Field Guide / State Hunting Guide
The Guide to the Virginia Hunting Seasons 2025
The excitement of a new hunting year is here! Whether you hunt deer, turkey, duck, coyote, or bear in Virginia, you need to know when the seasons start, how to get your license, and where to hunt so you can tag out this year.
We’ve got the information you need! We’ve compiled a guide to the Virginia hunting seasons for 2025, plus we’ll help you find and mark the best spots to hunt so you know the best places to find the game you’re after — before you get there.
Updated July 11, 2025
Why Do Hunters Hunt in Virginia?
Virginia has a wide range of game species to keep avid hunters hunting year-round. However, if you’re new to hunting, there are plenty of options to get started — if you’re not quite ready to go after a bear just yet.
With an average annual harvest of 200,000 whitetail, deer hunting should be at the top of your list.
Hunters will also find plenty of turkey and waterfowl to keep them busy. Virginia also offers a small elk population that is open for hunting.
Where Should I Hunt?
With varying geographies and terrain, there’s a challenge level for hunters of every skill level. As part of the “Great Valley,” you’ll find valleys and mountains home to plenty of legal species to hunt. The Appalachian Plateau is also home to whitetail deer and black bears.
Within these areas, HuntWise can help you target (and mark) the best hunting areas. So, when it’s time for Virginia deer season or turkey season, you already know where to go for a more successful day in the field.
When Can I Hunt?
Ready to get your license, tags, and plan your hunt? Here’s the info you need for Virginia hunting seasons this year.
We've updated dates for 2025–26 and will continue updating this resource as we get the latest season dates from the Virginia DWR.
Virginia Deer SeasonFor details about the counties and cities that apply to the open season dates, refer to the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources website for deer hunting information.
| Virginia Turkey Season
|
ElkAvailable through the elk hunt lottery only. The hunting season is typically during mid-October. | Bear Season
|
Migratory Birds
Youth and Veterans Waterfowl Hunting: October 25, 2025 and February 7, 2026 | Small Game
|
CoyoteHunters can hunt coyotes year-round in Virginia, except on Department lands and National Forest lands. Before hunting coyotes, be sure to check land boundaries using your HuntWise app to ensure you’re not in the wrong place. |
For additional information and the latest details for hunting seasons and locations in Virginia, visit the Virginia DWR website. You can also check the eRegulations page for Virginia.
What Do I Need to Know About Virginia Hunting Regulations and Licenses?
Everyone who hunts in Virginia needs a current hunting license. However, there are some exceptions to the license requirements. For example, if you hunt on land you own or are a resident of Virginia over 65 years old or under the age of 12, you do not need a license.
If you’re not an exception to the licensing rules, make sure you bring it with you on your hunt. You’ll need to show it if an officer requests to see it while in the field.
What Are the Bag Limits for the Virginia Hunting Seasons?
How many deer or turkeys can you bring home this season? To comply with Virginia hunting regulations, make sure you know the bag limits for everything you plan to hunt.
| Deer | 1-2 a day and a total of 5 in a license year. However, there are some exceptions to this in some counties | Woodcock | 3 per day (9 in possession) |
| Elk | 1 per day | Snipe | 8 per day (24 in possession) |
| Coyote | No limit | September Teal | 6 per day (18 in possession) |
| Bear | 1 per license year | Mergansers | 5 per day (15 in possession) |
| Turkey | 1 per day for bearded turkeys only (Spring), 3 per license year 1 per day of either sex (Archery and Fall) | Ducks | 6 per day |
| Grouse | 3 per day | Coots | 15 per day (45 in possession) |
| Quail | 6 per day | Canada Goose (including White-fronted) | 2 per day (6 in possession) |
| Pheasant | No limit | September Canada Goose | 10 per day (30 in possession) |
| Rabbit | 6 per day | Light Goose | 25 per day |
| Squirrel | 6 per day (combined) | Atlantic Brant | 1 per day (3 in possession) |
| Dove | 15 per day (45 in possession) | Tundra Swan | 1 per permittee per season |
| Rails and Gallinules | 15 per day (Clapper and King), 25 per day (Sora and Virginia), 15 per day (Gallinules) |
For more details on bag limits, visit the Virginia DWR website.
What Else Do I Need Before I Can Hunt?
You might also need a hunter safety certification before you can get your license. If you’re a first-time hunter or between the ages of 12 and 15, you’ll need to pass a hunter education course to get your license.
You’ll also need the right gear! From clothing to decoys, optics, and odor control, HuntWise users can save hundreds on gear from our app partners. Make sure you have everything you need in the field to tag out, including a good pair of binoculars, a hunting knife, and a spotting scope.
Use HuntWise to Tag Out for Virginia Hunting Seasons
We hope this information helps you plan a successful hunt (or several) this season! We know you’re anxious to get out in the field, and we wish you a safe and happy hunt this year.
Before you head out, make sure you’ve downloaded the HuntWise app. It provides up-to-date information on hunting in Virginia, including state regulations and season and license information.
You’ll also be able to plan your hunt more strategically to gain an advantage over other hunters this year and increase your chances of tagging out. Using our Hunt Area & Custom Markers feature, you can select (or draw) and label your hunt areas on a map. Place hundreds of unique markers to identify landmarks, animal activity, infrastructures, and more.
HuntWise is the best tool for e-scouting public or private hunting land! It’s the ideal hunting app for all hunters, whether you’re a casual, beginner, or seasoned hunter.
Download the app and start your free trial now so you’re ready to hunt when the season opens.
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