Hunting With a Suppressor in Virginia – Is It Legal & What You Need to Know
Whether you’re tracking whitetails in the Shenandoah or calling foxes along the coastal plain, Virginia fully allows suppressors for hunting — and more hunters are taking advantage of it every year. From reduced noise to better shot placement, suppressors bring real-world benefits to the field.
Here’s everything you need to know about hunting with a suppressor in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Are Suppressors Legal for Hunting in Virginia?
Yes. Suppressors (also referred to as silencers) are legal to own and use for hunting in Virginia, as long as they are registered with the ATF under the National Firearms Act (NFA).
Virginia allows suppressors to be used when hunting:
- Big game (e.g., white-tailed deer, bear, elk)
- Small game and upland birds (with legal firearms)
- Predators like coyotes, foxes, and bobcats
- Nuisance species (e.g., raccoons, groundhogs)
There are no suppressor-specific restrictions for public land or private land hunting in Virginia.
Why Use a Suppressor While Hunting in Virginia?
Suppressors help elevate your hunting experience — especially in Virginia’s mix of rural, suburban, and forested terrain.
Protect Your Hearing Without Sacrificing Awareness
Suppressors reduce the need for bulky ear protection and help you stay alert to game and surroundings.
Cut Down on Noise Near Residences
If you’re hunting suburban fringe or smaller tracts, a suppressor helps keep the peace with nearby landowners.
Improve Stealth in Predator Setups
Suppressed shots reduce spook radius, giving you more opportunities in predator and nuisance hunts.
Ammo Considerations: Subsonic vs. Supersonic
Virginia’s blend of hardwoods and open farmland requires matching your suppressor setup with the right ammo.
- Subsonic ammo is great for lower-volume shots in predator or tight-cover hunts
- Supersonic ammo maintains reach and energy for deer and longer-range targets
Compare subsonic vs. supersonic ammo
Do You Need a Trust to Hunt With a Suppressor in Virginia?
No, but a trust is a smart move for most suppressor owners.
Silencer Shop’s Single Shot Trust gives you the flexibility to:
- Share suppressor access with family or hunting partners
- Simplify ownership of multiple NFA items
- Make future transfers and estate planning easier
Where to Buy a Suppressor for Hunting in Virginia
Suppressor ownership is simple with Silencer Shop — and our kiosk and dealer network in Virginia makes the process fast and efficient.
Here’s how it works:
- Buy your suppressor and tax stamp on silencershop.com
- Visit a nearby kiosk to complete fingerprints and paperwork
- Submit everything through a local Powered By Silencer Shop dealer
How to Buy a Silencer
Find a Suppressor Dealer in Virginia
FAQ – Hunting With Suppressors in Virginia
Are suppressors legal for deer hunting in Virginia?
Yes. Suppressors are fully allowed when hunting big game such as deer.
Can I use a suppressor while hunting coyotes?
Absolutely. Suppressors are widely used for predator management across the state.
Is suppressed hunting allowed on public land in Virginia?
Yes. Suppressors are legal on public lands unless a specific WMA or area states otherwise.
Do I need to carry proof of registration with me?
Yes. Always carry a copy of your ATF Form 4 and tax stamp when hunting with a suppressor.
Can someone else hunt with my suppressor?
Only if they’re listed on your trust, or if you’re present and supervising their use.
Learn More About Suppressor Laws in Virginia
Need the full legal rundown on suppressor ownership in VA?
Virginia suppressor laws and how to buy one legally
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is for general educational purposes only and is not intended as legal advice. Suppressor laws can change and may vary by locality. Always consult your local law enforcement agency or a qualified attorney to verify current regulations in your area before purchasing or using a suppressor.