Public Hunting State Parks

State Parks

Virginia State Parks Hunting Opportunities 2023-2024 Season

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.

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.

Visit online at https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/hunting for the most up-to-date information regarding hunting dates, opening dates for reservation periods, number of hunters per day, allowable weapon types, and other special requirements. All reservation hunts have a $15 reservation fee. Hunter education certification is required.

To make a reservation, visit 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.

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 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 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 and at Lake Anna State Park. A special General Firearms hunt will be held at Staunton River State Park. Applications will be available August 1, and the deadline is September 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. All selected hunters must attend an orientation and show proof of weapons qualification in order to participate. There is an application and hunt fee. Lottery information and applications are available by calling the Refuge office at 703-490-4979.

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. 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

540-641-4455, [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. 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. Instructions for the final payment of $30 for the State Park hunting permit will be provided during the selection notification process.

Overnight Accommodations

Virginia State Parks also provides comfortable and economical overnight accommodations, with housekeeping cabins and campsites ranging from primitive sites to sites with electric and water hookups.

Accommodations are available at many sites during part of the hunting season. To make hunting reservations, as well as to make reservations for overnight accommodations in Virginia State Parks, visit https://reservevaparks.com/Web/ or call the State Parks Customer Service Center at 800-933-7275 (PARK) option 5. Reservations may be made up to two days prior to the requested day of the hunt, provided payment can be made at the time of reservation, and that space is available. Learn about park cabins, camping and lodges at https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/overnight-accom.

Visit online at https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/hunting for the most up-to-date information.