Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-111 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 1 / Article 3 / Section 29.1-111
Sale of timber; portion of proceeds to be paid to locality
Status: in_force

A. The Director is authorized to manage and harvest timber on lands owned by the Board in accordance with the best timber and game management practices, and to sell the timber. Proceeds from the sale of such timber shall be deposited in the state treasury to the credit of the game protection fund.

B. When the Director authorizes the selling of timber which is standing, or which has been cut from timber standing on land owned by the Board, the Board shall pay to the locality in which the standing timber is located twenty-five percent of the proceeds of the sale of the timber, after deducting the cost of any road constructed by the Department which is necessary for the sale of the timber.

Code 1950, § 29-23; 1964, c. 532, § 29-23.01; 1987, c. 488.
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-337.1 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 3 / Article 1 / Section 29.1-337.1
Penalty for false statements; altering, borrowing or lending license
Status: in_force

It shall be unlawful for any person to make a false statement in order to secure a license or to alter, change, borrow, or lend or attempt to use, borrow or lend a license. Any person violating this provision shall be guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor.

Code 1950, § 29-76; 1987, c. 488.
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-577 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 5 / Article 7 / Section 29.1-577
Penalties
Status: in_force

Any person who violates any provision of this article or who knowingly obstructs the Director or his designee in carrying out his lawful duties under this article shall upon such finding by a court of proper jurisdiction (i) be subject to a civil penalty of not more than $25,000, which shall be paid into the Game Protection Fund established pursuant to § 29.1-101 , and (ii) be liable for the costs of investigation, control, and eradication incurred by any state agency, local government, political subdivision, or authority as a result of such unlawful conduct.

2003, c. 446 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-738 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 7 / Article 3 / Section 29.1-738
Operating boat or manipulating water skis, etc., in reckless manner or while intoxicated, etc
Status: in_force

A. No person shall operate any motorboat or vessel, or manipulate any skis, surfboard, or similar device, or engage in any spearfishing while skin diving or scuba diving in a reckless manner so as to endanger the life, limb, or property of any person.

B. No person shall operate any watercraft, as defined in § 29.1-733.2 , or motorboat which is underway (i) while such person has a blood alcohol concentration at or greater than the blood alcohol concentration at which it is unlawful to drive or operate a motor vehicle as provided in § 18.2-266 as indicated by a chemical test administered in accordance with § 29.1-738.2 , (ii) while such person is under the influence of alcohol, (iii) while such person is under the influence of any narcotic drug or any other self-administered intoxicant or drug of whatsoever nature, or any combination of such drugs, to a degree which impairs his ability to operate the watercraft or motorboat safely, (iv) while such person is under the combined influence of alcohol and any drug or drugs to a degree which impairs his ability to operate the watercraft or motorboat safely, or (v) while such person has a blood concentration of any of the following substances at a level that is equal to or greater than (a) 0.02 milligrams of cocaine per liter of blood, (b) 0.1 milligrams of methamphetamine per liter of blood, (c) 0.01 milligrams of phencyclidine per liter of blood, or (d) 0.1 milligrams of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine per liter of blood.

C. For purposes of this article, the word "operate" includes being in actual physical control of a watercraft or motorboat and "underway" means that a vessel is not at anchor, or made fast to the shore, or aground.

Any person who violates any provision of this section is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

1960, c. 500, § 62-174.10; 1962, c. 626; 1968, c. 659, § 62.1-176; 1987, c. 488; 1988, c. 176; 1989, c. 726; 1994, c. 587 ; 1996, cc. 929 , 1015 ; 1997, c. 703 ; 2005, c. 616 ; 2013, c. 787 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-580 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 5 / Article 8 / Section 29.1-580
Wildlife Corridor Grant Fund; report
Status: in_force

A. As used in this section:

"Departments" means the Department of Conservation and Recreation, the Department of Forestry, the Department of Transportation, and the Department of Wildlife Resources.

"Eligible applicants" means representatives from (i) state agencies, (ii) metropolitan planning organizations, (iii) localities, (iv) regional transportation authorities, (v) Indian tribes, and (vi) nonprofit entities and academic institutions.

"Fund" means the Wildlife Corridor Grant Fund established in this section.

"Plan" means the Wildlife Corridor Action Plan established in § 29.1-579 .

B. There is hereby created in the state treasury a special nonreverting fund to be known as the Wildlife Corridor Grant Fund. The Fund shall be established on the books of the Comptroller. Any voluntary contributions made pursuant to § 58.1-344.3 , and all funds appropriated for such purpose and any gifts, donations, grants, bequests, and other funds received on its behalf shall be paid into the state treasury and credited to the Fund. Interest earned on moneys in the Fund shall remain in the Fund and be credited to it. Any moneys remaining in the Fund, including interest thereon, at the end of each fiscal year shall not revert to the general fund but shall remain in the Fund. Moneys in the Fund shall be used solely for the purpose of providing grants for projects that conserve or enhance wildlife corridors prioritized by the Plan and associated wildlife crossing infrastructure projects. Expenditures and disbursements from the Fund shall be made by the State Treasurer on warrants issued by the Comptroller upon written request signed by the Director of the Department of Wildlife Resources.

C. The Director of the Department of Wildlife Resources shall administer the Fund and in consultation with the Departments shall determine how to disburse grants from the Fund to eligible applicants. Representatives of the Departments shall develop a timeline, scoring system, and criteria to disburse grants from the Fund in accordance with this section. Such criteria shall include the extent to which a project (i) furthers a priority identified in the Plan; (ii) reduces high-cost wildlife-vehicle collisions; (iii) extends the lifetime and reduces the maintenance costs of road-related infrastructure; (iv) connects certain types of protected areas, such as federal, state, or private lands with conservation easements; (v) benefits endangered or threatened species, species of greatest conservation need, or reintroduced wildlife populations; and (vi) leverages available federal grant funding.

D. In addition to projects that meet the criteria in subsection C, grants from the Fund may also be used for (i) nonconstruction projects that advance priorities in the Plan, such as data collection, infrastructure monitoring, feasibility studies, or the production of designs and plans; (ii) matching funds required to leverage federal grant funds for projects that would advance the Plan; (iii) exclusionary or funnel fencing to keep wildlife off of roads; (iv) maintenance costs associated with completed projects; and (v) administration and personnel expenses related to the purposes of the Fund.

E. The Department of Motor Vehicles shall provide a method by which an individual conducting a Department of Motor Vehicles transaction using electronic means may make a voluntary contribution to the Fund. The Department of Motor Vehicles shall inform such individual of the existence of the Fund and also that contributing to the Fund is voluntary.

F. The Department of Motor Vehicles shall collect all moneys contributed pursuant to subsection E and transmit the moneys on a regular basis to the State Treasurer, who shall credit the contributions to the Fund.

G. The Director of the Department of Wildlife Resources, on behalf of the Departments, shall submit a biennial report to the General Assembly by November 1 of each odd-numbered year, and such report shall be made available to the public. The report shall include the number and types of public and private funding opportunities sought for the Fund, the amount of public and private funding received by the Fund, the amount and number of awards from the Fund, and information regarding the progress of funded projects, including data on the use of project infrastructure by wildlife.

2026, c. 636 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-547 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 5 / Article 5 / Section 29.1-547
Trapping, selling, purchasing, etc., migratory game birds
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding the provisions of §§ 29.1-546 and 29.1-553 , any person convicted of trapping or attempting to trap any migratory game bird, as defined in § 29.1-100 , or convicted of possessing any such migratory game bird taken by means of a trap, shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. Any person convicted of offering for sale, selling, offering to purchase, or purchasing any migratory game bird shall be subject to penalties as provided in § 29.1-553 .

1960, c. 173, § 29-161.1; 1987, c. 488; 1994, c. 848 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-548 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 5 / Article 5 / Section 29.1-548
Killing deer illegally
Status: in_force

Any person killing a deer in violation of Board regulations, or who exceeds the bag limit for deer, or who kills a deer during the closed season shall be guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor. However, any person who kills a deer illegally during the open season shall be guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor if such person immediately delivers the complete carcass in good condition to the conservation police officer of the county or city in which it was killed. At that time it shall be confiscated and disposed of by the conservation police officer or as otherwise provided. Any such person delivering such carcass to the conservation police officer shall be exempt from replacement cost as provided in § 29.1-551 .

Code 1950, § 29-162; 1956, c. 466; 1958, c. 444; 1962, c. 469; 1987, c. 488; 1988, c. 19; 2007, c. 87 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-540 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 5 / Article 4 / Section 29.1-540
Carriage and shipment
Status: in_force

A. When taken in accordance with the provisions of this title, wild birds, wild animals, or fish may be transported as follows:

1. By any person properly licensed, for lawful use in or out of the county or city where taken to another county or city in the Commonwealth or to another state during the open season in the county or city where taken.

2. By any properly licensed person via freight, express, parcel post, or airplane mail, as a gift and not for market or sale, and so stating on the shipping tag. The wild bird, wild animal, or fish may be transported in or out of the county or city where taken to another county or city in the Commonwealth, or to another state, during the open season in the county or city where taken. Any package in which birds, animals, or fish are transported shall have the name and address of the shipper and consignee and a statement of the numbers and kinds of birds, animals, or fish being transported clearly and conspicuously marked on the outside of the container.

B. It is unlawful to transport for sale outside of the Commonwealth at any time or in any manner any river herring, alewife, threadfin shad, or gizzard shad collected from the inland waters for use as bait fish. A violation of the provisions of this subsection is a Class 1 misdemeanor.

C. Any such birds, animals, or fish in transit during the open season may continue in transit, not to exceed five days, in order to reach their destination.

D. For the purposes of this section, the terms "wild birds," "wild animals," and "fish" shall mean all or any part of the carcasses of any such birds, animals, or fish.

Code 1950, § 29-156; 1987, c. 488; 2020, c. 808 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-800 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 8 / Article 1 / Section 29.1-800
Short title
Status: in_force

The short title of this chapter is "Virginia Watercraft Dealer Licensing Act."

1988, c. 592.
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-733.9 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 7 / Article 2.1 / Section 29.1-733.9
Content of certificate of title
Status: in_force

A. A certificate of title shall contain:

1. The date the certificate was created;

2. The name of the owner of record and, if not all owners are listed, an indication that there are additional owners indicated in the files of the Department;

3. The mailing address of the owner of record;

4. The hull identification number;

5. The information listed in subdivision B 6 of § 29.1-733.7 ;

6. Except as otherwise provided in subsection B of § 29.1-733.15 , the name and mailing address of the secured party of record, if any, and if not all secured parties are listed, an indication that there are other security interests indicated in the files of the Department; and

7. All title brands indicated in the files of the Department covering the watercraft, including brands indicated on a certificate created by a governmental agency of another jurisdiction and delivered to the Department.

B. The Department may note on a certificate of title the name and mailing address of a secured party that is not a secured party of record.

C. For each title brand indicated on a certificate of title, the certificate shall identify the jurisdiction under whose law the title brand was created or the jurisdiction that created the certificate on which the title brand was indicated. If the meaning of a title brand is not easily ascertainable or cannot be accommodated on the certificate, the certificate may state: "Previously branded in (insert the jurisdiction under whose law the title brand was created or whose certificate of title previously indicated the title brand)."

D. If the files of the Department indicate that a watercraft previously was registered or titled in a foreign country, the Department shall indicate on the certificate of title that the watercraft was registered or titled in that country.

E. A written certificate of title shall contain a form that all owners indicated on the certificate may sign to evidence consent to a transfer of an ownership interest to another person. The form shall include a certification, signed under penalty of perjury, that the statements made are true and correct to the best of each owner's knowledge, information, and belief.

F. A written certificate of title shall contain a form for the owner of record to indicate, in connection with a transfer of an ownership interest, that the watercraft is hull damaged.

2013, c. 787 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-204 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 2 / Section 29.1-204
Assisting the Director; supervision
Status: in_force

The conservation police officers shall assist the Director in discharging his official duties. Each regular and special conservation police officer shall be under the supervision of certain conservation police officers specified by the Director.

Code 1950, § 29-31; 1987, c. 488; 2007, c. 87 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-319 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 3 / Article 1 / Section 29.1-319
Persons entitled to county, city, or state resident licenses
Status: in_force

The following persons shall be entitled to a state resident license or to a county or a city license to hunt, trap, or fish provided that applications for a county or city license shall be made in the county or city in which the person meets the following criteria:

1. Any person born in the United States or who has been naturalized and who has been a bona fide resident of the county or city for six months next preceding the date of application for license in the county or city;

2. All persons who are and for two or more months next preceding the date of the application have been domiciliary residents of Virginia, upon execution of a certificate of residence prescribed by the Director;

3. Any legal voter of the county or city in which the license is applied for;

4. Any unnaturalized person who owns real estate in the county or city and who has actually resided there not less than five years next preceding the date of the application for the license in the county or city;

5. Any member of the armed forces of the United States, or a member of the immediate family of such a member as defined in § 2.2-3101 , upon execution of a certificate of residence if the member (i) resides in the Commonwealth, (ii) is on active duty, and (iii) is stationed at a military installation within, or in a ship based in, the Commonwealth;

6. Any member of the armed forces of the United States, on active duty, when authorized by the commanding officer of a military reservation. The privileges of this license shall be limited to hunting, trapping, or fishing only within the boundaries of that military reservation;

7. Any student, a resident of the Commonwealth, regularly enrolled in any bona fide preparatory school or institution of higher education in the Commonwealth and any student, not a resident of the Commonwealth, regularly enrolled in and boarding at any such school or institution who presents a certificate of enrollment for the current year to the clerk or any license agent in the county or city in which the school or institution is located;

8. Residents of cities whose limits are wholly within the county where the license is applied for, provided the residents have physically resided within the city for a period of six consecutive months before applying for a license.

Code 1950, §§ 29-57, 29-58; 1956, c. 68; 1960, c. 536; 1962, c. 469; 1964, cc. 160, 451; 1966, c. 527; 1984, c. 26; 1987, c. 488; 2015, c. 678 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-507 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 5 / Article 1 / Section 29.1-507
Closing or shortening open season
Status: in_force

The Board may close or shorten the open season in any county or city (i) whenever extreme weather threatens the welfare of wild birds, wild animals or fish; (ii) whenever such wild birds, wild animals or fish have been seriously affected by adverse weather conditions; (iii) when investigation of the Board shows that there is an unusual scarcity of any species or; (iv) when there is substantial demand from any county or city. The Board shall immediately give notice of any closing or shortening of an open season by publishing the announcement in one or more newspapers having a general circulation in the county or city affected. The notice shall be published at least three days before the action becomes effective.

Code 1950, § 29-130; 1987, c. 488.
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-518 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 5 / Article 2 / Section 29.1-518
When killing of beaver permitted
Status: in_force

When beaver are damaging crops or lands, the owner of the premises, his agent or tenant, may kill the animals, or have them killed.

1958, c. 147, § 29-139.1; 1987, c. 488; 2004, c. 421 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-738.2 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 7 / Article 3 / Section 29.1-738.2
Consent to blood or breath test
Status: in_force

A. Any person who operates a watercraft or motorboat which is underway upon waters of the Commonwealth shall be deemed thereby, as a condition of such operation, to have consented to have samples of his blood, breath, or both blood and breath taken for a chemical test to determine the alcohol, drug, or both alcohol and drug content of his blood, if such person is arrested for operating a watercraft or motorboat which is underway in violation of subsection B of § 29.1-738 , § 29.1-738.02 , or of a similar ordinance of any county, city or town, within three hours of the alleged offense. Any person so arrested for a violation of clause (i) or (ii), or both, of subsection B of § 29.1-738 , § 29.1-738.02 , or of a similar ordinance, shall submit to a breath test. If the breath test is not available, or the person is physically unable to submit to the breath test, a blood test shall be given. The accused shall, prior to administration of the test, be advised by the person administering the test that he has the right to observe the process of analysis and to see the blood-alcohol reading on the equipment used to perform the breath test. If such equipment automatically produces a written printout of the breath test result, this written printout, or a copy thereof, shall be given to the accused in each case.

B. Any person, after having been arrested for a violation of clause (iii), (iv), or (v) of subsection B of § 29.1-738 , § 29.1-738.02 , or of a similar ordinance, may be required to submit to a blood test to determine the drug or both drug and alcohol content of his blood. When a person, after having been arrested for a violation of clause (i) or (ii), or both, of subsection B of § 29.1-738 , submits to a breath test, in accordance with subsection A of this section, or refuses to take or is incapable of taking such a breath test, he may be required to submit to tests to determine the drug or both drug and alcohol content of his blood if the law-enforcement officer has reasonable cause to believe the person was operating a watercraft or motorboat under the influence of any drug or combination of drugs, or the combined influence of alcohol and drugs.

C. If a person, after being arrested for a violation of subsection B of § 29.1-738 , § 29.1-738.02 , or of a similar ordinance of any county, city or town and after having been advised by the arresting officer that a person who operates a watercraft or motorboat which is underway upon the waters of the Commonwealth shall be deemed thereby, as a condition of such operation, to have consented to have a sample of his blood and breath taken for a chemical test to determine the alcohol or drug content of his blood, and that the unreasonable refusal to do so constitutes grounds for a court to order him not to operate a watercraft or motorboat which is underway upon the waters of the Commonwealth, then refuses to permit the taking of a sample of his blood or breath or both blood and breath samples for such tests, the arresting officer shall take the person arrested before a committing magistrate. If the person is unable to be taken before a magistrate because the person is taken to a medical facility for treatment or evaluation of his medical condition, the arresting officer at a medical facility, in the presence of a witness other than a law-enforcement officer, shall again advise the person, at the medical facility, of the law requiring blood or breath samples to be taken and the penalty for refusal. If he again so refuses after having been further advised by such magistrate or by the arresting officer at a medical facility of the law requiring a blood or breath sample to be taken and the penalty for refusal, and so declares again his refusal in writing upon a form provided by the Supreme Court of Virginia, or refuses or fails to so declare in writing and such fact is certified as prescribed in § 18.2-268.3 , then no blood or breath sample shall be taken even though he may thereafter request same.

D. When any person is arrested for operating a watercraft or motorboat which is underway in violation of subsection B of § 29.1-738 or § 29.1-738.02 , the procedures and requirements of §§ 18.2-268.1 through 18.2-268.11 shall apply, mutatis mutandis, to this section.

E. If the court or jury finds the defendant guilty of unreasonably refusing to permit a blood or breath sample to be taken, the court shall order such person not to operate a watercraft or motorboat which is underway for a period of 12 months for a first offense and for 24 months for a second or subsequent offense of refusal within five years of the first or other such refusal. However, if the defendant pleads guilty to a violation of subsection B of § 29.1-738 , the court may dismiss the refusal warrant.

1989, c. 726; 1990, cc. 825, 929; 1992, c. 830; 1995, c. 130 ; 1996, c. 631 ; 2001, c. 779 ; 2005, c. 616 ; 2007, c. 168 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-734.1 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 7 / Article 3 / Section 29.1-734.1
Skin and scuba divers
Status: in_force

A. No person shall engage in skin diving or scuba diving from a boat in the waters of this Commonwealth which are open to boating, or assist in such diving, without displaying a diver's flag from a mast, buoy, or other structure at the place of diving; and no person shall display such flag except when diving operations are under way or in preparation or display a diver's flag in a location which will unreasonably obstruct vessels from making legitimate navigational use of the water.

