Virginia Archery License 2026 - Stamp, Crossbow & Equipment Rules | WildNotch.com
Archery License

Virginia Archery
License 2026

Complete guide to archery hunting in Virginia — stamp and license requirements, crossbow rules, draw weight and broadhead specifications, and archery deer and elk season dates. Virginia does not require a separate archery license or stamp — the standard hunting license covers archery hunting. Crossbows are permitted for all hunters during archery season. Virginia's archery season runs from early October through late January.

Crossbow Allowed Min. Draw Weight: 35 lbs
2026 Archery License Quick Facts Verified 2026
Resident Fee
$23.00
License fee
Nonresident Fee
$88.00
NR license fee
Min. Draw Weight
35 lbs
Minimum for legal archery hunting
Crossbow
Allowed
Crossbows are permitted for all hunters throughout the archery deer season with no additional permit required.
License & Stamp Details

Virginia Archery License Requirements

Review all archery license and stamp requirements before your hunt. Regulations change annually.

RequirementDetails
Archery Stamp Required No — included with hunting license
Resident License Fee $23.00
Nonresident License Fee $88.00
Standalone Archery License Requires base hunting license
Sunday Hunting Allowed
Equipment Rules

Virginia Archery Equipment Specifications

Legal archery equipment requirements in Virginia. Using non-compliant equipment during archery season can result in citation and license revocation.

Draw Weight
35 lbs min.
Minimum draw weight required for big game archery hunting in Virginia.
Arrow Length
No minimum arrow length specified. Standard hunting arrows (26"–32") are typical.
Broadhead Requirement
Broadheads are required for big game hunting. Both fixed-blade and mechanical broadheads are generally accepted.
Other Equipment Rules
Lighted nocks: Allowed
Rangefinder: Allowed
Minimum 35 lb draw weight for deer. Broadheads required for deer and turkey. Lighted nocks and rangefinders are permitted.
Crossbow Regulations

Virginia Crossbow Rules for Archery Season

Crossbows are permitted during archery season in Virginia. Crossbows are permitted for all hunters throughout the archery deer season with no additional permit required.
Season Dates

Virginia Archery Season Dates

Approximate archery season dates for 2026. Season dates may vary by zone or wildlife management unit — always confirm with Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources.

Archery Deer Season
Oct 4
Through Jan 31
Important Notes

Virginia-Specific Archery Rules

Virginia expanded Sunday hunting on private land in recent years. Public land Sunday hunting rules vary by WMA. Virginia's archery season is one of the more liberal in the Southeast, running nearly 4 months.
Source: Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (dwr.virginia.gov). Requirements verified 2026. Always confirm current license fees, equipment specs, and season dates directly with the agency before hunting.