Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-574 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 5 / Article 7 / Section 29.1-574
Prohibitions
Status: in_force

A. No person shall knowingly import, possess, transport, sell, purchase, give, receive, or introduce into the Commonwealth any member of a species designated as a nonindigenous aquatic nuisance species without a permit from the Director issued pursuant to § 29.1-575 .

B. Subsection A shall not apply to any person who (i) lawfully catches a snakehead fish of the family Channidae, (ii) subsequently kills such fish, and (iii) notifies the Department, as soon as practicable, of his actions.

C. Subsection A shall not apply to any Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) plan (21 C.F.R. 120 et seq.) certified restaurant or retail market that purchases from an HACCP certified dealer or sells processed snakehead fish of the family Channidae.

2003, c. 446 ; 2005, c. 916 ; 2018, c. 559 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-701.1 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 7 / Article 1 / Section 29.1-701.1
Authority of Board to set fees
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding any other provision of this title, the Board may by regulation adopt revisions in the fees, as it deems appropriate, charged for motorboat registration certificates and certificates of title under this chapter. Such license fees may be increased or decreased beginning July 1, 2004; however, no fee shall be increased or decreased more frequently than once every three years thereafter and no fee shall be increased or decreased more than $5 during such period.

2004, c. 1027 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-302.03 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 3 / Article 1 / Section 29.1-302.03
Special licenses for certain nonresident disabled veterans
Status: in_force

A. Any nonresident veteran who is totally and permanently disabled due to a service-connected disability as certified by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs shall pay an amount equal to one-quarter the fee for the state nonresident hunting license required by subdivision 3 of § 29.1-303 . The license fees established by this subsection may be revised by the Board pursuant to § 29.1-103 .

B. Any nonresident veteran who is totally and permanently disabled due to a service-connected disability as certified by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs shall pay an amount equal to one-quarter the fee for the state nonresident fishing license required by subdivision A 3 of § 29.1-310 . However, this license shall not entitle such nonresident veteran to fish in designated waters stocked with trout by the Department or other public body. The license fees established by this subsection may be revised by the Board pursuant to § 29.1-103 .

2014, c. 587 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-200 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 2 / Section 29.1-200
Appointment of conservation police officers
Status: in_force

The Director shall appoint regular and special conservation police officers as he may deem necessary to enforce the game and inland fish laws and shall issue a certificate of appointment to each conservation police officer. Any special conservation police officer initially appointed after October 1, 2009, shall have a valid registration as a Special Conservator of the Peace from the Department of Criminal Justice Services.

Code 1950, §§ 29-24, 29-28; 1952, c. 608; 1979, c. 264; 1987, c. 488; 1994, c. 641 ; 2007, c. 87 ; 2009, c. 355 ; 2020, c. 671 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-325 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 3 / Article 1 / Section 29.1-325
Evidence that applicant entitled to license
Status: in_force

The clerk or agent shall require any applicant to make affidavit or to furnish other satisfactory evidence that he is entitled to the license applied for before issuing the license.

Code 1950, § 29-63; 1978, c. 218; 1987, c. 488.
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-552 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 5 / Article 5 / Section 29.1-552
Killing wild turkey during closed season
Status: in_force

Any person who kills a wild turkey during the closed season, or who kills a beardless turkey during an open hunting season prescribed by the Board for bearded turkeys only, shall be guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor for each such turkey killed. However, if a person kills a beardless turkey when only the hunting of bearded turkeys is permitted, and immediately delivers the complete carcass in good condition to a conservation police officer or game checking station authorized by the Board, it shall be confiscated and disposed of as otherwise provided, and the person delivering the carcass shall be exempt from replacement cost provided in § 29.1-551 .

1968, c. 309, § 29-163.2; 1974, c. 60; 1977, c. 377; 1987, c. 488; 1988, c. 19; 2007, c. 87 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-541 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 5 / Article 4 / Section 29.1-541
Storage
Status: in_force

It shall be unlawful for any person to store any wild birds, wild animals or fish if selling them is prohibited by law, except persons may store them in a bona fide domicile or in a licensed cold storage establishment. Any licensed cold storage establishment which receives any wild birds, wild animals or fish, where selling them is prohibited by law, shall attach a ticket to each lot of wild birds, wild animals or fish. The ticket shall show the number of each kind of wild bird, wild animal or fish, the date upon which they are brought for storage and the name and address of the person storing them. Every such licensed cold storage establishment shall keep a record of all deliveries of game and fish so stored, the dates they are delivered, the number of each species delivered and the name of each person to whom any such delivery is made. Possession of any wild birds, wild animals or fish which are prohibited by law to be sold, in any place of business, except in a licensed cold storage establishment, shall be unlawful.

Any person who violates any provision of this section shall be guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor.

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, § 29-157; 1987, c. 488.
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-610 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 6 / Section 29.1-610
Portion of James River a no-hunting area
Status: in_force

The James River from Bosher's Dam downstream to the Interstate 95 bridge is a no-hunting area. It is unlawful to take, attempt to take, or pursue wildlife within such area; however, fishing in such area is permitted as otherwise authorized by law.

1987, c. 488; 2022, c. 235 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-511 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 5 / Article 2 / Section 29.1-511
Open season on nuisance species
Status: in_force

There shall be a continuous open season for killing nuisance species of wild birds and wild animals as defined in § 29.1-100 .

Code 1950, § 29-133; 1958, c. 165; 1974, c. 302; 1987, c. 488.
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-309.3 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 3 / Article 1 / Section 29.1-309.3
State junior resident trapping license established; fee
Status: in_force

There is hereby established a state youth resident trapping license, which may be obtained by any resident under the age of 16, to trap in all counties and cities of the Commonwealth. The fee for this license shall be $10 or as subsequently revised by the Board pursuant to § 29.1-103 .

2006, c. 70 ; 2009, c. 9 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-528.1 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 5 / Article 2 / Section 29.1-528.1
Board to develop model ordinances for hunting with bow and arrow; counties or cities may adopt
Status: in_force

A. The Board shall adopt regulations establishing model ordinances for hunting deer with bow and arrow, slingbows, and crossbows in those counties and cities where there is an overabundance of the deer population, which is creating conflicts between humans and deer, including safety hazards to motorists. The model ordinances shall include (i) the times at which such hunting shall commence and end each day and (ii) the number of deer that can be taken based on analysis performed by the Department.

B. No such ordinance shall be enforceable unless the governing body notifies the Director by registered mail prior to May 1 of the year in which the ordinance is to take effect. Any change jurisdictions may seek in the model ordinance shall be approved by the Board prior to its adoption.

C. In adopting an ordinance pursuant to the provisions of this section, the governing body of any locality may provide that any person who violates the provisions of the ordinance shall be guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor.

2010, c. 512 ; 2017, c. 530 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-101.5 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 1 / Article 1.1 / Section 29.1-101.5
Grants and loans to local governments
Status: in_force

After consultation with the Commissioner of the Virginia Marine Resources Commission, the Department may offer to finance the construction of fishways for any local government which owns a dam or other artificial impediment to the free passage of anadromous fish. The Fund will pay for seventy-five percent of the entire cost of the fishway, and will lend the balance of the cost to the local government. The loan shall be repaid over ten years at no interest or over twenty years at an annual rate of interest which shall be two percentage points below the rate for municipal bonds given in the latest Bond Buyer Twenty Bond Index appearing before the loan is made. Any balance of a loan not paid off as required by this section shall be paid off as provided in § 29.1-101.4 . The Department shall approve the design of the fishway prior to the making of any grant or loan from the Fund pursuant to this section.

All local governments borrowing money from the Fund are authorized to take any action, adopt any proceedings and make and carry out any contracts that are contemplated by this chapter. Such contracts need not be identical among all local governments, but may be structured as determined by the Department according to the needs of the contracting local governments and the Fund.

1989, c. 5, § 10.1-1217; 1992, cc. 464, 887.
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-814 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 8 / Article 2 / Section 29.1-814
Collection of license fees; appropriation; payments from fund
Status: in_force

All licensing fees shall be collected by the Director as provided in this chapter and by him shall be paid into the state treasury and credited to the Game Protection Fund and accounted for as a separate part known as the Motorboat and Water Safety Fund for the purpose of administering, enforcing and effectuating the purposes of this chapter.

1988, c. 592.
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-101.4 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 1 / Article 1.1 / Section 29.1-101.4
Collection of money due to the Fund
Status: in_force

The Department, or its designated agent, is empowered to collect amounts due to the Fund under any loan made by it including, where appropriate, taking action as required by § 15.2-2659 to obtain payment of any amounts in default. Proceedings to recover amounts due to the Fund may be instituted by the Department in the name of the Fund in any appropriate circuit court.

1989, c. 5, § 10.1-1216; 1992, cc. 464, 887.
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-805 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 8 / Article 1 / Section 29.1-805
Regulations
Status: in_force

The Board may make such regulations requiring persons licensed under this chapter to keep and maintain records reasonably required for the enforcement of this chapter, and such other regulations, not inconsistent with the provisions of this chapter, as it shall deem necessary or proper for the effective administration and enforcement of this chapter. A copy of such regulations shall be mailed to each watercraft dealer licensee not less than ten days prior to the effective date of such regulations.

1988, c. 592.
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-739.1 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 7 / Article 3 / Section 29.1-739.1
Disregarding signal by law-enforcement officer to stop; attempts to elude; penalty
Status: in_force

A. Any person who, having received a visible or audible signal of a flashing light or siren from any conservation police officer or other law-enforcement officer to bring his motorboat or other vessel, or seaplane to a stop, fails to do so promptly shall be guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor.

B. Any person who, having received a visible or audible signal of a flashing light or siren from any conservation police officer or other law-enforcement officer to bring his motorboat or other vessel, or seaplane to a stop, (i) operates or navigates such motorboat or other vessel, or seaplane in willful or wanton disregard of such signal so as to endanger the life of the law-enforcement officer or other persons or to interfere with the operation of a law-enforcement vessel, or (ii) increases his speed and attempts to escape or elude a law-enforcement officer shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

1993, c. 243; 1994, c. 414 ; 2007, c. 87 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-352 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 3 / Article 3 / Section 29.1-352
Damage stamp program established; purpose; intent
Status: in_force

There is hereby established a damage stamp program to provide for an available source of funds to be used to compensate damage to crops, fruit trees, commercially grown Christmas trees, nursery stock, livestock, colonies of bees, bee equipment and appliances, as defined in § 3.2-4400 , or farm equipment that is caused by deer, elk, or bear, or by big game hunters. It is the intent of the General Assembly that persons suffering loss or damage as the result of these activities should be realistically compensated for damages that occurred to their property as the result of the activity. A local governing body shall encourage to the maximum extent possible the utilization of the damage stamp fund for payment of claims in keeping with the purposes of this article.

1981, c. 16, § 29-92.1; 1983, c. 198; 1987, c. 488; 2003, c. 137 ; 2004, cc. 87 , 463 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-738.1 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 7 / Article 3 / Section 29.1-738.1
Analysis of breath to determine alcohol content of blood
Status: in_force

Any person who is suspected of a violation of subsection B of § 29.1-738 or § 29.1-738.02 shall be entitled, if such equipment is available, to have a preliminary breath analysis for the purpose of obtaining an analysis of the probable alcohol content of his blood. The procedures and requirements of § 18.2-267 shall apply, mutatis mutandis.

1989, c. 726; 1996, c. 631 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-101.2 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 1 / Article 1.1 / Section 29.1-101.2
Creation and management of Fund
Status: in_force

There is a permanent revolving fund known as the Virginia Fish Passage Grant and Revolving Loan Fund, hereinafter referred to as the Fund. The Fund shall be comprised of general fund moneys, receipts by the Fund from loans made by it, all income from the investment of moneys held by the Fund, and any other sums designated for deposit to the Fund from any source, public or private. The Fund shall be administered and managed by the Department and shall be used solely for the administration and management of the Fund and the Fish Passage Program. Moneys may be expended (i) as provided for in §§ 29.1-101.5 and 29.1-101.6 and (ii) for the costs incurred by the Department in the management of the Fund and operation of the Fish Passage Program.

1989, c. 5, § 10.1-1214; 1992, cc. 464, 887.
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-310.1 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 3 / Article 1 / Section 29.1-310.1
Sportsman's hunting and fishing license established
Status: in_force

A. Upon implementation of an automated point-of-sale licensing system, any resident individual may apply for and receive from the Department, after payment of the appropriate fee, a sportsman's hunting and fishing license. This license shall serve in lieu of any person having to obtain hunting or fishing licenses provided for under subdivision 2 of § 29.1-303 and §§ 29.1-305 , 29.1-306 , and 29.1-307 , and subdivisions A 2 and B 1 of § 29.1-310 .

B. Applications for the license authorized by this section shall be made to the Department. The license shall be valid for the seasons as established by the Board. The form and issuance of the license shall conform to the provisions of this chapter for all licenses.

C. The Board shall establish the fee for this license, which shall not exceed the total cost of purchasing each license separately.

2000, c. 12 ; 2007, c. 40 ; 2014, c. 136 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-545 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 5 / Article 4 / Section 29.1-545
Possession, sale, offering for sale or liberation of live nutria
Status: in_force

It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, association or corporation to possess, sell, offer for sale, or liberate in the Commonwealth any live fur-bearing animal commonly referred to as nutria (Myocastor coypus). This section does not apply to employees of the Department of Wildlife Resources, U.S. Department of Agriculture, or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, or any persons involved in research or management activities with these agencies.

1962, c. 106, § 29-158.3; 1987, c. 488; 2022, c. 146 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-100 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 1 / Article 1 / Section 29.1-100
Definitions
Status: in_force

As used in and for the purposes of this title only, or in any of the regulations of the Board, unless the context clearly requires a different meaning:

"Bag or creel limit" means the quantity of game, fish or fur-bearing animals that may be taken, caught, or possessed during a period fixed by the Board.

"Board" means the Board of Wildlife Resources.

"Closed season" means that period of time fixed by the Board during which wild animals, birds or fish may not be taken, captured, killed, pursued, hunted, trapped or possessed.

"Conservation police officers" means supervising officers, and regular and special conservation police officers.

"Department" means the Department of Wildlife Resources.

"Director" means the Director of the Department of Wildlife Resources.

"Firearm" means any weapon that will or is designed to or may readily be converted to expel single or multiple projectiles by the action of an explosion of a combustible material.

"Fishing" means taking, capturing, killing, or attempting to take, capture or kill any fish in and upon the inland waters of this Commonwealth.

"Fur-bearing animals" includes beaver, bobcat, fisher, fox, mink, muskrat, opossum, otter, raccoon, skunk, and weasel.

"Game" means wild animals and wild birds that are commonly hunted for sport or food.

"Game animals" means deer (including all Cervidae), bear, rabbit, fox, squirrel, bobcat and raccoon.

"Game fish" means trout (including all Salmonidae), all of the sunfish family (including largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and spotted bass, rock bass, bream, bluegill and crappie), walleye or pike perch, white bass, chain pickerel or jackfish, muskellunge, and northern pike, wherever such fish are found in the waters of this Commonwealth and rockfish or striped bass where found above tidewaters or in streams which are blocked from access from tidewaters by dams.

"Hunting and trapping" includes the act of or the attempted act of taking, hunting, trapping, pursuing, chasing, shooting, snaring or netting birds or animals, and assisting any person who is hunting, trapping or attempting to do so regardless of whether birds or animals are actually taken; however, when hunting and trapping are allowed, reference is made to such acts as being conducted by lawful means and in a lawful manner. The Board of Wildlife Resources may authorize by regulation the pursuing or chasing of wild birds or wild animals during any closed hunting season where persons have no intent to take such birds or animals.

"Lawful," "by law," or "law" means the statutes of this Commonwealth or regulations adopted by the Board which the Director is empowered to enforce.

"Migratory game birds" means doves, ducks, brant, geese, swan, coot, gallinules, sora and other rails, snipe, woodcock and other species of birds on which open hunting seasons are set by federal regulations.

"Muzzleloader" means any firearm described in subdivision 3 of the definition of antique firearm in § 18.2-308.2:2 .

"Muzzleloading pistol" means a muzzleloader originally designed, made or intended to fire a projectile (bullet) from one or more barrels when held in one hand and that is loaded from the muzzle or forward end of the cylinder.

"Muzzleloading rifle" means a muzzleloader firing a single projectile that is loaded from the muzzle of the gun.

"Muzzleloading shotgun" means a muzzleloader with a smooth bore firing multiple projectiles that are loaded from the muzzle of the gun.

"Nonmigratory game birds" means grouse, bobwhite quail, turkey and all species of birds introduced into the Commonwealth by the Board.

"Nuisance species" means blackbirds, coyotes, crows, cowbirds, feral swine, grackles, English sparrows, starlings, or those species designated as such by regulations of the Board, and those species found committing or about to commit depredation upon ornamental or shade trees, agricultural crops, wildlife, livestock or other property or when concentrated in numbers and manners as to constitute a health hazard or other nuisance. However, the term nuisance does not include (i) animals designated as endangered or threatened pursuant to §§ 29.1-563 , 29.1-564 , and 29.1-566 , (ii) animals classified as game or fur-bearing animals, and (iii) those species protected by state or federal law.

"Open season" means that period of time fixed by the Board during which wild animals, wild birds and fish may be taken, captured, killed, pursued, trapped or possessed.

"Pistol" means a weapon originally designed, made, and intended to fire a projectile (bullet) from one or more barrels when held in one hand, and having one or more chambers as an integral part of or permanently aligned with the bore and a short stock at an angle to and extending below the line of the bore that is designed to be gripped by one hand.

"Possession" means the exercise of control of any wild animal, wild bird, fish or fur-bearing animal, or any part of the carcass thereof.

"Properly licensed person" means a person who, while engaged in hunting, fishing or trapping, or in any other activity permitted under this title, in and upon the lands and inland waters of this Commonwealth, has upon his person all the licenses, permits and stamps required by law.

"Regulation" means a regulation duly adopted by the Board pursuant to the authority vested by the provisions of this title.

"Revolver" means a projectile weapon of the pistol type, having a breechloading chambered cylinder arranged so that the cocking of the hammer or movement of the trigger rotates it and brings the next cartridge in line with the barrel for firing.

"Rifle" means a weapon designed or redesigned, made or remade, and intended to be fired from the shoulder, and designed or redesigned and made or remade to use the energy of the explosive in a fixed metallic cartridge to fire only a single projectile through a rifled bore for each single pull of the trigger.

"Shotgun" means a weapon designed or redesigned, made or remade, and intended to be fired from the shoulder, and designed or redesigned and made or remade to use the energy of the explosive in a fixed shotgun shell to fire through a smooth bore or rifled shotgun barrel either a number of ball shot or a single projectile for each single pull of the trigger.

"Transportation" means the transportation, either upon the person or by any other means, of any wild animal or wild bird or fish.

"Wildlife" means all species of wild animals, wild birds and freshwater fish in the public waters of this Commonwealth.

