Hunting Seasons

Hunting Seasons in Virginia [VA]

Last Updated on August 30, 2022 by Albert Smith

Virginia [VA] Hunting Seasons 2022-2023

Hunting season is just around the corner in Virginia. Many people wait all year for this time to come. Some people hunt for food while others just enjoy the sport. Whatever the reason, hunting is a popular pastime in Virginia. The most popular game animals to hunt are deer, bear, turkey, and quail. There are different hunting seasons for each animal. For example, deer season runs from November to January. Bear season runs from October to December. Turkey season runs from April to May. Quail season runs from November to February. Check the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries website for more information on hunting seasons and regulations.

There are many different hunting seasons in Virginia that allow hunters to target different types of game. Some of the most popular hunting seasons include deer, turkey, and waterfowl. Each of these hunting seasons has specific dates and bag limits that are set by the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries. hunters need to be aware of these regulations in order to avoid any penalties.

Licenses and Permits:

The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries sets hunting seasons each year to protect wildlife and give hunters the opportunity to harvest game. The agency also regulates the taking of fish, shellfish, and other wildlife. In order to hunt in Virginia, hunters must have a valid hunting license. The cost of a license depends on the type of hunting, the resident status of the hunter, and the length of the license.

If you’re looking for big game, Virginia offers a list of larger-sized animals for hunters such as deer, elk, bear and turkey, as well as small game like squirrel, quail, and other waterbirds. Virginia hunting seasons take place throughout the year among the beautiful Appalachian Mountains, for there are plenty of great spots to stay.

Virginia is located in the southeastern corner of the United States, giving it that vibrant combination of southern style, American history, and charming scenery. It’s perfect for those adventurous hunters who enjoy experiencing new thrills and testing their endurance.

Virginia Bear Hunting Seasons

Virginia’s bear hunting season typically runs from November to January, with specific dates depending on the bear management unit. During this time, hunters are allowed to use firearms, dogs, and bait to pursue bears. Bear hunting can be a challenging and rewarding experience, providing an opportunity to harvest a trophy animal and contribute to bear population management.

In Virginia, there are four bear hunting seasons. The first is the early season, which typically opens in mid-October and runs through the end of November. The second is the regular season, which opens in early December and runs through the end of January. The third is the late season, which typically opens in late February and runs through the end of March. The fourth and final season is the spring season, which typically opens in early April and runs through the end of May.

Youth HuntOct. 9-10
ArcheryOct. 2-Nov. 12
MuzzleloaderNov. 6-12
Early FirearmsSept. 27-29
General SeasonOct. 1-Jan. 2**

**Season dates vary by region. For more information on hunting dates in your region, visit the Virginia Department of Game & Inland Fisheries website. One bear can be harvested per year. Bears must weigh at least 100 pounds live (or minimum 75 pounds field dressed). It is illegal to hunt female bears with cubs.

Virginia Deer Hunting Seasons:

The state of Virginia offers a variety of deer hunting seasons to choose from, depending on what type of deer you want to hunt. For example, the season for hunting antlered deer runs from October 5th through November 23rd, while the season for hunting antlerless deer runs from November 24th through December 8th. There are also seasons specifically for hunting deer with muzzle-loading rifles, bows, and crossbows.

Youth HuntSept. 25-26
Early ArcheryOct. 2-Nov. 12
Late ArcheryNov. 28-Jan. 1**
Urban ArcherySept. 4-Oct. 1 and Jan. 2-March 27, 2022
NOVA Late ArcheryMarch 28-Apr. 24, 2022
Early MuzzleloaderOct. 30-Nov. 12
Late MuzzleloaderDec. 11-Jan. 1
General SeasonNov. 13-27**

**Season dates vary by zone. For more information on hunting dates in your region, visit the Virginia Department of Game & Inland Fisheries website.

Virginia Elk Hunting Seasons

Virginia’s elk hunting seasons vary by region and weapon, but generally fall between October and December. Some areas allow hunting with bow and arrow only, while others permit the use of firearms. Elk are one of the largest species of deer, and males can weigh up to 1,000 pounds. The best time to hunt elk is in the early morning or evening, when they are most active.

General SeasonConcurrent with open deer season

Taking the elk count towards a hunter’s hunting license and deer permit, also applies to elk, successful elk hunters are also required to contact the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries so that samples for diseases can be collected. Additionally, elk hunting is closed in some regions where the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries has not stated an open season.

Virginia Turkey Hunting Seasons:

If you’re looking to do some turkey hunting in Virginia, you’ll need to know a little bit about the hunting seasons. In Virginia, there are two turkey hunting seasons. The first season is the fall season and runs from October 1st through January 31st. The second season is the spring season and runs from April 15th through May 31st.

The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries sets the hunting seasons for different animals each year. The dates for turkey season are typically in the spring, but can vary depending on the area of the state. You can check the department’s website for more information on hunting seasons and regulations.

Fall ArcheryOct. 2-Nov. 12
Fall Youth HuntOct. 9-10
Fall General SeasonOct. 16-Jan. 22**
Spring General SeasonApr. 9-May 14
Spring Youth HuntApr. 2-3, 2022

**Season dates vary by zone. For more information on hunting dates in your region, visit the Virginia Department of Game & Inland Fisheries website. Hunters can take no more than 1 turkey per day, no more than 2 in the fall season, and a maximum of three per year.

Virginia Small Game Hunting Seasons:

In Virginia, small game hunting season runs from October 1st through January 31st. This season provides ample opportunity for hunters to bag game such as squirrel, rabbit, quail, and grouse. Virginia’s small game hunting seasons are some of the longest in the country, so hunters should take advantage of the opportunity to get outdoors and enjoy the fall weather.

CrowAug. 21-March 18
GroundhogOpen Season
GrouseOct. 23-Feb. 12
(hunting prohibited west of I-95)
Quail and PheasantNov. 6-Jan. 31
RabbitOct. 30-Feb. 28
SquirrelSept. 4-Feb. 28 (Gray/Red Squirrels)
Sept. 4-Jan. 31 (Fox Squirrels)

Bag limits, special seasons and hunting regulations for Virginia hunting seasons do vary based on animal and seasons. For more information on obtaining licenses, permits and regulations, visit the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries.

A hunting addicted person who love to explore the word and do hunting life long. I am sharing my knowledge about rifle hunting on this blog. I have 17 years experience on air rifle hunting and I really enjoy this job .

Albert Smith

A hunting addicted person who love to explore the word and do hunting life long. I am sharing my knowledge about rifle hunting on this blog. I have 17 years experience on air rifle hunting and I really enjoy this job .
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