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Virginia Hunting Season Dates 2026–27

Season openers, closers, and tag requirements by species. Always confirm against VA Dept of Wildlife Resources (DWR) before you hunt. Dates can change.

License: resident $23 · nonresident $110. Species tags and permits are extra. See each section below.

White-tailed Deer Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Early ArcheryOct 3, 2026Nov 13, 2026License + Bonus/Antlerless Tags
Late Archery - group 1: Late archery group 1Dec 13, 2026Jan 2, 2027License
Late Archery - group 2: Late archery group 2Nov 29, 2026Jan 2, 2027License
Late Archery - Chesapeake, Suffolk (east) and Virginia Beach: Chesapeake, Suffolk (east of the Dismal Swamp line) and Virginia BeachDec 1, 2026Jan 2, 2027License
Urban Archery (early segment) - antlerless only: Urban Archery areaSep 5, 2026Oct 2, 2026License + Antlerless Tag
Urban Archery (late segment) - antlerless only: Urban Archery areaJan 3, 2027Mar 28, 2027License + Antlerless Tag
NOVA Late Archery - antlerless only: NOVA Late Archery areaMar 29, 2027Apr 25, 2027License + Antlerless Tag
Youth and Apprentice Deer Hunting WeekendSep 26, 2026Sep 27, 2026Youth or Apprentice License
Early MuzzleloaderOct 31, 2026Nov 13, 2026License + Muzzleloading License
Late Muzzleloader - East of the Blue RidgeDec 12, 2026Jan 2, 2027License + Muzzleloading License
Late Muzzleloader - West of the Blue RidgeDec 12, 2026Jan 2, 2027License + Muzzleloading License
Firearms (private lands) - Buchanan County, antlered only: Firearms deer - Buchanan CountyNov 14, 2026Dec 12, 2026License
Firearms (private lands) - Dickenson and Wise: Firearms deer - Dickenson and WiseNov 14, 2026Dec 12, 2026License
Firearms (private lands) - Alleghany/Bath/Highland/Lee/Rockingham (W): Firearms deer - Alleghany/Bath/Highland/Lee/Rockingham (W)Nov 14, 2026Dec 12, 2026License
Firearms (private lands) - Henry and Patrick: Firearms deer - Henry and PatrickNov 14, 2026Dec 12, 2026License
Firearms (private lands) - Bland/Russell/Scott/Tazewell: Firearms deer - Bland/Russell/Scott/TazewellNov 14, 2026Dec 12, 2026License
Firearms (private lands) - Augusta/Botetourt/Craig/Giles/Grayson/Rockbridge/Smyth/Washington: Firearms deer - Augusta/Botetourt/Craig/Giles/Grayson/Rockbridge/Smyth/WashingtonNov 14, 2026Dec 12, 2026License
Firearms (private lands) - Caroline/King & Queen/King William: Firearms deer - Caroline/King & Queen/King WilliamNov 14, 2026Jan 2, 2027License
Firearms (private lands) - Amelia/Cumberland/Gloucester/Nottoway: Firearms deer - Amelia/Cumberland/Gloucester/NottowayNov 14, 2026Jan 2, 2027License
Firearms (private lands) - Appomattox/Brunswick/Buckingham group: Firearms deer - Appomattox/Brunswick/Buckingham and similarNov 14, 2026Jan 2, 2027License
Firearms (private lands) - general east/piedmont group, either-sex full season: Firearms deer - general east/piedmont groupNov 14, 2026Jan 2, 2027License
Firearms - Chesapeake, Suffolk (east) and Virginia Beach: Chesapeake, Suffolk (east of the Dismal Swamp line) and Virginia BeachOct 1, 2026Nov 30, 2026License
Firearms - George Washington and Jefferson National ForestNov 14, 2026Nov 28, 2026License
Early Antlerless-Only Firearms (black diamond area): Early/late antlerless-only firearms area (black diamond)Sep 5, 2026Oct 2, 2026License + Antlerless/Bonus Tag
Late Antlerless-Only Firearms (black diamond area): Early/late antlerless-only firearms area (black diamond)Jan 3, 2027Mar 28, 2027License + Antlerless/Bonus Tag
Early Antlerless-Only Firearms - Bedford County private lands: Early/late antlerless-only firearms area (yellow diamond)Sep 5, 2026Oct 2, 2026License + Antlerless/Bonus Tag
Late Antlerless-Only Firearms - Bedford County private lands: Early/late antlerless-only firearms area (yellow diamond)Jan 3, 2027Jan 31, 2027License + Antlerless/Bonus Tag

