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Virginia

Hunting

Hunting

License Fees

License Fees (Issuance fee is included in all prices.)

Resident and nonresident licenses are valid for one year from the date of purchase except the bear license, deer/turkey license, and the Virginia migratory waterfowl conservation stamp (which are valid July 1-June 30 only), the apprentice hunting license (valid for 2 years from date of purchase), and lifetime licenses. The bear license and deer/turkey license that are part of a package (e.g. Sportsman’s License or combo licenses) are also only valid July 1-June 30. For information on Hunter Education requirements, go to www.virginiawildlife.gov/hunting/education. It is unlawful to alter, change, borrow, or lend a hunting license or permit.

For Legacy, Lifetime, and Veterans Lifetime Licenses and information please see Hunting Information.

Resident Hunting Licenses

License

Fee

Resident Sportsman’s License (age 16 and older)

$100.00

The Sportsman’s License isn’t all inclusive but offers a hunting license, bear license, deer/turkey license, archery license, muzzleloading license, freshwater fishing license, and trout license. Other licenses/stamps may be required (waterfowl stamps, National Forest stamp, etc.). Purchaser should also ensure that the bear and deer/turkey license tags are valid for intended hunting season.

Resident Junior Hunting License*
(age 12 to 15; optional for under 12 years old)

$8.50

Resident Youth Combination Hunting License (age 12 to 15)

$16.00

Includes hunting license, bear license, deer/turkey license, archery license, and muzzleloading license.

Resident Hunting License* (age 16 and older)

1-year license

$23.00

2-year license

$44.00

3-year license

$65.00

4-year license

$86.00

Resident County or City Hunting License* (age 16 and older)

$16.00

For county or city of residence only.

Resident Apprentice Hunting License*

$11.00

Valid for 2 years from date of purchase.

Resident Senior Citizen Hunting License* (age 65 and over)

$9.00

Resident Fox Hunting License

$23.00

To hunt foxes on horseback with hounds without firearms. Not required of an individual holding a basic license to hunt.

One or more of the following may be required in addition to a resident hunting license.

License

Fee

Resident Bear License

$21.00

Resident Junior Bear License (ages 12-15)

$6.50

Resident Deer/Turkey License

$23.00

Not required for holders of Resident Service-Connected Disability Veteran Lifetime License. Valid July 1 through June 30.

Resident Junior Deer/Turkey License (age 12 to 15)

$8.50

Valid July 1 through June 30.

Resident Archery License

$18.00

Resident Muzzleloading License

$18.00

Nonresident Hunting Licenses

License

Fee

Nonresident Junior Hunting License* (under age 12)

$13.00

Nonresident Junior Hunting License* (age 12 to 15)

$16.00

Nonresident Youth Combination Hunting License (under age 16)

$31.00

Includes hunting license, bear license, deer/turkey license, archery license, and muzzleloading license.

Nonresident Hunting License* (age 16 and older)

$111.00

Nonresident 3-Day Hunt License* (age 16 and older)

$60.00

Must be 3 consecutive days.

Nonresident Apprentice Hunting License*

$21.00

Valid for 2 years from date of purchase.

Nonresident Annual Hunting License for 70% or Greater Service-Connected Partially Disabled Veterans and Service-Connected Totally and Permanently Disabled Veterans

Nonresident Veterans rated 70% or greater or as Total and Permanent Service-Connected disabled veteran by the U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs Administrative Office may apply for a discounted annual hunting license by application only. Please note this license does not include bear, deer/turkey, archery, muzzleloading or other applicable licenses, stamp, and/or permits.

Please visit www.virginiawildlife.gov for applications listed above, instructions, and prices. Applications may be mailed or brought into our Henrico office location only.

Nonresident Fox Hunting License

$111.00

To hunt foxes on horseback with hounds without firearms. Not required of an individual holding a general license to hunt.

Nonresident Foxhound Training Preserve License

$18.00

To hunt within the boundaries of a licensed foxhound training preserve, in lieu of other required licenses.

Nonresident Hunting Preserve License

$23.00

To hunt within the boundaries of a licensed shooting preserve, in lieu of other required licenses.

