Media Center - Press Release

Media inquiries: Please contact Dave Neudeck, dave.neudeck@dcr.virginia.gov, 804-786-5053.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: August 21, 2024
Contact: Kim Wells, Public Relations and Marketing Specialist, 804-217-1077, kim.wells@dcr.virginia.gov

Reservations open Sept. 3 for hunting opportunities at Virginia State Parks 
New managed hunt site at Former Falkland Farms

(Editors: Follow this link to download an image. Photo caption: Installing deer stand)

(Editors: Follow this link to download an image. Photo caption: Widewater hunting blind)

(Editors: Follow this link to download an image. Photo caption: Checking hunting license)

Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation manages Virginia State Parks which offer hunting opportunities each year to select parks. Managed hunts are a key tool in managing the deer population and herd health. Participating hunters are asked to support this effort by following harvest guidelines associated with each hunt.  

New this year is a hunting opportunity near Staunton River State Park on what was formerly known as Falkland Farms.

All terms and conditions must be followed as safety is a key factor in hunting, especially at a Virginia State Park. Terms and conditions address weapon types that can be used, the amount of blaze orange to be worn and a required safety course. Find more information, including dates, hunt packets, and hunt maps, by visiting the website: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/hunting

Overarching Virginia State Parks Hunting Rules listed, below. Review additional Terms and Conditions per individual park in the hunt packets on the website.

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.

Hunting opportunities range from open hunting in designated areas to managed deer hunts. Hunters can also reserve stands or zones on a first-come, first-served basis using the online system.

To make a reservation, visit, https ://reservevaparks.com/Web/ to participate. All reservation hunts have a $15 reservation fee. Hunters must have an email to create an account in order to reserve a hunting date and location. It is encouraged that you set up this account well in advance before the reservation period opens, as it can take some time for the information to process.

The first hunt reservation will go live on Sept. 3 and then open individually per park throughout the rest of the month. The reservation period begins at 9 a.m. and interested participants can view a grid on the website for more details on hunt locations and dates. Each park may have special regulations so be sure to read all the information before making a reservation.

For those interested in applying for a hunting opportunity but do not have access to the internet, call 1-800-933-PARK (7275) and select option 5. Please be advised that customer service representatives may not have access to all the hunt details.  Hunters are strongly encouraged to apply online for the best experience. 

For more information about hunting opportunities and programs in Virginia State Parks, visit https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/hunting.

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