I know this is a VA hunting sub but I was wondering if anyone has hunted sleepy creek in WV. Looks like it would be nice. What is your general experience with WV hunting?

I've got some property in Westmoreland County and will be hunting it this season, does anyone know of a deer processor? I think the closest one is a place called Spindles Processing. It's not super far and looks like it's got a good reputation just thought I would ask the fine people of this sub. Spindles is about an hour drive. Also if anyone has experience hunting in Westmoreland, I see they allow shotgun and muzzleloader during their respective seasons and not rifles. Is hunting with a pistol for firearm season still okay?

Just moved down here for work and want to get hunting, but can't seem to find any shops that process deer. Anyone know any places around these cities I can take it for jerky, bologna, steaks, burger, etc. and what they charge? Thanks!

I’m active duty military stationed here and want to take my first deer. Looking for a good area for myself and a friend or two to go and fill a tag or two. Im using a crossbow btw.

Why? Cuz back in California a Coyote got on of my pets… so time for revenge! Jk

I’ve been around guns my whole life, but unfortunately, never was around hunting. I spent the last 10 years moving around in the military but now we are settled in VA as our new home (I’m not originally from here). Now that I’m out of the military I would like to pick up hunting as a hobby.

I live fairly close to CF Phelps WMA and I’ve read that there is a decent population of coyotes there. I did some reading on the DWR website, but I’m still a bit confused on hunting on public land here. From what I understand if I want to hunt Coyotes, all I need is a hunting license. Now when i go out to CF Phelps, do I just drive / hike in, find a field and wait/call the coyotes? Are there any reservations / specific areas? How do hunters deconflict with each other so bullets are flying everywhere?

Additionally, I’d like to take my son squirrel /rabbit hunting in CF Phelps too. Is squirrel season meant for rifle or bow? I’d like to take him rifle hunting as I bought him a 22LR that he’s been dying to get a squirrel with.

Lastly, does anyone know if having a Conceal Carry License waives the hunters safety course? I’m pretty sure doing the hunters safety qualifies you to apply for a conceal carry license but not sure about the other way around. If not, where can I do my hunters safety at? I’m a disabled vet, so I’m going to apply for the VA lifetime hunting and fishing license.

I appreciate the help! The real reason for wanting to do varmint hunting is because it seems like the easiest / least amount of rules to break hunting to get into. Eventually id like to bow hunt deer, as I practice with my bow quite a bit, but the rules and stuff intimidate me.

TL;DR id like to get into varmint hunting and squirrel/rabbit hunting at CF Phelps, with a hunting license, can I just walk out into the WMA and shoot? Does having a Conceal Carry License waive the hunters safety course requirement for a hunting license?

This question is about Deer hunting.

I've hunted on family land before when I was a kid but never as an adult.

I know I don't need to buy a license but do I still need to take a hunters safety course or archery safety course to bow hunt on my own property? The DWR website is pretty confusing on answering this question...

Thanks in advance.

What are the basic methods to hunt deer here? Do I need a deer stand. Is public land overcrowded in certain regions? What basic stuff do I need to bring to stay legal? Is there seperate muzzleloder/rifle seasons? I have hunted antelope in CO and black bear in AK. But I have never been deer hunting and now live here in Virgina. I am starting for meat deer either sex with muzzleloader/rifle. I literally know nothing about deer hunting and need a 101 jump start. Thank you

Hello all!

As the title states, I am a new hunter and VA disabled veteran, which means I have my free tags, and I would like to look into using them this year! I am interested in using both the bear and deer tags if possible.

I have never hunted before, but have had a keen interest for years. I live in the RVA area and don’t really know where to begin finding people to help or locations and methods. I went to an outdoors store (Dances) and asked a bit about things, but didn’t really get much help.

Ideally, it would be nice to have a mentor that can help me learn the ropes and even potentially help me go hunting for the first time.

I appreciate all the help in advance!

Best advice for a new duck hunter? Looking to hunt the early season. I know the rules are different east vs if 95 but that’s about it.

I got some buddies saying that you can kill a doe any day in bow season on national forest in alleghany county. However during muzzleloader and firearms, its on specific days. Does anyone have any insight?

Has anyone has any luck hunting Goshen wma? Was down there this weekend using the rifle range and thought I might give it a try this season. Lots of steep terrain seems like there might be some good areas not a lot of hunters are willing to walk through.

