Like any national park, the Blue Ridge Parkway is managed as a preserve for wildlife. No hunting is allowed, and all types of weapons from slingshots to shotguns are carefully controlled. Much of the Parkway, though, has National Forest land on its boundary, and it is important for anyone hunting near the park to be aware of regulations for each area.

Regulations:

Weapons in the park. It is illegal to have any loaded weapon inside the park boundaries. When traveling on park roads, all weapons must be unloaded and either rendered inoperable or inaccessible. One of the most common violations is accidently driving onto the Parkway with a weapon stored illegally in the vehicle. Be aware: concealed weapons are illegal on park land even if the owner has a state concealed weapons permit.

Spotlighting is illegal. Shining lights on deer inside the park, even without a gun, is illegal under the state and federal laws that protect wildlife. Besides harassing the wildlife, shining lights is impossible to distinguish from night time poaching activity. If you see someone spotlighting, notify a ranger immediately.

Hunter Parking special permits. The Parkway offers special permits to individuals who wish to access U.S. Forest Service land for the purpose of hunting. The permit allows access only from certain Parkway overlooks, and the conditions of the permit must be followed exactly. Information on the Hunter Parking Permit program is available at local ranger offices, from rangers in the field and from park headquarters.