Hi everyone, so im originally from California and have wanted to hunt all my life. I was stationed in Norfolk when I was in the military and decided to stay since I met my girlfriend here. I wanna go hunting but actually have no one here to show me the ropes. I just bought a silent hide bib and I have a rifle chambered in 30-30. Planning on getting my actual hunting license in a bit. Can anyone (without telling me their secret spots, just give me a general idea of where to go) tell me where I can go hunt for deer? Im in virignia beach but im willing to drive and camp. Also, maybe a bullet point list of essentials i need to carry when scouting? Thanks in advanced everyone, if I shoot something I'll post it here

I’m a resident of TN (right on the VA border) and am hunting a buddies private land this weekend. I know I need a VA license, but do I need to take a VA specific hunter safety course, or will my course from TN suffice? Anything extra as far as licensing I might need? I’m bow hunting

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I'm 29 and live in Great Falls, Virginia, and I'm completely new to hunting. I've never hunted before and didn't grow up around it, so I'm looking for an experienced hunter or group that wouldn't mind helping a beginner learn the basics.

I'm mainly interested in firearm hunting, especially deer, rather than archery. I've completed Virginia hunter education and I also have a Virginia lifetime resident hunting license, but beyond that I have essentially no real hunting experience.

I'm not looking for anyone's secret spot or expecting someone to put me directly on a deer. I'd like to learn how hunting actually works from start to finish—scouting, identifying deer sign, choosing a location, firearm hunting etiquette and safety, shot selection, tracking, field dressing, and everything else that comes with it.

I'd be happy to help with scouting, carrying gear, setting things up, or whatever else is useful. Mostly I'm looking for people I can talk to, learn from, and hopefully eventually tag along with on a hunt.

I'm in the Great Falls/Reston area but I'm willing to drive elsewhere in Northern Virginia or a reasonable distance beyond it.

If there's an active Virginia hunting Discord or another local group you'd recommend, I'd appreciate an invite as well.

Hey all! I'm planning on taking another stab at deer hunting this fall for the first time in several years. I grew up in the NoVa area and still reside in the western portions of NoVa. Over the years, I have made the occasional excursion to the Thompson WMA and had mild success squirrel hunting and have become familiar with the area.

I intend on returning to Thompson this fall given its proximity, long rifle season, and my familiarity with it but I am curious about the nearby national forests. I would be considering the northern portions of the Lee Ranger District of George Washington National Forest. Namely, around the Northern entrance of Fort Valley and West of Edinburg.

I already have access permits to these areas and I have looked at the topo maps but beyond a fly fishing excursion to Little Stony Creek I have yet to spend meaningful time in these woods. I plan on going out prior to rifle season for some squirrel hunting/scouting, but is there anything I should know about these areas or any tips you have?

My primary goal is less about having success on a deer or finding a big mountain buck and more so about enjoying some time in the mountains away from the crowds with something that reasonably resembles a chance of success. Thank you!

On public land, a hunter not in the party of people running dogs were to shoot a bear that was actively being ran by dogs. Not tree'd yet, still running on the ground.

Would this situation be tense? The hunter didn't break any laws. Was in a tree stand waiting for legal game to come by and drops the bear being chased. Its now the tree hunters bear.

Will the dog runners be upset or give congratulations and move on?

I've seen many a deer shot in front of dogs by hunters not with the dog hunt and never an issue. I'm just curious about public land bear hunting.

I’m new to Va Area looking to do some rabbit Hunting in Local WMA I have hounds just looking for some good Habitat Thanks

I would love to hear some thoughts on whether a new hunting trying to get into deer hunting should start with hunting squirrels as an easy way to get out, take shots, etc. Thanks!

Is there a hunter's app where I can share my location to anyone? Saw some apps in a Google search, but they seem aimed at keeping track of friends on a group outing. I expect to be solo, and last thing I want to do is ruin someone else's day, so is there a popular way to say "I'm over here!" to strangers?

I've gotten two hunts and one deer under my belt, so I'm still considering myself a beginner. Previously, I was able to be guided on some private land by a relative, but this year I'm planning to give public lands a try. Booked some time off for early in the season, and the nearest WMA to me is Oakly Forest, so any extra tips about that area would be appreciated.

