4VAC15-90-91. Game: Deer. General firearms season either-sex deer hunting days.
Summary
The proposal is to (i) increase the either-sex deer hunting days for 29 counties, four (4) Wildlife Management Areas, and Cumberland State Forest as shown in the table below, (ii) edit the text outlining which three (3) days of the season hunters are allowed to hunt deer of either-sex in Lee County, and (iii) include references to National Forest lands in Dickenson and Wise Counties to maintain antlered deer only (no either-sex days) hunting on these lands.
| City/County/WMA | Change | Current | Proposed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alleghany | Increase | 2 | 3 |
| Amelia | Increase | 15 | 31 |
| Amherst (east of Business 29) | Increase | 31 | Full season |
| Bath | Increase | 2 | 3 |
| Bland | Increase | 3 | 8 |
| Campbell (east of NS Railroad) | Increase | 31 | Full season |
| Cumberland | Increase | 15 | 31 |
| Dickenson | Increase | 0 | 1 |
| Fluvanna | Increase | 31 | Full season |
| Gloucester | Increase | 15 | 31 |
| Greensville | Increase | 8 | Full season |
| Halifax | Increase | 15 | Full season |
| Highland | Increase | 2 | 3 |
| King George | Increase | 31 | Full season |
| Lancaster | Increase | 31 | Full season |
| Lee | Same | 3 | 3 |
| Louisa | Increase | 31 | Full season |
| Nelson (east of Rt. 151) | Increase | 31 | Full season |
| Northumberland | Increase | 31 | Full season |
| Nottoway | Increase | 15 | 31 |
| Pittsylvania (east of NS Railroad) | Increase | 31 | Full season |
| Richmond | Increase | 31 | Full season |
| Rockbridge | Increase | 3 | Full season |
| Rockingham (west of Rts. 613 and 731) | Increase | 2 | 3 |
| Russell | Increase | 3 | 8 |
| Scott | Increase | 7 | 8 |
| Tazewell | Increase | 3 | 8 |
| Washington | Increase | 8 | Full season |
| Westmoreland | Increase | 31 | Full season |
| Wise | Increase | 0 | 1 |
| Public Land | Change | Current | Proposed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amelia WMA | Increase | 8 | 15 |
| Highland WMA | Increase | 2 | 3 |
| Turkeycock WMA | Increase | 7 | 8 |
| White Oak Mountain WMA | Increase | 4 | 5 |
| Cumberland State Forest | Increase | 2 | 3 |
| Dickenson – National Forest | Same | 0 | 0 |
| Wise – National Forest | Same | 0 | 0 |
Proposed Language
Note: In the “Proposed Language” document, underlined text denotes proposed new language, while text with a strikethrough denotes language that is proposed to be deleted.
Rationale
Private Lands
Alleghany. The private land deer population index is currently being met in Alleghany at the moderate to high level. However, the cultural carrying capacity is likely exceeding the biological carrying capacity, i.e., the public desires more deer than can be sustained without damage to habitat. The proposed increase in either-sex days by one additional day will allow increased opportunity for harvest while also better aligning populations with the habitat.
Amelia. The private land deer population index is currently being met in Amelia at the moderate to high level but is trending towards high. While reported deer vehicle collisions have remained fairly constant (15-20 per year), census data from the 2020 census shows a slightly increasing human population. The proposed increase in either-sex days is a proactive change to address the increasing urbanization of this area and continue to meet the deer population objective. This would also continue to maintain consistency of regulations in the counties of Amelia, Cumberland, and Nottoway with similar habitat conditions and deer densities.
Amherst. Deer populations continue to remain high and above the current deer plan population objective (moderate) for Amherst County. Deer vehicle collisions have significantly increased during the last reporting cycle jumping from 83 to 126 in a one-year span. The increase to full season either-sex firearms hunting will simplify regulations and make the seasons consistent across the whole county, which currently has a split season east and west of Rt. 29. This proposal will also align with proposals for Campbell, Nelson, and Pittsylvania County to make regulations consistent across those entire counties, as well.
Bath. The private land deer population index is currently lower than objective (moderate to high), but much like Alleghany, due to habitat constraints, the cultural carrying capacity likely exceeds the biological carrying capacity. The addition of one either-sex firearms deer hunting day will better align the deer population with the habitat, while also keeping regulations consistent across the Alleghany, Bath, and Highland area.
Bland. Per the CWD management plan, private land deer population objectives in all disease management area counties are set no higher than moderate. Bland is currently over this objective at the moderate to high level and is included in DMA 4 in southwest Virginia. Deer vehicle collisions have also nearly doubled over the last 2-year reporting period. An increase in either-sex firearms hunting days should assist in meeting the desired population objective and reducing conflicts such as collisions and agricultural damage.
