Public Hunting Quota Hunts
2024-2025 Quota Hunts
General Information/Application
Quota hunts provide hunters opportunities to access public lands that otherwise may be closed to hunting. Hunters can participate in random drawings to hunt waterfowl, white-tailed deer, black bear, quail, rabbits and turkeys. To participate, hunters must apply pre-season and submit a non-refundable application fee. Applicants should be aware there is no guarantee that you will be selected for the hunt or hunt dates. Your application fee(s) will not be returned.
Your application fee(s) are used to process the application, conduct computer random hunter selections and post online hunter notifications. Application fees are $7.50 for each hunt.
A hunter may only apply online through the Department’s website at www.gooutdoorsvirginia.com. Applicants will be notified of their status via email. Successful applicants can find their hunt materials online by logging into their Quota Hunts landing page. You will not receive hunt materials by mail.
Quota Hunts Having Early Application Deadlines:
- Princess Anne WMA Early Season Floating Blind Stake Waterfowl Hunt #112 — Applications must be received on or before July 26, 2024
- Radford Army Ammunition Plant Deer Hunts - Series #211 — Applications must be received on or before July 26, 2024
- Land’s End WMA Dove Hunt - Series #610 — Applications must be received on or before August 16, 2024
Waterfowl
Hog Island WMA - Waterfowl Hunt - #101
Hunt waterfowl at Hog Island WMA in Surry County. Hunt includes morning hunt until 11:00 a.m. each Saturday during the last two segments of the general duck season. Hunters will be randomly selected for each day of hunting and selected hunters may bring three guests. One vehicle per hunt party will be authorized through the security checkpoint. Individuals aged 16 years and older must have a valid picture ID for security. Hunting parties are provided a blind and boat. Limited access to the area requires hunters be transported by Department personnel to their blind location. Dogs are allowed and recommended. Hunters must bring their own decoys.
- Applications due: September 27, 2024
Princess Anne WMA - Waterfowl Hunts - #102
Hunt waterfowl on managed impoundments at Princess Anne WMA in Virginia Beach. Hunt includes half day hunting each Saturday during the general duck season. Four hunters will be randomly selected for each day of hunting and selected hunters may bring three guests. Hunter check-in is from 4:15–4:45 a.m. Stand-by drawings will be held promptly at 4:45 a.m. to replace “no show” vacancies; individuals with a current “unsuccessful draw notification letter” will be given priority. Draw notification letters must be shown at the time of check-in. Dogs are allowed and recommended. All hunters are required to stop hunting at 1:00 p.m. and have all decoys retrieved and be away from the impoundments by 2:00 p.m. Note: No decoys or blinds provided.
- Applications due: August 23, 2024
Dutch Gap Conservation Area - Waterfowl Hunts - #103
Hunt waterfowl on the Dutch Gap Conservation Area in Chesterfield County. Hunt days are Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday during the last two segments of the general duck season. The last day of the 2024–25 season will be a single-day hunt. Three hunters will be randomly selected for each set of hunting dates and selected hunters may bring two guests. Hunting is from floating blinds at designated blind stakes only.
- Applications due: September 27, 2024
Tundra Swan Permit - Series #104
Tundra Swan hunting is by permit only. Each permit holder will be authorized to take one tundra swan. The hunt area is limited to east of U.S. Route I-95 and south of Chopawamsic Creek on the Prince William / Stafford County line. Hunters who did not return the previous year’s survey will not be eligible to be awarded this year’s permit.
- Applications due: September 27, 2024
Lake Orange - Waterfowl Hunts - #105
Hunt waterfowl on Lake Orange, in Orange County. Hunt days are Wednesdays and Saturdays during the last two segments of the general duck season. One hunter will be randomly selected for each hunt date and selected hunters may bring two guests. Hunting will only be allowed on a designated section(s) of Lake Orange. Only floating blinds, anchored within 50 feet of shore, or portable blinds along the designated shoreline will be allowed.
- Applications due: September 27, 2024
Dick Cross WMA - Waterfowl Hunts - #106
Hunt waterfowl on designated impoundments at Dick Cross WMA in Mecklenburg County. Hunt days are every Wednesday during the last two segments of the general duck season. Two hunters will be randomly selected for each hunt date and selected hunters may bring two guests. Hunts begin one half hour before sunrise and end at 3:00 p.m. Hunters must provide decoys. Dogs are allowed. There are no boat landings or direct vehicular access provided. Small boats or canoes may be used but must be transported on foot.
