Virginia Hunting Seasons: For Virginia’s 2022–2023 hunting seasons, we decided to create the most straightforward handbook possible. Want to discover the dates of the season, the rules and bag limits, the licensing requirements, and obtain links to useful resources?
The information provided in this guide will interest you if so. Let’s begin straight now.
Deer, elk, bear, and turkey are among the bigger game species that may be found in Virginia, along with minor game like squirrels and quail. Virginia has year-round hunting seasons in the stunning Appalachian Mountains.
For a thrilling hunting season, Virginia offers the ideal mix of breathtaking nature, American history, and southern charm.
For complete deer season you read Virginia Deer Season 2022-2023.
Also Read : Alabama Hunting Seasons 2022-2023 [All You Need to Know]
Virginia Hunting Seasons 2022-2023
Virginia Deer Season
| Virginia Deer Season | Hunting Season Start Date | Hunting Season End Date | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Archery Urban-1 | Saturday-September 3, 2022 | Friday-September 30, 2022 | Check out these county-specific rules. |
| Firearm-4 | Saturday-October 1, 2022 | Wednesday-November 30, 2022 | Check out these county-specific rules. |
| Early Archery | Saturday-October 1, 2022 | Friday-November 18, 2022 | Check out these county-specific rules. |
| Early Muzzleloader | Saturday-November 5, 2022 | Friday-November 18, 2022 | Check out these county-specific rules. |
| Firearm-3 | Saturday-November 19, 2022 | Saturday-December 3, 2022 | Check out these county-specific rules. |
| Firearm-2 | Saturday-November 19, 2022 | Saturday-January 7, 2023 | Check out these county-specific rules. |
| Firearm-1 | Saturday-November 19, 2022 | Saturday-December 3, 2022 | Check out these county-specific rules. |
| Late Archery | Thursday-December 1, 2022 | Saturday-January 7, 2023 | The beginning and conclusion of the late season varies from region to region. |
| Late Muzzleloader-E | Saturday-December 17, 2022 | Saturday-January 7, 2023 | To the east of the blue ridge. Both sexes are acceptable. For specific county rules, please see below. |
| Late Muzzleloader-W | Saturday-December 17, 2022 | Saturday-January 7, 2023 | Away from the coast, west of the Blue Ridge. To use any sex. Please refer to the county-specific rules for further information. |
| Archery Urban-2 | Sunday-January 8, 2023 | Sunday-March 26, 2023 | Check out these county-specific rules. |
Virginia Elk Season
| Virginia Elk Season | Hunting Season Start Date | Hunting Season End Date | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elk (Early-Archery) | Saturday-October 1, 2022 | Friday-November 18, 2022 | Check out these county-specific rules. |
| Elk (Firearm-4) | Saturday-October 1, 2022 | Wednesday-November 30, 2022 | Check out these county-specific rules. |
| Elk (Early Muzzleloader) | Saturday-November 5, 2022 | Friday-November 18, 2022 | Check out these county-specific rules. |
| Elk (Firearm-1) | Saturday-November 19, 2022 | Saturday-December 3, 2022 | Check out these county-specific rules. |
| Elk (Firearm-3) | Saturday-November 19, 2022 | Saturday-December 3, 2022 | Check out these county-specific rules. |
| Elk (Firearm-2) | Saturday-November 19, 2022 | Saturday-January 7, 2023 | Check out these county-specific rules. |
| Elk (Late Archery) | Sunday-December 4, 2022 | Saturday-January 7, 2023 | The commencement dates of the late seasons differ depending on region. |
| Elk (Late Muzzleloader-W) | Saturday-December 17, 2022 | Saturday-January 7, 2023 | To the west of the blue ridge. |
| Elk (Late Muzzleloader-E) | Saturday-December 17, 2022 | Saturday-January 7, 2023 | To the East of the blue ridge. |
