Conventional wisdom directs that big-game hunters should wait a minimum of a half hour to pursue their quarry after any shot that requires trailing. The idea is that an animal doesn’t always die right away, and by giving it time and space to expire, you’re not spiking its system with adrenaline that might cause it to run farther. Waiting lets an animal bed down and bleed out, aiding your eventual recovery. Show
But on a recent safari for Namibian plains game, my professional hunter didn’t wait even 30 seconds after my shot. He would chase game that fled after a hit, leaving me to scramble for my safety and run after them both. I was intrigued by this rule of the bush—unless you see your quarry drop, grab your shooting sticks and start sprinting—and wondered how it might apply back home. The short answer is that you can immediately start tracking a wounded deer, sometimes to greater effect than if you had waited the requisite 30 minutes. It all depends on what kind of hit you made. To help you make the call, consult this flowchart. The 30-minute rule is a good one in most situations, but it’s not the best course of action 100 percent of the time. Natalie KrebsExperts Say…Despite the following differences in opinion, every source we reviewed agrees that you must identify the type of hit you made before pursuing an animal. Depending on the amount and type of blood, a blood trail can indicate a fatal hit or a hit that might cause a deer to bleed out if pushed. Never push a gut- or liver-shot deer. Hunter-Ed.com: An excerpt from the curriculum approved in 45 states: “You should wait for at least a half hour to an hour before trailing a deer, unless the downed deer is in sight.” National Bowhunter Education Foundation: The NBEF states that “a wise bowhunter gives the animal time to expire,” and that the normal waiting period after arrowing a big-game animal ranges from 30 to 60 minutes. A caveat to this is quick pursuit in the event of a poor hit outside the chest or body cavity (neck, leg, rump, or back). In such instances, the deer might run away quickly but then calm down, stop bleeding, and possibly survive. “If you can follow the animal rapidly and aggressively, it will continue to bleed, even from a relatively minor wound…It may lose enough blood to get careless and give you another shot. It may even die from a wound that would not normally be considered fatal.” John Jeanneney: Tracker, tracking-dog breeder, and author John Jeanneney is an advocate of taking advantage of the onset of shock in an animal immediately following a shot. He recommends carefully approaching wounded game for a finishing shot. Allowing an animal shot in the heart, lungs, shoulder, or leg time to collect its wits could result in a wounding loss. Skip to Main Content
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Sunday HuntingHunting is allowed on Sundays except under the following circumstances:
The Virginia General Assembly passed Senate Bill 8, which affords the opportunity for public lands to be hunted on Sunday if allowed by the public landowner. Governor Glenn Youngkin signed SB8 in April and the new law became effective on July 1, 2022. DWR has been working with public landowners to understand how Sunday hunting will be implemented on their lands. Please refer to information below regarding Sunday hunting on various public lands. Sunday Hunting in Virginia: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)Sunday Hunting Opportunities on Public Lands in VirginiaDepartment of Wildlife Resources lands – Open for Sunday hunting with the following exceptions:
George Washington and Jefferson National Forest – Open for Sunday hunting. Virginia State Forests – Sunday hunting is allowed on: Appomattox-Buckingham State Forest, Big Woods State Forest in Sussex County, Browne State Forest in Essex County, Channels State Forest in Washington and Russell Counties, Charlotte State Forest (waterfowl hunting limited to Monday, Wednesday and Saturday), Chilton Woods State Forest in Lancaster County (archery & black powder only), Cumberland State Forest, Devil’s Backbone State Forest in Shenandoah County (archery & black powder only), Dragon Run State Forest in King and Queen County, First Mountain State Forest in Rockingham County (archery & black powder only), Lesesne State Forest in Nelson County (archery & black powder only), Moore’s Creek State Forest in Rockbridge County (must be accessed by hiking across George Washington & Jefferson National Forest) and Prince Edward Gallion State Forest. Hunting will also be allowed on Matthews State Forest in Grayson County (archery only in designated areas) and Sandy Point State Forest in King William County, however these State Forests will remain closed to Sunday hunting. Conway Robinson State Forest in Prince William County and Whitney State Forest in Fauquier County will remain lottery permit only hunts. Hunting is not allowed on 9 State Forests – some with Deed Restrictions such as Crawford State Forest, Niday