We set out to create the most simplified guide to Virginia hunting seasons for 2023.
Want to find out season dates, learn about regulations and bag limits, understand license requirements, and get access helpful links?
Then you’ll love the info outlined in today’s guide. Let’s dive right in.
Virginia Hunting Season Dates
Virginia has some great deer and black bear hunting.
Virginia Deer Season 2023
Season
Opening Date
Closing Date
Zone
Firearms General Season
11/13/21
11/27/21
Firearms Full Season
11/13/21
1/1/22
Early Archery*
10/2/21
11/12/21
-Statewide
Late Archery*
11/28/21
1/1/22
-In all areas west of the Blue Ridge unless noted below. -Season Exception: Clarke and Floyd counties and on private lands in Frederick County.
11/29/21
1/1/22
-On all National Forest and Department-owned lands west of the Blue Ridge. -On the C. F. Phelps WMA. -On National Forest lands in Amherst, Bedford and Nelson counties.
12/1/21
1/1/22
-In the cities of Chesapeake, Suffolk (east of the Dismal Swamp line), and Virginia Beach.
12/12/21
1/1/22
-In the counties (including the cities and towns within) of Amherst (west of Route 29), Bedford, Floyd, Franklin, Henry, Nelson (west of Route 151), and Patrick.
Early Muzzleloader*
10/30/21
11/12/21
-There is no early muzzleloader season in the cities of Chesapeake, Suffolk (east of the Dismal Swamp line), or Virginia Beach since it occurs during the general firearms season.
Late Muzzleloader Season West of the Blue Ridge*
12/11/21
1/1/22
-In all areas west of the Blue Ridge unless noted in the season exception below. Season Exception: There is no late muzzleloader season in Clarke County and on private lands in Frederick County since it occurs during the general firearms season.
Virginia Wild Turkey Season 2023
Fall Archery: October 2, 2023 - November 12, 2023
Fall Youth: October 9, 2023 - October 10, 2023
Fall General Turkey: October 16 - January 22, 2024
Spring General Turkey: April 9, 2024 - May 14, 2024
Spring Youth: April 2, 2024 - April 3, 2024
Virginia Bear Season 2023
Season
Opening Date
Closing Date
Zone
Archery
10/2/21
11/12/21
Statewide
Muzzleloader
11/6/21
11/12/21
Statewide in all areas where hunting with a muzzleloading rifle is permitted.
Early Firearms
9/27/21
9/29/21
*See below for details.
General Season
10/1/21
1/1/22
Chesapeake, Suffolk, Virginia Beach
11/22/21
1/1/22
*See below for details.
11/29/21
1/1/22
*See below for details.
11/29/21
12/18/21
*See below for details.
Bear Hound Chase/ Training
11/13/21
11/27/21
8/1/21
9/25/21
Virginia Hunting Zone 2023
See the map below for a breakdown of Virginia's hunting zones:
Virginia Bag Limit 2023
Virginia Hunting License 2023
In order to qualify for a liscence you can be :
Resident of the city, county or state for 6 months, immediately preceding the date of purchasing a license.
Legal Voters in Virginia In addition to hunting bear, deer or turkey a license is required in addition to a hunting license. If you were to get an archery in addition to hunting, you will need a permit plus license.
License
Resident
Nonresident
Sportsmans
$100
N/A
Resident 1 Year Hunting License
$23
$111
Bear
$21
$151
Archery
$18
$31
Muzzleloading
$18
$31
Virginia Hunting Regulations 2023
You have to wear orange while hunting in Virginia.
Helpful Resources
Official State Site: https://dwr.virginia.gov/hunting/regulations/
FAQs
When does hunting season start in Virginia?
Virginia's deer season opens as early as September 4, 2023.
What animals can you hunt in Virginia?
In Virginia you can hunt deer, elk, coyote, turkey, bear, fox, duck, pheasant, dove and more.
How much is a hunting license in Virginia?
A hunting license costs $23 for residents and $111 for nonresidents. You will then need additional licenses depending on the weapon and animal you're hunting.