1952, c. 573, § 29-131; 1952, c. 608, § 29-2.1; 1962, c. 469; 1974, c. 302; 1979, c. 264; 1984, c. 199; 1987, cc. 134, 488; 1990, c. 371; 2002, c. 157 ; 2012, cc. 247 , 603 ; 2015, c. 618 ; 2017, c. 161 ; 2020, c. 958 ; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 432 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-419 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 4 / Article 3 / Section 29.1-419
Taking or holding of falcons, hawks and owls; use to hunt wild game
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Director may:

1. Permit the taking, trapping, holding, transportation, carriage and shipment of live falcons, hawks and owls. The initial fee or the fee for nonconsecutive years for this permit shall be $50. The fee for subsequent consecutive years shall be $20 per year.

2. Authorize the use of falcons, hawks and owls to hunt and take all species of wild birds and wild animals. However, the hunting of migratory game birds shall be in accordance with § 29.1-515 , and appropriate hunting licenses shall be required as provided in Chapter 3 (§ 29.1-300 et seq.) of this title.

1964, c. 345, § 29-114.2; 1977, c. 377; 1978, c. 331; 1987, c. 488; 1997, c. 57 ; 2011, c. 191 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-733.28 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 7 / Article 2.1 / Section 29.1-733.28
Relationship to Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act
Status: in_force

This article modifies, limits, and supersedes the federal Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act, 15 U.S.C. § 7001, et seq., but does not modify, limit, or supersede § 101(c) of that act (15 U.S.C. § 7001(c)), or authorize electronic delivery of any of the notices described in § 103(b) of that act (15 U.S.C. § 7003 (b)).

2013, c. 787 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-525.2 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 5 / Article 2 / Section 29.1-525.2
Fox and coyote enclosures prohibited; penalty
Status: in_force

A. It is unlawful to erect, maintain, or operate an enclosure for the purpose of pursuing, hunting, or killing or attempting to pursue, hunt, or kill any fox or coyote with a dog. For purposes of this section, "enclosure" means a fence or other barrier that is used to prevent or impede the natural egress by any fox or coyote. A person who violates any provision of this subsection is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. This subsection shall not be construed to limit the authority of the Department to enforce other available penalties.

B. This section shall not preclude the pursuing, hunting, or killing of any fox or coyote by a dog in the absence of an enclosure, or the killing of any fox or coyote by a landowner or tenant when the fox or coyote is damaging domestic stock or fowl on the owned or leased land.

C. Until July 1, 2054, the provisions of subsection A shall not apply to any location at which, as of January 1, 2014, a foxhound training preserve existed and was operating under a permit issued by the Department. The Department shall continue to issue or renew permits to existing locations in accordance with this section notwithstanding changes in the identity of the person or entity holding the permit.

D. The regulations governing foxhound training preserves in effect as of January 1, 2014, shall continue in full force and effect, provided, however, that the Department shall adopt regulations by October 1, 2014, to limit the total number of foxes stocked annually in all permitted preserves to 900. The Department shall specify a proportional number of foxes that may be stocked in each permitted preserve based upon the number of acres of the preserve as a percentage of the total acreage of permitted foxhound training preserves. If a preserve ceases to operate, its allocation of foxes from the previous year shall be deducted from the total number of foxes that may be stocked in foxhound training preserves in the Commonwealth.

E. The Department shall not deny a permit to an existing location solely due to recordkeeping failures or other technical violations of the regulations governing foxhound training preserves.

F. The Department shall deny a permit to an existing location if the location voluntarily ceases operation of its foxhound training preserve for a period of 12 consecutive months or longer.

G. Notwithstanding the provisions of § 2.2-4002 , the denial of a permit to operate a foxhound training preserve by the Department shall constitute a case decision subject to the Administrative Process Act (§ 2.2-4000 et seq.). If a permittee or owner of a location subject to a permit files a notice of appeal with the Department, the Department shall continue to permit the location until any such appeals have been exhausted and the Department's determination upheld.

2014, c. 605 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-802 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 8 / Article 1 / Section 29.1-802
General powers of Board
Status: in_force

The Board shall promote the interest of the retail buyers of watercraft.

The Board may prevent unfair methods of competition and unfair or deceptive acts or practices.

1988, c. 592.
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-604 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 6 / Section 29.1-604
Hunting, etc., after compliance with requirements
Status: in_force

When the requirements specified by the Board have been certified and accepted by the Board, and when such persons are otherwise lawfully entitled to hunt game, the licensee and such other persons as he may designate, because of payment of fees or otherwise, may hunt on the licensed premises, and shoot, possess, transport and dispose of by gift any game birds or animals of the species licensed. Game birds or animals not covered by the shooting preserve license may be taken and possessed by the licensee or his guests as otherwise provided by state law or regulation.

Code 1950, § 29-42; 1987, c. 488.
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-303.2:1 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 3 / Article 1 / Section 29.1-303.2:1
State junior resident bear hunting license; fee
Status: in_force

The Board may create a separate state youth resident license for hunting bear that may be obtained by any resident under the age of 16. The fee for the state youth resident license for hunting bear shall be $5.50. The license fees established by this section may be revised by the Board pursuant to § 29.1-103 .

The state youth resident license to hunt bear may be obtained from the clerk or agent of any county or city whose duty it is to sell licenses.

2017, c. 353 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-106 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 1 / Article 2 / Section 29.1-106
Forest and watershed areas
Status: in_force

The Board is authorized to exercise full control of the hunting and fishing rights and privileges in and on all impounded water areas in this Commonwealth resulting from power development; and in all forest and watershed areas in this Commonwealth which are now owned, or which may hereafter be acquired, by the United States government, subject to the rights and power of the United States Department of Agriculture. The Board shall have the power to establish refuges, sanctuaries and public shooting and fishing preserves in these areas, under such regulations as it may deem proper.

Code 1950, § 29-12; 1987, c. 488.
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-733.10 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 7 / Article 2.1 / Section 29.1-733.10
Title brand
Status: in_force

A. Unless subsection C applies, at or before the time the owner of record transfers an ownership interest in a hull-damaged watercraft that is covered by a certificate of title created by the Department, if the damage occurred while that person was an owner of the watercraft and the person has notice of the damage at the time of the transfer, the owner shall:

1. Deliver to the Department an application for a new certificate that complies with § 29.1-733.7 and includes the title brand designation "Hull Damaged"; or

2. Indicate on the certificate in the place designated for that purpose that the watercraft is hull damaged and deliver the certificate to the transferee.

B. Not later than 20 days after delivery to the Department of the application under subdivision A 1 or the certificate of title under subdivision A 2, the Department shall create a new certificate that indicates that the watercraft is branded "Hull Damaged."

C. Before an insurer transfers an ownership interest in a hull-damaged watercraft that is covered by a certificate of title created by the Department, the insurer shall deliver to the Department an application for a new certificate that complies with § 29.1-733.7 and includes the title brand designation "Hull Damaged." Not later than 20 days after delivery of the application to the Department, the Department shall create a new certificate that indicates that the watercraft is branded "Hull Damaged."

D. An owner of record that fails to comply with subsection A, a person that solicits or colludes in a failure by an owner of record to comply with subsection A, or an insurer that fails to comply with subsection C is subject to a civil penalty of $1,000.

2013, c. 787 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-101.9 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 1 / Article 1.1 / Section 29.1-101.9
Requirement for fishways
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding any provision of § 29.1-532 , including the existence or lack thereof of an exemption pursuant to § 29.1-532 , the owner of every dam or other artificial impediment to the migration of anadromous fish in any tributary of the Chesapeake Bay, including that portion of the James River downstream from the City of Lynchburg, shall be responsible to provide appropriate fishways for anadromous fish as soon as reasonably possible after being offered financing from the Fund for the estimated construction cost of the fishways as provided in this article. Any owner of such a dam or other artificial impediment who fails to provide or to maintain fishways providing substantially free passage for anadromous fish may be compelled to provide such fishways by injunction in an action initiated by the Department in an appropriate circuit court. Nothing in this section shall relieve the owner of any dam or other object in a watercourse, which obstructs navigation or the passage of anadromous and other migratory fish, of any obligations or responsibilities under § 29.1-532 .

1989, c. 5, § 10.1-1221; 1992, cc. 464, 887.
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-733.14 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 7 / Article 2.1 / Section 29.1-733.14
Effect of possession of certificate of title; judicial process; levy; penalty
Status: in_force

A. Possession of a certificate of title does not by itself provide a right to obtain possession of a watercraft. Garnishment, attachment, levy, replevin, or other judicial process against the certificate is not effective to determine possessory rights to the watercraft. This article does not prohibit enforcement under law of the Commonwealth other than this article of a security interest in, levy on, or foreclosure of a statutory or common-law lien on a watercraft. Absence of an indication of a statutory or common-law lien on a certificate does not invalidate the lien.

B. A levy made by virtue of an execution, fieri facias, or other proper court order, upon a watercraft for which a certificate of title has been issued by the Department, shall constitute a lien, when the officer making the levy reports to the Department at its principal office, on forms provided by the Department, that the levy has been made and that the vessel levied upon is in the custody of the officer. Should the lien thereafter be satisfied or should the vessel levied upon and seized thereafter be released by the officer, he shall immediately report that fact to the Department at its principal office. Any owner who, after such levy and seizure by an officer and before the report is made by the officer to the Department, fraudulently assigns or transfers his title to or interest in the watercraft, or causes the certificate of title to be assigned or transferred, or causes a security interest to be shown upon such certificate of title, is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

2013, c. 787 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-302.02 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 3 / Article 1 / Section 29.1-302.02
Special resident and nonresident hunting and fishing licenses for partially disabled veterans
Status: in_force

A. Any nonresident veteran who is rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs as having at least a 70 percent service-connected disability, upon certification, shall pay an amount equal to one-half the fee for the state nonresident basic hunting license required by subdivision 3 of § 29.1-303 . The license fees established by this section may be revised by the Board pursuant to § 29.1-103 .

B. Any nonresident veteran who is rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs as having at least a 70 percent service-connected disability, upon certification, shall pay an amount equal to one-half the fee for the state nonresident basic fishing license required by subdivision A 3 of § 29.1-310 . The license fees established by this section may be revised by the Board pursuant to § 29.1-103 .

2011, c. 273 ; 2012, c. 244 ; 2022, c. 40 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-344.2 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 3 / Article 2 / Section 29.1-344.2
Time period for obtaining riparian stationary blind licenses
Status: in_force

A. Riparian owners or their lessees or permittees licensing a stationary blind that was not licensed the previous year by the riparian owner, lessee, or permittee may obtain a stationary blind license beginning February 1 through June 15 of each year pursuant to § 29.1-344 . A stake or a stationary blind shall be erected on the site, and a license plate supplied with the license for that season shall be affixed thereto, by June 30. If a stake has been erected on the site of a stationary blind, such stake shall be replaced by a blind by November 1 pursuant to the provisions of § 29.1-341 . Such stationary blinds shall conform to the standards prescribed in § 29.1-341 .

B. Riparian owners or their lessees or permittees licensing a stationary blind that was licensed the previous year by the riparian owner, lessee, or permittee may obtain a stationary blind license beginning February 1 through August 15 of each year pursuant to § 29.1-344 . A stake or a stationary blind shall be erected on the site, and a license plate supplied with the license for that season shall be affixed thereto, by August 31. If a stake has been erected on the site of a stationary blind, such stake shall be replaced by a blind by November 1 pursuant to the provisions of § 29.1-341 . Such stationary blinds shall conform to the standards prescribed in § 29.1-341 .

2013, c. 745 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-556 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 5 / Article 5 / Section 29.1-556
Unlawful devices to be destroyed
Status: in_force

Any firearm, trap, net, or other device of any kind or nature for taking wild birds, wild animals, or fish, except as specifically permitted by law, shall be considered unlawful. Any person who violates the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor, and the device shall be forfeited to the Commonwealth. Nets, traps or other such devices, excluding firearms, shall be destroyed by the conservation police officer if the owner or user of the device cannot be located within thirty days. Unlawful fixed devices may be destroyed by the conservation police officer at the place where the devices are found.

Code 1950, § 29-172; 1962, c. 469; 1979, c. 264; 1987, c. 488; 2007, c. 87 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-829 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 8 / Article 4 / Section 29.1-829
Warranty work; dealers' requirements; performance of warranty work; disapproval of claims; indemnification
Status: in_force

A. If a manufacturer requires or permits a dealer to provide parts or to perform labor to satisfy a warranty created by the manufacturer, the manufacturer shall:

1. Properly and promptly fulfill its warranty obligations; and

2. Fairly compensate the dealer for the work and services the dealer is required to perform and for other expenses incurred to comply with a manufacturer's warranty. A manufacturer may not pay a dealer a labor rate for warranty work that is less than the lower amount that is charged by the dealer and that is charged in the relevant marketplace to retail customers for non-warranty work of the same kind by similar technicians. However, if the manufacturer or the distributor has in effect a warranty program in which the dealer can comply with reasonable and objective criteria and, as a result, obtain 100 percent of the dealer's retail labor rate or the prevailing retail labor rate in the relevant marketplace, the labor rate for warranty work shall be as the terms of the program require, but shall not be less than seventy percent of the dealer's labor rate or the prevailing retail labor rate in the relevant marketplace.

B. To be entitled to compensation from a manufacturer under this subsection, the dealer shall:

1. Employ watercraft and engine parts expressly authorized by the manufacturer for warranty work;

2. Retain a copy of the manufacturer's then current service literature, if any;

3. Record the warranty work with the manufacturer within forty-five days of completing the warranty work;

4. Complete and maintain for inspection by the manufacturer, a manufacturer's delivery checklist signed by the customer for each watercraft or watercraft engine sold by the dealer;

5. Promptly handle all warranty work in accordance with industry standards regardless of the location where the watercraft or watercraft engine was sold; and

6. Submit warranty registration cards to the manufacturers on a timely basis.

C. To ensure that warranty work is performed in accordance with industry standards, the dealer shall:

1. Take reasonable steps to ensure that the warranty work is completed by technicians who have received training in servicing the watercraft or engines for watercraft manufactured, imported, or distributed by the manufacturer; and

2. Maintain technician training and development programs authorized or provided by the manufacturer as provided in the dealer's agreement with the manufacturer.

D. A dealer shall not charge a consumer for labor or parts on warranty work when the warranty claim has been paid by the manufacturer.

E. All claims by a dealer for warranty work shall be approved or disapproved and paid, if due, within a reasonable time, but no longer than forty-five days from the date on which the manufacturer receives a properly completed claim form containing all required information.

F. If a manufacturer disapproves a claim, the manufacturer shall provide the dealer with written notice of disapproval within forty-five days from the date on which the manufacturer receives a properly completed claim form containing all required information. The notice of disapproval shall contain the specific reasons for disapproval.

G. A dealer shall hold harmless the manufacturer for any financial injuries or other damages suffered by the manufacturer and solely as a result of the negligence of the dealer in performing warranty work, including reasonable attorney's fees. A manufacturer shall hold harmless the dealer for any financial injuries or other damages suffered by the dealer solely as a result of the negligence of the manufacturer related to the manufacture or design of the watercraft, including reasonable attorney's fees.

H. If a dealer brings a legal action to collect a disapproved claim and is successful in the action, the court shall award the dealer the cost of the action and reasonable attorney's fees.

I. The manufacturer shall compensate the dealer for the cost of parts used in the warranty repair and shipping of the parts to and from the manufacturer, plus a reasonable profit, not less than fifteen percent, on authorized parts stocked by the dealer.

J. Nothing in this article shall inhibit or restrain any manufacturer or dealer from exceeding the minimum requirements of this article.

1997, c. 13 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-554.1 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 5 / Article 5 / Section 29.1-554.1
Impeding lawful fishing in inland waters; penalty
Status: in_force

A. It is unlawful for any person to willfully and intentionally impede the lawful fishing of any species of fish. "Fishing" means those activities defined in § 29.1-100 as "fishing."

B. Any person convicted of a violation of this section shall be guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor.

1997, c. 703 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-546 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 5 / Article 5 / Section 29.1-546
General penalty
Status: in_force

Any person convicted of violating any of the provisions of this title shall, unless otherwise specified, be 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, § 29-161; 1954, c. 694; 1962, c. 469; 1979, c. 264; 1987, c. 488; 2020, c. 311 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-736 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 7 / Article 3 / Section 29.1-736
Boat rentals; equipment; safety course
Status: in_force

A. It shall be unlawful to rent a motorboat to any person unless the provisions of this chapter have been complied with. It shall be the duty of persons renting motorboats to equip them as required by this chapter.

B. It shall be unlawful for any person to regularly offer a boat or boats, other than a motorboat, for rent for use on the public waters of the Commonwealth unless such person provides, for the use of each passenger in the boat, a life preserver of the sort prescribed by the regulations of the Board.

C. It shall be unlawful for any person, without first successfully completing a basic boating safety education course approved by the Director, to rent a personal watercraft to another person.

1960, c. 500, § 62-174.8; 1962, c. 626; 1968, c. 659, § 62.1-174; 1987, c. 488; 1998, c. 515 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-503 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 5 / Article 1 / Section 29.1-503
Repealed
Status: repealed

Repealed by Acts 1996, c. 9 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-415 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 4 / Article 3 / Section 29.1-415
Taxidermy; sale of specimens
Status: in_force

The fee for a permit to stuff or mount birds, animals, fish or parts thereof, for compensation or for sale shall be forty dollars per year. The Board may promulgate regulations pertaining to the sale of unclaimed or mounted specimens or parts thereof.

Code 1950, § 29-109; 1980, c. 494; 1987, c. 488; 1988, c. 250; 1994, c. 194 ; 1997, c. 57 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-307 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 3 / Article 1 / Section 29.1-307
Special muzzleloading license
Status: in_force

There shall be a license for hunting with a muzzleloader or arrowgun during the special muzzleloading seasons, which shall be in addition to the license required to hunt small game.

The fee for the special license shall be $12 for a resident and $25 for a nonresident. The special muzzleloader license may be obtained from the clerk or agent whose duty it is to sell licenses in any county or city. The Board may subsequently revise the cost of licenses set forth in this section pursuant to § 29.1-103 .

1990, c. 115; 2009, c. 9 ; 2018, cc. 557 , 558 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-353 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 3 / Article 3 / Section 29.1-353
Local governing body to adopt ordinance
Status: in_force

A. Any local governing body may adopt an ordinance consistent with the provisions of this article for the purpose of establishing a damage stamp program. No such ordinance shall be in force between May 1 of any year and the following April 30 whenever the amount of money in this special fund is more than twice the average annual disbursement made from the fund for the payment of damage claims in the locality during the immediately preceding three years. However, such estoppel shall not apply to any locality during the first three years immediately following the effective date of the first such ordinance adopted by the governing body of that locality pursuant to this or any earlier similar enabling act.

B. Any locality which has adopted an ordinance prior to July 1, 1981, will not be required to adopt a new ordinance; however, any prior ordinance shall be administered pursuant to the provisions of this article.

1981, c. 16, § 29-92.2; 1987, c. 488.
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-527 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 5 / Article 2 / Section 29.1-527
Counties, cities or towns may prohibit hunting near public schools and county, city, town or regional parks
Status: in_force

The governing body of any county, city or town may prohibit by ordinance, shooting or hunting with a firearm, or prohibit hunters from traversing an area while in possession of a loaded firearm, within 100 yards of any property line of a public school or a county, city, town or regional park. The governing body may, in such ordinance, provide that any violation thereof shall be a Class 4 misdemeanor. Nothing in this section shall give any county, city or town the authority to enforce such an ordinance on lands within a national or state park or forest, or wildlife management area.

