Groundhog<\/strong><\/td>Generally no closed season; typically unprotected species<\/td> No limit<\/td> Base Hunting License<\/td> Considered a nuisance animal in many counties. Check local ordinances regarding firearm discharge. May be hunted on private land or certain public areas where legal.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\nSquirrel<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Squirrels\u2014gray, red, and sometimes fox\u2014are abundant throughout the state. You\u2019ll find them in mature hardwood forests, oak stands, even urban woodlots. Most hunters rely on small-caliber rifles or shotguns with low brass loads. Watch for fox squirrel constraints: many western counties permit them only until January 31, while some eastern counties do not allow any fox squirrel harvest at all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Key Tip<\/strong>: The spring squirrel season (June) appeals to those who like chasing bushytails in early summer, but it remains closed on national forest lands and may have smaller daily windows.<\/p>\n\n\n\nRabbit<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Eastern cottontails are the primary rabbit species in Virginia, favoring brambly fence rows, brush piles, and cutover fields. Dogs (beagles, for instance) excel at flushing rabbits from dense cover.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Key Tip<\/strong>: Look for thick tangles near farmland, especially those that haven\u2019t been mowed. Early morning hunts on mild winter days can produce multiple sightings.<\/p>\n\n\n\nQuail<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Northern bobwhite quail are a classic Southeastern game bird, but populations have struggled with habitat loss. Public-land quail hunts can be challenging, especially west of the Blue Ridge. Private leases or well-managed farmland often provide better success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Key Tip<\/strong>: Restoration efforts focus on creating or maintaining brushy field edges and open pine stands. Hunters can assist by advocating for habitat improvements on both private and public lands.<\/p>\n\n\n\nRuffed Grouse<\/h3>\n\n\n\n The highland forests and regenerating clear-cuts of western Virginia once held robust grouse numbers, but sightings can be sporadic today. These birds thrive in cool, damp areas with thick understory growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Key Tip<\/strong>: Grouse flush quickly and unpredictably. Consider using a lightweight shotgun loaded with #7.5 or #8 shot, and approach dog-handling carefully\u2014steady pointing or flushing breeds can help track these elusive birds.<\/p>\n\n\n\nPheasant<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Truly wild pheasants are scarce in Virginia, so most hunting opportunities occur on commercial or privately run preserves releasing pen-raised birds. Each preserve sets its own bag limits and release schedules, and some require reservations or membership.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Key Tip<\/strong>: If you crave the iconic ring-necked pheasant experience without traveling to the Midwest, a put-and-take preserve is your best bet. Bring a good retrieving dog; birds can be surprisingly mobile after release.<\/p>\n\n\n\nCrow<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Crows stand apart from other migratory birds in that they have no HIP requirement and no daily bag limit. Virginia\u2019s approach allows crow hunting on specific days of the week\u2014usually Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays\u2014primarily to reduce potential agricultural damage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Key Tip<\/strong>: Crow calls (including electronic) can be highly effective. Setting up decoys near fields, over newly sprouted crops, or along flight paths to roosting sites can yield exciting pass-shooting action.<\/p>\n\n\n\nGroundhog<\/h3>\n\n\n\n A constant presence in farmland and suburban edges, groundhogs (also called woodchucks) typically have no official closed season or bag limit. While not often considered a \u201csporting\u201d species in the traditional sense, many hunters chase them to reduce crop damage and practice long-range shooting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Key Tip<\/strong>: Scouting means looking for fresh burrow mounds near fields or roadsides. Groundhogs are diurnal, sunning themselves at burrow entrances in mid- to late morning or midafternoon.<\/p>\n\n\n\nSmall game hunts in Virginia require fewer add-on licenses (usually the Annual Hunting License alone), can be pursued with minimal gear, and often hold wide season windows. Take note of property-line differences\u2014National Forest<\/strong> areas might limit season lengths or Sunday hunting, while WMAs can stipulate check-in or additional permitting. Each species suits a different style of hunting\u2014beagle-led rabbit chases, carefully calling in crows, or slip-stalking fox squirrels with a .22 rifle. Above all, watch your daily bag limits, comply with local firearms ordinances, and enjoy some of the best small game diversity the Commonwealth has to offer.<\/p>\n\n\n\nMigratory Game Birds in Virginia<\/h2>\n\n\n\nFrom doves in early September to the varied duck and goose splits in late fall, Virginia presents multiple opportunities for migratory bird hunting<\/strong>. However, these species typically carry more federal oversight\u2014hunters must use non-toxic shot<\/strong> (steel, bismuth, or approved alloys) for waterfowl, rails, snipe, gallinules, and must register annually with HIP (Harvest Information Program). Some require a Federal Duck Stamp<\/strong> and a Virginia Migratory Waterfowl Conservation Stamp<\/strong> if you\u2019re 16 or older.<\/p>\n\n\n\nMigratory Bird Overview Table<\/h3>\n\n\n\nSpecies\/Group<\/strong><\/th>Approx. Season Dates<\/strong><\/th>Daily Bag Limit<\/strong><\/th>Required License<\/strong><\/th>Special Notes<\/strong><\/th><\/tr>Dove<\/strong><\/td>Early Sept. \u2013 mid-Oct., late Nov., late Dec. \u2013 late Jan. (3 splits)<\/td> 15 (mourning & white-winged combined)<\/td> Base Hunting License + HIP registration<\/td> Typically does not<\/strong> require non-toxic shot, except on some federal lands. Shooting hours usually begin half-hour before sunrise (noon on opening day in some areas). Multiple short segments; be mindful of start\/stop dates.<\/td><\/tr>Woodcock<\/strong><\/td>Mid-Nov. \u2013 late Nov. & late Dec. \u2013 late Jan. (2 segments)<\/td> 3 per day<\/td> Base Hunting License + HIP registration<\/td> Non-toxic shot required<\/strong>. One fully feathered wing must remain attached for transport. Prefers wet woodlands with thick undergrowth.<\/td><\/tr>Snipe<\/strong><\/td>Late Sept. \u2013 early Dec. & mid-Dec. \u2013 late Jan.<\/td> 8 per day<\/td> Base Hunting License + HIP registration<\/td> Non-toxic shot required<\/strong>. Often found in marshy edges or flooded fields. Swift flushes.<\/td><\/tr>Rails & Gallinules<\/strong><\/td>Early\/mid-Sept. \u2013 early Nov., plus short late-Nov. window<\/td> Up to 15\u201325 (species-specific)<\/td> Base Hunting License + HIP registration<\/td> Includes Clapper, King, Sora, Virginia rails, plus common & purple gallinules.