Notice:
Due to a variety of factors, the Radford Hunt is coming to an end after the 2026–27 hunt season. No new applicants will be accepted, and all spaces available for the 2025–26 and 2026–27 hunts will be selected from the pool of 2024–25 applicants. With recent additions in the region of over 50,000 acres of land available for public deer hunting to the 250,000 acres and 235 boating access sites we own and manage for the public; the Department of Wildlife Resources must focus limited resources on managing access opportunities on our property.
We will be featuring the Radford Hunt in an upcoming issue of Virginia Wildlife magazine and on our website and would like to include stories and pictures from participants in past hunts. We encourage you to submit your memories, comments, and questions below.
Can I still apply?
No new applicants will be accepted.
How will hunters be selected for the remaining hunts?
In the same way hunters have been selected for all previous years, the number of points a hunter has accrued will determine their selection likelihood. Any hunter who applied in 2024 and was not selected for an either-sex hunt the 2024–25 season will be eligible for selection. Hunters selected for the 2025–26 hunt that accept, decline, or do not respond to their selection will have a balance of zero points and will not be eligible to be selected for the 2026–27 hunt. If you were part of the previous year’s applicants, please ensure your GoOutdoorsVirginia.com contact information is correct to ensure you receive notification.
What if I’m selected for 2025–26 but I can’t participate?
Please email lisa.sztukowski@dwr.virginia.gov as soon as possible. Under special circumstances, you may be eligible for the waitlist for the 2026–2027 season, but you will not be guaranteed a spot.
What if I have points but I want to apply to hunt with a buddy that doesn’t?
Since no new application are being accepted, only hunters that applied in 2024 but were not selected for an either-sex hunt in the 2024-25 season will be eligible for selection.
Notice Regarding Chronic Wasting Disease:
The Radford Hunt is located in CHRONIC WASTING DISEASE MANAGEMENT AREA 3 (DMA3), which includes Montgomery, Pulaski, Floyd, Patrick, Carroll, Franklin, Roanoke, and Wythe counties. CARCASS TRANSPORT RESTRICTIONS PROHIBIT taking whole deer carcasses and any parts containing brain or spinal cord tissue out of DMA3.
Carcass parts that can be legally transported out of DMA3 include:
- Boned-out meat
- Quarters or other portions of meat with no part of the spinal column or head attached
- Hides and capes with no heads attached
- Clean (no meat or tissue attached) skulls and skull plates with or without antlers attached
- Antlers with no meat or tissue attached
- Upper canine teeth, also known as “buglers,” “whistlers,” or “ivories”
- Finished taxidermy products
BY PARTICIPATING IN THE RADFORD HUNT, YOU AGREE THAT YOU UNDERSTAND THAT THESE CARCASS TRANSPORT RESTRICTIONS APPLY.
For more information about Chronic Wasting Disease go to these links:
I live outside the CWD DMA3 (Montgomery, Pulaski, Floyd, Patrick, Carroll, Franklin, Roanoke, and Wythe Counties) and need to transport any deer I kill outside the DMA3. How do I handle the carcass?
If you need to transport a deer carcass outside DMA3 you will need to meet the requirements shown at the top of this page. You can prepare the carcass yourself as described above before leaving the DMA3, or you have the option of taking the carcass to a deer processor or taxidermist within the DMA3. You cannot go outside the DMA3 with a whole RAAP deer carcass on the way to a DMA3 processor or taxidermist. Some taxidermists will cape out and clean a skull cap with antlers for you at their shop on the same day as your hunt. DWR will provide a list of processors and taxidermists within DMA3 to successful hunt applicants.
How do I apply for the Radford Hunt?
No new applications will be accepted.
How many hunters can hunt in each archery hunt?
47 for each hunt, maximum.
How many hunters can hunt on a shotgun hunt?
30–32 for each hunt, maximum.
Do I have to have a Hunter Safety Course in order to shotgun hunt at Radford?
Yes. Starting in 2008 the Department of Defense requires that anyone shotgun hunting on the facility must have taken a Hunter Safety Class at some time in the past.
