By Emily Strother Photos by Meghan Marchetti/DWR It’s that time of year again when lakes and rivers in Virginia are buzzing with the sound of boat motors and splashing water. As many of us check our tow ropes, it’s important to remember that safety is a …
By Mitch Furr Photos by Ron Messina/DWR When you’re on the water, it’s only a matter of time until you must cross another boat’s wake. If you’re a new boat owner, you may be unfamiliar with the term wake. The wake is the wave created as the hull of a boat …
By Stephen Living/DWR As the season turns from summer into autumn, millions of birds will pour through Virginia on their migration south. Some birds will overwinter in the southern United States, while others will travel thousands of miles to South America …
By Serena Grant/DWR Photos by Serena Grant This summer, I got the incredible opportunity to work with the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources’ (DWR) Outreach division as a Creative Content Intern, meaning I got the chance to write articles, attend …
By Bruce Ingram Photos by Bruce Ingram If there is a common topic among the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources’ (DWR) regional fisheries managers, it is their concerns about the presence—and spread—of Alabama bass. Scott Smith, who is based at the …
By Dan Smith Photos by Dan Smith My family moved from San Diego to Virginia Beach for military orders in the summer of 2020. As providence would have it, we moved into a neighborhood with several retention ponds. My 8-year-old kept asking to go fishing, …
By Shannon Brooks Photos by Shannon Brooks I spend roughly one day out of every four fishing somewhere for something, all year long. My fishing craft of choice is a small yellow sit-in recreational kayak that I’ve outfitted for quick trips to local fishing …
By Eric Dotterer/DWR Master Conservation Police Officer for Whitetail Times Deer hunting is a sport of planning and preparation. As a hunter, you may spend the entire preseason carefully choosing the perfect food plot mixture. You will labor and toil under …
By Gerald Almy Photos by Gerald Almy It’s often said the most successful hunters are those who put in the greatest effort before the season opens. Truth is, sheer hours of scouting are not going to up your odds for tagging a nice buck. In fact, some …
By James Moffitt Photos by Meghan Marchetti/DWR Warmer weather for many people means more time exploring all of the beautiful waterways that our state has to offer. However, setting off on a paddling trip without taking basic safety precautions is like …
By John Page Williams Photos by John Page Williams Wildlife. Habitat. That’s what the Pamunkey River is about, and the Department of Wildlife Resources’ (DWR) Lester Manor public landing is a great departure point for exploring it. An old friend joined …
By James Moffitt Photos by Meghan Marchetti/DWR Boating on crowded waters over holiday weekends or during busy fishing seasons can be stressful, irritating, and even dangerous. Being confident in your understanding of basic maritime norms and boating …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