Place State Forest & Bourassa State Forest, and others with access limitations for the public such South Quay State Forest, Old Flat State Forest & Hawks State Forest, and some with such high public use that safety is a concern such as Zoar State Forest, Chesterfield State Forest, and Paul State Forest. Fort A.P. Hill – Hunting will be closed on Sunday Fort Pickett – Hunting will be closed on Sunday Marine Corps Base Quantico – To be determined. See the Quantico iSportsman link for the most up-to-date base hunting information. Fort Belvoir – To be determined. See the Fort Belvoir iSportsman link for the most up-to-date base hunting information. National Wildlife Refuges – Sunday hunting opportunities will vary among individual refuges, hunters should check the hunting regulations on individual refuge web sites for specific details. John H. Kerr Reservoir – Open for Sunday hunting John W. Flannagan Reservoir – Open for Sunday hunting Philpott Lake – Open for Sunday hunting Blaze Color RequirementsWhen hunting any species during a firearms deer season and on youth/apprentice deer hunting weekend:
During the muzzleloader seasons for hunting deer with a muzzleloading firearm, every muzzleloader deer hunter and every person accompanying a muzzleloader deer hunter shall wear solid blaze colors as specified above except when they are physically located in a tree stand or other stationary hunting location. Exceptions
DefinitionsArrowgunA pneumatic-powered air gun that fires an arrow. Explosive propellant arrowguns may not be used for hunting in Virginia. BaitBait shall mean any food, grain, or other consumable substance that could serve as a lure or attractant; however, crops grown for normal or accepted agriculture or wildlife management purposes, including food plots, shall not be considered as bait. Blaze ColorsThe term “blaze colored” in reference to clothing or other items required for specific safe hunting practices shall be one of two colors: 1) solid blaze orange means a safety orange or fluorescent orange hue, or 2) solid blaze pink means a safety pink or fluorescent pink hue. Dismal Swamp LineBeginning at a point on Rt. 10 where it intersects the Isle of Wight County line, then along this highway to its intersection with the corporate limits of Suffolk, then through Suffolk to its intersection with Rt. 642 (White Marsh Road) and then along this highway in a southwest direction to Rt. 604 (Desert Road), and then southerly along this highway to the North Carolina state line. DroneAn unmanned aerial vehicle, aircraft, or similar device, guided by remote control or onboard computers. DWR or DepartmentDepartment of Wildlife Resources Furbearer SpeciesFurbearer means beaver, bobcat, fisher, fox, mink, muskrat, opossum, otter, raccoon, skunk, and weasel. Game AnimalGame animal means bear, bobcat, deer, elk, fox, rabbit, raccoon, and squirrel. Hunting and TrappingThe act of or the attempted act of taking, hunting, trapping, pursuing, chasing, shooting, snaring, or netting birds or animals, and assisting any person who is doing the same, regardless of whether birds or animals are actually taken. Hunting WeaponIs any weapon allowable for hunting as defined in 29.1-519 of the Code of Virginia. Nonmigratory Game BirdsNonmigratory game bird means grouse, pheasant, bobwhite quail, and turkey. Migratory Game BirdsMigratory game birds means species of waterfowl (ducks, geese, brant, swans and mergansers) and webless species (coots, doves, gallinules, moorhens, rails, snipe, and woodcock). Nuisance SpeciesThe following animals: house mouse, Norway rat, black rat, coyote, groundhog, nutria, feral hog, European starling, English sparrow, mute swan, and pigeon (rock dove) are designated as nuisance species and may be taken at any time by use of a firearm or other weapon (unless prohibited by local ordinances) and on some public lands during certain time periods (see National Forest-Wildlife Department Regulations). Other WildlifeIt is unlawful to take, possess, transport, release, or sell all other wildlife species not classified as game, furbearer, or nuisance, unless otherwise specifically permitted by law or regulation. Prohibited LandsProhibited lands are any parcels of property, public or private, where established rules and regulations for public access or explicit permission (verbal or written) have not been granted to hunt upon or enter the property. Route 29 Line/Amherst CountyThe Route 29 “line” in Amherst County is defined as Business U.S. 29 from the James River to its intersection with U.S. 29 just south of the town of Amherst continuing north on U.S. 29 to the Tye River. USFWSUnited States Fish and Wildlife Service WMAWildlife Management Area East & West of the Blue RidgeCounties colored blue are west of the Blue Ridge and those counties in white are east of the Blue Ridge. West of the Blue Ridge:
Hunting With DogsThe hunting of deer or bear with a gun, firearm, or other weapon with the aid or assistance of dogs on Sunday is prohibited.
