Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-214 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 2 / Section 29.1-214
Duties of State Water Control Board with respect to water samples
Status: in_force

Upon the receipt of any water sample sent under § 29.1-213 , the State Water Control Board shall have a chemical analysis of the sample made by a chemist employed by the State Water Control Board or retained especially for that purpose. If the results of the analysis show that the sample of water was polluted, the State Water Control Board shall initiate further studies and analyses to determine the nature, extent and most effective measures of control of the pollution.

The State Water Control Board shall then proceed as provided in Chapter 3.1 (§ 62.1-44.2 et seq.) of Title 62.1.

1954, c. 695, § 29-35.2; 1987, c. 488.
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-306.1 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 3 / Article 1 / Section 29.1-306.1
Repealed
Status: repealed

Repealed by Acts 2014, c. 136 , cl. 2.
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-108 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 1 / Article 2 / Section 29.1-108
Audits and examinations
Status: in_force

The minute books and other records of the Board shall be open to examination by the Governor, members of the General Assembly, and Auditor of Public Accounts, or their representatives, at all times. The accounts of the Board shall be audited in the manner provided for the audit of other state agencies. In addition, the Board shall ensure that the Auditor of Public Accounts, or an entity approved by him, conducts an audit of a fiscal and compliance nature of the accounts and transactions of the Department as determined necessary by the Auditor of Public Accounts. The Board may order such other audits as it deems necessary and desirable.

Code 1950, § 29-18; 1987, c. 488; 2006, cc. 69 , 915 ; 2018, cc. 57 , 307 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-821 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 8 / Article 2 / Section 29.1-821
Suspension, revocation and refusal to renew licenses; notice and hearing
Status: in_force

Except as provided in § 29.1-810 , no license shall be suspended or revoked, or renewal refused, until a written copy of the complaint made has been furnished to the licensee against whom the same is directed and a public hearing thereon has been had before the Director. At least ten days' written notice of the time and place of such hearing shall be given to the licensee by registered mail addressed to his last known post office address or as shown on his license or other record of information in possession of the Director. At any such hearing the licensee shall have the right to be heard personally or by counsel. After the hearing, the Director shall have power to suspend, revoke or refuse to renew, the license in question. Immediate notice of any such action shall be given to the licensee in the manner herein provided in the case of notices of hearing.

1988, c. 592.
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-733.5 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 7 / Article 2.1 / Section 29.1-733.5
Law governing watercraft covered by certificate of title
Status: in_force

A. The law of the state or other jurisdiction under whose certificate of title a watercraft is covered governs all issues relating to the certificate from the time the watercraft becomes covered by the certificate until the watercraft becomes covered by another certificate or becomes a documented watercraft, even if no other relationship exists between the jurisdiction and the watercraft or its owner.

B. A watercraft becomes covered by a certificate of title when an application for the certificate and the applicable fee are delivered to the Department in accordance with this article or to the governmental agency that creates a certificate in another jurisdiction in accordance with the law of that jurisdiction.

2013, c. 787 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-527.1 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 5 / Article 2 / Section 29.1-527.1
Localities may prohibit feeding of migratory and nonmigratory waterfowl
Status: in_force

Upon notice to the Department, any locality may prohibit by ordinance the feeding of migratory and nonmigratory waterfowl in any subdivision or other area of such locality which, in the opinion of the governing body, is so heavily populated as to make the feeding of such waterfowl a threat to public health or the environment. The terms "migratory" and "nonmigratory" waterfowl shall include those waterfowl defined as such in a listing as provided by the Department. The Department shall make available to localities a model ordinance suggested for use by localities. The locality shall post the appropriate signage that designates an area where the ordinance is applicable and shall be solely responsible for enforcement of the ordinance. The penalty for violating such an ordinance shall be a civil fine not to exceed $50.

A locality shall not enact such an ordinance on lands within a national or state park or forest, or wildlife management area.

2004, c. 386 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-744 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 7 / Article 3 / Section 29.1-744
Local regulation; application for placement or removal of "no wake" buoys, etc
Status: in_force

A. Any political subdivision of this Commonwealth may, at any time, but only after public notice, formally apply to the Board for special rules and regulations with reference to the safe and reasonable operation of vessels on any water within its territorial limits and shall specify in the application the reasons which make the special rules or regulations necessary or appropriate.

B. The Board is authorized upon application by a political subdivision or its own motion to make special or general rules and regulations with reference to the safe and reasonable operation of vessels on any waters within the territorial limits of any political subdivision of this Commonwealth. Without limiting the generality of the grant of such power, a system of regulatory or navigational markers may be adopted by the Board. Nothing in this section shall be construed to affect the application of any general law concerning the tidal waters of this Commonwealth.

C. Any county, city or town of this Commonwealth may enact ordinances which parallel general law regulating the operation of vessels on any waters within its territorial limits, including the marginal adjacent ocean, and the conduct and activity of any person using such waters. The locality may also provide for enforcement and penalties for the violation of the ordinances, provided the penalties do not exceed the penalties provided in this chapter for similar offenses.

D. After notice to the Department, any county, city or town may, by ordinance, establish "no wake" zones along the waterways within the locality in order to protect public safety and prevent erosion damage to adjacent property. However, any county that is adjacent to an inland lake (i) more than 500 feet above sea level and (ii) of 20,000 acres or more and wholly located within the Commonwealth may, by ordinance, establish "no wake" zones along such lake within the locality in order to protect public safety or prevent erosion damage to adjacent property. The markers and buoys designating a no wake zone shall conform to the requirements established by the Board. Any marker or buoy which is not placed in conformance with the regulations of the Board or which is not properly maintained shall be removed by the locality. The locality may provide for enforcement and penalties for the violation of the ordinance.

E. Any person who desires to place or remove "no wake" buoys or other markers relating to the safe and efficient operation of vessels pursuant to any local ordinance shall apply to the local governing body. The local governing body shall approve, disapprove or approve with modifications the application and forward it to the Director, who shall approve, disapprove or approve with modifications within thirty days the placement and type of marker to be used or the removal of "no wake" buoys or other markers. The cost of the purchase and placement or the removal of the buoys or markers shall be borne by the person requesting the placement or removal of the buoys or markers. Any marker or buoy which is not placed in conformance with the regulations of the Board or which is not properly maintained may be removed by the Department. "No wake" buoys or other markers placed prior to July 1, 2001, shall only be removed when no longer required for the safe and efficient operation of vessels pursuant to any local ordinance.

1960, c. 500, § 62-174.15; 1964, cc. 346, 654; 1968, c. 659, § 62.1-182; 1978, c. 598; 1982, c. 232; 1987, c. 488; 1997, c. 522 ; 1999, c. 489 ; 2001, c. 649 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-711 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 7 / Article 1 / Section 29.1-711
Dealers and manufacturers of motorboats
Status: in_force

The following shall apply to dealers and manufacturers:

1. The registering and numbering requirements of this chapter shall apply to dealers and manufacturers of motorboats.

2. Applications for certificates of number shall be made on the approved application form prescribed in this chapter. Dealers and manufacturers shall certify that they are dealers or manufacturers.

3. Applications shall be accompanied by a fee of twenty-five dollars for dealers and forty dollars for manufacturers, by check or money order, and shall be forwarded to the Department.

4. Upon receipt by the Department of a properly completed application and fee, it shall issue to the applicant a dealer's or manufacturer's certificate of number, as appropriate, which may be used in connection with the operation of any motorboat in the possession of the dealer or manufacturer when the boat is being used for demonstration purposes.

5. Additional dealer's or manufacturer's certificates of number may be obtained by applying in the same manner as prescribed for the initial certificate with payment of an additional fee of twelve dollars for each additional certificate.

6. Manufacturers or dealers may have the number or numbers awarded to them printed upon or attached to a removable sign or signs to be temporarily but firmly mounted upon or attached to the boat being demonstrated, so long as the display meets the requirements of this chapter.

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.
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-101.6 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 1 / Article 1.1 / Section 29.1-101.6
Loans to owners other than 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 an owner, other than a local government, who owns a dam or other artificial impediment to the free passage of anadromous fish. The term of such loan shall not exceed twenty years and the interest rate shall be the prime rate for major money center banks, as reported by the latest edition of The Wall Street Journal appearing before the loan is made if the total loan exceeds fifty percent of the estimated project cost; if the total loan does not exceed fifty percent of the estimated cost of the project, the interest rate shall not be less than three percentage points below such prime rate. The Department shall approve the design of the fishway prior to the making of any loan from the Fund pursuant to this section.

1989, c. 5, § 10.1-1218; 1992, cc. 464, 887.
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-740 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 7 / Article 3 / Section 29.1-740
Duty to stop and render assistance; penalties for violations
Status: in_force

It shall be the duty of every operator of a vessel involved in a collision to stop and render assistance as required by § 29.1-739 . If any person knowingly fails to comply with the provisions of § 29.1-739 when the collision, accident or other casualty results in serious bodily injury to, or the death of, any person, he shall be guilty of a Class 6 felony. If any person knowingly fails to comply with the provisions of § 29.1-739 , when the collision, accident or other casualty results only in damage to property, he shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. However, if the vessel struck is unattended and the damage is less than fifty dollars, such person shall be punished only by a fine not exceeding fifty dollars.

1975, c. 429, § 62.1-177.1; 1987, c. 488.
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-563 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 5 / Article 6 / Section 29.1-563
Definitions
Status: in_force

For the purposes of this article:

"Conservation plan" means a document developed by the Department and approved by the Director that describes the Department's approach to managing and, if possible, recovering an endangered or threatened species of fish or wildlife.

"Endangered species" means any species which is in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range.

"Experimental population" means any population of an endangered or threatened species of fish or wildlife, excluding those species appearing on the federal list specified in § 29.1-564 , that is (i) established through deliberate introduction by humans; (ii) designated by regulation of the Board; and (iii) explicitly delineated in a conservation plan.

"Fish or wildlife" means any member of the animal kingdom, vertebrate or invertebrate, except for the class Insecta, and includes any part, products, egg, or the dead body or parts thereof.

"Incidental take" means any taking of an endangered or threatened species of fish or wildlife, excluding those species appearing on the federal list specified in § 29.1-564 , that otherwise would be prohibited by this article or by regulation, if such taking is incidental to but not the purpose of an otherwise lawful activity allowed in accordance with regulations adopted pursuant to § 29.1-568 .

"Person" means any individual, firm, corporation, association or partnership.

"Threatened species" means any species which is likely to become an endangered species within the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its range.

1972, c. 329, § 29-231; 1977, c. 377; 1987, c. 488; 1990, c. 369; 2011, c. 47 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-208 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 2 / Section 29.1-208
Searches and seizures
Status: in_force

All conservation police officers are vested with the authority to search any person arrested as provided in § 29.1-205 together with any box, can, package, barrel or other container, hunting bag, coat, suit, trunk, grip, satchel or fish basket carried by, in the possession of, or belonging to such person. Conservation police officers shall also have the authority, immediately subsequent to such arrest, to enter and search any refrigerator, building, vehicle, or other place in which the officer making the search has reasonable ground to believe that the person arrested has concealed or placed any wild bird, wild animal or fish, which will furnish evidence of a violation of the hunting, trapping and inland fish laws. Such a search may be made without a warrant, except that a dwelling may not be searched without a warrant. Should any container as described in this section reveal any wild bird, wild animal or fish, or any part thereof, which has been illegally taken, possessed, sold, purchased or transported, the conservation police officer shall seize and hold as evidence the container, together with such wild bird, wild animal or fish, and any unlawful gun, net, or other device of any kind for taking wild birds, wild animals or fish which he may find.