One or more of the following may be required in addition to a nonresident hunting license.

License

Fee

Nonresident Bear License

$151.00

Nonresident Deer/Turkey License
Valid July 1 through June 30.

Age 16 and older

$86.00

Age 12 to 15

$16.00

Under age 12

$13.00

Nonresident Archery License

$31.00

Nonresident Muzzleloading License

$31.00

Trapping Licenses

One or more of the following is required to trap. Other licenses or permits may also be required.

License

Fee

County or City Resident Trapping License

$21.00

For county or city of residence.

Resident Trapping License

1-year license

$46.00

2-year license

$90.00

3-year license

$134.00

4-year license

$178.00

Resident Junior Trapping License (under age 16)

$11.00

Resident Senior Citizen Trapping License (age 65 and over)

$9.00

Nonresident Trapping License

$206.00

Miscellaneous Licenses, Permits, and Stamps

One or more of the following may be required in addition to a hunting license.

Permits

Fee

Resident Bonus Deer Permit (6 antlerless tags)

$18.00

See Deer Hunting for more information.

Nonresident Bonus Deer Permit (6 antlerless tags)

$31.00

See Deer Hunting for more information.

National Forest Permit

$4.00

To hunt and trap within National Forest. Not required of residents under the age of 16 to trap or residents who have an annual senior citizen hunting license ($9.00). For fishing in the National Forest this permit is required in addition to other fishing licenses (exceptions: residents under 16 and over 65, nonresidents under 16).

Virginia State Forest Use Permit (age 16 or older)

$16.00

Allows hunting, trapping, fishing, mountain biking, and horse riding. No motorized vehicles on gated roads/trails (open or closed). Sold in cooperation with the Virginia Department of Forestry.

Public Access Lands for Sportsmen (PALS)

$18.00

See Public Ranges on WMAs & National Forests for more information.

Access Permit (see Public Hunting Lands for permit requirements)

$4.00 per day / $23.00 per year

Daily group rates are available. For more information go to: www.virginiawildlife.gov/access-permit

Stamps

Fee

Federal Migratory Duck E-Stamp

$28.00

To take migratory waterfowl; required of persons 16 years of age and over in addition to hunting license. Valid July 1 through June 30. See left.

Virginia Migratory Waterfowl Conservation Stamp

$10.00

Required of persons 16 years of age and older, unless license exempt. Valid July 1 through June 30.

Lifetime Licenses

Legacy Lifetime

  • Available to Virginia residents and non-residents under the age of 2 years upon date of application receipt to Department of Wildlife Resources.
  • The legacy hunting lifetime license is valid until the individual’s 12th birthday at which time they must complete an approved hunter education course or equivalent, then transfer the legacy to a regular hunting lifetime license at no additional charge.

Lifetime

  • Virginia resident and non-resident lifetime licenses available.
  • Certain Virginia residents may purchase their lifetime licenses online through www.gooutdoorsvirginia.com provided their Virginia residency status can be verified through Virginia DMV.
  • The lifetime hunting license equals the state hunting licenses; all other applicable licenses, stamps, or permits are required in addition to this license.
  • Resident Junior Lifetime Hunting license is available to Virginia residents under the age of 12. This license will expire on their 12th birthday, and is transferable when they complete and submit the Youth Hunter Education Compliance form and a copy of their Hunter Safety or equivalent completed certificate.

Senior Combo Lifetime

  • Available to Virginia residents 80 years of age and older.
  • All other applicable licenses, stamps, and permits (except the bear license and deer/turkey license) are required in addition to this license.

Resident Service-Connected Disability Veteran Lifetime

  • Virginia residents who are disabled due to a service-connected disability rated 30% or greater by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs office may apply for a lifetime license to hunt.
  • Discounted fees for the licenses are based upon the individual’s current U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs disability rating.
  • The veteran’s lifetime hunting license includes small game, deer, turkey, bear, and privilege to hunt during the special archery and muzzleloading hunting seasons.

Please visit www.virginiawildlife.gov/licenses/lifetime/ for applications, prices, and more information regarding lifetime licenses.