B. The diver's flag shall be square, not less than twelve inches on a side, and shall be of red background with a diagonal white stripe, of a width equal to one fifth of the flag's height, running from the upper corner adjacent to the mast downward to the opposite outside corner.

C. No operator of a vessel under way in the waters of this Commonwealth shall permit such vessel to approach closer than twenty-five yards to any structure from which a diver's flag is then being displayed.

1987, c. 488.
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-553 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 5 / Article 5 / Section 29.1-553
Selling or offering for sale; penalty
Status: in_force

A. Any person who offers for sale, sells, offers to purchase, or purchases any wild bird or wild animal, or any part thereof, or any freshwater fish, except as provided by law, shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. However, when the aggregate of such sales or purchases, or any combination thereof, by any person totals $1,000 or more during any 90-day period, that person shall be guilty of a Class 6 felony.

B. Whether or not criminal charges have been placed, when any property is taken possession of by a conservation police officer for the purpose of being used as evidence of a violation of this section or for confiscation, the conservation police officer making such seizure shall immediately report the seizure to the Attorney for the Commonwealth.

C. In any prosecution for a violation of this section, photographs of the wild bird, wild animal, or any freshwater fish, or any part thereof shall be deemed competent evidence of such wild bird, wild animal, or freshwater fish, or part thereof and shall be admissible in any proceeding, hearing, or trial of the case to the same extent as if such wild bird, wild animal, or any freshwater fish, or part thereof had been introduced as evidence. Such photographs shall bear a written description of the wild bird, wild animal, or freshwater fish, or parts thereof, the name of the place where the alleged offense occurred, the date on which the alleged offense occurred, the name of the accused, the name of the arresting officer or investigating officer, the date of the photograph, and the name of the photographer. The photographs shall be identified by the signature of the photographer.

D. Any licensed Virginia auctioneer or licensed auction firm that sells, as a legitimate item of an auction sale, wildlife mounts that have undergone the taxidermy process, shall be exempt from the provisions of this section and subdivision A 11 of § 29.1-521 .

Code 1950, § 29-164; 1962, c. 469; 1986, c. 182; 1987, c. 488; 1989, c. 203; 1994, c. 848 ; 1997, c. 172 ; 2005, c. 170 ; 2007, c. 87 ; 2018, cc. 764 , 765 ; 2020, cc. 89 , 401 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-738.02 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 7 / Article 3 / Section 29.1-738.02
Persons under age twenty-one operating watercraft after illegally consuming alcohol; penalty
Status: in_force

A. It shall be unlawful for any person under the age of twenty-one to operate any watercraft or motorboat upon the waters of the Commonwealth after consuming alcohol. Any such person with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.02 percent or more by weight by volume or 0.02 grams or more per 210 liters of breath but less than 0.08 by weight by volume or less than 0.08 grams per 210 liters of breath as indicated by a chemical test administered as provided in Article 2 (§ 18.2-266 et seq.) of Chapter 7 of Title 18.2 shall be in violation of this section.

B. A violation of this section shall be punishable by denial by the court of such person's privilege to operate a watercraft or motorboat for a period of six months from the date of conviction and by a fine of not more than $500. Any person convicted of a violation of this section shall be eligible to attend an Alcohol Safety Action Program under the provisions of § 29.1-738.5 .

1996, c. 631 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-413 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 4 / Article 3 / Section 29.1-413
Issuance discretionary, duration
Status: in_force

The issuance of all of the permits provided by this article shall be within the discretion of the Board, under regulations it may prescribe, and contingent on reports as it may require. The Board is authorized to establish a starting and ending date for each type of permit issued under this article and the number of years for which each type of permit may be issued.

Code 1950, §§ 29-104, 29-105; 1987, c. 488; 1997, c. 57 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-339.2 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 3 / Article 1 / Section 29.1-339.2
Establishment of Virginia Migratory Waterfowl Conservation Stamp; required
Status: in_force

A. No person shall hunt or take any migratory waterfowl within the Commonwealth without first obtaining a Virginia Migratory Waterfowl Conservation Stamp. Every person who is issued the Stamp shall carry it on his person when hunting or taking any migratory waterfowl. Each Stamp shall be validated by the signature of the licensee written across the face of such stamp. The Stamp shall be designed and produced in accordance with Department policy and shall be valid from July 1 of each year or their later date of purchase, to June 30 of the following year, unless sooner revoked. Unless otherwise provided in this chapter, any person who is exempt from hunting license requirements shall also be exempt from the requirements imposed by this section. Any person who is under the age of 16 years shall be exempt from the requirements of this section.

B. The fee for the Stamp for a resident and a nonresident is $9.75. Clerks and license agents who sell hunting licenses shall sell the Stamp and retain $0.75 as compensation for such service. The Board may subsequently revise the cost of the fees set forth in this section pursuant to § 29.1-103 .

C. The Stamp may also be issued through an automated license delivery system. The fee for the issuance of the Stamp through an automated license delivery system shall be consistent with the fees specified in § 29.1-332 . The format of the Stamp shall be the same as any other license, validation, or privilege issued through an automated license delivery system. When purchased through an automated license delivery system, the purchaser shall have the option of requesting the actual Stamp at the address specified on the license at the time of purchase.

D. The moneys received from the sale of the Stamp shall be paid by each clerk or agent to the Department for payment into the state treasury. Payment shall be made by means prescribed by the Board and agreed to by the clerk or agent. Upon receipt into the treasury of such moneys, the Comptroller shall credit the sums to the Game Protection Fund established in § 29.1-101 and accounted for as a separate fund to be designated as the Virginia Migratory Waterfowl Conservation Stamp Fund (the Stamp Fund). Moneys from the Stamp Fund shall not be diverted to any other state agency. The Department shall use the moneys in the Stamp Fund in the following manner:

1. The Department shall first utilize these moneys to cover any administrative costs associated with production and issuance of, and accounting for, the Stamp.

2. The Department shall contract 50 percent of the remaining annual revenue deposited in the Stamp Fund with appropriate nonprofit organizations for cooperative waterfowl habitat improvement projects. Before paying such moneys to any nonprofit organization, the Department shall obtain evidence that the organization is eligible to receive funds for such projects.

3. The remainder of the moneys in the Stamp Fund shall be used by the Department to protect, preserve, restore, enhance, and develop waterfowl habitat in Virginia.

E. The Department may establish (i) the method for selecting appropriate designs for the Stamp and (ii) eligibility criteria for receiving funds for waterfowl habitat improvement projects. The Department may sell expired Stamps for less than face value to the general public for a period of three years, after which time the Department shall shred any unsold expired Stamps. All revenues derived from the sale of these Stamps shall be paid into the state treasury to the credit of the Game Protection Fund and dedicated to the Stamp Fund.

F. For purposes of this section:

"Migratory waterfowl" means those migratory birds belonging to the Family Anatidae (ducks, geese, brant, and swans) for which open hunting seasons are established by federal regulations.

"Stamp" means the Virginia Migratory Waterfowl Conservation Stamp.

2005, c. 127 ; 2007, c. 644 ; 2009, c. 9 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-310.2 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 3 / Article 1 / Section 29.1-310.2
Special combined individual sportfishing licenses
Status: in_force

A. Residents and nonresidents of the Commonwealth may obtain a special combined sportfishing license to fish in all inland waters and the tidal waters of the Commonwealth during the open season. For residents, this license shall be in lieu of the state resident freshwater fishing license required by subdivision A 2 of § 29.1-310 , and the saltwater recreational license required by § 28.2-302.1 . The cost of this license for residents shall be the sum of the costs of the two component resident licenses. For nonresidents, this license shall be in lieu of the state nonresident freshwater fishing license required by subdivision A 3 of § 29.1-310 and the saltwater recreational license required by § 28.2-302.1 . The cost of this license for nonresidents shall be the sum of the costs of the two component nonresident licenses.

Of the funds collected under this subsection, (i) the cost of the component saltwater license shall be paid into the state treasury to the credit of the Virginia Saltwater Recreational Fishing Development Fund, as established in § 28.2-302.3 , and (ii) the cost of the component freshwater fishing license shall be paid into the state treasury to the credit of the Game Protection Fund, as established in § 29.1-101 .

The two component licenses shall be independently priced by their respective agencies. The freshwater fishing license shall be priced by the Board pursuant to § 29.1-103 . The saltwater recreational license shall be priced by the Marine Resources Commission pursuant to § 28.2-201 .

B. Residents and nonresidents of the Commonwealth may obtain a special combined sportfishing license to fish in all the tidal waters of the Commonwealth during the open season that covers the owner of a recreational boat not carrying anglers for hire, in any registered boat owned and operated by him, and his passengers. For residents, this license shall be in lieu of the state resident fishing license required by subdivision A 2 of § 29.1-310 , the saltwater recreational license required by § 28.2-302.1 , and the saltwater recreational boat license established by § 28.2-302.7 . The cost of this license for residents shall be $125. For nonresidents, this license shall be in lieu of the state nonresident fishing license required by subdivision A 3 of § 29.1-310 and the saltwater recreational license required by § 28.2-302.1 . The cost of this license for nonresidents shall be $200.

Of the funds collected under this subsection, (i) $48 per resident license sold and $76 per nonresident license sold shall be paid into the state treasury to the credit of the Virginia Saltwater Recreational Fishing Development Fund, as established in § 28.2-302.3 , and (ii) $77 per resident license sold and $124 per nonresident sold shall be paid into the state treasury to the credit of the Game Protection Fund, as established in § 29.1-101 .

C. The Board may subsequently revise the cost of licenses set forth in this section pursuant to § 29.1-103 .

2004, c. 486 ; 2009, c. 9 ; 2011, c. 287 ; 2012, c. 579 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-405 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 4 / Article 1 / Section 29.1-405
Reports of permittees
Status: in_force

The Director may require each permit holder to submit, within ten days after the end of each fiscal year, a detailed activities report in a form as the Director may prescribe.

Code 1950, § 29-100; 1980, c. 494; 1987, c. 488.
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-733.8 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 7 / Article 2.1 / Section 29.1-733.8
Creation and cancellation of certificate of title
Status: in_force

A. Unless an application for a certificate of title is rejected under subsection C or D, the Department shall create a certificate for the watercraft in accordance with subsection B not later than 20 days after delivery to it of an application that complies with § 29.1-733.7 .

B. If the Department creates electronic certificates of title, the Department shall create an electronic certificate unless in the application the secured party of record or, if none, the owner of record, requests that the Department create a written certificate.

C. Except as otherwise provided in subsection D, the Department shall reject an application for a certificate of title only if:

1. The application does not comply with § 29.1-733.7 ;

2. The application does not contain documentation sufficient for the Department to determine whether the applicant is entitled to a certificate;

3. There is a reasonable basis for concluding that the application is fraudulent or issuance of a certificate would facilitate a fraudulent or illegal act; or

4. The application does not comply with the law of the Commonwealth other than this article.

D. The Department shall reject an application for a certificate of title for a watercraft that is a documented vessel or a foreign-documented vessel.

E. The Department shall cancel a certificate of title created by it only if the Department:

1. Could have rejected the application for the certificate under subsection C;

2. Is required to cancel the certificate under another provision of this article; or

3. Receives satisfactory evidence that the watercraft is a documented vessel or a foreign-documented vessel.

F. The Department shall provide an opportunity for an informal fact-finding proceeding at which the owner and any other interested party may present evidence in support of or opposition to cancellation of a certificate of title. The Department shall serve all owners and secured parties indicated in the files of the Department with notice of the opportunity for an informal fact-finding proceeding. Service shall be made personally or by mail through the U.S. Postal Service, properly addressed, postage paid, return receipt requested. Service by mail is complete on deposit with the U.S. Postal Service. The Department by rule may authorize service by electronic transmission if a copy is sent on the same day by first-class mail or by a commercial delivery company. If not later than 30 days after the notice was served, the Department receives a request for an informal fact-finding proceeding from an interested party, the Department shall hold the proceeding not later than 20 days after receiving the request.

2013, c. 787 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-311 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 3 / Article 1 / Section 29.1-311
Trip fishing license for residents and nonresidents; trout stocked waters
Status: in_force

A. Residents and nonresidents of the Commonwealth may obtain trip fishing licenses to fish in the freshwater creeks, bays, inlets, and streams of the Commonwealth, or in any of the impounded waters of the Commonwealth during the open season for game fish. These licenses shall be in lieu of the regular season state or county fishing license required under subsection A of § 29.1-310 . The duration for which trip fishing licenses shall be valid shall be established by the Board. The fee for the trip fishing license shall be established by the Board and may be revised pursuant to § 29.1-103 .

B. Residents and nonresidents of the Commonwealth may obtain a special combined sportfishing trip license to fish in all inland waters and tidal waters of the Commonwealth during the open season. This license shall be in lieu of the trip fishing license specified in subsection A and the saltwater recreational license required by § 28.2-302.1 . The cost of the license shall be $10 for residents and $15 for nonresidents. The license shall be valid for five successive days as specified on the face of the license. Of the funds collected under this subsection, (i) $5 per license sold shall be paid into the state treasury to the credit of the Virginia Saltwater Recreational Fishing Development Fund as established in § 28.2-302.3 and (ii) $5 per resident license sold and $10 per nonresident license sold shall be paid into the state treasury to the credit of the Game Protection Fund as established in § 29.1-101 .

C. Residents and nonresidents shall be entitled to fish in designated waters stocked with trout by the Department or other public body only if they possess (i) a regular season state or county fishing license or a trip fishing license valid for at least five days and (ii) a trout license pursuant to § 29.1-310 or a special lifetime trout fishing license pursuant to § 29.1-302.4 .

D. The Board may subsequently revise the cost of licenses set forth in this section pursuant to § 29.1-103 .

1954, c. 567, § 29-55.1; 1956, c. 51; 1958, c. 443; 1974, c. 363; 1987, c. 488; 1988, c. 250; 1991, c. 242; 2002, c. 67 ; 2004, c. 486 ; 2009, c. 9 ; 2013, c. 351 ; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 280 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-733.7 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 7 / Article 2.1 / Section 29.1-733.7
Application for certificate of title
Status: in_force

A. Except as otherwise provided in § 29.1-733.10 , 29.1-733.15 , 29.1-733.19 , 29.1-733.20 , 29.1-733.21 , or 29.1-733.22 , only an owner may apply for a certificate of title.

B. An application for a certificate of title shall be signed by the applicant and contain:

1. The applicant's name, the street address of the applicant's principal residence, and, if different, the applicant's mailing address;

2. The name and mailing address of each other owner of the watercraft at the time of application;

3. The motor vehicle driver's license number, social security number, or taxpayer identification number of each owner;

4. The hull identification number for the watercraft or, if none, an application for the issuance of a hull identification number for the watercraft;

5. If numbering is required pursuant to § 29.1-703 , the registration number for the watercraft or, if none has been issued by the Department, an application for a registration number pursuant to § 29.1-702 ;

6. A description of the watercraft as required by the Department, which shall include:

a. The official number for the watercraft, if any, assigned by the U.S. Coast Guard;

b. The name of the manufacturer, builder, or maker;

c. The model year or the year in which the manufacture or build of the watercraft was completed;

d. The overall length of the watercraft;

e. The watercraft type;

f. The hull material;

g. The propulsion type;

h. The engine drive type, if any;

i. The motor identification, including manufacturer's name and serial number, except on motors of 25 horsepower or less; and

j. The fuel type, if any;

7. An indication of all security interests in the watercraft known to the applicant and the name and mailing address of each secured party;

8. A statement that the watercraft is not a documented vessel or a foreign-documented vessel;

9. Any title brand known to the applicant and, if known, the jurisdiction under whose law the title brand was created;

10. If the applicant knows that the watercraft is hull damaged, a statement that the watercraft is hull damaged;

11. If the application is made in connection with a transfer of ownership, the transferor's name, street address and, if different, mailing address, the sales price, if any, and the date of the transfer; and

12. If the watercraft previously was registered or titled in another jurisdiction, a statement identifying each jurisdiction known to the applicant in which the watercraft was registered or titled.

C. In addition to the information required by subsection B, an application for a certificate of title may contain an electronic communication address of the owner, transferor, or secured party.

D. Except as otherwise provided in § 29.1-733.19 , 29.1-733.20 , 29.1-733.21 , or 29.1-733.22 , an application for a certificate of title shall be accompanied by:

1. A certificate of title that is signed by the owner shown on the certificate and that:

a. Identifies the applicant as the owner of the watercraft; or

b. Is accompanied by a record that identifies the applicant as the owner; or

2. If there is no certificate of title:

a. If the watercraft was a documented vessel, a record issued by the U.S. Coast Guard that shows that the watercraft is no longer a documented vessel and identifies the applicant as the owner;

b. If the watercraft was a foreign-documented vessel, a record issued by the foreign country that shows that the watercraft is no longer a foreign-documented vessel and identifies the applicant as the owner; or

c. In all other cases, a certificate of origin, bill of sale, or other record that to the satisfaction of the Department identifies the applicant as the owner. Issuance of registration under the provisions of § 29.1-702 is prima facie evidence of ownership of a watercraft and entitlement to a certificate of title under the provisions of this article.

E. A record submitted in connection with an application is part of the application. The Department shall maintain the record in its files.

F. The Department shall require that an application for a certificate of title be accompanied by payment or evidence of payment of all fees and taxes payable by the applicant under law of the Commonwealth other than this article in connection with the application or the acquisition or use of the watercraft. The Department shall charge $7 for issue of each certificate of title, transfer of title, or for the recording of a supplemental lien. The Department shall charge $2 for the issuance of each duplicate title or for changes to a previously issued certificate of title that are made necessary by a change of the motor on the watercraft. Any watercraft purchased and used by a nonprofit volunteer emergency medical services agency shall be exempt from the fees imposed under this section.

G. The application shall be on forms prescribed and furnished by the Department and shall contain any other information required by the Director.

H. Whenever any person, after applying for or obtaining the certificate of title of a watercraft, moves from the address shown in the application or upon the certificate of title, he shall, within 30 days, notify the Department in writing of his change of address. A fee of $7 shall be imposed upon anyone failing to comply with this subsection within the time prescribed.

2013, c. 787 ; 2014, c. 371 ; 2015, cc. 502 , 503 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-823 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 8 / Article 2 / Section 29.1-823
Appeals from actions of the Director; generally
Status: in_force

Any person aggrieved by the action of the Director in refusing to grant or renew a license or in suspending or revoking a license, or by any other action of the Director which is alleged to be improper, unreasonable or unlawful under the provisions of this chapter is entitled to judicial review in accordance with the provisions of the Administrative Process Act (§ 2.2-4000 et seq.).

1988, c. 592.
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-745 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 7 / Article 3 / Section 29.1-745
Enforcement of chapter; vessels displaying Coast Guard inspection decal
Status: in_force

A. Every conservation police officer, officer of the Virginia Marine Police, and other law-enforcement officer of the Commonwealth and its subdivisions shall have the authority to enforce the provisions of this chapter and shall have authority to stop, board, and inspect any vessel subject to this chapter after having identified himself in his official capacity. Except for enforcement of § 29.1-738 and the requirement of having the registration certificate on board, the provisions of this subsection shall not apply to any vessel of 26 feet or more in length on which is displayed a current valid United States Coast Guard or United States Coast Guard Auxiliary inspection decal.

B. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection A, no conservation police officer, officer of the Virginia Marine Police, or other law-enforcement officer shall, without the consent of the owner, stop, board, or inspect any noncommercial vessel subject to this chapter unless such officer has reasonable suspicion that a violation of law or regulation exists, except that conservation police officers and officers of the Virginia Marine Police may conduct lawful stops or boardings to inspect hunting, fishing, and trapping licenses pursuant to §§ 28.2-231 and 29.1-337 or to inspect creel and bag limits pursuant to § 29.1-209 and may conduct lawful boating safety checkpoints in accordance with established agency policy.

1960, c. 500, § 62-174.17; 1964, c. 654; 1968, c. 659, § 62.1-184; 1980, c. 567; 1987, c. 488; 2007, c. 87 ; 2015, c. 484 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-804 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 8 / Article 1 / Section 29.1-804
Suit to enjoin violations
Status: in_force

The Director may, whenever he shall believe from evidence submitted to him that any person has been or is violating any provision of this chapter, in addition to any other remedy, bring action in the name of the Commonwealth against such person and any other persons concerned or in any other way participating in, or about to participate in, practices or acts so in violation, to enjoin such person and such other persons from continuing the same.

1988, c. 592.
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-107 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 1 / Article 2 / Section 29.1-107
Rules and regulations
Status: in_force

All rules, resolutions, regulations and policies adopted by the Board shall be reduced to writing for the Director, shall be public documents and shall be available to the public on request.

Code 1950, § 29-7; 1987, c. 488.
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-733.2 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 7 / Article 2.1 / Section 29.1-733.2
Definitions
Status: in_force

The definitions in this section do not apply to any Virginia or federal law governing licensing, numbering, or registration if the same term is used in that law. As used in this article, unless the context requires a different meaning:

"Abandoned watercraft" means a watercraft that is left unattended on private property for more than 10 days without the consent of the property's owner, regardless of whether it was brought onto the private property with the consent of the owner or person in control of the private property.

"Agreement" means the same as that term is defined in subdivision (b)(3) of § 8.1A-201 .

"Barge" means a watercraft that is not self-propelled or fitted for propulsion by sail, paddle, oar, or similar device.

"Builder's certificate" means a certificate of the facts of the build of a vessel described in 46 C.F.R. § 67.99, as amended.

"Buyer" means a person that buys or contracts to buy a watercraft.

"Buyer in ordinary course of business" means the same as that term is defined in subdivision (b)(9) of § 8.1A-201 .

"Cancel," with respect to a certificate of title, means to make the certificate ineffective.

"Certificate of origin" means a record created by a manufacturer or importer as the manufacturer's or importer's proof of identity of a watercraft. The term includes a manufacturer's certificate or statement of origin and an importer's certificate or statement of origin. The term does not include a builder's certificate.

"Certificate of title" means a record, created by the Department under this article or by a governmental agency of another jurisdiction under the law of that jurisdiction that is designated as a certificate of title by the Department or agency and is evidence of ownership of a watercraft.

"Conspicuous" means the same as that term is defined in subdivision (b)(10) of § 8.1A-201 .

"Consumer goods" means the same as that term is defined in subdivision (a)(23) of § 8.9A-102 .

"Dealer" means any watercraft dealer as defined in § 29.1-801 .

"Debtor" means the same as that term is defined in subdivision (a)(28) of § 8.9A-102 .

"Documented vessel" means a watercraft covered by a certificate of documentation issued pursuant to 46 U.S.C. § 12105, as amended. The term does not include a foreign-documented vessel.

"Electronic" means relating to technology having electrical, digital, magnetic, wireless, optical, electromagnetic, or similar capabilities.

"Electronic certificate of title" means a certificate of title consisting of information that is stored solely in an electronic medium and is retrievable in perceivable form.

"Foreign-documented vessel" means a watercraft whose ownership is recorded in a registry maintained by a country other than the United States that identifies each person that has an ownership interest in a watercraft and includes a unique alphanumeric designation for the watercraft.

"Good faith" means honesty in fact and the observance of reasonable commercial standards of fair dealing.

"Hull damaged" means compromised with respect to the integrity of a watercraft's hull by a collision, allision, lightning strike, fire, explosion, running aground, or similar occurrence, or the sinking of a watercraft in a manner that creates a significant risk to the integrity of the watercraft's hull.

"Hull identification number" means the alphanumeric designation assigned to a watercraft pursuant to 33 C.F.R. Part 181, as amended.

"Knowledge" means the same as that term is defined in § 8.1A-202 .

"Lease" means the same as that term is defined in subdivision (1)(j) of § 8.2A-103 .

"Lessor" means the same as that term is defined in subdivision (1)(p) of § 8.2A-103 .

"Lien creditor," with respect to a watercraft, means:

1. A creditor that has acquired a lien on the watercraft by attachment, levy, or the like;

2. An assignee for benefit of creditors from the time of assignment;

3. A trustee in bankruptcy from the date of the filing of the petition; or

4. A receiver in equity from the time of appointment.

"Notice" means the same as that term is defined in § 8.1A-202 .

"Owner" means a person that has legal title to a watercraft.

"Owner of record" means the owner indicated in the files of the Department or, if the files indicate more than one owner, the one first indicated.

"Person" means an individual, corporation, business trust, estate, trust, statutory trust, partnership, limited liability company, association, joint venture, public corporation, government or governmental subdivision, agency or instrumentality, or any other legal or commercial entity.

"Purchase" means to take by sale, lease, mortgage, pledge, consensual lien, security interest, gift, or any other voluntary transaction that creates an interest in a watercraft.

"Purchaser" means a person that takes by purchase.

"Record" means information that is inscribed on a tangible medium or that is stored in an electronic or other medium and is retrievable in perceivable form.

"Registration number" means the alphanumeric designation for a vessel issued pursuant to 46 U.S.C. § 12301, as amended.

"Representative" means the same as that term is defined in subdivision (b)(33) of § 8.1A-201 .

"Sale" means the same as that term is defined in § 8.2-106 .

"Secured party," with respect to a watercraft, means a person:

1. In whose favor a security interest is created or provided for under a security agreement, whether or not any obligation to be secured is outstanding;

2. That is a consignor under Title 8.9A; or

3. That holds a security interest arising under § 8.2-401 or 8.2-505 , subsection (3) of § 8.2-711 , or subsection (5) of § 8.2A-508 .

"Secured party of record" means the secured party whose name is indicated as the name of the secured party in the files of the Department or, if the files indicate more than one secured party, the one first indicated.

"Security agreement" means the same as that term is defined in subdivision (a)(74) of § 8.9A-102 .

"Security interest" means an interest in a watercraft that secures payment or performance of an obligation if the interest is created by contract or arises under § 8.2-401 or 8.2-505 , subsection (3) of § 8.2-711 , or subsection (5) of § 8.2A-508 . The term includes any interest of a consignor in a watercraft in a transaction that is subject to Title 8.9A. The term does not include the special property interest of a buyer of a watercraft on identification of that watercraft to a contract for sale under § 8.2-401 , but a buyer also may acquire a security interest by complying with Title 8.9A. Except as otherwise provided in § 8.2-505 , the right of a seller or lessor of a watercraft under Title 8.2 or Title 8.2A to retain or acquire possession of the watercraft is not a security interest, but a seller or lessor also may acquire a security interest by complying with Title 8.9A. The retention or reservation of title by a seller of a watercraft notwithstanding shipment or delivery to the buyer under § 8.2-401 is limited in effect to a reservation of a security interest. Whether a transaction in the form of a lease creates a security interest is determined by § 8.1A-304 .

"Seller" means the same as that term is defined in subdivision (1)(o) of § 8.2A-103 .

"Send" means the same as that term is defined in subdivision (b)(36) of § 8.1A-201 .

"Sign" means, with present intent to authenticate or adopt a record, to:

1. Make or adopt a tangible symbol; or

2. Attach to or logically associate with the record an electronic symbol, sound, or process.

"State" means a state of the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, or any territory or insular possession subject to the jurisdiction of the United States.

"State of principal use" means the state on whose waters a watercraft is or will be used, operated, navigated, or employed more than on the waters of any other state during a calendar year.

"Title brand" means a designation of previous damage, use, or condition that shall be indicated on a certificate of title.

"Transfer of ownership" means a voluntary or involuntary conveyance of an interest in a watercraft.

"Value" means the same as that term is defined in § 8.1A-204 .

"Watercraft" means any vessel that is used or capable of being used as a means of transportation on water and is propelled by machinery, whether or not the machinery is the principal source of propulsion, except:

1. A seaplane;

2. An amphibious vehicle for which a certificate of title is issued pursuant to Chapter 6 (§ 46.2-600 et seq.) of Title 46.2 or a similar statute of another state;

3. A vessel that measures 18 feet or less in length along the centerline and is propelled by sail;

4. A vessel that operates only on a permanently fixed, manufactured course and whose movement is restricted to or guided by means of a mechanical device to which the vessel is attached or by which the vessel is controlled;

5. A stationary floating structure that:

a. Does not have and is not designed to have a mode of propulsion of its own;

b. Is dependent for utilities upon a continuous utility hookup to a source originating on shore; and

c. Has a permanent, continuous hookup to a shoreside sewage system;

6. A vessel owned by the United States, a state, or a foreign government or a political subdivision of any of them;

7. A vessel used solely as a lifeboat on another vessel; or

8. A vessel that has a valid marine document issued by the United States Coast Guard.

"Written certificate of title" means a certificate of title consisting of information inscribed on a tangible medium.

2013, c. 787 ; 2014, c. 371 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-523.1 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 5 / Article 2 / Section 29.1-523.1
Hunting deer with sights after dark; forfeiture of weapon and sighting device
Status: in_force

A. Any person who kills or attempts to kill any deer between one hour after sunset and one hour before sunrise using a firearm equipped with any sighting device other than iron or open sights shall be guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor. In addition to this penalty, the court shall revoke the current hunting license and privileges of the person convicted of violating this section and prohibit that person from hunting for a period of one to five years. Notification of such revocation or prohibition shall be forwarded to the Department pursuant to subsections C and D of § 18.2-56.1 .

B. Every firearm equipped with any sighting device other than iron or open sights used with the knowledge or consent of the owner in violation of this section shall be forfeited to the Commonwealth. Upon being condemned as forfeited in proceedings under Chapter 22.1 (§ 19.2-386.1 et seq.) of Title 19.2, the proceeds of the sale shall be disposed of according to law.

This section shall not apply to persons duly authorized to kill deer according to the provisions of § 29.1-529 .

2001, c. 112 ; 2010, c. 183 ; 2012, cc. 283 , 756 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-576.1 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 5 / Article 7 / Section 29.1-576.1
Zebra mussels; education program
Status: in_force

The Director shall establish an education program that instructs boaters and other members of the public in methods of preventing or slowing the infestation of the waters of the Commonwealth by zebra mussels, quagga mussels, or other nonindigenous aquatic nuisance species as defined in § 29.1-571 . The education program may be delivered through the boating safety education program required by § 29.1-735.2 , by posting on the Department's website, or by other means, and shall include cleaning and draining guidelines, designated dry times for watercraft and other recreational equipment, and public outreach, including published instructions and training videos.

2016, c. 540 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-411 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 4 / Article 2 / Section 29.1-411
Cooperative agreement
Status: in_force

The Board shall enter into a cooperative agreement with the United States Forest Service. The cooperative agreement shall define the means and methods to be taken to improve the fish and game resources of the national forests of this Commonwealth and shall program the expenditure of all funds derived from the special permit.

Code 1950, § 29-120; 1987, c. 488.
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-328 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 3 / Article 1 / Section 29.1-328
Term of licenses and permits; multiple-year license
Status: in_force

A. Hunting and trapping licenses and permits shall be valid for one year from their date of purchase or future effective date, as authorized by the Department, except those licenses issued pursuant to § 29.1-305 , which shall be valid from July 1 of each year or their later date of purchase, to June 30 of the following year, unless sooner revoked.

B. Fishing licenses shall run and be valid for one year from their date of purchase or future effective date, as authorized by the Department.

C. The Board may authorize the sale of any annual license or permit issued under this title for a period exceeding the one-year term. Such a multiple-year license or permit shall be valid for the number of consecutive years stated on the permit or license. The fee for such a multiple-year license or permit shall not exceed the total amount that would be charged if the particular license or permit was purchased on an annual basis over the specified number of years.

D. The terms of licenses listed in subsections A, B, and C shall not apply to the lifetime hunting and fishing license established in § 29.1-302.1 .

E. National Forest Stamps, issued pursuant to § 29.1-408 , shall be valid for one year from their date of purchase, unless sooner revoked.

Code 1950, § 29-66; 1980, c. 494; 1987, cc. 95, 488; 1988, c. 161; 2001, c. 115 ; 2002, c. 175 ; 2007, c. 39 ; 2011, c. 819 ; 2014, c. 255 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-530.2 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 5 / Article 2 / Section 29.1-530.2
Unlawfully killing bear; penalty
Status: in_force

Any person who kills or attempts to kill a bear in violation of any provision of this article or any regulation adopted thereunder is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor and may also be prohibited by the court from hunting, trapping, or fishing in the Commonwealth for a period of one to five years.

1988, c. 19; 2020, c. 311 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-109 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 1 / Article 3 / Section 29.1-109
Department of Wildlife Resources; Director
Status: in_force

A. The Department shall exist to provide public, informational and educational services related to this title, and to serve as the agency responsible for the administration and enforcement of all rules and regulations of the Board, the statutory provisions of this title, and related legislative acts. The Department shall employ scientific principles and procedures, as developed, researched, recognized and accepted within the bounds of comprehensive professional wildlife resource management, in the management of the Commonwealth's wildlife and natural resources.

B. The Board shall appoint a Director, subject to confirmation and reconfirmation every four years by the General Assembly, to head the Department and to act as principal administrative officer. In addition to the powers designated elsewhere in this title, the Director shall have the power to:

1. Enforce or cause to be enforced all laws for the protection, propagation and preservation of game birds and game animals of the Commonwealth and all fish in the inland waters thereof. Inland waters shall include all waters above tidewater and the brackish and freshwater streams, creeks, bays, including Back Bay, inlets, and ponds in the tidewater counties and cities. In waters of the Albemarle and Currituck watersheds, the management of the recreational and commercial harvest of blue crabs shall rest with the Marine Resources Commission.

2. Initiate prosecution of all persons who violate such laws, and seize and confiscate wild birds, wild animals and fish that have been illegally killed, caught, transported or shipped.

3. Enter into reciprocal or mutual aid agreements with other states pertaining to the enforcement of laws set forth in Chapters 3 (§ 29.1-300 et seq.), 4 (§ 29.1-400 et seq.), 5 (§ 29.1-500 et seq.), and 6 (§ 29.1-600 et seq.) across state boundaries.

4. Employ persons necessary for the administrative requirements of the Board and to designate the official position and duties of each. The salaries of all such employees shall be as provided in accordance with law.

5. Perform such acts as may be necessary to the conduct and establishment of cooperative fish and wildlife projects with the federal government as prescribed by acts of Congress and in compliance with rules and regulations promulgated by the Secretary of the Interior.

6. Make and enter into all contracts and agreements necessary or incidental to the performance of his duties and the execution of his powers, including, but not limited to, contracts with the United States, other state agencies and governmental subdivisions of the Commonwealth.

7. When practicable, consult with, and keep informed, wildlife and boating constituent organizations so as to benefit Virginia's wildlife and natural resources and accomplish the Department's mission.

Code 1950, §§ 29-8, 29-16; 1952, c. 680, § 29-1.1; 1954, c. 632, § 29-15; 1962, c. 469, § 29-14; 1974, c. 59, § 29-2; 1979, c. 264, § 29-13; 1987, c. 488; 1999, c. 215 ; 2000, c. 10 ; 2006, cc. 69 , 915 ; 2012, c. 595 ; 2015, c. 68 ; 2020, c. 958 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-508.2 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 5 / Article 1 / Section 29.1-508.2
Fishing tackle recycling and disposal; educational webpage
Status: in_force

A. For the purposes of this section, "fishing tackle" means any recreational fishing equipment used to take fish in the inland waters of the Commonwealth and includes fishing line, hooks, floats, lures, or other similar equipment.

B. The Department shall (i) develop, publish, and maintain a dedicated webpage on its website to educate the recreational fishing community and the general public about the importance of responsible recycling and disposal of fishing tackle and (ii) periodically update such webpage to ensure that educational materials are current, relevant, and effective in promoting responsible fishing practices. Such webpage shall include:

1. Clear instructions for fishermen on how to properly remove and dispose of fishing tackle when leaving a fishing area;

2. Educational materials outlining the dangers posed to wildlife when fishing tackle is improperly discarded;

3. Visual aids, including photographs and infographics depicting the negative impacts on waterfowl and other wildlife caused by discarded fishing tackle; and

4. Resources for local recycling programs or designated disposal sites for spent fishing line and other fishing tackle.

C. The Department shall at least every three years update the webpage required in subsection B in consultation with relevant state agencies and stakeholders.

2026, c. 379 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-412 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 4 / Article 3 / Section 29.1-412
Permits required
Status: in_force

It shall be unlawful to exercise any privilege of the permits provided in this article without first having obtained the required permit.

Any person who violates any provision of this article shall be guilty of a Class 4 misdemeanor, and the permit shall be revoked.

Code 1950, §§ 29-103, 29-116; 1962, c. 469; 1968, c. 242; 1987, c. 488.
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-418 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 4 / Article 3 / Section 29.1-418
Collecting specimens
Status: in_force

The fee for a permit to collect specimens of fish, wild birds, wild animals and amphibians, in limited quantity, for scientific or museum purposes shall be established pursuant to § 29.1-417 . Such permits may be issued to collect a certain number of specimens of one or more designated species when the collection is shown to be an essential part of a specific research project.

Code 1950, § 29-113; 1980, c. 494; 1987, c. 488; 1993, c. 623.
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-303.3 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 3 / Article 1 / Section 29.1-303.3
Youth resident and nonresident combination hunting license established; fee
Status: in_force

There is hereby established a state youth resident combination hunting license, which may be obtained by any resident under the age of 16 to hunt in all counties and cities of the Commonwealth and to hunt (i) bear, deer, and turkey; (ii) with a bow and arrow or slingbow during the special archery seasons; (iii) with a crossbow during special archery seasons; and (iv) with a muzzleloader during the special muzzleloading seasons. The fee for this license shall be $15. The license shall serve in lieu of the state junior resident hunting license; the special license for hunting bear, deer, and turkey; the special archery license; the special crossbow license; and the special muzzleloading license. For a nonresident youth under the age of 16, the fee for such a license shall be $30. The Board may subsequently revise the cost of licenses set forth in this section pursuant to § 29.1-103 .

1996, cc. 118 , 151 ; 2004, c. 269 ; 2007, c. 40 ; 2009, c. 9 ; 2017, c. 530 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-532 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 5 / Article 3 / Section 29.1-532
Dams and fishways
Status: in_force

Any dam or other object in a watercourse, which obstructs navigation or the passage of fish, shall be deemed a nuisance, unless it is used to work a mill, factory or other machine or engine useful to the public, and is allowed by law or order of court. Any person owning or having control of any dam or other obstruction in the streams of the Commonwealth which may interfere with the free passage of anadromous and other migratory fish, shall provide every such dam or other obstruction with a suitable fishway unless the Board considers it unnecessary. The purpose of such a fishway is for anadromous and other migratory fish to have free passage up and down the streams during March, April, May and June, and down the streams throughout the remaining months. "Suitable fishway" means a fishway which passes significant numbers of the target fishes, as determined by the Board.

Owners of such dams or other authorized obstructions shall maintain and keep fishways operational, in good repair, and restore them in case of destruction.

