Description
Located on Back Bay in extreme Southeastern Virginia, the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources’ Princess Anne Wildlife Management Area (WMA) is composed of four tracts, totaling 1,546 acres.
The Beasley, Trojan and Whitehurst Tracts, are on the western shore of Back Bay, a slightly brackish body separated from the Atlantic Ocean by False Cape; all three of these tracts are accessible by car. The Pocahontas Tract, a group of marshy islands, is at the south end of the bay and is not accessible by car.
The Whitehurst and Beasley Tracts are a patchwork of marshes, weedy and cultivated fields, narrow freshwater impoundments, and pine woodland. Because of the mixed character of the habitat, this area includes lots of woodland edge; both birds and white-tailed deer are plentiful. During summer, listen for northern bobwhite and watch for American and fishcrows, raptors, and passerines. In summer, great egrets hunt the pond edges, to be joined in winter by several species of puddle ducks. Impoundment water levels are manipulated to promote vegetation for wintering and migrating waterfowl. The tracts may be explored via rustic footpaths to and circling around the impoundments.
The Trojan Marsh Tract has a boat launch and channel to open water where the wildlife watcher with a boat can access the marshes of Back Bay. During winter, taking a boat into the bay will expose visitors to several species of waterfowl, including various diving ducks and geese. There is little land access here, but look for a short trail that winds along the channel/ woodland interface that can provide views of song and marsh birds.
Notes:
- To Access the Site: A Restore the Wild Membership, Virginia hunting license, freshwater fishing license, boat registration, or an access permit is required.
- For wildlife viewing visiting hours and a map of the WMA, see the agency’s website.
- This site may be closed during certain times of year for hunting or land management. See seasonal access information on the Princess Anne WMA website.
- If you are visiting this site during hunting seasons, please wear blaze orange/pink for safety.
- Princess Anne WMA Map
Wildlife Sightings
Birds Recently Seen at Princess Anne Wildlife Management Area (as reported to eBird)
- Mourning Dove
- Ring-billed Gull
- White Ibis
- Great Blue Heron
- Turkey Vulture
- Eastern Screech-Owl
- Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
- Red-bellied Woodpecker
- Pileated Woodpecker
- Northern Flicker
Amenities & Access Considerations
Amenities
- Hiking Trails
- Parking
- Boat Ramp
Maps & Directions
Location of Beasley and Whitehurst Tracts: Munden Rd., Virginia Beach, VA
Location of Trojan Marsh Tract: Back Bay Landing Rd., Virginia Beach, VA
To the Beasley and Whitehurst Tracts:
From Pungo, head south on Princess Anne Rd and bear right to continue onto Mill Landing Rd for 1.6 miles. Turn right onto Morris Neck Rd for 1.4 miles then left onto Munden Rd, continue for 0.5 miles and the parking lot and kiosk will be on the left hand side.
What to Know Before Visiting
The Virginia Bird and Wildlife Trail is a network of more than 500 premier wildlife viewing sites across the state. Walk a nature trail, paddle a river, or enjoy a scenic overlook and you’ll soon understand what makes Virginia a premier destination for birding and wildlife viewing.