The deer hunting season in Virginia is an exciting time for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts. Virginia provides a range of deer hunting possibilities from November to March in various counties and regions around the state. This article will provide a summary of the Virginia deer hunting season for 2023, as well as details on the dates, locations, and any exclusions or extra possibilities for hunting.
IMPORTANT. This guide to the hunting season has been carefully crafted for your benefit. For additional information and any updates to the current US Hunting Season Regulations, please visit the website of the applicable State Authority. In order to make things easier for you, we have provided a link to the hunting season website for each State.
Virginia Deer Hunting season 2022-2023
| Deer Hunting Types | Season (2022-2023) |
|---|---|
| Deer-Firearms | November 16-January 4 |
| Deer-Muzzleloader | November 2-15 & December 14-January 4 |
| Deer-Bow | October 5-November 15 & December 1-January. 4 |
| Deer-Youth) | September 28-29 |
| Elk | Identical to Deer Season Dates, Weapons & Equipment |
Virginia Archery Deer Hunting season
| Archery Deer Seasons | Dates | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Early Archery Season | OCTOBER 1 THROUGH NOVEMBER 18 | Statewide |
| Late Archery Seasons | FROM DECEMBER 4 TO JANUARY 7 | Except when specified in the season exception below, in every region west of the Blue Ridge. Seasonal Exclusion: Carroll, Frederick, Montgomery, and Pulaski counties as well as private lands in Clarke and Floyd. on every piece of departmental and national forest territory west of the Blue Ridge. within the C. F. Phelps WMA. Throughout the Amherst, Bedford, and Nelson counties' National Forest holdings. |
| FROM DECEMBER 1 TO JANUARY 7 | in the towns of Virginia Beach, Suffolk, and Chesapeake, which are located east of the Dismal Swamp boundary. | |
| FROM DECEMBER 18 TO JANUARY 7 | West of Route 29 in the counties of Amherst, Bedford, Carroll, Floyd, Franklin, Henry, Montgomery, Nelson (west of Route 151), Patrick, and Pulaski (together with any cities and towns contained therein). | |
| Archery Either-Sex Deer Hunting | During the early and late archery deer seasons, deer of any sex may be taken for the entire season. | including the towns of Virginia Beach, Suffolk, and Chesapeake, which are located east of the Dismal Swamp boundary. |
| Urban Archery Deer Seasons (Only antlerless deer may be harvested during these seasons.) | • SEPTEMBER 3 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30 , • JANUARY 8, 2023 THROUGH MARCH 26, 2023 | |
| NOVA Late Archery Season | MARCH 27, 2023 UNTIL 30 APRIL 2023 | With the exception of Department-owned sites, throughout the counties of Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, and Prince William (including the cities and towns within). |
Virginia Muzzleloader Deer season
| Muzzleloader Deer Seasons | Dates | Locations |
|---|---|---|
| Early Muzzleloader Season | FROM NOVEMBER. 5 to NOVEMBER. 18 | Chesapeake, Suffolk (east of the Dismal Swamp line), and Virginia Beach do not have an early muzzleloader season because it falls during the regular guns season. |
| EITHER-SEX DEER HUNTING DAYS EAST OF THE BLUE RIDGE | NOVEMBER 5 to NOVEMBER 18 (FULL SEASON) | On November 12th, on State Forest, State Park, Department-owned, and (with the exception of Occoneechee State Park) Merrimac Farm WMA-owned lands, and on Philpott Reservoir-owned properties. Days for antlered deer only, no either-sex deer hunting: Amherst, Bedford, and Nelson counties' National Forest holdings. There is a special antlerless deer regulation for young people and apprentices. |
| EITHER-SEX DEER HUNTING DAYS WEST OF THE BLUE RIDGE | NOVEMBER 5 To NOVEMBER 18 (FULL SEASON) | Throughout private property in the counties of Augusta, Botetourt, Carroll, Clarke, Floyd, Frederick, Grayson, Montgomery, Page, Pulaski, Roanoke, Rockingham (east of Routes 613 and 731), Scott, Shenandoah, Warren, and Wythe. |
