Elk
Advanced · Buchanan County in far southwest Virginia. The elk restoration zone is concentrated around reclaimed surface mines and surrounding National Forest land.
Virginia reintroduced elk to the coalfield region of Buchanan County starting in 2012, and the herd has grown to approximately 250-300 animals. The state held its first modern elk hunt in 2024, offering a very limited number of tags through a lottery system. Elk hunting in Virginia is an extremely rare and prestigious opportunity, set against the stunning backdrop of the Appalachian coalfields. This is a once-in-a-lifetime hunt for the lucky few who draw a tag.
Seasons
Elk Firearms Season
Firearms
Elk Archery Season
Archery
Bag Limits
1 elk per lifetime. Tags are extremely limited (fewer than 10 per year) and awarded by lottery. Hunters must apply and be drawn.
Tips
- • Begin scouting the Buchanan County elk zone months in advance—learn the reclaimed mine sites and meadows where elk feed.
- • Use the September bugling season to locate bulls even if you are hunting the firearms season—bulls return to the same areas.
- • Elk are most active at dawn and dusk; glass open meadows and reclaimed strip mines from elevated vantage points.
- • Be prepared for rugged terrain—the coalfield country is steep and remote, requiring good physical conditioning.
- • Study the DWR elk zone map carefully and know the exact boundaries—hunting outside the zone is a serious violation.