Virginia 2026-27 Hunting Season Dates
Quick answer
Virginia's listed 2026-27 firearm deer season runs Oct 1-Nov 30, 2026.
Urban Archery (Antlerless Only) White-tailed Deer opens Sep 5, 2026 and closes Oct 2, 2026.
Regular Season Coots opens Oct 9, 2026 and closes Oct 12, 2026.
The tables below keep the rest of the listed seasons together by species, with source links back to Virginia DWR.
- firearm deer
- Oct 1-Nov 30, 2026
- archery deer
- Sep 5-Oct 2, 2026
- waterfowl
- Oct 9-12, 2026
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Virginia 2026-27
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Key seasons by species
We summarize official agency information and link to the source for verification. Regulations can change, and zone details matter. Always confirm final dates, bag limits, permits, and legal requirements with Virginia DWR before hunting.
Proposed 2026-27
federal openings
in Virginia
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing hunting and fishing access changes at 5 stations in Virginia. Public comment closes June 26, 2026.
- VA · NWR
Elizabeth Hartwell Mason Neck NWR
VirginiaBIG GAME: OPENING - VA · NWR
James River NWR
VirginiaUPLAND GAME: OPENING - VA · NWR
Occoquan Bay NWR
VirginiaUPLAND GAME: OPENINGBIG GAME: OPEN + EXPAND - VA · NWR
Presquile NWR
VirginiaUPLAND GAME: OPENINGBIG GAME: EXPANSION - VA · NWR
Rappahannock NWR
VirginiaUPLAND GAME: OPEN + EXPANDBIG GAME: EXPANSION
Deer
27 listed rowsWhite-tailed Deer
Urban Archery (Antlerless Only)
Sep 5-Oct 2, 2026
Antlerless deer only. Archery or crossbow. Blaze color required on Youth and Apprentice Deer Hunting Weekend. See Urban Archery Season page for local restrictions.
Zone: Various cities and towns including Charlottesville, Chesapeake, Colonial Heights, Danville, Emporia, Franklin, Fredericksburg, Galax, Harrisonburg, Hopewell, Lexington, Lynchburg, Martinsville, Newpo…
White-tailed Deer
Early Antlerless-Only Firearms
Sep 5-Oct 2, 2026
Antlerless deer only. Dogs may not be used to hunt deer during this season. EAB applies.
Zone: Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, Prince William (except Dept-owned lands) counties and private lands in Carroll, Culpeper, Clarke, Fauquier, Floyd, Frederick, Greene, Hanover, Henrico, James City, Madiso…
White-tailed Deer
Early Antlerless-Only Firearms
Sep 5-Oct 2, 2026
Antlerless deer only. Dogs may not be used to hunt deer during this season. EAB applies.
Zone: Private lands in Bedford County
White-tailed Deer
Youth and Apprentice Weekend
Sep 26-27, 2026
Youth 15 and under or apprentice license holders. Any legal deer hunting weapon. Either-sex. Must be accompanied by adult 18+ with valid VA hunting license.
Zone: Statewide
White-tailed Deer
Firearms (General)
Oct 1-Nov 30, 2026
Either-sex full season October 1 through November 30.
Zone: Cities of Chesapeake, Suffolk (east of Dismal Swamp line), and Virginia Beach
White-tailed Deer
Early Archery
Oct 3-Nov 13, 2026
Firearm season in Chesapeake, Suffolk (east of Dismal Swamp line), and Virginia Beach overlaps early archery season. Either-sex full season.
Zone: Statewide
White-tailed Deer
Early Muzzleloader
Oct 31-Nov 13, 2026
No early muzzleloader season in Chesapeake, Suffolk (east of Dismal Swamp line), or Virginia Beach as it occurs during general firearms season. Antlered deer every day. Antlerless only on designated either-sex days. Blaze color required except in stationary elevated stand.
Zone: Statewide (except Chesapeake, Suffolk east of Dismal Swamp line, Virginia Beach)
White-tailed Deer
Firearms (General)
Nov 14-Dec 12, 2026
Either-sex full season November 14 through December 12. EAB applies in Augusta, Botetourt, Craig, Giles, Grayson counties.
Zone: Augusta, Botetourt, Craig, Giles, Grayson, Rockbridge, Smyth, and Washington counties
White-tailed Deer
Firearms (General)
Nov 14-Dec 12, 2026
Either-sex days: November 21, 28, and November 30 through December 12.