- Applications due: September 27, 2024
Princess Anne WMA - Floating Blind Stake Waterfowl Hunts - #107
Hunt waterfowl for half days on the waters of Back Bay in Virginia Beach on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday and opening day during the last two segments of the general duck season. There are 43 floating blind stakes available for hunting. Each hunter will be randomly assigned a number prior to the season for each day that they apply. Each hunt day, hunters present will select their blind based on their assigned number for that day, starting with the lowest number, until all hunters present have selected or all stakes have been drawn. Drawings start promptly at 5:00 a.m. Hunters who are late or without a draw number can participate in a standby drawing starting after the quota drawing. Selected hunters may bring as many guests as their boat can legally hold as determined by the Coast Guard capacity placard. Limited water access to the area requires that all hunting parties have a boat/ float blind and float blind license. All hunters are required to stop hunting at 1:00 p.m. and have all decoys retrieved and be away from the blind stakes by 2:00 p.m. It is recommended that each hunting party visit the hunting area prior to the season to locate boat access, blind stakes, and scout the area in general. You must be familiar with the area to locate the blind stakes before shooting time! See Princess Anne WMA web page for maps.
- Applications due: September 27, 2024
- Christmas Day and New Year’s Day will be first-come, first-served. No check-in required on these dates.
Princess Anne WMA - Early Season Floating Blind Stake Waterfowl Hunt - #112
Hunt September Canada geese/teal (during the September teal season) and waterfowl (during the October waterfowl season) on the waters of Back Bay in Virginia Beach on Monday, Wednesday, Saturday, and opening day. Resident goose season prior to the teal season is open on a first-come, first-served basis. Quota hunting begins with the opening of teal season. There are 43 floating blind stakes available for hunting. Each hunter will be randomly assigned a number prior to the season for each day that they apply. Each hunt day, hunters present will select their blind based on their assigned number for that day, starting with the lowest number, until all hunters present have selected or all stakes have been drawn. Drawings start promptly at 5:00 a.m. Hunters who are late or without a draw number can participate in a standby drawing starting after the quota drawing. Selected hunters may bring as many guests as their boat can legally hold as determined by the Coast Guard capacity placard. Limited water access to the area requires that all hunting parties have a boat/ float blind and float blind license. All hunters are required to stop hunting at 1:00 p.m. and have all decoys retrieved and be away from the blind stakes by 2:00 p.m. It is recommended that each hunting party visit the hunting area prior to the season to locate boat access, blind stakes, and scout the area in general. You must be familiar with the area to locate the blind stakes before shooting time! See the Princess Anne WMA web page for maps.
- Applications due: July 26, 2024
Game Farm Marsh WMA - Waterfowl Hunts - #113
Hunting at Game Farm Marsh WMA in New Kent County is by Quota Hunt drawing on the first two dates of the October segment and the opening day of the November and December segments. Seven parties will be randomly selected to hunt the area on these days. Each successful applicant will be allowed two guests. There is no standby for this hunt.
Hunt locations will be on a first-come, first-served basis and hunting parties are asked to maintain a respectful distance from each other. A limited number of DWR-licensed stationary blinds are available on the area. Hunters may use these blinds. Hunters may also hunt from floating blinds or while standing on Game Farm Marsh property. Hunting out of floating blinds is not permitted within 500 yards of any privately licensed stationary blinds. Hunters may not occupy the area before 5:00 a.m. and must vacate the area by 1:00 p.m. No other equipment is provided. You will need a boat to access the WMA – access is not allowed through the adjacent New Kent Forestry Center. Dogs are allowed and recommended.
For the remainder of the October, November, and December/January segments of the duck season, Game Farm Marsh WMA is open for hunting on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays, with no restrictions on the number of hunters. Hunters may not occupy the area before 5:00 a.m. and must vacate the area by 1:00 p.m.
