Shenandoah River State Park to Close for 'Deer Management' Hunt
BENTONVILLE, Va. — Beginning Sunday, Shenandoah River State Park (SRSP) will temporarily close for “resource management” related to deer population control.
The closure will last from 4 p.m. November 2 to 8 a.m. November 5, 2025. No one will be allowed regular entry during this time.
Managed deer hunts are a tool in Virginia State Parks’ overall deer management program.
According to the SRSP website, muzzleloader-only hunting will occur within the park on November 4, and made available by pre-reservation for a limited number of participants.
White-tailed deer provide welcome viewing opportunities but also generate serious damage and public safety concerns, according to the Virginia Department of Game and Wildlife Resources.
An “optimum population” of deer balances positive demands (recreational hunting and viewing) with negative demands (agricultural and ornamental plant damage, vehicle collisions, and ecosystem impacts).
Those who have reserved opportunities for this week’s hunt have been asked to support deer management efforts by following SRSP harvest guidelines and regulations.
Hunters are required to wear a Blaze Color (orange or pink) hat and vest. Proof of hunter education certification and required licenses are required at check-in.
West of the Blue Ridge, the “bag limit” for deer is two per day and five per license year. Of the five-deer limit, no more than two may be antlered and at least three must be antlerless.
Other Virginia State Parks will offer reservation-only and open-hunt opportunities throughout the months of November and December. More information is available via the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation website.