Campbell. Deer populations have exceeded the private land population objective of moderate since 2021 and deer vehicle collisions have trended upward from a reported low of 33 in 2019 to 70 in 2023. The increase in either-sex firearms hunting days to full season county wide will align with changes proposed in Amherst, Nelson, and Pittsylvania County while simultaneously simplifying regulations within each county. Law enforcement staff strongly supported the consistent season structure across the county to simplify regulations for hunters and enforcement staff alike.
Cumberland. While Cumberland is currently meeting its private land deer population objective (moderate to high) it has been trending closer to high since 2021. Deer vehicle collisions have doubled over the past 2 reporting cycles (10 in 2021 to 19 and 20 in 2022 and 2023, respectively). The proposed increase in firearms either-sex hunting days would maintain consistency of regulations in the counties of Amelia, Cumberland, and Nottoway with similar habitat conditions and deer densities.
Dickenson. During the 2024 regulation scoping public comment period, a large number of comments came from the coalfield region of Virginia asking for the opportunity to take antlerless deer during the firearms deer season. Dickenson has had buck only hunting during the firearms season throughout its history due to historically low deer densities. With increased habitat management efforts on private and public lands in this region, particularly PALs lands, deer populations are rebounding. While Dickenson is meeting its population objective (moderate), it is actually trending to the higher end of this objective. Starting conservatively by proposing a single either-sex day during the firearms seasons should allow increased opportunity as requested by constituents in this area while still meeting the management objective as prescribed by the current deer plan.
Fluvanna. The private land deer population objective is currently higher than prescribed and has been for the past two seasons. Census data shows an increasing population trend for this area although deer vehicle collisions have moderated over the past few years with an average of 36 per year since 2020. The proposed increase to full season either-sex would be a proactive management action to continue to meet the private land deer population objective in an area that is quickly increasing in human density and urbanization.
Gloucester. While Gloucester is currently meeting its private land deer population objective (moderate), census data, deer vehicle collisions, and agricultural damage and complaints have all been increasing substantially since the past regulation cycle. The proposal to increase either-sex day opportunities to full season would be a proactive management change to mitigate the increasing urbanization and conflicts for this area.
Greensville. The private land deer population index has rebounded following a hemorrhagic disease outbreak in 2014 and, while currently meeting its objective (moderate), it is trending higher and close to above objective for the past 2 seasons. Deer vehicle collisions have high reporting variability in this area with a peak of 52 reported in 2019, down to 31 reported in 2024. This is still higher than the lowest reports which occurred immediately following the HD outbreak, with reported incidents below 20 from 2014 to 2017. Constituent requests for increased antlerless opportunities have been high in recent years and as hunting participation wanes, the need for more liberal either-sex hunting days will continue to be needed to meet management objectives.
Halifax. Either-sex firearms hunting opportunities have varied over time in Halifax going from highly conservative opportunities (6 days) in the early 1990s to full season by 2011. Following a hemorrhagic disease outbreak in 2016, either-sex days were reduced to allow population recovery. Populations have since rebounded and are currently meeting the management objective (moderate) but trending toward moderate/high. Deer vehicle collisions sharply increased during the 2023 reporting period to 88, the highest number reported since 2008. The proposed increase in either-sex days would be a proactive management action to continue meeting the current population objective and this change would align the either-sex hunting opportunity in Halifax with those in the adjacent counties of Campbell and Pittsylvania.
Highland. The private land deer population index is currently lower than objective (moderate to high), but much like Alleghany and Bath, due to habitat constraints, the cultural carrying capacity likely exceeds the biological carrying capacity. The addition of one either-sex firearms deer hunting day will better align the deer population with the habitat, while also keeping regulations consistent across the Alleghany, Bath, and Highland area.
King George. The private land deer population index has declined significantly from its peak (5.09 bucks harvested/square mile) in 2009 to meet its current management objective of moderate. During the past two seasons the index has begun to trend higher again, approaching the moderate to high index. While deer vehicle collisions are fairly stable (47 reports per year average since 2017), census data shows a significantly increasing population density. Increasing either-sex opportunities to full season will proactively manage for increased human populations and subsequent urban development, while also keeping regulations consistent throughout the Northern Neck.
Lancaster. The private land deer population index has not been met in Lancaster (moderate) since 2002 and, while coming down from a peak in 2009, still remains above objective and trending higher. While deer vehicle collisions and census data do not show significantly increasing trends, there has been increased development in this area in recent years. Increasing either-sex opportunities to full season should assist in meeting the current population objective, while also keeping regulations consistent throughout the Northern Neck.
