Public Hunting Land in Virginia

Virginia offers a diverse landscape for public land hunters — from the Appalachian Mountains to coastal marshes — with over 2 million acres of public and accessible private land available. Hunters in the Commonwealth can pursue whitetail deer, bear, turkey, waterfowl, upland birds, and small game across well-managed areas.

Types of Public Land Available in Virginia:

• Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs): Managed by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR), these lands require a hunting license and WMA access permit.

• National Forests: George Washington and Jefferson National Forests offer vast terrain for big game and small game hunting.

• State Forests: Many allow hunting in designated areas with a valid permit.

• Public Access Lands for Sportsmen (PALS): Private lands enrolled in Virginia’s access program for public use.

Seasons & Access Info

Virginia hunting seasons are organized by region and game species. Some public lands require special permits or check-in or are managed under quota hunt systems.

Key Resources:

• Hunting Season Dates & Regulations

• License, Tags, & Access Permits

• Quota Hunts & Lottery Info

Pro Tip: Virginia’s early muzzleloader season is a favorite for public land hunters who want to target unpressured bucks in the mountains.

Explore Public Hunting Access in Virginia

Use these tools to locate public hunting areas, understand boundaries, and access special permit areas:

• WMA & Public Lands Maps

• National Forest & State Forest Hunting Info

• PALS Program Overview & Access Map

From hardwood ridges to tidal wetlands, Virginia’s public lands offer something for every hunter — whether you’re after a trophy buck or a limit of squirrels.