I recently bought 15 acres of freedom in Frederick County VA, just outside Winchester. The deer population here is rampant, or I'm seeing the same few every day.  I read that I don't need a license to hunt on my own land, but does it still have to be in season?  Thanks.

Yes, you are bound to the harvest regulations.  If you can demonstrate damage you can get a permit and take out of season.

FWIW, unless VDGIF has recently changed the law the land is good for 2 generations of family to hunt without permit a license......example: grandson hunting on the land is covered.

congrats!

Need help come deer season?

gimme a shout if you want help... I can make jerky

See license exemptions:



http://www.dgif.virginia.gov/hunting/regulations/licenses.asp

Tracking.  So don't need a license, but still have to obey the seasonal regulations, unless I can demonstrate Mr. Buck has been munching on my vegtable garden for an exemption permit.  Or, do the damages have to be livelyhood related, ie; owning an apple orchard that my main source of income is from.

Btw; new to hunting, so I welcome anyone thats able to show me how to dress and butcher a deer.

depending on your deer, dress may not need that much work. Ive hunted areas where they wer so used to people, jeans and t-shirt sufficed. no need to worry about camo or scent.

Ive also hunted ares where absolute stealth is required.

How 'tame' are your deer? start keeping tabs on # and specific individuals if you can. You may have more than 1 herd.

Time of day, physical condition etc. the more you watch the better your 'pattern' (understanding) of your deer will be. Keep an eye out for changes in your area, construction, logging etc understand that it can change their pattern, see if it does, and note their reaction. Maybe their schedule shifts, bedding/feeding areas changed.

Game cams can do alot this leg work for you.

And gutting is easy... if you dont have a queasy stomach you should be fine... I can eat lunch in the middle of cleaning a deer ... I process all my own meat, its pretty easy, just takes time, but you do get a greater sense of connection, plus the peace of mind of knowing where your meat came from and how it was handled

Depending on your deer/land you may not need a treestand, hunting from the ground can be jsut as effect... I find it more intense...

but treestands have their benefits:

thats a spike I let walk... 15min later this guy shows up to fight:

ground hunt:

Damage permit typically has a lot do with the density of deer in a given area.  I believe if you demonstrate reasonable measures to deter and still have property damage in a high density deer area, it probably isn't difficult to get damage tags.

http://www.dgif.virginia.gov/wildlife/deer/dcap.asp

You are in a special area of concern for CWD.  Take note:
http://www.dgif.virginia.gov/wildlife/diseases/cwd/

window hunt .   (didnt shoot, hence the OP)

I have the concrete foundation of an old grain silo still; it would make a great fixed possition for a base of fire...

Around here in Fairfax they hand out damage control permits like a pervert giving out candy at a park.  Not sure how DGIF is around Winchester.

I live in Fauquier county and would be more than happy to help you knock that herd down a bit come season time.  Can make it a BBQ session at the same time.  

Tex