Zone: Henry and Patrick counties
White-tailed Deer
Firearms (General)
Nov 14-Dec 12, 2026
Either-sex days: November 21 through November 28.
Zone: Bland, Russell, Scott, and Tazewell counties
White-tailed Deer
Firearms (General)
Nov 14, 2026-Jan 2, 2027
Either-sex days: November 21, 28, and December 21 through January 2.
Zone: Caroline, King & Queen, and King William counties
White-tailed Deer
Firearms (General)
Nov 14, 2026-Jan 2, 2027
Either-sex days: November 21, 28, and December 5 through January 2.
Zone: Amelia, Cumberland, Gloucester, and Nottoway counties
Show 15 more deer rows
White-tailed Deer
Firearms (General)
Nov 14, 2026-Jan 2, 2027
Either-sex days: November 21, 28, and December 28 through January 2.
Zone: Appomattox, Brunswick, Buckingham, Charlotte, Dinwiddie, Essex, Lunenburg, Mathews, Mecklenburg, Middlesex, and Prince Edward counties
White-tailed Deer
Firearms (General)
Nov 14, 2026-Jan 2, 2027
Either-sex full season November 14 through January 2. EAB applies in many counties. Arlington County, City of Hampton, City of Richmond: archery only due to local ordinances prohibiting discharge of firearms. City of Newport News: archery only. Fairfax County: firearms restricted by location and parcel size.
Zone: Accomack, Albemarle, Amherst, Arlington, Bedford, Campbell, Carroll, Charles City, Chesterfield, Clarke, Culpeper, Fairfax, Fauquier, Floyd, Fluvanna, Franklin, Frederick, Goochland, Greene, Greensvi…
White-tailed Deer
Firearms (General)
Nov 14-Dec 12, 2026
Antlered deer only - no either-sex deer hunting days. Special Youth and Apprentice Antlerless Deer Regulation applies.
Zone: Buchanan County
White-tailed Deer
Firearms (General) - Cities and Towns
Nov 14, 2026-Jan 2, 2027
Deer of either sex full season. Only weapons authorized by each individual city or town. EAB applies to all cities and towns except Chesapeake, Suffolk, and Virginia Beach.
Zone: All cities and towns in Virginia that allow firearms deer hunting (except Chesapeake, Suffolk, Virginia Beach)
White-tailed Deer
Firearms (General)
Nov 14-Dec 12, 2026
Either-sex day: November 28.
Zone: Dickenson and Wise counties
White-tailed Deer
Firearms (General)
Nov 14-Dec 12, 2026
Either-sex days: November 21, 27, and 28.
Zone: Alleghany, Bath, Highland, Lee, and Rockingham (west of Routes 613 and 731) counties
White-tailed Deer
Late Archery
Nov 29, 2026-Jan 2, 2027
Either-sex full season.
Zone: Alleghany, Bath, Bland, Buchanan, Dickenson, Highland, Lee, Rockingham (west of Rts 613 and 731), Russell, Scott, Tazewell, Wise counties (including cities and towns within); all National Forest and…
White-tailed Deer
Late Archery
Dec 1, 2026-Jan 2, 2027
Either-sex full season.
Zone: Cities of Chesapeake, Suffolk (east of Dismal Swamp line), and Virginia Beach
White-tailed Deer
Late Muzzleloader
Dec 12, 2026-Jan 2, 2027
West of Blue Ridge. No late muzzleloader season in Clarke County and on private lands in Carroll, Floyd, Franklin, Frederick, Montgomery, Page, Pulaski, Roanoke, Rockingham (east of 613/731), Shenandoah, Warren, Wythe counties as it occurs during general firearms season. Either-sex days vary by county: full season in Augusta, Botetourt, Craig, Giles, Grayson, Scott, Smyth; Dec 28-Jan 2 in Bland, Dickenson, Rockbridge, Washington; Jan 2 only in Alleghany, Bath, Buchanan, Highland, Lee, Rockingham (west of 613/731), Russell, Tazewell, Wise and all NF/Dept-owned lands.
Zone: All areas west of the Blue Ridge (except Clarke County and private lands in Carroll, Floyd, Franklin, Frederick, Montgomery, Page, Pulaski, Roanoke, Rockingham east of 613/731, Shenandoah, Warren, Wy…
White-tailed Deer
Late Muzzleloader
Dec 12, 2026-Jan 2, 2027
East of Blue Ridge. Either-sex days: full season in Henry and Patrick counties and federal/Dept-owned lands in Franklin County; December 28-January 2 in Chesapeake, Suffolk, Virginia Beach; January 2 only on NF lands in Amherst, Bedford, Nelson counties.