1985, c. 485, § 29-144.5:1; 1987, c. 488.
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-733.20 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 7 / Article 2.1 / Section 29.1-733.20
Transfer by operation of law
Status: in_force

A. As used in this section, unless the context requires a different meaning:

"By operation of law" means pursuant to a law or judicial order affecting ownership of a watercraft:

1. Because of death, such as in the case of a legatee, distributee, or surviving joint owner;

2. Because of divorce or other family law proceeding;

3. Because of any written agreement ratified or incorporated in a decree or order of a court of record;

4. Because of merger, consolidation, dissolution, insolvency, or bankruptcy;

5. Because of an execution sale;

6. Through the exercise of the rights of a lien creditor or a person having a lien created by statute or rule of law, including a lien provided for in § 43-34 ;

7. Through the execution of a statement of transfer on death; or

8. Through other legal process.

"Transfer-by-law statement" means a record signed by a transferee stating that by operation of law the transferee has acquired or has the right to acquire an ownership interest in a watercraft.

B. A transfer-by-law statement shall contain:

1. The name and last-known mailing address of the owner of record and the transferee and the other information required by subsection B of § 29.1-733.7 ;

2. Documentation sufficient to establish the transferee's ownership interest or right to acquire the ownership interest;

3. A statement that:

a. The certificate of title is an electronic certificate of title;

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

c. The transferee is delivering the written certificate to the Department with the transfer-by-law statement;

4. Except for a transfer described in subdivision 1 of the definition of "by operation of law," evidence that notification of the transfer and the intent to file the transfer-by-law statement has been sent to all persons indicated in the files of the Department as having an interest, including a security interest, in the watercraft; and

5. If the owner is dead and no fiduciary has qualified for his estate, an estate statement to the effect that no qualification for the estate has been made, that no qualification is expected, and that the decedent's debts have been paid or that the proceeds from the sale of the watercraft will be applied against his debts. The estate statement shall contain the name, residence at the time of death, and date of death of the decedent and the names of any other persons having an interest in the watercraft for which the transfer of title is sought. If these persons are of legal age, they shall signify in writing their consent to the transfer.

C. Unless the Department rejects a transfer-by-law statement for a reason stated in subsection C of § 29.1-733.8 or because the statement does not include documentation or an estate statement satisfactory to the Department as to the transferee's ownership interest or right to acquire the ownership interest, not later than 20 days after delivery to the Department of the transfer-by-law statement and payment of fees and taxes payable under the law of the Commonwealth other than this article in connection with the statement or with 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;

c. Indicate on the new certificate any security interest indicated on the canceled certificate, unless a court order provides otherwise; and

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

D. This section does not apply to a transfer of an interest in a watercraft by a secured party under Part 6 (§ 8.9A-601 et seq.) of Title 8.9A.

2013, c. 787 ; 2019, c. 236 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-530.4 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 5 / Article 2 / Section 29.1-530.4
Duty of certain entities to report hunting incidents
Status: in_force

Any law-enforcement agency or emergency medical services provider that receives a report that a person engaged in hunting as defined in § 29.1-100 has suffered serious bodily injury or death shall immediately give notice of the incident to the Department.

2005, c. 688 ; 2015, cc. 502 , 503 ; 2020, c. 958 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-827 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 8 / Article 3 / Section 29.1-827
Prohibited solicitation and compensation
Status: in_force

It shall be unlawful for any watercraft dealer or salesman licensed under the provisions of this chapter, directly or indirectly, to solicit the sale of a watercraft through a pecuniarily interested person. It shall be unlawful for such dealer or salesman to pay, or cause to be paid, any commission or compensation in any form whatsoever to any person in connection with the sale of a watercraft, unless such person is duly licensed as a salesman in the employ of such dealer.

1988, c. 592.
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-213 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 2 / Section 29.1-213
Taking samples of water believed to be polluted
Status: in_force

Any conservation police officer appointed under the provisions of this title may, and shall when requested by a member of the governing body of a county, city or town, take samples of water from any stream in this Commonwealth when he has reason to believe that the water may be polluted. Any conservation police officer collecting any water sample shall take the sample in a clean container, seal it, and send it to the State Water Control Board. With the sample, the conservation police officer shall enclose a signed statement showing in reasonable detail the time and place at which the sample was taken. The officer shall keep the original of the statement and send the copy with the sample.

1954, c. 695, § 29-35.1; 1987, c. 488; 2007, c. 87 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-733.13 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 7 / Article 2.1 / Section 29.1-733.13
Effect of certificate of title
Status: in_force

A certificate of title is prima facie evidence of the accuracy of the information in the record that constitutes the certificate.

2013, c. 787 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-349 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 3 / Article 2 / Section 29.1-349
Hunting, erecting blind within 500 yards of licensed blind
Status: in_force

A. No person shall hunt or shoot migratory waterfowl in the public waters of this Commonwealth from a boat, float, raft or other buoyant craft or device within 500 yards of any legally licensed erected stationary blind of another without the consent of the licensee, or within 150 yards of a residence without the consent of the landowner, except when in active pursuit of a visibly crippled waterfowl that was legally shot by the person.

B. No person shall erect a stationary blind in the public waters within 500 yards of any other licensed blind without the consent of the licensee. Any person who violates this subsection shall be guilty of a trespass, and the affected blind licensee may maintain an action for damages. Furthermore, the trial court shall immediately revoke the blind owner's license for the stationary blind where the offense was committed. The blind owner may be eligible for a license in the following open season upon the same conditions that would apply to a new applicant. When a license for a stationary blind has been revoked, the blind shall be destroyed by the former licensee.

Code 1950, § 29-90; 1954, c. 305; 1956, c. 318; 1987, c. 488; 2004, c. 422 ; 2007, c. 87 ; 2013, c. 745 ; 2020, c. 415 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-101.3 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 1 / Article 1.1 / Section 29.1-101.3
Deposit of money
Status: in_force

All money belonging to the Fund shall be recorded on the books of the State Comptroller and deposited in an account or accounts in banks or trust companies organized under the laws of the Commonwealth or in national banking associations located in Virginia or in savings institutions located in Virginia organized under the laws of the Commonwealth or the United States. Money in the Fund not needed for immediate use or disbursement may be invested or reinvested by the State Treasurer in obligations or securities that are considered lawful investments for public funds under the laws of the Commonwealth.

1989, c. 5, § 10.1-1215; 1992, cc. 464, 887; 1996, c. 77 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-354 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 3 / Article 3 / Section 29.1-354
Stamps required; issuance; fee; affixing stamps; cancellation
Status: in_force

It shall be unlawful for any person to hunt bear, deer or elk in any locality adopting a damage stamp ordinance within the Commonwealth without having first obtained the special stamp. A violation of this provision shall be punishable as a Class 3 misdemeanor.

The annual fee for such a stamp shall be $1. The local governing body may prescribe any fee, not to exceed $5 for these special stamps, when issued to nonresidents of the Commonwealth.

The special stamps shall be obtained from a locally designated official or from any agent designated by the Board pursuant to § 29.1-327 . The agent shall be paid a fee of $.10 from the special fund for each stamp issued.

The stamp shall be affixed to the reverse side of a current hunting license of each person required to obtain the stamp, and that person shall cancel the stamp with his initials.

1981, c. 16, § 29-92.3; 1987, c. 488; 1989, c. 421; 2003, c. 137 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-808 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 8 / Article 2 / Section 29.1-808
Licenses required
Status: in_force

It is unlawful for any person to engage in business in this Commonwealth as a new watercraft dealer, used watercraft dealer, watercraft salesman, watercraft demonstrator, manufacturer, factory branch, distributor, distributor branch, or factory or distributor representative without first obtaining a license as provided in this chapter. If any watercraft dealer acts as a watercraft salesman, he shall obtain a watercraft salesman's license in addition to a watercraft dealer's license. Any watercraft salesman who acts as a watercraft demonstrator shall not be required to obtain an additional license as a watercraft demonstrator. The offering or granting of a watercraft dealer franchise in this Commonwealth shall be deemed the engaging in business in this Commonwealth for purposes of this section, and no new watercraft may be sold or offered for sale in this Commonwealth unless the franchisor of watercraft dealer franchises for that line-make in this Commonwealth (whether such franchisor be a manufacturer, factory branch, distributor, distributor branch, or otherwise) is licensed under this chapter. In the event a license issued under this chapter to a franchisor of watercraft dealer franchises shall be suspended or revoked or shall not be renewed, nothing in this section shall be deemed to prevent the sale of any new watercraft of such franchisor's line-make, manufactured in or brought into this Commonwealth for sale prior to the suspension, revocation or expiration of the license.

1988, c. 592; 1998, c. 515 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-528.2 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 5 / Article 2 / Section 29.1-528.2
Local tree stand ordinance; disabled hunter exempt
Status: in_force

While hunting during any established open hunting season and in accordance with other laws and regulations, a hunter shall be exempt from any local ordinance requiring hunting from an elevated platform or tree stand if he (i) possesses a valid hunting license and is permanently disabled, as defined in § 58.1-3217 and as attested to by a licensed physician on a form provided by the Department and carried on the hunter's person while hunting, or (ii) holds a lifetime disabled or disabled veterans license under § 29.1-302 , 29.1-302.02 , or 29.1-302.03 or subsection C of § 29.1-302.1 .

The exemption provided by this section shall apply only to a hunter whose permanent disability, as attested to by a licensed physician pursuant to the provisions of this section or as accepted by the Director pursuant to the provisions of subsection C of § 29.1-302.1 , is based on a physical impairment or deformity.

2018, c. 836 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-410 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 4 / Article 2 / Section 29.1-410
Disposition of funds
Status: in_force

The funds derived from the sale of the special permits shall be used by the Director for game and fish management purposes within the national forests in this Commonwealth, or, in the discretion of the Board, shall be paid into the United States treasury as a cooperative deposit for use of the United States Forest Service for game and fish management purposes within the national forests in Virginia.

Code 1950, § 29-119; 1987, c. 488.
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-300 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 3 / Article 1 / Section 29.1-300
Unlawful to hunt, trap or fish without license
Status: in_force

It shall be unlawful to hunt, trap or fish in or on the lands or inland waters of this Commonwealth without first obtaining a license, subject to the exceptions set out in § 29.1-301 .

Code 1950, § 29-51; 1987, c. 488.
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-331 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 3 / Article 1 / Section 29.1-331
Licenses to be dated, numbered and authenticated
Status: in_force

All licenses shall be dated, numbered, and authenticated by the clerk or agent by his signature or in such other manner as prescribed by the Director, and the clerk or agent shall show all other information required by law or the Board.

1952, c. 366, § 29-68.1; 1960, c. 541; 1987, c. 488; 2000, c. 132 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-567 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 5 / Article 6 / Section 29.1-567
Penalties; authority of conservation police officers and police officers; disposition of property seized
Status: in_force

A. Any person who violates the provisions of § 29.1-564 or § 29.1-566 , or any regulations issued pursuant to these sections, or whoever violates any regulation or permit issued under § 29.1-568 shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor; however, the sale, offering for sale, purchasing or offering to purchase within the Commonwealth of any fish or wildlife appearing on a list of threatened or endangered species as prohibited by § 29.1-564 shall be punishable as provided in § 29.1-553 .

B. Any judicial officer or other officer authorized to issue criminal warrants shall have authority to issue a warrant for the search and seizure of any goods, business records, merchandise or fish or wildlife taken, employed or used in connection with a violation of any provision of this article. All such search warrants shall be issued and executed pursuant to Chapter 5 (§ 19.2-52 et seq.) of Title 19.2.

C. Goods, merchandise, fish or wildlife or records seized under the provisions of subsection B of this section shall be held by an officer or agent of the Department at the direction of the judge or court pending disposition of court proceedings, and thereafter be forfeited to the Commonwealth for destruction or disposition as the Director may deem appropriate. However, prior to forfeiture, the Director may direct the transfer of fish or wildlife so seized to a qualified zoological, educational, or scientific institution for safekeeping, with costs assessable to the defendant. The Board is authorized to issue regulations to implement this section.

1972, c. 329, § 29-235; 1987, c. 488; 1990, c. 123; 1994, c. 848 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-812 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 8 / Article 2 / Section 29.1-812
Supplemental licenses
Status: in_force

A. Subject to the provisions of § 29.1-808 , each place of business, operated or proposed to be operated by the licensee, that is not contiguous to other premises for which a license is issued, shall be required to obtain a supplemental license.

B. A permanent supplemental license shall be required for premises more than twenty-five yards from a principal place of business.

C. A temporary supplemental license shall be required to display for sale or sell watercraft at a show, and may be issued for a period not to exceed fourteen days. The temporary supplemental license shall be conspicuously displayed at all premises.

D. An application for a permanent or temporary supplemental license shall specify the location to be occupied by the licensee in conducting such business.

1988, c. 592; 1989, c. 206; 1992, c. 26.
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-523 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 5 / Article 2 / Section 29.1-523
Killing deer by use of certain lights; acts raising presumption of attempt to kill
Status: in_force

Any person who kills or attempts to kill any deer between a half hour after sunset and a half hour before sunrise by use of a light attached to any vehicle or a spotlight or flashlight shall be guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor. The flashing of a light attached to any vehicle or a spotlight or flashlight from any vehicle between a half hour after sunset and half hour before sunrise by any person or persons, then in possession of a firearm, crossbow, or bow and arrow or speargun, without good cause, shall raise a presumption of an attempt to kill deer in violation of this section. Every person in or on any such vehicle shall be deemed a principal in the second degree and subject to the same punishment as a principal in the first degree. Every person who, in any manner, aids, abets or acts in concert with any person or persons violating this section shall be deemed a principal in the second degree and subject to the same punishment as a principal in the first degree.

In addition to the penalty prescribed herein, 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. 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 subsections C and D of § 18.2-56.1 .

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

1962, c. 520, § 29-144.2; 1970, c. 79; 1973, c. 369; 1980, cc. 602, 607, § 29-144.4:1; 1987, c. 488; 1994, c. 113 ; 2002, c. 157 ; 2010, c. 183 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-735.3 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 7 / Article 3 / Section 29.1-735.3
Regulation of parasail operators
Status: in_force

The Board shall promulgate regulations applicable to the commercial operations of parasail operators on waters of the Commonwealth. Such regulations shall take into consideration the operating standards and guidelines of the Professional Association of Parasail Operators.

2007, c. 625 ; 2020, c. 958 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-743 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 7 / Article 3 / Section 29.1-743
Repealed
Status: repealed

Repealed by Acts 1997, c. 108 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-533 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 5 / Article 3 / Section 29.1-533
Prohibition against use of substances injurious to fish
Status: in_force

It shall be unlawful to use any explosive for the destruction of fish, or knowingly cast any noxious substance or matter into any watercourse of the Commonwealth where fish or fish spawn may be destroyed, or to place or to allow to pass into the watercourses of the Commonwealth any sawdust, ashes, lime, gas, tar, or refuse of gas works, injurious to fish. Any person violating any of the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor, except that any person convicted of destroying fish by means of explosives shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

The owner or lessee of any property on which fish are destroyed by means of explosives shall be entitled to recover liquidated damages in an amount deemed appropriate by the court from any person convicted of destroying fish by such means.

Code 1950, § 29-153; 1956, c. 709; 1962, c. 469; 1987, c. 488; 1988, c. 158.
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-312 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 3 / Article 1 / Section 29.1-312
Special fishing or hunting permits for certain veterans
Status: in_force

Upon application received from the director or other comparable official representing any veterans hospital or other military hospital in Virginia, any adjoining state, or the District of Columbia, the Director may permit any organized group of patients (i) actually residing in such hospitals or (ii) actively receiving outpatient medical treatment to hunt without licenses on any lands of the Commonwealth where it is otherwise legal to do so or to fish without licenses in any public waters open to fishing, including designated waters stocked with trout and in waters where a daily fishing fee has been imposed pursuant to § 29.1-318 . The application for the permit shall state the date or dates 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.

1974, c. 277, § 29-55.3; 1987, c. 488; 2008, c. 11 ; 2009, c. 5 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-734 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 7 / Article 3 / Section 29.1-734
Authorization for and placing of markers in waters of the Commonwealth used for public swimming areas; no motorboating, waterskiing in marked area
Status: in_force

A. Any owner of real estate which touches any of the waters of this Commonwealth or the agent of the owner may petition the Board to authorize the placing of markers approved by the Board around a public swimming or bathing area.

B. The Department, upon receiving the petition and sufficient proof that the water adjacent to the real estate is used in whole or in part as a public swimming or bathing area, may authorize the placement of the markers to designate the area as a swimming or bathing area.

C. The cost of the purchase and placement of the markers shall be borne by the party requesting the placement of the markers.

D. No person shall operate a motorboat or manipulate skis within the area of the waters of the Commonwealth marked under this section. Persons violating this subsection shall be guilty of a Class 4 misdemeanor.

1964, c. 654, § 62-174.5:1; 1968, c. 659, § 62.1-171; 1983, c. 475; 1987, c. 488.
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-357 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 3 / Article 3 / Section 29.1-357
Civil action required
Status: in_force

In any instance in which compensable damage is alleged to have been caused by an individual hunter whose whereabouts are known and when it is reasonable and practicable to do so, the claimant shall first proceed against such hunter in a civil action before any payment is made pursuant to the provisions of this article.

Upon payment of any claim pursuant to the provisions of this article, the county shall be subrogated to the rights of the claimant against such individual hunter.

1981, c. 16, § 29-92.6; 1987, c. 488.
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-738.4 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 7 / Article 3 / Section 29.1-738.4
Additional penalty for reckless or intoxicated operation of a watercraft or motorboat
Status: in_force

In addition to any other penalties authorized by law, upon conviction of any person for violation of any provision of § 29.1-738 , the court shall order such person not to operate a watercraft or motorboat which is underway upon the waters of the Commonwealth for a period of twelve months from the date of a first conviction or for a period of three years from the date of a second or subsequent conviction within ten years of a first conviction. The period specified in any such order prohibiting operation of a watercraft or motorboat which is underway imposed pursuant to this section shall run consecutively with any such order imposed for refusal to permit a blood or breath sample to be taken.

A first offense of violating this section shall constitute a Class 2 misdemeanor. A second or subsequent offense shall constitute a Class 1 misdemeanor. In addition, the court shall suspend the person's privilege to operate a motorboat or watercraft for the same period for which it had been suspended or revoked when such person violated this section.

The period specified in any such order prohibiting operation of a watercraft or motorboat which is underway imposed pursuant to this section may be suspended by the court only as authorized in § 29.1-738.5 .

1989, c. 726; 1996, cc. 929 , 1015 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-346 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 3 / Article 2 / Section 29.1-346
When license for floating blinds issued; distance from stationary blinds
Status: in_force

Licenses for floating blinds permitted by law, in the public waters, may be obtained on and after July 1. Floating blinds shall have a license plate supplied with the license for that season affixed to the blind. Floating blinds, including any accompanying boat or tender, shall anchor or tie out at least 500 yards from any licensed stationary blind for shooting, whether on the shore or in the water, unless agreed otherwise between the parties.

