Virginia State Parks to offer deer hunting opportunities

CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — Hunters will have the opportunity to hunt at some Virginia State Parks to help manage the deer population.

Hunting opportunities range from open hunting in designated areas to managed deer hunts. Hunters can also reserve stands or zones on a first-come, first-served basis using the Department of Conservation and Recreation’s online system .

The first hunt reservation will go live on Sept. 3 and then open individually per park throughout the rest of September. The registration period starts at 9 a.m. and interested hunters can visit the department’s chart for specific parks and dates.

To make a reservation, visit the department’s website . All reservation hunts have a $15 fee to reserve your spot, and you have to have an account set up before you reserve your date and location.

State law requires hunters to wear blaze orange or blaze pink. The minimum required by law is a blaze orange or blaze pink cap or vest; most managed hunts at state parks require a blaze orange or blaze pink vest, at a minimum, which is more than required by state regulations.

The following are overarching Virginia State Parks Hunting Rules apply to the hunting sessions:

• Hunting and camping is permitted only in designated areas.
• Virginia game laws apply in all designated hunting areas.
• Hunting is prohibited within 100 yards of all state park buildings and roads.
• Lottery and reservation hunts require proof of completion of a hunter safety course.

Terms and conditions for each park are available in the hunting packets on the department’s website .

For those interested in applying for a hunting opportunity but do not have access to the internet, call 1-800-933-7275 and select option 5.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WRIC ABC 8News.