Virginia Governor Signs Legislation to Allow Sunday Hunting on Public Lands

by
posted on April 13, 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. **
VA Sunday Hunting Public Land Lead

On Apr. 5, Governor Glenn Youngkin signed Senate Bill 8, to allow Sunday hunting on public lands. It will go into effect on July 1, 2022.

Senate Bill 8 expands hunting opportunities in Virginia by allowing Sunday hunting on public lands, while keeping the prohibition against hunting within 200 yards of a place of worship on Sundays. This ensures that hunters have the time to continue hunting, or to introduce new hunters, and also ensures that public land may be enjoyed by those who fund it.

“This legislation encourages Virginians to take full advantage of the many outdoor opportunities our great Commonwealth has to offer,” said Governor Youngkin. “This legislation will open up new opportunities for hunters to enjoy the sport they love.”

One of the biggest challenges that hunters face today is access to land. Our modern lifestyles of work and school essentially mean that most working adults and their children can only hunt on the weekends. Hunters and gun owners fund conservation efforts and maintenance of state public hunting land through hunting license fees and Pittman-Robertson excise taxes on firearms, ammunition, and archery equipment. Without Sunday hunting, Saturday is the only day for most hunters to be able to get out into the field.

NRA thanks bill patron, Senator Chap Petersen (D-34), and Speaker Todd Gilbert, for their strong leadership guiding this bill through the General Assembly, and Gov. Youngkin for signing it into law to protect Virginia’s hunting heritage and pass it down to future generations.

Latest

BTB 7Mm RUM Lead
BTB 7Mm RUM Lead

Behind the Bullet: 7mm Remington Ultra Magnum

Launching a 160-grain bullet in excess of 3200 fps, the 7mm RUM is among the fastest commercially loaded 7mm cartridges available.

USFWS Debuts 2025-2026 Federal and Junior Duck Stamps

The 2025-2026 Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp—commonly known as the Duck Stamp—became available for purchase on June 27, 2025.

Tested: Work Sharp Professional Precision Adjust Elite Knife Sharpener

Digital Associate Editor walks viewers through the features of the Work Sharp Professional Precision Adjust Elite Knife Sharpener, the perfect tool for a hunter looking to keep all his knives factory sharp season after season.

Recipe: Green Curried Black Bear

Green curry sauce is an excellent base for simmering bear meat, making it flavorful, tender, and safe to consume. Read on for another instant classic recipe from Brad Fenson.

Coyotes to Competitions: An AR-Build for Accuracy

ARs make great coyote guns. But what would the absolute best coyote rifle look like? Digital Associate Editor David Herman builds his take on the best AR for shooters who like to plug coyotes in the winter, and ring steel all summer long.

Pennsylvania Governor Signs Sunday Hunting Bill

Legislation that will fully repeal Pennsylvania’s Sunday hunting ban was signed into law on July 9.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.