Unlock the Great Outdoors
Why limit yourself to public land when there are millions of acres of private land to explore.
Hunting in Virginia
Virginia Hunting at Glance
Hunting in Virginia is a great way to spend time outdoors and enjoy the state’s natural beauty. There are many different types of hunting available in Virginia, from small game hunting to big game hunting. The state has a variety of regulations in place to ensure that hunting is safe and enjoyable for all involved. Here is everything you need to know about hunting in Virginia.
The first thing to note is that Virginia requires all hunters to have a valid hunting license. Regulations change, but you can generally obtain a license by taking a Hunter Education Course or by passing a Hunter Safety Exam. If you are under the age of 16, you probably need to take the Hunter Education Course. The course covers topics such as hunter safety, ethics, and wildlife conservation.
Virginia ranks #31 in the nation for hunting license per capita and has a strong hunting culture with over 3% of the population classified as registered hunters.
Key Insights
- Hunting in Virginia requires a valid hunting license, which can be obtained through a Hunter Education Course or by passing a Hunter Safety Exam.
- Over 3% of the Virginia population is classified as registered hunters.
- Virginia has four main types of hunting: small game, big game, waterfowl, and turkey.
- Small game includes animals such as rabbits, squirrels, and birds.
- Big game includes deer, bear, elk, and moose.
- Waterfowl hunting includes ducks, geese, and swans.
Table of Contents
Hunters (Based on Hunting Licenses)
| Population: | 8,631,393 |
|---|---|
| Hunters | 258,942 |
| Hunter % | 3.00% |
| Hunters Rank | 31 |
Land Types (Acres)
| Acres | % | Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total | 25,342,700 | ||
| Huntable Public | 2,006,000 | 7.92% | 25 |
| Private Land | 22,892,830 | 90.33% | 24 |
| Tribal Land | 0 | 0.00% | no tribal land |
Virginia ranks #24 for the percentage of private land vs total acres and doesn’t have any tribal land.
Virginia Hunting Seasons & Requirements
For the most accurate information on Virginia Hunting Seasons, along with the state’s requirements for tag and bag limits, it’s a good idea to check with the Virginia DNR. We’ve provided their contact information below, along with links to helpful resources, including licensing.
Virginia DNR
P.O. Box 90778
Henrico, VA 23228-0778
- (804) 367-1000
Popular Game to Hunt in Virginia
There are four main types of hunting that take place in Virginia: small game hunting, big game hunting, waterfowl hunting, and turkey hunting. Small game includes animals such as rabbits, squirrels, and birds. Big game includes deer, bear, elk, and moose. Waterfowl hunting includes ducks, geese, and swans. Turkey hunting includes male turkeys, also known as toms.
Small Game Hunting in Virginia
Virginia is home to a wealth of wildlife, making it a paradise for hunters. Squirrels, rabbits, deer, quail, and pheasant are just a few of the most popular small game animals sought after by hunters in the state. Each offers its own unique challenge, and all can be found in abundance throughout Virginia’s forests and fields. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter looking for new prey or a novice just getting started, Virginia has something to offer everyone. So strap on your boots and head out into the great outdoors for an unforgettable hunting experience.
Big Game Hunting in Virginia
Virginia is a popular destination for hunters, as it offers a wide variety of game. The most popular big game to hunt in the state are whitetail deer, black bear, bobcat, coyote, and fox. Each of these animals provides a unique challenge, and Virginia’s diverse landscapes make for an exciting hunting experience. In addition to being popular game animals, these creatures also play important roles in the ecosystem. For example, deer help to control the growth of vegetation, while coyotes keep the population of rabbits and rodents in check. By hunting these animals, hunters are helping to maintain the balance of nature.
Unlock the profits in your land
The hassle free way to monetize your acreage.
Where are the Best Areas to Hunt in Virginia
Virginia offers great hunting opportunities across the state, both on public and private land. We’ve included some of the best areas for public hunting below and as we have access we’ll be adding more private land too.
Unlock the Great Outdoors
We’re working with landowners all across Virginia to provide private land access for more activities. Add your information below to stay up to date.
Popular Public Hunting Land in Virginia
According to the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, the most popular places to hunt public land in Virginia are George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, Shenandoah National Park, Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Crooked Run Wildlife Management Area, and Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge. These areas offer a variety of hunting opportunities for deer, bear, turkey, quail,pheasant, rabbit, and squirrel. George Washington and Jefferson National Forests are the largest public hunting grounds in Virginia, with over 1.8 million acres of forest available for hunting. Shenandoah National Park is also a popular destination for hunters, as it offers over 200 miles of trails to explore. Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge is a favorite spot for waterfowl hunting, as it is home to a variety of birds including ducks, geese, and swans. Crooked Run Wildlife Management Area is known for its abundance of deer and turkey, while Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge is a prime location for rabbit and squirrel hunting. Whether you’re an experienced hunter or just getting started, Virginia’s public lands offer something for everyone.
1. George Washington and Jefferson National Forests
2. Shenandoah National Park
3. Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge
4. Crooked Run Wildlife Management Area
5. Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge
Hunting Private Land in Virginia
Since the majority of Virginia is private land getting access for hunting can be very appealing. When you hunt private land, it’s not only less crowded, the animals also tend to be less skittish and this means you’ll have a better day out in the field. Traditionally, accessing private land for hunting has been complicated and expensive. You either needed to join a club, hire a guide, or start knocking on doors.
Fortunately Wing It is simplifying this for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts of all types. We’re adding new land every day and if we have some in your area, you’ll see some options great below.