Lee. The proposed change for Lee County does not involve any change in the number of either-sex firearms days but is simply rewording the regulation to keep the current days (3) in the second week of the season, rather than moving them to the end of the new proposed four-week firearm season. Local DWR staff acknowledged that hunting is extremely popular during the current second week of the firearms season and that keeping the either-sex days during this timeframe would be more beneficial to constituent desires.
Louisa. Census data shows a significantly increasing human population for Louisa coupled with a record number of deer vehicle collision reports for 2023 (67). While the private land population objective is currently being met (moderate), the deer population trend is increasing. Either-sex days have been at their current number (31) for 8 seasons with little change to the population index. Proactively increasing the either sex days to full season should assist in continuing to meet the population objective while mitigating continued urbanization and human population increases to this area. This proposal would also keep Fluvanna and Lousia regulations consistent, as they have been for many years.
Nelson. Deer populations continue to remain moderate/high and above the current deer plan population objective (moderate) for Nelson County. Deer vehicle collision reports have varied but have approached 50 in recent years. The increase to full season either-sex firearms hunting will simplify regulations and make the seasons consistent across the county, which currently has a split season east and west of Rt. 151. This will align regulations with those proposed for Amherst, Campbell, and Pittsylvania to make regulations consistent across these counties, as well.
Northumberland. The private land deer population index is currently being met (moderate) but trending higher towards moderate/high since 2021. While deer vehicle collisions and census data do not show significantly increasing trends, there has been increased development in this area in recent years. Increasing either-sex opportunities to full season should assist in continuing to meet the current population objective, while also keeping regulations consistent throughout the Northern Neck.
Nottoway. Either-sex firearms hunting days have slowly been increased following a significant hemorrhagic disease outbreak in this area in 2014. Reduced antlerless opportunities allowed the population to recover and now exceed its stated population objective (moderate). While census data shows stable human populations in this area, deer vehicle collisions increased significantly for the 2023 reporting period (74). Increasing either-sex firearms hunting opportunities should assist in meeting the population management objective. This would also maintain consistency in regulations for Amelia, Cumberland, and Nottoway counties which have similar habitat conditions and deer densities.
Pittsylvania. The private land deer population objective is currently being met but has been consistently on the high side of moderate since 2007. While census data does not show any population increases, deer vehicle collisions doubled over the 2022 to 2023 reporting period. The increase in either-sex firearms hunting days to full season county wide will align with proposals for Amherst, Campbell, and Nelson County while simultaneously simplifying regulations within each county. Law enforcement staff strongly supported the consistent season structure across the county to simplify regulations for hunters and enforcement staff alike.
Richmond. The private land deer population index is currently being met (moderate) but trending higher towards moderate/high. While deer vehicle collisions and census data do not show significantly increasing trends, there has been increased development in this area in recent years. Increasing either-sex opportunities to full season should assist in continuing to meet the current population objective, while also keeping regulations consistent throughout the Northern Neck.
Rockbridge. Either-sex firearms hunting opportunities have historically been limited in Rockbridge, with a high of 8 either sex days allowed from 2003 to 2007. The private land deer population index is currently above objective (moderate) and has been in the moderate to high index since 2019. While census data shows stable human population trajectories, deer vehicle collisions nearly doubled from 109 in 2022 to 195 in 2023. Agricultural damage complaints and requests for out of season kill permits and damage control assistance permits have remained high. The proposed increase in either-sex firearms opportunities should assist in meeting the stated population objective while also making regulations more consistent with the adjoining counties of Augusta and Botetourt.
Rockingham. While the private land deer population index for Rockingham as a whole is above objective (moderate), the western portion of Rockingham has significant management differences that are hard to discern from the countywide harvest and population index. Habitat variability in this heavily forested portion of the county results in a lower carrying capacity and hence restrictive either-sex firearms opportunities. Based on local staff observations in this area along with public comments received during the public scoping period, deer densities could support an additional either-sex firearms opportunity. This would also align with the either-sex days proposed for Alleghany, Bath, and Highland counties.
Russell. The private land deer population index has steadily increased in Russell County since 2013 and is currently approaching moderate/high which is above objective (moderate). While census data shows declining human populations in this area, deer vehicle collisions were the highest reported in 2023 at 85. Conservative either-sex firearms opportunities have successfully increased this population to a point where additional either-sex opportunities are warranted to continue to meet the stated management objective. Comments received during the 2024 regulation scoping period were in favor of additional opportunities throughout the coalfields region. While Russell County is not within a designated CWD DMA, it is adjacent to Tazewell County, which had a positive CWD detection in 2023. Thus, additional either-sex opportunities may be beneficial to stabilize populations in close proximity to a disease management area.
