I have hunted Va. for over 35 years and we have checking stations, I have been to some that were like you said, they had no idea if it was a buck or a doe or what weapon it was taken with, all they did was ask, others they would do what they are supposed to do, validate sex and weapon. There has been a few occesions where a game warden was present and he would verify everything. In Va. you tag your deer when you kill it, the checkstation gives you a certificate/tag proving that the deer was checked in. Here it is a way to catch poachers, because if you have a deer hanging and do not have the certificate/tag proving that the deer was checked in, you are in trouble. Another thing is you can not get a deer processed or aged unless you have the certificate/tag proving that the deer was checked in. I agree it is a hassle, but it is also a ways to meet other hunters and shoot the bull or maybe brag a bit to boot.

The Tazman aka Martin Price
Founder and President of
Virginia Disabled Outdoorsmen Club