In the recently concluded 2024-25 hunting season, Virginia hunters successfully harvested 205,759 white-tailed deer, 2,702 black bears, and 1,423 wild turkeys, according to the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR). Despite slight declines in harvest numbers compared to the previous year, officials emphasize that these totals indicate robust populations of these game species across the state.
Notably, the deer harvest saw a decrease of just 0.4% from last season while the black bear count was down 6.5%, likely influenced by harsh weather conditions and a previously high harvest last year. With over half of the counties in Virginia exceeding deer population objectives, wildlife officials continue to seek strategies to manage these populations effectively and ensure sustainable hunting practices throughout the state.
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