| 12-November, 2023 | In the counties of Alleghany, Bath, Bland, Craig, Dickenson, Giles, Highland, Rockbridge, Smyth, and Washington, as well as the Highland WMA, on privately owned land. | |
| ANTLERED DEER ONLY–NO EITHER-SEX DEER HUNTING DAYS: | ||
| Late Muzzleloader Season East of the Blue Ridge | From DECEMBER 17 to JANUARY 7 | In the counties of Amherst (west of Route 29), Bedford, Franklin, Henry, Nelson (west of Route 151), and Patrick (with the cities and towns therein), as well as in the towns and cities of Chesapeake, Suffolk (east of the Dismal Swamp line), and Virginia Beach. |
| EITHER-SEX DEER HUNTING DAYS EAST OF THE BLUE RIDGE | FROM DECEMBER 17 TO JANUARY 7 (FULL SEASON) | West of Route 29 except where National Forest lands are present; Bedford except where National Forest lands are present; Franklin, Henry, Nelson except where National Forest lands are present; and Patrick. |
| JANUARY 2 to JANUARY 7 | in the towns of Virginia Beach, Suffolk, and Chesapeake, which are located east of the Dismal Swamp line. | |
| 7-January, 2023 | in the counties of Amherst, Bedford, and Nelson on national forest lands. | |
| Late Muzzleloader Season West of the Blue Ridge | DECEMBER 17 to JANUARY 7 | except as specifically stated in the season exemption below, in all places west of the Blue Ridge. |
| EITHER-SEX DEER HUNTING DAYS WEST OF THE BLUE RIDGE | DECEMBER 17 to JANUARY 7 (FULL SEASON) | on private property in the following counties: Augusta, Botetourt, Carroll, Floyd, Grayson, Montgomery, Page, Pulaski, Roanoke, Rockingham (east of Routes 613 and 731), Shenandoah, Warren, and Wythe. |
| JANUARY 2 to JANUARY 7 | on personal property in the counties of Bland, Craig, Giles, Rockbridge, Scott, Smyth, and Washington. | |
| 7-January, 2023 | • in the counties of Russell, Tazewell, Wise, Rockingham (west of Routes 613 and 731), Alleghany, Bath, Dickenson, Highland, Lee, and Rockingham. • In all counties west of the Blue Ridge Mountains on all National Forest and Department-owned property. • On Channels State Forest, the state parks of Grayson Highlands and Hungry Mother. |
|
| ANTLERED DEER ONLY–NO EITHER-SEX DEER HUNTING DAYS | the county of Buchanan. There is a special antlerless deer regulation for young people and apprentices. |
Legal Procedures and Limitations Throughout the muzzleloader deer seasons
During this season, there are specific limitations on the usage of certain firearms. For more information, see Local Firearms Ordinances, Legal Use of Firearms and Archery Tackle, and Legal Use of Firearms & Archery Tackle.
a) During these deer seasons, muzzleloading weapons can be used, including:
- rifles with a single shot and muzzle loading a sabot (with a projectile of .35 caliber or greater) that fires a single projectile or many projectiles and is 40 caliber or larger;
- shotguns with one or more barrels that use muzzle loading and have a maximum caliber of 10 gauge; firearms with one or more barrels for muzzleloading.
- .45 caliber or larger, firing one projectile or sabot per barrel, when the propellant and projectile are loaded from the muzzle;.
- revolvers with muzzleloaders .45 caliber or larger, firing one projectile or sabot per cylinder, where the propellant and projectile are loaded from the forward end of the cylinder (with a projectile of.35 caliber or larger).
b)
- Electronic, percussion, or flintlock ignitions are all acceptable.
- While muzzleloader hunting, it is forbidden to have any other type of firearm in your immediate possession. (See exemption on Legal Use of Firearms & Archery Tackle for holders of valid concealed handgun permits.)
- Firearms intended for muzzleloading that use smokeless powder are permitted. In a muzzleloading weapon that wasn’t made for it, never use smokeless powder.
- Scopes are OK.
