VA's Rapidan WMA?

[preaching_hunter]

Has anyone hunted theGoshen or Rapidan WMAs? how about the Rapidan Tract on the north side?

[ButchA]

I haven't been to Rapidan, but I think other guys have (I think Whitewolf393 has). I've been to Goshen and that place is HUGE!!!! [&:]

[whitewolf393]

I have been to the Rapidan WMA once, and it's not bad. I went for the purpose of grouse hunting, but as we've discussed this in other threads, there really are no grouse left in the state outside of privately-managed preserves, I suspect. Well, maybe way up in the mountains, but I haven't been to those WMAs yet, and then maybe far and few in between. Not to get off the topic, but the Rapidan holds a good population of rabbits, and of course squirrel. There were some other hunters with their dogs there and although the place isn't huge, it seems to be fairly well-managed for the rabbit population at least. As an aside, I had stopped for a minute close the the wood edge and heard a crashing noise that I knew wasn't another hunter or anything small, but two does that had spooked and tore out in front of me. If I'd had my rifle or at least slugs in my 12GA I could have had venison instead

[deermeat]

PREACHER,
Ive been hunting there (Rapidan WMA) on and off fortwo years now. 1st year was mostly scouting looking at the tarrain (scrapes,rubbs,food scorces, travel routs ect...).Lasts year I found 2 perrsimon qroves during late rifle season with plenty of deer and bear poo around, several old apple trees. Anyway I could go on But to answer your real question, saw 2 doe, killed a 4 point buck. saw 3 bear, killed 0. seen several grouse, lots and lots of squirls and 10 - 15 turkey,got an arrow off at one but no turkey. my daughter and I heard what we think was a bobcat. For the most part, its not going to be like standing over a bean field waiting for the deer to show, unless you get lucky and the deer steps out on the trail in front of you, your going to work for it.If you can go up there during the week when most people work and cant make it up there, usualy Im totaly alone. I'll be there for several daysthrought out thisyear for sure.

[preaching_hunter]

Thanks deermeat;
I can't wait to go out and check it out. I thought I would have a chance to go this weekend, but have a youth overnight at my house. Itmay have to wait until Sunday, but then again, there is a gun show in Fredericksburg. I guess I just have to sit and pray, then follow as the Lord leads...
What tract have you gone and like the best? what do you think of the Rapidan tract?

[deermeat]

PREACHER,
Ive only been in the rapidan tract but there is so much more for me to look at. i have a topo map of the area and there are several places i will be looking at soon. Its almost imposible to exlpore now, the vegitation is so thick, you cant see any thing. alot of people i talk to that have been up there dont bother to scout around they just wander around on some of the trails close to the car. I got to go to worknow, its a nice place to go if you like to be in the forest tohunt, ill be on tonite