Hunting in Virginia: 6 Animals to Hunt in the Spring

Virginia offers a wealth of opportunities to hunters in all seasons. Spring doesn't have as many game animals as fall, but still provides hunters the chance to get out and enjoy the woods and their favorite pastime.

Here are seven animals considered to be in season for a spring hunt in Virginia, according to the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries.

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1. Deer
Late antlerless deer season takes place in a handful of counties each spring. The state's hunting and fishing guide, published annually, notes that Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, and Prince William counties allowed this season from the end of March until the end of April.

2. Wild Turkeys
Spring turkey season takes place from the first week in April until the first week in May each year. The season is considered statewide, with a limit of one bearded turkey per day. According to the most recent turkey harvest results, the population of turkey is booming in the state, so no matter what season you take part in you should be able to bag a bird.

Hunters should note that the use of dogs is prohibited during spring turkey hunting. Decoys and blinds are permitted, but electronic calls are not. The state also hosts a youth and apprentice turkey hunting day each year during the month of April to provide inexperienced hunters the chance to bag a bird.

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3. Groundhogs
On private lands, groundhogs are considered in continuous open season throughout the year.

4. Coyotes
Coyotes are another animal that is considered in continuous open season in Virginia, except on national forest lands and Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries lands.

5. Skunks
Skunks can be hunted continuously throughout the year, except on national forest lands and Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries lands. This only includes striped skunk. Spotted skunk are protected and part of a continuously closed season.

6. Feral Swine
Feral swine are considered an invasive species and can be hunted on private lands throughout the year in Virginia. Hunters must have written permission from the landowner before attempting to hunt on private property. Failure to do so can result in fines and criminal trespassing charges, even if you are chasing an invasive onto the land.

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

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