Wild Turkey Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Archery (fall)Oct 3, 2026Nov 13, 2026License + Deer/Turkey License
Youth and Apprentice Fall Turkey WeekendOct 10, 2026Oct 11, 2026Youth or Apprentice License
Fall Firearms (first segment) - all open countiesOct 17, 2026Oct 30, 2026License + Deer/Turkey License
Fall Firearms - group A single day: Fall turkey group ANov 26, 2026Nov 26, 2026License + Deer/Turkey License
Fall Firearms (second segment) - group B: Fall turkey group BNov 25, 2026Nov 26, 2026License + Deer/Turkey License
Fall Firearms (third segment) - group B: Fall turkey group BNov 30, 2026Dec 26, 2026License + Deer/Turkey License
Fall Firearms (fourth segment) - group B: Fall turkey group BJan 9, 2027Jan 23, 2027License + Deer/Turkey License
Fall Firearms (second segment) - group C: Fall turkey group CNov 25, 2026Nov 26, 2026License + Deer/Turkey License
Fall Firearms (third segment) - group C: Fall turkey group CNov 30, 2026Dec 12, 2026License + Deer/Turkey License
Fall Firearms (second segment) - group D: Fall turkey group DNov 25, 2026Nov 26, 2026License + Deer/Turkey License
Fall Firearms (third segment) - group D: Fall turkey group DNov 30, 2026Dec 12, 2026License + Deer/Turkey License
Fall Firearms (fourth segment) - group D: Fall turkey group DJan 9, 2027Jan 23, 2027License + Deer/Turkey License
Youth and Apprentice Spring Turkey WeekendApr 3, 2027Apr 4, 2027Youth or Apprentice License
Spring Gobbler (morning hours only, half hour before sunrise to noon)Apr 10, 2027Apr 25, 2027License + Deer/Turkey License
Spring Gobbler (all-day, half hour before sunrise to sunset)Apr 26, 2027May 15, 2027License + Deer/Turkey License

Black Bear Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Early Firearms - southwest counties: Bear - southwest coalfield countiesSep 28, 2026Sep 30, 2026License + Bear License
Archery - southwest counties: Bear - southwest coalfield countiesOct 3, 2026Nov 13, 2026License + Bear License
Muzzleloader - southwest counties: Bear - southwest coalfield countiesNov 7, 2026Nov 13, 2026License + Bear License
Firearms - southwest counties: Bear - southwest coalfield countiesNov 23, 2026Jan 2, 2027License + Bear License
Archery - central group: Bear - central groupOct 3, 2026Nov 13, 2026License + Bear License
Muzzleloader - central group: Bear - central groupNov 7, 2026Nov 13, 2026License + Bear License
Firearms - central group: Bear - central groupNov 23, 2026Jan 2, 2027License + Bear License
Archery - mountain/piedmont group: Bear - mountain/piedmont groupOct 17, 2026Nov 13, 2026License + Bear License
Muzzleloader - mountain/piedmont group: Bear - mountain/piedmont groupNov 10, 2026Nov 13, 2026License + Bear License
Firearms (first segment) - mountain/piedmont group: Bear - mountain/piedmont groupNov 27, 2026Nov 29, 2026License + Bear License
Firearms (second segment) - mountain/piedmont group: Bear - mountain/piedmont groupDec 21, 2026Jan 2, 2027License + Bear License
Archery - southern and eastern group: Bear - southern and eastern groupOct 3, 2026Nov 13, 2026License + Bear License
Muzzleloader - southern and eastern group: Bear - southern and eastern groupNov 7, 2026Nov 13, 2026License + Bear License
Firearms - southern and eastern group: Bear - southern and eastern groupNov 30, 2026Jan 2, 2027License + Bear License
Archery - Chesapeake, Suffolk and Virginia Beach: Bear - Chesapeake, Suffolk and Virginia BeachOct 3, 2026Nov 13, 2026License + Bear License
Firearms - Chesapeake, Suffolk and Virginia Beach: Bear - Chesapeake, Suffolk and Virginia BeachOct 1, 2026Jan 2, 2027License + Bear License
Archery - Accomack and Northampton: Bear - Accomack and NorthamptonOct 3, 2026Nov 13, 2026License + Bear License
Muzzleloader - Accomack and Northampton: Bear - Accomack and NorthamptonNov 7, 2026Nov 13, 2026License + Bear License
Towns and cities that allow bear hunting - any lawful weaponOct 3, 2026Jan 2, 2027License + Bear License
Youth and Apprentice Bear Hunting WeekendOct 10, 2026Oct 11, 2026Youth or Apprentice License

Elk Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Elk Management Zone lottery huntOct 10, 2026Oct 16, 2026Elk Lottery License

Beaver Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
TrappingDec 1, 2026Feb 28, 2027Trapping License

Bobcat Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
ArcheryOct 3, 2026Oct 31, 2026License
FirearmsNov 1, 2026Feb 28, 2027License
TrappingNov 15, 2026Feb 28, 2027Trapping License

Coyote Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Continuous open season on private lands (license year)Jul 1, 2026Jun 30, 2027License
National Forest and Department landsSep 1, 2026Mar 10, 2027License
Trapping - continuous open seasonJul 1, 2026Jun 30, 2027Trapping License

Crow Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Regular (Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays only)Aug 15, 2026Mar 19, 2027License
National Forest and Department lands (Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays only)Sep 2, 2026Mar 10, 2027License

Mourning Dove Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Regular (first segment)Sep 5, 2026Oct 24, 2026License + HIP Registration
Regular (second segment)Nov 21, 2026Nov 29, 2026License + HIP Registration
Regular (third segment)Dec 19, 2026Jan 18, 2027License + HIP Registration
Falconry (first segment)Sep 5, 2026Oct 24, 2026Falconry Permit + HIP Registration
Falconry (second segment)Nov 21, 2026Nov 29, 2026Falconry Permit + HIP Registration
Falconry (third segment)Dec 19, 2026Jan 31, 2027Falconry Permit + HIP Registration

Fox (Red and Gray) Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Red fox - firearmsNov 1, 2026Feb 28, 2027License
Gray fox - firearmsJan 1, 2027Feb 28, 2027License
Red fox - trappingNov 15, 2026Feb 28, 2027Trapping License
Gray fox - trappingNov 15, 2026Feb 28, 2027Trapping License

Gallinules and Moorhens (Common and Purple) Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Regular (first segment)Sep 5, 2026Oct 24, 2026License + HIP Registration
Regular (second segment)Nov 10, 2026Nov 29, 2026License + HIP Registration
FalconrySep 5, 2026Dec 20, 2026Falconry Permit + HIP Registration

Groundhog (Woodchuck) Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Continuous open season on private lands (license year)Jul 1, 2026Jun 30, 2027License
National Forest and Department landsSep 1, 2026Mar 10, 2027License

Ruffed Grouse Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Regular: West of I-95Oct 24, 2026Feb 13, 2027License

Feral Hog Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Nuisance species - no closed season (license year)Jul 1, 2026Jun 30, 2027License (nuisance species)

Mink Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
TrappingDec 1, 2026Feb 28, 2027Trapping License