Hello All!

Me and my friends decided to pivot and hunt deer this November, we are doing our safety course last week of October online, and are looking for WMA’s where we can hunt with rifle.

Any tips, tricks or advice is welcome!

Hey, everyone

Seeking a hunting mentor or buddy or land to hunt on. I live in Manassas, so I can easily travel to Loudoun, Fauquier, Stafford, Catlet, Nokesville, Warrenton, etc.

Novice hunter, 29-years old, been “hunting” for two years but those were just managed hunts, didn’t even see anything. I’m athletic, stay active and have extensive experience with firearms outside of hunting. I have my own firearms and pop-up blind and all other bare-minimum necessary gear.

I really want to get more traction with this interest, eager to learn and get experience, so I’m wanting to not lose another season waiting around. Really appreciate any advice, tips, or otherwise.

I see alot of posts from people in the 757 and dont see this property mentioned much as its not an official WMA and is run by Isle of Wight County. Its a pretty nice chunk of property that doesn't get alot of use in my experience. Have harvested some nice deer in this area in this past so thought I'd pass it along to yall. I dont want this post to get taken down for providing the link but you can just search "Isle of Wight - Blackwater Permitting Information" and get where you need to go.

Its $100 a year for non-residents of Isle of wight and about a 45 min drive from norfolk. Its the largest piece of "public" in the area, and most of it is untouched.

I'm 40 in the Chesterfield area and really want to get into hunting. Particularly deer. Went to a friend's farm in Cumberland a few times last year with no luck. Would really like to find somebody with experience to show me the ropes. Have a gun & gear. As an avid fisherman, I feel like that guy you see blind casting into the middle of the lake without understanding cover, animal behavior, processing; etc. Willing to help hang stands, clear brush, general labor as trade. I also hate spot burners, so you dont have to worry about that. If you're up for some company I'd love to tag along

I currently live in Hampton Roads and public land hunting over here is rather dry, I am looking to join a hunt club that has a spot for a new member

I've been out there scouting during the week for my first season bow hunting. It's basically empty, which may not be a good indicator of pressure since the season hasn't started, but I'm curious if anybody has insight on this land.

Youth weekend and walk outside and see a couple deer and an Albino!! Really like to get everyone’s opinion on if they would take the shot or let it walk?

Anybody ever hunted the Merrifield WMA in Clarksville? My wife has family who lives in the neighborhood that borders it and there are deer everywhere when driving through it. We're visiting the weekend of October 16th-18th and I've been cleared to hunt the mornings.

Just wondering if anyone knows how much pressure it gets put under during bow season, how busy it gets, etc. Thanks in advance!

I grew up hunting in West Virginia and Ohio. I assume VA is much like WV. I’m in the navy so I’m moving to Norfolk. Need some advice for good spots to check out somewhat in that area

Looking for recommendations for a really good whitetail taxidermist within about 2 hours of Richmond, VA. Mainly looking for shoulder mounts. Quality is more important than price — especially realistic eyes, ears, facial detail, and overall anatomy.
Who have y’all personally used and been happy with?

Hi all, Im new to hunting, started with white tail archery on private land. Im curious about still hunting deer on public land during rifle season and wanted to get advice on rifles/calibers. Does anyone here do that, and if you do, what range do you normally take shots from? Im considering purchasing a .357 lever gun to go with my revolver, but Im wondering if I’ll be missing out by not using a longer range rifle cartridge like .270. I imagine the heavy woods in our state makes long distance rare.

My daughter and I are looking at getting into hunting she approached me about it. We live in colonial heights Virginia just outside of Richmond. She’s 11 I’m 31 I have no experience and looking for someone experienced to help us get started. Would like to get her out on youth day. In the process of getting our licenses this week.

Hello!

Me and my friends are looking to get into hunting this year and were wondering if it’s too hard to start learning on your own? We are thinking maybe a turkey hunt would be good to get us starters for our first time. Any tips or suggestions would be very appreciated

First year bow hunting in VA coming from SC and wow, holy shit, I’ve heard probably 7-8 gunshots in the last couple of hours. Is this normal? Do people just not care about hunting regulations up here?