Code 1950, § 29-87; 1970, c. 579; 1987, cc. 94, 488.
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-810 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 8 / Article 2 / Section 29.1-810
Bond of dealer; right of action for fraudulent acts
Status: in_force

A. Before any watercraft dealer's license shall be issued by the Director to any applicant, such applicant shall procure and file with the Director a good and sufficient bond in the amount of $5,000 with corporate surety duly licensed to do business within the Commonwealth, in such form as approved by the Attorney General and conditioned that the applicant shall not practice fraud, make any fraudulent representation or violate any of the provisions of this chapter in the conduct of the business for which he is licensed. The Director may suspend the dealer's license without a hearing for such period as the dealer does not have a good and sufficient bond on file with the Director. Such suspension shall end when the bond is delivered to the Department.

B. If any person shall suffer any loss or damage by reason of any fraud practiced on him or fraudulent representation made to him by a licensed watercraft dealer or one of such dealer's salesmen acting for the dealer or within the scope of the employment of such salesman, or shall suffer any loss or damage by reason of the violation by such dealer or salesman of any of the provisions of this chapter, such person shall have a right of action against such dealer and the sureties upon his bond. Such person may recover such damages, as a court or jury may assess against such dealer as a proximate result of such fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation, from such surety who shall be subrogated to the rights of such person against such dealer.

1988, c. 592.
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-513 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 5 / Article 2 / Section 29.1-513
Daily and season bag limits as promulgated by Board regulations
Status: in_force

It shall be lawful to hunt wild birds and wild animals specified in this article within any applicable daily and season bag limits during the open seasons as may be provided by Board regulations.

Code 1950, § 29-135; 1960, c. 590; 1987, c. 488.
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-351 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 3 / Article 2 / Section 29.1-351
Regulations to be issued; present regulations continued in force
Status: in_force

The Board shall have the power to amend or alter the provisions of this article by regulation prescribing a distance less than 500 yards between blinds whenever and wherever such action seems practicable and desirable. The Board may adopt other regulations concerning the use of such blinds as may appear advisable to meet changing conditions as to hunting migratory game birds. The regulations of the Board now applying to such hunting are hereby continued in force until amended or repealed by the Board; however, the Board shall not have the power to alter in any respect the privileges prescribed for owners and their lessees and permittees in §§ 29.1-344 and 29.1-347 .

Code 1950, § 29-92; 1987, c. 488.
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-744.3 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 7 / Article 3 / Section 29.1-744.3
Slacken speed and control wakes near structures
Status: in_force

It shall be unlawful to operate any motorboat, except a personal watercraft, at a speed greater than the slowest possible speed required to maintain steerage and headway when within 50 feet or less of docks, piers, boathouses, boat ramps, or a person in the water, unless such person in the water (i) is being towed by the motorboat or (ii) is accompanying the motorboat, provided that such motorboat is propelled by an inboard motor or a means of propulsion that is below the water line and forward of (a) the transom or (b) an integrated swim platform.

1998, c. 857 ; 2012, c. 700 ; 2018, cc. 117 , 637 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-350.1 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 3 / Article 2 / Section 29.1-350.1
Permits for waterfowl blinds in Chesapeake Bay Public Access Authorities
Status: in_force

The Department shall develop a singular license for all riparian stationary blinds issued to the Middle Peninsula Chesapeake Bay Public Access Authority created pursuant to Chapter 66 (§ 15.2-6600 et seq.) of Title 15.2 and the Northern Neck Chesapeake Bay Public Access Authority established in Chapter 66.1 (§ 15.2-6626 et seq.) of Title 15.2. The Department shall develop a fee schedule for such license. The provisions of this section shall be in addition and supplemental to the provisions of this article.

2024, c. 213 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-113 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 1 / Article 3 / Section 29.1-113
Admittance, parking, and use at certain Department-owned facilities or Department-leased land; civil penalty
Status: in_force

A. No person shall make use of, gain admittance to, or attempt to use or gain admittance to certain Department-owned facilities where the Department charges a fee established by the Board pursuant to § 29.1-103 , unless the person pays such fee. However, such fee shall not apply to (i) any person holding a valid hunting, trapping, or fishing permit or current certificate of boat registration issued by the Department; (ii) any person 16 years of age or younger; or (iii) the use of Department-owned boat ramps.

B. No person shall hunt on private lands managed by the Department through a lease agreement or other similar memorandum of agreement where the Department issues an annual hunting stamp without having purchased a valid annual hunting stamp.

C. Any person violating subsection A or B may, in lieu of any criminal penalty, be assessed a civil penalty of up to $50 by the Department. Civil penalties assessed under this section shall be paid into the Game Protection Fund established pursuant to § 29.1-101 .

D. No owner or driver shall cause or permit a vehicle to stand:

1. On property owned or managed by the Department outside of a designated parking space, except for a reasonable time in order to receive or discharge passengers or in the case of an emergency;

2. In any designated parking space on property owned or managed by the Department in violation of any posted rule regarding use of the space; or

3. In any space on property owned or managed by the Department designated for use by persons with disabilities unless the vehicle displays a license plate or decal issued by the Commissioner of the Department of Motor Vehicles, or a similar identification issued by a similar authority of another state or the District of Columbia, that authorizes parking in such a designated space. Notwithstanding the provisions of § 29.1-554 , any regulation of the Board, or any other trespass provision in the Code of Virginia, no person violating this subsection shall be subject to a criminal penalty. Any person violating this subsection may, in lieu of any criminal penalty, be assessed a civil penalty of $25, which shall be paid into the Game Protection Fund.

2003, c. 562 ; 2004, c. 280 ; 2011, c. 768 ; 2020, c. 321 ; 2022, cc. 33 , 34 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-744.2 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 7 / Article 3 / Section 29.1-744.2
Repealed
Status: repealed

Repealed by Acts 1998, c. 857 , effective January 1, 1999.
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-210 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 2 / Section 29.1-210
Person arrested may be committed to jail, bailed, recognized or summoned
Status: in_force

Any person arrested for a violation of the game, inland fish and boating laws may be committed to jail pending trial or admitted to bail or released on recognizance as provided by general law; or the arresting officer may issue a summons requiring the person to appear for trial at a time and place specified therein before a court having jurisdiction to try such offenses if the person gives his written promise to appear at the specified time. Such time shall not, however, be less than five days from the date of arrest unless the person requests an earlier hearing.

Any person refusing to give the written promise to appear shall be taken immediately by the arresting or other police officer before the nearest or most accessible judicial officer.

Any person who willfully violates his written promise to appear, given in accordance with this section, shall be guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor.

1952, c. 608, § 29-34.1; 1974, c. 58; 1987, c. 488.
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-508.1 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 5 / Article 1 / Section 29.1-508.1
Use of drugs on vertebrate wildlife
Status: in_force

A. Without written authorization from the Director or his designee, it is unlawful to administer any drug to any vertebrate wildlife, except in accordance with a permit issued under the provisions of this title or regulations adopted by the Board. This prohibition shall include, but not be limited to, drugs used for fertility control, disease prevention or treatment, immobilization, or growth stimulation. Nothing in this section shall prohibit the treatment of sick or injured wild animals by licensed veterinarians or permitted wildlife rehabilitators. This section shall not limit employees of agencies of the Commonwealth, the United States, or local animal control officers in the performance of their official duties related to public health, wildlife management, or wildlife removal. For the purposes of this section, the term "drug" means any chemical substance, other than food, that affects the structure or biological function of wildlife species.

B. The Department may take possession and dispose of any vertebrate wildlife if it believes that drugs have been administered to such wildlife in violation of this section.

C. Any person violating this section is guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor.

2004, c. 171 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-315 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 3 / Article 1 / Section 29.1-315
Special fishing permits for certain school classes
Status: in_force

A. Upon receipt of an application from a qualified instructor, the Director may issue a special permit to the instructor authorizing the class described in the application to fish without licenses in public waters open to fishing. Any special permit so issued shall be valid only during regular school hours and only when fishing by the class occurs under the direct and immediate supervision of the instructor to whom it is issued. These special permits shall not be valid for fishing 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 shall be a written request for a class fishing permit submitted by a qualified instructor and countersigned by the principal of the school in which the applicant teaches. The application shall state (i) the name of the school; (ii) the county or city in which the school is located; (iii) the name and general subject matter of the class; and (iv) the general geographic area in which the permit is intended to be used. For the purposes of this section a "qualified instructor" means a person who teaches in a school located in Virginia a course at the eighth grade level or above for which credit is awarded which includes instruction in fishing techniques and who possesses a valid license to fish in the area in which the fishing techniques are taught.

1979, c. 197, § 29-55.3:2; 1987, c. 488.
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-703.1 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 7 / Article 1 / Section 29.1-703.1
Temporary registration certificate; fee; application
Status: in_force

A. An owner may obtain a temporary registration certificate from the Department or an authorized agent of the Department. The fee for the temporary registration certificate shall be ten dollars. Each temporary registration certificate issued shall be valid for a period of thirty days from the date of issuance. To qualify for a temporary registration certificate, the owner shall provide his name and address (including zip code), sufficient proof of ownership as determined by the Department and a description of the motorboat to include the: present number on the boat (if any); make and model; type of propulsion; year of manufacture; length as measured along the centerline; hull identification number; state of principal use; and required fee. Application for the permanent certificate of number and certificate of title (if applicable) with applicable fees shall be submitted to the Department immediately upon receipt of a temporary registration certificate.

B. A temporary registration certificate shall not be valid as proof of ownership for any vessel.

1995, c. 241 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-733.22 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 7 / Article 2.1 / Section 29.1-733.22
Replacement certificate of title
Status: in_force

A. If a written certificate of title is lost, stolen, mutilated, destroyed, or otherwise becomes unavailable or illegible, the secured party of record or, if no secured party is indicated in the files of the Department, the owner of record may apply for and, by furnishing information satisfactory to the Department, obtain a replacement certificate in the name of the owner of record.

B. An applicant for a replacement certificate of title shall sign the application and, except as otherwise permitted by the Department, the application shall comply with § 29.1-733.7 . The application shall include the existing certificate unless the certificate is lost, stolen, mutilated, destroyed, or otherwise unavailable.

C. A replacement certificate of title created by the Department shall comply with § 29.1-733.9 and indicate on the face of the certificate that it is a replacement certificate.

D. If a person receiving a replacement certificate of title subsequently obtains possession of the original written certificate, the person promptly shall destroy the original certificate of title.

2013, c. 787 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-807 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 8 / Article 1 / Section 29.1-807
Penalties
Status: in_force

Any person violating any of the provisions of this chapter shall be guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor.

1988, c. 592.
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-516.2 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 5 / Article 2 / Section 29.1-516.2
Hunting with dogs; dogs to wear tags
Status: in_force

Any person engaged in lawful hunting with a dog shall ensure that the dog has a tag identifying the name of the owner or custodian and a current phone number. The tag shall be securely fastened to a substantial collar by the owner or custodian and worn by such dog.

2022, c. 651 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-339.1 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 3 / Article 1 / Section 29.1-339.1
Repealed
Status: repealed

Repealed by Acts 2005, c. 127 , cl. 2.
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-738.01 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 7 / Article 3 / Section 29.1-738.01
Operating boat in an improper manner; penalty
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding the provisions of § 29.1-738 , upon the trial of any person charged with reckless boating where the degree of culpability is slight, the court in its discretion may find the accused not guilty of reckless boating but guilty of improper boating. Improper boating shall be punishable as a Class 3 misdemeanor.

1991, c. 404.
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-564 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 5 / Article 6 / Section 29.1-564
Taking, transportation, sale, etc., of endangered species prohibited
Status: in_force

The taking, transportation, possession, sale, or offer for sale within the Commonwealth of any fish or wildlife appearing on any list of threatened or endangered species published by the United States Secretary of the Interior pursuant to the provisions of the federal Endangered Species Act of 1973 (P.L. 93-205), or any modifications or amendments thereto, is prohibited except as provided in § 29.1-568 .

1972, c. 329, § 29-232; 1977, c. 377; 1987, c. 488.
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-556.1 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 5 / Article 5 / Section 29.1-556.1
Release of certain balloons prohibited; civil penalty; community service
Status: in_force

A. It is unlawful for any individual 16 years of age or older or other person to intentionally release, discard, or cause to be released or discarded outdoors any balloon made of a nonbiodegradable or nonphotodegradable material or any material that requires more than five minutes' contact with air or water to degrade. Any person convicted of a violation of this section is liable for a civil penalty of $25 per balloon released or discarded, which shall be paid into the Game Protection Fund established pursuant to § 29.1-101 . If an individual under the age of 16 releases a balloon by arrangement with or at the instruction of an adult, the adult shall be liable for the civil penalty assessed.

B. The provisions of this section shall not apply to any (i) balloon released (a) by or on behalf of any agency of the Commonwealth or the United States or (b) pursuant to a contract with the Commonwealth, the United States, or any other state, territory, or government for scientific or meteorological purposes or (ii) hot air balloon that is recovered after launch.

1991, c. 607; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 420 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-201 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 2 / Section 29.1-201
Bond
Status: in_force

Before entering upon the discharge of his official duties, each conservation police officer shall post bond with a guaranty company, authorized to do business within this Commonwealth as surety, for $1,000 payable to the Commonwealth of Virginia. The bonds shall be posted with the condition that the conservation police officer will (i) account for and legally apply all money which he receives in his official capacity, (ii) pay all judgments rendered against him for malicious prosecution or for unlawful search, arrest or imprisonment, and (iii) faithfully perform all of the duties enjoined upon him by law. These bonds shall be filed with the Department and shall be subject to the approval of the Director or his designated officer. The premium on the bonds shall be paid out of the game protection fund.

Code 1950, § 29-27; 1952, c. 608; 1987, c. 488; 2007, c. 87 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-358 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 3 / Article 3 / Section 29.1-358
Localities to report claims and reimbursements
Status: in_force

Any locality establishing a damage stamp program pursuant to the provisions of this article, including those localities previously authorized to adopt such an ordinance prior to July 1, 1981, shall ensure that annual reports of all damage claims made and the amount of reimbursement therefor are made to the Department.

1981, c. 16, § 29-92.7; 1987, c. 488; 2020, c. 958 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-611 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 6 / Section 29.1-611
Penalty for violations
Status: in_force

Any person violating any of the provisions of this chapter shall be guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor.

Code 1950, § 29-48; 1987, c. 488.
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-701 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 7 / Article 1 / Section 29.1-701
Department to administer chapter; Motorboat Committee; funds for administration; records; rules and regulations
Status: in_force

A. It shall be the duty of the Department to enforce and administer the provisions of this chapter.

B. The chairman of the Board shall designate from among the members of the Board three members who shall serve as the Motorboat Committee. This committee shall place special emphasis on the administration and enforcement of this chapter.

C. All expenses required for administration and enforcement of this chapter shall be paid from the funds collected pursuant to the numbering and certificate of title provisions of this chapter. All moneys collected pursuant to the numbering and certificate of title provisions of this chapter shall be deposited into the state treasury credited to a special fund, known as the game protection fund, and accounted for as a separate part to be designated as the motorboat and water safety fund. Such moneys shall be made available to the Department solely for the administration and enforcement of this chapter, for educational activities relating to boating safety and for other activities and purposes of direct benefit to the boating public. Moneys from the motorboat and water safety fund shall not be diverted to any other state agency. The motorboat and water safety fund and moneys otherwise provided for in this chapter shall be made available to carry out the intent and purposes as set forth in this chapter in accordance with plans approved by the Board. All such funds are hereby reserved until expended for the enforcement, administration and other provisions of this chapter. However, the Board is authorized to adopt a plan or formula for the use of these moneys for employing and equipping any additional personnel necessary to carry out the provisions of this chapter and for paying a proportionate share of the salaries, expense, and operational costs of existing personnel according to the time and effort expended by them in carrying out the provisions of this chapter. Such plan or formula may be altered or amended from time to time by the Board as existing conditions may warrant. No funds derived from the sale of hunting licenses or fishing licenses shall be expended or diverted for carrying out the provisions of this chapter.

D. The Department shall maintain a record of all certificates of title it issues. The certificates of title may be located (i) under a distinctive title number assigned to each watercraft, (ii) under the hull identification number of each watercraft, (iii) under the registration number, (iv) alphabetically under the name of the owner, and (v) at the discretion of the Board by any additional methods it determines.

E. The Board shall make such rules and regulations as it deems necessary and proper for the effective administration of this chapter. The proposal and adoption of rules and regulations shall take place as prescribed in Article 1 (§ 29.1-500 et seq.) of Chapter 5 of this title and all rules and regulations shall be published by the Board in a convenient form. The Board shall cooperate with the Department of Taxation in issuing titles and collecting tax thereon.

1960, c. 500, § 62-174.3; 1968, c. 659, § 62.1-168; 1972, c. 412; 1981, c. 405; 1987, cc. 101, 488.
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-300.4 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 3 / Article 1 / Section 29.1-300.4
Apprentice hunting license; deferral of hunter education
Status: in_force

A. There is hereby established an apprentice hunting license. The license shall be a one-time nonrenewable license that shall be valid for two years from the date of purchase and shall entitle the licensee to a one-time deferral of completion of hunter education required under § 29.1-300.1 . The apprentice hunting licensee shall not hunt prior to completing hunter education unless accompanied and directly supervised by an adult over the age of 18 who has, on his person, a valid Virginia hunting license. For the purposes of this section, "accompanied and directly supervised" occurs when a person over 18 maintains a close visual and verbal contact with, provides adequate direction to, and can immediately assume control of the firearm from the apprentice hunter. The cost of the license shall be $10 for a resident and $20 for a nonresident. The Board may subsequently revise the cost of the license pursuant to § 29.1-103 .

B. Possession of a valid apprentice hunting license shall serve in lieu of the state resident hunting or nonresident hunting license required under subdivisions 2 and 3 of § 29.1-303 , respectively. The purchase of any other hunting licenses shall be at the same cost as specified for residents or nonresidents in this title or as subsequently revised by the Board pursuant to subdivision 16 of § 29.1-103 . The purchase of the apprentice hunting license shall not qualify the holder to purchase a regular hunting license or exempt the licensee from compliance with the requirements of this title and any regulations adopted by the Department. Any previous holder of a state resident or nonresident hunting license issued under this title shall be prohibited from the purchase of an apprentice hunting license for himself.

C. Upon completion of hunter education under § 29.1-300.1 , and unless otherwise required by law to be supervised, the apprentice hunting licensee may hunt unsupervised subject to the requirements of applicable state law and regulations.

D. The Board may adopt regulations to carry out the provisions of this section.

2008, cc. 18 , 416 ; 2009, c. 9 ; 2014, c. 244 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-505 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 5 / Article 1 / Section 29.1-505
Penalty for violation of regulations
Status: in_force

It shall be a misdemeanor to violate any regulation promulgated pursuant to this title. Any person violating such a regulation shall be guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor unless another penalty is specified.