Virginia Bear Season
| Virginia Bear Season | Hunting Season Start Date | Hunting Season End Date | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Firearm | Monday-September 26, 2022 | Wednesday-September 28, 2022 | For county-specific rules, please go here. |
| Firearm-1 | Saturday-October 1, 2022 | Saturday-January 7, 2023 | For county-specific rules, please go here. |
| Archery | Saturday-October 1, 2022 | Friday-November 18, 2022 | |
| Youth | Saturday-October 8, 2022 | Sunday-October 9, 2022 | Statewide (Sunday hunting on private properties only) (Sunday hunting on private lands only) You're eligible if you're a resident or non-resident young hunter under the age of 15 and you have a valid apprentice hunting license. |
| Muzzleloader | Saturday-November 12, 2022 | Friday-November 18, 2022 | Statewide, everywhere muzzleloader hunting is allowed. |
| Firearm-2 | Monday-November 28, 2022 | Saturday-January 7, 2023 | For county-specific rules, please go here. |
| Firearm-4 | Monday-December 5, 2022 | Saturday-December 24, 2022 | For county-specific rules, please go here. |
| Firearm-3 | Monday-December 5, 2022 | Saturday-January 7, 2023 | For county-specific rules, please go here. |
Virginia Bobcat, Coyote & Fox Season
| Virginia Bobcat, Coyote & Fox Season | Hunting Season Start Date | Hunting Season End Date | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bobcat (Archery) | Saturday-October 1, 2022 | Monday-October 31, 2022 | 2 Per Bag limit |
| Bobcat (Firearm) | Tuesday-November 1, 2022 | Tuesday-February 28, 2023 | 2 Per Bag limit |
| Coyote | Saturday-January 1, 2022 | Saturday-December 31, 2022 | There is no closed season |
| Fox | Tuesday-November 1, 2022 | Tuesday-February 28, 2023 |
Virginia Rabbit Season
| Virginia Rabbit Season | Hunting Season Start Date | Hunting Season End Date | Bag Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rabbit | Saturday-November 5, 2022 | Tuesday-February 28, 2023 | 6 Per Bag limit per day |
Virginia Dove Season
| Virginia Dove Season | Hunting Season Start Date | Hunting Season End Date | Bag Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dove (1st-Segment) | Saturday-September 3, 2022 | Sunday-October 23, 2022 | 15 bags maximum per day. |
| Dove (2nd-Segment) | Saturday-November 19, 2022 | Sunday-November 27, 2022 | 15 bags maximum per day. |
| Dove (3rd-Segment) | Friday-December 23, 2022 | Saturday-January 21, 2023 | 15 bags maximum per day. |
Virginia Goose Season
| Virginia Goose Season | Hunting Season Start Date | Hunting Season End Date | Bag Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Goose (Canada Early September) | Thursday-September 1, 2022 | Sunday-September 25, 2022 | 10 bags maximum per day. |
| Goose (Light) | Monday-October 17, 2022 | Tuesday-January 31, 2023 | daily bag limit of 25. |
| Goose (Canada & White-fronted-5) | Wednesday-November 16, 2022 | Sunday-November 27, 2022 | 3 bags maximum per day. Zone in southern James Bay. |
| Goose (Canada & White-fronted-3) | Thursday-November 17, 2022 | Monday-November 28, 2022 | 5 bags are allowed per day. Residential Zone. |
| Goose (Atlantic Brant-1) | Tuesday-November 22, 2022 | Sunday-November 27, 2022 | Limit of two bags per day. Atlantic Region |
| Goose (Canada & White-fronted-7) | Thursday-December 15, 2022 | Wednesday-February 15, 2023 | 5 bags are allowed per day. Zone in southern James Bay. |
| Goose (Canada & White-fronted-1) | Friday-December 16, 2022 | Tuesday-December 27, 2022 | Limit one bag per day. Atlantic Region |
| Goose (Atlantic Brant-2) | Saturday-December 17, 2022 | Sunday-January 29, 2023 | Limit of two bags per day. Atlantic Region |
| Goose (Canada & White-fronted-4) | Saturday-December 17, 2022 | Wednesday-February 22, 2023 | 5 bags are allowed per day. Residential Zone. |