Zone: Henry and Patrick counties; federal and department-owned lands in Franklin county; national forest lands in Amherst, Bedford, and Nelson counties; cities of Chesapeake, Suffolk (east of Dismal Swamp…
White-tailed Deer
Late Archery
Dec 13, 2026-Jan 2, 2027
No late archery season in Clarke and Floyd counties and on private lands in Carroll, Frederick, Montgomery, Page, Pulaski, Roanoke, Rockingham (east of 613/731), Shenandoah, Warren, Wythe counties. Either-sex full season.
Zone: Henry and Patrick counties; all areas west of the Blue Ridge (except Clarke, Floyd counties and private lands in Carroll, Frederick, Montgomery, Page, Pulaski, Roanoke, Rockingham east of 613/731, Sh…
White-tailed Deer
Urban Archery (Antlerless Only)
Jan 3-Mar 28, 2027
Antlerless deer only. Archery or crossbow. See Urban Archery Season page for local restrictions.
Zone: Various cities and towns including Charlottesville, Chesapeake (except Dept-owned lands), Colonial Heights, Danville, Emporia, Franklin, Fredericksburg, Galax, Harrisonburg, Hopewell, Lexington, Lync…
White-tailed Deer
Late Antlerless-Only Firearms
Jan 3-Mar 28, 2027
Antlerless deer only. Dogs may not be used to hunt deer during this season. EAB applies.
Zone: Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, Prince William (except Dept-owned lands) counties and private lands in Carroll, Culpeper, Clarke, Fauquier, Floyd, Frederick, Greene, Hanover, Henrico, James City, Madiso…
White-tailed Deer
Late Antlerless-Only Firearms
Jan 3-31, 2027
Antlerless deer only. Dogs may not be used to hunt deer during this season. EAB applies.
Zone: Private lands in Bedford County
White-tailed Deer
NOVA Late Archery (Antlerless Only)
Mar 29-Apr 25, 2027
Antlerless deer only.
Zone: Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, and Prince William (except Dept-owned lands) counties including cities and towns within
Turkey
Wild Turkey
Fall Firearms
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Fall firearms turkey season is closed in these areas.
Zone: Arlington County and cities of Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, and Virginia Beach
Wild Turkey
Archery
Oct 4-Nov 14, 2025
Archery tackle only. Broadhead widths must be at least 7/8-inch wide or expand upon impact to 7/8-inch.
Zone: Statewide except areas with closed firearm season on turkey
Wild Turkey
Youth/Apprentice
Oct 11-12, 2025
Youth and Apprentice Fall Turkey Hunting Weekend. Youth hunters 15 and under or apprentice license holders must be accompanied by adult 18+ with valid VA hunting license.
Zone: Statewide in counties, cities, and areas with a fall turkey season
Wild Turkey
Fall Firearms
Oct 18-Nov 27, 2025
Season dates: October 18–31 and November 27 only.
Zone: Albemarle, Alleghany, Augusta, Bath, Greene, Highland, Madison, Page, and Rockingham counties
Wild Turkey
Youth/Apprentice
Apr 4-5, 2026
Youth and Apprentice Spring Turkey Hunting Weekend. Hunting hours from 1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset. Youth 15 and under or apprentice license holders must be accompanied by adult 18+ with valid VA hunting license.
Zone: Statewide
Wild Turkey
Youth/Apprentice Spring Weekend
Apr 4-5, 2026
Youth hunters 15 and under or apprentice license holders. Must be accompanied by adult 18+ with valid VA hunting license. Hours: 1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset.
Zone: Statewide
Wild Turkey
Spring Firearms
Apr 11-26, 2026
Hunting hours: one-half hour before sunrise until 12 noon each day.
Zone: Statewide
Wild Turkey
Spring Firearms
Apr 27-May 16, 2026
Hunting hours: one-half hour before sunrise to sunset. Unlawful to use electronic calls or dogs (except to track wounded/dead turkeys). Shotgun: no shot larger than #2 fine shot.
Zone: Statewide
Wild Turkey
Archery
Oct 4-Nov 14, 2026
Archery tackle only. Broadhead widths must be at least 7/8-inch wide or expand upon impact to 7/8-inch.
Zone: Statewide except in areas where there is a closed firearm season on turkey
Wild Turkey
Youth/Apprentice Fall Weekend
Oct 11-12, 2026
Youth hunters 15 and under or apprentice license holders. Must be accompanied by adult 18+ with valid VA hunting license.
