Hunting season is approaching…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 or lottery system. 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. Detailed hunting opportunities are listed below and on this grid (PDF).
Lottery Hunts
Lottery applications are available online at see this grid (PDF) to determine dates on which applications are due for each lottery hunt. Additionally, lottery hunts not managed by DCR are offered at False Cape and Mason Neck state parks.
Reservation Hunts
Belle Isle State Park, Caledon Natural Area, Chippokes Plantation State Park, Claytor Lake State Park, Douthat State Park, James River State Park, Lake Anna State Park, Shenandoah River State Park, Smith Mountain Lake State Park, Staunton River State Park and York River State Park offer hunting opportunities by reservation. Hunters may reserve a preferred day and at some sites, a preferred stand or zone. There is a reservation fee of $15 per day; there may be limits to the number of reservations allowed per call. The fee is non-refundable. Proof of hunter education certification and required licenses must be presented at check-in. See this grid (PDF) to determine the date on which the center begins accepting reservations for the given reservation hunt.
Special Youth Hunts
Two special Youth General Firearm hunts are planned: Monday, November 16 at Shenandoah River State Park, and Saturday, November 14 at Grayson Highlands State Park. 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).
Southern Heritage Deer Hunt
Chippokes Plantation State Park hosts a traditional hunting experience on December 5 from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. This is an old-fashioned hunt featuring three traditional meals, a blessing of the hounds, rides to and from the hunt stands and a butchering service. Reservations may be made up to one year in advance. Fee: $325/adult or youth 16 and older; $200/child, ages 12-17, if stand is shared with a paying adult; $50 per non-hunting companion.
Cooperative Hunts
Shenandoah River State Park Wheelin’ Sportsmen Hunt
A special muzzleloader deer hunt for people with disabilities will be held on Monday, Nov. 9. Contact Gene Hayden 540-241-3502 or Mike Deane 434-996-8508 or www.vanwtf.com for more information.
False Cape State Park Deer and Feral Hog Lottery Hunt
The False Cape State Parks Deer and Feral Hog hunt is run in conjunction with the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Legal harvest is deer and feral hogs; using shotguns. Hunt dates are October 3, October 5-6, and October 29-31, with a lottery deadline of August 29. Application information is available online http://www.vaquotahunts.com or by phone at 1-877-VAHUNTS Monday-Friday 9:30 – 4:30 EST. Additional information is available at www.dgif.virginia.gov. A separate lottery hunt for a Hogs only will be held on January 9, 23 and February 6 and 20, 2010. Applications are due by October 2, 2009. There is an application and hunt fee.
- Click here (PDF) for information about the 2009 Deer and Feral Hog Lottery Hunts, offered in 2009 on Oct. 3, 5, 6, 29 and 31, with a lottery deadline of Aug. 28, 2009.
- Click here (PDF) to learn about the process for applying for this hunt.
- Click here (PDF) for a map of the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge Hunting Zones
- Click here (PDF) for a map of the False Cape State Park Hunting Zones.
- Click here for more information about a hog-only hunt to be held Jan. 9 and 23 and Feb. 6 and 20, 2010. The lottery deadline is Oct. 2, 2009.)
Mason Neck State Park
This hunt is run in conjunction with the Potomac River National Wildlife Refuge. Lottery applications are available by contacting the Refuge office at 703-490-4979. Hunt dates are Nov. 19-20 and Dec. 11. Selected hunters must attend a hunt orientation and show proof of weapons qualification in order to participate. There is an application and hunt fee.
Virginia Hunting General Information
The Click here to access Find Game and to read about hunts on public land, including state parks.