The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) is requesting the assistance of bowhunters in gathering important information about wildlife encountered while hunting during the early archery season.
We thank all of you who participated in the 2026 Bowhunter Survey. Last year, 150 bowhunters recorded the animals they observed while spending 4,860 hours afield—down from a high of 626 cooperators in 2001. The observational data that cooperating bowhunters provide each year is used to monitor changes in the abundance of certain wildlife populations, and increased participation is desired.
Beginning this fall, all Bowhunter Survey entries will be made electronically utilizing ArcGIS Survey123. Information from this survey directly influences decisions related to the management and conservation of Virginia’s wildlife.
Visit the Online Bowhunter SurveyNeed to help getting started with Survey123’s web app? See these web app instructions.
Prefer to use the Survey123 mobile app? See these mobile app instructions.