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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 $23.00 · nonresident $110.00. Species tags and permits are extra — see each section below.

White-tailed Deer Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Archery (Early)Oct 4Nov 14License
Archery (Antlerless Early)Oct 4Nov 14License
Muzzleloader (Early)Nov 1Nov 14License
FirearmsNov 15Jan 3License
Muzzleloader (Late)Dec 13Jan 3License
Archery (Late)Dec 14Jan 3License

Wild Turkey Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
FallOct 4Nov 8License
Spring YouthApr 4Apr 11License
Spring GobblerApr 12May 17License

Mourning Dove Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Archery (Bear counties)Oct 4Nov 14License
Muzzleloader (Bear counties)Nov 1Nov 14License
Firearms (Bear counties)Nov 15Jan 3License
Early SeasonSep 1Oct 25HIP
Mid-SeasonNov 21Dec 5HIP
Late SeasonDec 26Jan 13HIP

Mourning Dove Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Regular SeasonSep 6Nov 28HIP

Ruffed Grouse Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Regular SeasonOct 1Jan 31License

Pheasant Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Stocked SeasonNov 1Jan 31License

Rabbit & Squirrel Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Cottontail RabbitNov 14Feb 28License
Gray/Fox SquirrelSep 6Jan 31License

Duck & Goose Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Early Canada GooseSep 1Sep 25Stamp
Duck SeasonOct 11Jan 25Stamp
Canada Goose RegularOct 26Jan 31Stamp
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.
Licenses, CWD zones & official links → Build a hunt plan

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