A license is required to hunt, but before one may be purchased, a hunter-education course is required for first-time adult hunters and youths ages 12-15.

A National Forest stamp also is required to hunt in the national forests and may be purchased along with the license. Residents age 65 and older do not need a stamp. Fees and restrictions vary. Permits are required for resident and non-resident hunters and may be purchased from various licensing agents. In addition to hunting licenses, big-game licenses must be purchased to hunt deer, bear and turkey.

A free pamphlet on hunting is available at most places licenses are sold, at the county clerk's office, at big-game checking stations throughout the area, by mail or by calling the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries at 4010 W. Broad St., Richmond 23230. 804-367-1000. www.dgif.virginia.gov

For 2009-2010, the fall deer season (general firearms only) is Nov. 15-Nov. 29 on private land and Nov. 22-29 on national forest land; turkey season is Oct. 25-Nov. 7, Nov. 27 and Dec. 8-Jan. 3.

Written permission is required to hunt on posted private lands, and oral permission is required on unposted lands.

Hunting on public land is limited to the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests and the Thompson Wildlife Management Area, which straddles the boundaries of Warren and Fauquier counties. The area is administered by the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries. Guns and archery equipment are allowed in the management area only during hunting season.

Ranges in the area allow hunters and marksmen to get their practice in.

• The Northern Virginia 4-H Educational Center, Front Royal 635-7171 www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/northern


• The Izaak Walton League, Winchester, for members only. 667-9134 www.user.shentel.net/winiwla/


• The Page Valley Sportsman Inc., Luray, private 743-5570
  
• The Frederick County 4-H Shooting Education Club, Winchester 888-4460