The Radford Hunt: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply for the Radford Hunt?
You can apply for the Radford Hunt in one of three ways:
- Online (Available July 1, 2009)
- Toll-free at 1-877-VAHUNTS (Available July 1, 2009)
- Mail in a printed application, which is on page 59 in the 2009 Hunting and Trapping Regulations Digest available from any license agent. (Available the week of July 20, 2009)
What is the deadline for my application?
Your application must be received on or before August 14, 2009 to be included in the drawing.
Can I use last year's application to apply for the hunt?
No. You must use the 2009 hunt application.
What are the 2009 hunting season dates for the Radford Hunts?
- October 17: Archery, antlerless only
- October 24: Archery, antlerless only
- November 14: Shotgun, either-sex
- November 18: Shotgun, either-sex
- November 21: Shotgun, either-sex only
- November 28: Shotgun, antlerless only
- December 2: Shotgun, antlerless only
- December 5: Shotgun, antlerless only
Can I use a personal check or cash to pay the application fee?
Yes. If you mail in an application you can enclose a personal check, money order, or cashier's check made payable to CyberData, Inc.
How many applications does VDGIF receive for the Radford hunts?
About 1,300 annually.
How many hunters are drawn for the bow hunts?
50 for each hunt.
How many hunters are drawn for the gun hunts?
30 for each hunt.
Do I have to have a Hunter Safety Course in order to shotgun hunt at Radford?
Yes. Starting in 2008 the Department of Defense requires that anyone shotgun hunting on the facility must have taken a Hunter Safety Class at some time in the past.
Does the Radford Arsenal require hunters who are drawn in 2009 to submit a Background Check?
Yes. Anyone who is drawn to hunt at the Radford Arsenal must submit either a local records check from their local law enforcement agency or a background check from the Virginia State Police. Only those who are drawn to hunt are required to have a check performed and submitted to Radford Security. If you are drawn for the hunt, you will receive information about obtaining a background check in the hunt packet that will be mailed to you. You do not need to have a check performed in order to apply for the hunt.
Do I have to participate in a doe hunt before I am allowed to apply for a buck hunt?
Yes. Hunters must alternate between antlerless (doe) and either-sex (buck) hunts. Your first hunt must be antlerless. Once you have participated in an antlerless hunt the next hunt you are qualified to apply for is an either-sex (buck) hunt. Once you have hunted an either-sex hunt, your next hunt must be antlerless again, and so on.
How does the "point system" for the computer drawing work?
Each year a hunter applies he/she is awarded one point. Points accumulate until a hunter is drawn to participate in a hunt. Once a hunter has participated in a hunt his/her points roll back to zero and the point accumulation process begins again with the next year's application.
Why do you use a point system?
Each year about 1,300 hunters put in for the Radford hunt. Using a point system ensures that each hunter who continues to apply will eventually get to hunt. The computer draws from those applicants who have the highest number of points first. Using a point system takes most of the "luck" factor out of the system.
Can I apply to hunt with a buddy?
Yes, you can apply with a co-applicant on the same application. When applying with a co-applicant for an either-sex hunt, BOTH applicants' most recent hunt must have been for antlerless deer. When applying with a co-applicant for any hunt, standing for the drawing will be based on whichever of the two applicants has the lower number of points.
How long does it take to get into a hunt?
It varies depending on how many applicants we get in a given year.
Can I choose my own hunting date?
No. Hunters are assigned hunting dates by computer drawing.
What if I cannot hunt on the day I am picked for?
Please contact the VDGIF Blacksburg office at (540) 961-8304 as soon as possible.
Can I use a portable tree stand?
Portable tree stands may be used during archery hunts only. Portable stands used during archery hunts must be placed within 50 yards of the permanent stand the hunter is assigned to. Screw in tree steps may be used for portable bow stands.
How do I get to Gate 20?
Successful applicants will be notified by mail and will receive a map to Gate 20.
Can I bring in a two-way radio to talk to my buddy?
Yes.
Can I bring in a cellular phone?
Yes.
Can I bring in a camera?
Yes.
Can I bring a video camera?
Yes.
Can I bring a rangefinder?
Yes. You are encouraged to use a rangefinder.
Can I bring a chemical hand warmer?
Yes, you can bring chemical hand warmers. However, no spark or flame producing hand warmers are allowed.
Can I hunt in the same stand as my hunting buddy/son/wife/husband/daughter?
No. Each hunter is assigned his or her own stand. Only one hunter may occupy a stand. However, hunters under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a non-hunting adult in the same stand. The adult must possess a valid hunting license.
What time is check in?
Check in is at 4:30 am at Gate 20.
What is the bag limit?
The bag limit is one deer per day.
Do I have to use a buck tag off my license?
Yes. If you kill a buck you must use a buck tag off your license.
Do I have to use a doe tag off my license?
No. Special doe tags (DMAP) will be provided for antlerless deer killed.
What are the antler criteria for shooting a buck?
Quality deer rules require that bucks harvested must have a 15.5-inch or greater maximum outside spread.
What time is the hunt over?
Hunters will be picked up at their stands by 4:00 pm.
Can I leave early?
Yes. You can make arrangements to leave early on the day of your hunt.
Can I scout the area before the hunt?
No. The RAAP is a restricted entry area and hunters may enter the facility only on the day of their hunt.
What kind of skills test do bow hunters have to take?
Bow hunters must pass a skills test in order to hunt. Applicants who are drawn to bow hunt will be notified by mail regarding locations where skills tests will be offered. Hunters must be able to shoot 2 of 3 arrows into a 9-inch target at 20 and 30 yards in order to qualify.
Can I go out of the facility during my hunt and then come back in and continue hunting?
No.
Are crossbows allowed?
Yes, crossbows are allowed.
Can I hunt with a rifle?
No. Gun hunters must use a 20 gauge or larger shotgun. Shotgun slugs are the only ammunition allowed for gun hunters.
Can my shotgun have a scope on it?
Yes. We encourage hunters to use a scope on their shotgun.