Due to exceptionally dry conditions, the Department of Wildlife Resources has implemented a complete ban on any open burning (e.g., campfires, grills) on all DWR properties west of Interstate 95, effective immediately and lasting until further notice.

Media Center

Media Inquiries:

Paige Pearson, Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) Public Information Officer
paige.pearson@dwr.virginia.gov
804-370-0044

Press Releases:

2023

December 1, 2023: Tom’s Creek in Montgomery County Now a “No Fall Stocking” Water
November 30, 2023: 2024 Restore the Wild Artwork Competition is Live!
October 19, 2023: Whirling Disease Detected at State Fish Hatchery
October 17, 2023: Drivers: Slow Down For Deer!
September 27, 2023: Removal of Lower Section of Crooked Creek from Stocked Trout Program
August 29, 2023: Be Safe on the Water This Labor Day Weekend – Tropical Storms and Flooding Likely
August 16, 2023: New State Record Saugeye
August 11, 2023: DWR Recognizes Schools for the Virginia Naturally Schools Recognition Program
August 4, 2023: DWR Bear Management Plan Open for Public Comment
July 10, 2023: Summer Stocking Schedule Is Now In Effect for Clinch Mountain and Crooked Creek Fee Fishing Areas
June 29, 2023: Operation Dry Water and 4th of July Boating Safety
June 26, 2023: Join DWR’s Conservation Police to Serve Virginia’s Citizens and Outdoors
June 13, 2023: DWR Receives Muskie Fingerlings from North Carolina
June 6, 2023: Trophy Stocking Week Returns to Clinch Mountain and Crooked Creek Fee Fishing Areas
May 30, 2023: Fish On! Free Fishing Days Established for June 2–4, 2023
May 26, 2023: 2023 Spring Turkey Harvest
May 19, 2023: National Safe Boating Week and Media Ride-Along Throughout Virginia
May 18, 2023: 2022 Conservation Police Officer Of The Year Awarded To Officer First Class Amanda Nevel
May 10, 2023: Reminder: Spring Brings Increase Bear Activity
April 18, 2023: Agreements Expand Opportunities for Wildlife-Related Recreation in Southwest Virginia
April 4, 2023: Coastal Forest Wildlife Management Area Open for Hunting
March 15, 2023: The 2023 Old Dominion One Shot Turkey Hunt and Youth Essay Contest
March 13, 2023: Wytheville Community College Pond Now Part of Stocked Trout Program
March 10, 2023: Thoughts from the Winners: 2023 Restore the Wild Artwork Competition
March 10, 2023: 2023 Restore the Wild Artwork Competition Winners
March 8, 2023: DWR Reports 2022–2023 Chronic Wasting Disease Surveillance Results for Disease Management Areas
February 21, 2023: You’re Invited: Inaugural Restore the Wild Art Exhibition To Be Held at Artspace
February 14, 2023: 2022–2023 Bear, Deer, and Turkey Harvest Data Announced
February 6, 2023: Musky Broodstock Collection Partnership with NC Wildlife Resources Commission
February 1, 2023: Virginia Elk Hunt Lottery Applications Open Until March 30
January 31, 2023: Think You Found a Bear Den? Please Leave It Alone!
January 17, 2023: Chronic Wasting Disease Detected for the First Time in Fairfax County

