The Phelps Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in Fauquier County has long featured a trail with hunting stands that are available to mobility-impaired hunters on a reservations-based system. Building on the success of this program, in 2013 the Department launched an effort to improve accessible hunting at WMA’s all across the Commonwealth.
Each of the Department’s four regions has now installed an accessible hunting trail. The locations were selected to facilitate quality hunting and to provide barrier-free access to all hunters, including those who have limited mobility. All the new trails are available on a first-come first-serve basis.
The first trail was developed in 2013 in Region I at Chickahominy WMA in Charles City County. The main access trail is 3591 feet long with six spur trails into quality hunting locations.
The second trail was developed in 2014 in Region IV at Powhatan WMA in Powhatan County. The main trail is 2710 feet long with six spur trails to hunting locations.
Region II developed its Accessible Trail at White Oak Mountain WMA in Pittsylvania County in 2015. The main trail is 941 feet in length with three spur trails. The White Oak trails provide accessible hunting shelters on the spur trails.
Region III finished a trail this year at Clinch Mountain WMA in Smyth County. The main trail is 1530 feet long with three hunting locations with shelters and one side spur for hunting. The Department added a 300 foot spur down to Tumbling Creek to provide accessible Trout fishing to the WMA.
The Department is investing the sportsmen’s fees to improve services and access to the natural resources of the Commonwealth for all hunters, anglers and wildlife enthusiasts.
