How to Hunt in Virginia

Enjoy the beauty of the state of Virginia and visit one of the 36 areas managed by the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries. With almost 200,000 acres of land available, there are plenty of locations for hunting big and small game.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Blaze orange hat or clothing
• Proof of residency
• Hunting license
• Hunting permit
• Hunter safety certificate

1. Show proof of residency to qualify for a resident hunting license or permit. You must be a resident of Virginia for 6 consecutive months to qualify for a resident license. Legal voters in Virginia qualify as a resident. In addition, members of the Armed Forces on active duty are also considered residents.
2. Meet the requirements of the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries for hunting with a bow and arrow. State or county hunting licenses, along with an archery license and any other license required pertinent to the type of game, must be purchased prior to the hunt.
3. Qualify for a crossbow license in addition to the state or county licenses, and enjoy a crossbow hunt. Likewise, hunting with a muzzleloading firearm presents a challenge and requires a muzzleloading license and the state or county hunting license. Other permits may be required for the crossbow or muzzleloading hunt.
4. Take proof of a completion of a hunter safety course. If you have a prior hunting license, this will be sufficient proof of the appropriate training. Out-of-state training is accepted.
5. Determine which type of license is best for your hunting style. A Sportsman's License for individuals 16 years of age and older includes a hunting license, archery license, crossbow license and many other types of licenses. A Resident License allows you to hunt any place in the state. Buying a County or City Resident License limits your hunt to your local area.
6. Purchase additional licenses to hunt bear, deer and turkey. If you hold a Disabled Veterans Lifetime license, you are exempt from purchasing the additional licenses for resident bear, deer and turkey hunts.
7. Get a license by mail, in person, by phone or online at the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries website (see Resources below).
8. Participate in a managed hunt for the thrill of a lifetime. Choose hunts for deer, squirrel and a variety of waterfowl.

Tips & Warnings

• During the firearms deer season, blaze orange hat or upper body clothing is required of every hunter, regardless of the type of game hunted. This must be visible from every angle with a minimum of 100 square inches of solid blaze orange showing.