2022

December 20, 2022: Virginia State Veterinarian Approves Entry of Santa’s Reindeer into Virginia on December 24
November 16, 2022: Assistance Needed from Virginia Hunters for Chronic Wasting Disease Surveillance (DMA3)
November 16, 2022: Assistance Needed from Virginia Hunters for Chronic Wasting Disease Surveillance
November 10, 2022: First Ever Virginia State Record Saugeye
November 10, 2022: New State Records: Archery Blue Catfish and Archery Flathead Catfish
November 7, 2022: Drivers: Slow Down For Deer!
October 19, 2022: Virginia Tourism Launches Collaboration Project with the Department of Wildlife Resources and Hmble Hstle Clothing
October 11, 2022: DWR Recognizes Schools for the Virginia Naturally Schools Recognition Program
October 3, 2022: Avian Influenza (HPAI) in Virginia
September 30, 2022: Virginia DWR Trout Stocking Season Opens October 1 + Expanded Trout Fishing Opportunities in Southwestern Virginia
September 28, 2022: Forecasted Flooding and Heavy Rains Lead to Fatal Boating Conditions
September 18, 2022: Lake Chesdin Boat Accident – Double Fatality
September 9, 2022: DWR Tracking Team Leads Successful Rescue in Smyth County
September 1, 2022: Be Safe on the Water This Labor Day Weekend
August 30, 2022: Cavalier Wildlife Management Area Closed for Dove Hunting
August 30, 2022: Join DWR for Public Elk Viewing Tours
August 30, 2022: DWR Elk Cam Is Live!
August 29, 2022: DWR Wildlife Biologist Ruth Boettcher is 2022 William T. Hesselton Memorial Award Recipient
August 26, 2022: 2021 Boating Officer of the Year Awarded to Officer First Class Shane Wilson
August 22, 2022: James Spinymussel Released Back Into the James River
August 15, 2022: Hemorrhagic Disease of Deer Reported in Virginia
August 8, 2022: DWR to Hold Public Meeting for Eastern Shore Land Acquisition
July 13, 2022: Reminder: The Release of Certain Balloons is Now Prohibited in the Commonwealth
July 1, 2022: Low Water Level at Laurel Bed Lake
June 30, 2022: DWR Encourages Life Jacket Wear While Boating
June 27, 2022: Operation Dry Water and 4th of July Boating Safety Media Days
June 24, 2022: DWR Encourages Life Jacket Wear While Boating
June 15, 2022: Appalachian Power Issues Warning About Water Levels Downstream of Claytor and Leesville Dams
June 13, 2022: DWR is Accepting Applications for the Elk Landowner License Program (ELLP) from Now Until July 1st
June 10, 2022: Open Comment Period Begins 6/11 for DWR Aquatic Wildlife, Recreational Fishing, and Boating Regulations
June 6, 2022: 2021 Conservation Police Officer of the Year Awarded to First Class Officer William Bostic
June 1, 2022: Fish On! Free Fishing Days Established for June 3–5
May 24, 2022: DWR Fish Hatcheries to Reopen May 27
May 23, 2022: DWR Reports Statewide 2021–2022 Chronic Wasting Disease Surveillance Results and Year-Round Deer Feeding Prohibition in Grayson County
May 18, 2022: National Safe Boating Week and Media Ride-Along Throughout Virginia
May 18, 2022: National Safe Boating Week and Media Ride-Along
May 17, 2022: Join DWR’s Conservation Police to Serve Virginia’s Citizens and Outdoors
May 12, 2022: Reminder: If You Find a Fawn, Leave It Alone
May 10, 2022: Join DWR’s Conservation Police to Serve Virginia’s Diverse Population
May 10, 2022: The 2022 Old Dominion One Shot Turkey Hunt and Youth Essay Contest
April 21, 2022: DWR Graduates New Class of Conservation Police Officers
April 13, 2022: Reminder: Spring Brings Increased Bear Activity
April 6, 2022: Removal of Lower Section of Elk Creek from Stocked Trout Program
April 1, 2022: DWR Shad Cam Returns for Its 22nd Season and Celebrates with Live Video Feed
March 30, 2022: Virginia “Falcon Cam” Falcon Laid Fourth Egg
March 28, 2022: Virginia “Falcon Cam” Falcon Laid Third Egg
March 28, 2022: Last Chance for Virginia Elk Hunt Lottery Applications Open Until March 30
March 25, 2022: Virginia “Falcon Cam” Falcon Laid Second Egg
March 24, 2022: Gill Lice Found in Southwestern Virginia
March 23, 2022: Virginia “Falcon Cam” Falcon Laid First Egg
March 21, 2022: 2022 Restore the Wild Artwork Competition Winners Chosen
March 17, 2022: The 2022 Old Dominion One Shot Turkey Hunt and Youth Essay Contest
March 16, 2022: Virginia Elk Hunt Lottery Applications Open Until March 30
March 8, 2022: DWR Reports 2021–2022 Chronic Wasting Disease Surveillance Results for Disease Management Areas
March 1, 2022: Richmond Falcon Cam 2022 Is Now Live With a Suite of New Features
February 24, 2022: DWR Received George H.W. Bush Vamos A Pescar™ Education Fund Grant
February 15, 2022: DWR Urging Citizens to Use Caution When Purchasing Fishing and Hunting Licenses
February 11, 2022: 2021–2022 Bear, Deer, and Turkey Harvest Data Announced
February 7, 2022: Leave Bear Dens Alone!
January 25, 2022: DWR Urging Citizens to Use Caution When Purchasing Fishing and Hunting Licenses
January 24, 2022: DWR Recognizes Fisheries and Wildlife Staff
January 21, 2022: Bull Elk Taken Illegally in the War Fork Area of Buchanan County
January 12, 2022: Governor Northam Opens Expansion of Virginia’s Doe Creek Wildlife Management Area
January 5, 2022: Scoping Period Open for DWR Fishing, Aquatic Wildlife Management, and Boating Regulations

