Ground Zero: Virginia's Record Bucks

iv>

Check out this video to learn how to manage your small track of land to bag your trophy buck.

Public land

As stated, this region has very little public land and what it does have receives steady pressure given that Northern Virginia is nearby. Rapidan WMA has 10,326 acres spread over eight separate tracts in both Madison and Greene Counties. Four of these tracts adjoin Shenandoah National Park and share nearly 25 miles of boundary. Hunting is not permitted in the Shenandoah National Park and bucks live a long time there unless they venture off the park during the rut. Hunters that scout locations and have several backup locations picked out near the boundary of the park are in a good spot to possibly take a quality buck.

Mike Dye of VDGIF pointed out that the WMA is mostly forested and there are fewer deer there, although prior to VDGIF owning it, there was some timbering done. The VDGIF website notes that elevations can be steep ranging from 1,400 to 3,840 feet. The timber is mostly mixed hardwoods with some chestnut oak trees on the southwestern slopes. The deep valleys and hills are mostly tulip poplar which are not great deer habitat. Hunters need to spend some time roaming the WMA to find the best places to set up. Water sources include the Rapidan, Conway and South Rivers.

There is primitive camping available for hunters. Hunters should check the rules of the WMA on the kiosks. This WMA is remote, rugged and the roads can wash out due to thunderstorms. Strongly consider taking a map and compass in addition to your phone or GPS in case signal is lost. Let someone know where you plan to hunt. Remember, the further you get off the beaten path, the better your chances of seeing and possibly harvesting a big buck (visit dgif.virginia.gov/wma/rapidan/).

The small area of C.F. Phelps WMA in Culpeper County and even the portion in Fauquier County is also an area of consideration for hunters. This popular WMA gets more pressure, particularly during gun season, so consider using your bow or crossbow and get out early. The land along the Rappahannock River is a good bet as the soil is fertile and cover can be thick. C.F. Phelps does have a sight in range. Be sure to check the hours. Currently the range is closed on Mondays (dgif.virginia.gov/wma/cf-phelps/).

If a big buck or even a Virginia B&C bucks is in your dreams, try our tips for hunting right here in Virginia. Our three counties have the soils, habitat and genes for a VA wall hanger.