Code 1950, § 29-129; 1987, c. 488; 1988, c. 19.
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-733.17 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 7 / Article 2.1 / Section 29.1-733.17
Transfer of ownership
Status: in_force

A. On voluntary transfer of an ownership interest in a watercraft covered by a certificate of title, the following rules apply:

1. If the certificate is a written certificate of title and the transferor's interest is noted on the certificate, the transferor promptly shall sign the certificate and deliver it to the transferee. If the transferor does not have possession of the certificate, the person in possession of the certificate has a duty to facilitate the transferor's compliance with this subdivision. A secured party does not have a duty to facilitate the transferor's compliance with this subdivision if the proposed transfer is prohibited by the security agreement.

2. If the certificate of title is an electronic certificate of title, the transferor promptly shall sign and deliver to the transferee a record evidencing the transfer of ownership to the transferee.

3. The transferee has a right enforceable by specific performance to require the transferor comply with subdivision 1 or 2.

B. The creation of a certificate of title identifying the transferee as owner of record satisfies subsection A.

C. A failure to comply with subsection A or to apply for a new certificate of title does not render a transfer of ownership of a watercraft ineffective between the parties. Except as otherwise provided in § 29.1-733.18 , 29.1-733.19 , 29.1-733.23 , or 29.1-733.24 , a transfer of ownership without compliance with subsection A is not effective against another person claiming an interest in the watercraft.

D. A transferor that complies with subsection A is not liable as owner of the watercraft for an event occurring after the transfer, regardless of whether the transferee applies for a new certificate of title.

2013, c. 787 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-749.2 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 7 / Article 4 / Section 29.1-749.2
Local regulation of personal watercraft rentals; penalty
Status: in_force

A. The City of Virginia Beach may by ordinance regulate personal watercraft as provided in this section. Any ordinance enacted pursuant to this section may include any of the following provisions:

1. Any business which offers personal watercraft for rent shall (i) require any person to whom a personal watercraft is rented to present, prior to such rental, a government-issued identification card containing his photograph and (ii) retain such identification card, or a copy thereof, during the time the personal watercraft is being rented.

2. No person who rents or leases a personal watercraft shall knowingly misrepresent any material fact or falsify any information requested on the rental agreement or application.

3. Any business which offers personal watercraft for hourly short-term rental shall have at least one motorboat of at least fifty horsepower operated by an employee or agent of the business, in order to monitor and ensure the safe operation of the personal watercraft.

4. No business which offers personal watercraft for rent shall rent a personal watercraft that has an engine displacement which exceeds 800 cubic centimeters.

5. Any business which offers personal watercraft for rent shall have at least two marine VHF radios in operation during the time that a personal watercraft rental is being operated. The radios shall monitor channel 16 whenever they are not being actively used on a working channel.

B. Any locality may by ordinance establish standards for insurance coverage for any business which offers personal watercraft for rent.

C. Any ordinance adopted by a locality pursuant to this section may provide for a penalty for violation of the ordinance not to exceed the penalty applicable to a Class 3 misdemeanor.

1998, c. 563 ; 1999, c. 536 ; 2007, c. 813 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-317 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 3 / Article 1 / Section 29.1-317
Special fishing permits for certain juveniles
Status: in_force

A. Upon application from the superintendent of any juvenile correctional center maintained and operated by the Department of Juvenile Justice, the Director may issue a permit to allow the residents of such juvenile correctional center to fish under supervision 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 .

B. The application for the permit shall state the name and description of the group, 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 who will be responsible for the group.

1980, c. 188, § 29-55.3:4; 1987, c. 488; 1989, c. 733; 1996, cc. 755 , 914 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-738.3 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 7 / Article 3 / Section 29.1-738.3
Presumptions from alcohol or drug content
Status: in_force

In any prosecution for operating a watercraft or motorboat that is underway in violation of clause (ii), (iii), or (iv) of subsection B of § 29.1-738 , or of a similar ordinance of any county, city or town, the amount of alcohol or drugs in the blood of the accused at the time of the alleged offense as indicated by a chemical analysis of a sample of the accused's blood or breath to determine the alcohol or drug content of his blood (i) in accordance with the provisions of § 29.1-738.2 or (ii) performed by the Department of Forensic Science in accordance with the provisions of §§ 18.2-268.5 , 18.2-268.6 , and 18.2-268.7 on the suspect's whole blood drawn pursuant to a search warrant shall give rise to the rebuttable presumptions of subdivisions A 1 through 4 of § 18.2-269 .

1989, c. 726; 1995, c. 130 ; 2005, c. 616 ; 2017, c. 623 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-103 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 1 / Article 2 / Section 29.1-103
Powers and duties of the Board
Status: in_force

The Board is responsible for carrying out the purposes and provisions of this title and is authorized to:

1. Appoint the Director of the Department.

2. Acquire by purchase, lease, exchange, gift or otherwise, lands and waters in the Commonwealth and to establish buildings, structures, dams, lakes and ponds on such lands and waters. However, it is the policy of the Commonwealth that there shall be no net loss of those public lands managed by the Department that are available for hunting in Virginia.

3. Conduct operations for the preservation and propagation of game birds, game animals, fish and other wildlife in order to increase, replenish and restock the lands and inland waters of the Commonwealth.

4. Purchase, lease, or otherwise acquire lands and waters for game and fish refuges, preserves or public shooting and fishing, and establish such lands and waters under appropriate regulations.

5. Acquire by purchase, lease, or otherwise, lands and structures for use as public landings, wharves, or docks; to improve such lands and structures; and to control the use of all such public landings, wharves, or docks by regulation.

6. Acquire and introduce any new species of game birds, game animals, or fish on the lands and within the waters of the Commonwealth, with the authorization and cooperation of the local government for the locality where the introduction occurs.

7. Restock, replenish and increase any depleted native species of game birds, game animals, or fish.

8. Have educational matter pertaining to wildlife published and distributed.

9. Hold exhibits throughout the Commonwealth for the purpose of educating school children, agriculturists and other persons in the preservation and propagation of wildlife in the Commonwealth.

10. Control land owned by and under control of the Commonwealth in Back Bay, its tributaries and the North Landing River from the North Carolina line to North Landing Bridge. The Board shall regulate or prohibit by regulation any drilling, dredging or other operation designed to recover or obtain shells, minerals, or other substances in order to prevent practices and operations which would harm the area for fish and wildlife.

11. Exercise powers it may deem advisable for conserving, protecting, replenishing, propagating and increasing the supply of game birds, game animals, fish and other wildlife of the Commonwealth.

12. Adopt resolutions or regulations conferring upon the Director all such powers, authorities and duties as the Board possesses and deems necessary or proper to carry out the purposes of this title.

13. Administer and manage the Virginia Fish Passage Grant and Revolving Loan Fund pursuant to Article 1.1 (§ 29.1-101.2 et seq.) of Chapter 1.

14. Establish and collect admittance, parking, or other use fees at certain Department-owned facilities as determined by the Board. Any daily fee established by the Board shall not exceed $3. Any annual fee established by the Board shall not exceed the cost of an annual state resident fishing license pursuant to subdivision A 2 of § 29.1-310 , or an annual state resident hunting license pursuant to subdivision 2 of § 29.1-303 .

15. Establish and collect a use fee through the issuance of an annual hunting stamp required to be obtained to hunt on private lands managed by the Department through a lease agreement or other similar memorandum of agreement. The annual hunting stamp shall be in addition to the required licenses to hunt, and the cost of such stamp shall be the same as the cost of the annual state resident hunting license in § 29.1-303 .

16. Revise, as it deems appropriate, through the promulgation of regulations as prescribed in Article 1 (§ 29.1-500 et seq.), the fees charged for all hunting, fishing and trapping licenses authorized under Articles 1 (§ 29.1-300 et seq.) and 2 (§ 29.1-340 et seq.) of Chapter 3, notwithstanding any other provision of this title. Beginning July 1, 2004, and no more frequently than once every three years thereafter, such license fees for residents may be increased or decreased no more than $5. Beginning July 1, 2007, and no more frequently than once every three years thereafter, the Board may increase or decrease license fees for nonresidents, authorized under Article 1 (§ 29.1-300 et seq.) of Chapter 3, no more than $50.

17. Take such regulatory or other action as it may determine to be necessary to enable the Commonwealth to become a party to the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact, as authorized in Article 2.1 (§ 29.1-530.5 ), and to implement the Compact in the Commonwealth. The promulgation of any regulations pursuant to this subdivision shall be as prescribed in Article 1 (§ 29.1-500 et seq.).

18. Adopt regulations that allow any person who holds a valid license to hunt or trap to manufacture and sell products made from wildlife that he has lawfully taken, except where the Board determines that such manufacture or sale is detrimental to public health or sound wildlife management.

Code 1950, §§ 29-6, 29-11; 1970, c. 254; 1979, c. 264; 1980, c. 301; 1987, c. 488; 1992, c. 887; 2003, c. 562 ; 2004, cc. 280 , 1027 ; 2007, cc. 35 , 906 ; 2009, c. 648 ; 2011, cc. 805 , 841 ; 2016, c. 121 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-742 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 7 / Article 3 / Section 29.1-742
Towing water skis, surfboards, etc
Status: in_force

A. No person shall operate a vessel on any waters of the Commonwealth for towing a person or persons on water skis, a surfboard, or a similar device unless there is in the vessel a person, in addition to the operator, in a position to observe the progress of the person or persons being towed or unless the skier or skiers wear life preservers.

B. No person shall operate a vessel on any water of the Commonwealth towing a person or persons on water skis, a surfboard, or a similar device, nor shall any person engage in water skiing or a similar activity at any time between the hours from one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise. The provisions of this subsection shall not constitute a defense to any provision of § 29.1-738 .

C. The provisions of subsections A and B of this section do not apply to a performer engaged in a professional exhibition.

D. No person shall operate or manipulate any vessel, towrope, or other device by which the direction or location of water skis, a surfboard, or a similar device may be affected or controlled in such a way as to cause the water skis, surfboard, or similar device, or any person upon the device to collide with any object or person.

1960, c. 500, § 62-174.13; 1962, c. 626; 1968, c. 659, § 62.1-179; 1982, c. 236; 1987, c. 488; 1988, c. 265; 1993, c. 275; 1997, c. 108 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-344 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 3 / Article 2 / Section 29.1-344
Stationary blinds on shore and in the public waters for owners of riparian rights
Status: in_force

A. Notwithstanding the provisions of § 29.1-340 , each year, the owners of riparian rights, their lessees or permittees shall have the exclusive privilege of licensing and erecting stationary blinds on their shoreline, and the prior right of licensing and erecting stationary blinds in the public waters in front of their shoreline, to shoot waterfowl over the public waters. Such blinds shall not be located in water having a depth greater than eight feet at mean high tide, nor shall they be located farther than halfway across the body of water from the riparian owner's shoreline, except on the shores and waters of Back Bay in the City of Virginia Beach where such blinds are limited to (i) the riparian owner's shoreline at the mean low water mark or (ii) blinds erected and licensed by the riparian owner in 2011. When licensing a stationary blind, the location of each blind licensed shall be provided as latitude and longitude coordinates. When such a license has been obtained and a stake or a stationary blind has been erected on the site with the license for that season properly affixed, no other stationary or floating blind shall be located in the public waters within 500 yards of the licensed site without the consent of the riparian owner, lessee or permittee.

B. At the time of the license transaction pursuant to subsection A, the licensee shall provide the unique location of each stationary waterfowl blind to the Department, identified as standardized latitude and longitude coordinates, using the decimal degrees format with a minimum of five digit precision. The Department shall publish such coordinates by November 1 of each year, excluding any customer personal information, on its website in a searchable, publicly accessible, and conspicuous manner.

Code 1950, § 29-85; 1987, c. 488; 1989, c. 217; 2004, c. 422 ; 2010, c. 9 ; 2012, c. 227 ; 2013, c. 745 ; 2020, c. 415 ; 2024, c. 186 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-332 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 3 / Article 1 / Section 29.1-332
License and permit receipts; compensation for issuing; sums to be credited to game protection fund
Status: in_force

A. Notwithstanding the provisions of § 2.2-1802 , the money received for licenses and permits issued under this title 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. For license sales by telephone or electronic media, the means of payment may include a continuous deposit of proceeds from the sale of licenses into accounts from which the Department may electronically transfer funds to a Departmental or state account at agreed-upon intervals. For license sales made other than by telephone or electronic media, the clerk or agent shall add $.50 to the fee for each license or permit he issues and retain the $.50 as compensation for such service.

B. Upon receipt into the treasury of such sums the Comptroller shall credit the sums to the game protection fund or to the Lifetime Hunting and Fishing Endowment Fund for licenses sold pursuant to § 29.1-302.1 .

C. The voluntary contributions collected pursuant to subsection B of § 29.1-330 and remitted to the Department shall be deposited into the state treasury and credited to a special nonreverting fund, within the game protection fund, known as the Feed the Hungry Fund. Monies in this fund shall be disbursed quarterly to Hunters For The Hungry to support its programs to feed the hungry and other statewide activities related to this mission.

Code 1950, §§ 29-69, 29-71; 1976, c. 660; 1980, c. 494; 1987, cc. 95, 488; 1992, c. 374; 2000, c. 132 ; 2003, cc. 95 , 737 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-809 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 8 / Article 2 / Section 29.1-809
Application for license
Status: in_force

A. Application for license shall be made to the Director at such time and in such form and shall contain such information as the Director shall require. The application shall be accompanied by the required fee. The application shall be accompanied by evidence, that the Director deems proper, showing that the applicant currently holds a valid watercraft titling tax collection certificate, a federal business identification number, a local business license and a dealer certificate of numbers issued by the Department.

B. The Director shall require in such application, or otherwise, information relating to the matters set forth in § 29.1-819 as grounds for the refusing of licenses and to other pertinent matters requisite for the safeguarding of the public interest in the locality in which the applicant proposes to engage in business. If the applicant is a dealer in new watercraft with factory warranties, he shall also include with his application a copy of a current service agreement with the manufacturer or with the distributor, requiring the applicant to perform within a reasonable distance of his established place of business, the service, repair and replacement work required of the manufacturer or distributor by such watercraft warranty. All of this information shall be considered by the Director in determining the fitness of the applicant to engage in the business for which he seeks a license.

1988, c. 592.
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-112 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 1 / Article 3 / Section 29.1-112
Payment of license and permit fees
Status: in_force

The Director may authorize the acceptance of any method of payment authorized by § 2.2-614.1 in lieu of money for payment of any fees collected by the Department or agents acting on behalf of the Department for any licenses or permits issued under this title or for any merchandise sold by the Department.

1999, c. 254 ; 2002, c. 719 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-735.2 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 7 / Article 3 / Section 29.1-735.2
Boating safety education required; Board to promulgate regulations
Status: in_force

A. No person shall operate a motorboat with a motor of 10 horsepower or greater or personal watercraft on the public waters of the Commonwealth, unless the operator has met the requirements for boating safety education in accordance with the age provisions established in subsection D.

B. A person shall be considered in compliance with the requirements for boating safety education if the person meets one of the following:

1. Completes and passes a boating safety course approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) and accepted by the Department;

2. Passes a proctored equivalency examination that tests the knowledge of information included in the curriculum of an approved course;

3. Possesses a valid license to operate a vessel issued to maritime personnel by the United States Coast Guard or a marine certificate issued by the Canadian government;

4. Possesses a state-approved nonrenewable temporary operator's certificate to operate a motorboat for 90 days that was issued with the certificate of number for the motorboat, if the boat is new or was sold with a transfer of ownership;

5. Possesses a rental or lease agreement from a motorboat rental or leasing business, which lists the person as the authorized operator of the motorboat;

6. Operates the motorboat under onboard direct supervision of a person who meets the requirements of this section;

7. Demonstrates that he is not a resident, is temporarily using the waters of Virginia for a period not to exceed 90 days, and meets any applicable boating safety education requirements of the state of residency, or possesses a Canadian Pleasure Craft Operator's Card;

8. Has assumed operation of the motorboat due to the illness or physical impairment of the initial operator, and is returning the motorboat to shore in order to provide assistance or care for the operator;

9. Is registered as a commercial fisherman pursuant to § 28.2-241 or a person who is under the onboard direct supervision of the commercial fisherman while operating the commercial fisherman's boat;

10. Provides documentation that he is serving or has qualified as a surface warfare officer or enlisted surface warfare specialist in the United States Navy; or

11. Provides documentation that he is serving or has qualified as an Officer of the Deck Underway, boat coxswain, boat officer, boat operator, watercraft operator, or Marine Deck Officer in any branch of the Armed Forces of the United States, United States Coast Guard, or Merchant Marine.

C. The Board shall promulgate regulations by July 1, 2008, to implement a boating safety education program for all motorboat and personal watercraft operators to meet boating safety education requirements.

D. Such regulations shall include provisions that phase-in the requirements for boating safety education according to the following:

1. Personal watercraft operators 20 years of age or younger to meet the requirements by July 1, 2009;

2. Personal watercraft operators 35 years of age or younger to meet the requirements by July 1, 2010;

3. Personal watercraft operators 50 years of age or younger to meet the requirements by July 1, 2011;

4. All personal watercraft operators, regardless of age, to meet the requirements by July 1, 2012;

5. Motorboat operators 20 years of age or younger to meet the requirements by July 1, 2011;

6. Motorboat operators 30 years of age or younger to meet the requirements by July 1, 2012;

7. Motorboat operators 40 years of age or younger to meet the requirements by July 1, 2013;

8. Motorboat operators 45 years of age or younger to meet the requirements by July 1, 2014;

9. Motorboat operators 50 years of age or younger to meet the requirements by July 1, 2015; and

10. All motorboat operators, regardless of age, to meet the requirements by July 1, 2016.

E. Such regulations may include, but not be limited to, provisions for compliance, statewide availability of NASBLA-approved courses including through the Internet, the issuance of certificates to document successful course completion, duplicate certificates, recordkeeping, requirements for course providers, instructor certification, student name and address changes, equivalency exam criteria, provisions for an open-book test for classroom based courses, requirements for motorboat rental and leasing businesses, issuance of a temporary operator's certificate, and the establishment of fees (not to exceed the cost of giving such instruction for each person participating in and receiving the instruction) for boating safety courses and certificates.

F. The Board shall consult and coordinate with the boating public, professional organizations for recreational boating safety, and the boating retail, leasing, and dealer business community in the promulgation of such regulations.

G. The Department shall, by July 1, 2018, establish and thereafter shall maintain a database listing every person who, at any time prior to that date, has completed and passed a boating safety course pursuant to subdivision B 1. The database shall list each person's full name and date of birth and the date on which he passed the safety course, and it shall allow any person who completes and passes the course after July 1, 2018, to add his own information. The Department shall make the database available to law-enforcement officers and, to the extent possible or appropriate, shall maintain the confidentiality of information in the database.

H. Any person who operates a motorboat on the waters of the Commonwealth shall, upon the request of a law-enforcement officer, present to the officer evidence in physical or electronic form that he has complied with subsection B. The law-enforcement officer shall not issue a citation until he has checked the boating safety course passage database created pursuant to subsection G. The listing of the operator in such database shall constitute satisfactory evidence that he has complied with subsection B.

