10 Reasons Virginia Is the Ideal Spot for Deer Hunting in the U.S.

One of the best places for big game hunting in the United States is Virginia, where hunters can hunt large animals like black bears, deer, elks, and turkeys. However, small game is also plentiful. Virginia’s Deer season varies each year as it depends on breeding, rut, and feeding patterns. Furthermore, there are different forms of hunting deer, and the tool you use will determine when you are allowed to hunt. For example, there’s a season for firearm, archery, and muzzleloader hunting starting in September and ending in March. While hunting in this state has many rules and regulations, it is still a great experience. Here are 10 reasons Virginia is the ideal spot for deer hunting in the U.S.

1. Deer Population Density

One of the reasons Virginia is the ideal spot for deer hunting is its deer population density. Through strict regulations enacted over the past decade, Virginia’s deer population has stabilized in most areas. There are an estimated 850,000 to 1 million deer in the state. While the media often reports that Virginia is overpopulated with deer, most herds are maintained through controlled hunting below the biological carrying capacity of the habitat, in fair to excellent physical condition, and at low to moderate population densities.

2. Deer Quality

Deer quality in Virginia is good. While there was a strong outbreak of EHD in 2014, the population bounced back and got better each year. Furthermore, deer are getting older in the state due to hunters being more selective about their harvest. In addition, deer hunters in Virginia enjoy a 60% success rate, one of the highest in the U.S. Therefore, the combination of abundant lands, large deer densities, and good season structures makes Virginia an ideal spot for deer hunting in the USA.

3. Habitat Quality

The central and northern portions of the Appalachian mountains are the best spots for deer hunting in Virginia due to higher population densities. However, the southern and southwestern parts of the Appalachian mountains have low-to medium-density herds because of poor habitat quality and density-independent factors.

4. Access to Public Hunting Lands

The Old Dominion has 46 wildlife management areas, with over 200,000 acres for outdoor recreation available to the public, including fishing, hunting, and trapping, which includes:

Accomack County

This historic property spans over 447 acres. It is public hunting land where one can hunt for duck, turkey, and white-tailed deer. Doe Creek Wildlife Management Area is only available for walk-in deer hunting on Saturdays. But, the nearby mink farm is open for archery deer hunting.

Washington

The historic village of Washington, VA, lies in the eastern foothills of the Blue Mountains, close to the Shenandoah National Park. This area has 6,400 acres of land, providing ample opportunities for hunting duck, turkey, bear, waterfowl, bobcat, grouse, raccoon, squirrel, and mule deer. Furthermore, the region is open for public trapping and fishing. Anglers can catch small trout, pike, walleye, and panfish in the area.

Rockbridge County

There are 3,482 acres of Rockbridge County dedicated to public hunting of turkey, white-tailed deer, black bear, and red and gray foxes.

Madison

Madison County is an ideal spot for deer hunting in Virginia. This county has 10,326 acres of public hunting land for deer, ruffed grouse, turkeys, and gray squirrels.

James City County

This county has 1,213 acres of public hunting land for ducks, turkeys, waterfowl, squirrels, raccoons, rabbits, quail, and deer. Fishing is also popular in James City County. However, you will require a fishing permit at Lake Nelson and any nearby streams.

5. Hunting Pressure

While hunting pressure east of the Blue Ridge Mountains can affect deer movements, areas of western Virginia have much lighter hunter pressure. Interestingly, the deer adapt back to normal activities much quicker. Furthermore, there is not as much agriculture in these areas, with land being more mountainous and public, so more food is available.

6. Season Dates and Length

Hunting season in Virginia takes place amongst the breathtaking Appalachian Mountains throughout the year. Dates vary depending on the region and type of tool used. Below is a table of the deer hunting season dates according to hunting method.

7. Weather Conditions

Late September temperatures are warm in Virginia, with maximum temperatures around 83 °F. However, hurricanes and storms are possible because of the proximity to the ocean. October still experiences some warm weather as temperatures can reach 70 °F but can drop between 30-53 °F in November. Winters in Virginia lasts 3.3 months from November to March, and temperatures drop below 30 °F. The state’s coldest month is January, with average low temperatures of -0°F and high of 19°F.

8. Hunting Regulations

Virginia has various hunting regulations depending on what tools you are using and which game you are hunting. For example:

Big Game Hunting Regulations in Virginia

• One half-hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset for game animals and nonmigratory birds except during spring turkey season.
• One half-hour before sunrise to sunset for apprentice/youth spring turkey hunting weekend
• During spring turkey season, one half-hour before sunrise until 12 p.m., except during the last twenty days when hours change to one half-hour before sunrise until sunset.
• During authorized seasons, bobcats, raccoons, foxes, and opossums may be hunted day or night.
• The bear hound training season hours are from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
• Nuisance species can be hunted during the day or night.

Shotguns

Animals that can legally be hunted with a shotgun in Virginia include bears, deer, elk, spring turkey, and fall turkey.

Airguns

Hunting with airguns .35 caliber or larger is legal when hunting spring turkey, fall turkey, and deer.

Pistols Using Rimfire Ammunition and Airguns and Rifles

A .35 caliber or smaller can be used to hunt spring turkey and fall turkey in Virginia.

Rifles and Pistols Using Centerfire Ammunition

You can legally hunt bear, deer, elk, spring turkey, and fall turkey with a 23 caliber or larger and pistols that generate at least 350-foot pounds of energy or more. Anything smaller than .23 caliber can only be used on spring or fall turkeys.

Muzzleloading Firearms

You can hunt deer, elk, bear, and spring and fall turkey with a 40 caliber or larger and 45 caliber or larger pistol. Anything smaller than .40 caliber can only be used to hunt spring and fall turkeys.

Archery

You can hunt elk, deer, bear, and spring and fall turkeys with broadhead widths or expandables that open to 7/8 inches.

Where to Report Your Harvest

You have to report your harvest if it includes turkey, elk, deer, bears, or bobcats by contacting:

• GoOutdoorsVA Mobile App (Available during all open seasons)
• Telephone Harvest Reporting System (866)468-4263 (touch-tone phone only)
• Internet Harvest Reporting System www.gooutdoorsvirginia.com

Bag Limits for Deer

Deer bag limits will vary depending on the area. For example, hunters are limited to two deer a day and six in a licensed year east of the Blue Ridge Mountains (except on National Forest lands in Bedford, Amherst, and Nelson Counties). Out of the six deer, only three may be antlered, meaning the remaining three must be antlerless.

9. License Costs and Availability

To participate in a hunt in Virginia, hunters must acquire a license. The license cost will differ depending on many factors, like the hunter’s age, type of license, and length of time. For example, a non-resident adult hunting license for 12 months costs $155, while a resident adult hunting license for 12 months costs $23.50. These fees do not go to waste. They contribute to the conservation of Virginia’s wildlife.

Everyone requires a hunting license in Virginia, but aside from licenses, you may be required to obtain other licenses, permits, or stamps. So, before applying for a hunting license or permit, ensure you know Virginia’s hunting requirements and regulations. For example, a hunting license is mandatory when hunting deer, bear, turkey, and bobcats in Virginia if you use archery tackle during a specified archery season. So, without a muzzleloading license, you cannot hunt.

10. Where to Obtain a License

There are three ways of obtaining a hunting license in Virginia:

Online

You can create your customer account here. This site allows you to access licenses and products that suit your needs based on location and age.

By Phone

You can download the GoOutdoors Virgina mobile app or call (804) 367-1000 during regular business hours.

In Person

Licenses are sold by license agents across the state and the DWR headquarters. However, they are not sold at the DWR regional offices. You can find an agent here.