State Guide

Virginia Hunting Guide 2026

Complete Virginia hunting guide for 2026: seasons, license costs, draw odds, GMU boundaries, bag limits, and regulations. Compare every game species at a glance.

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

Typical season windows, not 2026 dates — this table carries no year and has not been verified against the agency for the current season. Confirm with Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources before you plan around them.

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

Tag-to-Trail Planner — interactive map: public land, harvest records, water, burns
Hunt Cost Calculator — budget your full hunt cost
Application Timeline — never miss an application deadline
Preference Point Tracker — track points across all your states

Virginia Hunting Guides

destinations

West Virginia Deer Hunting: Public Land and Mountain Bucks

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.