Training DogsThe training of dogs on live wild animals is considered hunting and you must have a valid hunting license while training; it is unlawful during the closed season except as noted below.
Training Dogs on Military BasesFor training dogs on military bases contact the appropriate base:
Hunting on Private PropertyTrespass violations, posting property, and access issues are all concerns that affect a landowner’s decision to allow hunting. Hunters are reminded that it is unlawful to hunt on private property without the permission of the landowner, and hunters must have the permission of the landowner to track or retrieve wounded game on private property. On Posted PropertyIt is unlawful to hunt without written permission of the landowner and is punishable by a fine of up to $2500 and/or 12 months in jail. On Unposted PropertyIt is unlawful to hunt any unposted property without permission of the landowner and is punishable by a fine of up to $500. A landowner may post their property by any of the following methods:
Landowner LiabilityFor landowners, finding responsible hunters can provide many benefits for both the landowner and sportsmen allowed access to the property. There are benefits of having responsible hunters included as an important part of the landowner’s wildlife management plan, especially if they are absentee or do not hunt themselves. There are many in-kind benefits of such relationships including road maintenance, habitat improvement, security, and safety. Hunt clubs are also helpful, and lease fees can offset property taxes. Information on locating responsible hunters can be found by contacting local civic groups like Ruritans, or 4-H Clubs, sporting goods shops, and area landowner contacts that participate in Tree Farm or Stewardship Programs. Members of sportsmen’s conservation organizations that are dedicated, reputable partners with DWR promote safety, ethical practices, habitat improvement, and scientific management of wildlife. Liability Concern about legal liability for recreationists prevents some landowners from permitting hunting on their property. However, the Virginia General Assembly has addressed this concern in Virginia Code Section 29.1-509. Amended in 1982, this law exempts landowners who provide recreational opportunities to the public from liability for injury or damages, provided
The property owner should eliminate obvious hazards such as open wells and falling down buildings, or fence off and identify with warning signs any hazard that cannot be eliminated, such as a rock quarry. The landowner may consider insuring their property subject to casualty by obtaining comprehensive liability insurance. These are relatively inexpensive additions to standard and homeowner insurance policies. Sportsmen can be asked to help provide financial or other support in return for permission to access private property. Fundamentally, sportsmen are responsible for their own safety and for any damages they cause to the property of others. Individual permission cards include codes of ethical conduct while the cardholders are on the property. Furthermore, landowners can require sportsmen to show proof of insurance. Sportsman insurance is available through insurance companies and national sportsman organizations. Sale and Purchase of Legally Harvested GameIt is unlawful to sell, barter, or purchase any wild bird or wild animal carcass or parts thereof. There are exceptions and a general representation of these are listed below for your reference and is not intended to be all-inclusive. Specific exceptions and requirements are identified in the Code of Virginia and the Virginia Administrative Code. Bears
Deer and Elk
Furbearers (beaver, bobcat, coyote, fisher, fox, mink, muskrat, nutria, opossum, otter, raccoon, skunk, and weasels)
Migratory Game Birds (brant, coots, doves, ducks, gallinules, geese, mergansers, moorhens, rails, snipe, swans, and woodcock)
Small Game (bobwhite quail, pheasants, rabbits, ruffed grouse, and squirrels)
Wild Turkey
Taxidermy Mounts
Unlawful MethodsPenalties for a violation may include hunting or trapping privilege revocation for one year to life and forfeiture of firearms. A person found guilty of a violation a second time within three years of a previous conviction shall have their hunting or trapping privilege revoked by the court trying the case. It is unlawful to:
Unlawful Feeding of Certain WildlifeNot only is it illegal to hunt, chase with dogs, or attempt to kill game birds and animals from a baited site, it is also illegal to feed some wildlife under certain circumstances. The Department does not encourage the feeding of wildlife at any time of the year. Feeding restrictions help control the transmission of diseases, wildlife conflicts, littering concerns, and enforcement issues about hunting with bait.
