Virginia Hunting Seasons and dates are declared and published by Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources. It is an official website responsible for providing data related to hunting, Licensing, Regulations, Seasons, learnings, and dates.
In this article we are going to discuss the Virginia Hunting Seasons and dates declared by Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources.
Key Takeaways
- Virginia Hunting Seasons are regulated by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR), including specific bag limits, exceptions, and regulations for different game animals.
- There are specific regulations regarding antlered and antlerless deer hunting in Virginia to ensure sustainable yield and conservation goals.
- Virginia offers various hunting seasons for deer, bear, elk, turkey, furbearer, migratory bird, small game, and waterfowl. Each season has its own set of dates and regulations that hunters need to be aware of.
- The hunters must be aware of the latest updates to ensure they follow all rules and regulations during hunting seasons in Virginia.
General Information on Virginia Hunting Seasons
Virginia Hunting Seasons are regulated by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) and include specific bag limits, exceptions, and regulations for different types of wildlife species like
Big Game
- Deer
- Bear
- Elk
- Turkey
- Spring Turkey
Furbearer Hunting Seasons
- Bobcat
- Coyote
- Fox
- Opposum
- Skunk
- Raccoon
Migratory Gamebirds
- Waterfowl
- Duck
Small Game
- Crow
- Groundhog
- Grouse
- Quail and Pheasants
- Rabbit
- Squirrel
Virginia Deer Hunting Seasons
Virginia Deer Hunting Seasons as per Virginia Department of wildlife resources are mentioned in the below table. Deer hunting in Virginia is considered as one of the most premium hunting games. Please visit the official website for more information.
| Hunting Season | Specifications | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Youth and Apprentice Deer Weekend | September 30 and October 1 | |
| Youth and Apprentice Antlerless Deer Regulation | ||
| Archery Deer Seasons | Early Archery Season | October 7 through November 17 |
| Late Archery Seasons | December 3 through January 6 | |
| Urban Archery Deer Seasons | September 2 through October 6 and January 7, 2024 through March 31, 2024 | |
| NOVA Late Archery Season | April 1, 2024 through April 28, 2024 | |
| Muzzleloader Deer Seasons | Early Muzzleloader Season | November 4 through November 17 |
| Late Muzzleloader Season East of the Blue Ridge | December 16 through January 6 | |
| Late Muzzleloader Season West of the Blue Ridge | December 16 through January 6 |
Virginia Bear Hunting Season
Virginia Bear hunting season is very exciting for Bear hunters. The hunting seasons and dates are given below and also visit official website if require more information.
| Hunting Season | Season Dates | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Archery Bear Season | October 7 through November 17 | Statewide |
| Youth and Apprentice Bear Hunting Weekend | October 14 and 15 | Statewide |
| Muzzleloader Bear Season | November 11 through November 17 | Statewide in all areas where hunting with a muzzleloading rifle is permitted |
Virginia Elk Hunting Season
There are a very few states who offer Elk hunting and Virginia is one of them. Virginia Elk hunting seasons and dates are mentioned below. Visit the Official website for more information.
| Event | Lottery Dates | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Elk Hunt Lottery | October 14-20, 2023 | Six lucky hunters will have the opportunity to harvest a bull elk from Virginia’s restored elk population |
Virginia Turkey Season
Turkey hunting is also one of the most popular big game in Virginia. The Virginia Turkey Seasons and dates are given below.
| Season | Season Dates | Eligible Areas |
|---|---|---|
| Archery Turkey Season | October 7 through November 17 | Statewide except in areas with closed firearm season |
| Youth and Apprentice Fall Turkey Hunting Weekend | October 14 and 15 | Statewide in counties, cities, and areas with fall turkey season |
Virginia Furbearer Season
The furbearer includes Coyotes, Bobcat, Raccoon, Fox, Skunk, and Opossum hunting. The Coyotes hunting in Virginia is one of the most popular hunting game. The hunters must be aware of the rules and regulations of Furbearer hunting.
