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Wildlife Viewing
Draft Marine Mammal Conservation Plan
The public is invited to review and comment on the plan that will guide the DWR and its partners in the conservation and management of these protected species in Virginia. Read more…
2025 Revised Virginia Wildlife Action Plan Public Comment Period
DWR welcomes your input on the draft 2025 Revised Virginia Wildlife Action Plan through July 18, 2025. Read more…
Winning Birding Classic Team Visits Fort Wool Seabird Nesting Site
One of the prizes for winning the 2024 Virginia Birdling Classic was a unique DWR Wildlife Experience, and the top team traveled to Fort Wool to see the seabird nesting colony there. Read more…
Fishing
Virginia’s Five Best Lesser-Known Smallmouth Waters
Overshadowed by bigger-name smallie rivers, these less-celebrated waterways offer not only great fishing, but because they’re often overlooked, they can put you on the fish while being away from the crowds. Read more…
Wade Well
Wading into streams and rivers can be a great way to access fishing opportunities, but staying safe should be paramount. Keep these tips in mind before you get your feet wet. Read more…
Jerry Hall Reclaims State Record Fallfish Title
Jerry Hall has reclaimed the state record fallfish title. Read more…
Hunting
Give the New September Firearms Seasons a Try
The new regulations for a longer antlerless firearm season in some western Virginia counties with high deer populations are set to meet objectives! Read more…
The Virginia Appalachian Carnivore Study: Black Bears & White-tailed Deer in the Appalachian Mountains of Virginia
A unique study using video camera collars gave researchers insight into how much of black bears' diet is made up of white-tailed deer. Read more…
DWR’s Hunting Mentor Program Helped Cut Tyler Clark’s Learning Curve in Half
DWR's Hunting Mentor Program can give novice hunters valuable experience and knowledge. Read more…
Boating
Draft Marine Mammal Conservation Plan
The public is invited to review and comment on the plan that will guide the DWR and its partners in the conservation and management of these protected species in Virginia. Read more…
Eyes on the Water: The Importance of a Proper Lookout
Keeping a proper lookout can prevent boating incidents Read more…
Some Mistakes to Avoid When Registering Your Boat
Learn how to avoid a few common mistakes boat owners make when registering their watercraft. Read more…
Habitat
To Spray or Not to Spray? That’s the Aphids Question
When aphids appear, it's tempting to treat them chemically, but sometimes letting nature take its own course is a better option. Read more…
2025 Restore the Wild Artwork Competition’s Atlantic Sturgeon Winners Chosen
“We were thrilled to see how creative artists got in their depictions of the Atlantic sturgeon and their aquatic habitat,” said DWR's Stephen Living of the Restore the Wild Artwork Competition. Read more…
Tear Down That Dam: Reconnecting a Piedmont Stream
A unique public/private partnership to remove a dam will restore aquatic habitats and have significant impacts on aquatic wildlife in Rock Island Creek. Read more…
Conservation Police
Conservation Police Officer (CPO) Recruiting: Now Accepting Applications!
The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) is now accepting applications for multiple Conservation Police Officer duty assignments throughout Virginia! Read more…
Man Pleads Guilty to Killing Eagles and Hawks
A DWR Conservation Police Officer worked with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to solve the case of a man who killed more than 20 juvenile and mature bald eagles and hawks. Read more…
DWR Conservation Police Presents 2024 Awards
In a ceremony on March 19, the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) Conservation Police presented their 2024 awards, recognizing exceptional efforts from Conservation Police Officers across the state. Read more…