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 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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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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