2021

December 21, 2021: Virginia State Veterinarian Approves Entry of Santa’s Reindeer in Virginia on December 24
November 12, 2021: Second Annual Restore the Wild Artwork Competition Expanded and Open
November 12, 2021: Black Bear Fall Feeding Frenzy
November 8, 2021: Drivers: Slow Down for Deer!
October 29, 2021: The Department of Wildlife Resources and Devils Backbone Brewing Company Partner Together to Restore the Wild
October 27, 2021: Virginia DWR’s Rebecca Gwynn Wins Wildlife Management Excellence Awards
October 25, 2021: Retired DWR Executive Director Receives Highest Honor from Regional Wildlife Agencies
October 22, 2021: Virginia DWR Wins SEAFWA Diversity and Inclusion Award for Workforce Inclusion
October 20, 2021: Conservation at Work: Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources Announces First Paid Student Internships
October 8, 2021: DWR Urging Citizens to Use Caution When Purchasing Fishing and Hunting Licenses
September 21, 2021: 2021 Boating Officer of the Year Awarded to Senior Officer Brandon Harris
September 15, 2021: DWR Law Enforcement Division Receives Accreditation by the Virginia Law Enforcement Professional Standards Commission
August 20, 2021: DWR Advises Following Best Practice Guidelines to Resume Feeding Birds
August 10, 2021: Chronic Wasting Disease Public Meetings Scheduled in Culpeper, Floyd, Montgomery, and Pulaski Counties
July 28, 2021: Update on Avian Mortality Event in Northern/Northwestern Virginia
July 7, 2021: Virginia Conservation Police “Operation Dry Water” and Holiday Weekend Boating Safety Report
July 6, 2021: Open Comment Period for Montgomery County Chronic Wasting Disease Regulations
July 6, 2021: Continuing Avian Mortality Event in Northern/Northwestern Virginia
June 29, 2021: Public Comment Period on Proposed Regulation: Coyote and Furbearer Hunting Contests
June 25, 2021: Operation Dry Water and 4th of July Boating Safety Media Day
June 11, 2021: Forecasted Flooding and Heavy Rains Lead to Fatal Boating Conditions
June 8, 2021: 2020 Conservation Police Officer of the Year Awarded to Officer Cory D. Harbour
June 7, 2021: 2021 Spring Turkey Harvest
May 18, 2021: National Safe Boating Week and Media Ride Along
May 17, 2021: DWR Hosts Run for the Wild Virtual Running Event
May 12, 2021: Chronic Wasting Disease is Detected for the First Time in Montgomery County
May 10, 2021: Reminder: If You Find a Fawn, Leave It Alone
April 21, 2021: Reminder: If You See a Bear Cub, Leave It Alone
April 15, 2021: New State Record Fallfish
April 14, 2021: Reminder: Spring Brings Increased Bear Activity
April 9, 2021: 2020–2021 Chronic Wasting Disease Surveillance Results for Disease Management Areas 1 and 2
April 1, 2021: DWR Hosts COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic for Pre-Registered Individuals
March 26, 2021: DWR Encourages Safe Boating and Water Safety
March 19, 2021: Virginia Adopts Groundbreaking Regulation to Ensure the Protection of Migratory Birds
March 18, 2021: DWR Warns Outdoor Enthusiasts of Extremely Cold Water
March 16, 2021: New Boat Engine Cutoff Switch Law Goes Into Effect April 1
March 10, 2021: DWR Extends Deadline for Conservation Police Applications
March 9, 2021: DWR Now Leasing Falls Mills Lake for Public Access
March 5, 2021: Consumer Alert: Home Aquarium Moss Balls May Be Contaminated with Invasive Zebra Mussels
March 2, 2021: Richmond Falcon Cam 2021 is Live
March 1, 2021: 2020–21 Bear, Deer, and Turkey Harvest Data Announced
February 15, 2021: Restore the Wild Artwork Competition Winner Chosen
February 11, 2021: Join DWR Conservation Police for Facebook Live Recruiting Event
February 10, 2021: Chronic Wasting Disease Detected for First Time in Rappahannock County
February 5, 2021: Virginia’s Wildlife Viewers Encouraged to Participate in Open Comment Period
February 1, 2021: Join DWR’s Conservation Police to Serve Virginia’s Diverse Population
January 27, 2021: New Wildlife License Plate Announced
January 26, 2021: Culvert Replacement Project to Begin at Lake Shenandoah
January 22, 2021: Dredging Project to Begin at Osborne Landing
January 8, 2021: Virginia Opens Comment Period on Groundbreaking Rule to Ensure Development Protects Migratory Birds