Owners of dams or other obstructions which are not authorized by law must have the obstacles removed at their expense when the Board determines that the obstacles interfere with the free passage of anadromous and other migratory fish within the streams of the Commonwealth.

The circuit court of the county or city in which the dam is situated, after reasonable notice to the parties or party interested and upon satisfactory proof of the failure to comply, may order any necessary construction or destruction to be initiated or put in good repair at the expense of the owner of the dam or other obstruction. All such construction or destruction must be initiated within one year of the court order and completed within three years of the court order.

Any person failing to comply with this section shall pay as a penalty a percentage of the estimated cost of construction or destruction equal to the percentage specified on the judgment rate of interest pursuant to § 6.2-302 , and the Board shall provide construction or destruction cost estimates.

Penalties collected pursuant to this section shall be directed to the Department.

This section shall not apply to the Meherrin River within the Counties of Brunswick and Greensville, nor to the Meherrin River within or between the Counties of Lunenburg and Mecklenburg, nor to the Nottoway River between the Counties of Lunenburg and Nottoway, nor to Abram's Creek in Shawnee district, Frederick County, nor to the James River between the City of Lynchburg and the County of Amherst, nor to the James River within the City of Richmond and between the City of Richmond and Henrico County, except that the exemption for those dams west of Virginia Route 161 which are located on the James River within the City of Richmond and between the City of Richmond and Henrico County shall expire on January 1, 1990, nor any streams within the Counties of Augusta, Lunenburg, Mecklenburg, Louisa, Buckingham, Halifax, Montgomery, Pulaski, Franklin, Russell, Tazewell, Giles, Bland, Craig, Wythe, Carroll and Grayson, nor to that part of any stream that forms a part of the boundary of Halifax and Franklin Counties. Furthermore, no fish ladders shall be required on dams twenty feet or more in height. The City of Richmond shall continue to work with the Department toward implementing and funding a plan for breaching dams to provide fishways for the passage of anadromous and other migratory fish.

Code 1950, § 29-151; 1950, p. 891; 1958, c. 607; 1987, c. 488; 1988, c. 487; 2020, c. 958 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-335 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 3 / Article 1 / Section 29.1-335
Hunting, trapping or fishing without a license
Status: in_force

No person shall hunt, trap, or fish without having obtained a license when such a license is required. For the purposes of this article, the term "license" shall include any temporary license issued by a clerk or agent to a buyer and authorized to be used in a manner prescribed by the Director. Any person who violates this section shall be guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor and shall pay to the clerk a fee equal to the cost of the required license to be paid into the state treasury and credited to the game protection fund.

The purchase of a license subsequent to an arrest or notice of summons to appear in court for hunting, trapping or fishing without a license shall not relieve the person from the penalties specified in this section.

Code 1950, § 29-75; 1987, c. 488; 1989, c. 421; 1993, c. 839; 2000, c. 132 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-314 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 3 / Article 1 / Section 29.1-314
Special fishing permits for certain individuals with disabilities
Status: in_force

A. Upon receipt of an application from an officer or designated representative of any organized group of individuals with physical or mental disabilities who meet on a regular basis, including students at schools for the blind or deaf, the Director may issue not more than two permits of one day each, in any calendar year, to such group to fish without licenses in public waters open to fishing. The permits shall not be issued for use in designated waters stocked with trout or in waters where a daily fishing fee has been imposed pursuant to § 29.1-318 ; however, a permit may be issued to such group to fish without licenses on the second Saturday of May in designated waters stocked with trout.

B. The application for the permit shall state the name and description of the group, the date upon which it will be used, the general area in which it will be used, and the name of the person or organization responsible for the group.

1976, c. 144, § 29-55.3:1; 1987, c. 488; 2006, cc. 8 , 37 ; 2023, cc. 148 , 149 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-521.2 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 5 / Article 2 / Section 29.1-521.2
Violation of § 18.2-286 while hunting; revocation of license and privileges
Status: in_force

A. Any firearm, crossbow, slingbow, arrowgun, or bow and arrow used by any person to hunt any game bird or game animal in a manner which violates § 18.2-286 may, upon conviction of such person violating § 18.2-286 , be forfeited to the Commonwealth by order of the court trying the case. The forfeiture shall be enforced as provided in Chapter 22.1 (§ 19.2-386.1 et seq.) of Title 19.2. The officer or other person seizing the property shall immediately give notice to the attorney for the Commonwealth.

B. The court may revoke the current hunting license and privileges of a person hunting any game bird or game animal in a manner that constitutes a violation of § 18.2-286 . The court may prohibit that person from hunting for a period of one to five years. If found hunting during this prohibited period, the person shall be guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor. Notification of such revocation or prohibition shall be forwarded to the Department pursuant to subsection C of § 18.2-56.1 .

1993, c. 322; 1994, c. 18 ; 2010, c. 183 ; 2012, cc. 283 , 756 ; 2017, c. 530 ; 2018, cc. 557 , 558 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-218 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 2 / Section 29.1-218
Defense of conservation police officer prosecuted on criminal charge
Status: in_force

If any conservation police officer appointed by the Director is prosecuted on any criminal charge arising out of any act committed in performing his official duties, the Director may employ special counsel approved by the Governor to defend the officer. The compensation for special counsel employed pursuant to this section, shall, subject to the approval of the Governor, be paid out of the funds appropriated for the administration of the Department.

1966, c. 222, § 29-37.2; 1987, c. 488; 2007, c. 87 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-801 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 8 / Article 1 / Section 29.1-801
Definitions
Status: in_force

Unless the context otherwise requires, the following words and terms for the purpose of this chapter shall have the following meanings:

"Certificate of origin" means the document provided by the manufacturer of a new watercraft, or its distributor, which is the only valid indication of ownership between the manufacturer, its distributor, its franchised new watercraft dealers, and the original purchaser not for resale.

"Distributor" means a person who sells or distributes new watercraft, pursuant to a written agreement with the manufacturer, to new watercraft dealers in this Commonwealth.

"Distributor branch" means a branch office maintained by a distributor for the sale of watercraft to watercraft dealers or for directing or supervising, in whole or in part, its representatives in this Commonwealth.

"Distributor representative" means a person employed by a distributor or wholesaler, or by a distributor branch, for the purpose of making or promoting the sale of watercraft dealt in by it or for supervising or contacting its dealers, prospective dealers, or representatives in this Commonwealth.

"Established place of business" means a salesroom in a permanent enclosed building or structure, either owned in fee or leased, at which a permanent business of bartering, trading and selling of watercraft will be carried on as such in good faith and at which place of business shall be kept and maintained the books, records, and files necessary to conduct the business at such place. "Established place of business" does not mean residences, tents, temporary stands, or other temporary quarters, nor permanent quarters occupied pursuant to any temporary arrangement, devoted principally to the business of a watercraft dealer, as defined in this section.

"Factory branch" means a branch office, maintained by a person for the sale of watercraft to distributors or for the sale of watercraft to watercraft dealers, or for directing or supervising, in whole or in part, its representatives in this Commonwealth.

"Factory representative" means a person employed by a person who manufactures or assembles watercraft or by a factory branch for the purpose of making or promoting the sale of its watercraft or for supervising or contacting its dealers, prospective dealers, or representatives in this Commonwealth.

"Franchise" means a written contract or agreement between two or more persons whereby one person, the franchisee, is granted the right to engage in the business of offering, selling and servicing new watercraft manufactured or distributed by the grantor of the right, the franchisor, and where the operation of the franchisee's business is substantially associated with the franchisor's trademark, trade name, advertising, or other commercial symbol designating the franchisor, the watercraft or its manufacturer or distributor.

"Manufacturer" means a person engaged in the business of constructing or assembling new watercraft.

"New watercraft" means any watercraft that (i) has not been previously sold except in good faith for the purpose of resale; (ii) has not been used as a rental or demonstration watercraft, or for the personal and business transportation of the manufacturer or dealer or any of their employees, for any use other than the limited use necessary in testing the watercraft prior to delivery to a customer; (iii) is transferred by a certificate of origin; and (iv) has the manufacturer's certification that it conforms to all applicable federal watercraft safety standards.

"New watercraft dealer" means a dealer in new watercraft or new and used watercraft.

"Person" means any natural person or individual, partnership, firm, association, corporation, or other entity.

"Retail installment sale" means and includes every sale of one or more watercraft to a buyer for his use and not for resale, in which the price thereof is payable in one or more installments over a period of time and in which the seller has either retained title to the goods or has taken or retained a security interest in the goods under form of contract designated either as a conditional sale, bailment lease, chattel mortgage or otherwise.

"Sale at retail" or "retail sale" means the act or attempted act of selling, bartering, exchanging, or otherwise disposing of a watercraft to a buyer for his personal use and not for resale.

"Sale at wholesale" or "wholesale" means a sale to watercraft dealers or wholesalers other than to consumers or a sale to one who intends to resell.

"Used watercraft" means any watercraft other than a new watercraft as defined in this section.

"Used watercraft dealer" means a dealer in used watercraft that does not deal in new watercraft.

"Watercraft" means the same as that term is defined in § 29.1-733.2 except that (i) United States naval watercraft, (ii) watercraft that have a valid marine document issued by the United States Coast Guard other than recreational watercraft under 70 feet in length, and (iii) watercraft documented outside the United States are not included in such definition for purposes of this chapter.

"Watercraft dealer" means any person that:

1. For commission, money, or other thing of value, buys, sells, exchanges, either outright or on conditional sale, bailment lease, chattel mortgage, or otherwise howsoever, or arranges or offers or attempts to solicit or negotiate on behalf of others a sale, purchase, or exchange of an interest in, new watercraft or new and used watercraft or used watercraft alone whether or not such watercraft are owned by such person;

2. Is engaged, wholly or in part, in the business of selling new watercraft or new and used watercraft, or used watercraft only, whether or not such watercraft are owned by such person; or

3. Sells, offers to sell, displays, or permits the display for sale of two or more watercraft within any 12 consecutive months.

For the purpose of this chapter, "watercraft dealer" does not include:

1. Receivers, trustees, administrators, executors, guardians, conservators, or other persons appointed by or acting under judgment or order of any court or their employees when engaged in the specific performance of their duties as such employees;

2. Public officers, their deputies, assistants, or employees, while performing their official duties;

3. Persons, other than corporations or other business entities primarily engaged in the leasing or renting of watercraft to others, (i) when selling or offering such watercraft for sale at retail or (ii) disposing of watercraft acquired for their own use and actually so used, when the same shall have been so acquired and used in good faith and not for the purpose of avoiding the provisions of this chapter;

4. Any corporation duly chartered or authorized to do a banking or trust business under the authority of the laws of this Commonwealth, or the United States, that may have received title to a watercraft in the normal course of its business by reason of a foreclosure, other taking, repossession or voluntary reconveyance to said corporation arising or occurring as a result of any loan secured by a lien on said watercraft;

5. An employee of an organization arranging for the purchase or lease by the organization of watercraft for use in the organization's business;

6. Any person who permits the operation of a watercraft show or permits the display of watercraft for sale by any watercraft dealer licensed under this chapter; or

7. An insurance company licensed or otherwise authorized to do business in this Commonwealth that sells or disposes of watercraft under a contract with its insured and in the regular course of its business.

"Watercraft demonstrator" means any person who is employed or contracted by a watercraft dealer to demonstrate watercraft to prospective buyers.

"Watercraft salesman" or "salesman" means any person who is employed as a salesman by, or has an agreement with, a watercraft dealer to sell or exchange watercraft.

"Watercraft show" means a display of watercraft to the general public at a location other than a dealer's location licensed under this chapter where such watercraft may be offered for sale or exchange during or as part of the display.

1988, c. 592; 1989, c. 140; 1997, c. 801 ; 1998, c. 515 ; 2013, c. 787 ; 2020, c. 958 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-310 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 3 / Article 1 / Section 29.1-310
Fees to fish
Status: in_force

A. The license fees to fish, which licenses shall not permit fishing for trout in waters stocked by the Department, shall be as follows:

1. County or city resident license to fish, in all inland waters of the county or city of residence only, $5.

2. State resident license to fish in all inland waters of the Commonwealth, $12.

3. State nonresident license to fish in all inland waters of the Commonwealth, $30.

4. State resident license to fish in the interstate waters of South Holston Reservoir pursuant to a reciprocal agreement established in accordance with § 29.1-535 , $20 in addition to the license required by subdivision 2.

B. The additional license fees for a trout license required to fish in designated waters stocked with trout by the Department or to fish for or harvest trout in the interstate waters of South Holston Reservoir shall be as follows:

1. State resident license, $12.

2. State nonresident license, $30.

C. The Board may subsequently revise the cost of licenses set forth in this section pursuant to § 29.1-103 .

Code 1950, § 29-55; 1952, c. 355; 1958, c. 493; 1960, c. 566; 1962, c. 469; 1968, c. 649; 1974, c. 363; 1980, c. 494; 1985, c. 119; 1987, c. 488; 1988, c. 250; 1989, c. 208; 1994, c. 409 ; 2009, c. 9 ; 2010, c. 6 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-406 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 4 / Article 1 / Section 29.1-406
Penalty for violations
Status: in_force

The violation of any of the terms of this article shall constitute a Class 3 misdemeanor. Furthermore, the trial court shall revoke the permit of the fur dealer, and he shall not have a similar permit for that season or for the succeeding season. He may, however, be eligible for a permit thereafter.

Code 1950, § 29-101; 1980, c. 494; 1987, c. 488.
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-575 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 5 / Article 7 / Section 29.1-575
Permits
Status: in_force

The Director shall permit the importation, possession, purchase, receipt, or transportation of a nonindigenous aquatic nuisance species for purposes of research by recognized academic institutions or government agencies upon receiving satisfactory assurance that adequate safeguards will be maintained to prevent the escape or introduction of any such species into the Commonwealth.

2003, c. 446 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-530.1 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 5 / Article 2 / Section 29.1-530.1
Solid blaze orange or solid blaze pink clothing required at certain times
Status: in_force

A. For the purposes of this section, "solid blaze orange" means a safety orange or fluorescent orange hue and "solid blaze pink" means a safety pink or fluorescent pink hue.

B. During any firearms deer season, except during the special season for hunting deer with a muzzle-loading rifle only, in counties and cities designated by the Board, every hunter and every person accompanying a hunter shall (i) wear a solid blaze orange or solid blaze pink hat, except that the bill or brim of the hat may be a color or design other than solid blaze orange or solid blaze pink, or solid blaze orange or solid blaze pink upper body clothing that is visible from 360 degrees, (ii) display at least 100 square inches of solid blaze orange or solid blaze pink material at shoulder level within body reach visible from 360 degrees, or (iii) when hunting from an enclosed ground blind, display at least 100 square inches of solid blaze orange or solid blaze pink material visible from 360 degrees attached to or immediately above a blind.

C. During the special season for hunting deer with a muzzle-loading rifle only, in counties and cities designated by the Board, every muzzleloader deer hunter and every person accompanying a muzzleloader deer hunter shall wear (i) a solid blaze orange or solid blaze pink hat, except that the bill or brim of the hat may be a color or design other than solid blaze orange or solid blaze pink, or (ii) solid blaze orange or solid blaze pink upper body clothing, either of which shall be visible from 360 degrees, unless such person is physically located in a tree stand or other stationary hunting location.

D. Any person violating the provisions of this section shall, upon conviction, pay a fine of $25.

E. Violations of this section shall not be admissible in any civil action for personal injury or death as evidence of negligence, contributory negligence, or assumption of the risk.

F. This section shall not apply when (i) hunting waterfowl from stationary or floating blinds, (ii) hunting waterfowl over decoys, (iii) hunting waterfowl in wetlands as defined in § 28.2-1300 , (iv) hunting waterfowl from a boat or other floating conveyance, (v) hunting doves, (vi) participating in hunting dog field trials permitted by the Board, (vii) on horseback while hunting foxes with hounds but without firearms, or (viii) hunting with a bow and arrow in areas where the discharge of firearms is prohibited by state law or local ordinance.

1987, c. 319, § 29-147.2; 1988, cc. 474, 715; 2002, c. 39 ; 2005, c. 167 ; 2009, c. 11 ; 2014, c. 140 ; 2017, c. 347 ; 2018, c. 151 ; 2020, c. 958 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-735.1 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 7 / Article 3 / Section 29.1-735.1
Board authorized to promulgate regulations for seaplanes
Status: in_force

The Board may promulgate regulations governing the takeoff, landing and taxi of seaplanes on impoundments located in the inland waters of the Commonwealth, so as to reduce the risks of collision, personal injury and property damage as a result of such operation. Such regulations shall not be inconsistent with regulations of the Federal Aviation Administration. Conservation police officers shall report any alleged violations of federal or state regulations regarding the operation of seaplanes or aircraft to the appropriate federal authorities responsible for regulating the operation of seaplanes and aircraft.

1994, c. 414 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-525.1 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 5 / Article 2 / Section 29.1-525.1
Deer enclosures prohibited; exceptions; penalty
Status: in_force

A. It is unlawful to erect a fence that prevents or impedes the free egress of deer from the enclosed area with the intent to confine deer.

B. It is unlawful to hunt deer inside a fenced area that prevents or impedes the free egress of deer.

C. The provisions of subsection A shall not apply to:

1. Local, state or federal public lands on which fences are erected to protect public health or safety;

2. Enclosures permitted by the Department as fallow deer farms or permitted exhibitors holding native deer for educational purposes;

3. Enclosures permitted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture as exhibitors, breeders, or dealers; or

4. Zoos accredited by the American Zoological Association.

D. The provisions of subsection B shall not apply to (i) local, state or federal public lands on which fences are erected to protect public health or safety, or (ii) any person hunting in an enclosure or facility that (a) was constructed prior to July 1, 2001, (b) has been registered with the Department not later than August 1, 2001, and annually thereafter, and (c) has been modified not later than 90 days following registration in a manner approved by the Director or his designee to allow the free egress of deer. Such registration shall not be transferable. The Department shall place information of the initial registration requirement in newspapers of general circulation throughout the Commonwealth. Such enclosures or facilities shall operate using acceptable hunting and wildlife management practices determined by the Director or his designee, including, but not limited to, methods of take, use of dogs, and supplemental feeding. The Director or his designee shall provide the owner of the enclosure or facility with information on what constitutes acceptable hunting and wildlife management practices.

E. Any registered enclosure or facility within which the owners or persons hunting have not followed acceptable hunting wildlife management practices shall have its registration revoked by the Department. Upon revocation of the registration, any person hunting within the enclosure or facility shall be subject to the provisions of subsection B and the penalties imposed under subsection F.

F. Any person who violates this section is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. Any person who is convicted of violating this section shall have his hunting license and privileges suspended by the court for a period of one to five years. In addition, the court may order compensation for replacement for any deer killed be paid to the Department as provided for in § 29.1-551 , and may order the owner of the fence to modify the fence to allow the free egress by deer.

2001, c. 856 ; 2010, c. 183 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-101 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 1 / Article 1 / Section 29.1-101
Game Protection Fund
Status: in_force

The amount received by the State Treasurer from the collection of admittance, parking, or other use fees, the sale of hunting, trapping and fishing licenses, revenue generated from the sales and use tax pursuant to subsection E of § 58.1-638 , and such other items as may accrue to the Board shall be set aside and shall constitute the Game Protection Fund. The income and principal of this Fund, including any unexpended balance, shall be a separate fund in the state treasury and shall only be used for the payment of the salaries, allowances, wages, and expenses incident to carrying out the provisions of the hunting, trapping and inland fish laws and for no other purpose, except as provided in §§ 29.1-101.01 , 29.1-701 , subdivision B 1 of 58.1-344.3 , and 58.1-1410 .