Scott. The proposed increase of 1 additional either-sex day for Scott would align the regulations for Bland, Russell, Scott, and Tazewell counties, simplifying regulations across this entire area. While Scott is meeting its private land deer population objective (moderate to high) there are increasing numbers of agricultural damage complaints and requests for out of season kill permits in this area. Law enforcement staff were highly supportive of keeping regulations consistent across their enforcement districts to the extent possible based on management objectives.
Tazewell. Per the CWD management plan, private land deer population objectives in all disease management area counties are set no higher than moderate. Tazewell is currently over this objective at the moderate to high level and is included in DMA 4 in southwest Virginia due to a positive CWD detection in 2023. Deer vehicle collisions have steadily increased since 2020 with a high of 131 reported in 2023. An increase in either-sex firearms hunting days should assist in meeting the desired population objective and reducing conflicts such as collisions and agricultural damage, while also keeping regulations consistent across Bland, Russell, Scott, and Tazewell.
Washington. The private land deer population index has steadily increased in Washington since 2010 with a more significant increasing trend since 2015. The population objective (moderate) has not been met since 2019 and has trended even higher into the moderate/high range since 2022. While census data shows stable human population densities, deer vehicle collisions have increased to a reported high of 109 in 2023. Agricultural damage complaints are also consistently high in this area. The increase to full season either-sex firearms opportunity should assist in reducing the population to meet the stated management objective.
Westmoreland. The private land deer population index is currently being met (moderate) but trending higher towards moderate/high. While deer vehicle collisions do not show significant trends, census data shows a moderately increasing human population with increased development in this area in recent years. Increasing either-sex opportunities to full season should assist in continuing to meet the current population objective, while also keeping regulations consistent throughout the Northern Neck.
Wise. During the 2024 regulation scoping public comment period, a large number of comments came from the coalfield region of Virginia asking for the opportunity to take antlerless deer during the firearms deer season. Wise has had buck only hunting during the firearms season throughout its history due to historically low deer densities, with the exception of a single either-sex day from 1993-1994. With increased habitat management efforts on private and public lands in this region, deer populations are rebounding. While Wise is meeting its population objective (moderate), it is trending to the higher end of this objective. Starting conservatively with a single either-sex day during the firearms seasons should allow increased opportunity as requested by constituents in this area while still meeting the management objective as prescribed by the current deer plan.
Public Lands
Amelia. Local staff recommends increasing either-sex firearms days on the Amelia Wildlife Management Area to match those provided on Powhatan WMA. Hunting pressure seems to be reduced in recent years on the WMA, allowing for the addition of one more week of either-sex opportunity to continue to meet management objectives on the WMA.
Cumberland. Local DWR and DOF staff recommend increasing either-sex firearms days on the Cumberland State Forest by adding one additional Saturday of opportunity. This proposal aligns with the proposed increase of either-sex days on private lands in Cumberland due to an increasing deer population index. The addition of a single Saturday within the middle of the season is proposed to allow increased antlerless harvest opportunity but avoid the end of the season, which typically sees a substantial increase in hunting pressure on this area.
Dickenson. Due to the proposed addition of a single either-sex firearms day on private lands in Dickenson County, the public lands now are listed separately (National Forest lands) as antlered buck only, no antlerless opportunities. In the previous version of this regulation, private and public lands were together as they were both buck only with no antlerless opportunities during the firearms season. There is no proposed change to either-sex days on public lands in Dickenson County at this time.
Highland. Local staff recommends increasing either-sex firearms days on the Highland Wildlife Management Area to match those on private lands in Highland County. This proposal to add a single additional day (Friday) will allow increased opportunity while distributing hunting pressure and continuing to meet management objectives.
Franklin/Henry. Local staff recommends increasing either-sex firearms days on Turkeycock WMA by adding a single additional Saturday. This proposal should allow increased opportunity while distributing hunting pressure and continuing to meet management objectives.
Pittsylvania. Local staff recommends increasing either-sex firearms days on White Oak Mountain WMA by adding a single additional Saturday. This proposal should allow increased opportunity while distributing hunting pressure and continuing to meet management objectives.
Wise. Due to the proposed addition of a single either-sex firearms day on private lands in Wise County, the public lands now are listed separately (National Forest lands) as antlered buck only, no antlerless opportunities. In the previous version of this regulation, private and public lands were together as they were both buck only with no antlerless opportunities during the firearms season. There is no proposed change to either-sex days on public lands in Wise County at this time.