Code 1950, § 29-33; 1987, c. 488; 2007, c. 87 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-327 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 3 / Article 1 / Section 29.1-327
Agents for sale of licenses and permits; sales by telephone and electronic media
Status: in_force

A. The Board shall have authority to appoint agents operating in and outside of Virginia for the issuance and sale of any or all of the permits and licenses provided for in this title. Those agents appointed shall be in addition to the clerks of the courts designated by § 29.1-323 and shall be chosen so as to best serve the public from the standpoint of geographic location and method of operation. Such agents operating in and outside of Virginia shall be subject to the laws and the rules and regulations of the Board covering the issuance and sale of licenses and permits. Rules and regulations promulgated by the Board shall be designed to ensure that agents provide adequate service to the public and shall include provisions for removing agents not performing their duties properly. Any contract between the Department and any agent operating outside of Virginia shall stipulate that application and construction of the contract is governed by the laws of Virginia. Before an agent's appointment becomes effective, the agent shall be bonded by a surety company entitled to do business in this Commonwealth in the penalty of such amount as the Board may require, payable to the Commonwealth and conditioned upon the faithful performance of the agent's duties.

At such intervals as the Board may decide to be proper, the Board shall informally investigate the performance of agents appointed pursuant to this section to determine whether such agents are performing their duties in the public interest as provided by law and shall take any action deemed necessary to provide the best service in the public interest.

B. The Board may make and enter into agency contracts whereby the agent, whether operating in or outside of Virginia, may sell hunting and fishing licenses, issued under this title, by telephone, the Internet, or other electronic or computerized means. The contract shall establish the cost the agent may charge and receive per transaction which shall be in addition to the actual cost of the license sold during the transaction. A telephone or electronic media agent shall receive as compensation the fees for which he contracted with the Board and as determined and provided for in § 29.1-332 . A telephone or electronic media agent shall follow the provisions of the contract.

Code 1950, § 29-65; 1950, p. 149; 1964, c. 562; 1966, c. 286; 1968, c. 522; 1970, c. 82; 1972, c. 133; 1973, c. 184; 1974, cc. 105, 107; 1975, cc. 153, 402; 1976, cc. 38, 171; 1977, c. 377; 1987, c. 488; 1999, c. 255 ; 2000, c. 132 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-315.1 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 3 / Article 1 / Section 29.1-315.1
Special permit to hunt and fish by youth during fish and wildlife education events
Status: in_force

Upon receipt of an application from an officer or other designated official representative of any nonprofit organization that has as one of its stated purposes to educate youth on Virginia's fish and wildlife resources, the Director may issue a permit to an officer or representative of the organization that allows youths under the age of 18 years old who participate in a fish and wildlife educational event of the organization to hunt and fish. This permit shall serve in lieu of having to purchase a state youth resident combination hunting license pursuant to § 29.1-303.3 or state resident basic hunting license pursuant to § 29.1-303 , the special license for hunting bear, deer, and turkey pursuant to § 29.1-305 , and the state resident fishing license pursuant to subsection A of § 29.1-310 . The permit shall be valid for a period of 48 hours. The permit fee shall be $25 or as subsequently revised by the Board pursuant to § 29.1-103 . The application for the permit shall state the date upon which it will be used, the general area in which it will be used, the name of the person and organization responsible for the group of participants, and the number of participants to be covered by the permit. All youth participating in a hunting event covered by the permit shall comply with the provisions of subsection A of § 29.1-300.1 regarding competence in hunter education, or shall be 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 years of age maintains a close visual and verbal contact with, provides adequate direction to, and can immediately assume control of the firearm from the youth participant.

2009, c. 45 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-702.1 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 7 / Article 1 / Section 29.1-702.1
Making false affidavit or swearing falsely, perjury; penalty
Status: in_force

Any person who knowingly makes any false affidavit or knowingly swears to or affirms falsely any matter or thing required by this chapter or Chapter 8 (§ 29.1-800 et seq.) of this title or by the Director incidental to his administration of the boating laws shall, upon conviction, be guilty of perjury.

1990, c. 321.
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-530 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 5 / Article 2 / Section 29.1-530
Open and closed season for trapping, bag limits, etc
Status: in_force

A. There shall be a continuous open season for trapping nuisance species and a continuous closed trapping season on all other species of wild birds and wild animals, except as provided by Board regulations. However, a landowner or his agent may trap and dispose of, except by sale, squirrels creating a nuisance on his property at any time in any area where the use of firearms for such purpose is prohibited by law or local ordinance.

B. In addition, the following general rules shall be applicable to any person trapping in the Commonwealth:

1. The trapper shall be responsible for all damage done by an illegally set trap, and any person finding a trap set contrary to law may report it to the landowner upon whose land the trap is located or to any conservation police officer who may destroy or otherwise make the trap inoperable.

2. Licensed trappers may shoot wild animals caught in traps on any day of the week during the seasons prescribed in subsection A in order to dispatch such animal. No additional licenses are required other than a valid Virginia trapping license.

3. It is lawful to trap wild animals within the daily bag and season limits, if any, during the open season provided by Board regulations.

Code 1950, § 29-146; 1958, c. 495; 1974, c. 302; 1982, c. 335; 1987, c. 488; 2006, c. 20 ; 2007, c. 87 ; 2013, c. 349 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-822 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 8 / Article 2 / Section 29.1-822
Acts of officers, directors, partners and salesmen
Status: in_force

If a licensee is a partnership or corporation, it shall be sufficient cause for the denial, suspension or revocation of a license that any officer, director or trustee of the partnership or corporation, or any member in the case of a partnership, has committed any act or omitted any duty which would be cause for refusing, suspending or revoking a license to such party as an individual. Each licensee shall be responsible for the acts of any or all of his salesmen while acting as his agent, if such licensee approved of or had knowledge of such acts or other similar acts and after such approval or knowledge retained the benefit, proceeds, profits or advantages accruing from such acts or otherwise ratified the acts.

1988, c. 592.
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-338 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 3 / Article 1 / Section 29.1-338
Revocation of license and privileges; penalties
Status: in_force

If any person is found guilty of violating (i) any of the provisions of the hunting, trapping, or inland fish laws, any provision of §§ 15.2-915.2 , 15.2-1209.1 , 18.2-131 through 18.2-136 , or §§ 18.2-285 through 18.2-286.1 , or any regulation adopted by the Board pursuant thereto, a second time within three years of a previous conviction of violating any such law or regulation, or (ii) any provision of law or ordinance governing the dumping of refuse, trash, or other litter while engaged in hunting, trapping, or fishing, such license and privileges shall be revoked by the court trying the case and such person shall not apply for a new license or exercise such privileges until 12 months succeeding the date of conviction. The court may also prohibit the convicted person from hunting, fishing, or trapping in the Commonwealth for a period of one to five years. If found hunting, trapping, or fishing during such prohibited period, the person is guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor and may also be prohibited by the court from hunting, fishing, or trapping for an additional period of one to five years. Licenses revoked shall be sent to the Director.

Code 1950, § 29-77; 1962, c. 469; 1970, c. 274; 1983, c. 272; 1987, c. 488; 1989, c. 213; 2004, c. 462 ; 2010, c. 183 ; 2020, c. 311 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-543 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 5 / Article 4 / Section 29.1-543
Game and fish taken and packaged outside the Commonwealth
Status: in_force

It shall be lawful to possess, store, transport, offer for sale, sell, offer to purchase, purchase and otherwise deal in any wild animal, bird, fish or any part thereof, which has been taken and packaged in a can, tin, pot or other receptacle outside the Commonwealth by any person, company or corporation duly licensed by the state in which such cannery or processing plant is located and recognized by the Board. Such packages may be transported into the Commonwealth, so long as the original package remains unbroken, unopened and intact.

1958, c. 153, § 29-158.1; 1987, c. 488.
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-733.25 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 7 / Article 2.1 / Section 29.1-733.25
Acquiring title to an abandoned watercraft
Status: in_force

A. Any watercraft abandoned for a period exceeding 60 days is subject to the provisions of this section.

B. A landowner, his lessee, or his agent may acquire title to any watercraft abandoned on his land or the water immediately adjacent to his land. Acquisition of title, under the provisions of this section, divests any other person of any interest in the watercraft.

C. If a watercraft has a registration number assigned by the Commonwealth or any other state, or if there are other means of identifying the owner, the person desiring to acquire title shall make a good faith effort to secure the last-known address of all owners and lien holders. He shall notify each owner and lien holder by registered letter that if ownership is not claimed and the watercraft not removed within 30 days, he will apply for title to the watercraft in his name.

D. The person desiring to acquire title also shall place a notice, to appear for three consecutive issues, in a newspaper of general circulation in the county or city where the watercraft is located. The notice shall describe the watercraft, its location, and any identifying number or numbers. The notice shall state that if the watercraft is not claimed and removed within 30 days after the first day the notice was published, the person who has placed the notice shall apply to the Department for title to the watercraft.

E. At the end of the 30-day period, the person seeking to acquire the watercraft shall apply to the Department for title. The application shall be accompanied by the following: (i) an affidavit stating that to the best of the applicant's knowledge the watercraft has been abandoned for a period of at least 60 days, (ii) proof that the registered letter required by the Department was mailed at least 30 days prior to application or a detailed explanation of the steps taken to identify the owner and lien holder, and (iii) proof that a notice was printed in a newspaper as required in subsection D.

F. Upon receipt by the Department of all items required by subsection E, and after all fees and taxes due have been paid, the Department shall then issue title to the watercraft to the applicant.

G. All costs incurred in obtaining title to a watercraft under this section shall be borne by the applicant.

H. Any locality or state agency that has met the requirements of subsections A through D may apply to the Department for an authorization to destroy and dispose of the watercraft. The application shall be accompanied by the following: (i) an affidavit stating that to the best of the applicant's knowledge the watercraft has been abandoned for a period of at least 60 days, (ii) proof that the registered letter required by the Department was mailed at least 30 days prior to application or a detailed explanation of the steps taken to identify the owner and lien holder, (iii) proof that a notice was printed in a newspaper as required in subsection D, and (iv) a certification by the applicant that the watercraft will be destroyed and disposed of following authorization. Upon receipt of such complete application items required in this subsection, the Department shall issue an authorization to destroy and dispose of the watercraft.

2013, c. 787 ; 2024, c. 314 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-336 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 3 / Article 1 / Section 29.1-336
Carrying licenses and certificates; penalty
Status: in_force

A. Every person who is issued a hunting, trapping, or fishing license shall carry the license on his person while hunting, trapping, or fishing. Persons who have been issued such licenses and fail to carry them when required shall be guilty of a Class 4 misdemeanor.

B. Any person who is 16 years of age or older and who is (i) required to present a certificate of completion in hunter education to obtain a hunting license pursuant to § 29.1-300.1 , and (ii) issued a hunting license by telephone, the Internet, or other electronic or computerized means, shall also carry such certificate on his person while hunting.

C. Any person who is 12 years of age through 15 years of age, and is issued a hunting license by telephone, the Internet, or other electronic or computerized means, shall carry his certificate of completion in hunter education on his person while hunting, unless he is accompanied and directly supervised by an adult who has, on his person, a valid Virginia hunting license and certificate if required under subsection B.

D. For purposes of this section and § 29.1-337 , "carry" means possess a hard copy or electronic copy of the license or certificate.

Code 1950, § 29-75; 1987, c. 488; 2005, c. 145 ; 2015, c. 479 ; 2017, c. 363 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-607 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 6 / Section 29.1-607
Hunting season and bag limit
Status: in_force

The length of the hunting season on such preserves and the size of the bag limit shall be in accordance with rules of the Board.

