Cavalier WMA
The Cavalier Wildlife Management Area is located in the far southeastern corner of Virginia, in the City of Chesapeake. The management area is comprised of two parcels, the 750-acre Dismal Swamp tract adjoining the Dismal Swamp Canal and the 3,800-acre Cavalier tract that abuts the North Carolina state line near Route 17.
Description
NOTICE: The Cavalier WMA experienced severe road damage during the November Nor'easter. Currently, the main road is open from Ballahack Road into the area for 1.4 miles. The remainder of the area is closed to vehicles but otherwise open. Visitors should use caution near the washed out areas. (Posted November 16, 2009).
Cavalier WMA provides coastal and forested habitats for a wide range of wildlife, including black bear, neo-tropical migratory songbirds, canebrake rattlesnakes, white-tailed deer, and eastern wild turkeys.
Currently, much of the management area is cutover forestland, with several hundred acres in 15-year-old planted pine. The 3,800-acre main tract, located approximately 2.5 miles east of the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge (NWR), was once part of the Great Dismal Swamp but was ditched and drained more than 200 years ago.
Hunting
Cavalier WMA features deer, bear, turkey, and small game hunting. Deer and bear hunting is conducted through the Department's quota hunt system during the general deer firearms season in the City of Chesapeake. Beginning December 1, Cavalier WMA is available to all hunters pursuing game during open seasons. Centerfire rifles are not allowed.
Directions
From Deep Creek. Route 17 south to Ballahack Road. Left on Ballahack for 1.5 miles. Entrance to Cavalier WMA on right.