To be eligible for participation in the Conservancy Deer Management Program, individuals must:
- Be 18 years of age or older.
- Possess valid Virginia Hunting, Big Game and Archery Licenses.
- Meet Virginia’s Hunter Education Requirements (proof of completed education is required). Hunter Education Courses provide instruction in hunter safety, principles of conservation, and sportsmanship. Virginia accepts all states’ official hunter education credentials.
- Comply with all applicable DWR, Federal and local laws and regulations, along with the Willowsford Conservancy Deer Population Management Program guidelines.
- Qualify by passing a proficiency test for the weapon used for hunting and provide a copy of the signed Hunter Qualification Card no later than the date of the orientation. Only bows, muzzleloaders and shotguns may be used; no rifles.
- Have no game violations in the past three years.
- Have a proven successful record of harvesting antlerless deer within the preceding 3 years.
The commitment and experience of individual hunters has been a significant factor in the program’s success. When selecting new and returning hunters for the upcoming season, priority will be given to individuals with a proven, recent track record of taking antlerless deer.
- Attend the mandatory hunter orientation
- Complete volunteer work by contributing technical expertise or completing land management related work that supports the Conservancy’s operations; at least 10 hours annually, by Aug. 31.
Application: Eligible and interested individuals must register with the Conservancy by February 15th and be selected to participate.
Selection: The objective of the program is to manage the deer population primarily through harvest of antlerless deer. The program is not intended to provide recreational hunting opportunities. Priority will be given to hunters with recent successful records of harvesting antlerless deer.
All applications must be submitted by February 15th. Please email any questions to info@willowsfordconservancy.org