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

Ledefenson Venison Minute Steak With Cowboy Butter (7)
Ledefenson Venison Minute Steak With Cowboy Butter (7)

Recipe: Venison Minute Steaks with Cowboy Butter

Is there anything better than a fresh venison steak cooked to perfection and smothered in a buttery sauce? A thinly sliced backstrap and compound butter, or cowboy butter, make it a challenge to stop at just one.

New for 2025: Tuo’s Genetically Engineered Verse Camo Pattern

Tuo Gear and Veil Camo have partnered up to bring together some of the most advanced ideas in concealment.

Member's Hunt: First Hog Hunt

This month's Member's Hunt comes from Rodney Harrison of Lawson, Mo.

First Look: EOTech DCBL Suppressors

EOTech has introduced a DCBL line of firearm suppressors, integrating advanced materials, user-centric features and a great balance of weight and suppression. The 3D-printed, Grade 5 Titanium, flow-through design makes it a cleaner shot process with reduced recoil.

Run-n-Gun Ducks: Tips for Scouting and Understanding Bird Movement

The best early-season waterfowl hunting depends on scouting and understanding bird movement as the birds’ preferred food sources shift, and employing the right equipment to hunt the range of situations in which you find birds.

First Look: Sitka Delta VentLite Zip GTX Wader

Designed to keep waterfowlers light, mobile and ready for the next flight, Sitka Gear introduces the new Delta VentLite Zip GTX Wader, the lightest Gore-Tex wader to-date, powered by Sitka’s VentLite GTX boot technology that promises maximum breathability and precise temperature control.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.