Hunting in Virginia: 3 Invasive Species to Virgina and Its Rules for Hunting Them

Virginia is home to some animals that are considered nationwide nuisances. Yet, each state has its own rules and regulations when it comes to hunting these invasive species.

Most invasive species that Virginia officials aim to eradicate are insects and plants, including stink trees and imported fire ants, according to the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. But the state also includes some animals that are nonnative intruders.

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Here are three animals considered invasive in the Old Dominion state and the rules for hunting them in Virginia.

1. Feral Pigs
The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries doesn’t sugarcoat describing what a true nuisance feral pigs are in the state, calling them “four-legged ecological disasters." These animals damage wildlife habitat and threaten natural and agricultural resources. Still, state officials urge people not to recreationally hunt these feral hogs and instead ask that landowners and hunters only kill or trap feral hogs that they come across when in the field.

2. Nutria
This problem wildlife exists on the eastern shore in Virginia and is considered a large aquatic rodent. They are typically around three feet long and up to 20 pounds. They are considered a nuisance because they consume fruits and vegetables, gnaw on landscaped yards and burrow, according to the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries.

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Nutria management is conducted by the wildlife management agencies, but hunters and landowners are encouraged to trap nutria and allow trained biologists access to the marshy areas of their property so they can be removed.

3. Beaver
Another nuisance wildlife is the beaver. To help eradicate the damaging beavers, the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries has lenient policies when it comes to killing beavers. For example, hunters are not required to have a kill permit, and 11 counties have a continuous trapping season, including: Arlington, Chesterfield, Fairfax, Henrico, James City, Loudoun, Prince William, Spotsylvania, Stafford, Roanoke and York.

This article is for information only. Please check current regulations before hunting.

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