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Press Release

Press releases may contain information regarding programs, policies, regulation, rules, or fees of DWR and are current at the date of release. Information beyond that date is subject to change. Please contact DWR for further inquiries.

For Immediate Release

March 28, 2022

Contact:

Paige Pearson
[email protected]
804-370-0044

Last Chance for Virginia Elk Hunt Lottery Applications Open Until March 30

Richmond, VA – The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) is offering a chance to harvest a massive bull elk scoring as high as 350+ inches and weighing up to 900 pounds!

Applications are still open for the inaugural VIRGINIA ELK HUNT LOTTERYThere are still 2 days left to apply-don’t miss your chance!

The hunt for the 2022–2023 season will be held Saturday, October 8, 2022 – Friday, October 14, 2022. There are five (5) antlered elk tags available for this year’s hunt via lottery. Application period for the elk lottery will open February 1, 2022, and close March 30, 2022. Applications for a special elk hunting license can be obtained online, under elk hunting, or by calling the Department of Wildlife Resources Customer Service for assistance in applying via phone.

Applications require a non-refundable fee of $15 for Virginia residents and $20 for out-of-state residents. Winners of the elk hunting application will then need to purchase a special elk hunting license for $40 for in-state residents, and $400 for out-of-state residents. The special elk hunting license is not transferrable to another individual. Winners of the randomized computer drawing will be notified by May 30th. You can also check the status of your application by visiting your DWR GoOutdoorsVA page.

Once awarded a special elk hunting license, applicants will have 30 days from notification to purchase the license. Licenses that are not purchased by the deadline will be awarded to alternate hunters who will be drawn concurrently with the original hunters. Alternates will not be announced or notified unless they become eligible to purchase a special elk hunting license. Elk hunters 15 years of age and younger or holders of an apprentice hunting license must be accompanied by and directly supervised by an adult who has a valid Virginia hunting license or is exempt from purchasing a hunting license. All applicants who are drawn for a Virginia special elk hunting license must read and acknowledge the “Elk Hunting Considerations” prior to beginning their hunt.

DWR has many partnerships and agreements with private landowners in the Elk Management Zone that will allow public access for elk hunting.

Applications to the elk lottery will be limited to a single application, per drawing, per person. Duplicate, falsified, or improper applications will be removed from the applicant pool. Drawings will be completely random and will be done with witnesses present.

For more information, please visit: VIRGINIA ELK LOTTERY