Does the Radford Arsenal require hunters who are drawn to have a Background Check?
Yes. The Radford Arsenal Security staff will conduct a Background Check on all hunters who are drawn to hunt. In past years, hunters had to obtain and submit a background check from their State Police. Beginning in 2020, hunters will not have to obtain and submit a background check themselves. However, the Radford Arsenal Security staff will conduct an in-house background check on all who are drawn to hunt.
Department of the Army Security Statement:
You will be prohibited from hunting on the Radford Army Ammunition Plant if you have been convicted of a felony, have an active warrant, or have been convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence. In addition, any information revealed that causes the Senior Commander concern regarding order, discipline, or health and safety on the installation may be cause for denial.
Is a REAL ID required for access to the installation?
Yes. REAL ID requirements are effective May 7, 2025. Visit the Virginia DMV website for instructions on obtaining a REAL ID.
How does the “point system” for the computer drawing work?
Each year a hunter applies he/she was awarded one point. Points accumulate until that hunter is drawn to participate in a hunt. Once a hunter has participated in a hunt his/her points roll back to zero.
Can I hunt at Radford if I am under the age of 18 on the day of my hunt?
You must be at least 16 by June 30, 2025. Hunters under the age of 18 on the day of their hunt must be accompanied by a licensed, non-hunting adult.
If selected, can I choose my own hunting date?
No. Hunters are assigned hunting dates by computer drawing.
What if I cannot hunt on the day I am picked for?
Please email lisa.sztukowski@dwr.virginia.gov as soon as possible.
Can I use a portable tree stand?
Portable tree stands may be used during archery hunts only. Portable stands used during archery hunts must be placed within 50 yards of the permanent stand the hunter is assigned to. Screw in tree steps may be used for portable bow stands.
How do I get to Gate 20?
Successful applicants will be notified by email and will receive a map to Gate 20.
Can I bring in a two-way radio to talk to my buddy?
Yes.
Can I bring in a cellular phone?
Yes, cell phones are allowed for safety and communication purposes, but no photos or videos are allowed. Any phones brought on site may be searched when exiting the facility.
Can I bring a camera?
No.
Can I bring a video camera?
No.
Can I bring a rangefinder?
Yes. You are encouraged to use a rangefinder.
Can I bring a chemical hand warmer?
Yes, you can bring chemical hand warmers. However, no spark or flame producing hand warmers are allowed.
Can I hunt in the same stand as my hunting buddy/son/wife/husband/daughter?
No. Each hunter is assigned his or her own stand. Only one hunter may occupy a stand. However, exceptions exist for hunters under 18 years of age because they must be accompanied in their stand by a non-hunting adult, and for hunters with a disability that require assistance. The adult must possess a valid hunting license.
What time is check in?
Check in at 4:30 am at Gate 20.
Do I have to use a buck tag off my license?
Yes. If you kill a buck, you must use a buck tag off your license.
Do I have to use a doe tag off my license?
No. Special “antlerless only” tags will be provided for any antlerless deer harvested.
What time is the hunt over?
Hunters will be picked up at their stands by 4:00 pm.
Can I leave early?
Yes. You can make arrangements to leave early on the day of your hunt.
Can I scout the area before the hunt?
No. The RAAP is a restricted entry area and hunters may enter the facility only on the day of their hunt.
What kind of skills test do bow hunters have to take?
Bow hunters must pass a skills test in order to hunt. Applicants who are drawn to bow hunt will be notified by email regarding locations where skills tests will be offered. Hunters must be able to shoot 2 of 3 arrows into a 9-inch target at 20 and 30 yards in order to qualify.
Can I go out of the facility during my hunt and then come back in and continue hunting?
No.
Are crossbows allowed?
Yes, crossbows are allowed.
Can I hunt with a rifle?
No. Gun hunters must use a 20 gauge or larger shotgun. Shotgun slugs are the only ammunition allowed for gun hunters.
Can my shotgun have a scope on it?
Yes. We encourage hunters to use a scope on their shotgun.