Muskrat Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
TrappingDec 1, 2026Feb 28, 2027Trapping License

Nutria Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Continuous open season (license year)Jul 1, 2026Jun 30, 2027Trapping License

Opossum Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
FirearmsOct 15, 2026Mar 10, 2027License
TrappingNov 15, 2026Feb 28, 2027Trapping License

River Otter Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
TrappingDec 1, 2026Feb 28, 2027Trapping License

Ring-necked Pheasant Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
RegularNov 7, 2026Jan 31, 2027License

Bobwhite Quail Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
RegularNov 7, 2026Jan 31, 2027License

Cottontail Rabbit Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
RegularOct 31, 2026Feb 28, 2027License
Box trappingOct 15, 2026Jan 31, 2027No license required for box trapping rabbits

Raccoon Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
FirearmsOct 15, 2026Mar 10, 2027License
TrappingNov 15, 2026Feb 28, 2027Trapping License

Rails (Clapper, King, Sora and Virginia) Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Regular (first segment)Sep 5, 2026Oct 24, 2026License + HIP Registration
Regular (second segment)Nov 10, 2026Nov 29, 2026License + HIP Registration
FalconrySep 5, 2026Dec 20, 2026Falconry Permit + HIP Registration

Striped Skunk Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Continuous open season on private lands (license year)Jul 1, 2026Jun 30, 2027License
National Forest and Department landsSep 1, 2026Mar 10, 2027License
Trapping - continuous open seasonJul 1, 2026Jun 30, 2027Trapping License

Wilson's Snipe Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Regular (first segment)Sep 28, 2026Nov 29, 2026License + HIP Registration
Regular (second segment)Dec 19, 2026Jan 31, 2027License + HIP Registration
Falconry (first segment)Sep 28, 2026Nov 29, 2026Falconry Permit + HIP Registration
Falconry (second segment)Dec 19, 2026Jan 31, 2027Falconry Permit + HIP Registration

Squirrel (Gray, Red and Fox) Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Fall - gray and red squirrelSep 5, 2026Feb 28, 2027License
Fall - fox squirrel (designated areas only): Fox squirrel open areaSep 5, 2026Jan 31, 2027License
Spring seasonJun 5, 2027Jun 19, 2027License

European Starling, English Sparrow and Pigeon (Rock Dove) Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Nuisance species - no closed season (license year)Jul 1, 2026Jun 30, 2027License (nuisance species)

