Plan Your Hunt
Everything You Need
Before You Come
Licenses, gear, lodging and the answers to what hunters ask us most.
Guest Info
Come Prepared
What to Bring
Your own firearms, ammunition, waders, blaze orange where required, weather-appropriate clothing and any preferred gear. A treestand safety harness is recommended for whitetail hunts.
Guns, Shot & Shells
Most of our hunters bring a 12 gauge, though a 20 gauge handles dove, upland birds and rabbit just fine. Duck, goose and swan hunting requires non-toxic shot by law, so plan on steel or another approved load in 3" shells. Bring a modified or improved cylinder choke for waterfowl and upland, and a dedicated turkey choke for spring gobblers. Whitetail hunters should check the season and county rules before choosing a rifle, muzzleloader or slug gun. If you are unsure what to pack for your dates, call us and we will walk you through it.
Licenses & Permits
Purchase your Virginia hunting license before your hunt through the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources. Dove and woodcock hunters need HIP registration; swan hunters must draw the Virginia swan permit.
What's Included
Professional guiding on managed land. Meals, lodging, licenses, game processing and gratuities are not included unless your package states otherwise (our bear packages include meals and lodging).
Lodging & Meals
We'll point you to hotels near Mechanicsville, Tappahannock and Richmond, plus local dining from BBQ to fine dining. Ask and we'll recommend the closest stay for your dates.
Deposits
A non-refundable 50% deposit books your dates and can be transferred to another available date at the outfitter's discretion.
Gratuities
Guides work hard to make your hunt a success — we encourage tipping your guide at least 20%.
Questions
Frequently Asked
Do I need to bring my own hunting equipment?
Yes. Monquin Creek does not provide hunting equipment for clients, including firearms, ammunition, waders, scent blocker, and other necessary or preferred items or tools. Safety harnesses are recommended for treestand hunting.
Do I need to bring my own ammo?
Yes. Monquin Creek does not provide ammunition for our clients.
What gauge and shot size should I bring?
For ducks and geese, most hunters run a 12 gauge with 3" non-toxic shells. Steel in the #2 to #4 range covers puddle ducks and divers, and BB to #2 is the common choice for geese. Swan hunters size up again. Dove, quail and rabbit hunters do well with a 12 or 20 gauge and a lighter field load. For spring turkey, a 12 or 20 gauge with 3" turkey loads and a turkey choke is the standard setup. Give us a call if you want a recommendation for your specific dates.
Is non-toxic shot required?
Yes, for all waterfowl. Virginia requires approved non-toxic shot for duck, goose and swan hunting, so leave the lead at home for those trips. Lead is still fine for dove, upland birds and rabbit.
What gun should I bring for a deer hunt?
That depends on the season and the county we are hunting. Rifle, muzzleloader and slug gun seasons all run at different times, so check the current Virginia regulations or reach out before you travel and we will tell you what is legal for your dates.
Do I need my own waders or other hunting clothing?
Yes. Monquin Creek does not provide waders or other hunting clothing and equipment for clients.
Should I purchase a hunting license?
A hunting license must be purchased by the client prior to hunting with Monquin Creek. Contact the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources for the license types you need.
Are there any other permits I should purchase?
Clients should check the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources website for hunting regulations and any additional permits. Migratory bird hunters, including dove and woodcock hunters, must carry HIP registration; swan hunters must draw the required Virginia swan permit.
Does a wounded animal count as a kill?
Yes. If a hunter wounds an animal and our guides are unable to retrieve it, it counts as a kill.
Do you have a list of nearby hotels?
Yes. There is lodging near Mechanicsville, Tappahannock, and Richmond, including options off I-95 and I-295. Reach out and we'll point you to the closest stay for your hunt dates.
Are there nearby restaurants?
There are many dining options in our area, from fine dining to fast food — including Shagbark, M&M Pizza, Ripley's Family Restaurant, April's Place, 1710 Tavern, and Prince Street Cafe.
Are there golf courses nearby?
Yes. Queenfield Plantation and Hobbs Hole are both close by if you want to add a round to your trip.
Do you need to know about medical conditions?
Yes. Please let us know any medical information, such as allergies or diabetes, before the hunt so we are prepared.
How much should I tip my hunting guide?
We encourage our clients to tip our guides at least 20%.
What's your deposit and cancellation policy?
A non-refundable deposit of 50% is required to book. Should you need to cancel, your deposit is non-refundable, but it can be transferred to another available date at the discretion of the outfitter. We'll make reasonable efforts to find a suitable alternative date, though rescheduling depends on availability.