The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) opened its 2026 regulatory public comment period on July 7, giving hunters, anglers, trappers, boaters, and other stakeholders until August 5, 2026, to weigh in on proposed rule changes and fee increases. Among the topics open for comment are freshwater fishing, license and permit fee increases, game and nongame species, watercraft regulations, and more.

The Virginia elk lottery is now open and accepting applications through March 31, offering hunters one of the most affordable entry points into an elk draw in the United States.