Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 

Pistols/Revolvers (Hunting with) . . . . 16 

Possession/Transporting Wildlife 13, 18 

Preserves (Hunting/Shooting) . . . 11, 39 

Private Property (Hunting, Posting) . .15 

Private Property (Liability) . . . . . . . . 15 

Private Property 

(Permission to Hunt Forms) . . . 15-16 

Public Access Land for Sportsmen 

(PALS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12, 49 

Public Hunting Lands . . . . . . . . . 47-59 

Quail Action Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38 

Quail and Pheasant Hunting . . . . . . . 39 

Quota Hunts & Workshops . . . . . . 53-59 

Quota Hunt Application . . . . . . . . 61-62 

Rabbit Hunting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39, 46 

Raccoon Hunting . . . . . . . . . . 13, 44, 46 

Radford Deer Hunt Application . . . . . 60 

Ranges (Public) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 

Regions/Phone Numbers . . . . . . . . . . 6 

Residency Qualifications . . . . . . . . . . 9 

Sell/Purchase of Wildlife . . . . . . . . . . 18 

Shenandoah County Special 

Antler Restrictions . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 

Shooting From Boat . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 

Shooting from Road . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 

Shooting Over Public Water . . . . . 17, 45 

Skunk Hunting . . . . . . . . . . . 13, 42, 46 

Squirrel Hunting . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13, 39 

State Forest Hunting . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 

State Parks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50-53 

Structures (National Forest) . . . . . . . 49 

Sunrise/Sunset Table . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 

Tag Validation 

(bear, deer and turkey) . . . . . . . . . 22 

Tagging Requirements (CITES) 

for Bobcats/Otters . . . . . . . . . . . 43, 46 

Telephone/Internet Checking . . . . . . 23 

Training Dogs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14, 27 

Trapper Association Reward 

Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 

Trap Tagging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 

Trapper ID #’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 

Trapping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13, 45-46 

Traps, Checking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 

Traps, Foothold . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 

Tree Stands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8, 48, 49 

Tree Stand Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 

Turkey (Archery) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 

Turkey (Fall Firearms) . . . . . . . . . 40-41 

Turkey (Spring) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 

Turkey 

(Youth Fall & Spring Hunts) . . 40-41 

Turkey, Feather Collection . . . . . . . . 40 

Turkey, Weight Certification . . . . 22-23 

Unauthorized/Unlawful Feeding 17, 49 

Unlawful Methods . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-18 

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers . . . . . 50 

Unplugged Shotguns . . . . . . . . . . 16, 39 

Violations (Report) 1-800-237-5712 . . 7 

Virginia Big Game Contest . . . . . . . . 36 

Weasel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13, 46 

Weight Certification, Wild Turkey 22-23 

WMAs, Wildlife Management 

Areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47-48 

Youth Deer Hunting Day . . . . . . . . . . 31 

Youth (Special Antlerless 

Deer Regulation) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 


Index and Sunrise/sunset

Service Directory 

Guides & Outfitters Guides & Outfitters 

Guides & Outfitters 

Deer • Quail • Turkey • Dove • Hogs 

J&J Hunting, LLC 

Hunt on Over 10,000 Acres 

of PRIME WILDLIFE HABITAT 

John Miller ~ Rt.1, Box 152A • Arnett, OK 73832 

(580) 939-2498 / www.jjhunting.com 

South Carolina 

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5 Hours South 

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Velvet Hunt: Aug. 15 - Sept 1 

Deer Season: Aug. 15 - Jan. 1st 

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727-505-7047 

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FLORIDA FISHING & HUNTING 

BASS 2 1/2 day 1 night & 6 doz. shiners $220. 

CRAPPIE / BLUEGILL 2 1/2 DAY 1 NIGHT $190. 

WILD HOG AND GATOR YEAR-ROUND HUNTS 

WILD BOAR 1 person $100. (kill processed free) 

ALLIGATOR (free processing, hide & all meat) 

9-12ft. $2495. / 6-9ft. $1495 + a FREE wild boar hunt 

DUCK 1 person 1 day $100. / 2 day 1 night $240 

(863) 287-8484 or (863) 946-1742 

www.RONSGUIDESERVICE.com 

Orapax Hunting Preserve 

Goochland, Virginia 

Quail & Pheasant 

Hunts 

804-556-2261 

www.orapax.com 

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Tioga Ranch 

HUNT WILD BOAR 

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Hunt wild boar, seven breeds of rams, five 

breeds of deer, wild goat, turkey, stag, 

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TIOGA RANCH 

1552 MANN HILL ROAD, TIOGA, PA 16946 

570-835-5341 

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Experienced guides, 

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(570)835-5341 

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Fall Deer Hunts Upland Bird Hunts 

•Beautiful, remote valley •Quail, pheasant or chukar 

•Hunt with shotgun, rifl e, •Unequaled terrain 

muzzleloader & bow •Full lodging pkgs 

Private Trout Fishing Stream & Ponds • Cabin Rentals 

540-996-4134 

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www.greenvaleyhuntersparadise.com 

BLACK BEAR 

Taxidermy Studio 

“Your Trophy, is Our Trophy” 

Federal & State Licensed 

Ask about our Pick-up & Delivery Service. 

email: blackbeart@aol.com 

804-663-1842 

or 804-867-8098 www.blackbeart.com 

Virginia Bowhunters Association 

(888) 922-9536 

TAXIDERMY 

Gun Dealers 

Hunting & Fishing License 

Game Checking Station 

Deer•Bear•Turkey 

STEVE’S ARCHERY & GUNS 

MATHEWS • REFLEX • PEARSON • MARTIN 

CROSS BOWS • GUNS & AMMO 

540-652-6393 

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261 MASSANUTTEN AVE. 

