Hunt unit · James River National Wildlife Refuge

Hunt Area South Hunt Unit Map & Access

Special regsPermit required

The Hunt Area South unit is one of 3 mapped hunt units on James River National Wildlife Refuge in Prince George County, VA. It covers approximately 2,296 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 ↗
2,296acres
Special regsstatus 2026–27
Yesrefuge permit
Prince George Countycounty

Hunt Area South 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: Other OMB-Approved Permit, Signed Brochure or Similar. Obtain via: Online Other, Other.

Deer hunting administered through permit from VA DGIF for archery only. Refuge-administerd permit obtained daily for shotgun and muzzleloader hunting for limited dates.

Game at James River 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 Hunt Area South unit

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Destination: center of the Hunt Area South unit

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Decimal
37.26475, -77.12217
DMS
37°15′53.1″N 77°07′19.8″W

Nearest towns

  • Richmond, VA26 mi SE of town
  • Suffolk, VA48 mi NW of town
  • Tappahannock, VA48 mi S 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 Hunt Area South

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, 20266:08 AM6:38 AM7:39 PM13h 01m
Tue, Sep 15, 20266:19 AM6:49 AM7:18 PM12h 29m
Thu, Oct 1, 20266:32 AM7:02 AM6:53 PM11h 51m
Thu, Oct 15, 20266:45 AM7:15 AM6:33 PM11h 18m
Sun, Nov 1, 20266:02 AM6:32 AM5:12 PM10h 40m
Sun, Nov 15, 20266:17 AM6:47 AM4:59 PM10h 12m
Tue, Dec 1, 20266:33 AM7:03 AM4:52 PM9h 48m
Tue, Dec 15, 20266:44 AM7:14 AM4:52 PM9h 37m
Fri, Jan 1, 20276:52 AM7:22 AM5:00 PM9h 38m
Fri, Jan 15, 20276:51 AM7:21 AM5:12 PM9h 52m
Mon, Feb 1, 20276:42 AM7:12 AM5:31 PM10h 19m

Computed for 37.265, -77.122 (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 James River NWR

UnitStatusAcresPermit
Hunt Area NorthSpecial regs1,641Required
ClosedClosed684Required

Back to James River NWR →