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 | Appomattox-Buckingham State Forest - Hunter's Map
- Browne State Forest
- Channels State Forest
- Conway-Robinson State Forest (lottery participation only)
- Cumberland State Forest - Cumberland State Forest - Hunter's Map
- Dragon Run State Forest - Dragon's Run State Forest - Hunter's Map
- Lesesne State Forest
- Matthews State Forest (archery only)
- Prince Edward-Gallion State Forest - Prince Edward-Gallion State Forest - Hunter's Map
- Sandy Point State Forest - Sandy Point State Forest - Hunter's Map
- Hunting Guide (includes black and white map)
State Forest Use Permit
As of 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 ($15 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) Web site.
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 Web site 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 Web site from the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries.
Last modified: Tuesday, 17-Nov-2009 09:41:25 EST
