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Wildlife Viewing
Is Recovery on the Horizon for the Candy Darter?
This brightly colored fish species exists only in 17 populations in Virginia and West Virginia, but state and federal agencies are working under the Endangered Species Act to secure its future. Read more…
Writing, Proofreading, Catching Black Bears, and Photographing Fish: A DWR Internship!
A summer internship with DWR's Outreach division took me far beyond a desk! Read more…
The Snapper Survived: The Story Behind the 2023 Virginia Wildlife Photography Showcase Cover Image
The photographer shares the story behind the image on the cover of the 2023 Virginia Wildlife Photography Showcase Issue! Read more…
Fishing
Avoid These Eight Fly-Fishing Mistakes
Many pitfalls await the newcomer to fly fishing, even after you get the basic back-and-forth stroke mastered. Here are eight common fly-fishing mistakes to avoid to help you enjoy a productive and enriching day on the stream. Read more…
How You Can Help Improve Virginia’s Fisheries
Anglers can take an active role in helping to improve Virginia's waterways and fisheries. Learn how! Read more…
Trout and Bass Headline the Fisheries Update from Western Virginia
The western area of Virginia is well known for trout and bass angling, but fisheries biologists need to manage multiple non-native species and their effects on populations. Read more…
Hunting
2023 Wild Turkey Summer Brood Survey Results
Through the months of July and August, DWR staff and cooperators completed the annual turkey brood survey, which provides an index to productivity of wild turkey reproduction and can assist in making management decisions. Read more…
Managing Deer Herds and Helping Hunters for the Hungry
Hunters, landowners, and the public all play a major role of support to meet the needs of Hunters for the Hungry Program, which depends on good sound deer management in order to meet their goals. Read more…
2023 Acorn Production Report: Wildlife Will Be on the Move in the Fall
Due to the lack of acorns across most of the state, many wildlife species will likely be more mobile throughout the fall in search of alternative food sources. Read more…
Boating
Explore the Wild from the James River’s Lawnes Creek Landing
Putting in at the Lawnes Creek Landing on the Hog Island WMA provides boaters with access to excellent freshwater and saltwater fishing as well as an area rich in history and watchable wildlife. Read more…
Hunt Safely On or Near Cold Water!
If you're going to be hunting on or next to cold water this season, you'll need to take some extra precautions to stay safe. Read more…
Beware of Wake
Navigating wake safely is an important part of boat operation. Read more…
Habitat
Grow Fall Fruits to Fuel Migrating Birds
For many songbirds, one of the most important food sources is native fruits. Read more…
Bring Me a Shrubbery!
No matter the size of your back yard, you can use shrubs and native plants to create nesting habitat for birds. Read more…
Making a Difference for the Big Sandy Crayfish
Habitat work and a propagation project are ways DWR staff and partners are seeking to support populations of the Big Sandy crayfish, an endangered species found only in the Big Sandy River basin. Read more…
Conservation Police
CPO Recruits Learn to Drive Safely and Identify Fish
During weeks 11 and 12 of the Basic Academy, Conservation Police Officer recruits learned about freshwater fish identification and safe operation of a variety of vehicles. Read more…
DWR K9 Program Assists with Training West Virginia DNR K9s
Officers of the DWR K9 Conservation Police are working with the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources (DNR), training K9 and Natural Resources Police Officer pairs for the neighboring state. Read more…
12th Basic Conservation Police Recruit Class Begins Training
The 12th Basic Conservation Police Recruit Class began their 26-week academy in January. Read more…