Department of Conservation and Recreation
Conserve. Protect. Enjoy.
Department of Conservation and Recreation
Media inquiries: Please contact Dave Neudeck, dave.neudeck@dcr.virginia.gov, 804-786-5053.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: August 26, 2026
Contact: Kim Wells, Public Relations and Marketing Specialist, 804-217-1077, kim.wells@dcr.virginia.gov
Secure your spot for hunting access at Virginia State Parks
New this year is a hunting opportunity at Clinch River State Park and an archery hunting opportunity at Natural Tunnel State Park
(Editors: Follow this link to download an image. Photo caption: Clinch River State Park)
(Editors: Follow this link to download an image. Photo caption: Clinch River State Park)
Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation manages Virginia State Parks, which offer hunting opportunities each year to help control the park’s overall deer population. These managed hunts also protect vegetation and overall habitat quality and provides a safer, more controlled hunting environment. Participating hunters are asked to support this effort by following harvest guidelines associated with each hunt.
All terms and conditions must be followed because safety is a top priority during hunts, especially in a Virginia State Park. In some situations, these rules go beyond what state law requires. They cover things like which types of weapons are allowed, what hunters must wear, and the safety course that all participants are required to complete.
Find more information and hunt maps, visit the website www.virginiastateparks.gov/hunting.
Virginia State Parks Hunting Terms and Conditions:
All hunts have special terms and conditions so be sure to read all the information on the hunt chart page.
New this year is a hunting opportunity at Clinch River State Park in Wise County. This addition provides sportsmen and women with a unique chance to experience one of Virginia’s newest and most biologically diverse state parks.
Also new this year is an archery hunt by permit at Natural Tunnel State Park in Scott County. Special designated areas will be open for archery hunters. Permits are limited to a total of 10 hunters through a lottery drawing.
Across select state parks, hunting options vary from open hunting in designated areas to organized deer management hunts. Hunters can also reserve stands or zones through the online system, which operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
All reservation hunts have a $15 reservation fee. Hunters must have an email to create an account in order to reserve a hunting date and location. It is encouraged that you set up this account well in advance before the reservation period opens, as it can take some time for the information to process.
The reservation period begins at 9 a.m. and interested participants can view a grid (PDF) on the website. Visit www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/hunting website for more details on hunt locations and dates. To participate in the hunt, make a reservation by visiting: https://reservevaparks.com/Web/.
For those interested in applying for a hunting opportunity who do not have access to the internet, call 1-800-933-7275 and select option 5. Please be advised that customer service representatives may not have access to all the hunt details. Hunters are strongly encouraged to apply online for the best experience.
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About Virginia State ParksVirginia State Parks are managed by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. For more information about Virginia State Parks’ activities and amenities or to reserve one of the more than 1,800 campsites or 300 climate-controlled cabins, call the Virginia State Parks Reservation Center at 800-933-PARK or visit www.virginiastateparks.gov.