| Animal | Season | Bag Limit | Hunting Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bobcat | Archery Season | Two per hunting party between noon one day and noon the following day | Statewide |
| October 7 to October 31 | |||
| Firearms Season | November 1 to February 29 | ||
| Coyote | September 1 to March 10 | During Spring Turkey Season | |
| Fox | Red Fox | Firearms Season | November 1 to February 29 |
| Gray Fox | Firearms Season | January 1 to February 29 | |
| Opossum | Firearms Season | October 15 to March 10 | Statewide |
| Raccoon | Firearms Season | October 15 to March 10 | Statewide |
| Skunk | September 1 to March 10 | During Spring Turkey Season |
Virginia Migratory Bird Season
The Virginia Migratory Bird Seasons and Dates are given below. The Virginia Department of wildlife Resources (DWR) includes Dove, Rails & Gallinules, Woodcock, Snipe, September Teal and some other birds in this category. The hunters can also visit Official website of DWR.
| Animal | Seasons | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Dove | Statewide Dove Hunting Seasons | |
| First Segment | September 2 – October 22 | |
| Second Segment | November 18 – November 26 | |
| Third Segment | December 22 – January 20 | |
| Dove Hunting on Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) | ||
| First Segment | September 2 – October 21 | |
| Second Segment | November 18 – November 26 | |
| Third Segment | December 22 – January 20 | |
| Rails and Gallinules | Season | September 11 – November 5 |
| November 13 – November 26 | ||
| Woodcock | Season | November 10 – November 27 |
| December 26 – January 21 | ||
| Snipe | Season | September 25 – November 26 |
| December 19 – January 31 | ||
| September Teal | Seasons | East of I-95: September 17 – 30 |
| West of I-95: September 21 – 30 | ||
| Mergansers | Seasons | October 6 – 9 |
| November 15 – November 26 | ||
| December 19 – January 31 | ||
| Ducks | Seasons | October 6 – 9 (Black duck closed) |
| November 15 – November 26 | ||
| December 19 – January 31 | ||
| October 21 & February 3 – Youth and Veterans Waterfowl Hunting Days | ||
| Coots | Seasons | October 6 – 9 |
| November 15 – November 26 | ||
| December 19 – January 31 | ||
| Canada Goose | (Includes White-fronted Geese) | |
| Atlantic Population Zone (AP) Seasons | November 22 – November 26 | |
| December 23 – January 31 | ||
| Resident Population Zone (RP) Seasons | November 15 – November 26 | |
| December 19 – February 24 |
Virginia Small Game Season
The dates for Virginia Small Game seasons are mentioned in the below table. Visit the DWR website for complete information about Small game Season.
| Animal | Season Dates |
|---|---|
| Crow | August 19 through March 15 |
| September 1 through March 9 | |
| Groundhog | September 1–March 10 |
| During the spring turkey season | |
| Grouse | October 28 through February 10 |
| Quail & Pheasant | November 11 through January 31 |
| Rabbit | November 4 through February 29 |
| Squirrel (Gray, Red, Fox) | |
| Gray and Red Squirrels | September 2 through February 29 |
| Fox Squirrels | September 2 through January 31 |
| Spring Season | June 1 through 15, 2024 |
Final Remarks on “Virginia Hunting Seasons”
In conclusion, Virginia offers a diverse and thrilling hunting experience with its extensive hunting seasons. Whether you’re an archery enthusiast, muzzleloader fan, or prefer firearms, there’s something for everyone in Virginia.
With the right licenses and permits from Virginia DWR, hunters can explore wildlife management areas and private lands to pursue their passion. So grab your gear and get ready for an adventure-filled hunting season in beautiful Virginia!
FAQs
1. What are the hunting seasons in Virginia?
The hunting seasons in Virginia vary depending on the species being hunted. Common hunting seasons include deer, turkey, bear, and small game such as squirrels and rabbits.
2. How can I find out specific dates for Virginia hunting seasons?
The specific dates for Virginia hunting seasons can be found on the website of the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources or by contacting their office directly. They provide up-to-date information on season dates and regulations.
3. Are there any restrictions or permits required for hunting in Virginia?
Yes, there are restrictions and permits required for hunting in Virginia. Hunters must have a valid hunting license and may need additional permits depending on the species being hunted, such as deer tags or turkey permits. They can get it from Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources.
4. Can non-residents hunt during Virginia’s hunting seasons?
Yes, non-residents can hunt during Virginia’s hunting seasons but they must obtain a non-resident hunting license and follow all applicable regulations and permit requirements. These licenses can be obtained online or through designated licensing agents in the state.