As is the norm for our winters in Virginia, there has been nothing particularly normal about 2025. Trying to pattern a sasquatch is easier than trying to guess what will happen with our weather here in the Commonwealth.
The one thing that does ring true is that there is still plenty of time to get after birds and bunnies. February hunts can be very rewarding in not only today’s bag but also tomorrow’s.
The forsythia and early season vegetation will start popping up at the end of the month and then the briars and thick, green canopies will take over.
While the woods are still “naked”, use this time to find parcels that will make great hunting grounds for next year. Woodcock is always one that people struggle with, but if you can find low grounds that offer a little vegetation on the forest floor or soft ground with young holly trees, you’re golden!
I’m a huge advocate of OnX because I can drop pins and label them, log my path, etc. The app is not the only one of its kind, it’s just the one I’ve gravitated towards. Grab the one that works for you and put it to use. Being able to triangulate back to the perfect patch of low grounds mid-November to chase doodles versus walking in circles puzzled at how everything looks the same, will more than pay for the fees they charge for the app.
Another great aspect of late season hunting – public land is vacant. During deer season, it’s pretty tough to find a quiet spot in November and December but in February, you’ve got the run of the place.
This is also the perfect time of year to seek permission for private land. Most everyone is hiding indoors so there’s a high chance the landowner is available. If you can grab a new piece of private land, now is the time to scout it, just as you would public land. It’s much easier to traverse the land before everything is thick and green and well before the ticks and skeeters pop up to feast.
So, exactly what is left to chase? In the bird category, plenty! Grouse will be finishing out on the 8th and you’re allowed three/day but please make sure you participate in the survey. VDWR has been trying to gather as much info as possible on the dwindling king of the upland birds.
The 8th is also a big day for youth and veteran waterfowl hunts. If you don’t fit into either of those categories, no worries, there are a ton of geese to chase. The resident population of Canada geese is open until the 23rd and you’re allowed five/day. These hunts are worth your time and typically found in crop fields feeding on young wheat shoots.
Recently, VDWR added a nuisance season for light goose (snow goose). The population has been doing extremely well. So well they’re damaging breeding grounds and habitat along the Atlantic flyway. The season is open from the 1st and goes through April 5th. You’re allowed to take as many as you want, use an unplugged gun, any sort of calls and you have extended hours to hunt them. The only caveat is that you need to register and obtain a harvest report. You can easily register through the Go Outdoors app or online at VDWR.
Another bird to chase with very few regulations are crows. They are federally regulated but don’t require a HIP and you may use an unplugged shotgun. Crows may be hunted until 3/21 on private land and 3/10 on public.
If you want a good challenge that will absolutely test your skills, then try crows. Use electronic calls and predator decoys. Crows love a good fight, and they can’t resist it. They are super smart with incredible eyesight so make your shots count and stay as hidden as possible.
Finally, that brings us to the furbearers. Rabbit season runs until the 28th and you will love watching the dogs work the briars. There are several WMAs with thick, brambly cover holding plenty of bunnies.
For those of you that still want to keep your bird dogs in work, the preserves are open until the end of April. Most will begin to shut down the end of March as the weather is getting too warm and the birds are heavy with eggs and don’t particularly care to fly.
Before you pack it up for the year and look to warmer weather activities, get out and enjoy a few more hunts. As always, be sure to take a friend or family member to enjoy the time in the field or blind!