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Custom Gunsmithing, Inc. 

Custom Rifles • Handgun Action Jobs • Engraving • 

Belgium Blueing • Custom Fiberglass Stocks • Sight & 

Scope Mounting • General Repairs 

“Craftsmanship with Pride” 

John Myer 

Certifi ed Gunsmith 

A & E Smithing 

Al Smith 

Full Service Gunsmith 

General Repair, Restoration & Finishing 

2590 Fairground Rd 

Gunsmiths 

(804) 556-4297 

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Service Directory 

Tools 

No jag loads & cleans like SpinJag 

Loads round balls to ballistic-tipped bullets 

• Bullet Starters • Adapters-Extensions 

• SpinJag Loader • Custom Ramrods 

7801 Redpine Rd Ste A 

Richmond, VA 23237 

SpinJag.com 888-271-2323 

Sporting Goods 

Virginia’s #1 Archery Pro Shop 

Indoor Range, Pro Shop & Service Center 

804-556-7012 

www.huntnshak.com 

We Specialize in..Bows for Hunting, 

Target Archery, Youth & Ladies Bows 

Everything Archery!! 

* Award winning service 

* Warranty & Repairs 

* Certified Technicians 

* Authorized Service 

* $10 Off 1st $50 Purchase w/ ad 

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Located At 

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Gum Spring, VA 

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Tue– Sat 10-8 

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Large selection of Guns, Ammo, Optics, 

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New & Used Guns, Reloading supplies, 

and Powder. 

Special Orders Welcomed 

(540) 947-5409 

460 W. Montvale, VA 

Advertise Here: Call 

1-800-296-6402 

Meat Processing Supplies 

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26 Lyerly 

Houston, TX 77022 

www.alliedkenco.com 

713-691-2935 

FAX 713-691-3250 

800-356-5189 

aks@alliedkenco.com 

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VERSATRACK ® accessory mounting channels and a Bearhide REGULATIONS (Arms & Ammunition) 

General Statewide Seasons: 1) Manually operated centerfire rifles, 

Antler Restriction Definition, Wildlife Management Units handguns and shotguns with all lead bullet or ball, or a bullet 

Four or more points to one antler: WMUs 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B & 2D designed to expand on impact; 2) muzzleloading long guns of any 

Three or more points to one antler: other All boats other WMUs avoid. Inside, plentiful storage type, space, 44 caliber wide or larger, open decks, or a muzzleloading handgun 50 caliber or 

Exceptions: In all WMUs, junior license VERSATRACK holders, mentored youth hunters, larger; and 3) long, recurve 

non-skid 

or compound 

liner 

and crossbows with 

disabled persons permit (to use a vehicle) holders and residents serving on broadheads of cutting-edge design. Buckshot is illegal, except in 

active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces help — you which easily includes bag your the U.S. limit. Coast Plus, these Southeast boats Special are available Regulations in two different Area. 

Guard — two or more points to one antler, camo or patterns with one to antler keep three you inches hidden or from Archery your quarry! Seasons: Long, recurve, compound bows and crossbows 

more in length. Senior License holders must abide by antler restric- with broadheads of cutting-edge design. An arrow and crossbow 

tions. 

bolt must be equipped with a broadhead not more than three inches 

A Legal Point: An antler projection of at least one inch in length from base to long and at least 7/8 inches wide, with at least two cutting edges 

tip, including brow tines. Main beam shall be counted as a point regardless 

on the same plane throughout the length of the cutting surface. 

of length. 

Magnifying scopes and red dot sights can be used on crossbows. 

Antlerless Deer: A deer without antlers, or a deer with antlers both of which Persons hunting deer in the archery seasons may not possess a 

are less than three inches in length. 

firearm, except those individuals who have a License to Carry 

Protected Deer: A deer not defined as an antlered deer or an antlerless deer. Firearms permit, and then only those firearms authorized by the 

Limit: One legal antlered deer per license year. One antlerless deer with each permit (most sporting arms are not authorized). Muzzleloading 

valid WMU specific antlerless license. 

firearms can also be carried by bowhunters during any 

Field Possession Limit: When multiple harvests of deer per day are autho- muzzleloading season, providing the hunter has an archery lirized, 

only one deer at a time may be taken (except in Special Regulations cense and a muzzleloader license and meets the fluorescent or- 

Areas). Before attempting to take an additional deer, the first deer shall be ange requirements of the muzzleloader season. 

lawfully tagged. 