| Goose (Canada & White-fronted-6) | Monday-December 19, 2022 | Saturday-January 14, 2023 | 3 bags maximum per day. Zone in southern James Bay. |
| Goose (Canada & White-fronted-2) | Saturday-January 14, 2023 | Sunday-January 29, 2023 | Limit one bag per day. Atlantic Region |
| Goose (Light Goose Conservation Season) | Wednesday-February 1, 2023 | Wednesday-April 5, 2023 | There is no daily or possession cap. |
Virginia Grouse, Pheasant & Quail Season
| Virginia Grouse, Pheasant & Quail Season | Hunting Season Start Date | Hunting Season End Date | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grouse | Saturday-October 29, 2022 | Saturday-February 11, 2023 | 3 bags maximum per day. West of I-95. |
| Pheasant | Saturday-November 12, 2022 | Tuesday-January 31, 2023 | There is no limit. |
| Quail | Saturday-November 12, 2022 | Tuesday-January 31, 2023 | 6 bags maximum per day. |
Virginia Turkey Season
| Virginia Turkey Season | Hunting Season Start Date | Hunting Season End Date | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turkey (Fall Archery) | Saturday-October 1, 2022 | Friday-November 18, 2022 | Either sex may be had once per day. |
| Turkey (Youth Fall) | Saturday-October 8, 2022 | Sunday-October 9, 2022 | |
| Turkey (Fall Firearm-1) | Saturday-October 22, 2022 | Friday-November 4, 2022 | Either sex may be had once per day. (For additional dates in some counties, see the regulations.) |
| Turkey (Fall Firearm-2) | Wednesday-November 23, 2022 | Thursday-November 24, 2022 | Either sex may be had once per day. (For additional dates in some counties, see the regulations.) |
| Turkey (Fall Firearm-4) | Monday-December 5, 2022 | Saturday-December 31, 2022 | Either sex may be had once per day. (For additional dates in some counties, see the regulations.) |
| Turkey (Fall Firearm-3) | Monday-December 5, 2022 | Saturday-December 17, 2022 | Either sex may be had once per day. (For additional dates in some counties, see the regulations.) |
| Turkey (Fall Firearm-5) | Saturday-January 14, 2023 | Saturday-January 28, 2023 | Either sex may be had once per day. (For additional dates in some counties, see the regulations.) |
| Turkey (Youth Spring) | Saturday-April 1, 2023 | Sunday-April 2, 2023 | |
| Turkey (Spring-1) | Saturday-April 8, 2023 | Sunday-April 23, 2023 | Only one bearded turkey per day. open every day until noon. |
| Turkey (Spring-2) | Monday-April 24, 2023 | Sunday-May 14, 2023 | Only one bearded turkey per day. Open every day until dusk. |
Important Notes About Virginia Hunting Seasons.
- Seasons start and terminate at various times. Visit the Virginia Department of Game & Inland Fisheries website for hunting season dates. One bear is caught yearly. Bears need 100 pounds to survive (or minimum 75 pounds field dressed). Nursing bears are off-limits.
- Seasons are zone-specific. Visit the Virginia Department of Game & Inland Fisheries website for hunting season dates.
- Elk hunting reduces bag limits and deer licenses. Elk are licensed and registered like deer. Successful elk hunters must contact GIF to collect disease samples. In areas where elk populations are rebuilding, the Virginia Department of Game & Inland Fisheries has banned elk hunting.
- Seasons are zone-specific. Visit the Virginia Department of Game & Inland Fisheries website for hunting season dates. A hunter may take one turkey every day, two in fall, and three annually.
- Virginia’s hunting seasons feature bag limits, special seasons, and hunting laws according on species and season. The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries website provides information about licenses, permits, and restrictions.