- Muzzleloading firearms are deemed “unloaded” for transportation in a vehicle when the percussion cap, primer, or battery have been taken off the weapon and all powder has been taken out of the flashpan.
- A pneumatic arrow gun is permitted.
- Dogs may only be used to track injured or dead deer as it is illegal to shoot deer with them (see Hunting with Dogs, Hunting Information).
- When and when a deer muzzleloader and archery season overlap, it is legal to carry archery equipment.
Elk Hunting seasons Virginia.
The antlered elk hunting season is set to run from October 8 to October 14. A random method will be used to spread the five deer permits that will be offered to shooters. Elk lotto applications will be accepted from February 1 through March 30. Anyone interested in requesting a unique elk hunting pass can do so by contacting the Department of Wildlife Resources’ Customer Service or registering online in the “elk hunting” area.
There is a $20 out-of-state registration charge and a $15 application fee for Virginia citizens for the draw. The registration cost, however, is non-refundable. After the victors are chosen, a unique elk shooting pass will cost them $40 for citizens of the state and $400 for residents from outside the state. It is significant to remember that the special elk shooting certificate cannot be given to another individual. By May 30th, the recipients of the computer-generated random drawing will be informed.
Those who are granted a unique elk shooting pass must buy it within 30 days of being informed. The replacement hunters will be selected at the same time as the initial hunts if they are unable to acquire the license by the deadline. However, unless they are eligible to buy a unique elk shooting ticket, the options won’t be called or discussed. All elk shooters under the age of 15 or those with a novice hunting license must be escorted by an adult who is either excused from purchasing a Virginia hunting license or who has a current Virginia hunting license.
All applicants who are chosen for a Virginia special elk hunting license must study and comprehend the “Elk Hunting Considerations” before beginning the search. Due to alliances and arrangements that DWR has with private landowners in the Elk Management Zone, elk shooting will be accessible to the general public.
Firearms Deer Seasons
Pleas refer to the below list to match the above block colors in the Map.
Every day of the season, antlered deer may be taken. Only defined days for either-sex deer hunting are allowed for the harvest of antlerless deer. Applying statewide is the Special Youth and Apprentice Deer Regulation.
* Indicates a county in Earn a Buck (EAB).
Between November 19 and December 3.
in the counties of Augusta, Botetourt, Craig, Giles, Grayson, Page, Roanoke, Rockingham, Shenandoah, Smyth, Warren, and Wythe (including the cities and towns therein).
Days for either-sex deer hunting:
Unless otherwise specified below, November 19 through December 3 (full season): in all locations.
Between November 26 and December 3: On departmental and national forest properties in Craig, Wythe, and Giles counties, as well as on private property west of Routes 613 and 731 in Rockingham County.
December 3: On Department- and National Forest-owned lands in the counties of Augusta, Botetourt, Roanoke, and Smyth; on National Forest-owned lands in the counties of Grayson, Page, Rockingham, Shenandoah, and Warren; and on a portion of the Grayson Highlands State Park.
Between November 19 and December 3.
In the Lee, Rockbridge, Russell, and Tazewell counties, as well as any incorporated cities and towns therein.
Days for either-sex deer hunting:
Unless otherwise specified below, November 26 and December 2 and 3 are in every location.
• December 3: On Department-owned lands in Tazewell County, the National Forest, and Russell County, as well as on the Channels State Forest and Department-owned areas in Rockbridge County.
• On National Forest properties in Lee County, only antlered deer may be hunted; no other deer of any sex may be. There is a special antlerless deer regulation for young people and apprentices.
Between December 7 to November 19.
Accomack*, Albemarle*, Arlington*, Campbell (west of Norfolk Southern Railroad), Charles City, Clarke*, Culpeper* (see season exception for C. F. Phelps WMA below), Fairfax*, Fauquier* (see season exception for C. F. Phelps WMA below), Frederick* (see season exception for National Forest lands below), Greene*, Goochland*, Hanover*, Henrico*, Isle of Wight*
• In the cities of Richmond, Hampton, and Arlington County (in the City of Richmond: archery only, no special permit is required for archery deer hunting). Note: In these three locations, local ordinances forbid the discharge of firearms (see Local Firearms Ordinances).
