2026–2027
Note to Managed Hunt Applicants
Managed hunts are generally by on-site random drawings or by application through the local Resource Office. Hunting opportunities are provided on various Department Wildlife Management Areas and National Wildlife Refuges.
C. F. Phelps WMA/Hogue Tract – Disabled Hunter Access Program
The Hogue Tract of C.F. Phelps WMA in Fauquier County offers a hunting access program exclusively for disabled hunters. “Disabled” is defined as mobility-impaired due to a permanent physical condition.
To protect the quality of the experience for program participants, the Hogue Tract is closed to all public access — hunting and non-hunting alike — from the opening day of deer season (October 3, 2026) through the closing day of spring gobbler season (May 15, 2027). Only registered disabled hunters and their companions may access the property during this window.
All interested hunters must submit a registration application by September 12, 2026. Applicants may register for one or both of the following programs:
Deer Lottery
Two hunters are selected by random drawing to hunt each day during the archery, muzzleloader, and firearms lottery periods. The lottery period runs from the opening day of deer season through exactly 14 days after the firearms season opener, closing on November 28, 2026. Hunters may indicate date and stand preferences on their application; preferences are considered in the draw but are not guaranteed. Successful applicants will be notified by mail and/or email and issued Hunting and Parking Permits for their assigned day(s).
Open Access
Applicants who select this option will receive a gate code allowing entry to the Hogue Tract during the open access periods: the remainder of deer season (November 29, 2026 through January 2, 2027) and spring gobbler season (April 10, 2027 through May 15, 2027). No separate permit or parking pass is required during open access periods.
Companions
Each registered hunter may be accompanied by one companion, who may hunt if properly licensed.
Deer Bag Limits
Either-sex deer may only be taken on designated Either-Sex days for C.F. Phelps WMA. The daily bag limit is one deer per hunter; the season bag limit is three deer per hunter. Bonus Deer Permits are not valid on the Hogue Tract.
How to Apply
The application for this hunt will be available soon.
Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve – Deer Hunt
This is an opportunity to hunt deer on Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve in Loudoun County. For more information, go to Loudoun County’s website or call 703-777-0343.
Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge – Deer Hunt
Selected hunters must attend an online orientation and show proof of weapons qualification in order to participate. There is a hunt permit fee. Lottery information and applications are available by calling the Refuge office at 703- 490-4979 or online.
Mason Neck National Wildlife Refuge and State Park – Deer Hunt
Selected hunters must attend an online orientation and show proof of weapons qualification in order to participate. There is a hunt permit fee. Lottery information and applications are available by calling the Refuge office at 703-490-4979 or by visiting the Refuge website.
Novice Deer Hunter Workshops
The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources has partnered with Loudoun County and Virginia State Parks to sponsor two novice deer hunter workshops and hunts. One will take place at Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve in Loudoun County, and the other will be at Widewater State Park in Stafford County. These workshops are to educate novice hunters beyond the state-required hunter education course and to prepare them for real field experiences.
These workshops for novice hunters aged 18 and over will consist of one day of classroom sessions covering hunter safety, deer habitat, and hunting techniques. Classroom sessions will be followed by shotgun hunting days (archery hunting also available at Banshee Reeks only) with an assigned mentor.
Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve – Workshop
Persons interested in the Banshee Reeks workshop must register for the lottery through Loudoun County Department of Parks, Recreation & Community Services (PRCS). The lottery registration fee is $15 per chance. A $60 fee is required if selected in the lottery.
Online registration begins on August 1 and runs through 12:00 a.m. (midnight) on August 31, 2023. In-person lottery registration will also be available Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. at the PRCS Administrative Office, 20145 Ashbrook Place, Ashburn, VA 20147. For additional registration assistance, call 703-777-0343.
Widewater State Park – Workshop
This workshop is for novice hunters, ages 18 and older, who would like supplemental education beyond the required hunter education course. Held in cooperation with the Department of Wildlife Resources, the program pairs novices one-on-one with an experienced mentor who offers invaluable knowledge and expertise. Any interested novice must email or mail a completed application to Joanna.Arrighi@dcr.virginia.gov or to Widewater State Park at 101 Widewater State Park Road, Stafford, VA 22554 by Aug. 18. Notifications will be sent out by Aug. 25. Upon selection, the final payment of $15 for the State Park hunting permit must be paid by Sept. 15, 2023. The final payment for the workshop can be made with the Customer Service Center at 800-933-PARK.
The Department of Wildlife Resources reserves the right to manage hunter access and hunter use on Department-owned and controlled lands as deemed appropriate.
This program received Federal financial assistance in Sport Fish and/or Wildlife Restoration.
Under Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the U.S. Department of the Interior prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex, or disability. If you believe that you have been discriminated against in any program, activity or facility as described above, or if you desire further information, please write to the Office for Human Resources, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 4040 N. Fairfax Drive, Room 300, Arlington, VA 22203.