Virginia Hunting License Guide
Complete guide to Virginia hunting licenses — costs, seasons, and how to buy through Virginia DWR.
Virginia Hunting License Fees (2025-2026)
Virginia offers diverse hunting opportunities managed by the Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR). The Old Dominion features varied terrain from the Appalachian mountains in the west to the coastal tidewater region in the east, supporting healthy populations of white-tailed deer, black bear, wild turkey, waterfowl, and small game. Virginia uses a tiered license system with separate hunting, deer/turkey, archery, muzzleloading, and bear licenses. The Sportsman License ($99) bundles everything together. Non-residents pay $111 for the base hunting license. Virginia's black bear population is thriving, and the state offers excellent bear hunting in the mountain counties. The state recently expanded Sunday hunting statewide. Virginia offers an age-scaled lifetime license with discounting — seniors 65+ can get a lifetime hunting license for just $25.
| License Type | Resident | Non-Resident | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Resident Deer and Turkey License (16+) | $22.00 | — | 1 year | |
| Resident Junior Deer/Turkey (under 16) | $7.50 | — | 1 year | |
| NR Hunting License (16+) | — | $111.00 | 1 year | |
| NR 3-Day Hunt License (16+) | — | $60.00 | 3 days | |
| NR Junior Hunting (under 12) | — | $13.00 | 1 year | |
| NR Junior Hunting (12-15) | — | $16.00 | 1 year | |
| NR Youth Combo (under 16) | — | $31.00 | 1 year | Hunt + bear + deer/turkey + archery + muzzle |
| Resident Archery License | $17.00 | — | 1 year | |
| Resident Muzzleloading License | $17.00 | — | 1 year | |
| Resident Bear Hunting License | $20.00 | — | 1 year | |
| Resident Sportsman License | $99.00 | — | 1 year | All licenses bundled |
| Disabled Veteran Hunting | $11.00 | — | 1 year | |
| Lifetime Hunting (65+) | $25.00 | — | Lifetime | |
| Lifetime Hunting (61-64) | $65.00 | — | Lifetime | |
| Lifetime Hunting (through 44) | $265.00 | — | Lifetime |
Prices from Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources. Last verified: 2026-03-13. Always confirm current fees with the official state agency before purchase.
Hunter Education Requirements
Required for all first-time buyers. Apprentice license available for 2 years ($21 NR).
How to Buy a Virginia Hunting License
- 1
Complete Hunter Education
If required, complete a state-approved hunter education course before purchasing your license.
- 2
Gather Required Documents
Have your government-issued photo ID, Social Security Number, and proof of residency (if applicable) ready.
- 3
Visit the Official Portal
Go to Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources or an authorized retail agent (Walmart, sporting goods stores).
- 4
Select License Type & Pay
Choose the appropriate license type for your needs, add any required endorsements or tags, and complete payment.
- 5
Print or Save Your License
Print your license or save a digital copy. You must carry your valid license while hunting in Virginia.
Need help? Call Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources at 804-367-1000
Virginia Hunting Seasons (2025-2026)
| Species | Method | Start Date | End Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| White-tailed Deer | Archery | October 4 | January 3 | |
| White-tailed Deer | Firearms (General) | November 15 | January 3 | |
| White-tailed Deer | Muzzleloader | November 1 | November 14 | |
| Black Bear | Archery | October 4 | November 14 | |
| Black Bear | Firearms | November 24 | January 3 | |
| Turkey | Spring | April 12 | May 17 | |
| Turkey | Fall | October 4 | November 8 | |
| Duck | General | November 1 | January 31 | |
| Dove | General | September 1 | January 15 |
Discounts & Exemptions
| Group | Benefit | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Senior | Lifetime ($25) | Virginia residents 65+ — lifetime license for just $25 |
| Youth | Reduced ($7.50) | Junior deer/turkey license for under 16 |
| Disabled Veteran | Reduced ($11) or Free | Partially disabled: $11; Service-connected totally disabled: free lifetime |
| Active Military | Resident rates | Active duty military stationed in Virginia |
Virginia Hunting Regulations Overview
Bag Limits
Check species-specific bag limits in the Virginia official regulations. Limits vary by species, management unit, and season.
Legal Methods
Approved hunting methods include firearm, archery, and muzzleloader. Specific rules apply to each method.
Safety Requirements
Blaze orange/pink clothing may be required during firearms seasons. Check Virginia specific requirements.
Shooting Hours
Hunting is generally permitted from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. Check local variations.
Recommended Gear for Virginia Hunting
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Virginia Hunting License FAQ
How much does a hunting license cost in Virginia?
A resident hunting license in Virginia starts at $11.00. Non-resident licenses start at $111.00. Additional tags and endorsements may be required depending on the species you plan to hunt.
Do I need hunter education to hunt in Virginia?
Yes, Virginia requires hunter education for first-time buyers. Required for all first-time buyers. Apprentice license available for 2 years ($21 NR). The state accepts hunter education certificates from other states.
Can non-residents hunt in Virginia?
Yes, non-residents can purchase a Virginia hunting license. The non-resident general hunting license costs $111.00. Some special tags or units may have limited non-resident allocations.
What is the deer season in Virginia?
Archery: October 4 – January 3. Firearms (General): November 15 – January 3. Muzzleloader: November 1 – November 14
Are there free hunting licenses in Virginia?
Yes, Virginia offers free or reduced-cost licenses for: disabled-veteran (Partially disabled: $11; Service-connected totally disabled: free lifetime).
Can I buy a Virginia hunting license online?
Yes, you can purchase a Virginia hunting license online through the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources website at https://gooutdoorsvirginia.com/. Licenses may also be available at authorized retail locations.