As a result of legislation which passed the General Assembly and was approved by the Governor, the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries will become known as the Department of Wildlife Resources beginning July 1, 2020.
Chronic Wasting Disease
Chronic wasting disease (CWD) has been found in Clarke and Fauquier counties.
Disease Management Area 2 (DMA2) has been expanded to include Fauquier, Loudoun, Page, and Rappahannock counties, in addition to Culpeper, Madison, and Orange counties.
Whole deer carcasses, and parts containing brain or spinal cord tissue, originating from a Disease Management Area (DMA) cannot be transported to any county not designated as a DM.
Whole deer carcasses, and parts containing brain or spinal cord tissue, originating from DMA1 may be transported only within DMA1.
Whole deer carcasses, and parts containing brain or spinal cord tissue, originating from DMA2 may be transported anywhere within both DMA1 and DMA2.
All deer killed in Culpeper, Madison, and Shenandoah counties on November 14, 2020 must be brought to a designated CWD sample station to be tested for CWD.
Feeding of deer is now prohibited year round in Prince William County.
Senior Combo Lifetime License
Virginia residents 80 years of age and older may purchase a Senior Combination Lifetime License which includes a hunting license, bear license, and deer/turkey license. All other required licenses, permits, and stamps must be purchased separately.
Guaranteed Hunts Prohibited
It is unlawful to offer for sale, sell, offer to purchase, or purchase a hunt guaranteeing the killing of a deer, bear, or wild turkey.
Penalty for Hunting, Trapping, and Fishing Convictions
In addition to previously prescribed penalties, individuals convicted of violating laws associated with hunting, trapping, and/or fishing may also be prohibited by the court from hunting, trapping, and/or fishing in Virginia for a period of one to five years.
Individuals who are found to be hunting, trap- ping or fishing while they are prohibited to do so may receive an additional one to five years to their prohibition.
Quota Hunts
New quota hunts for archery deer, spring turkeys, and dove have been added for Land’s End WMA in King George County.
