HUNTING &TRAPPING IN VIRGINIA - July 2021-June 2022
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HUNTING &TRAPPING IN VIRGINIA July 2021-June 2022 Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources www.virginiawildlife.gov www.gooutdoorsvirginia.com
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HUNTING
&TRAPPING
IN VIRGINIA
July 2021-June 2022
© Ralph Hensley
GENERAL�����������������������������������������������4
Commonwealth of Virginia
Ralph S. Northam, Governor
Secretary of Natural Resources INFORMATION
Matthew J. Strickler
Department of Wildlife Resources BEAR HUNTING�������������������������������������28
Ryan J. Brown, Executive Director
REGULATIONS
Members of the Board
Brian Vincent, Chair, Farmville
G. K. Washington, Vice-chair, Dillwyn DEER HUNTING�������������������������������������34
Frank Adams, King William
Leon Boyd, Vansant
REGULATIONS
Rovelle Brown, Palmyra
Catherine H. Claiborne, Richmond
John W. Daniel II, Richmond
TURKEY HUNTING����������������������������������46
Tammy Jo Grimes, Big Stone Gap
Mamie A. Parker, Ph.D., Dulles
REGULATIONS
Tom Sadler, Verona
Karen Terwilliger, Locustville SMALL GAME HUNTING�������������������������48
Mission Statement REGULATIONS
Conserve and manage wildlife populations and habitat
for the benefit of present and future generations.
Connect people to Virginia’s outdoors through boating, FURBEARER HUNTING & TRAPPING��������50
education, fishing, hunting, trapping, wildlife viewing
and other wildlife-related activities. Protect people and REGULATIONS
property by promoting safe outdoor experiences and
managing human-wildlife conflicts.
The Department of Wildlife Resources shall afford to all
PUBLIC HUNTING LANDS�����������������������56
persons an equal access to Department programs and
facilities without regard to race, color, religion, disability,
REGULATIONS
national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, age,
political affiliation, or veteran’s status. If you believe that
you have been discriminated against in any program,
activity, or facility, please write to: Virginia Department This booklet is for general information and contains information regarding programs, poli-
of Wildlife Resources, Attn: Executive Director’s Office, cies, regulations, rules, and fees of the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR)
7870 Villa Park Dr, Suite 400, P.O. Box 90778, Henrico, current at the time of printing. Information may change after printing and any changes
VA 23228. will supersede the information in this publication. DWR’s programs, policies, regulations,
rules, or fees can be found at www.virginiawildlife.gov. Specific laws are found in the Code
On the Cover: of Virginia (http://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode) or the Wildlife Resources Department Regulation
A King George Outdoor Club member gets her first Manual (http://law.lis.virginia.gov/admincode/title4/agency15). For answers to specific questions
rabbit; Meghan Marchetti / DWR about hunting and fishing, contact the Department of Wildlife Resources office nearest you.
The sale of advertising paid a large portion of the cost of this publication. The Department of Wildlife
Resources neither endorses the products or services offered in the advertising, nor accepts any
liability from the use of such products or services.
DIRECTOR’S
MESSAGE
One of the unexpected silver linings of the past year has been a
marked increase in participation in outdoor activities. Activities
such as camping, hiking, and fishing saw a remarkable growth in
numbers of people getting outside to recreate. Hunting, notably,
also saw a dramatic shift, as many states in the United States
showed an increase in numbers of hunting licenses purchased
for the first time in recent memory—with Virginia being among
those states. While we all know that these license sales provide
dollars for conservation, just as valuable is the introduction of
new hunters to the outdoors and the reactivation of those who
may have participated in the past. We hope that these trends will Williamstown, MA | Birmingham, AL
continue into future years as we preserve our passions for wildlife
and associated recreational opportunities.
Even more encouraging, market research shows that many
About This Guide
first-time hunters were female, and the largest growth in sales of hunting and fishing equipment
came from the 18 to 34-year-old age group. Some were looking for a COVID-safe activity, some
were seeking to source their food locally, and some were drawn to try something new. Whatever
the reasons new hunters found their way into the woods, fields, and marshes, we hope to keep
them there!
There’s room in the outdoors for everyone, so hopefully if you encountered a new hunter, angler, This high-quality guide is offered to you
or wildlife viewer, you shared your knowledge and helped them learn new skills. Mentorship is by the Virginia Department of Wildlife
one of the keys to keeping new hunters engaged and informed, so if you’re an experienced hunter, Resources through its unique partnership
try reaching out to help others. If you’re new to hunting, find someone to guide you as you learn. with J.F. Griffin Publishing, LLC.
Check out https://dwr.virginia.gov/hunting/help-for-new-hunters/ for resources.
Through all of the means by which you engage with wildlife, we hope that the outdoors allowed The revenue generated through ad sales
some escape during this difficult past year. Know that your efforts to introduce others make a significantly lowers production costs and
difference--interest in outdoor recreation can often spark an interest in conservation, as outdoor generates savings. These savings translate
participants learn how to appreciate and protect the resources of wildlife and wild places. Put into additional funds for other important
simply, the more people who enjoy the outdoors, the more work we can do to protect the outdoors. agency programs.
The outdoors truly are better together.
If you have any feedback or are inter-
Ryan Brown, Executive Director, DWR ested in advertising, please contact us at
413.884.1001 or at www.JFGriffin.com
Graphic Design:
Jon Gulley, Dane Fay, John Corey,
Evelyn Haddad, Chris Sobolowski
VIRGINIA’S WILDLIFE
RESTORATION PROGRAM
AND YOU
Hunters and trappers create many opportunities for Virginians to enjoy excep-
tional hunting, trapping, and wildlife watching. Through the Federal Assistance
in Wildlife & Sport Fish Restoration program, you help the Virginia Department of
Wildlife Resources 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 pro-
gram. Virginia currently receives approximately $12 million each year from this
program, which funds a large portion of the Department’s habitat management
and wildlife population research projects.
