Hunt unit · Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge

North Hunt Unit Map & Access

Special regsPermit required

The North unit is one of 14 mapped hunt units on Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge in Chesapeake city, VA. It covers approximately 4,157 acres and is listed as “open – special regulations apply” for 2026–2027. That means hunting is permitted, but refuge-specific rules — such as limited species, dates, weapon types, access methods or quota permits — apply on top of state regulations. A refuge permit is required.

Navigate to unit Refuge overview Official hunt info ↗
4,157acres
Special regsstatus 2026–27
Yesrefuge permit
Chesapeake citycounty

North map

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OpenSpecial regulationsClosedFWS-owned landWPA (public)Refuge boundaryEasement (private) Tip: switch to Satellite or USGS Topo in the layer menu · click the map for GPS coordinates
Downloads (whole refuge):KMLGPX

Rules & permits for this unit

Status: Open – special regulations apply

Hunting is allowed, but refuge-specific rules apply in addition to Virginia regulations. Typical special regulations include limited species or seasons, quota/lottery permits, weapon restrictions (e.g. archery or shotgun only), shooting-hour limits, blind or stand rules and restricted access.

Refuge permit required. Type: Special Use Permit. Obtain via: Online Other.

Deer and bear hunting

Game at Great Dismal Swamp NWR

Species listed for the refuge as a whole — a special-regulation unit may be limited to certain species. Confirm in the hunt brochure.

Getting to the North unit

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Destination: center of the North unit

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Decimal
36.75763, -76.46064
DMS
36°45′27.5″N 76°27′38.3″W

Nearest towns

  • Suffolk, VA6.9 mi E of town
  • Norfolk, VA11 mi SW of town
  • Virginia Beach, VA27 mi W of town

Straight-line distances. Driving routes are longer; many refuge roads are gravel and may close seasonally.

The navigation point is a point inside the unit polygon, not necessarily a parking area or legal access point. Use satellite view to find roads, gates and designated parking, and respect closed areas and private inholdings.

Shooting hours at this unit

Today at North

Legal light*–
Sunrise–
Sunset–

*½ hour before sunrise — the standard federal shooting-hour start for migratory game birds. Times in New York local time.

Full season calculator →

2026–2027 season sun table

DateShooting lightSunriseSunsetDaylight
Tue, Sep 1, 20266:06 AM6:36 AM7:36 PM13h 00m
Tue, Sep 15, 20266:17 AM6:47 AM7:15 PM12h 28m
Thu, Oct 1, 20266:29 AM6:59 AM6:50 PM11h 51m
Thu, Oct 15, 20266:41 AM7:11 AM6:30 PM11h 19m
Sun, Nov 1, 20265:58 AM6:28 AM5:10 PM10h 42m
Sun, Nov 15, 20266:13 AM6:43 AM4:57 PM10h 15m
Tue, Dec 1, 20266:29 AM6:59 AM4:50 PM9h 51m
Tue, Dec 15, 20266:40 AM7:10 AM4:50 PM9h 40m
Fri, Jan 1, 20276:48 AM7:18 AM4:59 PM9h 41m
Fri, Jan 15, 20276:47 AM7:17 AM5:11 PM9h 54m
Mon, Feb 1, 20276:38 AM7:08 AM5:29 PM10h 21m

Computed for 36.758, -76.461 (EDT / DST-aware). Check state rules — big game hours vary.

Weather forecast

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Forecast from the National Weather Service. Wind direction matters — plan your approach downwind of where game beds.

Other units at Great Dismal Swamp NWR

UnitStatusAcresPermit
Bull BlvdSpecial regs6,688Required
CorapeakeSpecial regs7,469Required
InsuranceSpecial regs5,185Required
JerichoSpecial regs24,323Required
PortsmouthSpecial regs22,853Required
Portsmouth BowSpecial regs3,568Required
RailroadSpecial regs12,223Required
Railroad BowSpecial regs134Required
Washington BowSpecial regs7,617Required
WeyerhaeuserSpecial regs8,234Required
Closed Area (NC)Closed10Required
Closed Area (VA)Closed3,419Required
The BlocksClosed8,200Required

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