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Virginia Hunting License (2026)

Restricted: Virginia requires a hunting license, and hunter education is mandatory for hunters age 12-15 or anyone who has never held a regular hunting license.

RestrictedVerified Jun 18, 2026

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Virginia requires a hunting license, and hunter education is mandatory for hunters age 12-15 or anyone who has never held a regular hunting license. Licenses, including an apprentice license, are available through Virginia DWR.

Official source: dwr.virginia.gov →

General legal information, not legal advice — verify important decisions with a licensed attorney.

Hunting License in states bordering Virginia

The same rule in each neighboring state LawLert has verified, from that state’s own official source.

District of ColumbiaRestricted
Hunting is illegal throughout the District of Columbia — DC has no hunting seasons or licenses. Residents hunt in MD/VA instead.
Verified Jun 19, 2026 · Source: doee.dc.gov · Full District of Columbia rule →
KentuckyRestricted
Kentucky requires a hunting license, and hunter-education certification is mandatory for those born on or after Jan 1, 1975. Resident and nonresident licenses are available through KDFWR.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: fw.ky.gov · Full Kentucky rule →
MarylandRestricted
Maryland requires a hunting license, and first-time hunters need a Certificate of Competency in Hunter Safety unless they held a Maryland license before July 1, 1977. Licenses are available through MD DNR.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: dnr.maryland.gov · Full Maryland rule →
North CarolinaRestricted
North Carolina requires a hunting license, and all first-time hunters must complete hunter-education certification. Resident and nonresident licenses are available through NCWRC.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: ncwildlife.gov · Full North Carolina rule →
TennesseeRestricted
Tennessee requires a hunting license, and hunter education is mandatory for all hunters born on or after Jan 1, 1969. Resident and nonresident licenses are available through TWRA.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: tn.gov · Full Tennessee rule →
West VirginiaRestricted
West Virginia requires a hunting license, and hunter-education certification is mandatory for those born on or after Jan 1, 1975. Resident and nonresident licenses are available through the WV Division of Natural Resources.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: wvdnr.gov · Full West Virginia rule →

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