2022–2023 Virginia Hunting License.
| (Licenses) | For Non-Resident | For Resident |
|---|---|---|
| (Sportsmans) | Not Applicable | 100 USD |
| (Resident 1 Year Hunting License) | 111 USD | 23 USD |
| (Bear) | 151 USD | 21 USD |
| (Archery) | 31 USD | 18 USD |
| (Muzzleloading) | 31 USD | 18 USD |
To be eligible for a license, you must be:
• Applicants must have lived in the city, county, or state for six months before purchasing a license.
• Legal Virginia voters: Bear, deer, and turkey hunting need a license. Archery hunting requires a license and permission.
Also Read : Michigan Hunting Seasons [Quick Guide & Info]
Virginia Sunday Hunting Queries
Is it legal to go hunting on Sundays in the state of Virginia?
Sunday hunting on private land is permitted with the owner’s consent. Public property governing bodies may authorize Sunday hunting beginning July 1, 2022. Contact the appropriate public land management agency or visit the DWR website for more information on this unique Sunday hunting option.
Can I hunt on Sundays on private land without a formal permit?
Sunday hunting no longer requires landowner permission. Before hunting on posted property, acquire landowner permission.
Is it acceptable to use a firearm or other lethal weapon, together with the assistance of a dog, to hunt bears or deer on Sundays?
Sundays are dog-free days for moose, elk, and bear hunting. Well-trained tracking dogs on a leash may assist find a dead or injured deer or bear. Any hunter chasing a wounded bear, deer, or turkey may use a weapon to terminate the animal’s suffering, regardless of the legal shooting window. On Sundays, dogs may follow many creatures, not only deer and bears. Hunting laws list seasons for different species.
How far must I be from a church or other religious facility to hunt on Sunday?
On Sundays, hunters must stay 200 yards away from religious buildings.
Will the availability of Sunday hunting on public lands reduce the quantity of game animals?
Since private properties began permitting Sunday hunting in 2014, DWR statistics reveal no detrimental effect on animal numbers. Sunday hunting in public places is not believed to harm animal populations. Monitoring harvest rates and adjusting hunting seasons.
As public land management groups are now authorized to permit hunting on Sundays, will other non-hunting activities continue be permitted?
Yes. This law exclusively applies to Sunday hunting on public property; no other activity is banned or limited. Sunday hunters and outdoor re-creationists may share public grounds.
Does Sunday hunting on public lands still need blazing colors?
No. Every hunter must wear a blaze-colored cap, upper-body apparel that is visible from all angles, or display at least 100 square inches of blaze-colored material at shoulder level that is within reach and visible from all directions. When hunting on public land, wear blaze orange or similar highly conspicuous color.
Also Read : Indiana Hunting Seasons [Quick Guide & Info]
VA Hunting Important & Quick Links
Often Asked Questions on Virginia Hunting Seasons
What time of year does Virginia open up for hunting?
Full season runs from November 19th to January 7th (anywhere except where noted below). The dates of December 26–January 7 and November 26–December 3 are also available.
If I don't have a hunting license, can I still hunt in Virginia?
Whether or whether they reside on the property, the landowner, their spouse, children, grandchildren, and the spouses of such children and grandchildren are exempt from the need to get a license to hunt, trap, or fish (in inland waters) on the landowner’s property.
In Virginia, is luring deer possible?
Put corn, pellets, minerals, salt, or other stuff out to attract deer so you may shoot them. From September 1 through January 1 in Virginia, it is illegal for anybody, for any purpose, to knowingly feed deer.
Are pop-up blinds allowed for deer hunting in Virginia?
A: Yes, however an orange notice that can be seen from all directions must be displayed on the outside of the blind while it is in operation.
In Virginia, can you legally use a deer cover scent?
Yes, but there is cause for alarm. If they are utilized in a manner that a deer may lick or ingest them, it is against the law. If a deer can only detect the fragrance, it is safe to assume that the object is lawful as a cover scent. It is forbidden to use anything that a deer might lick and consume as bait.