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News Release

Wildlife Management Area User Study to begin September 1

The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGIF) and researchers from Virginia Tech's Department of Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences will launch a year-long study beginning September 1 to evaluate recreational use on wildlife management areas (WMAs) in Virginia.  The study is the first step in a multi-year process of assessing use of and developing management plans for VDGIF wildlife management areas. 

VDGIF and Virginia Tech employees and volunteers will begin conducting interviews of users at 10 of the Commonwealth's most heavily used wildlife management areas.  Among the areas to be sampled are Chickahominy WMA near Williamsburg; C.F. Phelps WMA near Fredericksburg; Amelia WMA in Amelia County; Dick Cross WMA in Mecklenburg County; Clinch Mountain WMA near Saltville; and Goshen and Little North Mountain WMAs in Rockbridge and Augusta Counties. 

On several days over the next year, study personnel will set up stations on primary access roads and also interview users at perimeter parking areas.  While the study is being conducted, all users of wildlife management areas will be asked to participate in the study when they encounter the interviewers at a station.

VDGIF owns and maintains 38 WMAs totaling nearly 200,000 acres for a variety of wildlife-related outdoor recreational opportunities for the public and for wildlife habitat protection. These areas were acquired and are maintained using Wildlife Restoration Funds derived from excise taxes assessed on hunting and fishing equipment and supplies; hunting, trapping and fishing license revenues; and a variety of other funding sources including grants from partner organizations. To learn more about the Department's wildlife management areas visit the agency website at www.dgif.virginia.gov.

It is the mission of the VDGIF to maintain optimum populations of all species to serve the needs of the Commonwealth; to provide opportunity for all to enjoy wildlife, inland fish, boating and related outdoor recreation and to work diligently to safeguard the rights of the people to hunt, fish and harvest game as provided for in the Constitution of Virginia; to promote safety for persons and property in connection with boating, hunting and fishing; to provide educational outreach programs and materials that foster an awareness of and appreciation for Virginia's fish and wildlife resources, their habitats, and hunting, fishing, and boating opportunities.