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Virginia increases hunting, fishing fees first time in 14 years

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Hunters participate in a Virginia Outdoor Women program in 2026. (Meghan Marchetti/VA Dept. of Wildlife Resources)

The Virginia Board of Wildlife Resources approved new fees on Aug. 20 for hunting, fishing, trapping, boating and primitive camping. The increased fees will go into effect on Oct. 1.

Most hunting, fishing and trapping licenses, including boat registration and titling fees, will increase by $5. But fees won’t increase for youth, disabled veterans, apprentice and disabled participant licenses.

The Department of Wildlife Resources will also add a $10 authorization fee to camp on state lands, including wildlife management areas.

Paid licenses and fees help the department manage fish and wildlife populations along with managing Virginia’s lands and water. The revenue also supports public safety trainings, regulation enforcement and park maintenance.

Boating fees have not changed since 2019. Hunting, fishing and trapping licenses have not increased since 2012.

The demand for more public access and timely responsiveness to human-wildlife conflict resolution has risen, according to the department. Staff also say the new fees are necessary due to increased U.S. prices, construction costs and inflation since 2012. The state budget mandates that salaries increase each year, but the department has not received state funding to do so and has reduced its workforce.