This guide is also
available online at
Meghan Marchetti / DWR
2 2021–2022 VIRGINIA HUNTING & TRAPPING REGULATIONS WWW.VIRGINIAWILDLIFE.GOV
X-TREME PERFORMANCE
X-TREME COMFORT
X-TREMELY LIGHTWEIGHT
GEORGIABOOT.COM
CONTACT
INFORMATION
Headquarters Regional Offices
7870 Villa Park Drive, Suite 400 Region 1 Region 4
Henrico, VA 23228 3801 John Tyler Memorial Hwy. P.O. Box 996, 517 Lee Highway
(804) 367-1000; (804) 367-1278 V/TDD Charles City, VA 23030 Verona, VA 24482
(804) 829-6580 (540) 248-9360
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 90778 Region 2 1320 Belman Road
Henrico, VA 23228-0778 1132 Thomas Jefferson Road Fredericksburg, VA 22401
Forest, VA 24551-9223 (540) 899-4169
Boating Registration/ (434) 525-7522
License Fees
(804) 367-1000 Region 3
1796 Highway Sixteen
Note: The Headquarters Office is the only Marion, VA 24354
Department location where visitors may title/ (276) 783-4860
register a boat. These services are not available
at the Regional Offices.
Additional Contacts
Report Wildlife Violations Only Virginia Department of Forestry U. S. Forest Service Supervisor
(800) 237-5712 Headquarters: (434) 977-6555 George Washington and
Email: wildcrime@dwr.virginia.gov State Forest: (804) 492-4121 www.dof.virginia. Jefferson National Forest
Text DWRTIP plus your tip to 847411 gov/stateforest/recreation/hunting.htm www.fs.usda.gov/gwj
(540) 265-5100
Boating Registration/License Fees Department of Conservation and
(804) 367-1000 Recreation Reservation Center U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
www.dcr.virginia.gov (Federal wildlife inquiries only)
Harvest Reporting (800) 933-7275 (804) 771-2883; (804) 771-2280
(866) GOT-GAME (866-468-4263)
USDA Wildlife Services
Quota Hunts (804) 739-7739
www.gooutdoorsvirginia.com
REFER A FRIEND TO JOIN YOU IN THE OUTDOORS
1. Generate your referral code
at License.GoOutdoorsVirginia.com
2. Your friend uses your code at checkout
when buying their first fishing, hunting or wildlife license or permit
3. We mail you BOTH a gift
Visit License.GoOutdoorsVA.com >
4 2021–2022 VIRGINIA HUNTING & TRAPPING REGULATIONS WWW.VIRGINIAWILDLIFE.GOV
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WHAT’S NEW
FOR 2021-2022
Drones » Muzzleloading either-sex deer hunting • A year-round deer feeding prohibition was
• The use of drones for locating or scouting days were increased on private lands in established in Bland, Carroll, Craig, Floyd,
wildlife during any open season now in- Augusta and Dickenson counties; Franklin, Giles, Montgomery, Patrick, Pu-
cludes a same-day prohibition for hunting » The minimum muzzleloading rifle cali- laski, Roanoke, and Wythe counties and the
on the property where the drone was used. ber was reduced from .45 to .40 caliber cities of Radford, Roanoke, and Salem due
See page 20. and muzzleloading rifles must still fire a to the detection of CWD in Montgomery
single bullet or saboted bullet (.35 caliber County. See page 45.
Harvest Reporting or larger); • Deer carcass movement restrictions among
• The Department has transitioned completely » The definition of a muzzleloading rifle was disease management areas have been relaxed
to electronic reporting and will no longer changed so that only the projectile must in some situations. See page 44.
distribute paper check books. All deer, bear, be loaded from the muzzle of the gun.
turkey, elk, and bobcat hunters, including • Early and late antlerless only firearms deer Turkey
those hunters exempt from purchasing a seasons have been established in Clarke Coun- • Orange county fall firearms season increased
license, must report their harvests through ty and on private lands in Frederick, Shenan- from 2 to 6 weeks. See page 46.
the Department’s telephone reporting system doah, and Warren counties. See pages 40-41. • Spring turkey hunting hours are now one-half
(1-866-GOTGAME or 1-866-468-4263) or • An early antlerless only firearms deer sea- hour before sunrise to sunset, statewide, the
over the Internet at www.dwr.virginia.gov. son has been established on private lands in last 3 weeks of the season. See page 47.
Licensed hunters have a third reporting op- Culpeper, Fauquier, Madison, Orange, and
tion and may use eNotch on the Department’s Rappahannock counties. See page 41. Rabbits
free Go Outdoors Virginia mobile phone • Firearm either-sex deer hunting days have • In an effort to prevent the arrival and spread
application. See page 26. been increased in Charles City, Chesterfield, of Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus Sero-
Fluvanna (except Hardware River WMA), type 2 (RHDV2), rabbit carcass disposal and
Bear Goochland, King and Queen, King William, importation regulations have been estab-
• To report a bear, a hunter must have a cus- New Kent, Page (private lands), Powhatan lished for all wild rabbits harvested within
tomer account through GoOutdoorsVA. See (except Powhatan WMA), on private lands Virginia or in another state. See page 49.
page 26. west of Routes 613 and 731 in Rockingham,
• Muzzleloader specifications/definitions have and Spotsylvania counties (except Oakley Department-Owned Lands
been changed. See page 29. Forest WMA). Additionally, either-sex deer • A camping authorization (no cost) is required
hunting days have been increased on the G.R. to camp on department-owned lands. Au-
Deer Thompson and White Oak Mountain WMA’s thorization may be obtained at any license
• Daily bag limit is now unlimited in all cities and reduced on the C.F Phelps, Oakley For- agent or at www.gooutdoorsva.com under
and towns that allow deer hunting (except est, and Rapidan WMAs. See pages 40-41. “Special Licenses”. See page 59.
in the Cities of Chesapeake, Suffolk, and • Class I and Class II electric power-assist
Virginia Beach). See page 34. Elk bicycles may be used on department-owned
• The bag limit is one deer per day on National • Virginia’s first elk hunting season within the lands. See page 57.
Forest, department-owned, and department- Elk Management Zone will occur in 2022. • Tree stands which are not permanently af-
managed lands. See page 34. Interested individuals can apply for a special fixed to the tree may be placed on depart-
• Earn-A-Buck was implemented on private elk hunting license for the Elk Management ment-owned lands beginning September
lands in Accomack, Amherst (west of Route Zone beginning February 2022. Further in- 15th but must be removed by January 31st
29), Carroll, Greene, Madison, Orange, formation will be posted on the Department’s of the following year. See page 57.
Prince George, Rockingham (east of Routes website by December 2021.
613 and 731), Stafford, and Wythe counties. Trapping
See page 36 CWD • The maximum foot loop size for snares has
• The city of Bristol and the town of Scottsville • Following the discovery of CWD in Mont- been changed from 12 inches diameter to 38
have been added to the Urban Archery Deer gomery County earlier this year, a new Dis- inches in circumference. See page 54.
Seasons. See page 38. ease Management Area (DMA3) has been
• Muzzleloading deer hunting changes include: established in Floyd, Montgomery, and Pu-
See pages 38-39 for details. laski counties. See page 43.
DWR’S MOBILE APP Sync & Download Licenses
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Harvest Reporting
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6 2021–2022 VIRGINIA HUNTING & TRAPPING REGULATIONS WWW.VIRGINIAWILDLIFE.GOV
HUNTER
EDUCATION
Mandatory Hunter Section 2 – Classroom portion. carry your card if accompanied and properly
Students will focus on safety and ethics. A writ- supervised by a licensed adult.)
Education ten test will be given at the end of the class. Test • You are at least 16 years of age and you are
questions will cover material from the class- hunting with your first hunting license.
room portion and from the self-study material.
Hunter Education courses provide instruction Courses are offered free of charge throughout Virginia accepts and recognizes all states’ and
in hunter safety, principles of conservation, the Commonwealth. For more information, countries’ hunting licenses and official hunter
and sportsmanship. There are two options for go to the Hunter Education page on the DWR education credentials for the purpose of com-
completing Hunter Education–Classroom with website at www.virginiawildlife.gov/hunting/ plying with mandatory hunter education re-
self study and Full Online Courses. education or call the Hunter Education Office quirements. These may be in the form of an
at (804) 367-2901 or (804) 367-1147. identification card or certificate.
Classroom Course
Section 1 – Self-study. Full Online Course Although it is recommended for all hunters, you
Each student is required to study course materi- Hunters age 12 and over may also take hunter are not required to complete hunter education if:
al prior to the classroom session. Students must education completely online. There is a fee asso-
read the Today’s Hunter Student Manual and ciated with this course. For more information, go • You only hunt foxes with hounds while on
complete the review exercises at the back of the to www.virginiawildlife.gov/hunting/education. horseback, but without firearms.
book. The review exercises must be presented • You are exempt from the requirement to
to the course instructor, or the student will not Hunter Education Requirements purchase a license.
be certified. Student manuals may be obtained You must complete an approved hunter educa- • You are under the age of 12. However, you
for free at DWR headquarters or at any DWR tion course and carry your card while hunting may not hunt unless accompanied and di-
regional office. A free download of the manual if either of the following apply: rectly supervised by a licensed adult.
is available at www.virginiawildlife.gov/hunt- • You are hunting with an apprentice license.
ing/education. • You are 12-15 years of age. (You must com- In that case you must be accompanied and
plete hunter education but you do not have to 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
Q: How do I get a replacement Hunter Education card? visual and verbal contact with, provides ad-
A: Go to www.ilostmycard.com, call 800-830-2268 (daily 9 a.m.-midnight), or login equate direction to, and can immediately
to hunter-ed.com and print online course completion document. assume control of the firearm from the ap-
prentice hunter. When buying a hunting li-
cense, the apprentice hunting license cannot
be used as proof of previously purchasing a
hunting license.
If you purchase an apprentice hunting
license and then complete hunter education,
you may use the apprentice license as a basic
license to hunt until it expires. You will not
need supervision unless otherwise required
by law to be supervised, such as in the case
of hunting on a youth/apprentice hunting
weekend. You must carry proof of hunter
education while hunting unsupervised with
an apprentice license.
Hunter Skills
Weekends
Virginia Hunter Skills Weekends are offered
each year near Appomattox, VA through a
partnership program between the Virginia
Hunter Education Association, the Virginia
Department of Wildlife Resources, and Holiday
Lake 4-H Educational Center. These affordable
educational programs are open to ages 11-90+
(children under 18 must attend with a parent).
A variety of instructional courses provide skill
The Lowcountry Awaits development for new and seasoned hunters
alike. They include firearms, archery, survival,
PROFESSIONAL FISHING GUIDE FLY AND CONVENTIONAL game cooking, tree stand safety, and a variety
INSHORE × NEARSHORE × OFFSHORE of hunting techniques. Completion of a Hunter
Education course is preferred but not required.
Charleston, SC For more information on registration fees and
(843)860-4231 × john@flyrightcharters.com dates visit www.holidaylake4h.com, or call
www.flyrightcharters.com Holiday Lake at (434) 248-5444.
8 WWW.VIRGINIAWILDLIFE.GOVHUNTING LICENSE
INFORMATION
Which Licenses
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. Do I Need?