Still new to hunting, my plans for this season will have me mostly in the woods. I’ve been trying to determine which direction to go but I keep getting conflicting, unconvincing answers. Hoping this community can help.

Thanks in advance!

Growing up I never really hunted, or was really shown how to. Once I turned 18 I bought my first shotgun and did some squirrel hunting. Now I really want to harvest my first deer but I can’t find anywhere to go besides public. I did archery and rifle season last year on wma’s with no success. Not sure if I’m just doing something wrong or if public land near me just isn’t great.

Looking to donate to hunters for the hungry this year. The only place I knew of before was in Beaverdam but I just moved to Charlottesville and am looking local to donate the meats to the people. Much appreciated and good luck to all this season.

So, I am a Cadet at the VMI area, I’ve been hunting since four years old. I have killed countless deer over 140. I also like to film hunts. I’m looking for a mentor or partner to hunt in the rock ridge area. I love to bow hunt but I do it all. To include I’m an avid duck hunter and very efficient turkey hunter (took fifteen people and killed thirty turkeys 2 per person legal limit in Tennessee).Any and everything is appreciated.

Hi, my account isn't showing up on the dwr app or website

I'm hoping that it wasn't from a previous violation this year in Montana in June where I forgot to buy my fishing license and got ticketed for that. I paid the ticket and I was never told about a license suspension

Would an out of state violation cause a license suspension?

Wondering if I can shoot my bow/crossbow in any parks or nature areas in NOVA ahead of hunting season.

I’m going to be going hunting for the first time. I’m planning on hiking pretty far out into public land so I don’t have to compete with most of the other hunters. I’m wondering if it’s legal to use the gutless method so I can pack out the meat and leave the rest. Would prefer not to have to drag the deer for miles. Thanks!

Hello.

New to the sub.

As the title says, I am looking for good places to hunt feral hogs in Virginia.

Help please! 😄👍🏾

Have always felt a strong desire but being from NY no one in my family or circles hunt. Moved to Virginia early this year, got my hunting license and have been spending my time doing all the research I can for this fall. Since I’ll be hunting public land, I wanted to reach out to this community for some “common sense” do’s and don’ts that you don’t find online or in the books so I’m not potentially ruining others hunts.

Thanks in advance

*Edit - I know people are reluctant to give up their good spots. But so far ive been focusing my research and prep on the Rapidan WMA’s. Basically what I’m asking is will I be able to have success there(discounting my lack of experience lol)? Or are there other public lands you recommend. I live in Fairfax county but am motivated and willing to travel

This will be my first season duck hunting in Virginia. With that said, is it legal to hunt land in VA that is public but isn't a WMA? Looking at hunting a creek near my home but unsure if it's illegal for some odd reason

My family owns a property that includes shoreline and a finger of water on a small private pond/lake (+-10 acres). There are two other properties that encompass the rest of the water. I have a few questions:

1. Are there any differences because the pond is private and has no public access?
2. Do we have legal access to the entirety of the water? For example, can we waterfowl hunt the entire pond or just the part within the property lines.
3. Are fishing and boating any different?

I can give more details if that would help clarify these questions or anything else somebody thinks of.

First successful early antlerless deer. This season is the saving grace of living this close to DC.

Gorilla ammo 300blk 115gr Pig Punisher through a Witt Machine Dirty 30. She ran just under 50 yards and crashed.

Heading out in a few days to scope the area out for deer, looking for some insight. What’s the area like? Deer population? How open are the woods? I intend on using my flintlock while I’m out there, so my concern is how wet the ground is. I’ll come back and update the post with what I see and learn about the area!

How does everybody feel about CWD? I know it’s not very prevalent…yet, but it worries me if my wife and son are going to be eating the meat. Where can I get it tested and how much does it cost?

I'm new to the East coast and I've been looking at these state park/national wildlife refuge hunts which let you shoot more than 1 deer in a day provided one is antlerless. Coming from the west, the thought of shooting two deer in a day is eye-opening.

How do you guys do it? Shoot deer #1, gut it, throw it in the truck and go back to blind/stand for #2? I doubt you let it sit in the field

Long time law enforcement looking to get into hunting. Have family that hunts, but none local to Va. would love a mentor or someone to show me the ropes for deer hunting and (hopefully) dressing.