Upon notification by Department personnel, if anyone continues with any of these activities for any purpose and it results in the presence of species mentioned previously in this box, such person shall be in violation of the law and subject to a fine of up to $500. No part of this regulation shall be construed to restrict bonafide agronomic plantings (including wildlife food plots) or distribution of food to livestock. All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) LawsNo ATV shall be operated:
The above does not apply to members of the household or employees of the owner or lessee of private property on which the ATV is operated. Earn A Buck (EAB) Questions and AnswersWhat is EAB?EAB is a regulation designed to control and/or reduce deer populations by increasing the antlerless deer kill within a deer management unit (county, city, or town). When is EAB in effect?During any open deer hunting season (archery, muzzleloading, and firearms) in defined areas (see below) except that antlered bucks may not be killed during antlerless only deer seasons (e.g, urban archery deer season(s) or special early or late antlerless only firearms deer seasons). Antlerless deer killed during the early portion of the urban archery deer season or during a special early antlerless only firearms deer season do count towards EAB. Where is EAB in effect?
Can I shoot an antlered buck first under EAB?Yes, deer hunters in all EAB areas may kill one antlered buck, when antlered bucks are legal, without having first killed an antlerless deer (doe or button buck). However, as noted above, antlered bucks are not legal during the urban archery deer season or during special early or late antlerless only firearms deer seasons. Do deer hunters have to kill an antlerless deer first in an EAB county?No, during those seasons when antlered deer are legal, the first deer killed in any EAB area may be an antlered buck or an antlerless deer (a doe or button buck). Do antlerless deer killed in EAB county X count towards the EAB requirement in EAB county Y?No. Deer taken in one EAB county, city, or town do not “carry over” to any other EAB county, city, or town. Each county, city, or town is its own separate deer management unit with regards to EAB. Do antlerless deer killed outside an EAB county in a non EAB county count towards the EAB requirement in an EAB county?No. Only antlerless deer taken in EAB county X count towards the EAB requirement in county X. Do antlerless deer killed in an EAB county carry over from year to year?No. An individual county’s EAB requirement starts anew each fall. Should I shoot an antlerless deer first in an EAB area?It depends, but yes, in most cases. EAB does not require that an antlerless deer be harvested first, but in many cases it is recommended that a hunter harvest an antlerless deer first to stay “ahead” of the EAB regulation. With an antlerless deer (or two) harvested early in the season, a hunter now has two (or three) “valid” buck tags available for use should a buck show up in front of their stand. The most risky situation is for a hunter to harvest a small antlered buck first. In this situation, they must shoot an antlerless deer (or two) next, but the next deer they see might be a really big buck they cannot legally kill. To prevent this from happening, deer hunters should try to stay “ahead” in EAB (i.e., always have an available buck tag) instead of getting “behind” in EAB (i.e., having to shoot an antlerless deer next). Does EAB affect the daily or season deer bag limit?No. The normal daily and season deer bag limits still apply. Why is a deer hunter in Arlington, Fairfax, James City, Loudoun, Prince William, and York counties required to kill two antlerless deer before killing a second antlered buck?To further increase the antlerless deer kill within these very urban counties. A similar 2:1 EAB requirement for Fairfax County public land archery hunts was very successful. Will I have enough antlerless tags on my license to kill a 3rd buck in Northern Virginia and in James City and York counties?Yes. There are three antlerless only deer tags on a deer and turkey license. Two antlerless deer must be killed before a second buck can be killed, but only one additional antlerless deer must be taken to kill a third buck. Note, unlimited antlerless only deer permits (bonus deer permits) are also available for purchase and can be used on private lands in Virginia (except in Buchanan, Dickenson, and Wise counties). Why require EAB?The Department’s Deer Management Plan calls for current deer populations to be reduced in all EAB areas, and traditional liberal deer regulations have not completely achieved that objective. Has EAB been successful?Yes, the original goal of EAB was