2023-2024 Hunting Opportunities
The natural hunting destination.
Hunting Contacts | ||||
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Virginia State Park | Phone Number | County | Hunt Packet | Avenza Map |
Belle Isle State Park | 804-462-5030 | Lancaster County | Packet | Hunt Map |
Caledon State Park | 540-663-3861 | King George County | Packet | Hunt Map |
Chippokes State Park | 757-294-3728 | Surry County | Hunt Map | |
Claytor Lake State Park | 540-643-2500 | Pulaski County | Packet | Hunt Map |
Grayson Highlands State Park | 276-579-7092 | Grayson County | Packet | Hunt Map |
James River State Park | 434-933-4355 | Buckingham County | Packet | Hunt Map |
Kiptopeke State Park | 757-331-2267 | Northampton County | Packet | Hunt Map |
Lake Anna State Park | 540-854-5503 | Spotsylvania County | Packet | Hunt Map |
Leesylvania State Park | 703-730-8205 | Prince William County | Packet | Hunt Map |
Mason Neck State Park | 703-339-2384 | Fairfax County | ||
Natural Tunnel State Park | 276-940-2674 | Scott County | Packet | Hunt Map |
Pocahontas State Park | 804-796-4255 | Chesterfield County | Packet | Hunt Map Archery Map |
Shenandoah River State Park | 540-622-6840 | Warren County | Packet | Hunt Map |
Smith Mountain Lake State Park | 540-297-6066 | Bedford County | Packet | Hunt Map |
Staunton River State Park | 434-572-3694 | Halifax County | ||
Sweet Run State Park | 540-668-6230 | Loudoun County | Packet | Hunt Map |
Widewater State Park | 540-288-1400 | Stafford County | Packet | Hunt Map |
York River State Park | 757-566-3036 | James City County | Packet | Hunt 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 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.
See this chart to determine the date the center begins accepting reservations for the given reservation hunt.
Special Youth Hunts
A special Youth Hunt is planned for Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2023 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 3,000 acres are open Monday through Thursday only to archery hunters who obtain a permit through the main park office. Permits are valid from October 9, 2023 through January 4, 2024 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.
Wheelin' Sportsmen Hunts
There are three special opportunities for people with disabilities to participate in hunts. Special Muzzleloader hunts will be held at Shenandoah River State Park on Monday, Nov. 6, 2023, and at Lake Anna State Park on Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2023. A special General Firearms hunt will be held on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023, at Staunton River State Park. Applications will be available Aug. 1, and the deadline is Sep. 30. 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.
Mason Neck Deer Hunt
This hunt is run in conjunction with the Potomac River National Wildlife Refuge Complex. Hunt dates are Nov. 14, 2023, and Nov. 28, 2023. Permits are $20 for adults, $10 for those with a senior or access pass. Permits will be available for purchase Sept. 23 at 12:00PM 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 and is capped at 15 youth participants. Workshop includes a Friday evening (Dec. 8, 2023) seminar on deer biology/management, hunting safety/ethics and muzzleloader safety, and a Saturday (Dec. 9, 2023) guided muzzleloader “earn a buck” hunt. 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. 7, 2023, and Dec. 14, 2023. Any interested novice must e-mail or mail a completed application to Joanna.Arrighi@dcr.virginia.gov or to Widewater State Park at 101 Widewater State Park Road, Stafford, VA 22554 by Aug. 18, 2023. Notifications will be sent out by Aug. 25, 2023. Upon selection, the final payment of $30 for the State Park hunting permit must be paid by Sep. 15, 2023. The final payment instructions will be provided during the 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. The minimum required by law is a blaze orange cap or vest; most managed hunts at state parks require a blaze orange 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.