• In Lynchburg, Virginia* (on private lands for which a special permit has been issued by the Chief of Police).
• In the City of Newport News*, archery-only deer hunting is permitted without a special permit.
Gun hunting is governed by location and property size in Fairfax County*. For more information, contact the Division of Animal Control at 4500 West Ox Road, Fairfax, VA 22030. For archery deer hunting, there are no property size restrictions.
Seasonal Exclusion
On the C.F. Phelps WMA and National Forest grounds in Frederick County from November 19 to December 3.
Days for either-sex deer hunting:
Unless otherwise specified below, November 19 through January 7 (full season): in all locations.
• On the G.R. Thompson, Oakley Forest, Powhatan, and Rapidan WMAs between November 26 and December 3, and between December 26 and January 7.
On C.F. Phelps WMA on November 26.
• On the Big Woods WMA (including the Parkers Branch Tract) and Big Woods State Forest, from November 26 through December 3, and from January 2 through 7.
• December 3: In Frederick County, on National Forest property.
Deer hunting days when only antlered deer may be taken are in the Ragged Island and Chickahominy WMAs as well as the Carlisle and Stewart tracts of Hog Island WMA. There is a special antlerless deer regulation for young people and apprentices.
November 19 through January 7
In the counties of Appomattox, Brunswick, Buckingham, Caroline, Charlotte, Dinwiddie, Essex, Gloucester, Greensville, Lunenburg, Mathews, Mecklenburg, Middlesex, Nottoway, and Prince Edward (including the cities and towns therein).
Days for either-sex deer hunting:
Unless specifically specified below, November 26, December 3, and January 2 through January 7: in all locations.
• On Featherfin WMA, between November 26 and December 3, and between December 10 and January 7.
• Between the Appomattox-Buckingham and Prince Edward State Forests on November 26 and December 3.
November 19 through January 7
Amelia, Chesterfield, Cumberland, Halifax, King George, King and Queen, King William, Lancaster, Northumberland, Richmond, and Westmoreland counties, as well as the cities and towns therein.
Days for either-sex deer hunting:
Unless expressly specified below, November 26 through December 3 and December 26 through January 7: in all locations.
• On Amelia WMA, on November 26, December 3, and January 2 through January 7.
• On Cumberland State Forest on November 26 and December 3.
November 19 until December 3 (Orange/White Stripes).
Scott and Washington counties, as well as the nearby cities and villages.
Days for either-sex deer hunting:
Unless expressly specified below, November 26 and November 28 through December 3: In all locations.
• December 3: In Washington County, on Department-owned and National Forest areas, as well as in the Channels State Forest.
• Hunting days for antlered deer only, no either-sex deer: in Scott County, on national forest grounds. There is a special antlerless deer regulation for young people and apprentices.
Between November 19 and December 17.
In the counties of Henry and Patrick, including all local cities and towns.
Days for either-sex deer hunting:
Except unless otherwise specified below, between November 26 and December 3, and on December 5 through December 17.
• On Fairystone Farms and Turkeycock Mountain WMAs, authorised portions of Fairystone State Park, and Philpott Reservoir on November 26 and December 12 through 17.
Between 1 October to 30 November.
In the towns of Virginia Beach, Suffolk, and Chesapeake, which are located east of the Dismal Swamp boundary.
Days for either-sex deer hunting:
In all locations, on October 8 and 15, and from November 18 through November 30.
Between November 19 and December 3.
Throughout the counties of Dickenson, Dickanan, and Wise, including the towns and cities therein.
Days for either-sex deer hunting:
On all deer shooting days, only antlered deer may be taken. There is a special antlerless deer regulation for young people and apprentices.
Between November 19 and December 17.
West of Route 29 – (except on National Forest lands, Bedford except on National Forest lands), Carroll – (except on National Forest and Department-owned lands, Floyd, Franklin), Montgomery – (except on National Forest lands), Nelson – (except on National Forest lands), Pulaski – except on National Forest lands).