Zone: Statewide in counties, cities, and areas with a fall turkey season
Wild Turkey
Fall Firearms
Oct 18-31, 2026
Season dates: October 18-31 and November 27 only.
Zone: Albemarle, Alleghany, Augusta, Bath, Greene, Highland, Madison, Page, and Rockingham counties
Waterfowl
21 listed rowsAtlantic Brant
Regular Season
Dec 19-31, 2026
Zone: Statewide
Atlantic Brant
Regular Season
Jan 15-31, 2027
Zone: Statewide
Canada Goose
September Early Season
Sep 1-25, 2026
East of I-95: Sep 1-18 half-hour before sunrise to half-hour after sunset, shotguns holding more than 3 shells allowed; Sep 19-25 half-hour before sunrise to sunset, shotguns >3 shells prohibited. West of I-95: Sep 1-21 extended hours; Sep 22-25 standard hours. Not permitted in Amelia and Dick Cross WMAs. Requires HIP, federal duck stamp, and VA Migratory Waterfowl Conservation Stamp.
Zone: Statewide
Canada Goose (including White-fronted Geese)
Regular Season
Nov 18-29, 2026
Includes White-fronted geese. One-half hour before sunrise to sunset.
Zone: Resident Population (RP) Zone
Canada Goose (including White-fronted Geese)
Regular Season
Nov 24-29, 2026
Includes White-fronted geese. One-half hour before sunrise to sunset.
Zone: Atlantic Population (AP) Zone
Canada Goose (including White-fronted Geese)
Regular Season
Dec 19, 2026-Feb 21, 2027
Includes White-fronted geese. One-half hour before sunrise to sunset.
Zone: Resident Population (RP) Zone
Canada Goose (including White-fronted Geese)
Regular Season
Dec 24, 2026-Jan 31, 2027
Includes White-fronted geese. One-half hour before sunrise to sunset.
Zone: Atlantic Population (AP) Zone
Coots
Regular Season
Oct 9-12, 2026
One-half hour before sunrise until sunset.
Zone: Statewide
Coots
Regular Season
Nov 18-29, 2026
One-half hour before sunrise until sunset.
Zone: Statewide
Coots
Regular Season
Dec 19, 2026-Jan 31, 2027
One-half hour before sunrise until sunset.
Zone: Statewide
Ducks
Regular Season
Oct 9-12, 2026
Black duck closed Oct 9-12. One-half hour before sunrise until sunset. Harlequin ducks closed.
Zone: Statewide
Ducks
Regular Season
Nov 18-29, 2026
One-half hour before sunrise until sunset. Harlequin ducks closed.
Zone: Statewide
Show 9 more waterfowl rows
Ducks
Regular Season
Dec 19, 2026-Jan 31, 2027
Scaup: 1/day Oct 9-12, Nov 18-29, Dec 19-Jan 11; 2/day Jan 12-31. One-half hour before sunrise until sunset. Harlequin ducks closed.
Zone: Statewide
Light Goose (Greater/Lesser Snow Geese and Ross's Geese)
Conservation Order
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Offering of 2027 Light Goose Conservation Season determined in September 2026. Special methods allowed: electronic calls, unplugged shotguns, extended shooting hours (half-hour before sunrise to half-hour after sunset). Registration required; begins December 4, 2026.
Zone: Conservation Order Zone (AP Zone)
Light Goose (Greater/Lesser Snow Geese and Ross's Geese)
Regular Season
Nov 25, 2026-Mar 10, 2027
One-half hour before sunrise to sunset. Electronic calls and unplugged shotguns permitted when other waterfowl seasons are closed.
Zone: Statewide
Mergansers
Regular Season
Oct 9-12, 2026
One-half hour before sunrise until sunset.
Zone: Statewide
Mergansers
Regular Season
Nov 18-29, 2026
One-half hour before sunrise until sunset.
Zone: Statewide
Mergansers
Regular Season
Dec 19, 2026-Jan 31, 2027
One-half hour before sunrise until sunset.
Zone: Statewide
September Teal
Early Teal
Sep 19-27, 2026
Requires HIP registration, federal duck stamp, and Virginia Migratory Waterfowl Conservation Stamp. One-half hour before sunrise until sunset.
Zone: East of I-95
September Teal
Early Teal
Sep 22-27, 2026
Requires HIP registration, federal duck stamp, and Virginia Migratory Waterfowl Conservation Stamp. One-half hour before sunrise until sunset.