Waterfowl (ducks, geese, brant, swans, coots, mergansers) Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
September Teal - east of I-95: East of I-95 (September teal)Sep 19, 2026Sep 27, 2026License + HIP + Federal Duck Stamp + VA Waterfowl Stamp
September Teal - west of I-95: West of I-95 (September teal)Sep 22, 2026Sep 27, 2026License + HIP + Federal Duck Stamp + VA Waterfowl Stamp
Ducks (first segment) - black duck closedOct 9, 2026Oct 12, 2026License + HIP + Federal Duck Stamp + VA Waterfowl Stamp
Ducks (second segment)Nov 18, 2026Nov 29, 2026License + HIP + Federal Duck Stamp + VA Waterfowl Stamp
Ducks (third segment)Dec 19, 2026Jan 31, 2027License + HIP + Federal Duck Stamp + VA Waterfowl Stamp
Mergansers (first segment)Oct 9, 2026Oct 12, 2026License + HIP + Federal Duck Stamp + VA Waterfowl Stamp
Mergansers (second segment)Nov 18, 2026Nov 29, 2026License + HIP + Federal Duck Stamp + VA Waterfowl Stamp
Mergansers (third segment)Dec 19, 2026Jan 31, 2027License + HIP + Federal Duck Stamp + VA Waterfowl Stamp
Coots (first segment)Oct 9, 2026Oct 12, 2026License + HIP + Federal Duck Stamp + VA Waterfowl Stamp
Coots (second segment)Nov 18, 2026Nov 29, 2026License + HIP + Federal Duck Stamp + VA Waterfowl Stamp
Coots (third segment)Dec 19, 2026Jan 31, 2027License + HIP + Federal Duck Stamp + VA Waterfowl Stamp
September Canada Goose (statewide)Sep 1, 2026Sep 25, 2026License + HIP + Federal Duck Stamp + VA Waterfowl Stamp
Canada and white-fronted geese (first segment) - Atlantic Population Zone: Atlantic Population Canada Goose ZoneNov 24, 2026Nov 29, 2026License + HIP + Federal Duck Stamp + VA Waterfowl Stamp
Canada and white-fronted geese (second segment) - Atlantic Population Zone: Atlantic Population Canada Goose ZoneDec 24, 2026Jan 31, 2027License + HIP + Federal Duck Stamp + VA Waterfowl Stamp
Canada and white-fronted geese (first segment) - Resident Population Zone: Resident Population Canada Goose ZoneNov 18, 2026Nov 29, 2026License + HIP + Federal Duck Stamp + VA Waterfowl Stamp
Canada and white-fronted geese (second segment) - Resident Population Zone: Resident Population Canada Goose ZoneDec 19, 2026Feb 21, 2027License + HIP + Federal Duck Stamp + VA Waterfowl Stamp
Light geese (snow, blue and Ross's) - regular seasonNov 25, 2026Mar 10, 2027License + HIP + Federal Duck Stamp + VA Waterfowl Stamp
Atlantic Brant (first segment)Dec 19, 2026Dec 31, 2026License + HIP + Federal Duck Stamp + VA Waterfowl Stamp
Atlantic Brant (second segment)Jan 15, 2027Jan 31, 2027License + HIP + Federal Duck Stamp + VA Waterfowl Stamp
Tundra Swan (permit drawing only): Tundra Swan Hunt AreaNov 15, 2026Jan 31, 2027License + HIP + Tundra Swan Permit
Youth and Veterans Waterfowl Day (first)Oct 24, 2026Oct 24, 2026License (youth/veteran) + HIP
Youth and Veterans Waterfowl Day (second)Feb 6, 2027Feb 6, 2027License (youth/veteran) + HIP
Falconry - ducks, mergansers and coot (first segment)Oct 9, 2026Oct 12, 2026Falconry Permit + HIP + Federal Duck Stamp
Falconry - ducks, mergansers and coot (second segment)Nov 18, 2026Feb 7, 2027Falconry Permit + HIP + Federal Duck Stamp
Falconry - Canada goose (first segment)Sep 1, 2026Sep 25, 2026Falconry Permit + HIP + Federal Duck Stamp
Falconry - Canada goose (second segment)Nov 18, 2026Nov 29, 2026Falconry Permit + HIP + Federal Duck Stamp
Falconry - Canada goose (third segment)Dec 19, 2026Feb 21, 2027Falconry Permit + HIP + Federal Duck Stamp
Falconry - September tealSep 16, 2026Sep 30, 2026Falconry Permit + HIP + Federal Duck Stamp
Falconry - brantOct 18, 2026Jan 31, 2027Falconry Permit + HIP + Federal Duck Stamp
Falconry - light geeseNov 25, 2026Mar 10, 2027Falconry Permit + HIP + Federal Duck Stamp

Weasel Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
TrappingDec 1, 2026Feb 28, 2027Trapping License

American Woodcock Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Regular (first segment)Nov 11, 2026Dec 1, 2026License + HIP Registration
Regular (second segment)Dec 26, 2026Jan 18, 2027License + HIP Registration
FalconryOct 17, 2026Jan 31, 2027Falconry Permit + HIP Registration
Verify before you hunt. These dates are compiled for planning and can change between when they're published and when the season opens, and many states vary dates by unit, zone, or WMU. Always confirm with VA Dept of Wildlife Resources (DWR) before heading out. Nothing here is legal advice.
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