The Guide to Virginia Hunting Seasons 2024

We’ve got the information you need! We’ve compiled a guide to the Virginia hunting seasons for 2024, 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. 

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 and tags and plan your hunt? Here’s the info you need for Virginia hunting seasons this year. 

Virginia Deer Season

For 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. 

• Youth and Apprentice: September 28 – 29
   
• Archery (Statewide): 
  • Early: October 5 – November 15
  • Late: December 1 – January 4 and December 15 – January 4 (specific counties and towns)
     
• Muzzleloader:
  • Early: November 2 – November 15
  • Late: December 14 – January 4
     
• Firearms (General):
  • Dates vary between November 16 – January 4 (confirm dates based on specific counties and cities)

Virginia Turkey Season

• Fall Season:
  • Archery: October 5 – November 15
  • Youth and Apprentice: October 12 – 13
  • Firearms: Dates vary between October 19 – January 25 (confirm dates based on specific counties and cities)
     
• Spring Season (Statewide): April 12 – 27 and April 28 – May 17 

Elk

Available through the elk hunt lottery only. The hunting season is planned for October 12 – 18.

Bear Season

• Archery (Statewide): October 5 – November 15
• Youth and Apprentice: October 12 – 13
• Muzzleloader (Statewide Where Permitted): November 9 – 15
• Early Firearms for some Counties: September 30 – October 2
• General Firearms: Dates vary between November 25 – January 4 confirm dates based on specific counties and cities)

Migratory Birds

• Dove (Statewide): 
  • First Segment: September 2 – October 20
  • Second Segment: November 23 – December 1
  • Third Segment: December 20 – January 20
     
• Dove (WMAs): 
  • First Segment: September 2 – October 20
  • Second Segment: November 21 – December 1
  • Third Segment: December 20 – January 20
     
• Rails and Gallinules:
  • September 13 – November 3 and November 14 – December 1
     
• Woodcock:
  • November 11 – 30 and December 27 – January 20
     
• Snipe:
  • September 30 – December 1 and December 19 – January 31
     
• September Teal:
  • September 30 – December 1 and December 19 – January 31
     
• Ducks, Mergansers, Coots:
  • East pf I-95: September 16 – 30
  • West of I-95: September 21 – 30
     
• Canada Goose (Includes White-fronted):
  • Atlantic Population Zone (AP): December 10 – January 1 and January 16 – 31
  • Resident Population Zone (AP): November 20 – December 1 and December 19 – February 23
  • September Canada Goose (Statewide): September 1 – 25
     
• Light Goose:
  • Regular: October 17 – January 31
  • Conservation Order: February 1 – April 5, 2025
     
• Atlantic Brant:
  • December 23 – 31 and January 11 – 31, 2025
     
• Tundra Swan:
  • November 15 – January 31

Small Game

• Grouse:
  • West of I-95: October 26 – February 8
  • East of I-95: Continuous closed season
     
• Quail and Pheasant: 
  • November 9 – January 31
     
• Rabbit:
  • November 2 – February 28
     
• Squirrel (Fall Season): 
  • Gray and Red (Statewide): September 7 – February 28
  • Fox (Designated Counties Only): September 7 – February 28
     
• Squirrel (Spring Season): 
  • June 7 – 21 (closed on National Forest Lands)
     

Coyote

Hunters 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 Hunting 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. 

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.