dcrodriguez/Code-of-Virginia huggingface dataset:
Code of Virginia — Title 29.1 (Wildlife, Inland Fisheries and Boating), Chapter 3 (LICENSES)
§ 29.1-340. Hunting waterfowl from unlicensed blinds and without season license.
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.

Code of Virginia — Title 29.1 (Wildlife, Inland Fisheries and Boating), Chapter 3 (LICENSES)
§ 29.1-341. Stationary blinds defined.
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.

Code of Virginia — Title 29.1 (Wildlife, Inland Fisheries and Boating), Chapter 3 (LICENSES)
§ 29.1-341.1. Number of stationary blinds permitted; when erected.
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.

Code of Virginia — Title 29.1 (Wildlife, Inland Fisheries and Boating), Chapter 3 (LICENSES)
§ 29.1-342. Floating blinds.
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.

Code of Virginia — Title 29.1 (Wildlife, Inland Fisheries and Boating), Chapter 3 (LICENSES)
§ 29.1-342.1. Waterfowl blinds in locality where bird hunting with firearms prohibited.
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.
Code of Virginia — Title 29.1 (Wildlife, Inland Fisheries and Boating), Chapter 3 (LICENSES)
§ 29.1-343. Fees for waterfowl blind licenses.
The fees for waterfowl blind licenses shall be as follows or as such fees may be subsequently revised by the Board pursuant to § 29.1-103:

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

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

Code 1950, § 29-84; 1974, c. 363; 1987, c. 488; 1988, c. 250; 2009, c. 9.

Code of Virginia — Title 29.1 (Wildlife, Inland Fisheries and Boating), Chapter 3 (LICENSES)
§ 29.1-344. Stationary blinds on shore and in the public waters for owners of riparian rights.
A. Notwithstanding the provisions of § 29.1-340, each year, the owners of riparian rights, their lessees or permittees shall have the exclusive privilege of licensing and erecting stationary blinds on their shoreline, and the prior right of licensing and erecting stationary blinds in the public waters in front of their shoreline, to shoot waterfowl over the public waters. Such blinds shall not be located in water having a depth greater than eight feet at mean high tide, nor shall they be located farther than halfway across the body of water from the riparian owner's shoreline, except on the shores and waters of Back Bay in the City of Virginia Beach where such blinds are limited to (i) the riparian owner's shoreline at the mean low water mark or (ii) blinds erected and licensed by the riparian owner in 2011. When licensing a stationary blind, the location of each blind licensed shall be provided as latitude and longitude coordinates. When such a license has been obtained and a stake or a stationary blind has been erected on the site with the license for that season properly affixed, no other stationary or floating blind shall be located in the public waters within 500 yards of the licensed site without the consent of the riparian owner, lessee or permittee.

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

Code 1950, § 29-85; 1987, c. 488; 1989, c. 217; 2004, c. 422; 2010, c. 9; 2012, c. 227; 2013, c. 745; 2020, c. 415; 2024, c. 186.
Code of Virginia — Title 29.1 (Wildlife, Inland Fisheries and Boating), Chapter 3 (LICENSES)
§ 29.1-344.1. Stationary duck blind license; riparian landowners exempted.
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.

Code of Virginia — Title 29.1 (Wildlife, Inland Fisheries and Boating), Chapter 3 (LICENSES)
§ 29.1-344.2. Time period for obtaining riparian stationary blind licenses.
A. Riparian owners or their lessees or permittees licensing a stationary blind that was not licensed the previous year by the riparian owner, lessee, or permittee may obtain a stationary blind license beginning February 1 through June 15 of each year pursuant to § 29.1-344. A stake or a stationary blind shall be erected on the site, and a license plate supplied with the license for that season shall be affixed thereto, by June 30. If a stake has been erected on the site of a stationary blind, such stake shall be replaced by a blind by November 1 pursuant to the provisions of § 29.1-341. Such stationary blinds shall conform to the standards prescribed in § 29.1-341.

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

2013, c. 745.
Code of Virginia — Title 29.1 (Wildlife, Inland Fisheries and Boating), Chapter 3 (LICENSES)
§ 29.1-345. Stationary blinds in the public waters for nonriparian owners.
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.