I. Any person who violates any provision of this section or any regulation promulgated hereunder shall be subject to a civil penalty of $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 .

J. The provisions of this section shall not apply to law-enforcement officers while they are engaged in the performance of their official duties.

2007, cc. 615 , 732 ; 2013, c. 48 ; 2015, c. 160 ; 2017, c. 360 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-744.4 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 7 / Article 3 / Section 29.1-744.4
"Pass-through" zones; local ordinances; penalties
Status: in_force

After providing notice to the Department, any locality may, by ordinance, establish "pass-through" zones in any portion of a waterway within its territorial limits where congestion of watercraft traffic routinely poses a significant safety risk to persons in such designated area. The ordinance shall provide that while in a pass-through zone, operators of watercraft shall maintain a reasonable and safe speed and shall be prohibited from stopping, anchoring, loitering, or otherwise engaging in recreational activity. The locality shall clearly identify pass-through zones by buoys or other markers that conform to the general requirements as established by the Board for similar buoys or markers. The locality may provide for enforcement and penalties, not to exceed a Class 4 misdemeanor, for the violation of the ordinance.

2003, c. 780 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-407 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 4 / Article 1 / Section 29.1-407
Forfeiture of furs
Status: in_force

Any furs found in the possession of any person or firm and acquired in violation of this article shall be forfeited to the Commonwealth. The proceedings for forfeiture shall conform as far as practicable to the provisions of Chapter 22.1 (§ 19.2-386.1 et seq.) of Title 19.2, and the net proceeds of the forfeiture shall be paid into the Literary Fund.

Code 1950, § 29-102; 1987, c. 488; 2012, cc. 283 , 756 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-521.3 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 5 / Article 2 / Section 29.1-521.3
Shooting wild birds and wild animals from stationary vehicles by disabled persons
Status: in_force

Any person, upon application to a conservation police officer and the presentation of a medical doctor's written statement based on a physical examination that such person is permanently unable to walk due to impaired mobility, may, in the discretion of the conservation police officer, be issued a permit to shoot wild birds and wild animals from a stationary automobile or other vehicle during established open hunting seasons and in accordance with other laws and regulations. Permits issued pursuant to this section shall (i) be issued on a form provided by the Department, (ii) not authorize shooting from a stationary vehicle less than 50 feet from nor in or across any public road or highway subject to the provisions of § 29.1-526 , (iii) be issued for the lifetime of the permittee and be issued only to those persons who are properly licensed to hunt, and (iv) be nontransferable. Any permit found in the possession of any person not entitled to such permit shall be subject to confiscation by a conservation police officer.

1994, c. 244 ; 2007, c. 87 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-704 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 7 / Article 1 / Section 29.1-704
Recording previously awarded numbers
Status: in_force

The owner of any motorboat already covered by a number in effect which has been awarded to it pursuant to then operative federal law or pursuant to a federally approved numbering system of another state shall record the number prior to operating the motorboat on the waters of this Commonwealth in excess of the ninety-day reciprocity period provided for in § 29.1-710 . Such recordation shall be in the manner and pursuant to the procedure required for the award of a number under § 29.1-702 , except that no additional or substitute number shall be issued.

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. § 29.1-205 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 2 / Section 29.1-205
Power to make arrests
Status: in_force

All conservation police officers are vested with the authority, upon displaying a badge or other credential of office, to issue a summons or to arrest any person found in the act of violating any of the provisions of the hunting, trapping, inland fish and boating laws.

Regular conservation police officers are vested with the same authority as sheriffs and other law-enforcement officers to enforce all of the criminal laws of the Commonwealth.

Any special conservation police officer shall have general police power while performing his duty on properties owned or controlled by the Board.

Any commissioned, warrant or petty officers of the United States Coast Guard and of the United States Coast Guard Reserve while engaged on active duty, in the conduct of their official duties in uniform, and any officers of the customs as defined by 19 U.S.C. § 1709 (b), in the conduct of their official duties in uniform, shall have the same power to make arrests under Chapter 7 (§ 29.1-700 et seq.) of Title 29.1 as conservation police officers.

Code 1950, § 29-32; 1960, c. 540; 1979, c. 264; 1982, c. 64; 1987, c. 488; 1988, c. 605; 2007, c. 87 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-744.1 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 7 / Article 3 / Section 29.1-744.1
Repealed
Status: repealed

Repealed by Acts 1998, c. 537 , effective January 1, 1999.
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-303.2 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 3 / Article 1 / Section 29.1-303.2
State junior resident hunting license fee
Status: in_force

The fee for a license to hunt in all counties and cities of the Commonwealth, issued to a state resident under the age of sixteen, shall be seven dollars and fifty cents or as subsequently revised by the Board pursuant to § 29.1-103 .

1988, c. 250; 2009, c. 9 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-408 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 4 / Article 2 / Section 29.1-408
Permit required; exceptions
Status: in_force

No person shall hunt, fish, or trap on any lands in the national forests in this Commonwealth without first obtaining, in addition to the regular resident or nonresident license, a special permit to hunt, fish, or trap on such areas in the national forests as the Board and the Forest Service may agree upon. However, no such permit shall be required of (i) residents under the age of 16 to fish or trap; (ii) residents over the age of 65 to fish; (iii) nonresidents under the age of 16 to fish when accompanied by a person possessing a valid license to fish therein; (iv) residents possessing a license as provided by subsection E of § 29.1-301 ; and (v) persons holding a license as provided by § 29.1-339 .

The violation of any of the terms of this article shall constitute a Class 3 misdemeanor.

Code 1950, § 29-117; 1972, c. 381; 1977, c. 377; 1987, c. 488; 2018, c. 507 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-733.21 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 7 / Article 2.1 / Section 29.1-733.21
Application for transfer of ownership or termination of security interest without certificate of title
Status: in_force

A. Except as otherwise provided in § 29.1-733.19 or 29.1-733.20 , if the Department receives, unaccompanied by a signed certificate of title, an application for a new certificate that includes an indication of a transfer of ownership or a termination statement, the Department shall create a new certificate under this section only if:

1. All other requirements under §§ 29.1-733.7 and 29.1-733.8 are met;

2. The applicant provides an affidavit stating facts showing the applicant is entitled to a transfer of ownership or termination statement;

3. The applicant provides the Department with satisfactory evidence that notification of the application has been sent to the owner of record and all persons indicated in the files of the Department as having an interest, including a security interest, in the watercraft, at least 45 days have passed since the notification was sent, and the Department has not received an objection from any of those persons; and

4. The applicant submits any other information required by the Department as evidence of the applicant's ownership or right to terminate the security interest, and the Department has no credible information indicating theft, fraud, or an undisclosed or unsatisfied security interest, lien, or other claim to an interest in the watercraft.

B. The Department shall indicate in a certificate of title created under subsection A that the certificate was created without submission of a signed certificate or termination statement. Unless credible information indicating theft, fraud, or an undisclosed or unsatisfied security interest, lien, or other claim to an interest in the watercraft is delivered to the Department not later than one year after creation of the certificate, on request in a form and manner required by the Department, the Department shall remove the indication from the certificate.

C. Unless the Department determines that the value of a watercraft is less than $5,000, before the Department creates a certificate of title under subsection A, the Department shall require the applicant to post a bond or provide an equivalent source of indemnity or security. The bond, indemnity, or other security shall not exceed twice the value of the watercraft as determined by the Department. The bond, indemnity, or other security shall be in a form required by the Department and provide for indemnification of any owner, purchaser, or other claimant for any expense, loss, delay, or damage, including reasonable attorney fees and costs, but not including incidental or consequential damages, resulting from creation or amendment of the certificate.

D. Unless the Department receives a claim for indemnity not later than one year after creation of a certificate of title under subsection A, on request in a form and manner required by the Department, the Department shall release any bond, indemnity, or other security.

2013, c. 787 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-537 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 5 / Article 4 / Section 29.1-537
Possession
Status: in_force

When taken in accordance with the provisions of this title, each species of wild bird, wild animal or fish may be possessed at any time.

Code 1950, § 29-155; 1987, c. 488.
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-709 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 7 / Article 1 / Section 29.1-709
Change of address of certificate holder
Status: in_force

Any holder of a certificate of number shall notify the Department within fifteen days if his address appearing on the certificate changes, and he shall furnish the Department with his new address. The Board may provide in its rules and regulations for the surrender of the certificate bearing the former address and for certificate replacements or alterations bearing the new address.

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. § 29.1-525 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 5 / Article 2 / Section 29.1-525
Employment of lights under certain circumstances upon places used by deer
Status: in_force

A. Any person in any vehicle and then in possession of any firearm, crossbow, slingbow, arrowgun, bow and arrow, or speargun who employs a light attached to the vehicle or a spotlight or flashlight to cast a light beyond the water or surface of the roadway upon any place used by deer shall be guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor. Every person in or on any such vehicle shall be deemed prima facie a principal in the second degree and subject to the same punishment as a principal in the first degree. This subsection shall not apply to a landowner in possession of a weapon when he is on his own land and is making a bona fide effort to protect his property from damage by deer and not for the purpose of killing deer unless the landowner is in possession of a permit to do so pursuant to the provisions of § 29.1-529 .

B. Any person in any motor vehicle who deliberately employs a light attached to such vehicle or a spotlight or flashlight to cast a light beyond the surface of the roadway upon any place used by deer, except upon his own land or upon land on which he has an easement or permission for such purpose, shall be guilty of a Class 4 misdemeanor. Every person in or on any such vehicle shall be deemed prima facie a principal in the second degree and subject to the same punishment as a principal in the first degree.

C. The provisions of subsections A and B shall not apply to activities conducted by a locality pursuant to a permit or written authorization issued by the Department.

D. In addition to the penalties prescribed in subsection A, the court shall revoke the current hunting license and privileges of the person convicted of a violation of subsection A and prohibit the person from hunting for a period of one to five years. In addition to the penalties prescribed in subsection B, the court may revoke the current hunting license and privileges of the person convicted of a violation of subsection B and prohibit that person from hunting for one to five years. If a person convicted of a violation of subsection A or B is found hunting during the 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 subsections C and D of § 18.2-56.1 .

1962, c. 520, § 29-144.4; 1973, c. 369; 1974, c. 101; 1980, cc. 602, 607, § 29-144.4:1; 1981, c. 60; 1987, c. 488; 1988, c. 450; 1994, c. 113 ; 2002, c. 157 ; 2010, c. 183 ; 2014, c. 126 ; 2017, c. 530 ; 2018, cc. 557 , 558 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-528 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 5 / Article 2 / Section 29.1-528
Board to develop model ordinances for hunting with firearms; counties or cities may adopt
Status: in_force

A. The Board shall adopt regulations establishing model ordinances for hunting with firearms that may be adopted by counties or cities. Such model ordinances shall address items including firearm caliber; type of firearm, including rifle, shotgun, or muzzleloader; type of ammunition; and the hunting of groundhogs or coyotes.

B. The governing body of any county or city may, by ordinance, (i) prohibit hunting in such county or city with a shotgun loaded with slugs, or with a rifle of a caliber larger than .22 rimfire; (ii) permit the hunting of groundhogs with a rifle of a caliber larger than .22 rimfire between March 1 and August 31; (iii) permit the use of muzzle-loading rifles during the prescribed open seasons for the hunting of game species; (iv) specify permissible types of ammunition to be used for hunting in the county or city; or (v) permit the hunting of coyotes with a rifle of a caliber larger than .22 rimfire.

C. No such ordinance shall be enforceable unless the governing body notifies the Director by registered mail prior to May 1 of the year in which the ordinance is to take effect.

D. In adopting an ordinance pursuant to the provisions of this section, the governing body of any county or city may provide that any person who violates the provisions of the ordinance is guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor.

1976, c. 443, § 29-144.6; 1977, cc. 20, 377; 1978, c. 303; 1986, c. 342; 1987, c. 488; 1989, c. 421; 2007, c. 642 ; 2016, c. 64 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-749 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 7 / Article 4 / Section 29.1-749
Owner of personal watercraft permitting violation; penalty
Status: in_force

A. It shall be unlawful for the owner of or any person having control of a personal watercraft to authorize or knowingly permit a person under the age of sixteen to operate the personal watercraft, unless the person fourteen or fifteen years of age has successfully completed a boating safety education course as required under subdivision A 1 of § 29.1-748 .

B. A violation of any provision of this section shall constitute a Class 4 misdemeanor.

1991, c. 320; 1998, c. 443 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-516 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 5 / Article 2 / Section 29.1-516
Game animals
Status: in_force

The following provisions shall apply to the killing and hunting of the particular game animals listed:

Black bear. -- A black bear may be killed by any person when (i) it is inflicting or attempting to inflict injury to a person or (ii) when a person is in pursuit of the bear commenced immediately after the commission of such offense. Any person killing a bear under this provision shall immediately report the killing to a state conservation police officer.

Deer. -- It is unlawful for a person to kill or attempt to kill a deer in the water of any stream, lake, or pond. It is unlawful to hunt deer with dogs in the counties west of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Fox. -- There is a continuous open season for hunting with dogs only. The hunting or pursuit of foxes shall mean the actual following of the dogs while in pursuit of a fox or foxes or the managing of the dog or dogs, including by the use of a Global Positioning System (GPS) or other electronic tracking device, while the fox or foxes are being hunted or pursued. Nothing in this section shall preclude the managing of dogs by the use of a GPS or other electronic tracking device by hunters when hunting other game animals. Foxes may be killed at any time by the owner or tenant of any land when such animals are doing damage to domestic stock or fowl.

Rabbits and squirrels. -- It is unlawful to kill rabbits or squirrels during the closed season; however, the following persons may kill rabbits or squirrels for their own use during the closed season:

1. A landowner and members of his immediate family;

2. Resident members of hunt clubs who own the land in fee, either jointly or through a holding company;

3. Tenants residing on the premises, with the written permission of the landowner.

When such animals are committing substantial damage to fruit trees, gardens, crops, or other property, the owner of the premises may kill the animals or have them killed under a permit obtained from the conservation police officer.

Code 1950, § 29-138; 1960, c. 590; 1962, c. 469; 1977, c. 377; 1980, c. 271; 1984, c. 6; 1987, c. 488; 2007, c. 87 ; 2013, c. 345 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-602 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 6 / Section 29.1-602
Applicant to develop land, release game and comply with other provisions
Status: in_force

The applicant shall (i) develop the lands to be licensed as a shooting preserve so as to meet such requirements as the Board may make, (ii) release game birds and animals as may be designated by the Board, and (iii) comply with such other provisions as the Board deems advisable.

Code 1950, § 29-40; 1987, c. 488.
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-104 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 1 / Article 2 / Section 29.1-104
Acceptance of gifts, etc
Status: in_force

In addition to the authority granted the Board by § 29.1-103 , the Board may receive gifts, grants, bequests, and devises of property, real or personal, and of money which, if accepted, shall be taken and held for any uses prescribed by the donor, grantor, or testator and in accord with the purposes of this title. The Board shall manage such properties or money in such a way as to maximize their value to the citizens of Virginia.

1973, c. 191, § 29-11.2; 1987, c. 488.
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-504 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 5 / Article 1 / Section 29.1-504
Annual publication of laws and regulations
Status: in_force

All laws relating to hunting, fishing and trapping, together with the regulations of the Board, of both general and local application, shall be published annually by the Department in a handbook or pamphlet. The courts of the Commonwealth shall take judicial notice of all laws and regulations contained in such publication.

1952, c. 608, § 29-128.1; 1979, c. 264; 1987, c. 488.
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-570 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 5 / Article 6 / Section 29.1-570
Cooperation of state agencies
Status: in_force

All departments, commissions, boards, authorities, agencies, offices and institutions within any branch of the state government shall cooperate with the Board in carrying out the purposes of this article.

1978, c. 835, § 29-248; 1987, c. 488.
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-105 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 1 / Article 2 / Section 29.1-105
Lease or contract respecting land or buildings
Status: in_force

The Board is authorized, with the approval of the Governor, to enter into contracts respecting or to lease any land or buildings leased or owned by it to private persons, corporations, associations, other governmental agencies, public authorities duly created by law or political subdivisions of the Commonwealth. The contracts or leases shall be (i) upon terms and conditions as deemed advisable by the Board, (ii) in a form to be approved by the Attorney General, and (iii) consistent with the powers, authority and responsibilities of the Board. If any such lease or contract is to be effective for a term of more than five years, it shall be authorized only after a public hearing by the Board. All amounts received pursuant to leases and contracts hereunder shall be deposited in the state treasury to the credit of the game protection fund.

1970, c. 406, § 29-11.1; 1972, c. 520; 1973, c. 4; 1978, c. 835; 1979, c. 140; 1987, c. 488.
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-330 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 3 / Article 1 / Section 29.1-330
Delivery to clerk or agent; return of unused annually expiring materials and unsold licenses; voluntary contributions
Status: in_force

A. The Director shall send to each clerk or agent before the first day of the license year as many annually expiring licensing materials and licenses as he may deem necessary and shall hold each accountable for the amount and number sent. Clerks and agents shall, within 10 days after the end of the license year, return to the Director all unused annually expiring licensing materials, unsold licenses and the stubs of licenses sold. All annually expiring licensing materials and serially numbered licenses shall be accounted for by the Director. For licensing conducted by telephone or electronic media, the Director shall determine what additional equipment and nonannually expiring licensing materials are required by the clerks or agents, and he shall make available such equipment and materials to agents according to a schedule he deems appropriate.

B. Any form used in applying for a hunting permit or license issued under this title shall include language permitting the applicant to make a voluntary contribution of at least $2 to support the activities of Virginia Hunters Who Care, Inc., known as Hunters For The Hungry.

Code 1950, § 29-68; 1976, c. 660; 1980, c. 494; 1987, c. 488; 2000, c. 132 ; 2003, cc. 95 , 737 ; 2010, c. 3 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-402 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 4 / Article 1 / Section 29.1-402
Permit fees to deal in furs; permit issuance
Status: in_force

A. The fee for a permit to buy, sell, barter, exchange, traffic or trade in, bargain for, solicit for purchase, or possess the hides, furs or pelts of wild animals shall be as follows:

1. State resident, $50.

2. State nonresident, $125.

B. The permit shall be issued in the name of the firm or individual conducting the business, but shall authorize one person only, who shall be designated as a fur buyer, to personally solicit for the purchase of furs within the area covered by the permit. The fur buyer may be the permittee, if an individual, a member of the firm, or a bona fide employee of such individual or firm who is paid a regular stated monthly salary.

Code 1950, § 29-95; 1980, c. 494; 1987, c. 488; 1988, c. 250.
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-422 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 4 / Article 3 / Section 29.1-422
Permits for field trials
Status: in_force

The Board is authorized to grant permits to bona fide field trial clubs and associations to hold field trials with dogs under such regulations it deems proper. The fee established by the Board for a field trial permit shall be an amount sufficient to defray the costs of processing the permit and administering the permitted activity, but shall not exceed twenty-five dollars per event. It shall be unlawful to hold such trials without the permit herein authorized during the closed season for game. If wild game is to be shot over or in front of dogs engaged in such field trials, the person actually shooting must have a license permitting him to do so.

