HENRICO COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) has some rules everyone should know as deer hunting season begins. General firearms deer season takes place from Nov.16 through Jan. 4. Each locality determines what types of firearms they allow -- but muzzleloaders and archery tools, which DWR said are primarily used at the start of October through early November, are currently prohibited everywhere. Operations Major Ryan Shuler said anyone planning for a legal hunt must take a hunter safety course and have a valid license. If you plan to hunt in one of the chronic wasting disease (CWD) management areas, make sure you know the regulations -- including where carcasses can and can’t be transported. Deer harvested on Nov. 16 in Shenandoah, Carroll, Franklin, Patrick, Pulaski, Wythe and Tazewell counties are required to be tested for CWD. Deer hunting season is also the only time dogs are allowed to be involved in hunts. Dogs chasing deer onto private property is legal, but controversial. On Thursday, Oct. 24 the DWR board voted to reject two proposals to regulate hound hunting — after approving five others months ago. (PREVIOUS) Five hound hunting proposals approved, 2 rejected by Virginia DWR Shuler said communication will be key to avoid problems. “We ask that you make sure that all your hunting dogs have properly marked collars,” Shuler said. "If a dog is picked up by someone else, they will know who the rightful owner of the dog is.” Shuler also recommends inspecting all gear ahead of time, including tree stands, safety harnesses and firearms, to ensure they are safe and operational.  Officials also recommend everyone in hunting areas, including hikers, wear blaze orange or pink clothing so you can be more easily seen in the woods. More information on the department's guidelines can be found here.