Mount Rogers National Recreation Area
Mount Rogers National Recreation Area (276) 783-5196 |
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Recreation
Hunting & Fishing
The National Forests are open to hunting fishing and trapping during seasons established by the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries. All County and Federal game regulations also apply. All hunters, anglers and trappers are strongly urged to familiarize themselves with the applicable regulations before leaving home.
In addition to the applicable State license(s), all hunters, anglers or trappers using the National Forest are required to have a National Forest Stamp. A portion of the fees derived from the sale of these stamps is returned to the National Forests for wildlife and fisheries habitat improvement work.
At different times of the year, hunters seek a variety of large and small game animals. Turkey, deer, grouse and squirrel are the most popular game species. An active bear-stocking program has been successful in reestablishing this species to the NRA, although bear hunting is prohibited in the area. For more information on hunting and fishing in the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area contact the Virginia Department of Game & Inland Fisheries.
Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries
The following VDGIF web sites should be consulted for hunting regulations that apply in the NRA:
http://www.dgif.state.va.us/hunting/ - main hunting page
http://www.dgif.state.va.us/hunting/regulations/index.html - regulations page.
Closed Roads
Roads on the national forest are closed for a variety of reasons. Some roads are not designed for long-term use so they are revegetated when they are no longer needed. These revegetated roads benefit many wildlife species.Many of these roads are closed with a mound of dirt or "tank trap" that blocks vehicle access. Other roads are closed for administrative reasons such as an active timber sale or by special agreement with an authorized forest user. These closed roads are gated and posted.
There are a number of roads on the national forest that are opened and closed seasonally. This includes roads opened specifically for hunting seasons, but closed during the winter months when vehicle traffic can damage the roadbed. Hunters are welcome to walk and hunt along these roads.
Parking
Forest roads are used for a variety of purposes. While a particular road may be gated, access to the road must not be blocked by parked vehicles. Fire suppression or search and rescue efforts may be severely hampered by carelessly parked vehicles. Please assist us in providing assistance to those who may need it. Please, do not block gated roads with your vehicle or camp.
Tree Stands and Gun Transport
Be aware that it is unlawful to:construct, maintain, or occupy any permanent tree stands on National Forest lands (nailing of stands to the trees can cause serious damage and death to the trees);
have in your possession a bow or gun which is not unloaded and cased or dismantled in the National Forest except during designated hunting season; or
possess or transport a loaded gun in or on any vehicle at any time on National Forest lands.
Questions regarding the hunting, fishing and trapping seasons, regulations and requirements should be directed to either the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries at (540) 248-9360. The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries publishes information on Virginia's outdoor resources.
Fishing
The Mount Rogers National Recreation Area offers some of Virginia’s finest hunting and fishing. Trout fishing opportunities range from fly fishing in special-regulation area to wheelchair-accessible pier fishing at Beartree Lake. The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries maintains an active stocking program in some waters, while other streams are managed strictly for native brook trout.The National Forests are open to fishing under regulations established by the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries. All County and Federal game regulations also apply.
In addition to the applicable State license(s), all hunters, anglers or trappers using the National Forest are required to have a National Forest Stamp. A portion of the fees derived from the sale of these stamps is returned to the National Forests for wildlife and fisheries habitat improvement work.
The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries web site provides detailed information and regulations pertaining to the NRA. You should review the following material in the VDGIF web site:
http://www.dgif.state.va.us/fishing/ - fishing web page
http://www.dgif.state.va.us/fishing/troutguide/index.htm - "Trout Guide"
http://www.dgif.state.va.us/fishing/troutguide/special_regulations_for_wild_trout_streams.html - regulations for wild trout streams; this includes many streams in the NRA (Big & Little Wilson Creeks, South Fork Holston River, Whitetop Laurel / Green Cove Creeks)
http://www.dgif.state.va.us/fishing/ - trout regulations http://www.dgif.state.va.us/fishing/fish_stocking/index.html - trout stocking schedule
USDA Forest Service - George Washington and Jefferson National
Forest
Last Modified: Thursday, 02 March 2006 at 13:55:01 EST