Hunting on Virginia's State Forests
All State Forests are managed by the Virginia Department of Forestry (VDOF) for multiple-use purposes, including watershed protection, recreation, timber production, hunting, fishing, and applied forest research.
The State Forests are self-supporting (no taxes are used to operate the system).
- State Forests are open daily from dawn to dusk.
- There are no charges to visit the State Forests. A State Forest Use Permit is required for some activities.
- Foot travel, non-motorized bikes, and horses are permitted.
- ATVs are not permitted on any of the State Forests.
Hunting is only permitted on these state forests
Hunting is permitted with a valid State Forest Use Permit and valid hunting license in accordance with state hunting regulations. Hunting maps and Guide are in English, PDF format.
To ensure your safety, read our state forest regulations before visiting a forest.
- Appomattox-Buckingham State Forest | Location Map | Recreation Map | Hunter's Map
- Big Woods State Forest | Hunter's Map
- Browne State Forest | Hunter's Map
- Channels State Forest | Location Map | Recreation Map |
- Chilton Woods State Forest - archery and black powder only. Forest Map.
- Conway-Robinson State Forest | Location Map | Recreation Map | Trail Map |
Available by lottery only. Lottery has ended for the 2011-2012 hunting season. - Cumberland State Forest | Location Map | Recreation Map | Hunter's Map
- Dragon Run State Forest | Location Map |
- Lesesne State Forest (archery and black powder hunting only during the following dates:
- 2011/2012 Season:
October 1 – November 18: Early Archery Season
December 5 – January 7: Late Archery Season
November 5 – November 18: Early Muzzle Loader Season
December 17 – January 7: Late Muzzle Loader Season
- 2011/2012 Season:
- Matthews State Forest | Location Map | Recreation Map |(bow-hunting only)
- Due to the potential danger during hunting season, all trails south of US 58 will be closed for all recreational uses other than hunting Mondays through Saturdays from the first Saturday in October through the first Sunday of January. Trails are open Sundays during this period for the benefit of bikers and recreational users only. Trails are open Sundays during this period for the benefit of bikers and recreational users only.
- Prince Edward-Gallion State Forest | Location Map | Recreation Map | Hunter's Map
- Sandy Point State Forest - Hunter's Map
- Hunting Guide (includes black and white map)
State Forest Use Permit
Since July 1, 2009, a State Forest Use Permit is required for those persons aged 16 or older to practice the following activities on a state forest:
- ride horses
- ride mountain bikes
- hunt
- fish
- trap
A valid Virginia hunting license or fishing license in addition to a State Forest Permit ($16 per year) are required for hunting, trapping or fishing on the forest.
A State Forest Use Permit is not required for forest visitors who practice the following activities on a state forest:
- walking
- hiking
- boating
Permits can be purchased two ways
- Go to any location where you purchase a hunting license. Ask the clerk for the "State Forest Permit" to be added to your license.
- Use your credit card and purchase a permit online from the Virginia Department Of Game and Inland Fisheries (DGIF) website.
State Forest hunting regulations and seasons follow those of the county in which the State Forest is located. Check the Virginia Department Of Game and Inland Fisheries (DGIF) Hunting & Trapping Regulations and Information brochure or their website for special restrictions on State Forest lands, such as Either-Sex Deer Hunting Days.
Wear blaze orange during hunting season.
Search for hunting locations and access using this interactive mapping website from the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries.
Last modified: Thursday, 09-Feb-2012 10:56:12 EST
