Overview
The Elk Conservation License Program is a unique opportunity for the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) and its partners to raise funds for projects that promote wildlife conservation and wildlife-related recreation in Virginia’s Elk Management Zone. Guided by legal requirements set forth in the laws of the Commonwealth, the program enables the Department to annually reserve a single special elk hunting license for a cooperator or wildlife conservation organization submitting the application deemed to provide the greatest benefit to wildlife conservation and wildlife-related recreation in Virginia.
To generate funds through the Elk Conservation License Program, the cooperator or wildlife conservation organization for which a special elk hunting license is reserved may conduct a raffle to transfer the license to an individual. Proceeds generated through the transfer of the special elk hunting license must be directed toward wildlife conservation or wildlife-related recreation in Buchanan, Dickenson, and/or Wise counties, which compose Virginia’s Elk Management Zone.
Eligibility for the Elk Conservation License Program
Department cooperators and wildlife conservation organizations whose mission is to promote and ensure the conservation of Virginia’s wildlife resources or promote opportunities for hunting, fishing, trapping, boating, and other wildlife-related recreation within Virginia may submit an application for a special elk hunting license.
Application Deadline
All application materials must be submitted by April 1 (annually). Applications may be submitted by either of the following methods:
- Online application, or
- Fillable PDF application (should be completed in the free Adobe Acrobat Reader software). Fillable forms must be submitted by email to [email protected].
Review of Applications
Completed applications will be reviewed by a committee of at least three individuals designated by the Department’s Executive Director. Following review of the applications, and no later than May 1 (annually), the committee will make a recommendation to the Department’s Executive Director to reserve a special elk hunting license for the cooperator or wildlife conservation organization submitting the application that provides the greatest benefit to wildlife conservation and wildlife-related recreation in the Elk Management Zone. Applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application.
Cooperator/Organization for which a Special Elk Hunting License is Reserved
The Department will establish a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the successful cooperator or wildlife conservation organization specifically outlining the requirements of the transfer of the special elk hunting license and details for managing proceeds generated by the transfer. The aforementioned MOU shall be executed prior to implementing the successful cooperator/wildlife conservation organization’s proposal.
For Additional Information and Details
Please contact Jackie Rosenberger, Elk Project Leader, at 804-481-0184 or [email protected].
Application
Please fill out each item within your preferred application format provided below. If an item is not applicable to you, please enter “N/A” as the response. Only complete applications will be considered for a special elk hunting license.
If you are submitting an application online via the form below, it must be submitted by April 1 (annually).
If you are submitting an application using the fillable PDF application form instead, it must be emailed by April 1 (annually) to [email protected].
The current application period has ended.