2020

December 23, 2020: Chronic Wasting Disease Detected for First Time in Madison County
December 17, 2020: Chronic Wasting Disease Detected for First time in Warren County
December 14, 2020: Note to Hunters: DWR to Discontinue Game Check Stations and Game Check Books Next Fall
December 4, 2020: DWR is Looking for Conservation Collaboration Partners
November 18, 2020: Chronic Wasting Disease Detected in Loudoun County
November 17, 2020: Reminder: Wildlife Are Wild Animals, Not Pets
November 12, 2020: Forecasted Flooding and Heavy Rain Could Lead to Fatal Boating Conditions
October 22, 2020: Drivers: Slow Down for Deer!
October 19, 2020: Partnering for Public Access with POWRR (PALS)
September 30, 2020: Chronic Wasting Disease: 2020–2021 Disease Management Areas
September 18, 2020: Department of Wildlife Resources Special Ops Unit Receives National Award
September 18, 2020: Hurricane Sally Brings Heavy Rains and Flooding Which Could Lead to Fatal Boating Conditions
September 15, 2020: Department of Wildlife Resources Board Member Receives Prestigious John L. Morris Award
September 9, 2020: DWR Sergeant Daniel Hall Receives Guy Bradley Award
September 9, 2020: Chronic Wasting Disease: Loudoun County Added to Disease Management Area 2
September 4, 2020: Heavy Rain and Flooding Lead to Fatal Boating Conditions
August 25, 2020: Six DWR Habitat Projects Funded by Restore the Wild
August 21, 2020: Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources to Seek Accreditation by the Virginia Law Enforcement Professional Standards Commission
August 19, 2020: Agencies to Add River Access Points in Shenandoah River Watershed
August 3, 2020: Tropical Storm to Bring Forecasting Flooding and Heavy Rain — Could Lead to Fatal Boating Conditions
July 8, 2020: Virginia Conservation Police “Operation Dry Water” and Holiday Weekend Boating Safety Report
July 1, 2020: DGIF Changes Name to the Department of Wildlife Resources Effective July 1
June 30, 2020: Department of Wildlife Resources Legislation Changes Effective July 1