Overview of Hunting License Fees and Validity in Virginia

License Validity

In Virginia, most resident and nonresident hunting licenses are valid for one year from the date of purchase. However, there are specific exceptions:

1. Bear License, Deer/Turkey License, and Virginia Migratory Waterfowl Conservation Stamp

   • Validity: July 1 - June 30 only.

2. Apprentice Hunting License

   • Validity: 2 years from the date of purchase.

3. Lifetime Licenses

   • Validity: Valid for the lifetime of the holder.

4. Bear License and Deer/Turkey License as Part of a Package

   • Example: Sportsman’s License or combo licenses.
   • Validity: July 1 - June 30 only.

Key Regulations

• Hunter Education: Visit www.virginiawildlife.gov/hunting/education for information on Hunter Education requirements.
• License Integrity: It is illegal to alter, change, borrow, or lend a hunting license or permit.

Importance of Compliance

• Lawful Hunting: Adhering to these guidelines ensures that your hunting activities are within the legal framework.
• Conservation Efforts: License fees contribute to wildlife management and conservation initiatives in Virginia.

Resident Hunting Licenses in Virginia

Comprehensive License Options for Residents

Virginia offers a variety of hunting licenses catering to different age groups, hunting preferences, and durations. Here's a detailed breakdown:

Resident Sportsman’s License (Age 16 and Older)

• Fee: $100.00
• Includes: This license is a package that includes a general hunting license, bear license, deer/turkey license, archery license, muzzleloading license, freshwater fishing license, and trout license.
• Additional Requirements: Be aware that this license isn't all-encompassing. Additional licenses or stamps (like waterfowl stamps, National Forest stamp) may be required. Ensure that bear and deer/turkey license tags are valid for the intended hunting season.

Resident Junior Hunting License (Age 12 to 15)

• Fee: $8.50
• Note: Optional for children under 12 years old.

Resident Youth Combination Hunting License (Age 12 to 15)

• Fee: $16.00
• Includes: This license covers hunting, bear, deer/turkey, archery, and muzzleloading licenses.

Standard Resident Hunting License (Age 16 and Older)

• Fees:
  • 1-year license: $23.00
  • 2-year license: $44.00
  • 3-year license: $65.00
  • 4-year license: $86.00

Resident County or City Hunting License (Age 16 and Older)

• Fee: $16.00
• Scope: Valid only in the county or city of residence.

Resident Apprentice Hunting License

• Fee: $11.00
• Validity: 2 years from the date of purchase.

Resident Senior Citizen Hunting License (Age 65 and Over)

• Fee: $9.00

Resident Fox Hunting License

• Fee: $23.00
• Purpose: For hunting foxes on horseback with hounds, without firearms. Not required for those holding a basic hunting license.

Additional Licenses and Fees

Bear and Deer/Turkey Licenses

• Resident Bear License: $21.00
• Resident Junior Bear License (Ages 12-15): $6.50
• Resident Deer/Turkey License: $23.00 (Valid July 1 through June 30)
• Resident Junior Deer/Turkey License (Age 12 to 15): $8.50 (Valid July 1 through June 30)

Specialty Licenses

• Resident Archery License: $18.00
• Resident Muzzleloading License: $18.00

Additional Notes

For certain licenses like the Resident Sportsman’s License and the standard Resident Hunting License, it's important to remember that an annual bear license, deer/turkey license, and all applicable licenses, stamps, or permits are required in addition to the base license. This ensures full compliance with Virginia's hunting regulations.

Guide to Nonresident Hunting Licenses in Virginia

Overview of Nonresident License Options

Virginia offers a range of hunting licenses for nonresidents, each catering to different ages, hunting preferences, and durations. Understanding the fee structure and the specific license requirements is crucial for planning a legal and enjoyable hunting experience in Virginia.

Nonresident Hunting License Fees

Junior and Youth Licenses

• Nonresident Junior Hunting License (Under 12): $13.00
• Nonresident Junior Hunting License (12 to 15): $16.00
• Nonresident Youth Combination Hunting License (Under 16): $31.00
  • Includes hunting, bear, deer/turkey, archery, and muzzleloading licenses.

Adult Hunting Licenses

• Nonresident Hunting License (16 and Older): $111.00
• Nonresident 3-Day Hunt License (16 and Older): $60.00
  • Valid for 3 consecutive days.
• Nonresident Apprentice Hunting License: $21.00
  • Valid for 2 years from the date of purchase.

Special Licenses for Veterans

• Nonresident Annual Hunting License for Partially and Totally Disabled Veterans
  • Eligibility: Veterans rated 70% or greater or as Total and Permanent Service-Connected disabled by the U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs.
  • Application: Available at www.virginiawildlife.gov.

Specialty Hunting Licenses

• Nonresident Fox Hunting License: $111.00
  • For hunting foxes on horseback with hounds, without firearms.
• Nonresident Foxhound Training Preserve License: $18.00
  • For hunting within a licensed foxhound training preserve.
• Nonresident Hunting Preserve License: $23.00
  • For hunting within a licensed shooting preserve.

Additional Licenses That May Be Required

• Nonresident Bear License: $151.00
• Nonresident Deer/Turkey License
  • Age 16 and Older: $86.00
  • Age 12 to 15: $16.00
  • Under Age 12: $13.00
• Nonresident Archery License: $31.00
• Nonresident Muzzleloading License: $31.00

Important Considerations

• Additional Requirements: Remember that an annual bear license, deer/turkey license, and other applicable licenses, stamps, or permits may be required in addition to the basic hunting license.
• Applications and More Information: Visit www.virginiawildlife.gov for applications, instructions, and detailed information.

Virginia Trapping Licenses: Details and Fees

Essential Licenses for Trapping

In Virginia, various trapping licenses are available, each tailored to different resident statuses, age groups, and localities. Here’s a comprehensive overview:

County or City Resident Trapping License

• Fee: $21.00
• Applicability: This license is specific to the county or city of residence of the trapper.

Standard Resident Trapping License

• Fees and Duration:
  • 1-year license: $46.00
  • 2-year license: $90.00
  • 3-year license: $134.00
  • 4-year license: $178.00

Resident Junior Trapping License (Under Age 16)

• Fee: $11.00
• Note: Tailored for younger trappers under the age of 16.

Resident Senior Citizen Trapping License (Age 65 and Over)

• Fee: $9.00
• Eligibility: Available to senior citizens aged 65 and over.

Nonresident Trapping License

• Fee: $206.00
• For Nonresidents: Specifically designed for individuals who are not residents of Virginia but wish to engage in trapping activities within the state.

Additional Requirements

It's important to note that while these licenses are fundamental for trapping, additional licenses or permits may be required depending on specific circumstances or areas of trapping. Trappers should ensure they are fully compliant with all local and state regulations, which may include additional permits or adherence to specific trapping rules and seasons.

Guide to Miscellaneous Licenses, Permits, and Stamps for Hunting in Virginia

Overview

Virginia offers various permits and stamps in addition to the standard hunting licenses. These are necessary for specific activities or hunting in certain areas. Understanding these additional requirements is crucial for legal and responsible hunting.

Permits

1. Bonus Deer Permits

• Resident Bonus Deer Permit (6 antlerless tags): $18.00
• Nonresident Bonus Deer Permit (6 antlerless tags): $31.00
  • Usage: See Deer Hunting for more details.

2. National Forest Permit

• Fee: $4.00
• Purpose: For hunting and trapping within National Forests.
• Exemptions:
  • Residents under 16 for trapping or with an annual senior citizen hunting license ($9.00).
  • For fishing, residents under 16 and over 65, and nonresidents under 16 are exempt.

3. Virginia State Forest Use Permit (Age 16 or Older)

• Fee: $16.00
• Activities Allowed: Hunting, trapping, fishing, mountain biking, and horse riding.
• Restrictions: No motorized vehicles on gated roads/trails.

4. Public Access Lands for Sportsmen (PALS)

• Fee: $18.00
• More Information: See Public Ranges on WMAs & National Forests.

5. Access Permit

• Fees: $4.00 per day / $23.00 per year
• Group Rates: Available.
• Details: Visit www.virginiawildlife.gov/access-permit for more information.

Stamps

1. Federal Migratory Duck E-Stamp

• Fee: $28.00
• Age Requirement: 16 years and older.
• Validity: July 1 through June 30.
• Purpose: Required for taking migratory waterfowl, in addition to a hunting license.

2. Virginia Migratory Waterfowl Conservation Stamp

• Fee: $10.00
• Age Requirement: 16 years and older, unless license exempt.
• Validity: July 1 through June 30.

Virginia Lifetime Hunting Licenses: Categories and Details

Diverse Lifetime License Options

Virginia offers several lifetime hunting licenses, each tailored to different age groups, resident statuses, and special circumstances. Understanding these options helps ensure the right choice for long-term hunting privileges.

Legacy Lifetime License

• Eligibility: Virginia residents and non-residents under 2 years of age at the time of application.
• Validity: Up to the holder's 12th birthday. Post this, an approved hunter education course must be completed, followed by transferring to a regular hunting lifetime license at no extra charge.

General Lifetime License

• Eligibility: Both Virginia residents and non-residents.
• Online Purchase: Virginia residents may buy this license online if their residency status is verifiable through the Virginia DMV.
• Inclusions: The lifetime license covers state hunting licenses. However, all other applicable licenses, stamps, or permits are still required.

Resident Junior Lifetime Hunting License

• Eligibility: Virginia residents under the age of 12.
• Expiration: This license expires on the holder’s 12th birthday. It's transferable upon completion of the Youth Hunter Education Compliance form and submission of a Hunter Safety certificate.

Senior Combo Lifetime License

• Eligibility: Virginia residents aged 80 and over.
• Note: Additional licenses, stamps, and permits (except for the bear license and deer/turkey license) are still required.

Resident Service-Connected Disability Veteran Lifetime License

• Eligibility: Virginia residents with a service-connected disability rated 30% or greater.
• Benefits: Discounted fees based on the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs disability rating. This license includes small game, deer, turkey, bear licenses, and the privilege to participate in special archery and muzzleloading seasons.

Additional Information and Application

For detailed information, applications, pricing, and further guidance regarding these lifetime licenses, please visit Virginia Wildlife Lifetime Licenses. This resource provides comprehensive insights and the necessary steps for acquiring a lifetime license suitable for your hunting needs in Virginia.