Code 1950, § 29-45; 1958, c. 491; 1987, c. 488.
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-302.01 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 3 / Article 1 / Section 29.1-302.01
Special fishing license for disabled active duty military personnel
Status: in_force

Any resident or nonresident who is (i) on active duty military service, (ii) disabled due to service-connected disability, and (iii) receiving inpatient or outpatient medical treatment from a hospital located in Virginia, an adjoining state, or the District of Columbia may apply for and shall receive from the Department a nontransferable state license to fish as required by subsections A and B of § 29.1-310 . This license shall be issued at no cost and shall be valid for one year from the date of issuance. The holder of the license shall not be eligible to receive a subsequent license issued under this section.

2010, c. 822 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-733.11 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 7 / Article 2.1 / Section 29.1-733.11
Maintenance of and access to files
Status: in_force

A. For each record relating to a certificate of title submitted to the Department, the Department shall:

1. Ascertain or assign the hull identification number for the watercraft;

2. Maintain the hull identification number and all the information submitted with the application pursuant to subsection B of § 29.1-733.7 to which the record relates, including the date and time the record was delivered to the Department;

3. Maintain the files for public inspection subject to subsection E; and

4. Index the files of the Department as required by subsection B.

B. The Department shall maintain in its files the information contained in all certificates of title created under this article. The information in the files of the Department shall be searchable by the hull identification number of the watercraft, the registration number, the name of the owner of record, and any other method used by the Department.

C. The Department shall maintain in its files, for each watercraft for which it has created a certificate of title, all title brands known to the Department, the name of each secured party known to the Department, the name of each person known to the Department to be claiming an ownership interest, and all stolen-property reports the Department has received.

D. Upon request, for safety, security, or law-enforcement purposes, the Department shall provide to federal, state, or local government the information in its files relating to any watercraft for which the Department has issued a certificate of title.

E. Except as otherwise provided by the law of the Commonwealth other than this article, the information required under § 29.1-733.9 is a public record. The information provided under subdivision B 3 of § 29.1-733.7 is not a public record.

2013, c. 787 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-347 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 3 / Article 2 / Section 29.1-347
Renewing licenses
Status: in_force

The holders of licenses first issued under this article may renew the same privileges each succeeding year by licensing within the time required and placing the license tag on the stake or blind as required by this article. The exclusive privileges prescribed with respect to owners and their lessees and permittees in § 29.1-344 shall be recurrent each year even if the privileges were forfeited to some other person or persons in the preceding year. If any blind is destroyed in any manner beyond the control of the owner, it may be replaced within thirty days without losing the position which it formerly occupied. Those licensing stationary blinds in the public waters shall remove the blinds when the licenses expire or when they no longer intend to use them, whichever occurs first.

Code 1950, § 29-88; 1987, c. 488; 2013, c. 745 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-400 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 4 / Article 1 / Section 29.1-400
Unlawful to deal in furs without a permit
Status: in_force

It shall be unlawful to buy, sell, barter, exchange, traffic or trade in, bargain for, solicit for purchase, or possess the hides, furs or pelts of wild animals, or otherwise deal in fur as a business, without having first obtained a permit, subject to the exemptions in § 29.1-401 .

Code 1950, § 29-93; 1987, c. 488.
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-600 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 6 / Section 29.1-600
Licenses for shooting preserves
Status: in_force

A. The Director shall issue licenses for all shooting preserves when such preserves meet the requirements established pursuant to regulations. Commercially operated preserves initially licensed on and after July 1, 1994 shall meet local zoning and land use requirements. A fee of fifty dollars shall be collected for each such license issued to any preserve open to the public. A fee of fifty cents per acre for the first 300 acres and two dollars for each additional acre shall be collected for each license issued for other preserves. In no instance shall the license fee for a private preserve be less than fifty dollars. All license fees collected under this section shall be credited to the game protection fund. All such licenses shall expire on June 30 of each year.

B. Fees collected from such preserves shall only be used to administer this chapter.

Code 1950, § 29-38; 1974, c. 102; 1987, c. 488; 1989, c. 424; 1994, c. 753 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-351.1 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 3 / Article 2 / Section 29.1-351.1
Penalty for violations
Status: in_force

Unless otherwise specified, any person who violates any of the provisions of this article shall be guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor.

Code 1950, § 29-90; 1954, c. 305; 1956, c. 318; 1987, c. 488.
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-703.2 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 7 / Article 1 / Section 29.1-703.2
Designation of agents; compensation to agents; deposit of temporary registration certificate moneys
Status: in_force

A. The Director may authorize any person to act as an agent to issue temporary registration certificates. Persons accepting such authorization may be issued temporary registration certificates which upon issuance, in conformity with this chapter and with any rules and regulations of the Board, shall be valid as if issued directly by the Director.

B. Notwithstanding the provisions of § 2.2-1802 , the money received for temporary registration certificates issued pursuant to § 29.1-703.1 shall be paid by each agent to the Department for payment into the state treasury. All moneys collected by the Department from the issuance of temporary registration certificates shall be deposited into the game protection fund and credited to the motorboat and water safety fund.

C. As compensation for such service, agents shall add and retain an amount equal to the fee provided to agents for the sale of hunting and fishing licenses as provided in § 29.1-332 .

D. Remittance to the Department shall be made by each agent as required by the Department.

1995, c. 241 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-322 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 3 / Article 1 / Section 29.1-322
Residents of counties bordering on streams
Status: in_force

The residents of counties bordering a nontidal stream shall have the right to hunt, trap and fish when not otherwise prohibited by law or regulation in such stream opposite the shoreline of the county for which such resident has a county license. The residents of counties bordering a tidal stream shall have the right to hunt, trap and fish out to the low-water mark or as far as the county limits of the county for which he has a license extend.

Code 1950, § 29-60; 1987, c. 488.
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-342 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 3 / Article 2 / Section 29.1-342
Floating blinds
Status: in_force

Floating blinds shall mean floating blinds permitted by law in the public waters. They may be used in any position in public waters at different locations from day to day if the blind is anchored the required distance from any other blind, unless agreed otherwise between the parties. Licenses for floating blinds shall be limited to two floating blinds in any one season, to any one applicant.

Code 1950, § 29-83; 1970, c. 579; 1987, c. 488.
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-305.2 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 3 / Article 1 / Section 29.1-305.2
Special fox hunting licenses
Status: in_force

There shall be a special license for hunting foxes on horseback with hounds but without firearms. The special license shall exempt the licensee from the hunter education requirement of § 29.1-300.1 . The fee for the special license shall be the same as any license required by § 29.1-303 and shall be subject to subsequent revision by the Board pursuant to § 29.1-103 . This special license shall not be required of any person holding a hunting license required by § 29.1-303 .

2014, c. 798 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-579 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 5 / Article 8 / Section 29.1-579
Wildlife Corridor Action Plan; adoption
Status: in_force

A. The Department, in collaboration with the Department of Transportation, the Department of Forestry, and the Department of Conservation and Recreation, shall create a Wildlife Corridor Action Plan.

B. The Plan shall:

1. Identify wildlife corridors, existing or planned barriers to movement along such corridors, and areas with a high risk of wildlife-vehicle collisions. The Plan shall list habitat that is identified as of high quality for priority species and ecosystem health; migration routes of native, game, and migratory species using the best available science and Department surveys, including landscape-scale data from the ConserveVirginia database or a similar land conservation strategy database maintained by the Department of Conservation and Recreation; lands containing a high prevalence of existing human barriers, including roads, dams, power lines, and pipelines; areas identified as of high risk of wildlife-vehicle collisions; habitat identified by the Department as being occupied by rare or at-risk species; and habitat identified as Critical Habitat under the federal Endangered Species Act of 1973, P.L. 93-205, as amended.

2. Prioritize and recommend wildlife crossing projects intended to promote driver safety and wildlife connectivity. The Plan shall describe each such project and include descriptions of wildlife crossing infrastructure or other mitigation techniques recommended to meet Plan goals.

3. Contain maps utilizing the ConserveVirginia public portal, or a similar land conservation strategy public portal maintained by the Department of Conservation and Recreation, and other relevant state databases that detail high-priority areas for wildlife corridor infrastructure and any other information necessary to meet the goals of the Plan.

C. The Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources and the Secretary of Transportation shall jointly submit the Plan to the Chairs of the House Committee on Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources and the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources no later than September 1, 2022, and shall jointly submit an updated version of the Plan every four years thereafter.

D. The Department shall assist state agencies and political subdivisions, and by request any federal agency, in considering and incorporating, where applicable, wildlife corridors and the recommendations of the Plan when developing any governmental strategic plan, map, or action. The Department shall publish the plan and any subsequent updates on its website.

2020, cc. 323 , 672 ; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 401 , 498 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-409 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 4 / Article 2 / Section 29.1-409
From whom permits obtained; fee
Status: in_force

The special national forest permit may be obtained from the clerk or agent of any county or city whose duty it is to sell hunting, fishing, and trapping licenses. The fee for the special permit shall be three dollars.

Code 1950, § 29-118; 1980, c. 494; 1987, c. 488; 1988, c. 250.
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-573 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 5 / Article 7 / Section 29.1-573
Department; powers
Status: in_force

A. The Department may conduct operations and measures to suppress, control, eradicate, prevent, or retard the spread of any nonindigenous aquatic nuisance species. The maximum effort shall be made to utilize the best available scientific technology that is specific to the targeted nonindigenous aquatic nuisance species, environmentally sound, practical, and cost effective.

B. Such operations and measures shall be conducted subject to the appropriation of general funds authorized for the purpose of suppressing, controlling, eradicating, preventing, or retarding the spread of any nonindigenous aquatic nuisance species, or the receipt of funds designated for this purpose from private entities, local governments, political subdivisions, or federal grants. If such funds are not available to carry out the purposes of this chapter, then the Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources shall seek and accept all possible funds from other sources, including federal, state, local, and private grants, loans, and donations.

C. In carrying out its powers, the Department may cooperate with any federal agencies, any agency of an adjacent state, any other state agencies, local governments, political subdivisions, and authorities within the Commonwealth. Other state agencies shall cooperate and provide assistance as requested by the Director in carrying out the purposes of this article.

2003, c. 446 ; 2004, c. 467 ; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 401 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-508 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 5 / Article 1 / Section 29.1-508
Board to prescribe seasons, bag limits and methods of taking and killing fish and game on lands and waters owned or controlled by Board
Status: in_force

The Board is hereby authorized to adopt rules and regulations to prescribe and enforce the seasons, bag limits and methods of taking fish and game on lands and waters owned by the Board and on lands owned by others but controlled by the Board.

1960, c. 538, § 29-130.1; 1987, c. 488.
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-212 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 2 / Section 29.1-212
Precaution against fire
Status: in_force

The conservation police officer shall caution persons of the danger from fires and, if possible, extinguish all fires left burning by anyone. When possible, he shall notify any interested persons of fires raging beyond his control, so that the fires may be extinguished.

Code 1950, § 29-35; 1987, c. 488; 2007, c. 87 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-306 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 3 / Article 1 / Section 29.1-306
Special archery license, slingbow license, and crossbow license
Status: in_force

There shall be a license for hunting with a bow and arrow, slingbow, or crossbow, during the special archery seasons, which shall be in addition to the licenses required to hunt small and big game. Any person who is disabled so as to prevent drawing the weight of a bow or crossbow may obtain such license for hunting with an arrowgun. The applicant shall provide proof of disability acceptable to the Director on a standardized form provided by the Department, which shall be in the person's possession while hunting with an arrowgun.

The fee for the special license shall be $17 for a resident and $30 for a nonresident. The Board may subsequently revise the cost of licenses set forth in this section pursuant to § 29.1-103 .

