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Wildlife Viewing
A Blueprint for Biodiversity
The third iteration of the Virginia Wildlife Action Plan expands an essential roadmap to help species at risk in the Commonwealth. Read more…
A Pelican’s Meal Makes the Virginia Wildlife Calendar Cover
Caroline Prevost’s passionate hobby for wildlife photography earns her the calendar cover honors. Read more…
Explore the Mountaintop Wild from Laurel Bed Lake
Whether you enjoy paddling in a picturesque mountain setting; fishing for smallmouth bass, trout, or panfish; or watching wildlife in unique microclimates, Laurel Bed Lake is worth the trip! Read more…
Fishing
Try Something New: Fish America’s Oldest River
The New River has incredible biodiversity for an inland, non-estuarine river, offering ancient geology, striking scenery, and year-round opportunities for great fishing. Read more…
Celebrating 75 Years of Anglers’ Contributions to Conservation
Whether it’s catch-and-release or hook-and-cook, fishing is conservation—and has been for 75 years—codified in federal law with a hook in Virginia history. Read more…
Explore the Mountaintop Wild from Laurel Bed Lake
Whether you enjoy paddling in a picturesque mountain setting; fishing for smallmouth bass, trout, or panfish; or watching wildlife in unique microclimates, Laurel Bed Lake is worth the trip! Read more…
Hunting
Genetics vs Nutrition: What Research Shows
Wildlife biologists agree that the three things essential for maximum body weight and antler growth in free-ranging white-tailed deer are age, genetics, and nutrition. Numerous studies have been done that to show what impact your deer management plan can have. Read more…
From a CPO: Five Things to Know Before Hunting Season
A DWR Conservation Police Officer has some good reminders of what hunters need to remember and do before the season starts. Read more…
Virginia’s Deer with Justin Folks: Answering Some Questions
DWR's Deer Project Leader, Justin Folks, answers some questions submitted, addressing habitat management, how seasons are set, and more. Read more…
Boating
Explore the Wild Back River and Bay from Fox Hill
Fox Hill Boat Ramp serves as a gateway to some of the region’s most vibrant outdoor experiences—it’s a hub for anglers, boaters, paddlers, and nature lovers. Read more…
Explore the Mountaintop Wild from Laurel Bed Lake
Whether you enjoy paddling in a picturesque mountain setting; fishing for smallmouth bass, trout, or panfish; or watching wildlife in unique microclimates, Laurel Bed Lake is worth the trip! Read more…
Draft Marine Mammal Conservation Plan
The public is invited to review and comment on the plan that will guide the DWR and its partners in the conservation and management of these protected species in Virginia. Read more…
Habitat
A Blueprint for Biodiversity
The third iteration of the Virginia Wildlife Action Plan expands an essential roadmap to help species at risk in the Commonwealth. Read more…
To Spray or Not to Spray? That’s the Aphids Question
When aphids appear, it's tempting to treat them chemically, but sometimes letting nature take its own course is a better option. Read more…
Conservation Police
Conservation Police Officer (CPO) Recruiting: Now Accepting Applications!
The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) is now accepting applications for multiple Conservation Police Officer duty assignments throughout Virginia! Read more…
Man Pleads Guilty to Killing Eagles and Hawks
A DWR Conservation Police Officer worked with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to solve the case of a man who killed more than 20 juvenile and mature bald eagles and hawks. Read more…
DWR Conservation Police Presents 2024 Awards
In a ceremony on March 19, the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) Conservation Police presented their 2024 awards, recognizing exceptional efforts from Conservation Police Officers across the state. Read more…