Wildlife biologists with the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) have compiled preliminary figures for the 2023-2024 hunting season.
As anticipated, bear and deer harvests increased from the previous season, while the fall turkey harvest decreased. During 2023, harvest opportunities for deer and bear were added in portions of the state, while white oak acorns were scarce this fall, leading to increased movements and visibility of deer and bears to hunters.
Although turkey populations remain strong in most areas of Virginia, fall turkey harvests have continued to drop due to decreased hunter participation in the fall seasons.
The 2023-2024 season was the third season since DWR transitioned to 100% electronic harvest reporting using phone, internet, or mobile applications. Harvest reporting by successful bear, deer, and turkey hunters remains a vital component of DWR’s management programs as harvest data are used to monitor game populations and inform future regulatory decisions.
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