Zone: West of I-95
Tundra Swan
Regular Season
Nov 15, 2026-Jan 31, 2027
Permit required via special drawing; deadline September 25, 2026. No more than 475 permits issued. Hunters must complete tundra swan hunt questionnaire by February 15, 2027.
Zone: East of I-95 and south of Prince William/Stafford County line
Dove
Mourning Dove / White-winged Dove
First Segment
Sep 5-Oct 24, 2026
September 5: Noon until sunset. September 6–October 24: One-half hour before sunrise until sunset. Composed of mourning doves and white-winged doves, singly or in combination.
Zone: Statewide
Mourning Dove / White-winged Dove
Second Segment
Nov 21-29, 2026
One-half hour before sunrise until sunset.
Zone: Statewide
Mourning Dove / White-winged Dove
Third Segment
Dec 19, 2026-Jan 18, 2027
One-half hour before sunrise until sunset.
Zone: Statewide
Pheasant
Pheasant
General
Nov 8, 2025-Jan 31, 2026
Pheasant
General
Nov 8, 2026-Jan 31, 2027
Zone: Statewide
Quail
Quail
General
Nov 8, 2025-Jan 31, 2026
Closed on all public lands west of the Blue Ridge Mountains and, until further notice, on Flippo-Gentry WMA in Sussex County.
Zone: Statewide except closed on all public lands west of Blue Ridge Mountains and on Flippo-Gentry WMA in Sussex County
Quail
General
Nov 8, 2026-Jan 31, 2027
Closed on all public lands west of the Blue Ridge Mountains and, until further notice, on Flippo-Gentry WMA in Sussex County.
Zone: Statewide (with restrictions)
Grouse
Ruffed Grouse
General
Oct 25, 2025-Feb 14, 2026
Continuous closed season east of I-95.
Zone: West of I-95
Ruffed Grouse
General
Oct 25, 2026-Feb 14, 2027
Continuous closed season east of I-95.
Zone: West of I-95
Rabbit
Rabbit
General
Nov 1, 2025-Feb 28, 2026
RHDV2 monitoring in effect. Per regulation, properly dispose of all portions of rabbits not saved for human consumption. Fully dress all rabbits harvested out-of-state before importing into Virginia.
Rabbit
General
Nov 1, 2026-Feb 28, 2027
RHDV2 monitoring in effect. Proper disposal of rabbit remains required. Fully dress rabbits harvested out-of-state before importing into Virginia.
Zone: Statewide
Squirrel
Fox Squirrel
Fall
Sep 6, 2025-Jan 31, 2026
Designated areas only.
Zone: Counties west of the Blue Ridge and counties of Albemarle, Bedford, Culpeper, Fauquier, Franklin, Greene, Henry, Loudoun, Madison, Orange, Patrick, Prince William, and Rappahannock
Fox Squirrel
Spring
Jun 6-20, 2026
June 6 through 20, 2026. Open on WMAs including Big Survey, Clinch Mountain, Crooked Creek, Gathright, Goshen, Havens, Hidden Valley, Highland, Lake Robertson, Little North Mountain, Merrimac Farm, C.F. Phelps, Rapidan, Short Hills, Stewarts Creek, G. Richard Thompson, and Turkeycock Mountain.
Zone: All lands in counties with open fall fox squirrel season and listed WMAs
Fox Squirrel
Spring
Jun 6-20, 2026
Closed on National Forest lands. Specific WMAs listed as open.
Zone: All lands in counties with open fall fox squirrel season and specific listed WMAs
Fox Squirrel
Fall
Sep 6, 2026-Jan 31, 2027
Designated areas only.
Zone: Counties west of the Blue Ridge and in Albemarle, Bedford, Culpeper, Fauquier, Franklin, Greene, Henry, Loudoun, Madison, Orange, Patrick, Prince William, and Rappahannock
Gray and Red Squirrel
Fall
Sep 6, 2025-Feb 28, 2026
Zone: Statewide
Gray and Red Squirrel
Spring
Jun 6-20, 2026
Closed on National Forest lands. Specific WMAs listed as open.
Zone: Statewide except closed on National Forest lands
Gray and Red Squirrel
Spring
Jun 6-20, 2026
June 6 through 20, 2026. Closed on National Forest lands. Open on listed WMAs including Amelia, Big Survey, Big Woods, Briery Creek, Cavalier, Chickahominy, and others as specified.