1985, c. 15, § 29-122.1; 1987, c. 488; 1988, c. 250; 1994, c. 725 ; 1996, cc. 102 , 825 ; 1998, c. 144 ; 2005, c. 8 ; 2009, c. 9 ; 2014, c. 136 ; 2017, c. 530 ; 2018, cc. 557 , 558 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-521.1 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 5 / Article 2 / Section 29.1-521.1
Willfully impeding hunting or trapping; penalty
Status: in_force

A. It is unlawful to willfully and intentionally impede the lawful hunting or trapping of wild birds or wild animals.

B. It is unlawful for any person or his agent to knowingly and intentionally facilitate or attempt to cause a violation of subdivision A 4 of § 29.1-521 by putting out bait or salt for any wildlife in any place used or occupied by hunters to hunt wild birds or wild animals.

C. Any person convicted of a violation of this section is guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor.

1988, c. 584; 2010, c. 626 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-748 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 7 / Article 4 / Section 29.1-748
Restrictions on operation; penalty
Status: in_force

A. It is unlawful for any person to:

1. Operate a personal watercraft unless he is at least sixteen years of age, except any person fourteen or fifteen years of age shall be allowed to operate a personal watercraft if he (i) has successfully completed a boating safety education course approved by the Director and (ii) carries on his person, while operating a personal watercraft, proof of successful completion of such course. Upon the request of a law-enforcement officer, such person shall provide proof of having successfully completed an approved course;

2. Operate a personal watercraft unless he has complied with the provisions of § 29.1-735.2 , regarding board regulations for boating safety education;

3. Operate a personal watercraft unless each person riding on the personal watercraft is wearing a type I, type II, type III, or type V personal flotation device approved by the United States Coast Guard;

4. Fail to attach the lanyard to his person, clothing, or personal flotation device, if the personal watercraft is equipped with a lanyard-type engine cut-off switch;

5. Operate a personal watercraft on the waters of the Commonwealth between sunset and sunrise;

6. Operate a personal watercraft while carrying a number of passengers in excess of the number for which the craft was designed by the manufacturer; or

7. Operate a personal watercraft in excess of the slowest possible speed required to maintain steerage and headway within fifty feet of docks, piers, boathouses, boat ramps, people in the water, and vessels other than personal watercraft. Nothing in this section shall prohibit a personal watercraft from towing a person with a rope less than fifty feet in length.

B. A violation of any provision of this section shall constitute a Class 4 misdemeanor, except that any person who violates subdivision A 2 shall be subject to the penalty provided in § 29.1-735.2 .

C. A violation of this section shall not constitute negligence, 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, nor shall anything in this section change any existing law, rule, or procedure pertaining to any such civil action, nor shall this section bar any claim which otherwise exists.

1991, c. 320; 1998, cc. 443 , 537 ; 2007, cc. 615 , 732 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-501 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 5 / Article 1 / Section 29.1-501
Promulgation of regulations; publication of proposed regulations or change therein; validation; evidentiary nature of publication
Status: in_force

A. The Board may promulgate regulations pertaining to the hunting, taking, capture, killing, possession, sale, purchase, and transportation of any wild bird, wild animal, or inland water fish, and the feeding of any game, game animals, or fur-bearing animals as defined in § 29.1-100 , or the feeding of any wildlife that results in property damage, endangers any person or wildlife, or creates a public health concern.

B. The full text or an informative summary of any proposed regulation or change in the regulations shall be published not less than fifteen nor more than thirty days before it may be acted upon. The publication shall name the time and place that the specified matters will be taken up, at which time any interested citizen shall be heard. If the proposed regulation or change in the regulations is of local application, the publication shall appear in a newspaper published in or within reasonable proximity to the affected locality. However, if the proposed regulation or change in the regulations is of statewide application, the publication shall be made in a sufficient number of newspapers having a general circulation throughout the entire Commonwealth.

C. A copy of proposed regulations or a change in the regulations, of either local application or statewide application, shall be published in the Virginia Register of Regulations pursuant to § 2.2-4031 .

D. Prima facie evidence of any regulation may be given in all courts and proceedings by the production of a copy of the regulation, which shall be certified by the Director or his deputy.

Code 1950, § 29-126; 1956, c. 178; 1960, c. 539; 1962, c. 478; 1974, c. 56; 1987, c. 488; 2010, c. 184 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-302.4 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 3 / Article 1 / Section 29.1-302.4
Special lifetime trout fishing licenses for residents and nonresidents
Status: in_force

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

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

2. A special nonresident lifetime trout fishing license, to be obtained for a fee of $500. Such special lifetime trout fishing licenses shall apply only to specially stocked trout waters as may be designated by the Board, and shall serve in lieu of the state resident trout fishing license as provided for in subdivision B 1 of § 29.1-310 or state nonresident trout fishing license as provided for in subdivision B 2 of § 29.1-310 . Such special lifetime trout fishing licenses shall serve in addition to fishing license fees as provided for in subdivision A of § 29.1-310 or special lifetime fishing license as provided for in § 29.1-302.1 .

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

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

C. Any resident forty-five years of age or older who applies for the resident lifetime trout licenses authorized by this section shall receive such a license for one of the following fees based on age: age forty-five through fifty, $200; age fifty-one through fifty-five, $150; age fifty-six through sixty, $100; age sixty-one through sixty-four, fifty dollars; and age sixty-five or older, ten dollars.

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

2002, c. 67 ; 2009, c. 9 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-303.1 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 3 / Article 1 / Section 29.1-303.1
Trip hunting licenses
Status: in_force

Nonresidents or residents of the Commonwealth may purchase a trip hunting license in lieu of the hunting license required by § 29.1-303 . The duration for which the license shall be valid shall be established by the Board. The fee for the trip hunting license shall be established by the Board and may be revised pursuant to § 29.1-103 .

1988, c. 250; 2003, c. 120 ; 2009, c. 9; 2013, c. 351 ; 2019, c. 147 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-416 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 4 / Article 3 / Section 29.1-416
Netting fish
Status: in_force

A. The fee for a permit to net fish in inland waters, for private table use, or for sale where permitted, shall be as follows:

1. County dip net, three dollars and fifty cents each per year;

2. Gill net, eight dollars each per year;

3. Haul seine, seventeen dollars and fifty cents each per year; and

4. Haul seine to catch species designated by the Board for sale, forty-five dollars each per year.

B. The Board may permit a licensee to use dip nets or gill nets to take for sale fish of any designated species in the waters of Back Bay and its tributaries. However, any nonresident desiring to take or catch fish in Back Bay and its tributaries for which a permit is required and where such fishing is not prohibited, shall first pay $350 per year to the Department for a nonresident harvester's permit. Such a permit shall be required for each boat used to take or catch fish in Back Bay and its tributaries, and shall be in addition to any other permit required for the activity involved.

Code 1950, § 29-110; 1956, c. 343; 1974, c. 363; 1987, c. 488; 1988, c. 250; 1989, c. 692; 1997, c. 57 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-703 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 7 / Article 1 / Section 29.1-703
Identification numbers required; decals
Status: in_force

Every motorboat on the waters of this Commonwealth shall be numbered except those specifically exempt in § 29.1-710 . No person shall operate or give permission for the operation of any motorboat on such waters unless the motorboat is numbered in accordance with this chapter, federal law, or a federally approved numbering system of another state, or has been issued a temporary registration certificate pursuant to the provisions of § 29.1-703.1 . In addition to the numbering requirements, (i) the certificate of number awarded or temporary registration certificate issued to the motorboat must be in effect, (ii) the identifying number set forth in the certificate of number must be displayed on each side of the bow of the motorboat, and (iii) decals signifying the last month and year during which the certificate of number is valid must be displayed on each side of the motorboat within six inches of the registration number so as to be visible while the motorboat is being operated. Decals will be furnished with each certificate of number issued or reissued by the Department. Expired decals must be removed from the vessel. Upon written request and for good cause, the Board may allow exceptions to the requirement to display decals. If a decal becomes defaced, lost or destroyed, application for replacement shall be made to the Board within fifteen days. A fee of one dollar shall be charged for each decal or set of decals replaced. Decals must be displayed upon the watercraft for which they were purchased and are not transferable.

1960, c. 500, § 62-174.4; 1962, c. 626; 1968, c. 659, § 62.1-169; 1984, c. 3; 1987, c. 488; 1995, c. 241 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-531 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 5 / Article 3 / Section 29.1-531
Unlawful to take or attempt to take, possess, sell or transport fish except as permitted
Status: in_force

A. Unless otherwise provided by a regulation of the Board, it shall be unlawful for any person to take or attempt to take any fish in inland waters other than shad, herring or mullet, except by fishing with a hook and line or rod and reel, held in the hand.

B. It shall be unlawful to catch, trap, take, capture, kill, or attempt to take, capture or kill, possess, deliver for transportation, transport, cause to be transported, receive for transport, export, or import at any time or in any manner any species of game fish, or the carcass or any part thereof, except as specifically permitted by law and only by the means and within the numbers stated.

C. In Mecklenburg, Pittsylvania, Prince Edward, Charlotte, Campbell, Halifax, Amelia (except between Vaughn's Pond and Meadsville Dam), Caroline and King George Counties, in the City of Danville, and in the Meherrin River in Lunenburg County, it shall be lawful to fish with fish traps, fish pots or haul seines in any streams and waters, provided that no person shall catch fish with fish traps or fish pots or haul seines for commercial purposes. However, it shall be unlawful in such localities to remove from the waters thereof any game fish caught with fish pots, fish traps or haul seines, and any person doing so shall immediately return them to the waters. The Board shall have the authority to close any streams or rivers or parts of streams or rivers in such localities when the waters are stocked with fish by the Department.

D. It shall be lawful to sell or offer to sell trout which have been lawfully acquired, provided such trout have been propagated and raised in a hatchery or by other artificial means. The Board shall by appropriate regulation establish a practical system of identification of trout so offered for sale for table or other uses as directed by the Board.

E. It shall be unlawful to offer for sale, sell, offer to purchase, or purchase at any time or in any manner any species of game fish, or the carcass or any part thereof, except as specifically permitted by law and only by the means and within the numbers stated. A violation of the provisions of this subsection shall be punishable as provided in § 29.1-553 .

F. A violation of the provisions of subsections A through D shall constitute a Class 2 misdemeanor.

Code 1950, § 29-148; 1956, c. 490; 1958, c. 514; 1960, c. 126; 1962, c. 469; 1966, c. 413; 1987, c. 488; 1994, cc. 413 , 848 ; 2000, cc. 403 , 447 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-342.1 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 3 / Article 2 / Section 29.1-342.1
Waterfowl blinds in locality where bird hunting with firearms prohibited
Status: in_force

The Department shall not license any stationary waterfowl blind in any area of Hunting Creek, Little Hunting Creek, or Dogue Creek in which the local governing body prohibits by ordinance the hunting of birds with a firearm.

2020, cc. 307 , 308 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-544 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 5 / Article 4 / Section 29.1-544
Dressing, packing and selling bobwhite quail
Status: in_force

A. It shall be lawful for the licensee of a shooting preserve or his designated agents to dress, pack and sell bobwhite quail raised by him for use as food, under rules or regulations to be prescribed by the Board.

B. It shall be lawful to sell mounted bobwhite quail in the Commonwealth that have been legally raised captively and mounted outside of the Commonwealth.

1960, c. 131, § 29-158.2; 1987, c. 488; 1998, c. 179 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-519 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 5 / Article 2 / Section 29.1-519
Guns, pistols, revolvers, etc., which may be used; penalty
Status: in_force

A. All wild birds and wild animals may be hunted with the following weapons unless shooting is expressly prohibited:

1. A shotgun or muzzleloading shotgun not larger than 10 gauge;

2. An automatic-loading or hand-operated repeating shotgun capable of holding not more than three shells the magazine of which has been cut off or plugged with a one-piece filler incapable of removal through the loading end, so as to reduce the capacity of the gun to not more than three shells at one time in the magazine and chamber combined, unless otherwise allowed by Board regulations;

3. A rifle, a muzzleloading rifle, or an air rifle;

4. A bow and arrow;

5. [Expired.]