- Applications due: August 23, 2024
Deer
Hog Island WMA - Archery Deer Hunts - #201
Hunt for white-tailed deer on the Hog Island WMA in Surry County during the early archery deer season. Seven hunters will be randomly selected for each set of hunt days and selected hunters may bring one guest. Hunters must be present for a 4:45 a.m. pre-hunt briefing on the first hunt day of the assigned period. Stand-by drawings will be held to fill “no-show” vacancies at 5:00 a.m. on the first day of each hunt period. Individuals with a current “unsuccessful draw notification letter” will be given priority. Individuals age 16 years and older must have a valid picture ID for security. Pre-application scouting is highly recommended.
- Applications due: August 23, 2024
Hog Island WMA - Shotgun/Archery/Muzzleloader Deer Hunts - #202
Shotgun, archery, or muzzleloader hunting for white-tailed deer on the Hog Island WMA in Surry County. Seven hunters will be randomly selected for each set of hunt days and selected hunters may bring one guest. Hunters must be present for a 4:45 a.m. pre-hunt briefing on the first hunt day of the assigned period. Stand-by drawings will be held to fill “no-show” vacancies at 5:00 a.m. on the first day of each hunt period. Individuals with a current “unsuccessful draw notification letter” will be given priority. Individuals age 16 years and older must have a valid picture ID for security. Pre-application scouting is highly recommended.
- Applications due: August 23, 2024
The Nature Conservancy, North Landing River - Deer Hunts - #203
Hunt deer on a 2,300-acre tract on the North Landing River in Virginia Beach during the entire deer season. Please note: this tract is accessible only by boat and is composed of very dense wetland habitat. Hunters must provide their own boat for access. There is no high-ground access for foot travel, and hunters are highly recommended to provide their own map/GPS equipment to navigate interior travel. Fifty hunters will be selected to hunt this property and selected hunters may bring one guest. Successful applicants and their guests must each return a signed waiver prior to the season. Failure to submit a waiver will result in revocation of hunting privileges.
- Applications due: August 23, 2024
Mockhorn Island WMA - Deer Hunts - #204
Hunt for white-tailed deer on the 365-acre Jones Cove Wildlife Conservation site, formerly the GATR Tract of Mockhorn Island WMA, in Northampton County on the Eastern Shore during the muzzleloading deer season. This tract is accessible by vehicle. Two hunters will be randomly selected for each set of hunt dates and selected hunters may bring one guest.
- Applications due: August 23, 2024
Princess Anne WMA - Archery Deer Hunts - #205
Archery hunt on the Whitehurst and Beasley tracts of Princess Anne WMA in Virginia Beach during the first two weeks of November. No Sunday hunting during this quota. Hunters must stay within the wooded areas, or along wooded edges, while hunting. No hunting in the impoundments. Hunters are required to park in the designated parking areas off Munden Road, and scouting is allowed prior to the start of the quota or on Sundays. Hunters must wear blaze orange or pink. Four hunters will be randomly selected for each segment and selected hunters may bring one guest.
- Applications due: August 23, 2024
Radford Army Ammunition Plant - Archery/Shotgun Deer Hunts - #211
Hunt quality white-tailed deer at the Radford Army Ammunition Plant (RAAP) in Pulaski County. Bow hunting and shotgun hunting are allowed. Hunters and the day they will hunt are selected by computer drawing. Hunters must apply for and participate in an antlerless hunt before they are eligible to apply for and participate in a buck hunt. Applications are limited to one per hunter per year. Hunters participating in this hunt must abide by Pulaski County CWD restrictions. For more information, please visit www.dwr.virginia.gov/hunting/quota-hunts/raap-faq/
- Applications due: July 26, 2024
Lone Star Lakes Park - Deer Hunts (Hunters Choice) - #212
Hunt for white-tailed deer within Suffolk’s Lone Star Lakes Park in October using shotgun, muzzleloader, or archery equipment. Eight hunters will be randomly selected for the hunt dates and selected hunters may bring one guest. Hunters must be present for a 5:00 a.m. pre-hunt briefing on the first hunt day of assigned period. Please note: For successful applicants, stand-by selections, and any guests there will be an additional hunt fee of $25.00 due on the day of the hunt for the City of Suffolk. Please make all checks payable to Ronald H. Williams, Treasurer. Stand-by drawings for no-show slots will be held prior to the pre-hunt briefing the Friday of the hunt on a walk-in basis only.