Code 1950, § 29-20; 1979, c. 264; 1981, c. 204; 1987, c. 488; 1991, c. 70; 1998, c. 320 ; 2003, c. 562 ; 2005, cc. 860 , 889 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-561 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 5 / Article 5 / Section 29.1-561
Self-incrimination
Status: in_force

No person shall be excused from testifying for the Commonwealth as to any offense committed by another under the provisions of the game, inland fish and boating laws by reason of his testimony tending to incriminate himself, but the testimony given by any such person on behalf of the Commonwealth when called as witness for the prosecution shall in no case be used against him, nor shall he be prosecuted as to the offense to which he has testified.

Code 1950, § 29-181; 1987, c. 488.
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-549 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 5 / Article 5 / Section 29.1-549
Hunting deer from watercraft
Status: in_force

A. Any person who kills or attempts to kill any deer while the person is in a boat or other type watercraft shall be guilty of a Class 4 misdemeanor.

B. Every boat or other watercraft and their motors, and any firearm, slingbow, arrowgun, crossbow, bow and arrow, or speargun, used with the knowledge or consent of the owner or lienholder thereof in killing or attempting to kill deer in violation of this section shall be forfeited to the Commonwealth, and upon being condemned as forfeited in proceedings under Chapter 22.1 (§ 19.2-386.1 et seq.) of Title 19.2 the proceeds of sale shall be disposed of according to law.

1973, c. 120, §§ 29-162.1, 29-162.2; 1987, c. 488; 2002, c. 157 ; 2012, cc. 283 , 756 ; 2017, c. 530 ; 2018, cc. 557 , 558 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-739.2 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 7 / Article 3 / Section 29.1-739.2
Conservation police officers to patrol lakes
Status: in_force

The Department shall have an enhanced enforcement effort that is commensurate with the level of boating activity from Memorial Day through Labor Day in the waters of those Virginia lakes that (i) are of a size comparable to or greater than Smith Mountain Lake and (ii) have a comparable number of reported boating accidents during the last five years as Smith Mountain Lake.

2005, c. 233 ; 2007, c. 87 ; 2008, c. 535 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-509 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 5 / Article 1 / Section 29.1-509
Duty of care and liability for damages of landowners to hunters, fishermen, sightseers, etc
Status: in_force

A. For the purpose of this section:

"Fee" means any payment or payments of money to a landowner for use of the premises or in order to engage in any activity described in subsections B and C, but does not include license fees, insurance fees, handling fees, transaction fees, administrative fees, rentals or similar fees received by a landowner from governmental, not-for-profit, or private sources, or payments received by a landowner for rights of ingress and egress or from incidental sales of forest products to an individual for his personal use, or any action taken by another to improve the land or access to the land for the purposes set forth in subsections B and C or remedying damage caused by such uses.

"Land" or "premises" means real property or right-of-way, whether rural or urban, waters, boats, private ways, natural growth, trees, railroad property, railroad right-of-way, utility corridor, and any building or structure which might be located on such real property, waters, boats, private ways and natural growth.

"Landowner" means the legal title holder, any easement holder, lessee, occupant or any other person in control of land or premises, including railroad rights-of-way.

"Low-head dam" means a dam that is built across a river or stream for the purpose of impounding water where the impoundment, at normal flow levels, is completely within the banks, and all flow passes directly over the entire dam structure within the banks, excluding abutments, to a natural channel downstream.

B. A landowner shall owe no duty of care to keep land or premises safe for entry or use by others for hunting, fishing, trapping, camping, participation in water sports, boating, hiking, rock climbing, sightseeing, hang gliding, skydiving, horseback riding, foxhunting, racing, bicycle riding or collecting, gathering, cutting or removing firewood, for any other recreational use, for ingress and egress over such premises to permit passage to other property used for recreational purposes or for use of an easement granted to the Commonwealth or any agency thereof or any not-for-profit organization granted tax-exempt status under § 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code to permit public passage across such land for access to a public park, historic site, or other public recreational area. No landowner shall be required to give any warning of hazardous conditions or uses of, structures on, or activities on such land or premises to any person entering on the land or premises for such purposes, except as provided in subsection D. The provisions of this subsection apply without regard to whether the landowner has given permission to a person to use their land for recreational purposes.

C. Any landowner who gives permission, express or implied, to another person to hunt, fish, launch and retrieve boats, swim, ride, foxhunt, trap, camp, hike, bicycle, rock climb, hang glide, skydive, sightsee, engage in races, to collect, gather, cut or remove forest products upon land or premises for the personal use of such person, or for the use of an easement or license as set forth in subsection B does not thereby:

1. Impliedly or expressly represent that the premises are safe for such purposes; or

2. Constitute the person to whom such permission has been granted an invitee or licensee to whom a duty of care is owed; or

3. Assume responsibility for or incur liability for any intentional or negligent acts of such person or any other person, except as provided in subsection D.

D. Nothing contained in this section, except as provided in subsection E, shall limit the liability of a landowner which may otherwise arise or exist by reason of his gross negligence or willful or malicious failure to guard or warn against a dangerous condition, use, structure, or activity. The provisions of this section shall not limit the liability of a landowner which may otherwise arise or exist when the landowner receives a fee for use of the premises or to engage in any activity described in subsections B and C. Nothing contained in this section shall relieve any sponsor or operator of any sporting event or competition including but not limited to a race or triathlon of the duty to exercise ordinary care in such events. Nothing contained in this section shall limit the liability of an owner of a low-head dam who fails to implement safety measures described in subsection F.

E. For purposes of this section, whenever any landowner has entered into an agreement with, or grants an easement or license to, the Commonwealth or any agency thereof, any locality, any not-for-profit organization granted tax-exempt status under § 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or any local or regional authority created by law for public park, historic site, or recreational purposes, concerning the use of, or access over, his land by the public for any of the purposes enumerated in subsections B and C, such landowner shall be immune from liability to any member of the public arising out of such member's use of such land for any such purpose, and the government, agency locality, not-for-profit organization, or authority with which the agreement is made shall indemnify and hold the landowner harmless from all liability and be responsible for providing, or for paying the cost of, all reasonable legal services required by any person entitled to the benefit of this section as the result of a claim or suit attempting to impose liability. Any action against the Commonwealth, or any agency thereof, shall be subject to the provisions of the Virginia Tort Claims Act (§ 8.01-195.1 et seq.). Any provisions in a lease or other agreement which purports to waive the benefits of this section shall be invalid, and any action against any county, city, town, or local or regional authority shall be subject to the provisions of § 15.2-1809 , where applicable.

F. Any owner of a low-head dam may mark the areas above and below the dam and on the banks immediately adjacent to the dam with signs and buoys of a design and content, in accordance with the regulations of the Board, to warn the swimming, fishing, and boating public of the hazards posed by the dam. Any owner of a low-head dam who marks a low-head dam in accordance with this subsection shall be deemed to have met the duty of care for warning the public of the hazards posed by the dam. Any owner of a low-head dam who fails to mark a low-head dam in accordance with this subsection shall be presumed not to have met the duty of care for warning the public of the hazards posed by the dam.

Code 1950, §§ 8-654.2, 29-130.2; 1962, c. 545; 1964, c. 435; 1977, c. 624; 1979, c. 276; 1980, c. 560; 1982, c. 29; 1983, c. 283; 1987, c. 488; 1988, c. 191; 1989, cc. 26, 500, 505; 1990, cc. 799, 808; 1991, c. 305; 1992, c. 285; 1994, c. 544 ; 2007, c. 664 ; 2010, c. 43 ; 2017, c. 366 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-404 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 4 / Article 1 / Section 29.1-404
Qualifications of permittee
Status: in_force

The qualifications for securing resident county and state hunting and fishing licenses shall apply to obtaining permits under this article.

Code 1950, § 29-99; 1987, c. 488.
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-529 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 5 / Article 2 / Section 29.1-529
Killing of elk, bear, or deer damaging certain property; wildlife creating a hazard to aircraft or motor vehicles
Status: in_force

A. Whenever elk or bear are damaging fruit trees, crops, livestock, or personal property utilized for commercial agricultural production in the Commonwealth, the owner or lessee of the lands on which such damage is done shall immediately report the damage to the Director or his designee for investigation. If after investigation the Director or his designee finds that bear are responsible for the damage, he shall authorize in writing the owner, lessee, or any other person designated by the Director or his designee to kill such bear when they are found upon the land upon which the damages occurred. However, the Director or his designee shall have the option of authorizing nonlethal control measures rather than authorizing the killing of elk or bear, provided that such measures occur within a reasonable period of time. The Director or his designee may limit such authorization by specifying in writing the number of animals to be killed and duration for which the authorization is effective and may in proximity to residential areas and under other appropriate circumstances limit or prohibit the authorization between 11:00 p.m. and one-half hour before sunrise of the following day. Any owner or lessee of land who has been issued a written authorization shall not be issued an authorization in subsequent years unless he can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Director or his designee that during the period following the prior authorization, the owner or his designee has hunted bear on the land for which he received a previous authorization.

B. 1. The Director or his designee may issue a written authorization to kill antlerless deer causing damage to residential plants, whether ornamental, noncommercial agricultural, or other types of residential plants. When damage is caused by antlered deer, a permit may be issued to kill a limited number of antlered deer as determined by the Department, upon inspection and confirmation by the Director or his designee that there is clear and convincing evidence that the damage was done by antlered deer. The Director may charge a fee not to exceed actual costs. The holder of this written authorization shall be subject to local ordinances, including those regulating the discharge of firearms.

2. Whenever deer are damaging fruit trees, Christmas trees, crops, horticultural plants, or personal property utilized for commercial agricultural production within the Commonwealth, the owner or lessee shall be issued, upon request to the Department, a permit to kill antlerless deer without limits on production lands where damage is occurring. Such permit shall expire on December 31 and shall be reissued to the owner or lessee in subsequent years upon the landowner or lessee reporting the previous year's deer kill and affirmation of permit information assuming ongoing agricultural practices. The reissuance process shall not equal the initial application process and shall be as minimal as practical. When damage is caused by antlered deer, a permit shall be issued to kill a limited number of antlered deer as determined by the Department, upon inspection and confirmation by the Director or his designee that there is clear and convincing evidence that the damage was done by antlered deer. Reissuance of such permit shall require the same inspection as the initial permit. Any owner or lessee who has been issued any permit pursuant to this subdivision shall comply with all local ordinances, including those regulating the discharge of firearms.

C. Whenever wildlife is creating a hazard to the operation of any aircraft or to the facilities connected with the operation of aircraft, the person or persons responsible for the safe operation of the aircraft or facilities shall report such fact to the Director or his designee for investigation. If after investigation the Director or his designee finds that wildlife is creating a hazard, he shall authorize such person or persons or their representatives to kill wildlife when the wildlife is found to be creating such a hazard. As used in this subsection, the term "wildlife" shall not include any federally protected species.

D. Whenever deer are creating a hazard to the operation of motor vehicle traffic within the corporate limits of any city or town, the operator of a motor vehicle or chief law-enforcement officer of the city or town may report such fact to the Director or his designee for investigation. If after investigation the Director or his designee finds that deer are creating a hazard within such city or town, he may authorize responsible persons, or their representatives, to kill the deer when they are found to be creating such a hazard.

E. Whenever deer are damaging property in a locality in which deer herd population reduction has been recommended in the current Deer Management Plan adopted by the Board, the owner or lessee of the lands on which such damage is being done may report such damage to the Director or his designee for investigation. If after investigation the Director or his designee finds that deer are responsible for the damage, he may authorize in writing the owner, lessee or any other person designated by the Director or his designee to kill such deer when they are found upon the land upon which the damages occurred. The Director or his designee also may limit such authorization by specifying in writing the number of animals to be killed and the period of time for which the authorization is effective. The requirement in subsection A of this section, that an owner or lessee of land demonstrate that during the period following the prior authorization deer or bear have been hunted on his land, shall not apply to any locality that conducts a deer population control program authorized by the Department.

F. The Director or his designee may revoke or refuse to reissue any authorization granted under this section when it has been shown by a preponderance of the evidence that an abuse of the authorization has occurred. Such evidence may include a complaint filed by any person with the Department alleging that an abuse of the written authorization has occurred. Any person aggrieved by the issuance, denial or revocation of a written authorization can appeal the decision to the Department. Any person convicted of violating any provision of the hunting and trapping laws and regulations shall be entitled to receive written authorization to kill deer or bear. Any person who is otherwise restricted from hunting in the Commonwealth due to hunting license revocation or suspension within the Commonwealth shall not assist in carrying out the activities of a kill permit authorization until such revocation or suspension is lifted.

G. The Director or his designee may authorize, subject to the provisions of this section, the killing of deer over bait within the political boundaries of any city or town, or any county with a special late antlerless season, in the Commonwealth when requested by a certified letter from the governing body of such locality.

H. The parts of any deer or bear killed pursuant to this section or wildlife killed pursuant to subsection C shall not be used for the purposes of taxidermy, mounts, or any public display unless authorized by the Director or his designee. However, the meat of any such animal may be used for human consumption. The carcass and any unused meat of any such animal shall be disposed of within 24 hours of being killed. Any person who violates any provision of this subsection is guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor.

I. It is unlawful to willfully and intentionally impede any person who is engaged in the lawful killing of a bear or deer pursuant to written authorization issued under this section. Any person convicted of a violation of this subsection is guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor.

Code 1950, § 29-145.1; 1954, c. 686; 1956, c. 684; 1958, cc. 315, 609; 1960, c. 129; 1962, c. 229; 1970, c. 79; 1980, c. 271; 1987, cc. 48, 488; 1991, c. 99; 1993, cc. 204, 273; 1994, c. 571 ; 1996, c. 314 ; 1998, c. 179 ; 1999, c. 563 ; 2000, c. 6 ; 2002, c. 174 ; 2003, cc. 123 , 135 ; 2004, c. 447 ; 2008, cc. 17 , 260 ; 2009, cc. 8 , 305 ; 2010, c. 5 ; 2012, c. 247 ; 2013, c. 346 ; 2020, c. 958 ; 2026, c. 912 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-515 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 5 / Article 2 / Section 29.1-515
Migratory game birds
Status: in_force

Migratory game birds may be hunted in accordance with regulations of the Board. Board regulations shall conform to the regulations of the United States government insofar as open seasons and bag limits are concerned.

Code 1950, § 29-137; 1987, c. 488.
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-733.19 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 7 / Article 2.1 / Section 29.1-733.19
Transfer of ownership by secured party's transfer statement
Status: in_force

A. For the purpose of this section, "secured party's transfer statement" means a record signed by the secured party of record stating:

1. A default on an obligation secured by the watercraft has occurred;

2. The secured party of record is exercising or has exercised post-default remedies with respect to the watercraft;

3. By reason of the exercise, the secured party of record has the right to transfer the ownership interest of an owner, and the name of the owner;

4. The name and last-known mailing address of the owner of record and the secured party of record;

5. The name of the transferee;

6. All other information required by subsection B of § 29.1-733.7 ; and

7. One of the following:

a. The certificate of title is an electronic certificate;

b. The secured party does not have possession of the written certificate of title created in the name of the owner of record; or

c. The secured party is delivering the written certificate of title to the Department with the secured party's transfer statement.

B. Unless the Department rejects a secured party's transfer statement for a reason stated in subsection C of § 29.1-733.8 , not later than 20 days after delivery to the Department of the statement and payment of fees and taxes payable under the law of the Commonwealth other than this article in connection with the statement or the acquisition or use of the watercraft, the Department shall:

1. Accept the statement;

2. Amend the files of the Department to reflect the transfer; and

3. If the name of the owner whose ownership interest is being transferred is indicated on the certificate of title:

a. Cancel the certificate even if the certificate has not been delivered to the Department;

b. Create a new certificate indicating the transferee as owner; and

c. Deliver the new certificate or a record evidencing an electronic certificate.

C. An application under subsection A or the creation of a certificate of title under subsection B is not by itself a disposition of the watercraft and does not by itself relieve the secured party of its duties under Title 8.9A.

2013, c. 787 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-705 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 7 / Article 1 / Section 29.1-705
Change of ownership of motorboat; lost certificates
Status: in_force

Should the ownership of a numbered motorboat change, a new application form with the appropriate fee as provided in § 29.1-702 shall be filed with the Department, and a new certificate bearing the same number shall be awarded in the manner as provided for in an original award of number. If the registration of the former owner is valid and the new owner has in his possession the dated bill of sale and the valid registration card of the former owner, the new owner may operate the vessel for thirty days from the date of purchase. If a certificate is lost, a new certificate bearing the same number shall be issued upon payment of a fee of fifty cents. Possession of the certificate shall in cases involving prosecution for violation of any provision of this chapter be prima facie evidence that the person whose name appears thereon is the owner of the boat.

1960, c. 500, § 62-174.5; 1962, c. 626; 1964, c. 654; 1968, c. 659, § 62.1-170; 1970, c. 240; 1972, c. 412; 1980, c. 256; 1983, c. 126; 1986, c. 125; 1987, c. 488.
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-217 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 2 / Section 29.1-217
Special conservation police officers receiving no compensation from Commonwealth
Status: in_force

A. On request of any employer owning more than 500 acres in this Commonwealth, the Director may appoint as special conservation police officers persons employed by the owner. No such special conservation police officer shall receive any compensation from the Commonwealth for his services as such. Any such special conservation police officer shall give the bond required by § 29.1-201 prior to serving. The powers and authority of such special conservation police officer shall not extend beyond the lands of his employer. The Director may require any special conservation police officer to perform duties on such lands as are required for the enforcement of this chapter.

B. On request of two or more adjoining landowners who own 1,000 or more contiguous acres in this Commonwealth, the Director may appoint as special conservation police officers persons employed by one or more of the landowners. No such special conservation police officer shall receive any compensation from the Commonwealth for his services as such. Any such special conservation police officer shall give the bond required by § 29.1-201 prior to serving. The powers and authority of such special conservation police officer shall not extend beyond the lands of the adjoining landowners requesting the appointment of the special conservation police officer. The Director may require any special conservation police officer to perform duties on such lands as are required for the enforcement of this chapter.

C. The Commonwealth and the Department shall not be liable in any manner for the acts or omissions of special conservation police officers appointed pursuant to this section occurring during the performance of their duties as special conservation police officers.

D. Each request for appointment of a special conservation police officer shall be accompanied by a nonrefundable fee of $100 to defray the cost of processing the request.

1954, c. 700, § 29-37.1; 1987, c. 488; 1994, c. 411 ; 1997, c. 185 ; 2007, c. 87 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-608 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 6 / Section 29.1-608
Repealed
Status: repealed

Repealed by Acts 1994, c. 753 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-554 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 5 / Article 5 / Section 29.1-554
Violation of sanctuaries, refuges, preserves and water used for propagation
Status: in_force

It shall be unlawful for any person, including a property owner, to commit the following acts, the violation of which shall constitute a Class 3 misdemeanor:

1. To violate any regulation of the Board concerning refuges, sanctuaries and public shooting or fishing preserves in impounded waters or in forest and watershed areas owned by the United States government;

2. To damage the boundary enclosure of or enter a game refuge owned, leased or operated by the Board for the purpose of harassing any bird or animal, or permit his dog or livestock to go thereon;

3. To fish or trespass with intent to fish upon any waters or lands being utilized for fish propagation, or damage or destroy any pond, pool, flume, dam, pipeline, property or appliance belonging to or being utilized by the Board; or

4. To interfere with, obstruct, pollute, or diminish the natural flow of water into or through a fish hatchery.

Code 1950, § 29-171; 1987, c. 488; 2020, c. 315 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-505.1 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 5 / Article 1 / Section 29.1-505.1
Conspiracy; penalty
Status: in_force

If any person conspires with another to commit any offense defined in this title or any of the regulations of the Board, and one or more such persons does any act to effect the object of the conspiracy, he shall be guilty of conspiracy to commit the underlying offense and shall be subject to the same punishment prescribed for the offense the commission of which was the object of the conspiracy.

