The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (DGIF) will require an Access Permit for visitors to department-owned
Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) and
public fishing lakes effective January 1, 2012, who are age 17 and older, unless they possess a valid Virginia hunting, freshwater fishing, or trapping license, or a current Virginia boat registration. Daily or Annual Access Permits for WMAs and department-owned public fishing lakes statewide will be available January 1, 2012 for purchase
online, by calling 1-866-721-6911 during business hours, or at any
license agent. Daily Access Permits can be consecutive up to five days. More than that—the cost of six daily permits—would be $24, slightly more than the annual fee. At that point, it makes more sense to purchase an Annual Access Permit.
- Cost for the Daily Access Permit is $4.
- Cost for the Annual Access Permit is $23.
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) »
More about Activities on WMAs
The goal of DGIF's Wildlife Management Area Program is to maintain and enhance habitats that support game and nongame wildlife while providing opportunities to hunt, fish, trap, and view wildlife. Other uses of WMAs may be allowed, as long as they do not interfere with these goals and uses. The Access Permit is required for access for appropriate, wildlife-related and compatible activities for visitors age 17 and older who do not possess a valid Virginia hunting, freshwater fishing, or trapping license, or a current Virginia boat registration.
Only approved uses of these specific properties are allowed. Rules are posted online and are posted on signs at the facilities. Some WMAs allow certain activities that are not permitted on others. Please check allowed activities (PDF) on the specific WMA you plan to visit.
Bird watching, wildflower viewing, hiking, and picnics are examples of those types of activities. Some WMAs also permit horseback riding and primitive camping. A few WMAs have shooting ranges that are intended for sighting in firearms for hunting. DGIF asks that visitors be respectful of the environment and to take their trash with them to dispose of where appropriate. Visitors should also check the Lands and Facilities Closures and Notices page on this website prior to visiting a WMA to make sure the WMA is open and roads are passable (such as in icy or flood conditions). Inappropriate activities include mountain biking, swimming, golfing, ATV riding, skateboarding, sports such as football, soccer, baseball, and other activities not compatible with wildlife-related recreation and habitat conservation.
Because the goal of WMA management is to maintain and enhance wildlife habitat, DGIF uses science-based habitat management techniques which can include timber harvest, prescribed fire/burns, and agricultural techniques on its lands to create habitat that will support optimum populations of native wildlife. At times certain areas of WMAs are closed to the public while these techniques are being employed. Violators are subject to prosecution and may be given a fine up to $50 by the court for each violation.