6. A crossbow, which is a type of bow and arrow, in accordance with the provisions of § 29.1-306 ;

7. A slingshot, except when hunting deer, bear, elk, or turkey;

8. An arrowgun, which is a pneumatic-powered air gun that fires an arrow; and

9. A slingbow, which is a type of bow and arrow, in accordance with the provisions of § 29.1-306 except when hunting bear or elk.

B. A pistol, muzzleloading pistol, or revolver may be used to hunt nuisance species of birds and animals.

C. In the counties west of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and counties east of the Blue Ridge where rifles of a caliber larger than .22 caliber may be used for hunting wild birds and animals, game birds and animals may be hunted with pistols or revolvers firing cartridges rated in manufacturers' tables at 350 foot pounds of energy or greater and under the same restrictions and conditions as apply to rifles, provided that no cartridge shall be used with a bullet of less than .23 caliber. In no event shall pistols or revolvers firing cartridges rated in manufacturers' tables at 350 foot pounds of energy or greater be used if rifles of a caliber larger than .22 caliber are not authorized for hunting purposes.

D. The use of muzzleloading pistols and .22 caliber rimfire handguns is permitted for hunting small game where .22 caliber rifles are permitted.

E. The use of muzzleloading pistols of .45 caliber or larger is permitted for hunting big game where and in those seasons when the use of muzzleloading rifles is permitted. The Board may adopt regulations that specify the types of muzzleloading pistols and the projectiles and propellants that shall be permitted.

F. The hunting of wild birds and wild animals with fully automatic firearms, defined as a machine gun in § 18.2-288 , is prohibited.

G. The hunting of wild birds or wild animals with (i) weapons other than those authorized by this section or (ii) weapons that have been prohibited by this section is punishable as a Class 3 misdemeanor.

Code 1950, § 29-140; 1962, c. 469; 1964, c. 441; 1974, cc. 108, 302; 1977, c. 377; 1983, c. 166; 1987, c. 488; 1988, c. 162; 1989, c. 421; 1993, c. 684; 1998, c. 144 ; 2002, c. 157 ; 2005, c. 8 ; 2007, c. 643 ; 2014, cc. 117 , 136 ; 2016, c. 486 ; 2017, c. 530 ; 2018, cc. 557 , 558 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-305.1 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 3 / Article 1 / Section 29.1-305.1
Bonus deer permits
Status: in_force

The Board shall establish by regulation a procedure for selling bonus deer permits. Each bonus deer permit purchased shall entitle the holder thereof to take additional deer under conditions prescribed by the Board. The cost of a bonus deer permit shall be set by the Board but shall not exceed the fee charged for the special license to hunt bear, deer and turkey, as prescribed under § 29.1-305 . Clerks and license agents who sell hunting licenses shall sell bonus deer permits and shall be entitled to a service fee as prescribed in § 29.1-332 .

1991, c. 676.
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-300.3 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 3 / Article 1 / Section 29.1-300.3
Program fees
Status: in_force

No fee shall be charged for the instructor's service; however, a fee to cover the cost of giving such instruction may be charged each person participating in and receiving such instruction. A record of such expenses shall be kept for inspection by the Department. The expenses may include, but not be limited to, such items as range fees, ammunition and transportation of students.

1987, c. 83, § 29-51.3.
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-601 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 6 / Section 29.1-601
Applicant to own or have land under lease; boundaries
Status: in_force

No shooting preserve license shall be granted unless the applicant owns or leases the areas for which the shooting preserve license is desired. Boundaries of the area licensed shall be clearly defined by posting as shall be prescribed by the Board.

Code 1950, § 29-39; 1987, c. 488; 1992, c. 254.
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-337 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 3 / Article 1 / Section 29.1-337
Displaying license upon request
Status: in_force

A. Every person who is issued a hunting, trapping or fishing license and is carrying such a license when hunting, trapping or fishing shall present it immediately upon demand of any officer whose duty it is to enforce the game and inland fish laws. Refusing to exhibit the license upon demand of any conservation police officer or other officer shall be a Class 3 misdemeanor.

B. In accordance with § 18.2-133 , the hunting, trapping or fishing license shall also be shown upon the demand of any owner or lessee, or of any employee or representative of such owner or lessee, upon whose lands or waters the person may be hunting, fishing or trapping.

C. The Director may supply buttons or license holders and require the license or button to be displayed in a manner he may determine.

Code 1950, § 29-76; 1987, c. 488; 1989, c. 421; 2007, c. 87 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-516.1 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 5 / Article 2 / Section 29.1-516.1
Using tracking dogs to retrieve bear, deer, or turkey
Status: in_force

Tracking dogs maintained and controlled on a lead may be used to find a wounded or dead bear, turkey, or deer statewide during any archery, muzzleloader, or firearm bear, turkey, or deer hunting season, or within 24 hours of the end of such season, provided that those who are involved in the retrieval effort have permission to hunt on or to access the land being searched. A licensed hunter who is engaged in such tracking may have in his possession a weapon permitted under this title and may use such weapon to humanely kill the wounded bear, deer, or turkey being tracked, including after legal shooting hours. Such weapon shall not be used to hunt, wound, or kill any animal other than the animal that the hunter is tracking, except in self-defense.

2011, c. 459 ; 2018, c. 447 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-748.1 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 7 / Article 4 / Section 29.1-748.1
Local ordinances; operation on lakes; minimum distance from shoreline; penalty
Status: in_force

A. Any locality in Planning District 23 may, by ordinance, prohibit the operation of a personal watercraft on a public lake measuring less than 50 acres in extent. Such ordinance shall provide that a violation of the prohibition constitutes a Class 4 misdemeanor. Any violation of such an ordinance shall be subject to the provisions of subsection C of § 29.1-748 .

B. The City of Virginia Beach may, by ordinance, regulate in any portion of a waterway located solely within its territorial limits, the minimum distance that personal watercraft may be operated from the shoreline in excess of the slowest possible speed required to maintain steerage and headway. Such ordinance shall provide for distances of 100 feet from the shoreline and 200 feet from swimmers in ocean waters, and shall provide for local enforcement and penalties not exceeding those applicable to Class 4 misdemeanors. Nothing in this subsection prohibits access to and from waters where operation is not otherwise restricted.

2003, c. 117 ; 2007, c. 813 ; 2018, c. 426 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-340 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 3 / Article 2 / Section 29.1-340
Hunting waterfowl from unlicensed blinds and without season license
Status: in_force

It shall be unlawful to hunt migratory waterfowl on the public waters and shores east of Interstate Route 95 in the Commonwealth from unlicensed stationary or floating blinds. For the purposes of this article, "public waters" means public waters that are navigable in fact. Any person hunting waterfowl or applying to license a stationary blind in public waters shall also have a season license to hunt and a state and federal duck stamp.

Code 1950, § 29-81; 1958, c. 38; 1964, c. 478; 1987, c. 488; 2020, c. 415 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-815 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 8 / Article 2 / Section 29.1-815
Locations to be specified, etc.; display of license; change of location
Status: in_force

The licenses of new watercraft dealers, used watercraft dealers, manufacturers, factory branches, distributors and distributor branches shall specify the location of each place of business or branch or other location occupied or to be occupied by the licensee in conducting his business as such. The license or supplemental license issued shall be conspicuously displayed on each of such premises. In the event any such location is changed, the Director shall endorse the change of location on the license, without charge if the new location is within the same political subdivision. A change in location to another political subdivision shall require a new license.

1988, c. 592.
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-606 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 6 / Section 29.1-606
Seals to be attached to shot game; penalty
Status: in_force

No shot game of the species named in the license shall be removed from the licensed premises until there has been securely attached to the game or package of game a seal, the type and design of which shall be designated by the Board. The seal shall remain attached to the game or package of game until it is finally prepared for consumption.

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

Code 1950, § 29-44; 1958, c. 492; 1987, c. 488; 1989, c. 421; 1990, c. 408.
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-417 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 4 / Article 3 / Section 29.1-417
Capturing, holding, propagating, and disposing of wildlife for authorized purposes; premature separation and hybridization of mammalian wildlife prohibited; exceptions
Status: in_force

A. The fee for a permit to capture, hold, propagate, and dispose of wildlife for purposes authorized by the Board shall be an amount sufficient to defray the costs of processing the permit and administering the permitted activity. However, in no instance shall the fees established by the Board exceed the following:

1. For endangered species, scientific collection and wildlife holder, $20 per year; and

2. For all other such permits, $50 per year.

B. The Board shall establish a permit to authorize the permittee to artificially raise trout, catfish, or largemouth bass and other members of the sunfish family for sale from a privately owned facility. Where the permittee allows public fishing from its facilities, if the fee provided for in subsection A has been paid, no license shall be required to fish from such a facility.

C. The Board shall establish standards for the possession and display of wildlife by elementary or secondary school teachers for educational purposes. No permit fee or application shall be required, and such display shall be deemed to be permitted so long as notification of the display is made to the Department and the exhibit is in compliance with the standards established by the Board. The Board's standards may include species permitted to be possessed and displayed, caging and enclosure requirements, prohibitions on release of wildlife, and notification requirements in the case of wildlife sickness or escape.

D. 1. It is unlawful to separate any mammalian wildlife offspring born in captivity from the mother prior to the offspring turning four months of age or such other species-specific age as may be prescribed by regulation of the Board, except that such offspring may be prematurely separated (i) if a medical necessity exists pursuant to a written order from a veterinarian who is licensed to practice in the Commonwealth and has received training or experience in the care and management of the species being attended or (ii) for an activity described under subdivision 2. In the case of a medical necessity, all reasonable efforts shall be made to safely reintroduce such separated offspring to the mother following any such premature separation.

2. The provisions of this subsection shall not apply to (i) agricultural animals, as that term is defined in § 3.2-6500 ; (ii) noncommercial transfers or trades between accredited zoological facilities; (iii) an accredited zoological facility that retains the mammalian wildlife offspring separated by such zoological facility; (iv) the Department, a person operating under a wildlife rehabilitator, scientific collection, or endangered and threatened species permit approved by the Department, or a person operating under a species recovery plan approved by the Department; (v) the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; or (vi) any person rendering emergency neonatal aide, including the temporary separation of up to 72 hours until a licensed veterinarian can be engaged for assessment and treatment. For purposes of this subdivision, "accredited zoological facility" means a zoological facility that is accredited by an organization that, as of January 1, 2024, (a) was operating as an accrediting organization, (b) had published standards of accreditation for zoological facilities, and (c) had at least 20 accredited zoological facility members.

E. It is unlawful to intentionally and for commercial purposes propagate mammalian wildlife of different species, also known as hybridization.

1980, c. 494, § 29-111.1; 1987, c. 488; 1988, c. 250; 1993, c. 623; 1995, c. 610 ; 1997, c. 57 ; 2013, c. 792 ; 2015, c. 463 ; 2026, cc. 1004 , 1035 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-710 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 7 / Article 1 / Section 29.1-710
Exemption from numbering requirements
Status: in_force

A motorboat shall not be required to be numbered under this chapter if it is:

1. A motorboat which has been awarded a number pursuant to federal law or a federally approved numbering system of another state if the boat has been within the Commonwealth for less than ninety consecutive days.