Captive birds of any species released and immediately shot or recovered during such trials shall not be considered to be wild birds under this chapter or § 29.1-521 .

1984, c. 492, § 29-213.96; 1987, c. 488; 1993, c. 623.
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-356 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 3 / Article 3 / Section 29.1-356
Reporting damages; filing and adjudicating claims
Status: in_force

Any person suffering damage pursuant to the provisions of this article shall report the damage to a locally designated official whose duty it shall be to have the damage investigated. The claim for damage shall be filed under oath and in a manner and form as may be prescribed by the local governing body.

If the claimant and the designated local official agree as to the amount of damage, the local governing body may approve the amount and order payment thereof from the special damage stamp fund established by this article. No claim for damages shall be paid to any person who does not permit the hunting of big game or elk by licensed hunters on his property. However, the fact that a landowner places reasonable restrictions on the number of licensed hunters who are permitted to hunt big game or elk on his property shall not disqualify him from filing a claim for damages pursuant to this section. In the event that no agreement as to the amount of damages can be reached, the claimant may initiate an action in the general district court of the county in which the damage occurred.

1981, c. 16, § 29-92.5; 1987, c. 488; 1988, cc. 375, 385; 2003, c. 137 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-706 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 7 / Article 1 / Section 29.1-706
Agents awarding numbers
Status: in_force

The Director may award any certificate of number directly or may authorize any person to act as an agent to make award. Persons accepting such authorization may be assigned a block of numbers and certificates which upon award, in conformity with this chapter and with any rules and regulations of the Board, shall be valid as if awarded directly by the Director.

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. § 29.1-416.1 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 4 / Article 3 / Section 29.1-416.1
Use of eel pots in the waters of Back Bay and its tributaries
Status: in_force

A. The Board may permit a licensee to use eel pots to take American eels in the waters of Back Bay and North Landing River and their tributaries for sale or private use.

B. The annual fee for a permit to set eel pots in the waters of Back Bay and North Landing River and their tributaries for the purpose of taking American eels for private use or for sale shall be as follows:

1. Eel pots to catch eels for sale, $50; and

2. Eel pots to catch eels for personal use, $17.50.

C. Any nonresident desiring to take or catch American eels in the waters of Back Bay and North Landing River and their tributaries using eel pots shall first pay $350 per year to the Department for a nonresident harvester's permit, unless he has paid a permit fee pursuant to subsection B of § 29.1-416 . A separate nonresident harvester's permit shall be required for each boat used to take or harvest American eels in the waters of Back Bay and North Landing River and their tributaries, and shall be in addition to any other permit required for the activity involved.

2013, c. 706 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-420 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 4 / Article 3 / Section 29.1-420
From whom permits obtained
Status: in_force

The permits provided for in this article may be obtained from the Department except that county dip net permits shall be sold by clerks and agents.

Code 1950, § 29-115; 1987, c. 488.
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-612 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 6 / Section 29.1-612
Preserves, private clubs, associations
Status: in_force

Nothing in this title shall be construed as permitting any person to hunt, trap or fish in or on the lands or waters of any public or private club, association or preserve of any description as landowner or in any other capacity unless the person has a proper license.

Code 1950, § 29-78; 1987, c. 488.
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-569 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 5 / Article 6 / Section 29.1-569
Keeping of reptiles generally; penalty
Status: in_force

It shall be unlawful for the owner or keeper of any exotic reptile or type of reptile not native to the Commonwealth of Virginia, including but not limited to the American alligator, to keep the reptile in any manner that will permit its escape or to knowingly permit the reptile to run at large. Any violation of this section shall constitute a Class 2 misdemeanor.

1980, c. 202, § 29-213.35; 1987, c. 488; 1999, c. 85 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-313 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 3 / Article 1 / Section 29.1-313
Issuance of licenses for use of individuals in certain state facilities
Status: in_force

The Director shall have authority to issue at the regular fee, up to 25 state resident licenses to fish in the name of any state facility operated by the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services for use by individuals receiving services in those facilities.

1972, c. 414, § 29-57.1:1; 1987, cc. 413, 488; 2009, cc. 813 , 840 ; 2012, cc. 476 , 507 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-520 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 5 / Article 2 / Section 29.1-520
Times for hunting
Status: in_force

A. Nonmigratory game birds and game animals may be hunted from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. Bears may be hunted without capturing or taking from 4:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. during bear hound training season.

B. Fur-bearing animals and nuisance species of birds and animals may be hunted by day or by night, except that muskrats may be hunted by day only.

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

Code 1950, §§ 29-141, 29-142; 1962, c. 469; 1974, c. 302; 1987, c. 488; 1989, c. 421; 2008, c. 31 ; 2012, cc. 69 , 226 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-733.15 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 7 / Article 2.1 / Section 29.1-733.15
Perfection of security interest
Status: in_force

A. Except as otherwise provided in this section or § 29.1-733.29 , a security interest in a watercraft shall be perfected only by delivery to the Department of an application for a certificate of title that identifies the secured party and otherwise complies with § 29.1-733.7 . The security interest is perfected on the later of delivery to the Department of the application and the applicable fee or attachment of the security interest under § 8.9A-203 .

B. If the interest of a person named as owner, lessor, consignor, or bailor in an application for a certificate of title delivered to the Department is a security interest, the application sufficiently identifies the person as a secured party. Identification on the application for a certificate of a person as owner, lessor, consignor, or bailor is not by itself a factor in determining whether the person's interest is a security interest.

C. If the Department has created a certificate of title for a watercraft, a security interest in the watercraft shall be perfected by delivery to the Department of an application, on a form the Department shall require, to have the security interest added to the certificate. The application shall be signed by an owner of the watercraft or by the secured party and shall include:

1. The name of the owner of record;

2. The name and mailing address of the secured party;

3. The hull identification number for the watercraft; and

4. If the Department has created a written certificate of title for the watercraft, the certificate.

D. A security interest perfected under subsection C is perfected on the later of delivery to the Department of the application and all applicable fees or attachment of the security interest under § 8.9A-203 .

E. On delivery of an application that complies with subsection C and payment of all applicable fees, the Department shall create a new certificate of title pursuant to § 29.1-733.8 and deliver the new certificate or a record evidencing an electronic certificate pursuant to subsection A of § 29.1-733.12 . The Department shall maintain in the files of the Department the date and time of delivery of the application to the Department.

F. If a secured party assigns a perfected security interest in a watercraft, the receipt by the Department of a statement providing the name of the assignee as secured party is not required to continue the perfected status of the security interest against creditors of and transferees from the original debtor. A purchaser of a watercraft subject to a security interest that obtains a release from the secured party indicated in the files of the Department or on the certificate takes free of the security interest and of the rights of a transferee unless the transfer is indicated in the files of the Department or on the certificate.

G. This section does not apply to a security interest:

1. In a watercraft by a person during any period in which the watercraft is inventory held for sale or lease by the person or is leased by the person as lessor if the person is in the business of selling watercraft;

2. In a barge for which no application for a certificate of title has been delivered to the Department; or

3. In a watercraft before delivery if the watercraft is under construction, or completed, pursuant to contract and for which no application for a certificate has been delivered to the Department.

H. This subsection applies if a certificate of documentation for a documented vessel is deleted or canceled. If a security interest in the watercraft was valid immediately before deletion or cancellation against a third party as a result of compliance with 46 U.S.C. § 31321, the security interest is and remains perfected until the earlier of four months after cancellation of the certificate or the time the security interest becomes perfected under this article.

I. A security interest in a watercraft arising under § 8.2-401 or 8.2-505 , subsection (3) of § 8.2-711 , or subsection (5) of § 8.2A-508 is perfected when it attaches but becomes unperfected when the debtor obtains possession of the watercraft, unless before the debtor obtains possession the security interest is perfected pursuant to subsection A or C.

J. A security interest in a watercraft as proceeds of other collateral is perfected to the extent provided in § 8.9A-315 .

K. A security interest in a watercraft perfected under the law of another jurisdiction is perfected to the extent provided in subsection (d) of § 8.9A-316 .

2013, c. 787 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-309 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 3 / Article 1 / Section 29.1-309
Fees to trap
Status: in_force

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

1. County or city resident license, ten dollars.

2. State resident license, thirty-five dollars.

3. State nonresident license, $150.

Code 1950, § 29-56; 1952, c. 608; 1974, c. 363; 1979, c. 287; 1980, c. 494; 1983, c. 191; 1987, c. 488; 1988, c. 250; 1995, c. 77 ; 2009, c. 9 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-305.01 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 3 / Article 1 / Section 29.1-305.01
Special license to hunt elk; authority of Board to create elk license and quota hunts
Status: in_force

A. The Board may create a separate special license to hunt elk within the designated elk management zone, as designated in the 2019-2028 Virginia Elk Management Plan, which shall be in addition to the license required to hunt other game. Any person, whether licensed or exempt from being licensed, shall possess (i) a valid state resident hunting license or state nonresident hunting license pursuant to § 29.1-303 and (ii) a special elk license in order to pursue elk within the designated elk management zone. A separate special license to hunt elk shall not be required to hunt elk outside of the designated elk management zone.

B. Upon creation of a special license to hunt elk, the Board may establish quotas and procedures for selection to purchase a special elk license. Application for selection for a special elk license may require a nonrefundable application fee of $15 for residents and $20 for nonresidents. The fee for a special elk license shall be no more than $40 for residents and $400 for nonresidents.

C. The Board may establish guidelines permitting the transfer of special elk licenses to individuals, cooperators who assist in meeting agency hunting objectives, or wildlife conservation organizations whose mission is to ensure the conservation of Virginia's wildlife resources.

2020, cc. 309 , 310 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-707 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 7 / Article 1 / Section 29.1-707
Records
Status: in_force

All records of the Department made or kept pursuant to this section shall be public records and shall be open for inspection subject to conditions the Board may prescribe. The Director shall furnish, without cost, the annual lists of boat registrations, as of January 1, to the commissioners of revenue of each county or city, except that the Director shall not send the lists to any commissioner who requests that he not receive them.

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. § 29.1-702 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 7 / Article 1 / Section 29.1-702
Registration requirements; display of numbers; cancellation of certificate; exemption
Status: in_force

A. 1. The owner of each motorboat requiring numbering by the Commonwealth shall file an application for a number with the Department on forms approved by it. The owner of the motorboat or the owner's agent shall sign the application and pay the following boat registration fee:

a. For a motorboat under 16 feet, $18;

b. For a motorboat 16 feet to less than 20 feet, $22;

c. For a motorboat 20 feet to less than 40 feet, $28;

d. For a motorboat 40 feet and over, $36.

2. Owners, other than manufacturers or dealers, of more than 10 motorboats numbered by the Commonwealth, shall pay $18 each for the first 10 such boats and $12 for each additional boat.

3. Upon receipt of the application in approved form, the Department shall have the application entered upon the records of its office and issue to the applicant a certificate of number stating the identification number awarded to the motorboat and the name, address and a social security number or numbers, or federal tax identification number of the owner or owners. Any certificate issued in accordance with this chapter shall expire three years from the last day of the month in which it was issued. Upon proper application and payment of fee, and in the discretion of the Director, the certificate may be renewed.

B. The owner shall paint on or attach to each side of the bow of the motorboat the identification number in the manner prescribed by rules and regulations of the Board. The number shall be maintained in legible condition. The certificate of number shall be pocket-size and shall be available for inspection on the motorboat for which issued whenever such motorboat is in operation. However, the certificate of number for any vessel less than 26 feet in length, and leased or rented to another for the lessee's noncommercial use for less than 24 hours, may be retained on shore by the vessel's owner or his representative at the place at which the vessel departs and returns to the possession of the owner or his representative, provided the vessel is appropriately identified as to its owner while in use under such lease or rental.

C. No number other than the number awarded to a motorboat or granted reciprocity pursuant to this chapter shall be displayed on either side of the bow of the motorboat.

D. The Department is authorized to cancel and recall any certificate of number issued by the Department when it appears proper payment has not been made for the certificate of number or when the certificate has been improperly or erroneously issued.

E. Any motorboat purchased and used by a nonprofit volunteer emergency medical services agency or volunteer fire department shall be exempt from the registration fees imposed by subsection A.

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; 1990, c. 321; 1991, c. 82; 1992, c. 250; 2012, c. 233 ; 2015, cc. 502 , 503 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-741 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 7 / Article 3 / Section 29.1-741
Furnishing information to agency of United States
Status: in_force

In accordance with any request duly made by an authorized official or agency of the United States, any information compiled or otherwise available to the Department pursuant to subsection B of § 29.1-739 shall be transmitted to the official or agency of the United States.

1960, c. 500, § 62-174.12; 1968, c. 659, § 62.1-178; 1987, c. 488.
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-100.1 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 1 / Article 1 / Section 29.1-100.1
Department of Game and Inland Fisheries continued as Department of Wildlife Resources
Status: in_force

The Department of Wildlife Resources, formerly known as the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, is continued, and wherever "Department of Game and Inland Fisheries" is used in this Code, it shall mean the Department of Wildlife Resources. The Board of Wildlife Resources, formerly known as the Board of Game and Inland Fisheries, is continued, and wherever "Board of Game and Inland Fisheries" is used in this Code, it shall mean the Board of Wildlife Resources.

2020, c. 958 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-749.3 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 7 / Article 4 / Section 29.1-749.3
Personal watercraft instruction; rental agents
Status: in_force

Any person who is in the business of renting personal watercraft to the public shall provide to any person who rents a personal watercraft instruction on the laws of the Commonwealth governing motorboat operation, specific operating requirements of the personal watercraft being rented, motorboat safety equipment requirements, requirements in the case of a reportable accident, and such other information as the Director may require. The content and methods of instruction shall be approved by the Director.

Any attorney for the county, city or town in which an alleged violation of this section occurred may enforce this section by a civil action to recover a civil penalty not to exceed $250. The civil penalty shall be paid into the local treasury. No filing fee or other fee or cost shall be charged to the county, city or town which instituted the action.

The fact of a violation of this section shall not constitute negligence per se, be considered in mitigation of damages of whatever nature, be admissible in evidence or be the subject of comment by counsel in any action for the recovery of damages arising out of the operation, ownership or maintenance of a personal watercraft. This section shall not change any existing law, rule or procedure pertaining to any such civil action, nor shall this section bar any claim which otherwise exists.

1998, c. 512 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-309.1 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 3 / Article 1 / Section 29.1-309.1
Special lifetime trapping license; permanently disabled persons and disabled veterans
Status: in_force

Any resident who is (i) a veteran with a permanent and total service-connected disability as certified by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or (ii) permanently disabled, as defined in § 58.1-3217 , may apply for and receive from the Department, for a fee of five dollars or as subsequently revised by the Board pursuant to § 29.1-103 , a special lifetime disabled trapping license. Such a person shall provide proof of his disability acceptable to the Director.

2001, c. 62 ; 2009, c. 9 ; 2020, c. 958 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-609 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 6 / Section 29.1-609
Revocation of license
Status: in_force

Any shooting preserve license may be revoked by the Director upon evidence that the provisions of the contract entered into by the license holder are being violated.

Code 1950, § 29-47; 1987, c. 488.
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-808.1 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 8 / Article 2 / Section 29.1-808.1
Boating safety education required
Status: in_force

It shall be unlawful for any watercraft salesman or watercraft demonstrator to engage in business in this Commonwealth as a watercraft salesman or watercraft demonstrator without first (i) completing successfully a basic boating safety education course approved by the Director or (ii) by December 31, 1998, passing a test approved by the Director; however, any watercraft salesman or demonstrator licensed after December 31, 1998, shall have a period of sixty days from the issuance of his license in which to complete the approved course.

1998, c. 515 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-103.2 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 1 / Article 2 / Section 29.1-103.2
Assent to wildlife restoration projects and sport fishing restoration and management projects
Status: in_force

The Commonwealth hereby assents to the provisions of the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act of September 2, 1937 (16 U.S.C. § 669 et seq.), as amended, and to the provisions of the Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act of August 9, 1950 (16 U.S.C. § 777 et seq.), as amended. The Director and the Board are hereby authorized to perform all such acts as may be necessary for the establishment and implementation of cooperative wildlife restoration projects and fish restoration and management projects, as defined in these federal statutes and the implementing regulations promulgated thereunder. Revenues derived from license fees paid by hunters and fishermen, as well as interest, dividends, or other income earned on such revenues, shall not be diverted and shall be used solely for the administration of the Department's fish and wildlife programs.

2006, c. 24 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-517 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 5 / Article 2 / Section 29.1-517
Trapping and shooting of fur-bearing animals during closed season
Status: in_force

A landowner may trap or shoot fur-bearing animals upon his own land during closed season when these animals are causing damage to crops or property, or are posing a threat to human health or safety, or are otherwise causing a nuisance.

Code 1950, § 29-139; 1964, c. 207; 1987, c. 488; 2004, c. 421 ; 2007, c. 87 ; 2013, c. 349 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-738.03 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 7 / Article 3 / Section 29.1-738.03
Reckless operation of a personal watercraft
Status: in_force

A person shall be guilty of reckless operation of a motorboat or vessel who operates any personal watercraft recklessly or at a speed or in such a manner so as to endanger the life, limb or property of any person, which shall include, but not be limited to:

1. Weaving through vessels which are underway, stopped, moored or at anchor while exceeding a reasonable speed under the circumstances and traffic conditions existing at the time;

2. Following another vessel or person on water skis or other similar device, crossing the path of another vessel, or jumping the wake of another vessel more closely than is reasonable and prudent, having due regard to the speed of both vessels and the traffic on and the condition of the waters at the time;

3. Crossing between the towing vessel and a person on water skis or other device; or

4. Steering toward an object or person and turning sharply in close proximity to such object or person in order to spray or attempt to spray the object or person with the wash or jet spray of the personal watercraft.

A person who violates this section shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor, and for a second or subsequent offense, the court shall order the person not to operate a personal watercraft which is underway upon the waters of the Commonwealth for a period of twelve months.

1998, c. 514 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-345.1 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 3 / Article 2 / Section 29.1-345.1
Time period for obtaining nonriparian stationary blind licenses
Status: in_force

A. A nonriparian license for a stationary blind in the public waters that was licensed the previous year as a nonriparian stationary blind may be obtained by the previous year's licensee beginning July 1 through August 15 pursuant to § 29.1-345 . A stake or blind shall be erected on the site, and a license plate supplied with the license for that season shall be affixed thereto, by August 31.

B. A stationary blind or a site in the public waters that is not licensed and posted by August 31 can be licensed as a nonriparian blind beginning September 1 through October 15 pursuant to § 29.1-345 . A stake or blind shall be erected on the site, and a license plate supplied with the license for that season must be affixed thereto. If a stake has been erected on the site of a stationary blind, such stake must be replaced by a blind by November 1 pursuant to the provisions of § 29.1-341 . Such stationary blinds shall conform to the standards prescribed in § 29.1-341 .

2013, c. 745 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-202 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 2 / Section 29.1-202
Ex officio conservation police officers
Status: in_force

All sheriffs, police officers or other peace officers of this Commonwealth shall be ex officio conservation police officers.

