Hunting is one way many people choose to experience nature and bond with family and friends throughout the Shenandoah Valley.

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 to 15. A National Forest stamp is also 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.
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, and online at www.dgif.virginia.gov.

For 2008-2009, the fall deer season (general firearms only) is Nov. 15-Jan. 3 on private land and Nov. 15-29 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 non-posted lands.

Frederick County/Winchester:

• Hunting on public land is limited to the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, and is allowed on private land by owner permission only. Permission is required for hunting on posted and non-posted land.

Shenandoah County:

• Hunting in Shenandoah County is limited to the national forest and allowed on private land by owners' permission only.
  
  The following areas of the forest are suggested for hunters: Paddy Run, off Va. 55 in the northwestern part of the county and Strasburg Reservoir-Powell's Fort Valley camp area in the northwestern portion of Fort Valley, off Va. 771 and Forest Road 66.

Warren County:

• Warren County contains more than 6,000 acres of the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, which span more than a million acres in Virginia, West Virginia and Kentucky.
  
  The forests are divided into seven ranger districts and one national recreation area. The county is included in the Lee Ranger District, with its headquarters at 95 Railroad Ave., Edinburg 22824.

  A National Geographic Trails Illustrated map of the forest may be purchased at the district office for $9.95. The map lists hunting, fishing, hiking and camping areas.

  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. Fees and restrictions apply.

  Hunting in the forest requires a National Forest Stamp in addition to the required state licenses. The forest can be accessed on Fort Valley Road. 984-4101. www.fs.fed.us/gwj/lee

• In addition to the forest, hunting is permitted on private land with owner permission and at the 4,000-acre 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.