A Starter Guide to Hunting in Grayson County, Virginia
Grayson County, Virginia lies along the VA/NC border, straddling the southern portion of the Virginia Blue Ridge Mountains. Access to Public Lands for hunting is abundant, with the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, and Matthews State Forest offering visitors boundless opportunities to hunt year-round.
If you plan to visit Grayson County with hunting in mind, here are a few important pointers to keep in mind. Check out our featured vacation rentals for places to stay during your trip, as well as featured local businesses catering to hunters and fishermen. Always refer to the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources for the most up-to-date information on rules and regulations, seasons, licensing, and public land access before your hunt.
2025–26 deer seasons in Grayson County (west of Ridge):
General Firearms: Nov 16–Nov 30 (antlered any day; either-sex on designated “either-sex days”)
Early Archery: Oct 5–Nov 15
Late Archery: Dec 1–Jan 4
Muzzleloader: Early Nov – mid-Nov; Late Dec 14–Jan 4
Public Hunting Lands Nearby
George Washington & Jefferson National Forest: Located in Grayson, offers additional access; check federal regulations for vehicle restrictions
Matthews State Forest (566 acres, archery only in designated zones) near Galax allows hunting with valid forest permit + hunting license
Grayson Highlands State Park/WMA: Public land accessible with a valid hunting license and/or WMA permit
Quick Reference: Grayson Hunt Table
| Species | Season Types | Bag Limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deer | Archery, Muzzleloader, Firearms | 2/day, 5 license‑yr (max 2 antlered) | See either‑sex days during firearms |
| Bear | Archery & Firearms | 1/license‑yr | Tooth sample required |
| Turkey | Spring & Fall | 1/day, 3/year (tom only in spring) | |
| Small game / Furbearers | Varies by species | See DWR regulations | Includes squirrels, rabbit, grouse, etc. |
Places to Stay during your Hunt