2. A motorboat from a country other than the United States temporarily using the waters of the Commonwealth.

3. A motorboat which is used in a governmental function by the United States, a state or a subdivision of the state.

4. A ship's lifeboat.

5. A vessel which has a valid marine document issued by the Bureau of Customs of the United States government or any federal agency successor thereto.

6. A racing boat used during an authorized race and during a twenty-four-hour period before and after the race.

7. A motorboat belonging to a class of vessels which has been exempted from numbering by a regulation adopted by the Board after the Board has found that applicable federal law or federal regulation has exempted, or permitted the exemption of, such class of vessels.

8. A motorboat for which (i) a valid temporary registration certificate has been issued by the Department or an authorized agent of the Department, and (ii) an application has been made for a permanent registration and title (if applicable).

1960, c. 500, § 62-174.7; 1962, c. 626; 1964, c. 654; 1968, c. 659, § 62.1-173; 1972, c. 412; 1987, c. 488; 1995, c. 241 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-813 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 8 / Article 2 / Section 29.1-813
License fees; additional to other licenses and fees required by law
Status: in_force

A. The fee for each license year or part thereof shall be as follows:

1. For watercraft dealers, manufacturers, factory branches, distributors, distributor branches and wholesalers, seventy-five dollars for each principal place of business, plus twenty-five dollars for a supplemental license for each lot more than twenty-five yards distant from a principal place of business.

2. For each temporary supplemental license, twenty-five dollars.

3. For watercraft salesmen or watercraft demonstrators, fifteen dollars.

4. For factory representatives, distributor representatives, or distributor branch representatives, fifteen dollars.

B. The licenses and fees required by this chapter are in addition to licenses, taxes and fees imposed by other provisions of law. Nothing contained in this section or in any other section of this chapter shall be construed as exempting any person, firm or corporation from any license, tax or fee imposed by any other provision of law.

1988, c. 592; 1989, c. 206; 1998, c. 515 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-300.2 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 3 / Article 1 / Section 29.1-300.2
Hunter education program
Status: in_force

The Department shall provide for a course of instruction in hunter safety, principles of conservation, and sportsmanship, and for this purpose may cooperate with any reputable association or organization having as one of its objectives the promotion of hunter safety, principles of conservation, and sportsmanship.

The Board shall staff the hunter education program with appropriate personnel to ensure that hunter education, training, workshops, and volunteer management are carried out across the Commonwealth.

The Department may designate as a hunter safety instructor any person found by it to be competent to give instruction in the courses required by this article. A person so appointed shall give such course of instruction, and, upon completion thereof, shall issue to the person instructed a certificate of competency as provided by the Board in hunter safety, principles of conservation, and sportsmanship.

The Board shall prescribe a minimum level of skill and knowledge to be required of all hunter safety instructors, and may limit the number of students per instructor in all required classes.

The Board may revoke the certificate of any instructor when, in the opinion of the Board, it is in the best interest of the Commonwealth to do so.

The Board shall promulgate rules and regulations in order to administer and enforce the provisions of §§ 29.1-300.1 , 29.1-300.2 , and 29.1-300.3 .

1987, c. 83, § 29-51.2; 2007, c. 87 ; 2012, c. 763 ; 2025, c. 443 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-345 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 3 / Article 2 / Section 29.1-345
Stationary blinds in the public waters for nonriparian owners
Status: in_force

A. Unless a license has been obtained pursuant to § 29.1-344 , and a stake or a blind has been erected and marked within the time stated as specified in § 29.1-344 , in any year, the owners of riparian rights, their lessees or permittees shall forfeit the privilege of licensing blinds on their shores and also lose priority for licensing stationary blinds in the public waters adjoining such shores. Any locations remaining in the public waters shall belong to whoever first obtains a license and erects a stake or a blind. The blind shall not be located in a marked navigation channel on the site selected. In addition, the blind must be at least 500 yards from any other stationary blind, and the license for that season must be properly affixed to the structure. When licensing a stationary blind, the location of each blind licensed shall be provided as latitude and longitude coordinates.

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, § 29-86; 1987, c. 488; 2010, c. 9 ; 2013, c. 745 ; 2014, c. 377 ; 2024, c. 186 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-566 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 5 / Article 6 / Section 29.1-566
Regulations
Status: in_force

The Board is authorized to adopt the federal list, as well as modifications and amendments thereto by regulations; to declare by regulation, after consideration of recommendations from the Director of the Department of Conservation and Recreation and from other reliable data sources, that species not appearing on the federal lists are endangered or threatened species in Virginia; and to prohibit by regulation the taking, transportation, processing, sale, or offer for sale within the Commonwealth of any threatened or endangered species of fish or wildlife.

1972, c. 329, §§ 29-233, 29-234; 1977, c. 377; 1987, c. 488; 1989, c. 553.
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-341 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 3 / Article 2 / Section 29.1-341
Stationary blinds defined
Status: in_force

For the purposes of this article, a stationary blind means a structure erected at a fixed location either on the shores of the public waters or in the public waters for the purpose of hunting and shooting waterfowl.

A stationary blind shall be (i) of such size and strength that it can be occupied by and conceal one or more hunters, or (ii) large enough to accommodate and conceal a boat or skiff from which one or more hunters intend to hunt or shoot waterfowl.

Code 1950, § 29-82; 1987, c. 488; 2004, c. 422 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-344.1 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 3 / Article 2 / Section 29.1-344.1
Stationary duck blind license; riparian landowners exempted
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding the provisions of § 29.1-340 , the owners of riparian rights or their invitees shall not be required to obtain a stationary blind license when hunting waterfowl from such a blind located on the riparian owner's property. However, a stationary blind license shall be required in order to afford the riparian owners the protections provided by §§ 29.1-344 , 29.1-345 , and 29.1-349 .

1992, c. 237; 1993, c. 209.
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-302.3 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 3 / Article 1 / Section 29.1-302.3
Special guest fishing licenses
Status: in_force

An owner or bona fide lessee of private land bordering inland waters lying adjacent to North Carolina land or water may apply for a special guest fishing license entitling the licensee and his guests to fish from the property and any private dock, pier or other permanent extension into public waters without an additional fishing license except as required in designated waters stocked with trout and in waters where a daily fishing fee has been imposed pursuant to § 29.1-318 . The annual fee of a special guest fishing license shall be $50 or as subsequently revised by the Board pursuant to § 29.1-103 . A special guest fishing license shall not be valid for any property, pier or dock operated for any commercial purpose. A special guest fishing license shall not be in force unless displayed on the premises of the property. A special guest fishing license shall not be transferable.

1992, c. 198; 2009, c. 9 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-514 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 5 / Article 2 / Section 29.1-514
Nonmigratory game birds
Status: in_force

A. The following nonmigratory game birds may be hunted during prescribed open seasons:

Birds introduced by the Board.

Bobwhite quail.

Grouse.

Pheasants.

Turkey.

B. The following provisions shall also be applicable to the raising and hunting of the particular nonmigratory game bird species listed:

1. The Board may issue a permit to raise or purchase pheasants which shall entitle the permittee to release pheasants raised or purchased by him on land owned or leased by him, and such pheasants may be hunted under rules and regulations promulgated by the Board.

2. The Board may open the season, including Sunday operation, on pen-raised game birds on controlled shooting areas licensed under Chapter 6 (§ 29.1-600 et seq.) of this title under regulations as may be promulgated by the Board. However, the regulations promulgated by the Board shall not allow Sunday operation in Augusta County, or in any county or city which prohibits Sunday operation by ordinance.

Prior to obtaining a license from the Board to operate a commercially operated controlled shooting area, an applicant shall (i) notify adjoining landowners of the proposed use and (ii) obtain approval from the governing body of the county, city or town that such activity is permitted under existing ordinances. The requirements of clauses (i) and (ii) shall only apply to applications filed on or after July 1, 1993, for commercially operated controlled shooting area licenses issued under Chapter 6 of this title and shall not apply to existing preserve licenses or renewals issued for the shooting of pen-raised game birds.

Code 1950, § 29-136; 1954, c. 228; 1956, c. 375; 1960, c. 590; 1987, c. 488; 1993, c. 87; 2007, c. 813 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-355 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 3 / Article 3 / Section 29.1-355
Disposition of funds
Status: in_force

All moneys received from the sale of the special stamps shall be paid into the local treasury to the credit of a special damage stamp fund and identified by the year in which the moneys were collected. The special fund shall be used for the following purposes:

1. Payment for damages 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 at any time, or by big game hunters during hunting season; and

2. Payment of the actual and necessary costs of the administration of the provisions of this article, including the printing and distribution of the required stamps and the payment of reasonable fees to persons designated by a local governing body to inspect, evaluate, and confirm reported claims and adjust such claims; and

3. In the discretion of the local governing body, payment of the costs of law enforcement directly related to and incidental to carrying out the provisions of this article and the general game laws of the Commonwealth; any person compensated to engage in such law-enforcement activities shall be approved for such employment by the director and appointed to be a special conservation police officer in accordance with the Board's standards and policies governing such appointment; and

4. In the discretion of the local governing body, administrative expenses related to the special stamps, support of a county volunteer fire prevention and suppression program when the program includes firefighting on big game hunting lands open to the public, and support of local volunteer emergency medical services agencies whose services are available to hunters in distress. However, the money appropriated from the special damage stamp fund for these purposes shall not exceed, in the aggregate, in any calendar year, an amount equal to 25 percent of the amount paid into the special damage stamp fund during the fiscal year or previous calendar year. Once selecting the fiscal year or previous calendar year, the local governing body must continue to use that selected period of time in determining the amount of money to be appropriated from the special damage stamp fund.

1981, c. 16, § 29-92.4; 1983, c. 198; 1985, c. 284; 1986, c. 361; 1987, c. 488; 2003, c. 137 ; 2004, cc. 87 , 463 ; 2007, c. 87 ; 2015, cc. 502 , 503 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-510 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 5 / Article 2 / Section 29.1-510
Big game; small game
Status: in_force

For the purpose of the hunting and trapping laws of the Commonwealth, big game shall include bear and deer and small game shall include other game animals and all game birds.

Code 1950, § 29-132; 1954, c. 228; 1958, c. 165; 1960, c. 537; 1962, c. 469; 1974, c. 302; 1987, c. 488; 1988, c. 158.
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-557 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 5 / Article 5 / Section 29.1-557
Confiscation of wild birds and animals under certain circumstances; disposition
Status: in_force

Wild birds, wild animals and fish are the property of the Commonwealth and may be reduced to personal possession only in accordance with law. Any wild bird, wild animal or fish which is illegally taken, possessed, sold, purchased, transported or imported shall be forfeited to the Commonwealth.

Code 1950, § 29-173; 1987, c. 488.
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-571 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 5 / Article 7 / Section 29.1-571
Definition
Status: in_force

"Nonindigenous aquatic nuisance species" means a nonindigenous aquatic freshwater animal species whose presence in state waters poses or is likely to pose a significant threat of harm to (i) the diversity or abundance of any species indigenous to state waters; (ii) the ecological stability of state waters; or (iii) the commercial, industrial, agricultural, municipal, recreational, aquacultural, or other beneficial uses of state waters. Nonindigenous aquatic nuisance species shall include the zebra mussel, quagga mussel, and all species of snakehead fishes of the family Channidae.

2003, c. 446 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-825 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 8 / Article 2 / Section 29.1-825
Equitable remedies not impaired
Status: in_force

The remedy at law provided by §§ 29.1-823 and 29.1-824 shall not in any manner impair the right to applicable equitable relief. Such right to equitable relief is hereby preserved, notwithstanding the provisions of such sections.