to increase the female deer kill to greater than or equal to 50% in EAB counties. Since it was first initiated in fall 2008, EAB has resulted in females composing greater than or equal to 50% of the total deer kill in the overwhelming majority of EAB counties annually. What does “license year” mean for EAB?For the purposes of this section, the term “license year” defines the period between July 1 and June 30 of the following year. Earn a Buck (EAB)Deer taken in one EAB county, city, or town do not “carry over” to any other EAB county, city, or town. Each county, city, or town is its own separate management unit with regards to EAB. Private lands in Accomack, Albemarle, Amherst (west of Rt. 29), Bedford, Carroll, Clarke, Culpeper, Fauquier, Floyd, Franklin, Frederick, Greene, Grayson, Hanover, Henrico, Madison, Montgomery, Orange, Prince George, Pulaski, Rappahannock, Roanoke, Rockingham (east of Rts. 613 and 731), Shenandoah, Stafford, Warren, and Wythe countiesWithin a license year and within each individual county listed above, before you can take a second antlered deer on private lands in that county (your second buck), you must have taken at least one antlerless deer on private lands in that county. Furthermore, within any county listed above that is east of the Blue Ridge Mountains where it is legal to harvest a third antlered deer, before you can take a third antlered deer on private lands in that county (your third buck), you must have taken at least two antlerless deer on private lands in that county. Example – Within a license year, before you can take a second antlered deer on private lands in Albemarle County (your second buck), you must have taken at least one antlerless deer on private lands in Albemarle County. Furthermore, before you can take a third antlered deer on private lands in Albemarle County (your third buck), you must have taken at least two antlerless deer on private lands in Albemarle County. Private lands in James City and York countiesWithin a license year and within each individual county listed above, before you can take a second antlered deer on private lands in that county (your second buck), you must have taken at least two antlerless deer on private lands in that county. Furthermore, before you can take a third antlered deer on private lands in that county (your third buck), you must have taken at least three antlerless deer on private lands in that county. Example – Within a license year, before you can take a second antlered deer on private lands in James City County (your second buck), you must have taken at least two antlerless deer on private lands in James City County. Furthermore, before you can take a third antlered deer on private lands in James City County (your third buck), you must have taken at least three antlerless deer on private lands in James City County. Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, and Prince William (except on Department of Defense lands) countiesWithin a license year and within each individual county listed above, before you can take a second antlered deer in that county (your second buck), you must have taken at least two antlerless deer in that county. Furthermore, before you can take a third antlered deer in that county (your third buck), you must have taken at least three antlerless deer in that county. Example – Within a license year, before you can take a second antlered deer in Fairfax County (your second buck), you must have taken at least two antlerless deer in Fairfax County. Furthermore, before you can take a third antlered deer in Fairfax County (your third buck), you must have taken at least three antlerless deer in Fairfax County. Cities and TownsEAB does not apply to the cities of Chesapeake, Suffolk, and Virginia Beach. Within a license year and within any city or town, before you can take a second antlered deer in that city or town (your second buck), you must have taken at least one antlerless deer in that city or town. Furthermore, within any city or town that is east of the Blue Ridge Mountains where it is legal to harvest a third antlered deer, before you can take a third antlered deer in that city or town (your third buck), you must have taken at least two antlerless deer in that city or town. Example – Within a license year, before you can take a second antlered deer in the City of Lynchburg (your second buck), you must have taken at least one antlerless deer in the City of Lynchburg. Furthermore, before you can take a third antlered deer in the City of Lynchburg (your third buck), you must have taken at least two antlerless deer in the City of Lynchburg. What should I do if I have additional EAB questions?Email Matt Knox at .
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