New Kent County's rural character and abundant public land make it one of the best hunting destinations in eastern Virginia. With over 8,000 acres of Wildlife Management Areas, a Wildlife Management Area along the York River, and thousands more acres of private farmland, the county offers some of the most accessible hunting between Richmond and the coast.
The 2026-2027 season is approaching fast. Archery season for deer opens October 4, dove season starts September 5, and squirrel season opens the same day. Now is the time to scout your spots, check your gear, and make sure your licenses and permits are up to date. Here is everything you need to know about hunting in and around New Kent County — public lands, species seasons, local laws, and insider tips from someone who knows the terrain.
New Kent County Hunting Regulations
New Kent County has specific local ordinances that hunters must follow. The most important is the rifle restriction, which sets the county apart from many surrounding areas. Here is a summary of the rules:
- Rifles of any caliber are prohibited for deer hunting in New Kent County.
- No loaded rifles or shotguns may be carried in or on a vehicle.
- Only shotguns, muzzleloaders, archery equipment, and pneumatic (air) rifles are permitted for deer hunting.
- Hunters must follow all Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources statewide regulations and bag limits.
- Hunter education certification is required to purchase a hunting license in Virginia for anyone born after July 1, 1978.
- Crosstie (baiting) restrictions: New Kent County follows state baiting regulations for deer and bear.
Note: Hunters should always verify current regulations on the Virginia DWR website before heading out, as seasons and rules can change annually. This guide reflects the 2025-2026 season cycle.
Hunting Seasons and Bag Limits
White-tailed Deer
Wild Turkey
Squirrel (Gray & Fox)
Rabbit (Cottontail)
Quail & Pheasant
Waterfowl (Ducks, Geese)
Dove
Wildlife Management Areas Near New Kent
Game Farm Marsh Wildlife Management Area
A wetland-focused WMA on Chickahominy Lake offering excellent waterfowl hunting opportunities. Access is primarily by boat, and the marsh habitat attracts migrating and resident waterfowl throughout the fall and winter seasons. Hunters should bring their own boats and be prepared for wet conditions. Also holds populations of white-tailed deer and small game.
Boat access only — bring your own watercraft. Early-season teal hunting in September is excellent. Check DWR for specific waterfowl zone regulations as New Kent falls within the Eastern Zone. Scout ahead by boat in late summer before the season opens.
Ware Creek Wildlife Management Area
A newer addition to Virginia's WMA system, Ware Creek encompasses over 2,600 acres along the York River in eastern New Kent County. Diverse habitat includes wetlands, tidal freshwater marshes, hardwood forests, and interior ponds. The area supports healthy populations of white-tailed deer, wild turkey, waterfowl, and small game species. The varied terrain offers both forest and marsh hunting opportunities.
This is a newer WMA so mapping resources are still developing — carry a GPS or download offline maps as cell service can be spotty. The tidal marshes require waterproof boots and tide awareness. Early-season archery hunting in the hardwood stands is productive before the leaves fall.
Chickahominy Wildlife Management Area
The largest WMA in the region at over 5,200 acres, spanning the Chickahominy River corridor between Charles City and New Kent counties. The area features a mix of mature hardwood forests, pine stands, open meadows, and river bottomlands. This diversity supports the widest variety of game species in the region. Hunters can pursue white-tailed deer in the hardwood ridges, turkeys in the open meadows, and squirrels throughout the forest. Dove fields are planted annually in designated areas.
Open dawn to dusk, daily. No fee required but a valid Virginia hunting license is mandatory. Wear blaze orange during firearms season. The forest roads provide good access but can become muddy after rain. Early mornings produce the best deer movement, especially near the river bottoms. Bring a drag or cart for retrieving game — the terrain can be rugged.
New Kent Forestry Center
Virginia Department of Forestry property that participates in the DWR quota hunt program. Limited-entry hunts are held periodically to manage deer populations on the forestry center grounds. These quota hunts require advance application and are drawn by lottery. The controlled nature of these hunts means less hunting pressure and better success rates for those drawn.
Quota hunts require advance application through the DWR website — apply early as demand is high. Check the DWR quota hunt page for application windows. Successful applicants receive specific area assignments and orientation materials before the hunt date.
