Deer hunting, Virginia public land?

[Weedy]

Does anyone know of some GOOD public land in VA (as close to DC as possible) to hunt deer? I've hit Thompson WMA 5 times this season and I have literally seen 3 or 4 deer tracks and a coyote. Lots and lots of coyote droppings, barely any deer sign (maybe that's telling me something). I heard a couple shots today, far, far away... I think I'll focus on Phelps WMA next year. Any suggestions? I can't access any private land. Also, I could bowhunt Ft. Belvoir but it's stand hunting and I'm not into that.

 

[HOOfan_1]

At one time you could hunt Ft. A.P. HILL...not sure if that is true anymore

 

[countertop]

Season ends tomorrow.

Where on Thompson did you hunt? I haven't hunted there in a few years but always had luck at the top. The secret is to get as far away as possible.

Didn't know they had coyotes. Might go coyote hunting there.

Phelps is just as crowded, but bigger. National Forest has deer too, though not as much as closer to the coast.

 

[countertop]

FWIW, I hunted some private land not 10 miles tron Thompson today. Saw maybe 40 deer but passed on taking a shot

 

[Silent Sam]

WMAs in northern VA are heavily pressured during deer season. Coyotes are not the problem. I seriously doubt you are seeing "lots and lots" of coyote droppings. Thompson gets used for much more than just for deer hunting. It is essentially "suburban" woods. If you are not seeing deer sign, it's because you are not seeing it, not because it's not there. I live (for over ten years) within walking distance of Thompson and don't bother to hunt there because it's so crowded. There are plenty of deer but they will be nocturnal and/or move out of Thompson during hunting hours, especially so for the bucks. I have deer in my driveway most every morning and evening during hunting season eating acorns, or bedded down within feet of my house. You say you can't access any private land, but that is really the answer. Why can't you ask? You may get ten or more "No's" for every "Yes" but that's what it takes to find what you are looking for.

 

[Weedy]

I seriously doubt you are seeing "lots and lots" of coyote droppings.

You can doubt it all you want. Go to Thompson and walk the trails for a couple hours and you'll see their droppings...I don't mean a lot as in you're stepping in it every few minutes, but enough to notice it fairly often. And I'm pretty new to hunting whitetails since I grew up in Alaska and have spent much of my adult life in areas or situations where I could not hunt, so I'm doing my best. I probably do miss signs that others would see, but I'm getting better so cut me some slack. And to answer your last question, I have neither the time nor the desire to go around asking strangers if I can hunt on their land. I'm not complaining about it, just saying it's not really an option for me.

 

[Smokey in PHX]

I have shot some nice deer at Ft A P Hill, but closer to you is Quantico Marine Corp Base containing a very good population of deer. Great deer and squirrel hunting on the Marine base. You need to attend a short class and it is buckshot only.