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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIORBUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT
Eastern States |
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NOTE: *If you have been ejected or prohibited from participating in ANY publicly managed hunt in Northern Virginia, you may be disqualified from participation in these hunts. Purpose: The purpose of the hunt is to maintain the deer population at a level compatible with the habitat while minimizing disturbance to wildlife and other visitors. Dates to RememberPlease check these dates carefully: January 19, 20, and 21. If you are unable or unwilling to hunt on each of these dates, please do not apply. Applications for the hunt will be accepted electronically at JReffit@blm.gov (Please put "Hunt" in the subject line) and by postcard (click here to download). Or pick up a postcard at the BLM Eastern States office in Springfield, Va at 7450 Boston Blvd. or 10406 Gunston Road, Lorton, Va.
DefinitionsHunter's Aide--An unarmed helper for medical/safety reasons. Alternate--At least two alternates will be drawn to fill any spots that are unclaimed. Assigned--An Assigned Hunter is one that holds a permit. Boundary--Perimeter of assigned hunt section is marked by flagging or trails or natural features. No hunter shall cross outside his or her section unless notifying the hunter in that section or being escorted by BLM Lower Potomac staff and/or volunteers Certification--Applicants must certify on a range. Permits will not be issued to anyone that has not previously qualified on a range. The list of certified shotgun qualification ranges is at this link. Tracking--If a hunter needs to track a deer and walk outside their permitted hunt section, they must contact the hunter in that section before entering, or contact the LPFS staff for assistance. If a hunter wounds a deer, they must make every effort to locate the deer. Scouting--We strongly urge each hunter to scout his or her assigned hunt sectoin before Hunt Day as any hunter found hunting outside their assigned section will be ejected from the hunt. Friends and family may accompany hunters only during scouting. All hunters must put their hunting permit on the dash of their vehicle and are encouraged to ride share. Weapons are not permitted on scout day. Parking guidelines will be provided with your map. GPS units are recommended for marking your desired location within your assigned section. Hunters are strongly encouraged to remove reflectors, ribbons or any other materials that are used to mark your desired path within your assigned section. Hunters within designated areas that fail to remove reflector’s, ribbons, markers or other materials will not be given an opportunity to apply for the next year’s hunt. Hunt area--Hunting is allowed only within designated hunt boundaries shown on the map within your assigned section. If a hunter must track a deer within another permitted hunt area, they must contact the assigned hunter for that area or the Lower Potomac BLM staff. Check in/out--All hunters must check in at the hunter check station located off of Belmont Road by 5:30 AM. Any selected hunter that has not checked in by 7 AM may potentially forfeit their assigned area to an alternate hunter. All hunters must return their hunt permit and check out at the deek check station when leaving the hunt area for any reason. Only hunters with permits will be allowed into the hunt area. The need for a driver or aide must be approved in advance and listed on the permit. Hunters must vacate the area at 4 PM, end of hunt day, unless tracking an animal with LPFS staff. Deer Check--White-tailed deer are the only legal species that may be hunted. Hunters must make a reasonable effort to retrieve a deer and must report a wounded deer to LPFS staff. All deer must be removed from the field whole and field dressed and checked at the deer check station. Deer may not be cut-up in the field. Out of courtesy to other in the area, entrails (guts) must be buried or removed away from a trail or road. All deer must be brought to the check station so that a check card/Deer Management Assistance Program DMAP card can be issued. DMAP tags are for antlerless deer only and do not count against your daily or annual bay limit. You may take unlimited DMAP deer per day. Tagging Deer--An antlerless deer may include a doe, a button buck or a buck that has already shed its antlers. RegulationsAll Hunters must possess a valid Virginia hunting license, big game tags, hunt area permit and certification card. The license and certification must remain in the hunters possession at all times. The permit must be visible in the windshield or driver’s window on hunt days. Hunters must wear at least 400 square inches of solid blaze orange visible 360 degrees on head, chest and back in a conspicuous manner at all times in the field. Camouflaged orange is not acceptable. It is illegal to construct a permanent stand, or install a nail, spike, or other metal object in the trees. No trees or branches may be cut. Portable stands or ladder stands may be left in the field from the day of draw notification to the end of hunt day at the risk and discretion of the hunter. Safety and theft of equipment are the responsibility of the hunter. Hunters may not shoot within 50 yards of any drivable roadway within the hunt area. Shooting along or across any roadway or trail is prohibited. No unauthorized persons will be permitted in the hunt area or at the deer check station. Hunter’s aides may assist in setup or deer retrieval but cannot remain with the hunter in the field nor may they drive push deer to the hunter. Drivers must stay in their vehicle or leave the hunt area when not transporting the hunter. Hunters under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a licensed unarmed adult in visual and verbal contact at all times. Adults may supervise only one youth at a time. Youths may not be left alone in a vehicle while the adult hunts. Possession or use of alcohol beverages during the hunt is prohibited and will not be tolerated. Fires are prohibited. If you have any further questions about the hunt, please call 703-339-3467 or 703-339-3461. |
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