2024-2025 Hunting Opportunities
The natural hunting destination.
| Hunting Contacts | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia State Park | Phone Number | County | Hunt Packet | Avenza Map |
| Caledon State Park | 540-663-3861 | King George County | Hunt packet | Avenza map |
| Chippokes State Park | 757-294-3728 | Surry County | Hunt packet | Avenza map |
| Claytor Lake State Park | 540-643-2500 | Pulaski County | Hunt packet | Avenza map |
| Fairy Stone State Park - OPEN HUNT | 276-930-2424 | Patrick County | Avenza map | |
| Grayson Highlands State Park | 276-579-7092 | Grayson County | Hunt packet | Avenza map |
| Grayson Highlands State Park - OPEN HUNT | 276-579-7092 | Grayson County | Avenza map | |
| Hungry Mother State Park - OPEN HUNT | 276-781-7400 | Smyth County | Avenza map | |
| James River State Park | 434-933-4355 | Buckingham County | Hunt packet | Avenza map |
| Kiptopeke State Park | 757-331-2267 | Northampton County | Hunt packet | Avenza map |
| Lake Anna State Park | 540-854-5503 | Spotsylvania County | Hunt packet | Avenza map |
| Leesylvania State Park | 703-730-8205 | Prince William County | Hunt packet | Avenza map |
| Mason Neck State Park | 703-339-2384 | Fairfax County | ||
| Natural Tunnel State Park | 276-940-2674 | Scott County | Hunt packet | Avenza map |
| Occoneechee State Park - OPEN HUNT | 434-374-2210 | Mecklenburg County | Avenza map | |
| Pocahontas State Park | 804-796-4255 | Chesterfield County | Hunt packet | Avenza map |
| Pocahontas State Park - ARCHERY HUNT | 804-796-4255 | Chesterfield County | Avenza map | |
| Shenandoah River State Park | 540-622-6840 | Warren County | Hunt packet | Avenza map |
| Smith Mountain Lake State Park | 540-297-6066 | Bedford County | Hunt packet | Avenza map |
| Staunton River State Park | 434-572-3694 | Halifax County | ||
| Staunton River State Park (Falkland Farms) | 434-572-3694 | Halifax County | Hunt packet | Avenza map |
| Sweet Run State Park | 540-668-6230 | Loudoun County | Hunt packet | Avenza map |
| Widewater State Park | 540-288-1400 | Stafford County | Hunt packet | Avenza map |
| Widewater State Park - NOVICE HUNT | 540-288-1400 | Stafford County | Hunt packet | Avenza map |
| York River State Park | 757-566-3036 | James City County | Hunt packet | Avenza map |
Virginia State Parks offer a wide variety of hunting opportunities as well as countless other outdoor activities for the entire family. Hunting opportunities range from open hunting in designated areas to managed deer hunts where individuals participate through a reservation. Specific sites that offer hunting may change from year to year. Managed deer hunts are a tool in Virginia State Parks’ overall deer management program. Participating hunters are asked to support our management efforts by following harvest guidelines associated with each hunt.
Visit this page often for the most up-to-date information regarding hunting dates, opening dates for reservation periods, number of hunters per day, allowable weapon types, and other special requirements. All reservation hunts have a $15 reservation fee. Hunter education certification is required. To make a reservation, visit https://reservevaparks.com/Web/ or call the State Parks Customer Service Center at 1-800-933-PARK (7275), Option 5, to participate. All reservations will open at 9 a.m. on the date listed in the hunting opportunities chart. All hunts have special regulations.
Reservation Hunts
Hunters may reserve a preferred day and, at some sites, a preferred stand or zone. There is a non-refundable reservation fee of $15 per day; there may be limits to the number of reservations allowed per transaction. Proof of hunter education certification and required licenses must be presented at check-in. To make a reservation, visit online at https://reservevaparks.com/Web/ or call the State Parks Customer Service Center at 1-800-933-PARK (7275) Option 5 to participate. All reservations will open at 9 a.m. on the date listed in the hunting opportunities chart.
See this chart to determine the date the center begins accepting reservations for the given reservation hunt.
New Hunting Opportunity Near Staunton River State Park
Don’t miss your chance to hunt what was formerly known as Falkland Farms. This year, DCR will offer a managed hunt on Nov. 18 & 19, 2024, on the property near Staunton River State Park.
Special Youth Hunts
A special youth hunt is planned for Nov. 5, 2024, at Shenandoah River State Park (muzzleloader). To participate, youth ages 12-17 should follow the same process as for our other hunts. Note that youth ages 16-17 may hunt alone, youth ages 12-15 must be accompanied by a non-hunting adult (with valid hunter safety certification).
Pocahontas Archery Hunt by Permit
Pocahontas State Park offers an opportunity for archery hunters to obtain a permit for archery hunting in special designated areas. Approximately 2,500 acres are open on designated days only to archery hunters who obtain a permit through the main park office. Permits are valid from Oct. 7, 2024, through Jan. 3, 2025, Monday – Friday only, and are limited to a total of 100 permits. Permit fees will be $50 and a mandatory in-person safety briefing will be required. All normal DWR regulations and bag limits apply to this hunt. Proof of hunter safety education course completion is required to obtain a permit.
