Virginia’s Earn-A-Buck Program: A New Hunting Experience

Virginia’s Earn-A-Buck program has been around for more than a decade. However, this season was my first time hunting under it. It was also my home county’s first year participating in the program. I’ve hunted enough to know that every regulation has a purpose, but I didn’t expect this one to reshape my entire season. Coming home to Virginia to hunt land that I know more intimately than anywhere else in the world should have felt familiar, and for the most part, it did. Unseasonably warm temperatures aside, my decision-making and thought process turned out to be different. Why? It was all due to the impact of hunting in an Earn-A-Buck county for the first time.

A New Layer of Strategy

Virginia’s Earn-A-Buck (EAB) program requires hunters in designated counties to harvest an antlerless deer before taking a second (and sometimes third) antlered buck. According to the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR):

“EAB is a regulation designed to control and/or reduce deer populations by increasing the antlerless deer kill within a deer management unit (county, city, or town).” (Source: *Virginia DWR, Earn-A-Buck Q&A

In Virginia, EAB regulations are county-specific and do not apply across county lines. While the program aims to manage population levels, an added benefit is that hunters may become more selective. This should naturally result in an older age class of bucks on the landscape.

The rule doesn’t mean you can’t shoot a buck first—but the real question is, should you? During my very first sit, I found myself asking, Would I be satisfied taking this buck if it were the only deer I could shoot during my trip this season? That question completely changed my approach. I suddenly understood why hunters could let a deer walk that I would be glad to harvest. If you have only one tag, you'll want to use it wisely.

Understanding Antlerless Deer

Before diving deeper, it’s worth defining what “antlerless” actually means under Virginia law. According to the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR):

“Button bucks, male fawns approximately six months old, are considered antlerless deer. The hair-covered bumps on a button buck’s head are not antlers. They are the pedicels from which the antlers will grow the next year. Antlered deer that have shed their antlers, usually in late December or early January, are also considered antlerless deer.” (Source: *Virginia DWR, Antlered and Antlerless Deer

That distinction matters because it influences how hunters approach their tags and harvests under the program. According to DWR’s Earn-A-Buck Questions and Answers:

“The most risky situation is for a hunter to harvest a small antlered buck first. In this situation, they must shoot an antlerless deer (or two) next, but the next deer they see might be a huge buck they cannot legally kill. To prevent this from happening, deer hunters should try to stay ‘ahead’ in EAB (i.e., always have an available buck tag) instead of getting ‘behind’ in EAB.” (Source: *Virginia DWR, Earn-A-Buck Q&A

That exact scenario crossed my mind more than once this season. Especially when I arrived in Virginia, put my cameras out, started my initial scouting, and didn’t see a single doe. That remained true for the first several days, but there were several bucks on the property. Now, I’m sure you’re probably thinking that’s a good problem to have—and in most cases, it would be—but none of them were the right buck. I didn’t drive all the way from Texas to Virginia to harvest a fork horn, or even the big-bodied basket six-pointer I passed during my hunt on the first day.

Buck passed on by the Author.

Had this been last year, none of it would’ve mattered because I would’ve had all three “buck tags” at my disposal to use as I saw fit. Now under EAB rules, I had to treat it as if I had only one buck tag. With the rut approaching, I knew I had to be patient. Later, when I did harvest a doe, it gave me some breathing room and the flexibility to take a smaller buck now that I had a second buck tag available.

Changing Traditions and Perspectives

Of course, not everyone around me feels the same way. Being in Virginia means not just hunting but sharing the woods with my uncles. The same uncles who helped light this fire in me have also hunted this property for decades. They aren’t fans of government-imposed hunting rules and believe private land should be exempt from just about everything. So imagine their surprise and outrage when I informed them that EAB only applies to private land. Hearing that from the “young nephew,” even though I’ve been the only one to take a buck—or any deer—in the last few years, didn’t make it any more palatable. For those interested in keeping score, this author’s streak is at five years and counting, having harvested a buck between Virginia and Texas, and he’s looking to make it six.

That dynamic isn’t unique to my family. Many hunters are skeptical of new regulations, especially when they’ve done things a certain way for generations. But I see EAB differently. If button bucks are allowed to grow, and 2-year-olds become 5-year-olds, the quality of deer improves for everyone. It’s not about restricting hunters—it’s about adapting to keep hunting sustainable.

What the Earn-A-Buck Data Shows

Virginia’s Earn-A-Buck program began in 2008. According to the DWR:

“The original goal of EAB was to increase the female deer kill to greater than or equal to 50% in EAB counties. Since it was first initiated in fall 2008, EAB has resulted in females composing greater than or equal to 50% of the total deer kill in the overwhelming majority of EAB counties annually.” (Source: *Virginia DWR, Earn-A-Buck Q&A

Those numbers show that the program has met its stated goal of balancing deer populations while also encouraging hunters to think more strategically about when and what they harvest. The science and experience line up on this one—responsible management is working.

Looking Ahead

EAB changed how I hunt. It made me more deliberate and aware of the bigger picture. It also meant going home with only the doe that I tagged earlier in the hunt. After that encounter, the woods went relatively quiet—not just for me. I spoke with a biologist off the record, and their assessment was similar. Most of the breeding was happening, and bucks being locked down with does was to be expected. The lack of midday cruising, however, was not.

Whether other hunters agree or not, programs like this are essential tools for wildlife management. Change isn’t always comfortable, but if it leads to healthier herds and better hunting in the long run, I’m for it. After all, hunting isn't just a sport; it's a form of conservation. Keeping numbers in check will preserve the resource for generations to come, allowing us to continue enjoying it.

Embracing Change in Hunting

As I reflect on my experiences this season, I realize that embracing change is crucial. The Earn-A-Buck program is more than just a regulation; it's a pathway to better wildlife management. By understanding the benefits, we can all contribute to a more sustainable future.

The Importance of Community Engagement

Engaging with fellow hunters and sharing our experiences can foster a sense of community. When we discuss our challenges and victories, we create a supportive network. This network can help us adapt to new regulations and promote responsible hunting practices.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

In conclusion, I encourage all hunters to embrace the Earn-A-Buck program. It’s not just about the hunt; it’s about the future of our wildlife. Let’s work together to ensure that hunting remains a cherished tradition for generations to come. By sharing our stories and supporting one another, we can create a more inclusive and sustainable outdoor community.