1988, c. 592.
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-300.1 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 3 / Article 1 / Section 29.1-300.1
Certification of competence in hunter education; incentives
Status: in_force

A. Except as provided in subsection B and §§ 29.1-300.4 and 29.1-305.2 , no hunting license shall be issued to (i) a person who has never obtained a license to hunt in any state or country, or (ii) a person who is under the age of 16, unless such a person presents to the Board or one of its authorized license vendors, a certificate of completion in hunter education issued or authorized by the Board under the hunter education program, or proof that he holds the equivalent certificate obtained from an authorized agency or association of another state or country.

B. Although a resident under the age of 12 is not required to obtain a license to hunt, any person under the age of 12, or an individual on his behalf, may purchase a Virginia hunting license or a junior lifetime hunting license pursuant to § 29.1-302.1 , without completing a hunter education program as required in subsection A, provided that no person under the age of 12 shall hunt unless accompanied and directly supervised by an adult who has, on his person, a valid Virginia hunting license. The junior lifetime hunting license issued to an individual under the age of 12 shall become invalid on the individual's twelfth birthday and remain invalid until certification of competence in hunter education is shown as provided in this section. A lifetime license, indicating the completion of hunter education or an equivalent certificate, shall be reissued at no cost when such proof is provided.

The adult shall be responsible for such supervision. For the purposes of this section, "adult" means the parent or legal guardian of the person under age 12, or such person over the age of 18 designated by the parent or legal guardian.

"Accompanied and directly supervised" means that the adult is within sight of the person under the age of 12.

C. This section shall not apply to persons while on horseback hunting foxes with hounds but without firearms.

D. The Board may adopt regulations that provide incentives for successful completion of a hunter education course to hunters who are not required by law to complete such a course. The regulations may include such incentives as the Board deems appropriate.

1987, c. 83, § 29-51.1; 1988, cc. 179, 384, 474; 1989, c. 204; 1996, cc. 118 , 151 ; 1997, c. 247 ; 2008, cc. 18 , 416 ; 2014, c. 798 ; 2016, c. 123 ; 2020, c. 958 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-403 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 4 / Article 1 / Section 29.1-403
Term of permits; application
Status: in_force

All fur permits shall be for the fiscal year, July 1 through June 30, and shall be obtained from the Department by written application.

Code 1950, § 29-98; 1987, c. 488.
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-733.3 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 7 / Article 2.1 / Section 29.1-733.3
Applicability
Status: in_force

Subject to § 29.1-733.29 , this article applies to any transaction, certificate of title, or record relating to a watercraft, even if the transaction, certificate of title, or record was entered into or created before July 1, 2014.

2013, c. 787 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-302 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 3 / Article 1 / Section 29.1-302
Special license for certain resident disabled veterans
Status: in_force

A. Certain resident veterans who are disabled due to a service-connected disability may apply for and receive from the Department a nontransferable license pursuant to 4VAC15-20-65, valid for life, permitting the veteran to hunt and freshwater fish, or to hunt only or to freshwater fish only, depending on which license is purchased, on any property in the Commonwealth according to restrictions and regulations of law. However, this license shall not entitle the owner to fish in designated waters stocked with trout by the Department or other public body.

B. The cost for a license under this section shall be:

1. For a resident veteran rated as totally and permanently disabled by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, no cost;

2. For a resident veteran rated 70 percent or more disabled, but less than totally and permanently disabled, by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, $50;

3. For a resident veteran rated 50 percent or more disabled, but less than 70 percent disabled, by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, $75; and

4. For a resident veteran rated 30 percent or more disabled, but less than 50 percent disabled, by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, $100.

1976, c. 234, § 29-52.2; 1977, c. 167; 1985, c. 65; 1987, c. 488; 1996, c. 810 ; 2009, c. 9 ; 2012, cc. 321 , 380 ; 2022, c. 40 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-203 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 2 / Section 29.1-203
Jurisdiction; power to serve process
Status: in_force

A. Conservation police officers shall have jurisdiction throughout the Commonwealth to enforce the hunting, trapping and inland fish laws and may serve process in all matters arising from violations of such laws.

B. Conservation police officers shall enforce the State Water Control Board's regulations designating Smith Mountain Lake as a no-discharge zone for boat sewage.

Code 1950, § 29-30; 1979, c. 264; 1987, c. 488; 2001, cc. 93 , 123 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-820 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 8 / Article 2 / Section 29.1-820
Action upon applications; hearing upon denial; denial for failure to have established place of business
Status: in_force

A. The Director shall act upon all applications for a license within thirty days after receipt of all required applications, documents and fees by either granting or refusing the same. Any applicant denied a license shall, upon his written request filed within thirty days, be given a hearing at such time and place as determined by the Director or person designated by him. All such hearings shall be public and shall be held with reasonable promptness. The applicant may be represented by counsel.

B. Any applicant denied a license for failure to comply with the definition of an established place of business may not, nor shall anyone, apply for a license for such premises, for which a license was denied, until the expiration of sixty days from the date of the rejection of such application.

1988, c. 592.
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-302.2 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 3 / Article 1 / Section 29.1-302.2
Special lifetime fishing license; permanently disabled persons
Status: in_force

Any resident who is permanently disabled, as defined in § 58.1-3217 , who applies for a special lifetime state resident fishing license shall receive such a license for a fee of five dollars or as subsequently revised by the Board pursuant to § 29.1-103 . The applicant shall provide proof of permanent disability acceptable to the Director of the Department.

1989, c. 91; 2009, c. 9 ; 2020, c. 958 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-110 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 1 / Article 3 / Section 29.1-110
Disbursements, accounts for Department; Board
Status: in_force

A. The disbursements of the Department and the Board shall be limited to the amount appropriated by the General Assembly from the game protection fund to expenditures from the Lifetime Hunting and Fishing Endowment Fund. In no event shall the Commonwealth pay obligations that may be incurred by the Department or Board or be liable in any manner for such obligations except to the extent of the game protection fund and the Lifetime Hunting and Fishing Endowment Fund.

B. Accounts for salaries, allowances, wages and expenses authorized by the Board shall be certified to the Comptroller for payment as the Board may direct by resolution.

Code 1950, §§ 29-21, 29-22; 1956, c. 337; 1987, cc. 95, 488.
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-749.1 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 7 / Article 4 / Section 29.1-749.1
Identification of personal watercraft rentals
Status: in_force

Every business located in a city with a population greater than 390,000 that provides personal watercraft for rent shall place the letter "R," at least eleven inches in height and eight and one-half inches in width, on both sides of each personal watercraft rental, in either red or black, whichever color represents the clearest contrast from the basic color of the rental unit.

1998, c. 84 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-512 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 5 / Article 2 / Section 29.1-512
Closed season on other species
Status: in_force

There shall be a continuous closed hunting season on all birds and wild animals which are not nuisance species as defined in § 29.1-100 , except as provided by law.

Code 1950, § 29-134; 1974, c. 302; 1987, c. 488.
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-733.29 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 7 / Article 2.1 / Section 29.1-733.29
Savings clause
Status: in_force

A. The rights, duties, and interests flowing from a transaction, certificate of title, or record shall remain valid on and after July 1, 2014, if the transaction, certificate of title, or record:

1. Relates to a watercraft;

2. Was validly entered into or created before July 1, 2014; and

3. Would be subject to this article if it had been entered into or created on or after July 1, 2014.

B. This article does not affect an action or proceeding commenced before July 1, 2014.

C. Except as otherwise provided in subsection D, a security interest that is enforceable immediately before July 1, 2014, and would have priority over the rights of a person that becomes a lien creditor at that time is a perfected security interest under this article.

D. A security interest perfected immediately before July 1, 2014, remains perfected until the earlier of:

1. The time perfection would have ceased under the law under which the security interest was perfected; or

2. Three years after July 1, 2014.

E. This article does not affect the priority of a security interest in a watercraft if immediately before July 1, 2014, the security interest is enforceable and perfected, and that priority is established.

2013, c. 787 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-733.27 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 7 / Article 2.1 / Section 29.1-733.27
Uniformity of application and construction
Status: in_force

In applying and construing this uniform act, consideration shall be given to the need to promote uniformity of the law with respect to its subject matter among states that enact it.

2013, c. 787 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-506 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 5 / Article 1 / Section 29.1-506
Prescribing seasons and bag limits for taking fish and game
Status: in_force

After careful study of each species of wild bird, animal and fish within the jurisdiction of the Board in cities and counties of the Commonwealth, the Board shall have the power to prescribe the seasons and bag limits for hunting, fishing, trapping or otherwise taking such wild birds, animals and fish by regulation adopted as provided in this article.

Code 1950, § 29-129.1; 1950, p. 411; 1952, c. 619; 1960, c. 537; 1970, c. 239; 1987, c. 488.
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-733.23 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 7 / Article 2.1 / Section 29.1-733.23
Rights of purchaser other than secured party
Status: in_force

A. A buyer in ordinary course of business has the protections afforded by subsection (2) of § 8.2-403 and subsection (a) of § 8.9A-320 even if an existing certificate of title was not signed and delivered to the buyer or a new certificate listing the buyer as owner of record was not created.

B. Except as otherwise provided in §§ 29.1-733.17 and 29.1-733.24 , the rights of a purchaser of a watercraft that is not a buyer in ordinary course of business or a lien creditor are governed by the Uniform Commercial Code.

2013, c. 787 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-733.26 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 7 / Article 2.1 / Section 29.1-733.26
Duties and operation of the Department
Status: in_force

A. The Department shall retain the evidence used to establish the accuracy of the information in its files relating to the current ownership of a watercraft and the information on the certificate of title.

B. The Department shall retain in its files all information regarding a security interest in a watercraft for at least 10 years after the Department receives a termination statement regarding the security interest. The information shall be accessible by the hull identification number for the watercraft and any other methods provided by the Department.

C. If a person submits a record to the Department, or submits information that is accepted by the Department, and requests an acknowledgment of the filing or submission, the Department shall send to the person an acknowledgment showing the hull identification number of the watercraft to which the record or submission relates, the information in the filed record or submission, and the date and time the record was received or the submission accepted. A request under this section shall contain the hull identification number and be delivered by means authorized by the Department.

D. The Department shall send or otherwise make available in a record the following information to any person that requests it and pays the applicable fee:

1. Whether the files of the Department indicate, as of a date and time specified by the Department, but not a date earlier than three days before the Department received the request, any certificate of title, security interest, termination statement, or title brand that relates to a watercraft:

a. Identified by a hull identification number designated in the request;

b. Identified by a registration number designated in the request; or

c. Owned by a person designated in the request;

2. With respect to the watercraft:

a. The name and address of any owner as indicated in the files of the Department or on the certificate of title;

b. The name and address of any secured party as indicated in the files of the Department or on the certificate, and the effective date of the information; and

c. A copy of any termination statement indicated in the files of the Department and the effective date of the termination statement; and

3. With respect to the watercraft, a copy of any certificate of origin, secured party transfer statement, transfer by law statement under § 29.1-733.20 , and other evidence of previous or current transfers of ownership.

E. In responding to a request under this section, the Department shall provide the requested information in any medium. On request, the Department shall send the requested information in a record that is self-authenticating.

F. Employees of the Department are authorized to administer oaths and take acknowledgments and affidavits incidental to the administration and enforcement of this article. They shall receive no compensation for these services.

2013, c. 787 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-733.16 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 7 / Article 2.1 / Section 29.1-733.16
Termination statement; delivery of certificate of title; penalty
Status: in_force

A. A secured party indicated in the files of the Department as having a security interest in a watercraft shall deliver a termination statement to the Department and, on the debtor's request, to the debtor by the earlier of:

1. Twenty days after the secured party receives a signed demand from an owner for a termination statement and there is no obligation secured by the watercraft subject to the security interest and no commitment to make an advance, incur an obligation, or otherwise give value secured by the watercraft; or

2. If the watercraft is consumer goods, 30 days after there is no obligation secured by the watercraft and no commitment to make an advance, incur an obligation, or otherwise give value secured by the watercraft.

