Virginia Deer Forecast: Great Whitetail Hunting from Mountains to Coast

• This whitetail hunting forecast for the state of Virginia is part of Game & Fish’s “Great States" project identifying the best deer-hunting states in the country. Read more: America's Top Whitetail States

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Virginia is for Deer Lovers

A state that often doesn’t get many accolades for deer hunting, Virginia offers a cool whitetail experience, espoecially with its varying terrain and deer. From coastal areas in eastern counties to mountains in western counties, this is unique state for chasing deer.

According to reports by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, the state has approximately 850,000 to 1 million whitetails. Pursuing these deer each year are approximately 180,000-190,000 deer hunters.

Virginia is No. 7 in Game & Fish’s "America’s Top Whitetail States” rankings, featuring a long season, solid annual harvest totals and significant public-land accessibility.

Last year’s harvest (206,586) was up 12 percent (from 184,968) in 2022-23 and up 5 percent from the 10-year average (196,862). A total of 105,201 antlered deer were harvested last year.

DID YOU KNOW?

VA HARVEST BREAKDOWN

Virginia archery hunters took 14 percent of the state’s total deer harvest last year, while muzzleloader and firearms hunters took 26 and 60 percent, according to state statistics.

The state wildlife agency says, "white oak mast was scarce during the fall of 2023, which could have made deer move more in search of this preferred food item, increasing their visibility to hunters."

Hunters should scout to find good pockets of deer, and bigger bucks, in places close to good mast crops, such as red and white oak trees. In big-woods settings, don’t overlook great natural browse food sources.

THAT'S A FACT

NORTHEAST HOT SPOT

Augusta County in northeastern Virginia, east of Charlottesville, had the most whitetails harvested in 2023 with 5,232 deer taken.

Overall, things look bright for the 2024 season. Expect great deer numbers, moderate antler growth, and good deer movement. If deer hunters put in enough hours and days, they should exit deer season with plenty of venison for the freezer, and maybe even a buck for the wall.

Get more info: Buy your hunting licenses, deer permits, etc. here. Check out the 2024 deer season dates here.

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• Coming October 24: The annual Regional Rut Update begins weekly expert reports on whitetail activity from the woods near year. Sign up for the newsletter.

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