Restore The Wild Membership

Is the membership required to enter Wildlife Management Areas?

Yes, you need to purchase the annual Restore the Wild Membership ($25.00 level and up) or a Day Pass to enter a Wildlife Management Area, but only if you do not already own a current Virginia hunting license, freshwater fishing license, boat registration, or an access permit. These licenses/ permits also provide access and their funds support DWR’s conservation efforts.

Is the Membership good for the calendar year or a year from date of purchase?

If you purchase a Membership (at any level), it is good for one year from the date of purchase.

Can I access a Wildlife Management Area with this Membership?

Yes, an Access Permit is included as a benefit in your Restore the Wild Membership. This will allow you to access all DWR Wildlife Management Areas and Lakes.

How does the Guided WMA Tour work?

Purchase of a Golden Eagle Level Restore the Wild Membership grants an individual entry into a raffle for the opportunity to receive a guided group tour at a WMA. The raffle drawing will occur every July for tours to occur in either October or April.

Where are DWR’s Wildlife Management Areas and Lakes?

Please visit our Wildlife Management Area webpage to find a list and map of all our WMAs. Visit our Lakes webpage for a list of lakes by city/ county.

I’d like to bring a group to a WMA. Is everyone in the group required to have a Membership?

Everyone in the group (age 17 or older) must have one of the following: a Restore the Wild Membership, a Virginia hunting license, freshwater fishing license, boat registration, or a Group Access Permit. All of these items provide access and their funds support DWR’s conservation efforts. Note: For groups of 12 or more people, a Special Use Authorization (SUA) is also required.

Is there a Family Membership available?

No. At this time, DWR only offers Restore the Wild Memberships for individuals, so all members of the family age 17 and older will need a Membership or a day pass, if they plan to visit a WMA. However, children age 16 years of age and younger are not required to have a membership or day pass to access a WMA.

Is there a Lifetime Membership available?

No. This is not authorized in the Code of Virginia section that gives the Board of Wildlife Resources authority to create a lifetime permit.

Is there a discounted Membership for ages 65+?

No. This is not authorized in the Code of Virginia section that gives the Board of Wildlife Resources authority to create this permit.

Do I need to carry a membership on my person while at a DWR WMA or Lake?

Yes, while visiting a DWR WMA or Lake, please carry your Restore the Wild Membership (or a hunting/ boating/ fishing license or a day pass) on you in any of the following forms: electronic copy, printed paper, or annual hard card. You must present the membership (or hunting/ boating/ fishing license or day pass), if requested by one of DWR’s Conservation Police Officers.

What activities are allowed at DWR’s Wildlife Management Areas?

Rules and allowed activities may be found online and are posted on signs at the facilities. Be sure to check the allowed activities for the specific WMA you plan to visit, as these vary from property to property.