Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources

Virginia Angler Breaks 30-Year State Rainbow Trout Record! 🏆 What started as a regular day on the water became history when Grant Bentz from McGaheysville, VA, landed a massive 14 lb., 12 oz. rainbow trout in Spring Creek—breaking a record that’s stood since 1993! Bentz’s catch, which surpasses Michael Lowe’s record from Greers Pond, was unforgettable. “I never thought I’d be in this position,” Bentz said. “I’m not a record-chaser, but the existing record had stood for more than 30 years. After I recognized what I had, I figured I had to seize this opportunity.” Congratulations to Grant Bentz on hooking this monster rainbow! Read more: https://lnkd.in/eArzkde6. #StateRecord #RainbowTrout #Fishing 📷: Grant Bentz

Whooo’s got the perfect shot? 📸 The 2025 Virginia Wildlife Photography Showcase is open, and we want you to showcase Virginia’s incredible wildlife and natural beauty! This year, we’re bringing back the excitement of selecting the cover photo for the 2026 Virginia Wildlife Calendar from the showcase entries. Could it be your photo that makes the cover? Whether you’re an experienced photographer or just starting out, this is your chance to be featured in the July/August 2025 issue of Virginia Wildlife—and possibly even make it to the iconic 2026 calendar! How to Enter: ✔️Submit your best shots in one of our categories. ✔️Enter up to 3 images per category. Don’t wait—grab your camera and submit your best shots now through February 10, 2025. Best of luck, photographers! Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gdtyXBDX. #Photography #ExploreTheWild #VAWildlife #WildlifePhotography 📷: Randy Streufert

Ever wondered what it took to catch Virginia’s most notorious poacher—the Hollywood Buck poacher? In the latest True Wildlife Crime episode, follow Virginia’s Conservation Police as they uncover the illegal killing of three deer, including the legendary Hollywood Buck. This high-stakes investigation shows how DWR officers pursued justice in a case that captured national headlines. Don’t miss this intense story of dedication and law enforcement in action! 📹 Tune in now: https://lnkd.in/gtSD9RjR. #TrueWildlifeCrime #HollywoodBuck #LawEnforcement #PoacherExposed #ConservationPolice

This Veterans Day, we honor and thank the veterans among us at DWR and all those who have served our nation. Your dedication, sacrifice, and commitment inspire us every day. Thank you for your service! 🇺🇸 #VAWildlife #VeteransDay

It’s that time of year! 🦌🚗🍁 Drivers, stay alert—deer are on the move! Fall means deer breeding season, and deer are most active at dawn and dusk, increasing your chances of encountering them on the road. Slow down, stay cautious, and never swerve to avoid a deer. Be extra careful in areas with deer crossing signs, and if you see one, expect others nearby. Remember, always wear your seatbelt, and if you hit a deer, report the accident to local law enforcement. Let’s stay safe this season! #Fall #DeerOnTheMove #StayAlert

Show Your Skills at the 2025 DWR Archery Open! 🏹 Calling all archers! The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) and The Ward Burton Wildlife Foundation (WBWF) invite you to the inaugural 2025 DWR Archery Open on January 11, 2025, in Richmond, VA. Featuring opportunities for both youth and adult competitors, this event is your chance to make an impact. Every arrow helps support conservation efforts. Plus, visit the Conservation Exhibit Hall to connect with our community! Early registration ends November 30—don’t miss out! Register now: https://lnkd.in/e6Xmnhc7. #ArcheryOpen #Conservation #RichmondVA

Hear a Virginia Elk Bugle! 🦌🎥 Why do elk bugle? Bulls use this powerful call to attract mates and assert dominance, echoing through Virginia's wild landscapes during mating season. Want more? 📢 Tune into the Virginia Elk Cam located in Southwest Virginia, Buchanan County for live views of these majestic creatures! https://lnkd.in/eqVMCyEe. #Elk #Bugling #SWVA

“Whatever we can do to promote women in photography is wonderful.” - Jane Gamble Five talented, female photographers have collaborated on a wildlife photography exhibit that’s now on display at Huntley Meadows Park in Arlington - “Nature Through Women’s Eyes.” Featuring more than 40 stunning images of wildlife that celebrate these women’s unique perspectives, the exhibit runs through November 23. Discover more about the photographers and their stories: https://lnkd.in/gjhtQvzm. 📷: Elaine Starr, Rena Schild, Jane Gamble, Beth Howell, and Kathrin Swoboda (work not pictured)! #EmpoweringWomen #WomenPhotographers #WildlifePhotography #HuntleyMeadows

Eight spotted turtles are back in the wild after escaping the illegal pet trade, thanks to groundbreaking genetic testing—marking a major step forward for turtle repatriation in Virginia. 🐢 “This was years of work that finally had a great end result. It may not seem like a lot—it’s eight turtles—but we hope it’s just the tip of the iceberg,” said DWR State Herpetologist J.D. Kleopfer. Read the full story and learn how this breakthrough could change the future of turtle conservation! https://lnkd.in/eEtSUzFw. #Conservation #Turtles 💚: Wildlife Center of Virginia

We have seen success of the Virginia Elk Restoration Project & elk conservation efforts, but the biggest thing to focus on for habitat connectivity with this species is creating safe passageways for elk across roads, particularly along Corridor Q in Southwest Virginia. Join us for an exciting event with Jackie Rosenberger, Elk Project Leader for the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources! Learn more about this and our other upcoming events at www.wildvirginia.org 💚