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There were 176 press releases posted in the last 24 hours and 452,894 in the last 365 days.

Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Press Releases

597 Press Releases
  • Published on July 14, 2023 - 21:51 GMT

    The Snapper Survived: The Story Behind the 2023 Virginia Wildlife Photography Showcase Cover Image

    By Serena Grant/DWR Photos by Michael Hundley Michael Hundley, whose photo is featured on the cover of this year’s Virginia Wildlife Photography Showcase Issue, has been photographing wildlife for four years. What started as a “self-taught” hobby turned …

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  • Published on July 13, 2023 - 20:21 GMT

    Angler Lands Rare Blue-Mouth Chain Pickerel

    By Molly Kirk/DWR Photos by John Byrd One Caroline County angler couldn’t quite believe his eyes when he reeled in a chain pickerel (Esox niger) recently. As the fish emerged from the water, John Byrd realized its mouth was a shade of vibrant blue. “I’d …

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  • Published on July 13, 2023 - 20:21 GMT

    An Update on the Upper James, Shenandoah Valley, and Northern Virginia Fisheries

    By Bruce Ingram Photos by Bruce Ingram Like every part of the state, the Upper James, Shenandoah Valley, and Northern Virginia section of the Old Dominion features numerous quality fisheries as well as challenges. Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources …

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  • Published on July 13, 2023 - 20:21 GMT

    Five Great Places in the Northern Shenandoah Valley to Fish After Work

    By Dr. Peter Brookes Photos by Dr. Peter Brookes Based on the dawn rising of Sirius (aka the “Dog Star”—the brightest star with the exception of the Sun), the hot and humid days of summer are upon us, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac. It’s no surprise …

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  • Published on June 23, 2023 - 20:27 GMT

    The Three Most Common Boating Violations and How to Avoid Them

    By James Moffitt Photos by Meghan Marchetti/DWR Now is the time to be on the water! Virginia has some incredible fisheries and waterways worth exploring or relaxing on. However, it’s important to remember that boating safety should always come first. We …

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  • Published on June 23, 2023 - 20:27 GMT

    Preparation is Key When Dealing with a Disabled Boat

    By Mitch Furr/DWR Photos by National Safe Boating Council Picture yourself boating on one of Virginia’s many scenic and history-rich rivers or lakes. You’re enjoying a beautiful day with your family as you bask in the sun. After some time at anchor, you …

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  • Published on June 23, 2023 - 20:27 GMT

    Explore the Wild on the Rappahannock River around Hopyard Landing

    By John Page Williams Photos by John Page Williams The Rappahannock River between Port Royal and Fredericksburg looks pretty quiet most days, but it hasn’t always been so. Over the past 90 years, roadways have taken over nearly all of the region’s …

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  • Published on June 22, 2023 - 15:19 GMT

    A Look Behind the Scenes of Striped Bass Management in Virginia’s Lakes

    By Alex McCrickard/DWR Striped bass (Morone saxatilis) are one of the most sought-after gamefish along the Atlantic seaboard. Millions of anglers fish for them each year from Maine to the Gulf Coast. In their native coastal rivers, striped bass are …

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  • Published on June 22, 2023 - 15:19 GMT

    Catch and Release Best Practices to Conserve Striped Bass

    By Alex McCrickard/DWR It’s easy to understand why striped bass (Morone saxatilis) are known as “everyman’s fish.” They’re fun to catch and are one of the most accessible fish for anglers to target. Add on the variety of different methods you can use to …

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  • Published on June 15, 2023 - 20:22 GMT

    Bring Me a Shrubbery!

    By Steve Living/DWR Photos by Steve Living/DWR Shrubs have been on my mind lately… perhaps the result of watching too much Monty Python in my youth. More so because the importance of this part of the habitat puzzle has been obvious over the last couple of …

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  • Published on June 8, 2023 - 17:41 GMT

    Five Great Places in Northern Virginia to Fish After Work

    By Dr. Peter Brookes With meteorological summer (June 1) now behind us and astronomical summer (June 21) just ahead of us, it’s high time to venture out to one of the Old Dominion’s wonderful waterways for some fishing. Indeed, with even more hours of …

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  • Published on June 8, 2023 - 17:41 GMT

    Concerns About Non-Native Species Lead in the Tidewater Fisheries Update

    By Bruce Ingram If there is one common theme across Virginia right now concerning our fisheries, it is the threat that non-native species present to our long-established gamefish. DWR Region 1 Fisheries Manager Clint Morgeson details the danger that the …

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  • Published on June 8, 2023 - 17:41 GMT

    Three Ways to Catch the Neglected Rock Bass

    By Gerald Almy The tiny spinnerbait hit the water with a delicate “plop” a scant foot from the shoreline as we floated silently down the Shenandoah River. The current swirled backwards in an eddy there, making it a prime hangout for the fish this river is …

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  • Published on June 2, 2023 - 17:36 GMT

    Get Started Photographing Birds!

    Birds are probably the most photographed of all wildlife. They bedazzle us with their colors, songs, and curious behaviors. We see and hear them everywhere throughout the year. No wonder they are a favorite subject for photography. Photographing birds can …

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  • Published on May 31, 2023 - 17:26 GMT

    The Next Challenge: What Defines a Trophy?

    By Matt Green for Whitetail Times Photos by Matt Green Several years ago, my close friend Chris invited me to the Howard Hill Classic traditional archery shoot at Tannehill State Park in McCalla, Alabama. Being an avid outdoorsman, a pleasant weather …

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  • Published on May 26, 2023 - 17:35 GMT

    2023 Spring Turkey Harvest Results

    By DWR Press Release The Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) announced a harvest of 24,447 turkeys during the 2023 spring turkey season. This represents the highest spring turkey harvest ever recorded in Virginia. The previous record was 20,580, set …

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  • Published on May 24, 2023 - 16:29 GMT

    Seventh Annual Old Dominion One Shot Turkey Hunt Provides Opportunity and Community

    The 34 hunters who gathered for the Seventh Annual Old Dominion One Shot Turkey Hunt on April 22 included 10 youth, 12 veterans, and two Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) employees: Stacey Brown, the Deputy Director of Boating, and Tyler …

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  • Published on May 23, 2023 - 17:21 GMT

    Three Go-To Baits for Targeting Bigger Bass this Summer

    By Dr. Mike Bednarski, DWR Fisheries Chief Photos by Meghan Marchetti/DWR Over the years, I’ve been fortunate enough to catch a lot of bass, and sometimes, I’m lucky enough to catch a big bass. As I combed through my notes, a few baits really showed up as …

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  • Published on May 8, 2023 - 21:12 GMT

    Fly Fishing for Panfish 

    By Gerald Almy Photos by Gerald Almy When redbuds bloom on shoreline hills and gobblers call from mountain ridges, there’s no more rewarding fish to go after in Virginia than panfish. Which “panfish?” Take your pick. Members of this clan can include as …

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  • Published on May 8, 2023 - 16:22 GMT

    Kid Fishing or Fish Fry? Bream are Great for Both

    By Mark Fike Photos by Mark Fike I have always been a kid at heart, and in some ways I guess that is good. My wife will attest to the fact that I can sit on a pond bank for hours and find something to fiddle around with. When it comes to fishing, I have my …

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