According to preliminary data from the DWR, hunters killed 227,302 white-tailed deer statewide during the most recent season. Virginia’s total deer harvest is up about 10% year over year from 205,759 deer taken. In Southeastern Virginia, Accomack County had the highest reported deer harvest, with 3,192 taken. Surry County was next, with 2,295, followed by Isle of Wight County with 2,206 deer kills. Virginia requires hunters to report every deer killed. However, the data doesn’t include deer killed under a permit or those that are unintentionally struck by vehicles.
Virginia hunters reported taking 2,344 black bears during the 2025–2026 season. That’s about 13% lower than last year and 18% below the previous five-year average.
Statewide, 1,022 wild turkeys were harvested during the recent fall hunting season. That’s a 28% decline from the prior season.
Read the full story in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.