- Applications due: August 23, 2024
Lone Star Lakes Park - Deer Hunts (Hunters Choice) - #213
Hunt for white-tailed deer within Suffolk’s Lone Star Lakes Park in November using shotgun, muzzleloader, or archery equipment. Eight hunters will be randomly selected for hunt dates and selected hunters may bring one guest. Hunters must be present for a 5:00 a.m. pre-hunt briefing on the first day of assigned period. Please note: For successful applicants, stand-by selections, and any guests there will be an additional hunt fee of $25.00 due on the day of the hunt for the City of Suffolk. Please make checks payable to Ronald H. Williams, Treasurer. Stand-by drawings for no-show slots will be held prior to the pre-hunt briefing the Friday of the hunt on a walk-in basis only.
- Applications due: August 23, 2024
Doe Creek WMA - Archery or Muzzleloader Deer Hunts - #217
Muzzleloader or archery hunt for white-tailed deer and turkey when in season on designated lands of the Doe Creek WMA and Mink Farm Tract in Accomack County. Five hunters will be randomly selected for each set of hunt dates and selected hunters may bring one guest.
- Applications due: August 23, 2024
- Following muzzleloader quota hunts, the Mink Farm Tract is open without quota restriction to archery deer hunting; the Doe Creek tract is closed through the duck season.
York River - Archery/Crossbow Youth Hunter Deer Hunts - #218
This archery and crossbow hunt allows hunters to hunt for 7 days on designated lands at the York River State Park in James City County. Ten hunters will be randomly selected. All successful adult applicants must bring one Licensed YOUTH Hunter (age 12-15) as their guest to hunt. YOUTH HUNTERS ARE ALSO WELCOME TO APPLY but must bring a Licensed Adult Hunter as a guest.
- Hunt time: Gates open 1 hour before sunrise till 1 hour after sunset
- Applications due: September 27, 2024
New Kent Forestry Center - Archery/Muzzleloader/Firearms Apprentice Hunter Deer Hunt - #219
This hunt allows hunters to hunt for 7 days on designated lands at the New Kent Forestry Center in New Kent County. Twenty-five hunters will be randomly selected. All successful applicants must bring one Licensed APPRENTICE Hunter as their guest to hunt. APPRENTICE HUNTERS ARE ALSO WELCOME TO APPLY but must bring a Licensed Hunter as a guest.
- Applications due: September 27, 2024
Chickahominy WMA - Firearm Season Antlerless Deer Tag - #220
Firearm deer season on the Chickahominy WMA in Charles City County is limited to antlered deer only. This quota drawing allows 30 hunters to receive 1 antlerless deer tag good for the entire firearm season on Chickahominy WMA.
- Applications due: September 27, 2024
Hockley Experimental Forest - Apprentice Hunter Deer Hunt - #221
This hunt allows apprentice and mentor hunters to hunt deer (archery, muzzleloader, firearm — follow all VA state hunting regulations) on Saturdays and Federal Holidays at the Hockley Experimental Forest in King and Queen County. All successful applicants must bring one Licensed APPRENTICE Hunter as their guest to hunt. APPRENTICE HUNTERS ARE ALSO WELCOME TO APPLY but must bring a Licensed Hunter as a guest mentor. Six hunters will be selected for each hunt day.
- Applications due: August 23, 2024
Land’s End WMA - Archery Deer Hunt - #222
Hunt deer with archery tackle only on 200 acres of woods and small fields at the Land’s End WMA in King George County. Hunters will be selected for one-week hunt segments through the deer season. One hunter will be selected for each segment and may bring up to two guests.
- Application due: August 23, 2024
Progress Park - Archery Deer Hunts - #223
Archery hunting for white-tailed deer in designated area in Progress Park, Wythe County, Virginia. Three randomly chosen hunters will be selected for week-long hunt segments in one of three randomly designated hunt areas in Progress Park. Hunters must be 18 years or older to apply for this hunt and may bring one guest 16 years or older. This hunt follows Earn a Buck rules and a doe must be harvested prior to hunting for antlered deer. A pre-hunt orientation will be held by Wythe County Parks and Recreation and is required for all hunters and their guest.
