Public Hunting State Parks

State Parks

Virginia State Parks offer a wide variety of hunting opportunities as well as countless other outdoor activities for the entire family. Hunting opportunities range from open hunting in designated areas to managed deer hunts where individuals participate through a reservation or lottery system.

Specific sites that offer hunting may change from year to year. Managed deer hunts are a tool in Virginia State Parks’ overall deer management program. Participating hunters are asked to support our management efforts by following harvest guidelines associated with each hunt.

Detailed hunting opportunities are listed below.

Key:

A Archery

M Muzzleloading Firearms

S Shotgun

s slugs only

G General Firearms

YM Youth Muzzleloading Firearms

YG Youth General Firearms

* special qualification required

+ some slots allow for hunting buddy

Visit online at https://reservevaparks.com/Web/ or call the State Parks Customer Service Center at 1-800-933-PARK (7275) Option 5 to participate. All hunts have special regulations.

Contact the individual park or the customer service center to obtain the hunt specific rules.

Reservation Hunts

Hunters may reserve a preferred day and at some sites, a preferred stand or zone. There is a non-refundable reservation fee of $15 per day; there may be limits to the number of reservations allowed per transaction. Proof of hunter education certification and required licenses must be presented at check-in. To make a reservation, visit online at https://reservevaparks.com/Web/ or call the State Parks Customer Service Center at 1-800-933-PARK (7275) Option 5 to participate.

Special Youth Hunts

A special youth hunt is planned for Monday, November 7 at Shenandoah River State Park (muzzleloader). To participate, youth ages 12-17 should follow the same process as for our other hunts. Note that youth ages 16-17 may hunt alone, youth ages 12-15 must be accompanied by a non-hunting adult (with valid hunter safety certification).

Pocahontas Archery Hunt by Permit

Pocahontas State Park offers an opportunity for archery hunters to obtain a permit for archery hunting in special designated areas. Approximately 3,000 acres are open Monday through Thursday only to archery hunters who obtain a permit through the main park office. Permits are valid from October 3 through December 30 and are limited to a total of 100 permits. All normal DWR regulations and bag limits apply to this hunt. Proof of hunter safety education course completion is required to obtain a permit.

Cooperative Hunts

Wheelin’ Sportsmen Hunt

There are three special opportunities for people with disabilities to participate in hunts. Special Muzzleloader hunts will be held at Shenandoah River State Park on Tuesday, Nov. 8, and at Lake Anna State Park on Tuesday, Nov. 8. A special General Firearms hunt will be held on Saturday, Nov. 19 at Staunton River State Park. Applications will be available Aug. 1, and the deadline is Sept. 30. Apply or download the application at www.vanwtf.org. Contact Robin Clark, 434-249-6154, [email protected] for more info.

Mason Neck State Park

This hunt is run in conjunction with the Potomac River National Wildlife Refuge Complex. Hunt dates are Nov. 15 and Nov. 29. All selected hunters must attend an orientation and show proof of weapons qualification in order to participate. There is an application and hunt fee. Applications will be accepted from Aug. 1 to Sept. 15. Lottery information and applications are available by calling the Refuge office at 703-490-4979 or online at www.fws.gov/refuge/Mason_Neck/visit/deerhunt.html.

Claytor Lake State Park Youth Deer Hunting Workshop

This workshop and hunt for youth (ages 12-17) is held in conjunction with the Department of Wildlife Resources on Dec. 9-10. Workshop includes a Friday evening seminar on deer biology/management, hunting safety/ethics and muzzleloader safety, and a Saturday guided muzzleloader hunt. Participants must be accompanied by a non-hunting adult, and meet all hunter education and licensing requirements. For more information and to register contact Tracy Howard at 540-731-3639, [email protected].

Widewater State Park Novice Hunter Workshop

This workshop is for novice hunters, age 18 and older, who would like to receive a supplemental education that goes beyond the required hunter education course. Held in cooperation with the Department of Wildlife Resources, novices will be paired one-on-one with an experienced mentor who will offer invaluable knowledge and expertise. Hunts will take place on Dec. 1 and Dec. 8. Any interested novice must e-mail or mail a completed application to [email protected] or to Widewater State Park at 101 Widewater State Park Road, Stafford, VA 22554 by Aug. 19. Notifications will be sent out by Aug. 26. Upon selection, the final payment of $30 for the State Park hunting permit must be paid by Sept. 16. The final payment instructions will be provided during the notification process.