Any person who is required to carry certain hunting, trapping, or fishing licenses or a hunter
education certificate on their person can meet the requirement by carrying an electronic copy To hunt in Virginia, a resident or nonresident
of the relevant license or certificate. We recommend the electronic carrying of licenses through hunting license is required, unless you are license
the use of our App, see page 6. Electronic carry does not require a signature. exempt. Other licenses, permits, or stamps may
also be required depending on species hunted and
location of hunt. Before purchasing a hunting
Residency license or permit, make sure you understand what
children, or the landowner’s parents, resident qualifies as a Virginia residency, that you really
Qualifications or nonresident, do not need a license to hunt, need a license or permit based on the exemptions,
trap or fish (on inland waters) within the and you have met the hunter safety requirements.
boundaries of their own lands.
• Persons who have been a bona fide resident • Tenants, renters, or lessees on lands they To Hunt Small Game
of the city, county, or state for six consecutive reside on, are not required to have a license, A hunting license is required. A National For-
months immediately preceding the date of but must have the written permission of the est Permit or State Forest Use Permit may also
purchasing a license. landowner. Persons who lease property and be required.
• Persons who have been domiciliary residents do not permanently reside there are not ex-
of the state for at least two months upon empt from license requirements. To Hunt Dove, Woodcock,
approval of a completed affidavit to be fur- • Residents, 65 years of age and over, do not Snipe, Gallinules, or Rails
nished by the Department. need a license to hunt or trap on private A hunting license and HIP authoriza-
• Legal voters in Virginia. property in their county or city of residence. tion are required. Register for HIP online at
• Any member of the armed forces of the • Resident hunters under the age of 12 are not www.gooutdoorsvirginia.com or call (888) 788-
United States, or a member of the immedi- required to have a hunting license or hunter 9772. A National Forest Permit or State Forest
ate family of such a member as defined in education. Nonresident hunters under the age of Use Permit may also be required.
§ 2.2-3101, upon execution of a certificate 12 need a hunting license but do not need hunter
of residence if the member (i) resides in the education to purchase one. All hunters under To Hunt Bear, Deer, or Turkey
Commonwealth, (ii) is on active duty, and (iii) the age of 12 may not hunt unless accompanied A bear license and/or a deer/turkey license is
is stationed at a military installation within, and directly supervised by a licensed adult. required in addition to a hunting license. (These
or in a ship based in, the Commonwealth. • Residents under the age of 16 are not required licenses are valid from July 1-June 30 only.) A
• Students (including nonresident students to have a license to trap when accompanied National Forest Permit, State Forest Use Permit,
boarding on campus) residing in Virginia by any person 18 years of age or older who or Bonus Deer Permits may also be required.
who are enrolled in bona fide Virginia schools. possesses a valid Virginia trapping license.
• Any unnaturalized person who owns real • Any person who is not hunting, but is aiding To Hunt With Archery Tackle
estate in the county or city and who has a disabled person to hunt when such disabled An archery license is required in addition to a
actually resided there not less than five years person possesses a valid Virginia Disabled hunting license when using archery tackle during
preceding the date of the application for the Resident Lifetime hunting license or a Vir- a designated archery season for bear, deer, turkey
license in the county or city. ginia Resident Disabled Veteran Lifetime and bobcat. A bear license, deer/turkey license,
license is not required to have a license. National Forest Permit, State Forest Use Permit,
License • Any Indian who “habitually” resides on or Bonus Deer Permits may also be required.
an Indian reservation or a member of the
To Hunt With a Muzzleloader
Exemptions Virginia-recognized tribes who resides
in the Commonwealth is not required to A muzzleloading license is required in addition
have a hunting or trapping license; however, to the hunting license if hunting with a muzzle-
All persons, except those listed below, must such Indian must have on his person an loading firearm during a designated muzzle-
purchase the proper licenses before hunting or identification card or paper signed by the loader deer or bear season. A bear license, deer/
trapping. Where exempt, the exemption means chief of his tribe, a valid tribal identifica- turkey license, National Forest Permit, State
the individual is exempt from the basic hunting tion card, written confirmation through a Forest Use Permit, or Bonus Deer Permits may
license; bear license, deer/turkey license, archery central tribal registry, or certification from also be required.
license; muzzleloading license; trapping license; a tribal office.
and Virginia Migratory Waterfowl Conserva- • Stockholders owning 50 percent or more of the If hunting with archery tackle or muzzleloading
tion Stamp. All seasons, bag limits, and harvest stock of any domestic corporation owning land rifle during any firearms deer season, you do
reporting requirements apply. in Virginia, his or her spouse and children and not need an archery or muzzleloading license.
minor grandchildren, resident or nonresident,
• Resident or nonresident landowners, their do not need a license to hunt, trap and fish To Trap
spouses, their children and grandchildren within the boundaries of lands and inland • A trapping license is required to trap. A Na-
and the spouses of such children and grand- waters owned by the domestic corporation. tional Forest Permit or State Forest Use Permit
may also be required
To Hunt Waterfowl
Q: If you buy the apprentice license do you still need to buy a Bear • A hunting license, Federal Duck Stamp, Virginia
License or Deer/Turkey License, etc? Migratory Waterfowl Conservation Stamp and
HIP authorization are required. Register for HIP
A: Yes, the apprentice license is in place of the basic hunting license. Any ad- online at www.gooutdoorsvirginia.com or call
ditional licenses, stamps, or permits would still be required. (888) 788-9772. A National Forest Permit or
State Forest Use Permit may also be required.
10 2021–2022 VIRGINIA HUNTING & TRAPPING REGULATIONS WWW.VIRGINIAWILDLIFE.GOVApprentice Where to Get
However, if you purchase an apprentice
hunting license and then complete hunter
Hunting License a License
education, you may use the apprentice license
as a basic license to hunt until it expires. You
will not need supervision unless otherwise
The apprentice hunting license is a one-time required by law to be supervised, such as in the Online: www.gooutdoorsvirginia.com
purchase and serves as a first-time Virginia case of hunting on a youth/apprentice hunt- • New Customers: Create a unique customer
resident or nonresident hunting license and is ing weekend. You must carry proof of hunter account to access licenses and other products.
good for two years. Previous Virginia hunting education while hunting unsupervised with • Existing Customers: Log in using your date
license holders are not eligible to purchase an an apprentice license. of birth, last name and either your DWR
apprentice license. Apprentice license holders Customer ID, the last 4 digits of your SSN
Replacement
have two years to take an approved Hunter or driver’s license number.
Safety course.
Licenses
The apprentice license holder must be ac- Select the license(s) you want, pay with your
companied and directly supervised by an adult credit card and print your license if needed.
over the age of 18 who has, on his person, a valid
Virginia hunting license. “Accompanied and If you purchased a license from a retail li- In Person:
directly supervised” means the adult maintains cense agent, online, or by phone you can visit Sold by some clerks of the Circuit Court, at
close visual and verbal contact with, provides www.gooutdoorsvirginia.com, select “Man- license agents across Virginia, and DWR head-
adequate direction to, and can immediately as- age Your Account” and reprint your license quarters. Not sold at DWR regional offices.
sume control of the firearm from the apprentice anytime. You can also visit any retail license To find a license agent visit: https://li-
hunter. When buying a hunting license, the ap- agent that sells hunt/fish licenses or call the cense.gooutdoorsvirginia.com/Licensing/Lo-
prentice hunting license cannot be used as proof Headquarters office at (804) 367-1000 during cateAgent.aspx
of previously purchasing a hunting license. normal business hours.
By Phone/Mobile Phone:
(804) 367-1000 during regular business hours,
or use your GoOutdoors Virginia mobile app.
Q: If you turn 16 after you purchase a junior license is it still good or do Dropbox (Headquarters)
you need to purchase another license for 16 and older? Same day processing. Pick up times: 9:00 a.m.,
A: Your license is good until it expires. 12 noon, and 3:00 p.m.
Fusion® is the only deer ammunition that uses a pressure-formed lead bullet
core molecularly fused to its copper jacket to produce the
most expansion in its class.
Bigger wound channels. Better blood trails.
More power to drop bucks where they stand.
federalpremium.com
www.greentophuntfish.com | (804) 550-2188
M-F: 9am-7pm SA: 8am-6pm SU: 9am-5pm
10150 LAKERIDGE PARKWAY | ASHLAND, VA 23005
11LICENSE
FEES
License Fees (Issuance fee is included in all prices.)
Resident and nonresident licenses are valid for one year from the date of purchase except the bear license, deer/turkey license, and the
Virginia migratory waterfowl conservation stamp (which are valid July 1-June 30 only), the apprentice hunting license (valid for 2 years
from date of purchase), and lifetime licenses. The bear license and deer/turkey license that are part of a package (e.g. Sportsman’s License
or combo licenses) are also only valid July 1-June 30. For information on Hunter Education requirements, see page 8 in this digest or go to
www.virginiawildlife.gov/hunting/education. It is unlawful to alter, change, borrow, or lend a hunting license or permit.
For Legacy, Lifetime, and Veterans Lifetime Licenses and information please see page 15.
Resident Hunting Licenses
LICENSE FEE One or more of the following may be required
in addition to a resident hunting license.
Resident Sportsman’s License (age 16 and older) $100.00
LICENSE FEE
The Sportsman’s License isn’t all inclusive but offers a hunting license, Resident Bear License $21.00
bear license, deer/turkey license, archery license, muzzleloading license,
freshwater fishing license, and trout license. Other licenses/stamps may Resident Junior Bear License (ages 12-15) $6.50
be required (waterfowl stamps, National Forest stamp, etc.). Purchaser Resident Deer/Turkey License (age 16 and older) $23.00
should also ensure that the bear and deer/turkey license tags are valid
for intended hunting season. Not required for holders of Service-Connected Totally and Perma-
nently Disabled Resident Veteran Lifetime License. Valid July 1 through
Resident Junior Hunting License* June 30.
$8.50
(age 12 to 15; optional for under 12 years old) Resident Junior Deer/Turkey License (age 12 to 15) $8.50
Resident Youth Combination Hunting License Valid July 1 through June 30.
$16.00
(age 12 to 15) Resident Archery License $18.00
Includes hunting license, bear license, deer/turkey license, archery Resident Muzzleloading License $18.00
license, and muzzleloading license.
Resident Hunting License* (age 16 and older)
1-year license $23.00
Nonresident Hunting Licenses
2-year license $44.00
LICENSE FEE
3-year license $65.00
Nonresident Junior Hunting License* (under age 12) $13.00
4-year license $86.00
Nonresident Junior Hunting License* (age 12 to 15) $16.00
Resident County or City Hunting License* (age 16 and Nonresident Youth Combination Hunting License
$16.00 $31.00
older) (under age 16)
For county or city of residence only. Includes hunting license, bear license, deer/turkey license, archery
license, and muzzleloading license.
Resident Apprentice Hunting License* $11.00
Nonresident Hunting License* (age 16 and older) $111.00
Valid for 2 years from date of purchase.
Nonresident 3-Day Hunt License* (age 16 and older) $60.00
Resident Senior Citizen Hunting License* (age 65 and Must be 3 consecutive days.
$9.00
over)
Nonresident Apprentice Hunting License* $21.00
Resident Annual Hunting License for 70 Percent or Greater Service-
Connected Partially Disabled Veterans Valid for 2 years from date of purchase.
Resident Veterans rated 70% or greater service-connected by the U.S. Nonresident Annual Hunting License for 70% or Greater Service-Con-
Dept. of Veterans Affairs Administrative Office may apply for a discount- nected Partially Disabled Veterans and Service-Connected Totally
ed annual hunting license. Please note this license does not include and Permanently Disabled Veterans
bear, deer/turkey, archery, muzzleloading or other applicable licenses, Nonresident Veterans rated 70% or greater or as Total and Permanent
stamp, and/or permits. Please visit www.virginiawildlife.gov for applica- Service-Connected by the U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs Administrative
tion, instructions, and prices. Applications may be mailed or brought into Office may apply for a discounted annual hunting license by application
our Henrico office location only. only. Please note this license does not include bear, deer/turkey, archery,
muzzleloading or other applicable licenses, stamp, and/or permits.
Resident Fox Hunting License $23.00
Special Annual Basic Freshwater Fishing & Hunting Licenses for Partially
To hunt foxes on horseback with hounds without firearms. Not required Disabled Veterans or Special Annual Basic Freshwater Fishing & Hunting
of an individual holding a basic license to hunt. License for Nonresident Totally and Permanently
* Annual bear license, deer/turkey license and all applicable licenses, Please visit www.virginiawildlife.gov for applications listed above,
stamps, or permits are required in addition to this license. instructions, and prices. Applications may be mailed or brought into our
Henrico office location only.
12 2021–2022 VIRGINIA HUNTING & TRAPPING REGULATIONS WWW.VIRGINIAWILDLIFE.GOVBuy the gifts that give all year!
VIRGINIA DEER HUNTERS
S C H O L A RS HI P P RO GRA M
One $5,000 Scholarship
Six $2,000 Scholarships
For the Study of
• Forestry • Biology • Conservation and White-Tailed
Deer Management • Conservation Law and Law
Enforcement • VDWR Internships
All accredited Community College, Undergraduate,
Graduate and Certificate Programs Eligible
If you wish to donate to the scholarship fund
or for details and application visit us on
www.virginiadeerhunters.org Order at: virginiawildlife.gov/subscribers
Deadline to Apply: May 31, 2022
13HUNTING LICENSE
FEES
LICENSE FEE Trapping Licenses
Nonresident Fox Hunting License $111.00 One or more of the following is required to trap. Other licenses or permits
may also be required.
To hunt foxes on horseback with hounds without firearms. Not required
of an individual holding a general license to hunt. LICENSE FEE
Nonresident Foxhound Training Preserve License $18.00 County or City Resident Trapping License $21.00
To hunt within the boundaries of a licensed foxhound training preserve,
in lieu of other required licenses. For county or city of residence.
Nonresident Hunting Preserve License $23.00 Resident Trapping License
To hunt within the boundaries of a licensed shooting preserve, in lieu of 1-year license $46.00
other required licenses.
* Annual bear license, deer/turkey license and all applicable licenses, 2-year license $90.00
stamps, or permits are required in addition to this license.
3-year license $134.00
4-year license $178.00
One or more of the following may be required
in addition to a nonresident hunting license. Resident Junior Trapping License (under age 16) $11.00
LICENSE FEE
Resident Senior Citizen Trapping License (age 65 and
Nonresident Bear License $151.00 $9.00
over)
Nonresident Deer/Turkey License Nonresident Trapping License $206.00
Valid July 1 through June 30.
Age 16 and older $86.00
Miscellaneous Licenses, Permits, and Stamps
Age 12 to 15 $16.00
One or more of the following may be required in addition to a hunting license.
Under age 12 $13.00 PERMITS FEE
Nonresident Archery License $31.00 Resident Bonus Deer Permit (6 antlerless tags) $18.00
See page 34 for more information.
Nonresident Muzzleloading License $31.00
Nonresident Bonus Deer Permit (6 antlerless tags) $31.00
See page 34 for more information.
National Forest Permit $4.00
To hunt and trap within National Forest. Not required of residents under
FEDERAL ELECTRONIC the age of 16 to trap or residents who have an annual senior citizen
hunting license ($9.00). For fishing in the National Forest this permit is
OR “E-STAMP” DUCK required in addition to other fishing licenses (exceptions: residents under
16 and over 65, nonresidents under 16).
STAMP PROGRAM Virginia State Forest Use Permit (age 16 or older) $16.00
Allows hunting, trapping, fishing, mountain biking, and horse riding. No
A Federal Duck Stamp is required for all persons 16 motorized vehicles on gated roads/trails (open or closed). Sold in coop-
years and older in order to hunt waterfowl. A convenient eration with the Virginia Department of Forestry.
online option is available whereby hunters can obtain an
Public Access Lands for Sportsmen (PALS) $18.00
E-stamp for $28.00. The E-stamp is valid immediately
following the purchase and for up to 45 days. The physi- See page 59 for more information.
cal Federal Duck Stamp will be mailed to the customer
$4.00
within 45 days and must be signed and carried thereaf- per day
ter while hunting waterfowl. Waterfowl hunters can still Access Permit (see page 56 for permit requirements)
/ $23.00
purchase their Federal Duck Stamp at some U.S. Post per year
Offices at a cost of $25.00.
Daily group rates are available. For more information go to: www.virgin-
To obtain the Federal iawildlife.gov/access-permit
Migratory Duck E-Stamp
go to the Department’s STAMPS FEE
website (www.goout-
doorsvirginia.com) and Federal Migratory Duck E-Stamp $28.00
click on hunting and To take migratory waterfowl; required of persons 16 years of age and
fishing licenses or visit over in addition to hunting license. Valid July 1 through June 30. See left.
one of over 800 license
agents throughout the Virginia Migratory Waterfowl Conservation Stamp $10.00
Commonwealth. Required of persons 16 years of age and older, unless license exempt.
2021-2022 Federal Duck Stamp
Artwork by Richard Clifton
Valid July 1 through June 30.
©All rights reserved by USFWS
14 2021–2022 VIRGINIA HUNTING & TRAPPING REGULATIONS WWW.VIRGINIAWILDLIFE.GOVGENERAL
INFORMATION
LIFETIME AND SPECIAL ANNUAL LICENSES
Legacy Lifetime expire on their 12th birthday, and is transferable when
they complete and submit the Youth Hunter Education
• Available to Virginia residents and non-residents under Compliance form and a copy of their Hunter Safety or
the age of 2 years upon date of application receipt to equivalent completed certificate.
Department of Wildlife Resources.
• The legacy hunting lifetime license is valid until the indi-
Senior Combo Lifetime
vidual’s 12th birthday at which time they must complete • Available to Virginia residents 80 years of age and older.
an approved hunter education course or equivalent,
• All other applicable licenses, stamps, and permits
then transfer the legacy to a regular hunting lifetime li-
(except the bear license and deer/turkey license) are
cense at no additional charge.
required in addition to this license.
Lifetime Veteran Total and Permanent
• Virginia resident and non-resident lifetime licenses Service-Connected Lifetime
available.
• Virginia residents who are rated as total and permanent-
• Certain Virginia residents may purchase their lifetime ly service-connected disabled by the U.S. Veterans Ad-
licenses online through www.gooutdoorsvirginia.com ministration office may apply for this lifetime license(s).
provided their Virginia residency status can be verified
through Virginia DMV. • The Veteran lifetime hunting license includes small
game state hunting, bear, deer/turkey, archery, muzzle-
• The lifetime hunting license equals the state hunting li- loading. All other applicable licenses, stamps, or per-
censes; all other applicable licenses, stamps, or permits mits are required in addition to this license.
are required in addition to this license.
Please visit www.virginiawildlife.gov/licenses/lifetime/ for
• Resident Junior Lifetime Hunting license is available to applications, prices, and more information regarding life-
Virginia residents under the age of 12. This license will time licenses.
Hunting Hours days (on private lands and on public lands • Hats may have a bill or brim color or design
as permitted by the landowner) subject to other than solid blaze color. Hats shall not
(See page 72 for sunrise-sunset table) geographical limitations established by be in “camo” style, since the latter is designed
the Director of the Department and except to prevent visibility. A logo, which does not
• One-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour within 200 yards of a house of worship or detract from visibility, may be worn on a
after sunset for nonmigratory birds and game any accessory structure thereof. blaze colored hat.
animals except during spring turkey season. • Hunting is permitted on licensed hunting • Hunters using an enclosed ground blind
• One-half hour before sunrise until 12 noon (shooting) preserves. (pop-up, chair, box, etc.) that conceals them
during spring turkey season, except the last • Raccoons may be hunted on Sunday. from view shall display at least 100 square
20 days when the hunting hours are 1/2 hour inches of solid blaze colored material, visible
before sunrise until sunset. Other than these exceptions and other allow- from 360 degrees attached to or immediately
• One-half hour before sunrise to sunset for ances that had been made specifically by law in above the blind. This blaze color is in addition
Youth/Apprentice Spring Turkey Hunting the past, it will continue to be unlawful to hunt to any worn on the hunter’s person.
Weekend. or kill any wild bird or wild animal, including
• Hours for bear hound training season are from any nuisance species, with a gun, firearm, or During the muzzleloader seasons for hunt-
4:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily, including Sundays. other weapon on Sundays. It will also continue ing deer with a muzzleloading firearm, every
• Bobcats, foxes, raccoons, and opossums may to be unlawful to hunt or kill any deer or bear muzzleloader deer hunter and every person
be hunted by day or night during autho- with a gun, firearm, or other weapon with the accompanying a muzzleloader deer hunter shall
rized seasons. aid or assistance of dogs on Sundays. wear solid blaze colors as specified above except
• Nuisance species may be taken day or night. when they are physically located in a tree stand
Blaze Color or other stationary hunting location.
Sunday Hunting Exceptions
Requirements • Blaze colored clothing is not required of
Hunting is allowed on Sundays during the waterfowl hunters, dove hunters, individuals
regular hunting seasons under the following When hunting any species during a firearms participating in hunting dog field trials, and
circumstances: deer season and on youth/apprentice deer hunt- fox hunters on horseback without firearms.
• Any landowner or member of his family or ing weekend: • Hunters hunting with archery tackle during
any person with written permission from • Every hunter (see exceptions below), or per- an open firearms deer season in areas where
the landowner may hunt on the landowner’s sons accompanying a hunter, shall wear a the discharge of firearms is prohibited by
property on Sunday, except within 200 yards solid blaze colored (blaze orange or blaze state law or local ordinance are exempt from
of a place of worship or any accessory struc- pink) hat or solid blaze colored upper body the blaze color requirement.
ture thereof. clothing that is visible from 360 degrees or • Other than muzzleloader deer hunters,
• Hunting for waterfowl (ducks, coot, geese, display at least 100 square inches of solid blaze colored clothing is not required of any
brant, and swan) and rails (including gal- blaze colored material at shoulder level with- hunters hunting during the muzzleloader
linules and moorhens) is allowed on Sun- in body reach and visible from 360 degrees. deer seasons.
WWW.VIRGINIAWILDLIFE.GOV2021–2022 VIRGINIA HUNTING & TRAPPING REGULATIONS 15GENERAL
INFORMATION
Migratory Game Birds Prohibited Lands
Definitions Migratory game birds means species of water- Prohibited lands are any parcels of property,
fowl (ducks, geese, brant, swans and mergan- public or private, where established rules and
Arrowgun sers) and webless species (coots, doves, gal- regulations for public access or explicit permis-
A pneumatic-powered air gun that fires an arrow. linules, moorhens, rails, snipe, and woodcock). sion (verbal or written) have not been granted
Explosive propellant arrowguns may not be used to hunt upon or enter the property.
for hunting in Virginia. Nuisance Species
The following animals: house mouse, Norway rat, Route 29 Line/Amherst County
Bait black rat, coyote, groundhog, nutria, feral hog, The Route 29 “line” in Amherst County is de-
Bait shall mean any food, grain, or other con- European starling, English sparrow, mute swan, fined as Business U.S. 29 from the James River
sumable substance that could serve as a lure or and pigeon (rock dove) are designated as nuisance to its intersection with U.S. 29 just south of the
attractant; however, crops grown for normal or species and may be taken at any time by use of a town of Amherst continuing north on U.S. 29
accepted agriculture or wildlife management firearm or other weapon (unless prohibited by to the Tye River.
purposes, including food plots, shall not be local ordinances, see page 23) and on some
considered as bait. public lands during certain time periods (see USFWS
National Forest-Wildlife Department Regula- United States Fish and Wildlife Service
Blaze Colors tions page 59).
The term “blaze colored” in reference to cloth- WMA
ing or other items required for specific safe Other Wildlife Wildlife Management Area
hunting practices shall be one of two colors: It is unlawful to take, possess, transport, release,
1) solid blaze orange means a safety orange or or sell all other wildlife species not classified as
fluorescent orange hue, or 2) solid blaze pink game, furbearer, or nuisance, unless otherwise
means a safety pink or fluorescent pink hue. specifically permitted by law or regulation.
Dismal Swamp Line ICK
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DWR or Department
Department of Wildlife Resources
Furbearer Species
Furbearer means beaver, bobcat, fisher, fox,
mink, muskrat, opossum, otter, raccoon, skunk,
and weasel. VIRGINIA WILDLIFE cooperation with
the Virginia Depart-
Game Animal CRIME LINE ment of Wildlife
Game animal means bear, bobcat, deer, elk, fox, Resources. You
rabbit, raccoon, and squirrel. Since its inception in October 1986, the can help support
Virginia Wildlife Crime Line has become this effort by send-
Hunting and Trapping a valuable tool in the enforcement of the ing a tax-deductible donation to: Virginia
The act of or the attempted act of taking, hunt- Commonwealth’s game, fish, and boat Wildlife Crime Line, P.O. Box 90778, Hen-
ing, trapping, pursuing, chasing, shooting, snar- laws. As awareness of this program in- rico, VA 23228-0778.
ing, or netting birds or animals, and assisting creases, so do the number of calls to re-
any person who is doing the same, regardless port violations. The program has gener- Report a Wildlife Crime
of whether birds or animals are actually taken. ated thousands of reported wildlife crime If you know someone who kills wildlife out
tips that have resulted in over a thousand of season or over the game limit, help the
Hunting Weapon arrests and over $80,000 in approved
Is any weapon allowable for hunting as defined Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources.
rewards. Reward payments are approved catch the individual and stop others from
in 29.1-519 of the Code of Virginia. and funded through the Virginia Sports- following that path. If you observe a vio-
man Reward Fund, Inc. Their mission is lation, call the toll-free Virginia Wildlife
Nonmigratory Game Birds to promote the enforcement of hunting,
Nonmigratory game bird means grouse, pheas- Crime Line number at (800) 237-5712,
fishing, and boating laws in Virginia by e-mail wildcrime@dwr.virginia.gov, or text
ant, bobwhite quail, and turkey.
supporting the Wildlife Crime Line in DWRTIP plus your tip to 847411.
16 2021–2022 VIRGINIA HUNTING & TRAPPING REGULATIONS WWW.VIRGINIAWILDLIFE.GOVHunting With Dogs any archery, muzzleloader, or firearm sea- • It is unlawful to chase with dogs or hunt
son for these species, or within 24 hours of with dogs or to attempt to chase or hunt with
the end of such season, provided that those dogs any wild animal from a baited site or to
• The hunting of deer or bear with a gun, who are involved in the retrieval effort have train dogs on any wild animal from a baited
firearm, or other weapon with the aid or permission to hunt on or to access the land site. Furthermore, it shall be unlawful to
assistance of dogs on Sunday is prohibited. being searched. Licensed hunters engaged place, distribute, or maintain bait or salt for
• Dogs may be used to pursue wild birds and in such tracking may possess any weapon any wild animal for the purpose of chasing
animals during hunting seasons where permitted for hunting and may use such with dogs, hunting with dogs, or training of
not prohibited. weapon to humanely kill the wounded bear, dogs. When hunting or training with dogs,
• Section 18.2-136 of the Code of Virginia de- deer, or turkey being tracked, including after a baited site will be considered to be baited
criminalizes trespass in certain instances legal hunting hours. Such weapon shall not for 30 days following the complete removal
related to dog retrieval. That section provides: be used to hunt, wound, or kill any animal of all such bait or salt.
“Fox hunters and coon hunters, when the other than the animal being tracked, except • It is unlawful to intentionally cripple or
chase begins on other lands, may follow their in self-defense. otherwise harm any game animal for the
dogs on prohibited lands, and hunters of all • It is unlawful to use dogs when hunting any intent of continuing a hunt, or chase, or for
other game, when the chase begins on other species with archery tackle during any ar- the purpose of training dogs. Upon treeing,
lands, may go upon prohibited lands to re- chery season, except bear hounds may be baying, or otherwise containing an animal in
trieve their dogs, falcons, hawks, or owls, but used during the youth/apprentice bear hunt- a manner that offers the animal no avenue of
may not carry firearms or bow and arrows on ing weekend. escape, the person or the hunting party shall
their person or hunt any game while thereon.
The use of vehicles to retrieve dogs, falcons,
hawks, or owls on prohibited lands shall be
allowed only with the permission of the land- TRAINING DOGS ON MILITARY BASES
owner or his agent. Any person who goes on
prohibited lands to retrieve his dogs, falcons, For training dogs on military bases contact the appropriate base:
hawks, or owls pursuant to this section and
who willfully refuses to identify himself when Fort A.P. Hill Game Check Station������������������������������������������� (804) 633-8984
requested by the landowner or his agent to do Fort Belvoir Outdoor Recreation�������������������������������������������� (703) 805-3969
so is guilty of a Class 4 misdemeanor.” Ft. Pickett Game Check Station���������������������������������������������� (434) 292-2618
• Tracking dogs maintained and controlled Quantico Game Check Station�������������������������������������� (703) 784-5523/5329
on a lead may be used to find a wounded or
dead bear, deer, or turkey statewide during
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