Important Notices for this WMA
| Notice |
|---|
| Game Farm Marsh No Longer Enrolled In a Quota Hunt ProgramGame Farm Marsh is no longer enrolled in a Quota Hunt program. |
Overview
Game Farm Marsh Wildlife Management Area features spectacular cypress forests and black water stained by tannic acid. It is also among the best areas in eastern Virginia to see a variety of interior wetland birds.
Game Farm Marsh is on the northern shore of the Chickahominy lake in New Kent County adjacent to the Virginia Department of Forestry Tree Farm. The area’s entire 429 acres is wetland and can be accessed only by boat. Two creeks allow access into the interior of the eastern side of the property. The shallow waters of this area are clogged with submerged vegetation and covered by duck weed in the warmer months. This vegetation makes navigation difficult but its value to wildlife is immense.
Hunting
Sunday Hunting Opportunities on Public Lands in Virginia »
Waterfowl hunting is popular here and wood ducks are the number one species harvested. Please note the “no hunting safety zone” near portions of New Kent Forestry Center’s walking trail. Also, be mindful of legally licensed stationary blinds adjacent to Game Farm Marsh near private lands, especially when float-blind hunting — waterfowl blind laws apply here.
Game Farm Marsh WMA is open for waterfowl hunting Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday. Hunters may not occupy the area before 5:00 AM and must vacate the area by 1:00 PM. The seven stationary blinds previously licensed in the Game Farm Marsh WMA degraded into disrepair and were removed to prevent putting hunters at risk. Shoreline hunting remains an effective and often times the only legal method due to nearby licensed private blinds. Please respect other hunters and maintain a comfortable distance between hunting parties.
Fishing
Nearby Chickahominy Lake provides ample fishing opportunities year around. Bass, crappie, and pickerel are often caught. The thick grass beds and abundant panfish make fly-fishing popular here.
Other Activities
This management area is an excellent place to view wetland wildlife for those adventurous enough to boat to the area. Herons, beaver, osprey, and wood ducks are among the species likely to be seen.
Maps & Directions
The area is east of Richmond on U.S. Route 60, approximately halfway between Providence Forge and Walkers Dam, on the Chickahominy River. Access to the area is by boat from commercial ramps on Chickahominy Lake.
Map of Game Farm Marsh WMA
What To Know Before Visiting
A valid Virginia hunting or trapping license, fishing license, current certificate of Virginia boat registration, access permit, or current “Restore the Wild” membership is required to use this area.
Recreational Opportunities
- Hunting
- Trapping
- Warmwater Fishing
- Horseback Riding Prohibited
- Wildlife Viewing
Images by: Meghan Marchetti/DWR