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Due to exceptionally dry conditions, the Department of Wildlife Resources has implemented a complete ban on any open burning (e.g., campfires, grills) on all DWR properties west of Interstate 95, effective immediately and lasting until further notice.

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Virginia’s wildlife depend on healthy native habitats to thrive—maintaining these habitats amidst a variety of pressures and challenges requires restoration projects. Here's how you can help.

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Conserve. Connect. Protect.

DWR has been a steward of the outdoors since 1916, leading in wildlife conservation and inspiring people to value the outdoors and their role in nature.

How Do We Fund What We Do?

You might be surprised to know that Virginia DWR is primarily funded from sources other than Virginia general tax dollars.

A lot of our funding to help conserve wildlife and habitat comes from public spending on things like fishing and hunting licenses, tags, or stamps, boat registrations, and via a federal excise tax on firearms and ammunition.

Those sources of financial support have helped us protect hundreds of species and their habitat for over 100 years, but there’s always more we can do for Virginia’s wildlife. That’s where you come in. You too can become a steward of the outdoors by supporting our work or working with us — whether you hunt, fish, and boat or simply enjoy the outdoors.

How You Can Help
The Outdoors Are Better Together

Contribute to a Cause

Your contributions can help us restore wildlife habitat when you become a Restore the Wild member or connect youth to the outdoors through the Virginia Wildlife Grant Program!

Volunteer & Mentorship

Whether you volunteer with us, take the time to mentor a new hunter, or refer a friend to go hunting or fishing, you can make a difference!

Notes from the Field

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Virginia Wildlife Magazine

In the November–December 2023 issue…

An in-depth look at the success of DWR's elk herd restoration (with stunning photography) leads this issue. Also included are insightful articles about how a decline in white oak tree density is concerning, what implications a drop in hunter numbers have for whitetail deer management strategies, and what makes the Fairystone Farms WMA so unique. A look at the 50th anniversary of the Endangered Species Act discusses what's been done, what's being done, and what's left to do for threatened and endangered species in Virginia.

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Your purchases support the Virginia Wildlife Grant Program, connecting kids to the outdoors.

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