Virginia Bag Limits
Complete daily limits, possession limits, and season limits for hunting and fishing in Virginia.
Virginia Bag Limits
Complete guide to daily limits, possession limits, season limits, and size restrictions for hunting and fishing in Virginia. Updated for the current season.
Big Game
3 species
Game Birds
7 species
Fish Species
4 species
Total Species
16
Big Game
3 species in Virginia
| Species | Daily | Possession | Season | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| White-tailed Deer | 2 | - | Per license held | Earn-a-buck in some counties |
| Black Bear | 1 | - | 1 per year | Western mountains primarily |
| Elk | 1 | - | - | Very limited; restoration area |
Upland Birds
5 species in Virginia
| Species | Daily | Possession | Season | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wild Turkey | 1 | - | 3 per year | Bearded birds only |
| Dove | 15 | 45 | - | - |
| Quail | 6 | 18 | - | - |
| Grouse | 3 | 9 | - | Mountain region |
| Pheasant | 2 | 4 | - | Stocked birds |
Fish
4 species in Virginia
| Species | Daily | Possession | Season | Size Limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | 5 | - | - | 12" minimum | - |
| Smallmouth Bass | 5 | - | - | 12" minimum | - |
| Striped Bass | 2 | - | - | Varies by water | - |
| Trout | 6 | - | - | 9" minimum | - |
Virginia Special Notes
Virginia has Earn-a-Buck requirements in some counties before taking bucks.
Got your license ready to show?
Store credentials offline in Hunter Passport
Virginia Regulations Overview
State wildlife agency and regulations information
- Species Covered
- 16 species with regulations
- Big Game Species
-
- White-tailed Deer
- Black Bear
- Elk
- Wildlife Agency
- Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources
This information is for reference only. Always verify regulations with your state wildlife agency before hunting or fishing.
Last verified: January 2026
Virginia Bag Limits FAQ
Common questions about harvest limits in Virginia
What is the deer bag limit in Virginia?
In Virginia, the daily deer limit is 2 with a season limit of Per license held. Earn-a-buck in some counties
What is the difference between daily and possession limits?
Daily limit is the maximum you can harvest in one day. Possession limit is the maximum you can have at any time, typically 2-3 times the daily limit. In Virginia, possession limits help ensure hunters don't stockpile beyond reasonable personal use.
What big game can I hunt in Virginia?
Virginia offers hunting for: White-tailed Deer, Black Bear, Elk. Each species has specific limits and regulations - always verify current rules before hunting.
What are the fishing limits in Virginia?
Virginia fishing limits include: Largemouth Bass: 5/day (12" minimum); Smallmouth Bass: 5/day (12" minimum); Striped Bass: 2/day (Varies by water); Trout: 6/day (9" minimum). Water-specific regulations may override general limits.
Where can I find official Virginia bag limits?
For official and current bag limits, check your Virginia wildlife agency website. Regulations can change annually, and specific areas may have different rules. Always carry current regulations while hunting.
Are there special regulations I should know about in Virginia?
Virginia has Earn-a-Buck requirements in some counties before taking bucks.
Other States
View bag limits for more states
Need a Virginia Hunting or Fishing License?
Store your VA licenses in Hunter Passport for instant offline access in the field.