Open fires are prohibited throughout the park from midnight to 4 p.m. through April 30 per the 4 p.m. Burning Law. This includes wood and charcoal. Gas is permissible. Campground fires are allowed during the restricted time if a camp host is on duty and signage to that effect is posted in the campground. Failure to observe the 4 p.m. Burning Law can result in a fine. Contact the Park Office for additional information.

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10 reasons to fall in love with Virginia State Parks: Part 9

By Shellie AnnePosted March 24, 2016

 

Outdoor recreation at Virginia State Parks encompasses more than 500 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and exploring with more than 100,000 acres of land to enjoy. Most Virginia State Parks are located on a waterway that offer many water related activities like canoeing, swimming and boating. But there is something else that many Virginian's enjoy when they go outside at a Virginia State Park, hunting and fishing.

Hunting and fishing has long been a tradition in the commonwealth, and Virginia State Parks continues to hold fast to this as part of the conservation and deer management program for the parks.

PART 9: THE HUNTING AND FISHING

No fishing license is required at the pier at Kiptopeke State Park in VirginiaNo fishing license is required (for all ages) at the pier at Kiptopeke State Par, but pier fees apply: adults, $3/day; children, $1/day

A successful fishing tournament at York River State Park in VirginiaA successful fishing tournament at York River State Park

Trolling through the early morning mist at Fairy Stone State Park in VirginiaTrolling through the early morning mist at Fairy Stone State Park

FISHING

Virginia State Parks has great fishing opportunities instore from the mountains to the seashore. Trout fishing from native Brookies to stocked creeks, lakes and ponds. We have special kids only fishing areas like the lower section below the spillway at Douthat State Park, to the 2-acre fishing pond for kids and disabled persons at Lake Anna State Park.

At Virginia State Parks you will find excellent tidal fishing in both freshwater and saltwater at parks, such as Mason Neck and Leesylvania both located on freshwater and Caledon on brackish water. With Westmoreland (lower Potomac River), Belle Isle (Rappahannock River) and York River are along the saltwater portions of their rivers. 

You get a line I'll get a pole...

Fantastic bay fishing at Kiptopeke and First Landing State Parks, and Kiptopeke has a large, lighted fishing pier open at night (no fishing license required, but pier fees apply adults, $3/day; children, $1/day). Also Crabbing with lines, pots, and nets is permitted from Kiptopeke's fishing pier. 

Virginia State Parks encourages catch and release of those fish that you don't plan on eating by the campfire. Learn more about fishing at Virginia State Parks here.

Hunters head out at the Southern Heritage Hunts at Chippokes State Park in Virginia

MANAGED HUNTS

Hunting opportunities range from open hunting in designated areas to managed deer hunts where individuals participate through a reservation or lottery system at Virginia State Parks. Managed deer hunts are a tool in DCR's overall deer management program. The sites that offer hunting change from year to year per the DCR conservation plan. All hunts are filled by a reservation.

Hunters may make a reservations for their preferred hunt day and, at some locations, even a preferred stand or zone. There is a fee of $15 per day per hunter, and there may be limits to the number of reservations allowed per call. The fee is non-refundable and proof of hunter education certification and licenses will be required at check-in.

Southern Heritage Deer hunt at Chippokes State Park in Virginia

Reservation hunts are handled by the Customer Service Center 800-933-PARK.

Other Hunting Opportunities

There are Open Hunting Opportunities, and Special Youth Hunts at many parks, plus Feral Hog Lottery Hunts at False Cape State Park in conjunction with Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge. There is a Southern Heritage Hunts, and also Wheelin' Sportsmen Hunts which are especially tailored for those with disabilities.

Virginia State Parks and Natural Areas Hunting Opportunities for the 2015-16 Season can be found here.

To learn more about Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Hunting Regulations click here.

Overnight Accommodations

Virginia State Parks also provides comfortable and affordable overnight accommodations in cabins and campsites and available at many parks during part of the hunting season.

Learn more about hunting opportunities at Virginia State Parks here.

Previous articles in this series showcasing 10 reasons to fall in love with Virginia State Parks can be found below:

  • "Part 1: The People" can be found here.
  • "Part 2: The Accommodations" can be found here.
  • "Part 3: The Water" can be found here.
  • "Part 4: The Food" can be found here.
  • "Part 5: The Space" can be found here.
  • "Part 6: The Wildlife" can be found here.
  • “Part 7: The Lifestyle” can be found here.
  • "Part 8: The Nature" can be found here.

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If you have read the article and have a question, please email nancy.heltman@dcr.virginia.gov.

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