Flintlock Muzzleloader Season: Flintlock ignition, single-barrel 

long gun, 44 caliber or larger, or 50 caliber or larger handgun, using 

Archery: Antlered & Antlerless Statewide: 

single projectile ammunition. It is unlawful to use telescopic sights. 

Oct. 2-Nov. 13 & Dec. 27-Jan. 15, 2011 

Peep sights are permitted. 

Archery: Antlerless WMUs 2B, 5C & 5D: 

October Antlerless Muzzleloader Season: Any single-barrel 

Sept. 18-Oct. 1 & Nov. 15-27 

muzzleloader long gun with flintlock, percussion or in-line igni- 

Archery: Antlered & Antlerless WMUs 2B, 5C & 5D: 

tion, 44 caliber or larger, or 50 caliber or larger handgun. Scope 

Oct. 2-Nov. 13 & Dec. 27-Jan. 29 

sights permitted. 

Special Antlerless Only - Firearms 

Special Regulations Areas: (All of Allegheny County in western 

(Statewide): Oct. 21-23 

Only Junior and Senior License holders, Disabled Person Permit (to use a 

Pennsylvania and all of Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery 

vehicle) holders and Pennsylvania residents serving on active duty in the and Philadelphia counties in the southeast): Muzzleloading long 

U.S. Armed Forces, including the U.S. Coast Guard. Arms and ammunition guns 44-caliber or larger, bows and arrows, manual or semi-auto- 

permitted during the Regular Statewide Seasons can be used in this seamatic shotguns .410 or larger using slugs and 20-gauge or larger 

son. 

using buckshot. Buckshot may not be used in Allegheny County. 

Only bows and arrows are permitted in Philadelphia County. 

Regular Firearms Deer Season: The designated period of 

time when deer may be hunted and taken by any person who Fluorescent Orange Requirements 

possesses a General Hunting License or a General Hunting Antlered & Antlerless: During the regular and special deer sea- 

License and Antlerless License only. 

sons and any extensions of these seasons, all hunters must wear 

Antlered & Antlerless Deer: Nov. 29-Dec. 11 

at least 250 square inches of fluorescent orange on the head, 

WMUs 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 2F, 3A, 3B, 3D, 4A, 4C, 5A, 5B, 5C & 5D chest and back combined (example: orange cap and coat/vest visible 

360 degrees). Camouflage fluorescent orange may satisfy this 

Antlered Only: Nov. 29 -Dec. 3 

regulation if the total orange content is at least 250 square inches. 

WMUs 2C, 2D, 2E, 2G, 3C, 4B, 4D & 4E 

Archers: During the Sept. 18-Oct. 1 archery season in WMUs 2B, 

Antlered & Antlerless: Dec. 4-11 

5C & 5D, and the first two weeks of early archery season, and 

WMUs 2C, 2D, 2E, 2G, 3C, 4B, 4D & 4E 

during the late after-Christmas season, bowhunters are not required 

to wear fluorescent orange. When the early archery season 

Antlerless - WMUs 2B, 5C & 5D: 

overlaps with the October muzzleloader/special antlerless firearms 

Dec. 27-Jan. 29, 2011 

season, archers are required to wear 250 square inches of fluores- 

This is a firearms season, but WMU 5D and parts of 2B and 5C fall under 

cent orange clothing while moving about or relocating. They may 

Special Regulations Area restrictions. Only bows are permitted in Philadel- 

remove their orange clothing providing 100 square inches of fluophia 

County. 

rescent orange material is placed within 15 feet of their location 

Antlerless - Muzzleloader (Statewide): Oct. 16-23 

and is visible 360 degrees when on stand. Finally, during overlap 

Must have a muzzleloader stamp. 

with fall turkey season, archery deer hunters (and bear hunters 

Flintlock Muzzleloader (Antlered & Antlerless, Statewide): during the designated archery bear season) must wear a hat con- 

Dec. 27-Jan. 15, 2011, One antlered deer per hunting license year or one taining a minimum of 100 square inches of solid fluorescent or- 

antlerless deer and an additional antlerless deer with each valid WMU speange material while moving about or relocating. The orange hat 

cific antlerless license. Must have a muzzleloader stamp. 

may be removed when the hunter is stationary, or on stand. See 

the Special Regulations Areas section for more details. 

Flintlock Muzzleloader (Antlered & Antlerless): WMUs 2B, 5C & 5D 

Muzzleloader Deer: During the late flintlock deer season 

- Dec. 27-Jan. 29, 2011 

muzzleloader hunters are not required to wear or display fluorescent 

orange. However, during the October antlerless muzzleloader 

An antlerless deer license is valid only in the Wildlife Management deer season hunters are required to wear the same 250 square 

Unit designated. The use or attempted use of an antlerless license inches of fluorescent orange required of all big game season hunt- 

in another WMU is a violation of the law. Except for the flintlock ers. See the Special Regulation Areas section for more details. 

season, an antlerless license is required for each antlerless deer Tagging, Reporting Requirements 

harvested. 

See tagging and reporting in the “Big Game Regulations” section. 

Call 888.442.6337 

Legendary 

BP100794

Hunting & Trapping In Virginia - Virginia Department of Game and ...

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