Outdoor Report: Hunting

It is 5 a.m.  The sun is has not risen over the mountains.  The forest is quiet.  A hunter sits in his tree stand, braving the cold for a possible adrenaline rush.  The hunter could sit in his stand for hours and leave empty handed.  But the chance of a trophy compels him to wait.

With the beginning of fall comes the much-anticipated hunting season.  For those interested in hunting, dates and regulations for the state of Virginia are important to keep in mind.

Dates

• Statewide Early Archery Season is going on from now until Nov. 12.  Late Archery Season begins Nov. 29 and continues to Jan. 1
• Early Muzzleloader Season and Either-sex Hunting days begin Oct. 30 and continues to Nov. 12
• Late Muzzleloader Season and Either-sex Hunting days begin Dec. 11 through Jan. 1
• For Firearms Deer Seasons dates for the counties and surrounding areas including the City of Lynchburg, see the map or visit www.dgif.virginia.gov

Regulations

• A license must be issued to most people in order to hunt or trap in the state of Virginia
• A license can be obtained online at www.dgif.virginia.gov, in person at several Circuit Court or at hundreds of license agents around the state (including Walmart) or by phone at 1-866-721-6911
• Classes for first-time hunters are required by the state of Virginia and must be taken before a license is purchased.  Basic Hunter Education will be offered at the Waterlick Moose Lodge in Lynchburg on Nov. 6 and 7.  Call 434-525-7522 to register.
• Fees and other licensing regulations can be found online.

It is 4:30 a.m.  Before the hunter leaves his house, he gathers his license, muzzleloader and checks the date to ensure his hunting season gets off to the right start.