Licenses and Permits
A valid Virginia hunting license is required for all hunters age 16 and older. Licenses are available through the Virginia DWR online portal or at licensed agents throughout the county (sporting goods stores, Walmart, and some convenience stores carry them).
License types and approximate costs for residents: Basic hunting license: $25 (annual). Big game license: adds deer and turkey tags. Sportsman license: covers all hunting and fishing for the year. Each deer hunter is required to purchase a deer permit in addition to the base license. National forest and WMA permits may also be required for certain areas.
Military and veterans: Active-duty military members stationed in Virginia can purchase a resident hunting license. Disabled veterans and certain active-duty personnel may qualify for reduced-fee or free licenses. Check the DWR website for current military discount programs and eligibility.
Hunter education: Anyone born on or after July 1, 1978 must complete a hunter education course before purchasing a hunting license in Virginia. Courses are offered online and in-person through DWR.
Local Hunting Tips
Scout Before the Season Opens
August is the perfect time to scout your hunting spots. The vegetation is still thick, but you can identify travel corridors, bedding areas, and food sources before the leaves drop. Visit the WMAs on foot or by vehicle on maintenance roads. Look for deer trails leading to water sources, acorn-bearing oak ridges, and field edges where turkeys feed. Trail cameras can be set up in most WMAs following DWR regulations.
Know Your Rifle Restriction
New Kent County's rifle prohibition is one of the most important local regulations to remember. Shotguns with slugs, muzzleloaders, and archery equipment are the primary legal options for deer. If you're used to hunting with a rifle in other parts of Virginia, this restriction requires a different approach. Practice with your shotgun or muzzleloader before the season opens — slug guns and muzzleloaders have different effective ranges and trajectories than rifles.
Plan for Weather and Tides
Virginia's hunting seasons span a wide range of weather conditions — from warm September dove hunts to cold January deer drives. Dress in layers and be prepared for sudden temperature changes. If you're hunting waterfowl at Game Farm Marsh or along the Chickahominy, pay attention to tides and weather forecasts. The river levels can rise quickly after heavy rain, and tidal influence can affect access points. Always tell someone your hunting plans and expected return time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hunting in New Kent
Do I need a license to hunt in New Kent County?
Yes. A valid Virginia hunting license is required for anyone 16 and older. Residents and non-residents can purchase licenses online through the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) website or at licensed agents throughout the county. Hunter education certification is required for anyone born after July 1, 1978. Military members stationed in Virginia can purchase a resident license with proper documentation.
Can I use a rifle to hunt deer in New Kent County?
No. New Kent County has a local ordinance that prohibits the use of rifles for deer hunting. Hunters may use shotguns, muzzleloaders, archery equipment (compound bows, crossbows, recurves), and pneumatic (air) rifles that meet DWR specifications. This regulation is specific to New Kent County and does not apply in all surrounding counties.
What are the best public hunting areas near New Kent?
Chickahominy WMA (5,217 acres) offers the most diverse hunting in the region with deer, turkey, squirrels, and dove fields. Ware Creek WMA (2,600+ acres) along the York River is excellent for deer and turkey. Game Farm Marsh WMA (429 acres) is the best option for waterfowl hunting. The New Kent Forestry Center offers quota hunts for deer and small game.
Is there waterfowl hunting on Chickahominy Lake?
Yes. Game Farm Marsh WMA on Chickahominy Lake is primarily a waterfowl management area, and hunting is by boat access only. The Chickahominy River corridor also provides waterfowl hunting opportunities through the Chickahominy WMA. Hunters should be aware of tides, weather conditions, and DWR waterfowl zone boundaries.
Can military families hunt in New Kent County?
Absolutely. Virginia offers resident hunting license pricing to active-duty military members stationed in the state. Fort Lee, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, and Naval Weapons Station Yorktown are all within an easy drive of New Kent County's public hunting lands. The Chickahominy and Ware Creek WMAs are popular among military hunters for their proximity to base and quality habitat.
Where can I sight-in my hunting rifle or shotgun near New Kent?
Old Forge Sporting Clays in Providence Forge offers a premier shooting facility for shotguns and sporting clays, though it does not have a rifle range. For rifle sighting-in, the closest public ranges include the DWR shooting ranges at Amelia WMA and Dutch Gap WMA. Several private gun clubs in the Richmond and Williamsburg areas offer membership-based rifle and pistol ranges.
