Virginia Hunting & Fishing Licenses
Complete guide to Virginia hunting and fishing licenses for 2026. Get current prices, purchase online, and learn about DWR's digital license requirements.
Quick Facts
Digital License
Accepted
License Year
1 year - from purchase
Agency
DWR
Draw System
bonus
HIP Required
Migratory birds
Last updated: January 29, 2026
Virginia License Pricing
Compare resident and non-resident prices for hunting and fishing licenses.
| License Type | Resident | Non-Resident |
|---|---|---|
| Resident Hunting Basic hunting license | $23.00 | $111.00 |
| Resident Fishing Freshwater fishing license | $23.00 | $52.00 |
| Sportsman License Includes hunting, fishing, and most stamps. Best value for active outdoorsmen. | $100.00 | $250.00 |
| Bear License Required for bear hunting in addition to basic hunting license | $25.00 | $200.00 |
| Deer/Turkey License Required for deer and turkey hunting | $23.00 | $90.00 |
Prices are for annual licenses unless otherwise noted. Additional stamps and endorsements may be required.
Go Outdoors Virginia
Digital licenses accepted via Go Outdoors Virginia app. Conservation police officers can verify licenses electronically.
GoOutdoors platform shared with multiple states
Hunter Passport
All your licenses, one app
Tired of managing multiple state apps? Hunter Passport stores all your Virginia licenses alongside every other state - and works completely offline.
- Works offline - no signal needed
- Supports all 50 states
- Quick Display for game wardens
Store up to 2 licenses free. Unlimited with Premium.
Hunter Passport is not affiliated with or endorsed by any state wildlife agency.
Virginia Tag Draws & Lotteries
bonus Point System
Points improve your odds but don't guarantee a tag. More points = better odds in the random draw.
Draw Species
Application Deadline
March
Virginia restored elk in 2012. Very limited elk hunting permits available through lottery system.
Virginia Hunting Quirks & Tips
Unique rules and insider knowledge for hunting and fishing in Virginia.
Youth Hunting Opportunity
infoVirginia has special youth hunting days with reduced requirements for hunters under 16.
Multiple Deer Bonus Tags
infoBonus antlerless deer tags are available and encouraged in many counties to manage deer populations.
Elk Restoration Program
infoVirginia has a small but growing elk population in southwest Virginia. Limited hunting permits available through lottery.
National Forest Hunting
infoGeorge Washington and Jefferson National Forests offer extensive public hunting opportunities.
Hunting Tools for Virginia
Free calculators and planning tools to help you hunt smarter in Virginia.
Legal Shooting Hours
Calculate legal hunting start and end times based on sunrise/sunset
Hunting License Cost
Compare hunting and fishing license costs for Virginia and residency
Hunter Education
Find hunter education requirements, exemptions, and course providers for Virginia
Hunting Season Dates
Find hunting season dates for Virginia, species, and weapon type
Bag Limit & Size Limit
Find daily, possession, and size limits for Virginia and species
Virginia Hunting & Fishing FAQ
How much does a Virginia hunting license cost?
Virginia resident hunting licenses cost $23 for basic hunting. Non-residents pay $111. The Sportsman license at $100 (resident) includes hunting, fishing, and most required permits.
Does Virginia accept digital hunting licenses?
Yes, Virginia accepts digital licenses displayed through the Go Outdoors Virginia app. Conservation police officers can verify your license electronically.
When does the Virginia hunting license expire?
Virginia hunting licenses are valid for 1 year from the date of purchase.
Do I need HIP registration to hunt in Virginia?
Yes, HIP (Harvest Information Program) certification is required for hunting migratory game birds in Virginia. It's free and can be completed when purchasing your license.
Can I hunt elk in Virginia?
Yes, but only through a limited lottery system. Virginia restored elk to the state in 2012 and offers a small number of permits each year.
Store Your Virginia License in Hunter Passport
Keep your Virginia hunting and fishing licenses alongside all your other states. Works offline, displays instantly, never fumble for paper again.