Virginia Bow Hunting: Blue Ridge & Shenandoah
📅 2026 Season & License Info
Archery Season Open
October 5
Archery Season Close
January 31
Min Draw Weight
35 lbs
Resident License
$23/yr
Non-Resident License
$110/yr
Top Species
Whitetail Deer, Black Bear, Wild Turkey, Elk
📍 Top Public Hunting Spots
George Washington National Forest
Whitetail Deer, Bear, Turkey
Shenandoah Valley mountain ridges. Excellent deer density. Bear hunting expanding statewide.
Jefferson National Forest
Whitetail Deer, Turkey, Bear
Southwest VA mountains. Remote ridge hunting with creek bottoms. Quality mature bucks.
Goshen-Little North Mountain WMA
Whitetail Deer, Turkey, Bear
Bath County. Mountain hunting with excellent road access. Consistent deer production.
⚖️ Virginia Archery Regulations
- •Minimum draw weight: 35 lbs
- •Sunday hunting now legal statewide
- •Elk hunting in far southwest VA by limited draw — recent reintroduction
- •Bear license required separately
💡 Expert Tips for Virginia
- →Virginia legalized Sunday hunting statewide — use it for less crowded treestand access
- →The Shenandoah Valley (between Blue Ridge and Allegheny ridges) concentrates bucks during rut
- →George Washington National Forest offers 1 million acres of public hunting
- →Virginia's growing elk herd in Buchanan and Wise counties offers future bowhunting opportunity
🏛️ Official Wildlife Agency & Sources
Hunting seasons, tag quotas, and bag limits are established by state wildlife agencies and change annually. For official regulations, proclamations, and license purchases, consult:
Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR)
Official State Wildlife Agency
Status: 2026 Season Guide