Virginia Hunting Season Report: State sees stable numbers, Eastern Shore shows mixed results

Virginia hunters harvested 205,759 deer during the 2024-25 season, marking a slight 0.4% decrease from last year but remaining 4% above the ten-year average. The harvest included 101,238 antlered bucks and 90,837 does, with firearms hunters accounting for 62% of the total take. Notably, in areas where dog hunting was permitted, this method accounted for 52% of deer harvested during the general firearms season.

Accomack County reported strong numbers, with total deer harvest increasing to 3,235 from 2,933 in 2023. The county saw gains across all categories, with antlered males rising to 1,207 from 1,103, while female deer harvest increased by nearly 200 to 1,749, representing 54% of the total harvest.

Northampton County experienced more modest changes, with deer harvest slightly increasing to 1,208 from 1,202. While antlered male harvests decreased to 498 from 538, female deer harvest rose by 41 to 599, up from 46% last year.

The fall turkey season saw a slight statewide decline to 1,423 birds, with Thanksgiving Day proving to be the most successful hunting day, accounting for 19% of the total harvest. Turkey productivity showed some improvement at 2.1 poults per hen, up from 1.89 in 2023, though still below the long-term average of 2.6.

Local turkey hunting results varied significantly between the two Eastern Shore counties. Accomack County’s harvest declined sharply to 13 birds from 23 in 2023, falling below its five-year average of 16. In contrast, Northampton County recorded six turkeys, triple the previous year’s harvest and exceeding the county’s five-year average of four birds.

The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources reports that 51% of the state’s deer management units currently exceed population objectives, with a new turkey management plan expected for public review in Spring 2025. For more details on turkey management in Virginia, hunters and wildlife enthusiasts can visit the DWR’s wild turkey web page.