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Wildlife Viewing
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…
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…
A Lifetime of Evocative Images: A Chat with Nature Photographer Jim Clark
A chat with Jim Clark, the Virginia nature photographer to be honored with NANPA's Lifetime Achievement Award. 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…
10 Top Virginia Fishing Waters: Lakes
These five lakes stand out among many great Old Dominion waterways due to their diverse fish species, idyllic surroundings, and, in many cases, trophy-sized fish. Read more…
Nevertheless, The North Fork Holston River Has Persisted
Despite a history of pollution and catastrophe, the North Fork Holston River in Southwest Virginia is an often-overlooked gem that’s home to a wide array of aquatic life. Read more…
Hunting
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…
2025 Old Dominion One Shot Turkey Hunt Engages Youth, Veterans, and New Hunters
The ninth edition of the Old Dominion One Shot Turkey Hunt brought people together from across the country to promote hunting heritage through increased access and youth programming. Read more…
Boating
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…
Explore Back Bay’s Rebound from Mill Landing
Putting in at Mill Landing on Back Bay opens up a world of fishing and boating opportunity. 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…