Zone: Statewide (closed on National Forest lands)
Gray and Red Squirrel
Fall
Sep 6, 2026-Feb 28, 2027
Zone: Statewide
Migratory Birds
American Woodcock
First Segment
Nov 11-Dec 1, 2026
One-half hour before sunrise until sunset.
Zone: Statewide
American Woodcock
Second Segment
Dec 26, 2026-Jan 18, 2027
One-half hour before sunrise until sunset.
Zone: Statewide
Common Snipe
First Segment
Sep 28-Nov 29, 2026
Non-toxic shot required. One-half hour before sunrise until sunset.
Zone: Statewide
Common Snipe
Second Segment
Dec 19, 2026-Jan 31, 2027
Non-toxic shot required. One-half hour before sunrise until sunset.
Zone: Statewide
Rails (Clapper, King, Sora, Virginia) and Gallinules
First Segment
Sep 5-Oct 24, 2026
Non-toxic shot required. One-half hour before sunrise until sunset.
Zone: Statewide
Rails (Clapper, King, Sora, Virginia) and Gallinules
Second Segment
Nov 10-29, 2026
Non-toxic shot required. One-half hour before sunrise until sunset.
Zone: Statewide
Youth & Veterans Waterfowl
Youth/Veterans Special Day
Oct 24-24, 2026
Open to Youth 15 and under, Military Veterans, and active duty Armed Forces members. Also February 6, 2027.
Zone: Statewide
Youth & Veterans Waterfowl
Youth/Veterans Special Day
Feb 6-6, 2027
Open to Youth 15 and under, Military Veterans, and active duty Armed Forces members.
Zone: Statewide
Other
Crow
General
Aug 16, 2025-Mar 20, 2026
August 16 through March 20 on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. September 1 through March 9 on National Forest Lands and Department lands on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays only. No HIP registration required. Electronic calls may be used.
Zone: Private and public lands (Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat only)
Crow
General
Sep 1, 2025-Mar 9, 2026
On National Forest Lands and Department lands on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays only.
Zone: National Forest Lands and Department lands
Crow
General
Aug 16, 2026-Mar 20, 2027
August 16 through March 20 on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Crows are a federally regulated migratory species; no HIP registration required; unplugged shotguns allowed; electronic calls permitted on private and public lands.
Zone: Statewide (Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat only)
Crow
General
Sep 1, 2026-Mar 9, 2027
September 1 through March 9 on National Forest Lands and Department lands on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays only.
Zone: National Forest Lands and Department lands (Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat only)
Groundhog
General
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Continuous open season on private lands. On National Forest lands and Department lands permitted September 1 through March 10 and during spring turkey season.
Zone: Private lands
Groundhog
General
Sep 1, 2025-Mar 10, 2026
Also permitted during the spring turkey season. Not permitted on National Forest lands during the spring squirrel season.
Zone: National Forest Lands and Department lands
Groundhog
General
Sep 1, 2026-Mar 10, 2027
Groundhog hunting on National Forest lands and Department lands is permitted from September 1 through March 10 and during the spring turkey season. Not permitted on National Forest lands during spring squirrel season.
Zone: National Forest lands and Department lands
Pen-raised Game Birds
Hunting Preserve
Sep 1, 2025-Apr 30, 2026
Including Sundays. Resident requires hunting license. Nonresident requires nonresident hunting license or special nonresident hunting preserve license.
Zone: Licensed hunting preserves
Pen-raised Game Birds
Hunting Preserve
Sep 1, 2026-Apr 30, 2027
Pen-raised game birds may be taken on licensed hunting preserves from September 1 through April 30, including Sundays. Resident requires hunting license; nonresident requires nonresident hunting license or special nonresident hunting preserve license.
Zone: Licensed hunting preserves
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Virginia Hunting Season FAQ
When does deer season start in Virginia?
September 5, 2026 is the first listed deer opener for Virginia; it is urban archery (antlerless only) white-tailed deer Sep 5-Oct 2, 2026.
When is Virginia's firearm deer season?
Oct 1-Nov 30, 2026 is the listed firearm deer window for Virginia. Check zone and permit details with Virginia DWR before hunting.
When does spring turkey open in Virginia?
A current spring turkey opener is not listed for Virginia yet. Check Virginia DWR for the latest turkey dates.
Do I need a license to hunt in Virginia?
Yes. Hunters generally need the appropriate Virginia hunting license, and some seasons may require tags, permits, stamps, or zone-specific authorizations. Confirm final requirements with Virginia DWR.
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