1989, c. 362; 2020, c. 958 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-101.1 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 1 / Article 1 / Section 29.1-101.1
Lifetime Hunting and Fishing Endowment Fund
Status: in_force

There is hereby established in the state treasury a special fund to be designated the "Lifetime Hunting and Fishing Endowment Fund." This fund shall consist of proceeds from the sale of lifetime hunting and fishing licenses as provided in § 29.1-302.1 and any gifts, grants and contributions which are specifically designated for inclusion in the Fund.

The income and principal of this Fund shall be used only for the purposes of administering the lifetime hunting and fishing license program and supporting the wildlife conservation programs of the Department.

The Board shall serve as trustee of the Fund and these funds shall be withdrawn and expended for the purposes stated in this section by order of the Board. The State Treasurer shall be custodian of the funds. No part of such Fund, either principal or interest earned thereon, shall revert to the general fund of the state treasury.

1987, c. 95, § 29-20.1; 2020, c. 958 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-746 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 7 / Article 3 / Section 29.1-746
Penalties
Status: in_force

A. Unless specified otherwise, any person who violates any provision of this chapter or any regulation adopted under this chapter shall be guilty of a Class 4 misdemeanor for each such violation.

B. Upon the conviction of any person for the violation of any provision of this chapter or any regulation adopted thereunder for which the criminal penalty is a Class 3 misdemeanor or greater, the court shall order the person to complete and pass a boating safety course approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators and accepted by the Department. A list of such courses shall be made available by the Department. Any person who has been ordered by the court to complete and pass a boating safety course shall submit to the court, in a form approved by the Department, proof of completion and passage of the course within six months of the time of his conviction. If the person who has been required to complete and pass a boating safety course is under 18 years of age, the court may require the person to obtain parental consent to enroll in the course. If the person does not complete and pass the boating safety course within the prescribed time period, the court may, for good cause, extend the period for completion; however, absent good cause, the court shall impose a fine not to exceed $250.

1960, c. 500, § 62-174.18; 1962, c. 626; 1964, c. 654; 1968, c. 659, § 62.1-185; 1984, c. 417; 1987, c. 488; 2006, c. 23 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-334 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 3 / Article 1 / Section 29.1-334
Certificate when license lost or destroyed
Status: in_force

If a license, other than a license issued by electronic means or a temporary license as described in § 29.1-335 , is lost or destroyed, the person to whom the license is issued may immediately apply to the clerk or agent who issued the license for a license certificate. Upon written statement that the license has been lost or destroyed, the clerk or agent shall issue a license certificate and endorse the number of the original license and date of issue thereon. A temporary license that is lost or destroyed may not be replaced with a license certificate. The fee of the clerk or agent for filing the statement and issuing a license certificate shall be twenty-five cents for agents and as prescribed in subdivision A 30 of § 17.1-275 for clerks and shall be paid by the applicant. The clerk or agent shall not be required to remit his fees for issuing license certificates. No licenses shall be redeemed or exchanged. Damaged licenses shall be returned to the Department in a manner prescribed by the Director, and proper deductions from the gross amount shall then be made. The Department shall furnish forms of written statements and license certificates and shall make available equipment and materials as needed or as required by this section. Replacement of any lost or destroyed license issued by electronic means should be made in a manner prescribed by the Director.

Code 1950, § 29-74; 1976, c. 660; 1987, c. 488; 1994, c. 432 ; 2000, c. 132 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-316 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 3 / Article 1 / Section 29.1-316
Special fishing permits for certain youth camps
Status: in_force

A. Upon receipt of an application from an officer or designated representative of any organized nonprofit tax-exempt youth camp, the Director shall issue a permit for the duration of any season of such youth camp that allows camp members under 18 years of age and camp employees to fish without licenses in public waters adjacent to property owned by the camp. Such permit shall not be issued for use in designated waters stocked with trout or in waters where a daily fishing fee has been imposed pursuant to § 29.1-318 .

B. The application for the permit shall state the name and description of the group, certification of the group's tax-exempt status, the period of time during which it will be used, the general area in which it will be used, and the name of the person or organization responsible for the group.

1980, c. 52, § 29-55.3:3; 1982, c. 27; 1987, c. 488; 2020, c. 570 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-209 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 2 / Section 29.1-209
Inspection of game and fish without arrest
Status: in_force

In order to see that bag or creel limits are being observed, conservation police officers shall also have the power to inspect game, fur-bearing animals and fish taken by any person found hunting, trapping or fishing without arresting the person.

Code 1950, § 29-34; 1962, c. 469; 1987, c. 488.
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-530.5 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 5 / Article 2.1 / Section 29.1-530.5
Wildlife Violator Compact
Status: in_force

ARTICLE I

Findings, Declaration of Policy, and Purpose

(a) The participating states find that:

(1) Wildlife resources are managed in trust by the respective states for the benefit of all residents and visitors;

(2) The protection of the wildlife resources of a state is materially affected by the degree of compliance with state statutes, laws, regulations, rules, and ordinances relating to the management of those resources;

(3) The preservation, protection, management, and restoration of wildlife contributes immeasurably to the aesthetic, recreational, and economic aspects of such natural resources;

(4) Wildlife resources are valuable without regard to political boundaries; therefore, every person should be required to comply with wildlife preservation, protection, management, and restoration statutes, laws, rules, regulations, and ordinances of the participating states as a condition precedent to the continuance or issuance of any license to hunt, fish, trap, or possess wildlife;

(5) Violation of wildlife laws interferes with the management of wildlife resources and may endanger the safety of persons and property;

(6) The mobility of many wildlife law violators necessitates the maintenance of channels of communication among the various states;

(7) In most instances, a person who is cited for a wildlife violation in a state other than the person's home state:

(i) Is required to post collateral or a bond to secure an appearance for a trial at a later date;

(ii) Is taken into custody until the collateral or bond is posted; or

(iii) Is taken directly to court for an immediate appearance;

(8) The purpose of the enforcement practices set forth in paragraph (7) of this subsection is to ensure compliance with the terms of a wildlife citation by the cited person who, if permitted to continue on the person's way after receiving the citation, could return to the person's home state and disregard any duty under the terms of the citation;

(9) In most instances, a person receiving a wildlife citation in the person's home state is permitted to accept the citation from the officer at the scene of the violation and immediately continue on the person's way after agreeing or being instructed to comply with the terms of the citation;

(10) The practices described in paragraph (7) of this subsection cause unnecessary inconvenience and, at times, a hardship for the person who is unable at the time to post collateral, furnish a bond, stand trial, or pay a fine, and thus is compelled to remain in custody until some alternative arrangement is made; and

(11) The enforcement practices described in paragraph (7) of this subsection consume an undue amount of law-enforcement time.

(b) It is the policy of the participating states to:

(1) Promote compliance with the statutes, laws, regulations, rules, and ordinances relating to management of wildlife resources in their respective states;

(2) Recognize a suspension of wildlife license privileges of any person whose license privileges have been suspended by a participating state and treat that suspension as if it had occurred in each respective state;

(3) Allow a violator, except as provided in Article III, subsection (b) of this compact, to accept a wildlife citation and, without delay, proceed on the person's way, regardless of the violator's home state, if that state is a party to this compact;

(4) Report to the appropriate participating state, as provided in the compact manual, any conviction recorded against a person whose home state was not the issuing state;

(5) Allow the home state to recognize and treat convictions recorded against its residents, which convictions occurred in a participating state, as though they had occurred in the home state;

(6) Extend cooperation to its fullest extent among the participating states for enforcing compliance with the terms of a wildlife citation issued in one participating state to a resident of another participating state;

(7) Maximize the effective use of law-enforcement personnel and information; and

(8) Assist court systems in the efficient disposition of wildlife violations.

(c) The purpose of this compact is to:

(1) Provide a means through which participating states may join in a reciprocal program to effectuate the policies enumerated in subsection (b) of this article in a uniform and orderly manner; and

(2) Provide for the fair and impartial treatment of wildlife violators operating within participating states in recognition of the violator's right to due process and the sovereign status of a participating state.

ARTICLE II

Definitions

As used in this compact, unless the context requires otherwise, the following words have the meanings indicated:

(a) "Citation" means any summons, complaint, summons and complaint, ticket, penalty assessment, or other official document issued to a person by a wildlife officer or other law-enforcement officer for a wildlife violation that contains an order requiring the person to respond.

(b) "Collateral" means any cash or other security deposited to secure an appearance for trial in connection with the issuance by a wildlife officer or other law-enforcement officer of a citation for a wildlife violation.

(c) "Compliance" with respect to a citation means the act of answering a citation through an appearance in a court or tribunal, or through the payment of fines, costs, and surcharges, if any.

(d) "Conviction" means a conviction that results in suspension or revocation of a license, including any court conviction, for an offense related to the preservation, protection, management, or restoration of wildlife that is prohibited by state statute, law, regulation, rule, or ordinance. The term also includes the forfeiture of any bail, bond, or other security deposited to secure the appearance of a person charged with having committed the offense, the payment of a penalty assessment, a plea of nolo contendere, or the imposition of a deferred or suspended sentence by the court.

(e) "Court" means a court of law, including magistrate's court and the justice of the peace court.

(f) "Home state" means the state of primary residence of a person.

(g) "Issuing state" means the participating state that issues a wildlife citation to the violator.

(h) "License" means a license, permit, or other public document that conveys to the person to whom it was issued the privilege of pursuing, possessing, or taking any wildlife regulated by statute, law, regulation, rule, or ordinance of a participating state.

(i) "Licensing authority" means the governmental unit in each participating state that is authorized by law to issue or approve licenses or permits to hunt, fish, trap, or possess wildlife.

(j) "Participating state" means a state that enacts legislation to become a member of this Wildlife Violator Compact.

(k) "Personal recognizance" means an agreement by a person made at the time of issuance of the wildlife citation that such person will comply with the terms of the citation.

(l) "State" means any state, territory, or possession of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the provinces of Canada, and other countries.

(m) "Suspension" means any revocation, denial, or withdrawal of any or all license privileges, including the privilege to apply for, purchase, or exercise the benefits conferred by a license.

(n) "Terms of the citation" means the conditions and options expressly stated upon the citation.

(o) "Wildlife" means all species of animals including, but not limited to, mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, amphibians, mollusks, and crustaceans, that are defined as "wildlife" and are protected or otherwise regulated by statute, law, rule, regulation, or ordinance in a participating state. Species included in the definition of "wildlife" vary from state to state and the determination of whether a species is "wildlife" for the purposes of this Compact shall be based on the law of the issuing state.

(p) "Wildlife law" means a statute, law, regulation, rule, or ordinance developed and enacted for the management of wildlife resources and the uses thereof.

(q) "Wildlife officer" means any individual authorized by a participating state to issue a citation for a wildlife violation.

(r) "Wildlife violation" means any cited violation of a statute, law, regulation, rule, or ordinance developed and enacted for the management of wildlife resources and the uses thereof.

ARTICLE III

Procedures for Issuing State

(a) When issuing a citation for a wildlife violation, a wildlife officer shall issue a citation to any person whose primary residence is in a participating state in the same manner as though the person were a resident of the issuing state and shall not require such person to post collateral to secure appearance, subject to the exceptions noted in subsection (b) of this article, if the officer receives the recognizance of such person that he will comply with the terms of the citation.

(b) Personal recognizance is acceptable if not prohibited by local law; by policy, procedure, or regulation of the issuing agency; or by the compact manual and if the violator provides adequate proof of identification to the wildlife officer.

(c) Upon conviction or failure of a person to comply with the terms of a wildlife citation, the appropriate official shall report the conviction or failure to comply to the licensing authority of the participating state in which the wildlife citation was issued. The report shall be made in accordance with procedures specified by the issuing state and must contain information as specified in the compact manual as minimum requirements for effective processing by the home state.

(d) Upon receiving the report of conviction or noncompliance pursuant to subsection (c) of this article, the licensing authority of the issuing state shall transmit to the licensing authority of the home state of the violator the information in the form and content prescribed in the compact manual.

ARTICLE IV

Procedure for Home State

(a) Upon receipt of a report from the licensing authority of the issuing state reporting the failure of a violator to comply with the terms of a citation, the licensing authority of the home state shall notify the violator and shall initiate a suspension action in accordance with the home state's suspension procedures and shall suspend the violator's license privileges until satisfactory evidence of compliance with the terms of the wildlife citation has been furnished by the issuing state to the home state licensing authority. Due process safeguards shall be accorded to the violator.

(b) Upon receipt of a report of conviction from the licensing authority of the issuing state, the licensing authority of the home state shall enter such conviction in its records and shall treat such conviction as though the conviction had occurred in the home state for the purposes of the suspension of license privileges.

(c) The licensing authority of the home state shall maintain a record of actions taken and shall make reports to issuing states as provided in the compact manual.

ARTICLE V

Reciprocal Recognition of Suspension

(a) All participating states shall recognize the suspension of license privileges of a person by a participating state as though the violation resulting in the suspension had occurred in their state and could have been the basis for suspension of license privileges in their state.

(b) Each participating state shall communicate suspension information to other participating states in a form and content prescribed in the compact manual.

ARTICLE VI

Applicability of Other Laws

Except as expressly required by provisions of this compact, nothing in this compact may be construed to affect the right of a participating state to apply any of its laws relating to license privileges to any person or circumstance or to invalidate or prevent any agreement or other cooperative arrangement between a participating state and a nonparticipating state concerning the enforcement of wildlife laws.

ARTICLE VII

Compact Administrator Procedures

(a) For the purpose of administering the provisions of this compact and to serve as a governing body for the resolution of all matters relating to the operation of this compact, a Board of Compact Administrators is established. The board shall be composed of one representative from each of the participating states to be known as the compact administrator. The compact administrator shall be appointed by the head of the licensing authority of each participating state and shall serve and be subject to removal in accordance with the laws of the state he or she represents. A compact administrator may provide for an alternate for the discharge of his or her duties and the performance of his or her functions as a board member. An alternate is not entitled to serve unless written notification of the alternate's identity has been given to the board.

(b) Each member of the Board of Compact Administrators shall be entitled to one vote. No action of the board shall be binding unless taken at a meeting at which a majority of the total number of the board's votes are cast in favor thereof. Action by the board shall be only at a meeting at which a majority of the participating states are represented.

(c) The board shall elect annually from its membership a chairman and vice chairman.

(d) The board shall adopt bylaws not inconsistent with the provisions of this compact or the laws of a participating state for the conduct of its business and shall have the power to amend and rescind its bylaws.

(e) The board may accept for any of its purposes and functions under this compact any and all donations and grants of moneys, equipment, supplies, materials, and services, conditional or otherwise, from any state, the United States, or any governmental unit, and may receive, utilize, and dispose of those grants and donations.

(f) The board may contract with, or accept services or personnel from, any governmental or intergovernmental unit, individual, firm, or corporation, or any private nonprofit organization or institution.

(g) The board shall formulate all necessary procedures and develop uniform forms and documents for administering the provisions of this compact. All procedures and forms adopted pursuant to board action shall be contained in a compact manual.

ARTICLE VIII

Entry into Compact and Withdrawal

(a) This compact shall become effective at such time as it is adopted in substantially similar form by two or more states.

(b) Entry into the compact shall be made by resolution of ratification executed by the authorized officials of the applying state and submitted to the chairman of the board. The resolution shall substantially be in the form and content as provided in the compact manual and shall include the following:

(1) A citation of the authority from which the state is empowered to become a party to this compact;

(2) An agreement of compliance with the terms and provisions of this compact; and

(3) An agreement that compact entry is with all states participating in the compact and with all additional states legally becoming a party to the compact.

(c) The effective date of entry shall be specified by the applying state, but may not be less than 60 days after notice has been given by the chairman of the Board of Compact Administrators or by the secretariat of the board to each participating state that the resolution from the applying state has been received.

(d) A participating state may withdraw from this compact by official written notice to each participating state, but withdrawal shall not become effective until 90 days after the notice of withdrawal is given. The notice shall be directed to the compact administrator of each member state. The withdrawal of any state does not affect the validity of this compact as to the remaining participating states.

ARTICLE IX

Amendments to the Compact

(a) This Compact may be amended from time to time. Amendments shall be presented in resolution form to the chairman of the Board of Compact Administrators and shall be initiated by one or more participating states.

(b) Adoption of an amendment shall require endorsement by all participating states and shall become effective 30 days after the date of the last endorsement.

(c) Failure of a participating state to respond to the compact chairman within 120 days after receipt of a proposed amendment shall constitute endorsement of the proposed amendment.

ARTICLE X

Construction and Severability

This compact shall be liberally construed so as to effectuate the purposes stated herein. The provisions of this compact shall be severable and if any phrase, clause, sentence, or provision of this compact is declared to be contrary to the constitution of a participating state or of the United States, or if the applicability thereof to any government, unit, individual, or circumstance is held invalid, the validity of the remainder of this compact shall not be affected thereby. If this compact is held contrary to the constitution of a participating state, the compact shall remain in full force and effect as to the remaining states and in full force and effect as to the participating state affected as to all severable matters.

ARTICLE XI

Title

This compact shall be known as the "Wildlife Violator Compact."

2009, c. 648 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-101.01 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 1 / Article 1 / Section 29.1-101.01
Capital Improvement Fund
Status: in_force

There is hereby created in the state treasury a special, nonreverting fund to be known as the Capital Improvement Fund, hereafter referred to as "the Fund." The Fund shall consist of those funds that may be so designated by the Board and any gifts, grants, and contributions from any person, foundation, or other legal entity. In addition, the Board may transfer to this Fund an amount equal to fifty percent or less of the revenue generated annually from the sales and use tax which has been deposited in the Game Protection Fund pursuant to subsection E of § 58.1-638 . The income and principal in the Fund shall be used only for the purchase, construction, maintenance, or repair of capital assets of the Department.

The Fund shall be established on the books of the Comptroller. All moneys received shall be paid into the state treasury and credited to the Fund. Interest earned on the moneys in the Fund shall remain in the Fund and be credited to the Fund. Any moneys remaining in the Fund, including interest thereon, at the end of each fiscal year shall not revert to the general fund but shall remain in the Fund, except as provided in subsection E of § 58.1-638 .

1998, c. 320 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-553.1 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 5 / Article 5 / Section 29.1-553.1
Penalty for wanton waste
Status: in_force

Any person violating a regulation adopted by the Board to prohibit wanton waste shall be guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor.

2019, c. 150 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-535 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 5 / Article 3 / Section 29.1-535
Reciprocal agreement as to fishing in such waters
Status: in_force

The Board shall have the necessary authority to enter into a reciprocal agreement with an adjoining jurisdiction having inland waters lying adjacent to Virginia land or water relating to the following:

1. A sport fishing license acquired in an adjoining jurisdiction shall be recognized when it is used by the person whose name appears on the face of such license, when such licensee is fishing in that portion of inland waters lying in either Virginia or the other jurisdiction or partly in each of the jurisdictions. Such recognition shall be contingent upon a reciprocal recognition by the adjoining jurisdiction to a licensee of Virginia who is fishing in the same waters.

