Cavalier Wildlife Management Area, Wildlife management area and nature reserve in Chesapeake, Virginia, US
The Cavalier Wildlife Management Area is a state-managed nature reserve and wildlife management area in Chesapeake, Virginia, near the North Carolina border. It consists of two separate parcels of land covered mostly by young pine forest, wetlands, grasses, and low shrubs.
This land was once part of the Great Dismal Swamp before being drained more than 200 years ago, and later logged and partly farmed. Today, efforts are underway to raise water levels again by installing barriers along the main drainage ditches.
The area has a long tradition of hunting and wildlife observation that continues today. Visitors come for deer and turkey hunting, birding, or simply walking through the pine forest to watch animals in their natural setting.
Visitors over 17 need a valid hunting or fishing license, or a special area access permit, to enter the grounds. There are no facilities on site such as restrooms or parking areas, so it is a good idea to come prepared with everything you need.
In the section bordering the Great Dismal Swamp, only bow-hunting is allowed and firearms are not permitted at all. The area also has fields along its main road that are planted each year with corn, soybeans, and sunflowers specifically to attract doves before the September hunting season.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
