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

Elk Hunting At 101
Elk Hunting At 101

Elk Hunting at 101

Dick Blossom took a cow elk last fall in his home state of Montana at the age of 101. Calvin Coolidge was in the White House when he was born, and the Great Depression and Dust Bowl were years in the future.

New for 2026: TriStar Upland Hunter Thumbhole

TriStar Arms has introduced the Upland Hunter Thumbhole Stock, a 20-gauge over/under shotgun built for the field.

Savage Releases the Next Generation of the Model 110

Savage Arms has announced a new era of its legacy Model 110. The new chapter of this platform features 16 purpose-built models and spans hundreds of new SKUs, including new cartridge offerings and left-hand models.

Duck Hunting with a Sub Gauge

Curious about dropping ducks with a sub gauge? Follow along as Scott Haugen details the pros and cons of running subs.

New for 2026: TAG Precision FiberLok SG Pro Shotgun Sight

Tag Precision announces the introduction of the FiberLok SG Pro Shotgun Sight, a new front sight designed to elevate the shotgun shooting experience through faster target acquisition.

Mule Deer Foundation Renews BLM Agreement, Receives Conservation Grant

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) has awarded the Mule Deer Foundation (MDF) with a $744,000 grant to expand efforts to restore habitat and improve wildlife connectivity across the Northern Great Plains.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.