Virginia

Rich in diverse natural resources and a terrain spanning from the Appalachian Mountains to the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean, the Old Dominion is an ideal home for sportsmen and women. Founded in 1607, Virginia has been at the forefront of American history from Patrick Henry’s iconic Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death Speech to the British Surrender at Yorktown. The diverse habitats in the Commonwealth provide numerous sporting opportunities for hunters, anglers, trappers, and recreational shooters. Popular species pursued in Virginia include white-tailed deer, black bear, wild turkey, various species of waterfowl, bobwhite quail, ruffed grouse, rabbit, and squirrels. In 2022, Virginia held its first elk hunt in modern history. Anglers will find diverse opportunities, from chasing striped bass in the Chesapeake Bay to fly fishing for brookies in the mountains.

For more information on the elected officials protecting and promoting the sportsmen’s traditions in Virginia, please contact: Kaleigh Leager

Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus

Representative Ben Cline Representative Morgan Griffith Representative Jen Kiggans Senator Mark Warner Representative Rob Wittman

Virginia Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus Leadership

Delegate Betsy Carr Delegate Buddy Fowler

Virginia Policy Highlights

In 2026, CSF assisted in preventing a $500 state level tax on suppressors in the Commonwealth.

The Caucus was instrumental in the passage of legislation (HB 449) in 2020 that increased the penalties for various hunting, fishing and trapping violations.

Caucus members were also instrumental in the passage of legislation (HB 1448) in 2020 that transferred authority to manage Atlantic menhaden from the legislature to the Virginia Marine Resources Commission which enabled the Commonwealth to comply with the Interstate Fishery Management Plan for Atlantic.

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Paid Hunting License Holders

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Paid Angling License Holders

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Airguns & Arrow Shooting Airguns

Airbow and airgun legality for hunting use varies by state. Where some limit airgun use based on minimum calibers, velocities and ammunition grain weights based… Read more.

Federal Land Hunting & Angling Access

Many sportsmen and women depend on federal lands managed by agencies such as the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Fish and… Read more.

No-Net-Loss

“No-Net-Loss” of public lands has become increasingly important to ensure access to public lands and waterways for current and future generations of sportsmen and women.… Read more.

Sunday Hunting Restrictions

Sunday hunting bans are one of the last remaining examples of the puritanical blue laws that were initially designed to encourage church attendance. At the… Read more.

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November 10, 2025

Fall Hunting Seasons are in Full Swing in the Mid-Atlantic Region: Have You Checked Your State’s Regulations?

Why It Matters: Each year, legislatures and state fish and wildlife agencies make changes to states’ hunting rules and regulations. This is why it is vital that you check your state’s hunting regulations prior to going afield to ensure you are not violating the law and potentially finding yourself with a citation from a game…

September 29, 2025

Legislative Sessions in the Mid-Atlantic States: What to Expect in 2026

Why It Matters: It is no secret that the Mid-Atlantic region (DE, MD, PA, VA, WV) can be challenging when it comes to protecting and promoting our sporting heritage. IIn 2025 the region saw just about an equal number of pro-sportsmen’s bills (15.6%) and anti-sportsmen’s bills (16.8%). The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation continues to work with…

June 23, 2025

CSF-Supported Habitat Project Moves Forward in Virginia

Why It Matters: The timber harvests, prescribed burns, and other vegetation treatments in the Archer Knob Project will help correct the age-class imbalance on the George Washington National Forest, supporting species important to Virginia’s hunters, including ruffed grouse, wild turkey, black bear, and white-tailed deer. The project is also a positive indicator that the U.S….

March 31, 2025

Governors Sportsmen’s Caucus Member Vetoes Anti-Gun Bills in Virginia

Why It Matters: Virginia Senate Bill 848 (SB 848) would have increased the minimum age for purchasing a modern sporting rifle (and “assault firearms”) to 21 years old and Senate Bill 1181 (SB 1181) would have made the sale, manufacture, purchase, or transfer of a modern sporting rifle (and “assault firearms”) that were made after…

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Virginia: American System of Conservation Funding Fact Sheet

2013 Sportsmen’s Economic Impact Report – Virginia

2006 Economic Impact Report — Virginia

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Impact You Can See

Sportsmen & women under 21 years of age in NV and VA can legally purchase & possess common semi-auto firearms.

Sportsmen and women in MD, VA, VT, and WA were protected against “sin taxes” on firearms and ammunition.