Exceptions Seasonally
On National Forest lands in Amherst, Bedford, Montgomery, Nelson, and Pulaski counties from November 19 to December 3, as well as on National Forest and Department-owned areas in Carroll County.
Days for either-sex deer hunting:
Unless otherwise specified below, November 19 through December 17 (full season): in all locations.
• December 3: Amherst, Bedford, and Nelson counties’ National Forest lands.
• November 26 and December 3: In Carroll County and on National Forest and Department-owned property in Montgomery and Pulaski counties.
• On Philpott Reservoir and Turkeycock Mountain WMA from December 12 through 17.
Between November 19 to January 7
In the counties of Amherst (east of Rt. 29), Campbell (east of Norfolk Southern Railroad), Fluvanna, Louisa, Nelson (east of Rt. 151), and Pittsylvania (including the cities and towns therein) (east of Norfolk Southern Railroad). Note: Campbell County (west of Norfolk Southern Railroad) and Pittsylvania County prohibit the use of dogs during deer hunting (west of Norfolk Southern Railroad).
Days for either-sex deer hunting:
Unless otherwise specified below, on November 26 and December 3, and on December 10 through January 7.
• On Hardware River WMA from November 26 and December 3, as well as from December 26 through January 7.
• On the James River WMA on November 26 and January 2–7.
• White Oak Mountain WMA, January 5, 6, and 7; and November 26.
Between November 19 and December 3.
In the counties of Highland, Alleghany, Bath, and their surrounding cities and towns.
Days for either-sex deer hunting:
On all private areas in the aforementioned counties, on national forest lands in Bland County, and on the Highland WMA between November 26 and December 3.
• December 3: In Bath County, on Department-owned and National Forest property, and in Alleghany and Highland counties, on National Forest grounds.
Antlerless Only Firearms Deer Seasons in the Early and Late.
Only antlerless deer may be harvested during these seasons.
September 3 to September 30 is early.
Late: from March 26, 2023, until January 8, 2023.
Early and Late: In the counties of Arlington*, Fairfax*, Loudoun*, and Prince William* (including the cities and towns therein), on privately owned land in Culpeper*, Clarke*, Fauquier*, Frederick*, Madison*, Orange*, Page, Rappahannock*, Shenandoah*, and Warren* counties, and in the Department-designated CWD Disease Focus Zone in southwestern Montgomery County.
Late: In the counties of Floyd* (including the cities and towns therein) and on private property in the counties of Carroll*, Montgomery*, and Pulaski*.
Arlington County’s local gun laws forbid the firing of firearms. Hunting with firearms is constrained in Fairfax County* by terrain and parcel dimensions. For more information, contact the Division of Animal Control at 4500 West Ox Road, Fairfax, VA 22030. For archery deer hunting, there are no property size restrictions.
Bows, crossbows, muzzleloaders, pistols, shotguns, and rifles are all acceptable weapons for deer hunting. Local gun laws continue to be in effect.
All other deer laws are in effect (e.g., daily and season bag limits, tagging and reporting, DCAP, DMAP, EAB, etc.).
Hunting information for deer.
In Virginia, it is forbidden to have or use deer smells or lures that naturally contain deer pee or other bodily fluids when capturing, attempting to capture, luring, or scouting wildlife.
For incorporated cities and towns, firearms are either-sex deer hunting.
• In the incorporated bounds of any Virginian city or town that permits firearms deer hunting (aside from Chesapeake, Suffolk, and Virginia Beach), deer of either sex may be taken for the whole season, but only with the specific weapons permitted by each city or town.
• All cities and towns are eligible for Earn a Buck, with the exception of Chesapeake, Suffolk, and Virginia Beach.
During the firearms deer seasons, legal procedures and limitations.
During this season, there are specific limitations on the usage of certain firearms. For more information, see Legal Use of Firearms and Local Firearms Ordinances.
• Firearms from today.
• Air-powered arrowguns are permitted.
• Air rifles must be at least.35 calibre.