Open Hunts
Open hunting opportunities are available at Fairy Stone, Grayson Highlands, Hungry Mother and Occoneechee State Parks. Maps of the open hunting areas can be found in the table above. All DWR hunting regulations apply.
Portions of Fairy Stone State Park are included in a cooperative agreement with the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources and the United States Army Corps of Engineers to provide public hunting access in Patrick and Franklin Counties. All DWR hunting regulations apply. Daily parking fee is required while parked at Fairy Stone State Park.
The open hunting area at Grayson Highlands State Park includes 1,117 acres in the northern section of the park and is adjacent to Mount Roger’s National Recreation Area. The public open hunting area can be accessed via Massie Gap and the Seed Orchard Trail. All DWR hunting regulations apply. Hunting with dogs off leash is not allowed. Daily parking fee is required.
Open hunting is permitted in the northern section of Hungry Mother State Park. The area includes 863 acres and can be accessed via State Highway 16. All DWR hunting regulations apply. Daily parking fee is required.
Open hunting is permitted on 1,900 acres in the southeast portion of Occoneechee State Park. Hunters can park at one of two parking areas to access the property. All DWR hunting regulations apply. Daily parking fee is required.
Wheelin' Sportsmen Hunts
There are three special opportunities for people with mobility-impairment disabilities to participate in hunts. Special Muzzleloader hunts will be held at Shenandoah River State Park on Monday, Nov. 4, 2024, and at Lake Anna State Park on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024. A special General Firearms hunt will be held on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, at Staunton River State Park. Applications will be available Aug. 1, and the deadline is Sep. 1. Apply or download the application at the Virginia National Wild Turkey Federation website. Contact Robin Clark at 434-249-6154, huntvaws@gmail.com for more information.
James River State Park Veteran Hunt
There will be a special muzzleloader opportunity for veterans to participate in a hunt at James River State Park on Tuesday, Nov. 5 and Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024. Please contact Alice Gormus of Operation Dues Already Paid (DAP) at 434-547-4664 for more information.
Mason Neck Deer Hunt
This hunt is run in conjunction with the Potomac River National Wildlife Refuge Complex. Hunt dates are Nov. 19, 2024, and Dec. 3, 2024.. Permits are $20 for the general public and $10 for Federal Senior and Access Pass holders. Permits will be available for purchase Sept. 21 at 12:00 p.m. and will be sold on a first come first serve basis. Orientation and permit sales are administered on https://potomacriverrefugehunts.recaccess.com/.
Claytor Lake Youth Deer Hunting Workshop
This workshop and hunt for youth (ages 12-17) is held in conjunction with the Department of Wildlife Resources. Workshop includes a Friday evening (Dec. 13, 2024) seminar on deer biology/management, hunting safety/ethics and muzzleloader safety, and a Saturday guided muzzleloader hunt (Dec. 14, 2024). Participants must be accompanied by a nonhunting adult and meet all hunter education and licensing requirements. For more information and to register, contact Tracy Howard at 540-641-4455, tracydeanhoward@yahoo.com.
Widewater Novice Hunter Workshop
This workshop is for novice hunters, age 18 and older, who would like to receive a supplemental education that goes beyond the required hunter education course. Held in cooperation with the Department of Wildlife Resources, novices will be paired one-on-one with an experienced mentor who will offer invaluable knowledge and expertise. Hunts will take place on Dec. 5 & Dec. 12, 2024. Interested novice hunters should contact Jason Miller, DWR Region 4 Hunter Education Coordinator, jason.miller@dwr.virginia.gov. Instructions for the State Park hunting permit and related fees will be provided during the selection notification process.
Hunts at Natural Area Preserves
DCR also holds hunts at several Natural Area Preserves. To learn about and apply for these hunts, please visit this site.
Overnight Accommodations
Virginia State Parks also provides comfortable and economical overnight accommodations, with housekeeping cabins and campsites ranging from primitive sites to sites with electric and water hookups. Accommodations are available at many sites during part of the hunting season.
To make hunting reservations, as well as to make reservations for overnight accommodations in Virginia State Parks, visit https://reservevaparks.com/Web/ or call the State parks Customer Service Center at 800-933-7275 (PARK) option 5. Learn about park cabins, camping and lodges.
Reservations may be made up to two days prior to the requested day of the hunt, provided payment can be made at the time of reservation, and that space is available.
To reserve a space in a reservation hunt, visit online at https://reservevaparks.com/Web/ or call the State Parks Customer Service Center at 1-800-933-PARK (7275) Option 5. All hunts have special regulations. Contact the individual park or the Customer Service Center to obtain the hunt specific rules. Reservation hunts have distinct dates on which reservations will be taken.
Virginia State Parks Hunting Rules
- Hunting and camping is permitted only in designated areas.
- Virginia game laws apply in all designated hunting areas.
- Hunting is prohibited within 100 yards of all state park buildings and roads.
- Lottery and reservation hunts require proof of completion of a hunter safety course.
- State law requires hunters to wear blaze orange or blaze pink. The minimum required by law is a blaze orange or blaze pink cap or vest; most managed hunts at state parks require a blaze orange or blaze pink vest, at a minimum, which is more than required by state regulations.
Virginia Hunting General Information
The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources oversees hunting, fishing and boating activity in the commonwealth. Click here for hunting and trapping regulations and information.