- Applications due: September 27, 2024
Multi-Species WMA Hunts
Merrimac Farm WMA - Multi-Species Hunts - #303
Hunt any game species in season (except quail) on Merrimac Farm WMA in Prince William County. One hunter will be randomly selected for each hunt day and selected hunters may bring up to two guests. Two handicapped-accessible blinds are located on the WMA and are available for disabled hunter use. Dogs may be used to find and retrieve game, though dogs may not be used to pursue deer. Hunter quota restrictions do not apply on open hunting season dates before or after the quota hunt period.
- Applications due: August 23, 2024
Adams Daniel Farm - Multi-Species Hunts - #304
Hunt any game species in season on the Adams Daniel Farm in Pittsylvania County. This property is owned by the Wildlife Foundation of Virginia. One hunter will be randomly selected for each set of hunt days and selected hunters may bring up to one licensed guest. Dogs may be used to find and retrieve game, except that dogs may not be used to pursue deer, turkey or bear. Selected applicants will be issued a hunting pass which must be carried, and a windshield pass which must be displayed. On Youth/Apprentice Hunting Days, adults are not permitted to carry firearms and must accompany a youth or apprentice hunter. All youth/apprentice hunting regulations apply for these days.
- Applications due: August 23, 2024
Mattaponi Bluffs WMA - Multi-Species Hunts - #308
Hunt any game species in season on the Mattaponi Bluffs WMA in Caroline County. One hunter will be randomly selected for each set of hunt days and each successful applicant may bring up to two guests. Applicants who do not receive their preferred hunt dates will be assigned random hunt dates. Hunter quota restrictions do not apply on open hunting season dates outside the quota hunt season.
- Applications due: August 23, 2024
Spring Turkey Hunts
Featherfin WMA - Spring Gobbler Hunts - #401
Hunt spring gobblers on the Featherfin WMA in Appomattox, Buckingham, and Prince Edward counties. Six hunters will be randomly selected for each set of hunt days and selected hunters may bring one guest. Hunter quota restrictions are not in effect on the Youth/Apprentice Hunt Day and for the last two weeks of the season.
- Applications due: November 22, 2024
Amelia WMA - Spring Gobbler Hunts - #402
Hunt spring gobblers on the Amelia WMA in Amelia County. Three hunters will be randomly selected for each set of hunt days and selected hunters may bring one guest. Hunter quota restrictions are not in effect on the Youth/Apprentice Hunting Day and the last two weeks of the turkey season.
- Applications due: November 22, 2024
Merrimac Farm WMA - Spring Gobbler Hunts - #404
Hunt spring gobblers on Merrimac Farm WMA in Prince William County. One hunter will be randomly selected for each hunt segment and selected hunters may bring one guest. Each hunter may harvest no more than one turkey for the entire spring season on Merrimac Farm WMA. On Youth/Apprentice Hunting Day, adults are not permitted to carry firearms and must chaperone one youth 15 years of age or younger or an apprentice hunter.
- Applications due: November 22, 2024
New Kent Forestry Center - Apprentice Hunter Spring Gobbler Hunts - #408
This is a one-day opportunity to take and mentor an APPRENTICE Hunter on a Spring Turkey Hunt on designated lands at New Kent Forestry Center. Four hunters will be selected. All successful applicants must bring one Licensed APPRENTICE Hunter as their guest to hunt. APPRENTICE HUNTERS ARE ALSO WELCOME TO APPLY but must bring a Licensed Hunter as a guest.
- Applications due: November 22, 2024
Ware Creek WMA - Spring Gobbler Hunts - # 409
Hunt spring gobblers on the Ware Creek WMA in New Kent County. Five hunters will be randomly selected for each hunt segment and selected hunters may bring two guests. Guests must hunt with the applicant. Successfully drawn hunters must have their award notification with them during the hunt period. On Youth/Apprentice Hunting Day only youth and apprentice licensed hunters may carry a weapon and must be accompanied by a licensed adult 18 years of age or older. Hunter quota restrictions are not in effect during May.
