Inaugural Virginia Elk Hunt Generates More Than $600,000 in Conservation Funding

by
posted on October 6, 2022
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
Young Bull Elk G6e6120354 1920

Hunters supporting Virginia’s first-ever managed elk hunt scheduled to take place Oct. 8-14, 2022, generated more than $606,000 to bolster wildlife and management projects within the state’s elk-management zone.

The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources ( awarded its first elk conservation license to RMEF, which conducted a raffle that generated more than $93,000 for conservation. That came on the heels of DWR’s initial lottery of five antlered elk tags that raised more than $513,000.

“That’s approximately half a million dollars that will go right back into wildlife conservation because of the contributions of these hunters,” said Ryan Brown, DWR executive director. “Though a small hunt, it’s significant in marking the early success of the restoration of this magnificent animal to Virginia, and also a tremendous opportunity to show the greater public the conservation benefits of hunting.”

More than 31,000 people entered DWR’s lottery while both the lottery and conservation tag raffle drew applicants from all 50 states.

For more information, visit dwr.virginia.gov

Latest

DSC 8036
DSC 8036

Ducks Over Deer: A Welcome Reprieve to Cold Mornings

Winchester’s latest waterfowl loads give hunters reason to believe in their shooting.

First Look: Daniel Defense Mute & Null Suppressors

Daniel Defense changed the suppressor landscape with the 3D-printed DD Wave, and now the company applies that innovation to the next generation of sound suppression.

New For 2026: Avian-X Pop-Up Blind

The Pop-Up Waterfowl Blind from Avian-X promises to deliver instant, full-coverage concealment without sacrificing space.

Wildest Hunting Finds of SHOT 2026

This year's SHOT Show was a reminder that creativity and innovation within the hunting world are alive and well. Here are ten items that caused us to take a double-take whilst walking the show floor.

Hot from SHOT: Best Whitetail Gear for 2026

With the new year comes a wave of newly released hunting gear aimed at giving hunters the edge afield. From cozier tree stands, easy-to-pack bags, feed, blinds, and more, manufacturers have sought every imaginable way to help hunters become more successful on their hunts. Read on as we take a closer look at what caught our eye.

AH Hunts: Late Season Alberta Geese Pt. 2

With some birds on the ground, Jon and Brad take a second to discuss the size of late-season Alberta honkers, before diving into the guns that brought them down. Check out part 2 of Senior Executive Editor Jon Draper and American Hunter contributor Brad Fenson's late-season Alberta honker hunt here.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.