Virginia Hunting Seasons & Licensing: What You Need To Know

If you're a Virginia resident and are interested in hunting, you'll need to know about the state's licensing and hunting seasons.

In this blog post, we will provide an overview of the licensing process and give a rundown of the season dates for each type of game.

We will also discuss other important information that you need to know in order to have a safe and successful hunt. Read on for all the details!

Hunting In Virginia

Looking for a state with 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 and quail. Virginia hunting seasons take place throughout the year among the beautiful Appalachian Mountains.

With so many different kinds of game to choose from, Virginia is a hunting paradise. Hunters can come in the early fall to hunt for deer and bear, or in the spring for turkey. There are also opportunities to hunt small game throughout the year.

Whether you’re an experienced hunter or just getting started, Virginia has something for everyone. So come on down and enjoy the great outdoors!

Virginia Bear Seasons

Youth Hunt	Oct. 9-10
Archery	Oct. 2-Nov. 12
Muzzleloader	Nov. 6-12
Early Firearms	Sept. 27-29
General Season	Oct. 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 Seasons

Youth Hunt	Sept. 25-26
Early Archery	Oct. 2-Nov. 12
Late Archery	Nov. 28-Jan. 1**
Urban Archery	Sept. 4-Oct. 1 and Jan. 2-March 27, 2022
NOVA Late Archery	March 28-Apr. 24, 2022
Early Muzzleloader	Oct. 30-Nov. 12
Late Muzzleloader	Dec. 11-Jan. 1
General Season	Nov. 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 Seasons

General Season

Concurrent with open deer season

Taking elk counts towards a hunter’s deer permits and bag limit. Licenses and check-in procedures for elk are the same as for deer. Successful elk hunters are 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 & Inland Fisheries is restoring elk populations.

Virginia Turkey Seasons

Fall Archery	Oct. 2-Nov. 12
Fall Youth Hunt	Oct. 9-10
Fall General Season	Oct. 16-Jan. 22**
Spring General Season	Apr. 9-May 14
Spring Youth Hunt	Apr. 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 Seasons

Crow	Aug. 21-March 18
Groundhog	Open Season
Grouse	Oct. 23-Feb. 12 (hunting prohibited west of I-95)
Quail and Pheasant	Nov. 6-Jan. 31
Rabbit	Oct. 30-Feb. 28
Squirrel	Sept. 4-Feb. 28 (Gray/Red Squirrels) Sept. 4-Jan. 31 (Fox Squirrels)

How To Get A Hunting License In Virginia?

Depending on your age, you may be required to have the Hunter Education Certificate in order to legally buy a license or permit to hunt.

Complete the Virginia hunter education certification requirements.
Choose the correct license type.
Buy the license through the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources website or a Virginia–approved agent.

Virginia License Expiration

Hunting licenses are good for one year from the date of purchase. Bear and deer/turkey licenses are good from July 1 to June 30 of the next year. Virginia residents and non-residents are able to purchase a lifetime hunting license.

Where to Buy a Virginia Hunting License

Visit the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources website.
Call 1-866-721-6911.
Visit certain clerks at the Circuit Court or an approved license agent.
Mail in a paper application.

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.