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Virginia Department of Wildlife ResourcesAn official website of the Commonwealth of Virginia Here's how you knowAn official websiteHere's how you know

Annual Report 2024: A Year in Review

DWR works every day to lead wildlife conservation and inspire people to value the outdoors and their role in nature. Here’s a look back on the successes and unforgettable events that have shaped our 2024!

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Conserve. Connect. Protect.

DWR has been a steward of the outdoors since 1916, leading in wildlife conservation and inspiring people to value the outdoors and their role in nature.

How Do We Fund What We Do?

You might be surprised to know that Virginia DWR is primarily funded from sources other than Virginia general tax dollars.

A lot of our funding to help conserve wildlife and habitat comes from public spending on things like fishing and hunting licenses, tags, or stamps, boat registrations, and via a federal excise tax on firearms and ammunition.

Those sources of financial support have helped us protect hundreds of species and their habitat for over 100 years, but there’s always more we can do for Virginia’s wildlife. That’s where you come in. You too can become a steward of the outdoors by supporting our work or working with us — whether you hunt, fish, and boat or simply enjoy the outdoors.

How You Can Help
The Outdoors Are Better Together

Contribute to a Cause

Your contributions can help us restore wildlife habitat when you become a Restore the Wild member or connect youth to the outdoors through the Virginia Wildlife Grant Program!

Volunteer & Mentorship

Whether you volunteer with us, take the time to mentor a new hunter, or refer a friend to go hunting or fishing, you can make a difference!

Virginia Wildlife Magazine

In the March–April 2025 issue…

Meet some of the female Conservation Police Officers of DWR, and get to know the experiences of one of the women who blazed the trail for them decades ago. Learn what it's like to encounter a bear in the woods at dawn, and how to be bear-wise. Is algae friend or foe in the water? We break it down. Read how a sprint turkey hunt evoked powerful memories for one hunter, and get to know former Virginia Wildlife editor Rupert Cutler, who has spent his life working for conservation.

Shop DWR

Your purchases support the Virginia Wildlife Grant Program, connecting kids to the outdoors.