Virginia Whitetail Hunting
Plan your Virginia whitetail hunt with season dates, license options, and hunting opportunities organized by unit. Browse available private-land hunts and book access directly from landowners.
Last updated by Aricin Rotarius
Find Hunts by Unit
Browse private-land whitetail hunts across Virginia, organized by unit, and book directly with landowners.
Virginia Whitetail Seasons
These dates represent the “general” season dates. Check the individual hunting unit regulations for the most accurate season dates and regulations.
Early And Late Firearms
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During these seasons only antlerless deer may be taken. Dogs may not be used to hunt deer during these seasons. Season consists of two periods: September 6 through October 3 and January 4, 2026 through March 29, 2026.
Early General Firearms
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Hunting Weekend
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Youth hunters
Deer of either sex may be taken.
Either-sex Hunting Days October 1 Through November 30
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Full season. Applies in the cities of Chesapeake, Suffolk (east of the Dismal Swamp line), and Virginia Beach.
Early And Late Firearms
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During these seasons only antlerless deer may be taken. Dogs may not be used to hunt deer during these seasons. Season consists of two periods: September 6 through October 3 and January 4, 2026 through March 29, 2026.
Early Archery
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Early Muzzleloader
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Either-sex Hunting Days November 15 Through January 3
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Deer of either sex may be taken all season (full season).
Late Muzzleloader Season East Of The Blue Ridge
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Late Muzzleloader Season West Of The Blue Ridge
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Early And Late Firearms
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During these seasons only antlerless deer may be taken. Dogs may not be used to hunt deer during these seasons. Season consists of two periods: September 6 through October 3 and January 4, 2026 through March 29, 2026.
Late General Firearms
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Early And Late Firearms
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During these seasons only antlerless deer may be taken. Dogs may not be used to hunt deer during these seasons. Season consists of two periods: September 6 through October 3 and January 4, 2026 through March 29, 2026.
Early
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Urban Archery
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Two segments: Sep. 5 – Oct. 2 and Jan. 3 – Mar. 28.
Firearms
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Youth hunters
Public land season; All localities. Either-sex days Sep. 26 & 27.
Weekend
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Youth hunters
Deer hunting with dogs prohibited.
Early Archery
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Late
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Nova Late Archery
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Virginia Whitetail Licenses
Resident Licenses
| License | Availability | Eligibility | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident Bonus Deer Permit | — | — | $18.00 |
6 antlerless tags. See page 32 for more information. | |||
| Resident Deer/Turkey License | — | Disabled hunters; Veteran | $23.00 |
Not required for holders of Resident Service-Connected Disability Veteran Lifetime License. Valid July 1 through June 30. | |||
| Resident Junior Deer/Turkey License | — | Youth hunters; 12 to 15; Age 12 to 15 | $8.50 |
Valid July 1 through June 30. | |||
Nonresident Licenses
| License | Availability | Eligibility | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nonresident Bonus Deer Permit | — | — | $31.00 |
6 antlerless tags. See page 32 for more information. | |||
| Nonresident Deer/Turkey License | — | 12 to 15; Age 12 to 15 | $16.00 |
Valid July 1 through June 30. | |||
| Nonresident Deer/Turkey License | — | Ages 16+; Age 16 and older | $86.00 |
Valid July 1 through June 30. | |||
| Nonresident Deer/Turkey License | — | Under age 12 | $13.00 |
Valid July 1 through June 30. | |||
Other Licenses
| License | Availability | Eligibility | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| State Park hunting permit | — | — | $15.00 |
Widewater State Park workshop: final payment of $15 for the State Park hunting permit must be paid by Sept. 15, 2025. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Virginia whitetail season consists of multiple phases with different dates and restrictions. Early and Late Firearms seasons run September 6 through October 3, 2025 and January 4 through March 29, 2026, during which only antlerless deer may be taken and dogs may not be used. Early General Firearms runs September 6 through October 3, 2025 with either-sex hunting on the weekend of September 27 through September 28, 2025. Either-sex hunting days occur October 1 through November 30, 2025 in the cities of Chesapeake, Suffolk (east of the Dismal Swamp line), and Virginia Beach. Early Archery runs October 4 through November 14, 2025, and Early Muzzleloader runs November 1 through November 14, 2025. Either-sex hunting days continue November 15, 2025 through January 3, 2026 statewide. Late Muzzleloader seasons run December 13, 2025 through January 3, 2026 both east and west of the Blue Ridge. Late General Firearms runs January 4 through March 29, 2026. For 2026 and 2027, Early Archery runs October 3 through November 13, 2026, with a public land Firearms season September 26 through September 27, 2026 (either-sex on those dates). Urban Archery runs September 5 through October 2, 2026 and January 3 through March 28, 2027. Late season runs January 3 through March 28, 2027, with Nova Late Archery extending March 29 through April 25, 2027.
Yes. Nonresidents can hunt whitetail in Virginia through draw opportunities for the Mason Neck Hunt Permit or Quota Hunt Application.
See the latest Field Notes from properties offering whitetail hunts in Virginia.