2. Creel limits, open seasons for fishing and all other laws and regulations of the jurisdiction entering into the agreement shall be strictly observed, and any person failing to comply with the regulations set up under the agreement shall be guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor and punished accordingly.

1952, c. 484, § 29-153.2; 1964, c. 74; 1970, c. 194; 1980, c. 28; 1987, c. 488; 1991, c. 200.
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-811 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 8 / Article 2 / Section 29.1-811
Issuance, expiration and renewal of dealers' certificates of license
Status: in_force

All dealer certificates of license shall be issued for a period of twelve consecutive months except, at the discretion of the Director, the periods may be adjusted as is necessary to distribute the certificates as equally as practicable on a monthly basis. The expiration date shall be the last day of the twelfth month of validity or the last day of the designated month. Every dealer certificate of license shall be renewed annually upon application by the owner and by payment of fees required by law, and such renewal shall take effect on the first day of the succeeding month.

1988, c. 592.
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-578 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 5 / Article 8 / Section 29.1-578
Definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this article, unless the context requires a different meaning:

"Human-caused barrier" means a road, culvert, fence, wall, commercial or residential development, or other human-made structure that has the potential to affect the natural movement of fish or wildlife across a landscape.

"Plan" means the Wildlife Corridor Action Plan established pursuant to this article.

"Wildlife corridor" means an area connecting fragmented wildlife habitats separated by human activities or infrastructure.

2020, cc. 323 , 672 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-819 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 8 / Article 2 / Section 29.1-819
Grounds for denying, suspending or revoking licenses
Status: in_force

A license may be denied, suspended or revoked on any one or more of the following grounds:

1. Material misstatement in application for license.

2. Willful failure to comply with any provision of this chapter or any lawful regulation promulgated by the Board under this chapter.

3. Being a watercraft dealer, failure to have an established place of business as defined in § 29.1-801 .

4. Willfully defrauding any retail buyer, to the buyer's damage, or any other person in the conduct of the licensee's business.

5. Employment of fraudulent devices, methods or practices in connection with compliance with the requirements under the statutes of this Commonwealth with respect to the retaking of watercraft under retail installment contracts and the redemption and resale of such watercraft.

6. Having used unfair methods of competition or unfair deceptive acts or practices.

7. Knowingly advertising by any means any assertion, representation or statement of fact which is untrue, misleading or deceptive in any particular relating to the conduct of the business licensed or for which a license is sought.

8. Having been convicted of any fraudulent act in connection with the business of selling watercraft.

9. Having been convicted of a crime involving the acquisition or transference of title to a watercraft.

10. Willfully retaining title to a watercraft that has not been completely and legally assigned.

11. Failure to submit to the Director any application or fees collected for the Department on behalf of the buyer within thirty days of receipt.

1988, c. 592.
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-502 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 5 / Article 1 / Section 29.1-502
Adoption of regulations
Status: in_force

The board may adopt regulations and amendments to regulations upon completion of all applicable hearing and notice requirements. The Board shall file the regulations with the Registrar of Regulations pursuant to § 2.2-4103 .

Code 1950, § 29-127; 1974, c. 56; 1979, c. 264; 1987, c. 488.
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-747 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 7 / Article 4 / Section 29.1-747
Repealed
Status: repealed

Repealed by Acts 1998, cc. 84 and 563 , and repealed by Acts 1998, cc. 443 , 512 , 514 , 515 , 537 , effective January 1, 1999.
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-818 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 8 / Article 2 / Section 29.1-818
Licenses of salesmen, etc., to be carried, etc.; change of employer
Status: in_force

Every watercraft dealer, watercraft salesman, watercraft demonstrator, factory representative and distributor representative shall carry his license when engaged in his business and shall display the same upon request. The license shall name his employer and, in the event of a change of employer, he shall immediately mail his license to the Director, who shall endorse such change on the license without a charge.

1988, c. 592; 1998, c. 515 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-603 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 6 / Section 29.1-603
No taking of game before compliance with requirements of Board
Status: in_force

Until the requirements specified by the Board have been fulfilled by the applicant to the satisfaction of the Board and certified to and accepted by the Board, it shall be unlawful to shoot, attempt to shoot, or to take any game of the species licensed under this chapter on premises so licensed.

A violation of this section shall be punishable as a Class 3 misdemeanor.

Code 1950, § 29-41; 1987, c. 488; 1989, c. 421.
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-733.18 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 7 / Article 2.1 / Section 29.1-733.18
Effect of missing or incorrect information
Status: in_force

Except as otherwise provided in § 8.9A-337 , a certificate of title or other record required or authorized by this article is effective even if it contains incorrect information or does not contain required information.

2013, c. 787 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-735 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 7 / Article 3 / Section 29.1-735
Regulations for vessel operation and equipment
Status: in_force

A. The Board shall adopt such regulations as it deems appropriate: (i) to provide rules for the safe and reasonable operation of vessels so as to reduce the risks of collision, personal injury and property damage as a result of such operation; and (ii) to govern the number, type, condition, performance capabilities, use, and stowage on board, of lifesaving (personal flotation) devices and other safety equipment to be carried on vessels or classes of vessels operated on waters within the territorial limits of this Commonwealth.

B. The Board is hereby authorized to make regulations to the extent necessary to keep these requirements generally in conformity with the provisions of the federal navigation laws, or with the rules promulgated by the United States Coast Guard or the United States Secretary of Transportation.

C. No person shall operate or give permission for the operation of a vessel which is not equipped as required by Board regulations.

1984, c. 417, § 62.1-172.1; 1987, c. 488.
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-309.2 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 3 / Article 1 / Section 29.1-309.2
Special lifetime trapping license for senior citizens
Status: in_force

Any resident who is 65 years of age or older may apply for and receive from the Department, for a fee of $10 or as subsequently revised by the Board pursuant to § 29.1-103 , a special lifetime trapping license. Such a person shall provide proof of his age acceptable to the Director.

2003, c. 145 ; 2009, c. 9 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-824 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 8 / Article 2 / Section 29.1-824
Appeals to Court of Appeals; bond
Status: in_force

Either party may appeal from the decision of the court to the Court of Appeals. Such appeals shall be taken and prosecuted in the same manner and with like effect as is provided by law in other cases appealed as a matter of right to the Court of Appeals.

1988, c. 592; 1996, c. 573 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-343 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 3 / Article 2 / Section 29.1-343
Fees for waterfowl blind licenses
Status: in_force

The fees for waterfowl blind licenses shall be as follows or as such fees may be subsequently revised by the Board pursuant to § 29.1-103 :

1. For a stationary blind erected in the public waters or on the shores of the riparian owner to shoot over the public waters, seventeen dollars and fifty cents.

2. For a floating blind, in the public waters, to shoot over the public waters, thirty-five dollars.

Code 1950, § 29-84; 1974, c. 363; 1987, c. 488; 1988, c. 250; 2009, c. 9 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-600.1 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 6 / Section 29.1-600.1
Board to promulgate regulations
Status: in_force

The Board shall promulgate regulations necessary to carry out the provisions of this chapter, including, but not limited to, requirements for the licensing and operation of all shooting preserves located within this Commonwealth. In promulgating such regulations the Board shall follow the procedure established in §§ 29.1-501 through 29.1-504 . The Department may recover from the licensee actual costs incurred by the Department for investigating or disposing of shooting preserve animals that exhibit disease or are not properly confined in violation of Board regulations.

1994, c. 753 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-733.24 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 7 / Article 2.1 / Section 29.1-733.24
Rights of secured party
Status: in_force

A. Subject to subsection B or C, the effect of perfection and nonperfection of a security interest and the priority of a perfected or unperfected security interest with respect to the rights of a purchaser or creditor, including a lien creditor, is governed by Titles 8.1A through 8.10.

B. A security interest perfected under this article has priority over any statutory lien on the watercraft, except for a mechanics lien for repairs to the extent of $150 given by § 43-33 if the requirements are met, provided the mechanic furnishes the holder of any such recorded lien who requests it with an itemized sworn statement of the work done and materials supplied for which the lien is claimed.

C. If, while a security interest in a watercraft is perfected by any method under this article, the Department creates a certificate of title that does not indicate that the watercraft is subject to the security interest or contain a statement that it may be subject to security interests not indicated on the certificate:

1. A buyer of the watercraft, other than a person in the business of selling or leasing watercraft of that kind, takes free of the security interest if the buyer, acting in good faith and without knowledge of the security interest, gives value and receives possession of the watercraft; and

2. The security interest is subordinate to a conflicting security interest in the watercraft that is perfected under § 29.1-733.15 after creation of the certificate and without the conflicting secured party's knowledge of the security interest.

2013, c. 787 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-750 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 7 / Article 4 / Section 29.1-750
Exemptions
Status: in_force

The provisions of this article shall not apply to participants in regattas, races, marine parades, tournaments, or exhibitions approved by the Board or United States Coast Guard.

1991, c. 320.
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-550 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 5 / Article 5 / Section 29.1-550
Taking game or fish during closed season or exceeding bag limit
Status: in_force

It is unlawful for any person to (i) take or attempt to take any wild bird, wild animal, or fish during the closed season; (ii) exceed the bag or creel limit for any wild bird, wild animal, or fish; or (iii) possess over the daily bag or creel limit for any wild bird, wild animal, or fish while in the forests, fields, or waters of the Commonwealth. Any person convicted of violating any provisions of this section is guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor and may also be prohibited by the court from hunting, trapping, or fishing in the Commonwealth for a period of one to five years.

Code 1950, § 29-163; 1950, p. 936; 1952, c. 78; 1958, c. 444; 1962, c. 469; 1987, c. 488; 1988, c. 19; 2020, c. 311 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-543.1 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 5 / Article 4 / Section 29.1-543.1
Introduction, stocking, and release of blue catfish; penalty
Status: in_force

A. It is unlawful for any person to introduce into or stock in waters of the Commonwealth, including private ponds or lakes, the blue catfish or its hybrids or to release any blue catfish or any such hybrid into any water body other than that in which it was caught.

B. Any person who violates any provision of this section is guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor.

2015, c. 470 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-737 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 7 / Article 3 / Section 29.1-737
Muffling devices
Status: in_force

The exhaust of every internal combustion engine used on any motorboat shall be effectively muffled by equipment so constructed and used as to muffle the noise of the exhaust in a reasonable manner. The muffling device shall exhaust at or below the water line or it shall be equipped with mechanical baffles. The use of cutouts is prohibited, except as approved by the Department or the U.S. Coast Guard.

1960, c. 500, § 62-174.9; 1968, c. 659, § 62.1-175; 1987, c. 488; 1997, c. 108 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-521 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 5 / Article 2 / Section 29.1-521
Unlawful to hunt, trap, possess, sell, or transport wild birds and wild animals except as permitted; exception; penalty
Status: in_force

A. The following is unlawful:

1. To hunt or kill on Sunday (i) any wild bird or wild animal, including any nuisance species, with a gun, firearm, or other weapon, within 200 yards of a place of worship or any accessory structure thereof or (ii) any deer or bear with a gun, firearm, or other weapon with the aid or assistance of dogs.

2. To destroy or harass the nest, eggs, dens, or young of any wild bird or wild animal, except nuisance species, at any time without a permit as required by law.

3. To hunt or attempt to kill or trap any species of wild bird or wild animal after having obtained the daily bag or season limit during such day or season. However, any properly licensed person, or a person exempt from having to obtain a license, who has obtained such daily bag or season limit while hunting may assist others who are hunting game by calling game, retrieving game, handling dogs, or conducting drives if the weapon in his possession is an unloaded firearm, a bow without a nocked arrow, an unloaded slingbow, an unloaded arrowgun, or an unloaded crossbow. Any properly licensed person, or person exempt from having to obtain a license, who has obtained such season limit prior to commencement of the hunt may assist others who are hunting game by calling game, retrieving game, handling dogs, or conducting drives, provided he does not have a firearm, bow, slingbow, arrowgun, or crossbow in his possession.

4. To knowingly occupy any baited blind or other baited place for the purpose of taking or attempting to take any wild bird or wild animal or to put out bait or salt for any wild bird or wild animal for the purpose of taking or killing it. There shall be a rebuttable presumption that a person charged with violating this subdivision knows that he is occupying a baited blind or other baited place for the purpose of taking or attempting to take any wild bird or wild animal. However, this shall not apply to baiting nuisance species of animals and birds, or to baiting traps for the purpose of taking fur-bearing animals that may be lawfully trapped.

5. To kill or capture any wild bird or wild animal adjacent to any area while a field or forest fire is in progress.

6. To shoot or attempt to take any wild bird or wild animal from an automobile or other vehicle, except (i) as provided in § 29.1-521.3 or (ii) for the killing of nuisance species as defined in § 29.1-100 on private property by the owner of such property or his designee from a stationary automobile or other stationary vehicle.

7. To set a trap of any kind on the lands or waters of another without attaching to the trap: (i) the name and address of the trapper; or (ii) an identification number issued by the Department.

8. To set a trap where it would be likely to injure persons, dogs, stock, or fowl.

9. To fail to visit all traps once each day and remove all animals caught, and immediately report to the landowner as to stock, dogs, or fowl that are caught and the date. However, the Director or his designee may authorize employees of federal, state, and local government agencies, and persons holding a valid Commercial Nuisance Animal Permit issued by the Department, to visit body-gripping traps that are completely submerged at least once every 72 hours, and the Board may adopt regulations permitting trappers to visit traps less frequently under specified conditions. The Board shall adopt regulations permitting trappers to use remote trap-checking technology to check traps under specified conditions.

10. To hunt, trap, take, capture, kill, attempt to take, capture, or kill, possess, deliver for transportation, transport, cause to be transported, by any means whatever, receive for transportation or export, or import, at any time or in any manner, any wild bird or wild animal or the carcass or any part thereof, except as specifically permitted by law and only by the manner or means and within the numbers stated. However, the provisions of this section shall not be construed to prohibit the (i) use or transportation of legally taken turkey carcasses, or portions thereof, for the purposes of making or selling turkey callers; (ii) the manufacture or sale of implements, including tools or utensils made from legally harvested deer skeletal parts, including antlers; (iii) the possession of shed antlers; or (iv) the possession, manufacture, or sale of other parts or implements authorized by regulations adopted by the Board.

11. To offer for sale, sell, offer to purchase, or purchase, at any time or in any manner, any wild bird or wild animal or the carcass or any part thereof, except as specifically permitted by law, including subsection D of § 29.1-553 . However, any nonprofit organization exempt from taxation under § 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code that is (i) organized to provide wild game as food to the hungry and (ii) authorized by the Department to possess, transport, and distribute donated or unclaimed meat to the hungry may pay a processing fee in order to obtain such meat. Such fee shall not exceed the actual cost for processing the meat. In addition, any nonprofit organization exempt from taxation under § 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code that is (a) organized to support wildlife habitat conservation and (b) approved by the Department shall be allowed to offer wildlife mounts that have undergone the taxidermy process for sale in conjunction with fundraising activities. A violation of this subdivision shall be punishable as provided in § 29.1-553 .

12. To offer for sale, sell, offer to purchase, or purchase a hunt guaranteeing the killing of a deer, bear, or wild turkey. Nothing in this subdivision shall prevent a landowner from leasing land for hunting. A violation of this subdivision shall be punishable as provided in § 29.1-553 .

B. Notwithstanding any other provision of this article, any American Indian who produces verification that he is an enrolled member of a tribe recognized by the Commonwealth, another state, or the U.S. government, may possess, offer for sale, or sell to another American Indian, or offer to purchase or purchase from another American Indian, parts of legally obtained fur-bearing animals, nonmigratory game birds, and game animals, except bear. Such legally obtained parts shall include antlers, hooves, feathers, claws, and bones.

"Verification" as used in this section shall include (i) display of a valid tribal identification card, (ii) confirmation through a central tribal registry, (iii) a letter from a tribal chief or council, or (iv) certification from a tribal office that the person is an enrolled member of the tribe.

C. Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, the Department may authorize the use of snake exclusion devices by public utilities at their transmission or distribution facilities and the incidental taking of snakes resulting from the use of such devices.

D. A violation of subdivisions A 1 through 10 shall be punishable as a Class 3 misdemeanor.

Code 1950, § 29-143; 1962, c. 469; 1974, c. 302; 1979, c. 264; 1987, c. 488; 1988, c. 175; 1989, c. 421; 1990, c. 237; 1994, cc. 244 , 436 ; 1997, c. 249 ; 1998, c. 415 ; 2000, c. 13 ; 2001, cc. 26 , 60 ; 2004, c. 862 ; 2005, cc. 170 , 533 , 534 ; 2006, cc. 20 , 215 ; 2008, cc. 160 , 161 ; 2010, c. 10 ; 2014, cc. 152 , 482 ; 2015, c. 47 ; 2016, cc. 10 , 62 , 121 , 372 ; 2017, c. 530 ; 2018, cc. 113 , 557 , 558 , 620 ; 2019, c. 151 ; 2020, cc. 315 , 631 ; 2022, c. 98 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-530.3 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 5 / Article 2 / Section 29.1-530.3
Remote hunting prohibited; penalty
Status: in_force

A. It is unlawful for any person to engage in computer-assisted remote hunting or provide or operate a facility that allows others to engage in computer-assisted remote hunting if the wild animal or wild bird being hunted or shot is located in the Commonwealth.

B. Any person who violates this section is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. In addition to the penalty prescribed herein, the court shall revoke all current hunting licenses and privileges of the person convicted of violating this section and prohibit that person from hunting for a period of one to five years. Notification of the revocation or prohibition shall be forwarded to the Department pursuant to subsections C and D of § 18.2-56.1 .

C. For the purposes of this section "computer-assisted remote hunting" means the use of a computer or other device, equipment, or software, to remotely control the aiming and discharge of a firearm or other weapon, that allows a person, not physically present, to hunt or shoot any wild animal or wild bird.

2005, cc. 172 , 226 ; 2010, c. 183 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-816 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 8 / Article 2 / Section 29.1-816
Advertisement
Status: in_force

Unless the watercraft dealer is clearly identified by name, whenever any licensee places an advertisement in any newspaper or publication, the abbreviations "VA DLR," denoting a Virginia licensed dealer, shall appear therein.

1988, c. 592; 1995, c. 376 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-350 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 3 / Article 2 / Section 29.1-350
Exemption from application of article
Status: in_force

The provisions of this article shall not apply to the shores and public waters and marshes of Accomack and Northampton Counties. However, in those localities no person shall hunt migratory waterfowl, whether from a blind or otherwise, without having obtained a season license to hunt.

Code 1950, § 29-91; 1970, c. 644; 1987, c. 488; 1993, c. 209.
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-524 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 5 / Article 2 / Section 29.1-524
Forfeiture of vehicles and weapons used for killing or attempt to kill
Status: in_force

Every vehicle, firearm, crossbow, slingbow, arrowgun, bow and arrow, or speargun used with the knowledge or consent of the owner or lienholder thereof, in killing or attempting to kill deer between a half hour after sunset and a half hour before sunrise in violation of § 29.1-523 , and every vehicle used in the transportation of the carcass, or any part thereof, of a deer so killed shall be forfeited to the Commonwealth. Upon being condemned as forfeited in proceedings under Chapter 22.1 (§ 19.2-386.1 et seq.) of Title 19.2, the proceeds of sale shall be disposed of according to law.

