Bear, Deer, and Turkey Harvest Data
Wildlife biologists with the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) have compiled harvest totals for the fall 2025–2026 big game hunting seasons. The deer harvest increased while bear and turkey harvests declined from the previous season. According to DWR Wildlife Division Director Michael Lipford, “The big season changes we made for deer and bear management purposes influenced these results but were just one of several factors. Changes in hunter participation, natural food availability, and weather also impact big game harvests year to year.” Harvest reporting by successful bear, deer, and turkey hunters remains a vital component of DWR’s management programs as harvest data are used to monitor game populations and inform future regulatory decisions.
For details on the bear, deer, and turkey harvest data, visit these links: