Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources proposes fee increase for hunting, fishing licenses

The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) is proposing adjustments to hunting, fishing, trapping, and boating fees to counteract a growing budget shortfall and the impacts of inflation since 2011.

Key Proposed Fee Changes

• Freshwater Fishing: An in-state annual license would increase to $27 (up from $22), while out-of-state annual licenses would rise to $71 (up from $47).
• Hunting: One-year hunting licenses would increase by $5. Lifetime hunting licenses are proposed to jump to $270.
• Boating: Motorboat registration fees would increase by $5 to offset boating law enforcement and maintenance costs.
• Camping: A new $10 fee is proposed for camping on department-owned wildlife management areas where permits were previously free.

On May 21, 2026, the Virginia Board of Wildlife Resources, pursuant to §§ 29.1-103, 29.1-501, 29.1-502, 29.1-701, and 29.1-735 of the Code of Virginia, proposed amendments to the Commonwealth’s regulations governing wildlife, fisheries, and boating as well as fee increases related to hunting, fishing, trapping, and boat registrations.

 Comments on the proposals are solicited during a public comment period that closes at 5 PM on August 5, 2026. This online comment system is the most efficient and effective way to submit your views and have them seen the fastest.

Comments also may be: made during the August 19, 2026 Wildlife & Boat Committee meeting or the August 20, 2026 meeting of the Board; postal-mailed to the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, Attn: Policy Analyst and Regulatory Coordinator, P.O. Box 90778, Henrico, Virginia 23228; or emailed to RegComments@dwr.virginia.gov. Comments must be in writing and accompanied by the name, address and telephone number of the party offering them. Comments submitted via this online system must be entered by 5 PM on August 5, 2026. Comments submitted other than via this online system, or at the August 19, 2026 Wildlife & Boat Committee meeting or the August 20, 2026 Board meeting, must be received no later than 4 PM on August 5, 2026.

A public comment period is open from July 7 to August 5, 2026. You can review the complete list of proposed wildlife, fisheries, and boating regulations, and submit your feedback by visiting the Virginia DWR 2026 Proposed Regulations Page.

After hearing public comment on the proposed amendments at the August 20, 2026 Board meeting, the Board will deliberate and, as desired, vote to adopt regulation amendments.

About the Author

Wayne Creed

Administrator

View All Posts