Virginia Hunting Seasons & Licensing

Virginia offers diverse hunting from the Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah Valley in the west to the Tidewater and Piedmont regions in the east. The state has approximately 250,000 deer hunters and manages over 200,000 acres of Wildlife Management Areas. Virginia is known for quality white-tailed deer and wild turkey hunting, with growing bear populations in the western mountains. The state has a long tradition of hound hunting for bear and deer.

Dates shown are for the 2025–2026 season based on the most recent published regulations. Always verify current dates with the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources before hunting.

Season Dates by Game Type

Licensing

Tags, Draws & Lotteries

Most Virginia hunting licenses are available over the counter. No drawing system is required for standard deer, turkey, or bear permits. Bonus antlerless deer tags are available in many counties. Quota hunts on select WMAs and national forest lands require a drawing through the DWR online system. There is no preference point system.

Harvest Reporting

Virginia requires mandatory harvest reporting for all deer, bear, and turkey through the DWR Go Outdoors Virginia app, website, or by phone. Deer and turkey must be reported within 24 hours of harvest. Bear must be checked at a check station within 24 hours. CWD surveillance is active — mandatory testing in designated CWD management areas.

Virginia Wildlife Resources

• Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources — Hunting Home →
• Current Hunting Regulations →
• Hunter Education →
• Violation Hotline: Wildlife Crime Line: 1-800-237-5712
• USFWS Waterfowl Frameworks →