1962, c. 520, § 29-144.3; 1978, c. 199; 1987, c. 488; 2002, c. 157 ; 2012, cc. 283 , 756 ; 2017, c. 530 ; 2018, cc. 557 , 558 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-302.1 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 3 / Article 1 / Section 29.1-302.1
Special lifetime hunting and fishing licenses for residents and nonresidents
Status: in_force

A. Any resident or nonresident individual may apply for and receive from the Department, after payment of the appropriate fee, any of the following lifetime licenses which shall be valid for the life of the individual, nontransferable, and permit the person to engage in the licensed activity on any property in the Commonwealth according to restrictions and regulations of law:

1. A basic resident lifetime hunting license, to be obtained for a fee of $250. This license is valid for the lifetime of the license holder even if the license holder becomes a nonresident of the Commonwealth subsequent to the purchase of the license.

2. A basic resident lifetime fishing license, to be obtained for a fee of $250. This license is valid for the lifetime of the license holder even if the license holder becomes a nonresident of the Commonwealth subsequent to the purchase of the license.

3. A basic nonresident lifetime hunting license, to be obtained for a fee of $500.

4. A basic nonresident lifetime fishing license, to be obtained for a fee of $500.

5. A basic senior resident lifetime hunting license and bear, deer, and turkey license, to be obtained for a fee of $200. This license is available only to a resident of the Commonwealth who is 80 years of age or older and shall be valid for the lifetime of the license holder even if the license holder becomes a nonresident of the Commonwealth subsequent to the purchase of the license. This license shall include any special license necessary under § 29.1-305 for hunting bear, deer, and turkey.

6. A junior resident lifetime hunting license that is valid until an individual's twelfth birthday, and which is transferable to a resident lifetime hunting license for no additional fee upon proof of completion of a hunter education course or equivalent, may be obtained for a fee of $250.

7. A junior nonresident lifetime hunting license that is valid until an individual's twelfth birthday, and which is transferable to a nonresident lifetime hunting license for no additional fee upon proof of completion of a hunter education course or equivalent, may be obtained for a fee of $500.

8. An infant resident lifetime hunting license, to be obtained for a fee of $125. This license shall be issued only to an individual who is younger than two years of age and shall be valid to be used as prescribed under subsection D1 of § 29.1-301 until an individual's twelfth birthday. Upon proof of completion of a hunter education course or equivalent, this license shall be transferable to a resident lifetime hunting license for no additional fee. This license shall remain valid even if the license holder becomes a nonresident of the Commonwealth subsequent to the purchase of the license.

9. An infant nonresident lifetime hunting license, to be obtained for a fee of $250. This license shall be issued only to an individual who is younger than two years of age and shall be valid to be used as prescribed under subsection D1 of § 29.1-301 until an individual's twelfth birthday. Upon proof of completion of a hunter education course or equivalent, this license shall be transferable to a nonresident lifetime hunting license for no additional fee. This license shall remain valid even if the license holder becomes a resident of the Commonwealth subsequent to the purchase of the license.

10. An infant resident lifetime fishing license, to be obtained for a fee of $125. This license shall be issued only to an individual who is younger than two years of age. This license is valid for the lifetime of the license holder even if the license holder becomes a nonresident of the Commonwealth subsequent to the purchase of the license.

11. An infant nonresident lifetime fishing license, to be obtained for a fee of $250. This license shall be issued only to an individual who is younger than two years of age. This license is valid for the lifetime of the license holder even if the license holder becomes a resident of the Commonwealth subsequent to the purchase of the license.

Such basic lifetime hunting licenses shall serve in lieu of the state resident hunting license as provided for in subdivision 2 of § 29.1-303 , or state nonresident hunting license as provided for in subdivision 3 of § 29.1-303 . Such basic lifetime fishing licenses shall serve in lieu of the state resident fishing license as provided for in subdivision A 2 of § 29.1-310 or state nonresident fishing license as provided for in subdivision A 3 of § 29.1-310 .

B. Applications for all lifetime hunting and fishing licenses authorized by this section shall be made to the Department. The form and issuance of such a license shall conform to the provisions of this chapter for all licenses.

Except as otherwise specifically provided by law, all money credited to, held by, or to be received by the Department from the sale of licenses authorized by this section shall be consolidated and placed in the Lifetime Hunting and Fishing Endowment Fund established in § 29.1-101.1 .

C. Any resident who is permanently disabled, as defined in § 58.1-3217 , who applies for either of the resident lifetime licenses authorized by this section shall receive such a license for a fee of $5. The applicant shall provide proof of permanent disability acceptable to the Director of the Department.

D. Any resident 45 years of age or older who applies for either of the resident lifetime licenses authorized by subdivision A 1 or A 2 shall receive such a license for one of the following fees based on age: age 45 through 50, $200; age 51 through 55, $150; age 56 through 60, $100; age 61 through 64, $50; and age 65 or older, $10.

E. The Board may subsequently revise the cost of licenses set forth in this section pursuant to § 29.1-103 .

1987, c. 95, § 29-52.3; 1988, c. 181; 1989, c. 427; 1996, cc. 7 , 109 , 810 ; 1997, c. 247 ; 2009, c. 9 ; 2010, c. 251 ; 2020, cc. 564 , 958 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-712 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 7 / Article 2 / Section 29.1-712
Repealed
Status: repealed

Repealed by Acts 2013, c. 787 , cl. 2, effective July 1, 2014.
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-101.8 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 1 / Article 1.1 / Section 29.1-101.8
Grants and loans for dams licensed under or by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
Status: in_force

In the event that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission issues a license for hydropower generation in connection with a dam that is the subject of a loan or grant from the Fund, that loan balance and all accrued interest and the full amount of the grant shall be due and payable one year from the date the federal license is issued or at the expiration of the term of the loan, whichever is earlier.

1989, c. 5, § 10.1-1220; 1992, cc. 464, 887.
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-738.5 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 7 / Article 3 / Section 29.1-738.5
Participation in rehabilitation program
Status: in_force

A. Any person convicted of a violation of subsection B of § 29.1-738 , or any ordinance of a county, city or town similar to the provisions thereof, or any second offense thereunder, shall, with leave of court or upon court order, enter into an alcohol safety action program certified by the Commission on the Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program (VASAP) in the judicial district in which the charge is brought or in any other judicial district upon such terms and conditions as the court may set forth. In the determination of the eligibility of such person to enter a program, the court shall consider his prior record of participation in any other rehabilitation program. Suspension of the penalties imposed pursuant to § 29.1-738.4 shall be conditioned upon successful completion of such a program.

B. The court shall require the person entering such program under the provisions of subsection A to pay a fee of no less than $250 but no more than $300. A reasonable portion of such fee, as may be determined by the Commission on VASAP, but not to exceed ten percent, shall be forwarded quarterly to be deposited with the State Treasurer for expenditure by the Commission on VASAP, and the balance shall be held in a separate fund for local administration of alcohol rehabilitation programs. Upon a finding that the defendant is indigent, the court may reduce or waive the fee. In addition to the costs of the proceeding, fees as may reasonably be required of defendants referred for extended treatment under such program may be charged.

C. Upon such conviction, the court shall impose the sentence authorized. Upon a finding that a person so convicted is eligible for participation in an alcohol rehabilitation program, the court shall enter the conviction on the warrant, and shall note that the person so convicted has been referred to a program. If the court finds that a person is not eligible for a program or subsequently that the person has violated, without good cause, any of the conditions set forth by the court in entering the program, the court shall dispose of the case as if no program had been entered. Appeals from any such disposition shall be allowed as provided by law.

The court shall have jurisdiction over any person entering a program under the provisions of this section until such time as the case has been disposed of by either successful completion of the program, or final imposition of sentence upon ineligibility or violation of a condition imposed by the court, whichever occurs first.

D. The Commission on VASAP shall establish standards and criteria for the implementation and operation of water safety alcohol rehabilitation programs. The Commission on VASAP shall also establish criteria for the modalities of administration of such programs, as well as public information, accounting procedures and allocation of funds.

1989, c. 726.
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-739 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 7 / Article 3 / Section 29.1-739
Duty of operator involved in collision, accident or other casualty; immunity from liability; report of collision, etc.; summons in lieu of arrest
Status: in_force

A. It shall be the duty of the operator of a vessel involved in a collision, accident, or other casualty, so far as he can do so without serious danger to his own vessel, crew, and passengers (if any), to render persons affected by the collision, accident, or other casualty such assistance as may be practicable and as may be necessary in order to minimize any danger caused by the collision, accident, or other casualty, and also give his name, address, and identification of his vessel in writing to any person injured and to the owner of any property damaged in the collision, accident, or other casualty. Any person who complies with this subsection or who gratuitously and in good faith renders assistance at the scene of a vessel collision, accident, or other casualty without objection of any person assisted, shall not be held liable for any civil damages as a result of the rendering of assistance or for any act or omission in providing or arranging salvage, towage, medical treatment or other assistance where the assisting person acts as an ordinary, reasonably prudent person would have acted under the same or similar circumstances.

B. In case of collision, accident, or other casualty involving a vessel, the operator of the vessel, if the collision, accident, or other casualty is of such a nature as to be reportable pursuant to regulations adopted by the Board, shall notify within a reasonable time a law-enforcement officer of the Commonwealth, conservation police officer, or Marine Resources Commission inspector.

The operator shall file with the Department a full report of the collision, accident, or other casualty, as the regulations of the Board may require. The report shall be without prejudice, shall be for the information of the Department only, and shall not be open to public inspection. The fact that such a report has been made shall be admissible in evidence solely to show compliance with this section and applicable regulations, but no such report nor any statement contained in the report shall be admissible as evidence for any other purpose in any trial.

C. Any officer investigating any collision, accident or other casualty shall have authority, in lieu of arresting any person charged with violating any of the provisions of this chapter, to issue a written summons to the person (stating name, address, boat number, offense charged, etc.) to appear in court as in § 46.2-936 .

1960, c. 500, § 62-174.11; 1962, c. 626; 1968, c. 659, § 62.1-177; 1972, c. 412; 1973, c. 381; 1987, c. 488; 1991, c. 336; 2007, c. 87 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-733.6 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 7 / Article 2.1 / Section 29.1-733.6
Certificate of title required
Status: in_force

A. No person shall operate a watercraft subject to titling under this chapter unless the owner has applied to the Department for a certificate of title for the watercraft or has been issued a valid temporary registration certificate as provided for in § 29.1-703.1 . Except as otherwise provided in subsections B through E, the owner of a watercraft for which Virginia is the state of principal use shall deliver to the Department an application for a certificate of title for the watercraft, with the applicable fee, not later than 20 days after the later of:

1. The date of a transfer of ownership; or

2. The date Virginia becomes the state of principal use.

B. An application for a certificate of title is not required for:

1. A documented vessel;

2. A foreign-documented vessel;

3. A barge;

4. A watercraft before delivery if the watercraft is under construction or completed pursuant to contract; or

5. A watercraft held by a dealer for sale or lease.

C. A dealer transferring a watercraft required to be titled under this article shall assign the title to the new owner or, in the case of a new watercraft, assign the certificate of origin. The dealer shall forward all fees and applications to the Department within 20 days of sale. Each dealer shall maintain a record for six years of any watercraft he bought, sold, exchanged, or received for sale or exchange. This record shall be available for inspection by Department representatives during reasonable business hours.

D. No dealer shall purchase or acquire a new watercraft without obtaining from the seller a certificate of origin. No manufacturer, importer, dealer, or other person shall sell or otherwise dispose of a new watercraft to a dealer for purposes of display and resale without delivering to the dealer a certificate of origin. The certificate of origin shall be a uniform or standardized form prescribed by the Department and shall contain:

1. On the front, a description of the watercraft including its trade name, if any, year, series or model, body type, and manufacturer's serial number; certification of date of transfer of watercraft and name and address of transferee; certification that this was the transfer of watercraft in ordinary trade and commerce; and the signature and address of a representative of the transferor; and

2. On the reverse side, an assignment form, including the name and address of the transferee, a certification that the watercraft is new, and a warranty that the title at the time of delivery is subject only to such liens and encumbrances as set forth and described in full in the assignment.

E. The Department shall not issue, transfer, or renew pursuant to the requirements of 46 U.S.C. § 12301, as amended, a certificate of number for a watercraft unless the Department has created a certificate of title for the watercraft or an application for a certificate for the watercraft and the applicable fee have been delivered to the Department. Any owner of a watercraft that was not previously required to be titled and whose certificate of number expires after January 1, 1998, shall apply for a certificate of title at the time of renewal of the certificate of number.

2013, c. 787 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-733.4 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 7 / Article 2.1 / Section 29.1-733.4
Supplemental principles of law and equity
Status: in_force

Unless displaced by a provision of this article, the principles of law and equity supplement its provisions.

2013, c. 787 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-700 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 7 / Article 1 / Section 29.1-700
Definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this chapter, unless the context clearly requires a different meaning:

"Motorboat" means any vessel propelled by machinery whether or not the machinery is the principal source of propulsion.

"No wake" means operation of a motorboat at the slowest possible speed required to maintain steerage and headway.

"Operate" means to navigate or otherwise control the movement of a motorboat or a vessel.

"Owner" means a person, other than a lien holder, having the property in or title to a motorboat. The term includes a person entitled to the use or possession of a motorboat subject to an interest in another person, reserved or created by agreement and securing payment of performance of an obligation, but the term excludes a lessee under a lease not intended as security.

"Personal watercraft" means a motorboat less than sixteen feet in length which uses an inboard motor powering a jet pump, as its primary motive power and which is designed to be operated by a person sitting, standing, or kneeling on, rather than in the conventional manner of sitting or standing inside, the vessel.

"Vessel" means every description of watercraft, other than a seaplane on the water, used or capable of being used as a means of transportation on water.

"Waters of the Commonwealth" means any public waters within the territorial limits of the Commonwealth, the adjacent marginal sea and the high seas when navigated as a part of a journey or ride to or from the Virginia shore.

Code 1960, c. 500, § 62-174.2; 1962, c. 626; 1968, c. 659, § 62.1-167; 1972, c. 412; 1987, c. 488; 1998, cc. 84 , 443 , 512 , 514 , 515 , 533 , 537 , 563 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-303 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 3 / Article 1 / Section 29.1-303
Fees to hunt
Status: in_force

The license fees to hunt shall be as follows or as such fees may be subsequently revised by the Board pursuant to § 29.1-103 :

1. County or city resident license to hunt in the county or city of residence only, $5.

2. State resident license to hunt in all counties and cities of the Commonwealth, issued to residents age 16 or older, $12.

3. State nonresident license for persons 16 years of age and older to hunt in all counties and cities of the Commonwealth, $80; however, for (i) nonresidents under the age of 12, $12, and (ii) nonresidents 12 years of age to 15 years of age, $15.

Code 1950, § 29-54; 1960, c. 566; 1974, c. 363; 1980, c. 494; 1987, c. 488; 1988, c. 250; 2003, c. 120 ; 2004, c. 269 ; 2009, c. 9 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-708 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 7 / Article 1 / Section 29.1-708
Transfer, destruction or abandonment of motorboat
Status: in_force

The owner shall furnish the Department with notice of (i) the transfer of all or any part of his interest other than the creation of a security interest in a motorboat numbered in Virginia pursuant to § 29.1-702 or § 29.1-704 or (ii) the destruction or abandonment of such motorboat, within fifteen days thereof. Such transfer, destruction, or abandonment shall terminate the certificate of number for the motorboat except that, in the case of a transfer of a part interest which does not affect the owner's right to operate such motorboat, the transfer shall not terminate the certificate of number.

1960, c. 500, § 62-174.5; 1962, c. 626; 1964, c. 654; 1968, c. 659, § 62.1-170; 1970, c. 240; 1972, c. 412; 1980, c. 256; 1983, c. 126; 1986, c. 125; 1987, c. 488.
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-101.7 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 1 / Article 1.1 / Section 29.1-101.7
Security for loans
Status: in_force

Each loan to an owner other than a local government shall be evidenced by appropriate bonds or notes of the borrower payable to the Fund. The Department may require in connection with any loan to an owner other than a local government such documents, instruments, certificates, legal opinions, and other information as it deems necessary or convenient. The Department may require such borrower to provide the Fund a security interest in the borrower's real and personal property and to procure such insurance, guarantees, letters of credit and other forms of security as the Department deems necessary to provide remedies to the Fund in case of loss or default.

1989, c. 5, § 10.1-1219; 1992, cc. 464, 887.
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-345.2 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 3 / Article 2 / Section 29.1-345.2
Damaged stationary blinds in Virginia Beach; civil penalty
Status: in_force

Any licensee who has a stationary blind located in the City of Virginia Beach that has been abandoned or does not meet the requirements for a blind set forth in § 29.1-341 shall place a PVC pipe marker with reflecting tape or gear six feet above mean low water at the site of the blind and shall immediately notify the Department that the blind has been marked in accordance with this section. The failure to place such a reflective marker within seven days of discovery of the blind's condition or within seven days of notification by the Department of the requirement to place a reflective marker shall subject the owner of the blind to a civil penalty not to exceed $100. All civil penalties assessed under this section shall be deposited in the Motorboat and Water Safety Fund of the Game Protection Fund and used as provided for in § 29.1-701 .

2016, c. 378 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-527.2 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 5 / Article 2 / Section 29.1-527.2
Localities may prohibit feeding of deer
Status: in_force

Any city or town may, by ordinance, prohibit the feeding of deer within its jurisdiction. The Department shall make available to localities a model ordinance suggested for use by localities. The penalty for violating such an ordinance shall be a civil fine not to exceed $50. It shall be the duty of the governing body enacting an ordinance under this section to notify the Director by registered mail of the adoption of such an ordinance.

Any such ordinance shall not apply to agricultural, commercial, noncommercial, or residential plantings; distribution of food to livestock; or wildlife management activities conducted or authorized by the Department. The ordinance shall not limit the authority of the Board to regulate feeding of wildlife consistent with this chapter.

2016, c. 376 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-304 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 3 / Article 1 / Section 29.1-304
Nonresident license to hunt within shooting preserves and foxhound training preserves
Status: in_force

Licenses are required for nonresidents of the Commonwealth to hunt within the boundaries of shooting preserves licensed under the provisions of Chapter 6 (§ 29.1-600 et seq.) or foxhound training preserves allowed under the authority of Chapter 4 (§ 29.1-400 et seq.). Such licenses shall be valid either within the boundaries of any licensed shooting preserves or any foxhound training preserves and may be in lieu of any license required by § 29.1-303 . The license fees shall be $12 or as subsequently revised by the Board pursuant to § 29.1-103 .

1958, c. 145, § 29-54.1; 1972, c. 149; 1980, c. 494; 1987, c. 488; 1988, c. 250; 2009, cc. 9 , 50 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-534 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 5 / Article 3 / Section 29.1-534
Right to fish in interjurisdictional inland waters
Status: in_force

A Virginia resident or a resident of an adjoining jurisdiction which has inland water lying adjacent to Virginia land or water may take fish with hook and line after complying with the requirements of the laws of the jurisdiction where the fishing occurs. For purposes of this section and § 29.1-535 , the term "jurisdiction" shall include the District of Columbia.

1952, c. 484, § 29-153.1; 1964, c. 74; 1970, c. 194; 1987, c. 488; 1991, c. 200; 2011, cc. 93 , 179 .