B. If a written certificate of title has been created and delivered to a secured party and a termination statement is required under subsection A, the secured party, not later than the date required by subsection A, shall deliver the certificate to the debtor or to the Department with the statement. An owner, upon securing the release of any security interest upon a vessel shown upon the certificate of title issued for the watercraft, may exhibit the documents evidencing the release, signed by the person or persons making such release, and the certificate of title to the Department. If the certificate is lost, stolen, mutilated, destroyed, or is otherwise unavailable or illegible, the secured party shall deliver with the statement, not later than the date required by subsection A, an application for a replacement certificate meeting the requirements of § 29.1-733.22 .

C. On delivery to the Department of a termination statement authorized by the secured party, the security interest to which the statement relates ceases to be perfected. If the security interest to which the statement relates was indicated on the certificate of title, the Department shall create a new certificate and deliver the new certificate or a record evidencing an electronic certificate. The Department shall maintain in its files the date and time of delivery to the Department of the statement.

D. A secured party that fails to deliver a required termination statement is liable for any loss that the secured party had reason to know might result from its failure to comply and that could not reasonably have been prevented and for the cost of an application for a certificate of title under § 29.1-733.7 or 29.1-733.22 .

E. It shall constitute a Class 1 misdemeanor for a secured party who holds a certificate of title to refuse or fail to surrender the certificate to the owner or his agent within 10 days after the security interest has been paid and satisfied.

2013, c. 787 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-576 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 5 / Article 7 / Section 29.1-576
Authority for inspection; warrants
Status: in_force

To carry out the purposes of this article, the Director may obtain a warrant pursuant to § 19.2-52 , or with the consent of the owner enter upon and conduct reasonable inspections of any property in the Commonwealth to determine if a nonindigenous aquatic nuisance species is present and to seize or eradicate any nonindigenous aquatic nuisance species found on such property.

2003, c. 446 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-828 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 8 / Article 4 / Section 29.1-828
Definitions
Status: in_force

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

"Dealer" means any person who (i) sells, solicits, or advertises the sale of new watercraft or engines for watercraft and (ii) is authorized by a manufacturer to provide warranty services.

"Manufacturer" means any person, partnership, firm, association, or corporation that manufactures or assembles new watercraft or engines for watercraft, or imports for distribution new watercraft or engines for watercraft.

"Reasonable attorney's fees" includes the costs directly incurred in or in connection with litigation instituted under this section. Such fees shall not be determined by the amount of the recovery on behalf of the manufacturer or dealer.

"Watercraft" means any vessel used or capable of being used for navigation or flotation on or through the water.

1997, c. 13 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-733.12 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 7 / Article 2.1 / Section 29.1-733.12
Action required on creation of certificate of title
Status: in_force

A. On creation of a written certificate of title, the Department promptly shall send the certificate to the secured party of record or, if none, to the owner of record at the address indicated for that person in the files of the Department. On creation of an electronic certificate of title, the Department promptly shall send a record evidencing the certificate to the owner of record and, if there is one, to the secured party of record at the address indicated for that person in the files of the Department. The Department shall send the record to the person's mailing address or, if indicated in the files of the Department, an electronic address.

B. If the Department creates a written certificate of title, any electronic certificate of title for the watercraft is canceled and replaced by the written certificate. The Department shall maintain in the files of the Department the date and time of cancellation.

C. Before the Department creates an electronic certificate of title, any written certificate for the watercraft shall be surrendered to the Department. If the Department creates an electronic certificate, the Department shall destroy or otherwise cancel the written certificate for the watercraft that has been surrendered to the Department and maintain in the files of the Department the date and time of destruction or other cancellation. If a written certificate being canceled is not destroyed, the Department shall indicate on the face of the certificate that it has been canceled.

2013, c. 787 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-341.1 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 3 / Article 2 / Section 29.1-341.1
Number of stationary blinds permitted; when erected
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding the provisions of § 29.1-340 , clubs holding stationary waterfowl blind licenses in Virginia Beach may continue to renew stationary blinds in the public waters. In areas other than Virginia Beach, individuals who do not own riparian rights shall be permitted to license no more than two stationary blinds in the public waters in any one season. Stationary blinds shall be erected not later than November 1 of each year.

2004, c. 422 ; 2020, c. 415 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-102 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 1 / Article 2 / Section 29.1-102
Board of Wildlife Resources; how constituted; meetings
Status: in_force

A. The Commission of Game and Inland Fisheries is continued and shall hereafter be known as the Board of Wildlife Resources (the Board).

B. The Board shall consist of 11 members. Each member of the Board shall be appointed by the Governor, subject to confirmation by the General Assembly. The members appointed shall be citizens of the Commonwealth and shall be knowledgeable about wildlife conservation, hunting, fishing, boating, agriculture, forestry, or habitat. Each Department region, as constituted on July 1, 2014, shall be represented by two members, and three members shall be members-at-large, each representing a different Department region. Members shall be appointed for terms of one to four years; however, appointments shall be made in a manner whereby no more than three members shall have terms which expire in the same year. An appointment to fill a vacancy shall be made in the same manner, but only for the unexpired term. No person shall be eligible to serve more than two consecutive four-year terms. Members may be removed from office during their respective terms by the Governor.

C. The Board shall adopt rules and procedures for the conduct of its business that shall be set forth in a Governance Manual. The Board may establish committees to assist it with its duties and responsibilities. All decisions by a committee shall be reviewed by the Board, and shall only take effect if approved by the Board.

D. The Board shall elect one of its members as its chairman whose duties shall be limited to (i) presiding at all regular and called meetings of the Board; (ii) serving as the Board liaison to the Director, other Board members, and the Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources; and (iii) the other duties set forth in the Governance Manual as approved by a majority of the Board. The Board shall also elect a vice-chairman to preside in the absence of the chairman. Any additional duties of the vice-chairman shall be set forth in the Governance Manual. The Board shall annually elect one of its members as chairman and one of its members as vice-chairman. At such annual election, the chairman and vice-chairman shall not be eligible to be re-elected to their respective positions and no person shall serve more than one year as chairman and one year as vice-chairman during a four-year term.

E. The Board shall meet at least once every quarter of the calendar year for the transaction of business, and other meetings may be called if necessary by the chairman or at the request of any three members. The majority of the members shall constitute a quorum. Meetings shall be held in Richmond or at such other places within the Commonwealth as may be necessary.

Code 1950, §§ 29-3, 29-4, 29-8, 29-17; 1952, c. 608; 1956, c. 447; 1975, c. 152; 1987, c. 488; 2006, cc. 69 , 915 ; 2014, c. 592 ; 2020, c. 958 ; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 401 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-114 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 1 / Article 3 / Section 29.1-114
Hunting from aircraft feral hogs
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding § 5.1-17 , employees of the Department and employees of federal agencies whose responsibilities include fisheries and wildlife management, in the performance of such employees' official duties, may hunt or kill feral hogs in False Cape State Park and Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge from aircraft, with the permission of the landowner. However, no such activity shall occur during waterfowl season.

2016, c. 116 ; 2020, c. 958 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-103.1 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 1 / Article 2 / Section 29.1-103.1
Control and eradication of wildlife diseases; Board authorized to promulgate regulations
Status: in_force

The Board, in consultation with the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the State Veterinarian, and representatives of appropriate agriculture agencies and organizations, may promulgate regulations pertaining to diseases in wildlife populations. The regulations shall include, but not be limited to, (i) measures to be implemented to eradicate or prevent the spread of such diseases and (ii) procedures for the condemnation and indemnification of captive wildlife. Regulations promulgated by the Board under this section shall not conflict with (a) the laws enforced by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, or (b) the regulations, orders, proclamations, quarantines, or authority of the Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the State Veterinarian, or the Board of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Livestock and poultry shall not be governed by any regulations promulgated under this section by the Board.

2006, c. 12 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-536 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 5 / Article 4 / Section 29.1-536
Sale
Status: in_force

When taken in accordance with the provisions of law or regulation, muskrat, opossum, rabbits, raccoon and squirrels may be bought and sold during the open hunting season only, but the hides, furs or pelts of fur-bearing animals legally taken and possessed, and the carcass of any fur-bearing animal may be sold at any time in accordance with §§ 29.1-400 through 29.1-407 .

Code 1950, § 29-154; 1977, c. 377; 1980, c. 494; 1987, c. 488; 1994, c. 436 ; 1999, c. 204 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-333 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 3 / Article 1 / Section 29.1-333
Reports to Director as to sale of licenses
Status: in_force

A. When remitting license and permit receipts, each clerk or agent shall make a report to the Director, in a manner prescribed by the Director, which shall show (i) the quantity of licenses of each kind sold and the amount of gross collections for each kind of license, (ii) the amount of collections retained as compensation pursuant to § 29.1-332 , (iii) the net amount remitted to the Department, (iv) the amount of voluntary contributions collected pursuant to subsection B of § 29.1-330 , and (v) any other information that the Director may require.

B. For failure to make a report and remit the amount due within 30 days after the due date, the clerk or agent shall forfeit his compensation for issuing licenses on such report. If an agent fails to have funds in an amount equal to the Department's records of reported license sales in any account from which remission of revenues to the Department is made by periodic electronic transfer, he shall forfeit his compensation for issuing licenses during the period covered by the transfer of the funds. For any subsequent failure to have funds equal to the Department's records of reported license sales in an account from which remission of revenues to the Department is made by periodic electronic transfer, the Director may revoke the person's status as a license agent.

C. For license sales made by telephone or electronic media, the reports and remittances to the Department shall be made not less than quarterly and in accordance with a schedule prescribed by the Board. For license sales made other than by telephone or electronic media, the reports and remittances to the Department shall be made as follows:

1. For July and August, not later than September 5.

2. For September, October, November and December, monthly, not later than the fifth of the succeeding month.

3. For January, February and March, quarterly, not later than April 5.

4. For April, May and June, quarterly, not later than July 5.

Code 1950, §§ 29-70, 29-72, 29-73; 1976, c. 660; 1987, c. 488; 1992, c. 374; 2000, c. 132 ; 2003, cc. 95 , 737 .
Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-539 — Virginia Code / Title 29.1 / Chapter 5 / Article 4 / Section 29.1-539
Claiming deer, bear, turkey, or elk struck by motor vehicle
Status: in_force

A. Any person driving a motor vehicle who collides with a deer, bear, turkey, or elk or who discovers a deer, bear, turkey, or elk that has been killed in a collision with a motor vehicle may, upon compliance with the provisions of this section and at any time of year, claim such animal for his own use as if the animal had been killed by that person during hunting season for the animal.

B. Any person so killing any deer, bear, turkey, or elk or who discovers a deer, bear, turkey, or elk that has been killed in a collision with a motor vehicle shall immediately report the accident to a conservation police officer or other law-enforcement officer of the county or city where the accident occurred. The conservation police officer or other law-enforcement officer shall view such animal and if he believes that such animal was killed by a collision with a motor vehicle or injured to such an extent as to require its death, he shall award the animal to the person claiming it and shall give the person a call for service number or a report number.

C. If any person driving a motor vehicle who collides with a deer, bear, turkey, or elk, or person who discovers a deer, bear, turkey, or elk that has been killed in a collision with a motor vehicle, does not claim such animal, a conservation police officer or other law-enforcement officer may award such animal to any other person who wishes to claim it pursuant to this section.

1950, pp. 441, 442, §§ 29-155.2 to 29-155.4; 1980, c. 271; 1987, c. 488; 2007, c. 87 ; 2024, c. 83 .