Description
The Pettigrew Wildlife Management Area, managed by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, contains a mix of bottomland hardwood forest, upland early successional woods, and managed fields. Magnificent woods on the right side of Ware Creek Road attract a multitude of migrant and breeding passerines. The fields and adjacent forest near the parking area also offer great wildlife viewing opportunities. The fields are planted with corn and sunflower, which offer food for many species. Look for white-tailed deer and wild turkey foraging at dawn and dusk in these fields. Wildflowers such as goldenrod make this spot attractive for many types of butterflies, including eastern tiger swallowtail and silver-spotted skipper.
Notes:
- To Access the Site: A Restore the Wild Membership, Virginia hunting license, freshwater fishing license, boat registration, or an access permit is required.
- This site may be closed during certain times of year for hunting or land management. See seasonal access information on the Pettigrew WMA website.
- If you are visiting this site during hunting seasons, please wear blaze orange/pink for safety.
Wildlife Sightings
122 species have been reported at this site to date.
Birds Recently Seen at Pettigrew Wildlife Management Area:
- Mourning Dove
- Turkey Vulture
- Red-tailed Hawk
- Red-bellied Woodpecker
- White-eyed Vireo
- Yellow-throated Vireo
- Red-eyed Vireo
- Blue Jay
- American Crow
- Common Raven
Recent Checklists:
| Date | # of Species | Submitted By |
|---|---|---|
| 27 Apr 2026 | 33 | David Chewning |
| 15 Nov 2025 | 5 | Kirk Gardner |
| 15 Nov 2025 | 5 | Ashley Lohr |
| 15 Nov 2025 | 5 | Kathy Hixson |
| 15 Nov 2025 | 5 | Chad Stachowiak |
Amenities & Accessibility
Amenities
- On-site Parking
Other Amenities: Camping/Lodging, Hiking Trails
Accessibility Considerations
This location does not have a Birdability Site Review available at this time
Learn more about Birdability’s efforts to map accessible outdoor spaces
Maps & Directions
Physical Addresses: 4106 Buckner Road and 3776 Buckner Road, Rappahannock Academy, VA 22538
From I-95, exit onto US-1 South/US-17 South, turn left to stay on US-17 South, in approximately 13 miles, turn left onto Buckner Road/SR-615, and the first parking area is on the left. A second parking area is located 0.3 miles further ahead near the intersection of Buckner Road and Ware Creek Road. The provided GPS coordinates route to the first parking area.
Site Information
Access Requirements:
- Daily. Restore the Wild Membership, hunting license, freshwater fishing license, boat registration, or an access permit is required.
Contact Information:
- Virginia DWR - Region 1 Office (804) 829-6580, Contact Us
- Visit Website
Sites, or portions of sites, can be closed periodically for management activities. Please always check the site’s website for additional information prior to visiting.