Wildlife management areas are operated primarily to support hunting and fishing opportunities for the public.  These lands are purchased and maintained with hunting, fishing, and trapping license fees and with Wildlife Restoration funds, derived from the sale of hunting-related equipment.  Fortunately, habitat restoration and management practices appropriate for game species tend to benefit all wildlife, and WMA’s are good places to experience nature.

Many of the best walks in WMA’s use old roads that have been gated to prevent vehicular traffic.   The side trails are used by hunters to access the interior.  The latter trails are not well-maintained and may become overgrown, especially in summer.  Most of these sites are heavily used by hunters throughout the year, with the exception of the middle of summer.  To be safe, you are advised to limit your visits to summer time, and to check the park's hunting schedule.  All WMA’s levy an access fee of $4 per day (as of 2019), which is waived if you already have a hunting or fishing license.  Visit this page to get an access permit.

In addition to hiking, most WMA’s allow horseback riding and biking.  A number of them have stocked fishing lakes and/or access to fishing streams (license required).  WMA’s are also highly touted for wildlife viewing, and some WMA’s are well-known birding hot spots.  The recreational opportunities in each WMA are summarized on this page.

To see a map of Virginia’s WMA’s, have a look at this brochure.  A list of the WMA’s can be seen here.  If you have questions about your visit to a WMA, contact the office.