• During the firearms deer season, hunters are permitted to shoot deer with either archery equipment or muzzleloading firearms with the following restrictions:
The either-sex deer shooting days for the firearms deer season must be followed by all hunters.
- Muzzleloading firearms may be used only if they are not otherwise prohibited.
- During the firearms deer season, muzzleloader deer hunters must don blaze-colored clothing.
- Except when hunting in regions where firearm discharge is forbidden, archery deer hunters must wear blaze colour throughout the firearms deer season.
Dogs cannot be used to hunt deer.
• To the west of the Blue Ridge.
• East of the Blue Ridge, in the counties of Bedford, Fairfax, Franklin, Henry, Loudoun, Northampton, and Patrick, as well as the cities of Lynchburg, Amherst (west of Rt. 29), Campbell (west of Norfolk Southern Railroad), Nelson (west of Rt. 151), Pittsylvania (west of Norfolk Southern Railroad), and Campbell (west of Rt.
• On Sunday and when carrying a weapon.
• During the youth and apprentice deer hunting weekend, the muzzleloading and archery seasons, and other times when hunting.
• In numerous military locations. Check the rules of each Post.
• On the following wildlife management areas: Tye River, Ware Creek, Amelia, Cavalier, Doe Creek, Featherfin, Mattaponi, Mattaponi Bluffs, Merrimac Farm, Oakley Forest, Flippo-Gentry, Pettigrew, C.F. Phelps, G. Richard Thompson, and Robert W. Duncan.
• In the counties of Greene and Madison, from November 19 to December 2.
• During a firearms-only antlerless deer season, either early or late.
When does deer season end in Virginia?
The deer hunting season in Virginia ends on different dates depending on the specific county or area as below:
- December 3: The deer hunting season ends on December 3 in certain counties and areas of Virginia, that include:
| Counties | |
|---|---|
| Augusta | Smyth |
| Botetourt | Warren* |
| Craig | Wythe* |
| Certain areas within Lee | Giles |
| Certain areas within Rockbridge | Grayson* |
| Certain areas within Russell | Page |
| Certain areas within Tazewell | Roanoke* |
| Shenandoah* | Rockingham* |
- January 7: The deer hunting season ends on January 7 in certain counties and areas of Virginia, including:
| Counties | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Accomack* | Goochland | ||
| Albemarle* | Southampton | ||
| Arlington* | Spotsylvania | ||
| Campbell (west of Norfolk Railroad) | Stafford* | ||
| Charles City | Suffolk (west of Dismal Swamp line) | ||
| Clarke* | Surry | ||
| Culpeper* (with exception - C.F. Phelps WMA) | Sussex | ||
| Fairfax* (with exception-C.F. Phelps WMA) | York* | ||
| Frederick* (with exception-National Forest lands) | certain areas within Appomattox | ||
| Greene* | Brunswick | ||
| Madison* | Buckingham | ||
| Caroline | Hanover* | ||
| Charlotte | Henrico* | ||
| Isle of Wight | Dinwiddie | ||
| James City* | Essex | ||
| Loudoun* | Gloucester | ||
| Prince William* | Greensville | ||
| Rappahannock* | Lunenburg | ||
| Northampton | Mathews | ||
| Orange* | Mecklenburg | ||
| Pittsylvania (west to Norfolk Southern Railroad) | Middlesex | ||
| Powhatan | Nottoway | ||
| Prince George* | |||
- March 26, 2023, is the last date of the Late Antlerless Only Firearms Deer Season in certain counties and areas in Virginia, including:
| Counties | |
|---|---|
| Arlington | Page |
| Fairfax | Rappahannock |
| Loudoun | Shenandoah |
| Prince William (except the Department-owned lands) | Warren |
| Private lands in Culpeper | Montgomery |
| Clarke | Pulaski |
| Fauquier | Department-defined CWD Disease Focus Zone in southwestern Montgomery |
| Frederick | Floyd |
| Madison | Private lands in Carroll |
| Orange | |
*Note: certain asterisked counties have exceptions or additional hunting dates.
Source: