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State Guide

Virginia Hunting Guide

Complete Virginia hunting guide. Virginia hunting seasons, license costs, bag limits, and regulations for all major game species. Updated for the current season.

Wildlife Agency

Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources

Official Site

Hunter safety course required for first-time buyers

Virginia Hunting Seasons

Whitetail Deer

Res: $23 Non-res: $165
Season Type Opens Closes
Archery Oct 1 Nov 17
Muzzleloader Nov 4 Nov 17
Rifle Nov 18 Jan 6

Bag limits: daily: 1, season: 6 (depends on EAB tags)

Earn-a-Buck program in many counties. Either-sex day regulations vary by county. CWD surveillance areas have special regulations.

Turkey

Res: $23 Non-res: $165
Season Type Opens Closes
Shotgun Apr 8 May 13
Archery Apr 8 May 13

Bag limits: daily: 1, season: 3 (spring), 1 (fall)

Spring bearded turkey season. Fall season in select counties using archery or shotgun.

Bear

Res: $23 Non-res: $165
Season Type Opens Closes
Archery Oct 1 Nov 17
Muzzleloader Nov 4 Nov 17
Rifle Nov 20 Jan 6

Bag limits: daily: 1, season: 2 total

Bear license included with big game license. Western Virginia mountains have highest bear densities. Dog hunting allowed during designated periods.

Planning Tools

Virginia Hunting Guides

Whitetail deer in West Virginia mountain hardwood forest during the fall rut

destinations

West Virginia Deer Hunting: Public Land and Mountain Bucks
Whitetail deer in a Virginia hardwood forest with fall foliage in the background

destinations

Virginia Deer Hunting: Seasons, Zones, and Public Land Access

Virginia Hunting FAQ

Do I need a hunting license in Virginia?
Yes. All hunters in Virginia must hold a valid hunting license from the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources. Non-residents typically pay higher fees. A hunter safety course is required for first-time license buyers.
What is the hunting license cost in Virginia?
Virginia license costs vary by species. Whitetail Deer: resident $23, non-resident $165. Turkey: resident $23, non-resident $165.
When is deer season in Virginia?
Virginia deer seasons: Archery: Oct 1 - Nov 17, Muzzleloader: Nov 4 - Nov 17, Rifle: Nov 18 - Jan 6.
Does Virginia require a hunter safety course?
Yes, Virginia requires hunter education certification for all first-time hunters. The course covers firearm safety, hunting laws, wildlife conservation, and ethical hunting practices.
Who manages hunting regulations in Virginia?
The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources manages all hunting licenses, regulations, and wildlife management in Virginia. Their website (https://dwr.virginia.gov) has current season dates, license purchasing, and regulation booklets.