Resident deer tag or permit entry cost.
VA
Deer Hunting in Virginia: Tags, Seasons & Regulations (2026)
Deer hunting in Virginia starts with the current deer cost entries, season dates, bag limits, and CWD rules.
Resident Tag $23 Deer tag/permit
Non-Resident Tag $86 Non-resident deer tag
Primary Season Sep 27 – Sep 28 Youth/Apprentice Weekend
Draw Required? No (OTC) Over-the-counter tags
DEER QUICK ANSWER
Virginia Deer Tag Cost, Season & Rules: Quick Answer
Start here for Virginia deer tag cost, primary season timing, draw status, and CWD planning before using the full tables below.
Use this before adding the base license and trip permits.
Most hunters can start from the state license portal and available deer permits.
Youth/Apprentice Weekend; also check Early Archery.
For Virginia deer hunting, use the listed resident and non-resident deer cost entries together with the note: Deer/Turkey add-on license; base hunting, archery, muzzleloading, and other permits may be separate. Because this page lists over-the-counter access, the main risk is choosing the correct weapon season, zone, and add-on permit. CWD has been detected in Virginia, so carcass movement and testing rules deserve an early check.
OVERVIEW
Deer Hunting in Virginia
Virginia deer hunting is built on an add-on license structure. The base hunting license does not automatically cover deer: most hunters normally add the Deer/Turkey license, which is $23 for residents and $86 for nonresident adults, and archery or muzzleloader seasons can require separate season licenses. CWD rules are regional and county-specific through DWR Disease Management Areas. Testing can be mandatory only on listed dates or in targeted counties, while voluntary drop-off options may be available at other times. Feeding and carcass movement rules should be checked against the current DMA/county list. Antler and bag-limit rules also vary by county and Blue Ridge region, so Virginia should not be summarized as a free-tag or single-rule state.
Species present: White-tailed Deer
SEASONS
Virginia Deer Season Dates (2026)
All archery, firearm, and muzzleloader season dates.
Multiple Seasons
Virginia offers 6 distinct deer seasons. Check specific zone dates with the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources — dates and bag limits may vary by management unit.
COSTS
Virginia Deer Tag Fees
Resident vs. non-resident tag and permit costs.
Resident
$23
Deer tag / permit
Non-Resident
$86
Over-the-counter tag available
Deer/Turkey add-on license; base hunting, archery, muzzleloading, and other permits may be separate
PLAN YOUR NEXT STEP
Choose the right Virginia deer planning path
Jump into the state hub, shortlist pages, and deer-planning tools before you work through every remaining section.
Check the full Virginia license setup
Move back to the main state hub when you need the base license, non-resident options, or add-on permits outside deer tags.
Use deer-planning tools next
Shift from deer-tag detail into season timing, trip budgeting, and cross-state deer planning helpers.
Add a wider 2026 cost view
Check benchmark and non-resident premium reports before you commit to one deer state or trip budget.
REGULATIONS
CWD & Deer Hunting Regulations in Virginia
Chronic Wasting Disease status, antler restrictions, and weapon rules.
CWD Status
Detected
Disease Management Areas (DMA1, DMA2, DMA3, DMA4) in Northern, Shenandoah, and Southwest VA
CWD Testing / Transport
Required in listed zones
Zones: Disease Management Areas (DMA1, DMA2, DMA3, DMA4) in Northern, Shenandoah, and Southwest VA
Carcass transport, feeding, and sampling rules are tied to current DWR Disease Management Areas and listed counties.
Bag Limit
Daily: 1 · Season: 2-3 depending on county
Earn-A-Buck in some areas; EAB requires antlerless before antlered; bonus antlerless available
Allowed Weapons
Bow, rifle, shotgun, muzzleloader
Official Source
Always verify current regulations with the official source: Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources . Season dates, bag limits, and CWD regulations may change annually.
FAQ
Deer Hunting in Virginia — FAQ
Is CWD testing mandatory in Virginia?
It is mandatory only on specific peak-harvest days (like opening weekend of firearms season) in targeted DMA counties. Otherwise, it is voluntary via drop-off freezers.
What are the antler point restrictions in Virginia?
An antlered deer generally just needs visible antlers above the hairline. However, in specific counties like Bath and Highland, your second buck of the year must have at least 4 points on one side.
Can I feed deer in Virginia?
Feeding restrictions depend on DWR's current CWD Disease Management Areas and listed counties. Check the current county list before using feed, minerals, or attractants.
What deer species can I hunt in Virginia?
Virginia is home to White-tailed Deer. Allowed weapons include bow, rifle, shotgun, muzzleloader.
Can non-residents hunt deer in Virginia?
Yes, non-residents can hunt deer in Virginia, but deer is not free or automatically included with the base license. The nonresident adult Deer/Turkey add-on is $86, and base hunting, archery, muzzleloader, or other permits may also be required.