Code 1950, § 29-29; 1987, c. 488.
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-568 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 5 / Article 6 / Section 29.1-568
When Board may permit taking of endangered or threatened species; designated experimental populations
Status: in_force

A. The Board may permit the taking, exportation, transportation, or possession of any fish or wildlife which is listed by the provisions of this article, for zoological, educational, or scientific purposes and for propagation of such fish or wildlife in captivity for preservation purposes. Any person may, in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws, possess, breed, sell, and transport any nonnative wildlife included on any list of threatened or endangered species published by the United States Secretary of the Interior pursuant to provisions of the federal Endangered Species Act of 1973 (P.L. 93-205), as amended, when (i) the federal designation does not specifically prohibit such possession, breeding, selling, or transporting and (ii) the nonnative wildlife is not included on the list of predatory or undesirable animals specified by regulations of the Board adopted pursuant to § 29.1-542 .

B. The Board may adopt regulations that:

1. Allow the taking, possession, exportation, transportation, or release of fish or wildlife within or among designated experimental populations of a specific species, within the context of an approved conservation plan for the species. Any regulation designating an experimental population shall (i) specify the circumstances under which taking of an individual member of an experimental population will be exempt from the prohibitions and penalties authorized under this article and (ii) describe the geographic extent of the experimental population, which shall be distinct from naturally occurring populations continuing to be subject to the prohibitions and penalties authorized under this article.

2. Allow incidental take provided such regulations shall (i) describe the allowable circumstances; (ii) include provisions that ensure offsets through the implementation of conservation actions specified by the Department to enhance the long-term survival of the species or population; and (iii) require any actual taking to be at a minimum.

1972, c. 329, § 29-236; 1987, c. 488; 2011, c. 47 ; 2014, c. 481 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-401 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 4 / Article 1 / Section 29.1-401
Exemptions as to fur permits
Status: in_force

A. A permit shall not be required of any hunter or trapper to possess or dispose of the hides, furs or pelts of wild animals legally shot or caught by him nor of any person lawfully engaging in the business of fur farming to possess or to dispose of the hides, furs or pelts of wild animals raised by him.

B. A permit shall not be required of any Virginia resident who is a member of an American Indian tribe recognized by the Commonwealth or a member of a federally recognized American Indian tribe to buy and possess the hides, furs, pelts or skeletal parts of legally obtained wild animals, except bear as prohibited in § 29.1-536 , when such items are to be used as part of traditional American Indian religious practices. Resale of items obtained under this section is prohibited.

C. The Board may adopt regulations providing further exemptions to the permit requirement.

Code 1950, § 29-94; 1980, c. 494; 1987, c. 488; 1997, c. 510 ; 2016, c. 62 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-526 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 5 / Article 2 / Section 29.1-526
Counties and cities may prohibit hunting or trapping near primary and secondary highways
Status: in_force

The governing body of any county or city may prohibit by ordinance the hunting, with a firearm, of any game bird or game animal while the hunting is on or within 100 yards of any primary or secondary highway in such county or city and may provide that any violation of the ordinance shall be a Class 3 misdemeanor. In addition, the governing body of any county or city may prohibit by ordinance the trapping of any game animal or furbearer within fifty feet of the shoulder of any primary or secondary highway in the county or city and may provide that any violation of the ordinance shall be a Class 3 misdemeanor. No such ordinance shall prohibit such trapping where the written permission of the landowner is obtained. It shall be the duty of the governing body enacting an ordinance under the provisions of this section to notify the Director by registered mail no later than May 1 of the year in which the ordinance is to take effect. If the governing body fails to make such notice, the ordinance shall be unenforceable.

For the purpose of this section, the terms "hunt" and "trap" shall not include the necessary crossing of highways for the bona fide purpose of going into or leaving a lawful hunting or trapping area.

1962, c. 141, § 29-144.5; 1964, c. 549; 1977, c. 377; 1982, c. 194; 1987, c. 488; 1989, c. 421.
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-542 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 5 / Article 4 / Section 29.1-542
Importation
Status: in_force

Live wolves or coyotes, or birds and animals otherwise classed as predatory or undesirable, may not be imported into the Commonwealth or liberated therein, or possessed therein, except under a special permit of the Board. Nonpredatory birds, animals or fish may be imported, but upon arrival in the Commonwealth, shall be subject to the laws governing the possession of such birds, animals and fish in Virginia. Any person may bring into the Commonwealth, either in his personal possession or as his baggage, on the same conveyance with him and plainly labeled or tagged with his name and address, game and fish legally taken in another state or foreign country, but in no greater quantity than he could legally possess while in such other state or foreign country. Nothing in this section shall be construed as applying to birds, animals and fish being transported in unbroken packages from beyond the confines of Virginia through the Commonwealth to another state.

Code 1950, § 29-158; 1977, c. 377; 1982, c. 73; 1987, c. 488.
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-323 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 3 / Article 1 / Section 29.1-323
By whom licenses issued
Status: in_force

The clerks of the circuit courts of cities, and such agents operating in Virginia cities as the Board may designate, shall issue state and city resident licenses, and county licenses for those counties contiguous to their respective cities. The clerks of the circuit courts of counties, and such agents operating in Virginia counties as the Board may designate, shall issue state licenses and county licenses for their respective counties. Agents, designated by the Board, who operate outside of Virginia, shall issue state licenses and such Virginia county or city licenses as agreed upon by the agent and the Department. Licenses shall be issued as provided for in this title, and clerks and agents shall date and authenticate the licenses in a manner prescribed by the Board. Any clerk who desires to be relieved of this duty shall notify the Board in writing and shall be relieved when the Board has designated an agent to sell licenses in his county or city.

Code 1950, § 29-61; 1954, c. 280; 1958, c. 172; 1978, c. 485; 1987, c. 488; 2000, c. 132 ; 2003, c. 92 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-572 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 5 / Article 7 / Section 29.1-572
Authority of Board; regulations
Status: in_force

The Board may promulgate regulations necessary to carry out the provisions of this article including, but not limited to, the designation of other nonindigenous aquatic nuisance species.

2003, c. 446 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-305 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 3 / Article 1 / Section 29.1-305
Special license for hunting bear, deer and turkey; authority of Board to create bear license
Status: in_force

A. A special license is required for hunting bear, deer and turkey in this Commonwealth, which shall be in addition to the license required to hunt other game. The fee for the special license shall be $12 for a resident age 16 or older, $7.50 for a resident under the age of 16, and $60 for a nonresident 16 years of age or older, $15 for a nonresident 12 years of age to 15 years of age, and $12 for a nonresident younger than 12 years of age.

B. The Board may create a separate special license for the hunting of bear in this Commonwealth. The fee for such a special license shall be $25 for residents and $150 for nonresidents. A person who obtains a special license for hunting bear shall also be required to obtain the state resident license or state nonresident license pursuant to § 29.1-303 . If a special license to hunt bear is established by the Board, the special license required in subsection A shall authorize the hunting of deer and turkey only.

The license to hunt bear, deer and turkey or, if authorized by the Board, the license to hunt bear may be obtained from the clerk or agent of any county or city whose duty it is to sell hunting licenses.

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

Code 1950, § 29-122; 1958, c. 318; 1960, c. 568; 1966, c. 493; 1972, c. 509; 1974, c. 363; 1980, c. 494; 1987, c. 488; 1988, c. 250; 2001, c. 55 ; 2004, c. 269 ; 2009, c. 9 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-318 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 3 / Article 1 / Section 29.1-318
Board may charge use fees for fishing in certain waters
Status: in_force

In addition to the license fees provided for elsewhere in this chapter, the Board may impose daily use fees, not to exceed $3.50 or as subsequently revised by the Board pursuant to § 29.1-103 , and issue permits therefor to fish in specially stocked trout waters as may be designated by the Board. The proceeds from the fees shall be set aside and used exclusively by the Board for the stocking and management of the streams. Permits shall be issued by the person or persons designated by the Board at or near the area in which the permits are required.

1962, c. 397, § 29-55.4; 1968, c. 235; 1983, c. 53; 1987, c. 488; 1988, c. 250; 2009, c. 9 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-803 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 8 / Article 1 / Section 29.1-803
Powers with respect to hearings, legal proceedings, witnesses, etc
Status: in_force

The Director may, in hearings arising under this chapter, determine the place in the Commonwealth where they shall be held; subpoena witnesses; take depositions of witnesses residing without the Commonwealth in the manner provided for in civil actions in courts of record; pay such witnesses the fees and mileage for their attendance as is provided for witnesses in civil actions in courts of record; and administer oaths.

1988, c. 592.
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-339 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 3 / Article 1 / Section 29.1-339
Complimentary licenses
Status: in_force

The Director is authorized to issue complimentary hunting licenses and complimentary fishing licenses to the field inspectors of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and public officials of the United States and of other states engaged in conservation work, including official representatives of out-of-state, nationally recognized, nongovernmental organizations engaged in wildlife conservation work; however, not more than seventy-five such complimentary hunting licenses shall be issued during one fiscal year, and not more than 150 such complimentary fishing licenses shall be issued during one calendar year.

Code 1950, § 29-80; 1964, c. 474; 1982, c. 72; 1987, c. 488; 2001, c. 63 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-738.6 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 7 / Article 3 / Section 29.1-738.6
When arrested person operating a vessel; how vessel removed from scene of arrest
Status: in_force

In any case in which a law-enforcement officer arrests the operator of a vessel, and there is no legal cause for the retention of the vessel by the officer, the officer shall allow the person arrested to designate another person who is present at the scene of the arrest to operate the vessel from the scene to a place designated by the person arrested. If such a designation is not made, the officer may cause the vessel to be taken to the nearest appropriate place for safekeeping.

1997, c. 152 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-826 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 8 / Article 3 / Section 29.1-826
Installment sales
Status: in_force

A. Every retail installment sale shall be evidenced by an instrument in writing, which shall contain all the agreements of the parties, including a provision stating whether or not such sale is contingent upon financing on terms which are satisfactory to the parties and shall be signed by the buyer. The purchaser of an installment sales contract shall not be charged with notice of the agreement of the parties relative to financing upon the purchase of a retail installment sales contract signed by the borrower which states no such contingency.

B. Prior to or at the time of delivery of the watercraft the seller shall deliver to the buyer a written statement describing clearly the watercraft sold to the buyer. Whenever any charge for a summary of insurance coverage appears on such statement, and the insurance coverage effected or to be effected thereunder does not include a policy of watercraft liability insurance, the seller or his assignee shall stamp or mark upon the face of such writing in red letters no smaller than eighteen point type the following words: "No Liability Insurance Included." The Director may determine the form of such statement to be included therein. In the event that a policy of insurance of any kind is purchased at the time of the sale of a watercraft the seller shall deliver to the purchaser the policy of insurance, or a copy of the policy, within a reasonable time.

1988, c. 592.
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-348 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 3 / Article 2 / Section 29.1-348
Obtaining licenses
Status: in_force

All applications for blind licenses under this article shall be made to the local license agent or clerk of the circuit court of the county or city in which or nearest which the blind site is located or through an electronic or computerized means determined by the Director. The clerk or local license agent shall be paid similar fees as for issuing hunting licenses. With each license the Department, clerk, or local license agent shall deliver a license plate bearing the number of the license, which shall be affixed to the blind where it may be easily observed. The Department shall furnish the licenses and license plates provided for in this article. The money arising from the sale of blind licenses shall be paid into the game protection fund.

Code 1950, § 29-89; 1987, c. 488; 2007, c. 38 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-321 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 3 / Article 1 / Section 29.1-321
Nonresident required to buy nonresident license
Status: in_force

Nonresidents of this Commonwealth shall be required, except as otherwise provided, to obtain a nonresident license to hunt, trap or fish.

Code 1950, § 29-59; 1979, c. 287; 1983, c. 191; 1987, c. 488; 1995, c. 77 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-522 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 5 / Article 2 / Section 29.1-522
Unlawful to kill male deer unless antlers visible above hair
Status: in_force

Unless the Board declares otherwise by regulation, it shall be unlawful to kill male deer in any county or city of the Commonwealth unless the deer has antlers visible above the hair.

Code 1950, § 29-144; 1952, c. 608; 1958, c. 444; 1975, c. 529; 1987, c. 488.
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-817 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 8 / Article 2 / Section 29.1-817
Lists of licensed salesmen
Status: in_force

Each dealer shall keep a current list of his licensed salesmen, showing names, addresses and serial numbers of their licenses, posted in a conspicuous place in each place of business.

1988, c. 592.
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-301 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 3 / Article 1 / Section 29.1-301
Exemptions from license requirements
Status: in_force

A. No license shall be required of landowners, their spouses, their children and grandchildren and the spouses of such children and grandchildren, or the landowner's parents, resident or nonresident, to hunt, trap and fish within the boundaries of their own lands and inland waters or while within such boundaries or upon any private permanent extension therefrom, to fish in any abutting public waters.

B. No license shall be required of any stockholder owning 50 percent or more of the stock of any domestic corporation owning land in this Commonwealth, his or her spouse and children and minor grandchildren, resident or nonresident, to hunt, trap and fish within the boundaries of lands and inland waters owned by the domestic corporation.

C. No license shall be required of bona fide tenants, renters or lessees to hunt, trap or fish within the boundaries of the lands or waters on which they reside or while within such boundaries or upon any private permanent extension therefrom, to fish in any abutting public waters if such individuals have the written consent of the landlord upon their person. A guest of the owner of a private fish pond shall not be required to have a fishing license to fish in such pond.

D. No license shall be required of resident or nonresident persons under 16 years of age to fish.

D1. No license shall be required of resident persons under 12 years of age to hunt, provided such person is accompanied and directly supervised by an adult who has, on his person, a valid Virginia hunting license as described in subsection B of § 29.1-300.1 .

E. No license shall be required of a resident person 65 years of age or over to hunt or trap on private property in the county or city in which he resides. An annual license at a fee of $1 shall be required of a resident person 65 years of age or older to fish in any inland waters of the Commonwealth, which shall be in addition to a license to fish for trout as specified in subsection B of § 29.1-310 or a special lifetime trout fishing license as specified in § 29.1-302.4 . A resident 65 years of age or older may, upon proof of age satisfactory to the Department and the payment of a $1 fee, apply for and receive from any authorized agent of the Department a nontransferable annual license permitting such person to hunt or an annual license permitting such person to trap in all cities and counties of the Commonwealth. Any lifetime license issued pursuant to this article prior to July 1, 1988, shall remain valid for the lifetime of the person to whom it was issued. Any license issued pursuant to this section includes any damage stamp required pursuant to Article 3 (§ 29.1-352 et seq.) of this chapter.

F. No license to fish shall be required of nonresident persons under 16 years of age when accompanied by a person possessing a valid license to fish in Virginia.

G. No license shall be required to trap rabbits with box traps.

H. No license shall be required of resident persons under 16 years of age to trap when accompanied by any person 18 years of age or older who possesses a valid state license to trap in this Commonwealth.

I. No license to hunt, trap or fish shall be required of any Indian who habitually resides on an Indian reservation or of a member of the Virginia recognized tribes who resides in the Commonwealth; however, such Indian must have on his person an identification card or paper signed by the chief of his tribe, a valid tribal identification card, written confirmation through a central tribal registry, or certification from a tribal office. Such card, paper, confirmation, or certification shall set forth that the person named is an actual resident upon such reservation or member of the recognized tribes in the Commonwealth, and such card, paper, confirmation or certification shall create a presumption of residence, which may be rebutted by proof of actual residence elsewhere.

J. No license to fish shall be required of legally blind persons.

K. No fishing license shall be required in any inland waters of the Commonwealth on free fishing days. The Board shall designate no more than six free fishing days in any calendar year. In the event that a free day is canceled as a result of an inclement weather event, the Board may designate another free fishing day in its place.

L. No license to fish, except for trout as provided in § 29.1-302.4 or subsection B of § 29.1-310 , in Laurel Lake and Beaver Pond at Breaks Interstate Park shall be required of a resident of the Commonwealth of Kentucky who (i) possesses a valid license to fish in Kentucky or (ii) is exempt under Kentucky law from the requirement of possessing a valid fishing license.

M. No license to fish, except for trout as provided in subsection B of § 29.1-310 , shall be required of a member of the armed forces of the United States, on active duty, who is a resident of the Commonwealth while such person is on official leave, provided that person presents a copy of his leave papers upon request.

N. No license to hunt or fish shall be required of any person who is not hunting or fishing but is aiding a disabled person to hunt or fish when such disabled person possesses a valid Virginia hunting or fishing license under § 29.1-302 , 29.1-302.1 , or 29.1-302.2 .

Code 1950, § 29-52; 1950, pp. 619, 627; 1954, c. 623; 1962, c. 526; 1964, c. 445; 1968, c. 673; 1974, c. 363; 1977, c. 392; 1980, cc. 494, 500; 1981, c. 16; 1985, c. 154; 1987, cc. 126, 488, 507; 1988, cc. 180, 488; 1992, c. 262; 1996, cc. 118 , 151 ; 1997, c. 267 ; 2000, cc. 110 , 142 ; 2001, cc. 49 , 597 ; 2002, c. 67 ; 2004, c. 846 ; 2008, c. 279 ; 2010, c. 345 ; 2016, c. 63 ; 2018, cc. 116 , 507 ; 2026, c. 834 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-207 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 2 / Section 29.1-207
Impeding conservation police officer, etc., in discharge of his duty
Status: in_force

If any person, by threats or force, attempts to intimidate or impede any law-enforcement officer enforcing the game, inland fish and boating laws, he shall be guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor and shall be subject to arrest by the officer and to the procedures set forth in § 29.1-210 .

1974, c. 299, § 29-32.2; 1987, c. 488; 2007, c. 87 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-806 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 8 / Article 1 / Section 29.1-806
Examination or audit of licensee; complaints; costs
Status: in_force

A. The Director may inspect the pertinent books, records, letters and contracts of a licensee relating to any written complaint for a violation of this chapter made to him against such licensee. If such licensee is found to have violated this chapter or any lawful order of the Director, the actual cost of such examination shall be paid by such licensee so examined within thirty days after demand therefor by the Director. The Director may maintain an action for the recovery of such costs in any court of competent jurisdiction.

B. No licensee shall be subject to examination or audit by the Director except as provided in this section.

1988, c. 592.
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-551 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 5 / Article 5 / Section 29.1-551
Assessment of value of game or fish unlawfully taken
Status: in_force

The judge or court, upon convicting any person of a violation of §§ 29.1-523 , 29.1-525.1 , 29.1-530.2 , 29.1-548 , 29.1-550 or § 29.1-552 shall, in addition to imposition of the punishment prescribed in those sections, ascertain the approximate replacement value of animals, birds or fish taken in violation of those sections and shall assess the value against the person convicted. The assessment shall be paid by the person so convicted within the time prescribed in the judgment of the judge or court, not exceeding sixty days, and the collecting officer shall forward such payments to the Board for payment into the state treasury. The Comptroller shall credit such payments to the game protection fund.

Code 1950, § 29-163.2; 1950, p. 936; 1952, c. 78; 1962, c. 469; 1976, c. 660; 1987, c. 488; 1994, c. 412 ; 2001, c. 856 .