- Applications due: November 22, 2024
Adams Daniel Farm - Spring Gobbler Hunts - #410
Hunt spring gobblers on the Adams Daniel Farm in Pittsylvania County. One hunter will be randomly selected for each set of hunt days and selected hunters may bring one licensed guest. Each hunter may harvest only one turkey on Adams Daniel Farm during the spring season. On Youth/Apprentice Hunting Weekend, adults are not permitted to carry firearms and must chaperone one youth 15 years of age or younger or an apprentice hunter. Selected applicants will be issued a hunting pass which must be carried and a windshield pass which must be displayed.
- Applications due: November 22, 2024
Mattaponi Bluffs WMA - Spring Gobbler Hunts - #413
Hunt spring gobblers on Mattaponi Bluffs WMA in Caroline County. One hunter will be randomly selected for each hunt segment and each successful applicant may bring up to two guests. On Youth/ Apprentice Hunting Weekend, only youth and apprentice-licensed hunters may carry a firearm and must be accompanied by a licensed adult 18 years of age or older.
- Applications due: November 22, 2024
Hockley Experimental Forest - Apprentice Hunter Spring Gobbler Hunts - #414
This hunt allows apprentice and mentor hunters to hunt turkey during the spring season on Saturdays and Federal Holidays at the Hockley Experimental Forest in King and Queen County. One hunter will be selected for each hunt day. All successful applicants must bring one Licensed Apprentice Hunter as their guest to hunt. APPRENTICE HUNTERS ARE ALSO WELCOME TO APPLY but must bring a Licensed Hunter as a guest mentor.
- Applications due: November 22, 2024
Progress Park - Spring Gobbler Hunts - #415
Spring turkey hunt in designated areas in Progress Park, Wythe County, Virginia. Three randomly chosen hunters will be selected for week-long hunt segments in one of three randomly designated hunt areas in Progress Park. Hunters must be 18 years or older to apply for this hunt and may bring one guest 16 years of age or older. A pre-hunt orientation will be held by Wythe County Parks and Recreation and is required for all hunters and their guest.
- Applications due: November 22, 2024
Land’s End WMA - Spring Gobbler Hunts - #416
Hunt spring turkey on the Land’s End WMA in King George County. One hunter will be randomly selected for each hunt segment and each successful applicant may bring two guests. On Youth/Apprentice Hunting Weekend, only youth and apprentice licensed hunters may carry a firearm and must be accompanied by a licensed adult 18 years of age or older.
- Application due: November 22, 2024
Small Game
New Kent Forestry Center - Rabbit Hunts - #602
Hunt rabbits on designated lands at the New Kent Forestry Center in Providence Forge. Dogs are encouraged. One hunter will be randomly selected for the hunt day and selected hunter may bring four licensed guests.
- Applications due: September 27, 2024
New Kent Forestry Center Quail Hunts - #603
Hunt quail on designated lands at the Department of Forestry Center in Providence Forge. Dogs are encouraged. One hunter will be randomly selected for the hunt day and selected hunter may bring two guests.
- Applications due: September 27, 2024
New Kent Forestry Center - Apprentice Hunter Rabbit Hunts - #606
Take this opportunity to hunt designated and managed lands for rabbits and mentor an APPRENTICE Licensed Hunter at New Kent Forestry Center in Providence Forge. Dogs are encouraged. One hunter will be randomly selected for the hunt day and selected hunter may bring four guests. At least one guest must be an Apprentice Hunting Licensed hunter. APPRENTICE HUNTERS ARE ALSO WELCOME TO APPLY but must bring a Licensed Adult Hunter as a guest.
- Applications due: September 27, 2024
New Kent Forestry Center - Apprentice Hunter Quail Hunts - #607
Take this opportunity to hunt designated and managed lands for quail and mentor an APPRENTICE Licensed Hunter at New Kent Forestry Center in Providence Forge, New Kent County. Dogs are encouraged. One hunter will be randomly selected for the hunt day and selected hunter may bring two guests. One guest must be an Apprentice Hunting Licensed hunter. APPRENTICE HUNTERS ARE ALSO WELCOME TO APPLY but must bring a Licensed Adult Hunter as a guest.
- Hunt time: Sunrise to sunset
- Applications due: September 27, 2024
The Department of Wildlife Resources reserves the right to manage hunter access and hunter use on Department-owned and controlled lands as deemed appropriate.