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Wildlife Viewing
Explore the Mountaintop Wild from Laurel Bed Lake
Whether you enjoy paddling in a picturesque mountain setting; fishing for smallmouth bass, trout, or panfish; or watching wildlife in unique microclimates, Laurel Bed Lake is worth the trip! Read more…
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…
Cassandra Kim’s Whimsical Paintings Draw Attention to Virginia’s Wildlife
Cassandra Kim uses her unique animal portraits to draw attention to imperiled wildlife species in Virginia. Read more…
Fishing
Try Something New: Fish America’s Oldest River
The New River has incredible biodiversity for an inland, non-estuarine river, offering ancient geology, striking scenery, and year-round opportunities for great fishing. Read more…
Celebrating 75 Years of Anglers’ Contributions to Conservation
Whether it’s catch-and-release or hook-and-cook, fishing is conservation—and has been for 75 years—codified in federal law with a hook in Virginia history. Read more…
Explore the Mountaintop Wild from Laurel Bed Lake
Whether you enjoy paddling in a picturesque mountain setting; fishing for smallmouth bass, trout, or panfish; or watching wildlife in unique microclimates, Laurel Bed Lake is worth the trip! Read more…
Hunting
Genetics vs Nutrition: What Research Shows
Wildlife biologists agree that the three things essential for maximum body weight and antler growth in free-ranging white-tailed deer are age, genetics, and nutrition. Numerous studies have been done that to show what impact your deer management plan can have. Read more…
From a CPO: Five Things to Know Before Hunting Season
A DWR Conservation Police Officer has some good reminders of what hunters need to remember and do before the season starts. Read more…
Virginia’s Deer with Justin Folks: Answering Some Questions
DWR's Deer Project Leader, Justin Folks, answers some questions submitted, addressing habitat management, how seasons are set, and more. Read more…
Boating
Explore the Mountaintop Wild from Laurel Bed Lake
Whether you enjoy paddling in a picturesque mountain setting; fishing for smallmouth bass, trout, or panfish; or watching wildlife in unique microclimates, Laurel Bed Lake is worth the trip! Read more…
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…
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…