Code of Virginia — Title 29.1 (Wildlife, Inland Fisheries and Boating), Chapter 3 (LICENSES)
§ 29.1-345.1. Time period for obtaining nonriparian stationary blind licenses.
A. A nonriparian license for a stationary blind in the public waters that was licensed the previous year as a nonriparian stationary blind may be obtained by the previous year's licensee beginning July 1 through August 15 pursuant to § 29.1-345. A stake or blind shall be erected on the site, and a license plate supplied with the license for that season shall be affixed thereto, by August 31.

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

2013, c. 745.
Code of Virginia — Title 29.1 (Wildlife, Inland Fisheries and Boating), Chapter 3 (LICENSES)
§ 29.1-345.2. Damaged stationary blinds in Virginia Beach; civil penalty.
Any licensee who has a stationary blind located in the City of Virginia Beach that has been abandoned or does not meet the requirements for a blind set forth in § 29.1-341 shall place a PVC pipe marker with reflecting tape or gear six feet above mean low water at the site of the blind and shall immediately notify the Department that the blind has been marked in accordance with this section. The failure to place such a reflective marker within seven days of discovery of the blind's condition or within seven days of notification by the Department of the requirement to place a reflective marker shall subject the owner of the blind to a civil penalty not to exceed $100. All civil penalties assessed under this section shall be deposited in the Motorboat and Water Safety Fund of the Game Protection Fund and used as provided for in § 29.1-701.

2016, c. 378.

Code of Virginia — Title 29.1 (Wildlife, Inland Fisheries and Boating), Chapter 3 (LICENSES)
§ 29.1-346. When license for floating blinds issued; distance from stationary blinds.
Licenses for floating blinds permitted by law, in the public waters, may be obtained on and after July 1. Floating blinds shall have a license plate supplied with the license for that season affixed to the blind. Floating blinds, including any accompanying boat or tender, shall anchor or tie out at least 500 yards from any licensed stationary blind for shooting, whether on the shore or in the water, unless agreed otherwise between the parties.

Code 1950, § 29-87; 1970, c. 579; 1987, cc. 94, 488.

Code of Virginia — Title 29.1 (Wildlife, Inland Fisheries and Boating), Chapter 3 (LICENSES)
§ 29.1-347. Renewing licenses.
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.
Code of Virginia — Title 29.1 (Wildlife, Inland Fisheries and Boating), Chapter 3 (LICENSES)
§ 29.1-348. Obtaining licenses.
All applications for blind licenses under this article shall be made to the local license agent or clerk of the circuit court of the county or city in which or nearest which the blind site is located or through an electronic or computerized means determined by the Director. The clerk or local license agent shall be paid similar fees as for issuing hunting licenses. With each license the Department, clerk, or local license agent shall deliver a license plate bearing the number of the license, which shall be affixed to the blind where it may be easily observed. The Department shall furnish the licenses and license plates provided for in this article. The money arising from the sale of blind licenses shall be paid into the game protection fund.

Code 1950, § 29-89; 1987, c. 488; 2007, c. 38.

Code of Virginia — Title 29.1 (Wildlife, Inland Fisheries and Boating), Chapter 3 (LICENSES)
§ 29.1-349. Hunting, erecting blind within 500 yards of licensed blind.
A. No person shall hunt or shoot migratory waterfowl in the public waters of this Commonwealth from a boat, float, raft or other buoyant craft or device within 500 yards of any legally licensed erected stationary blind of another without the consent of the licensee, or within 150 yards of a residence without the consent of the landowner, except when in active pursuit of a visibly crippled waterfowl that was legally shot by the person.

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

Code 1950, § 29-90; 1954, c. 305; 1956, c. 318; 1987, c. 488; 2004, c. 422; 2007, c. 87; 2013, c. 745; 2020, c. 415.

Code of Virginia — Title 29.1 (Wildlife, Inland Fisheries and Boating), Chapter 3 (LICENSES)
§ 29.1-350. Exemption from application of article.
The provisions of this article shall not apply to the shores and public waters and marshes of Accomack and Northampton Counties. However, in those localities no person shall hunt migratory waterfowl, whether from a blind or otherwise, without having obtained a season license to hunt.

Code 1950, § 29-91; 1970, c. 644; 1987, c. 488; 1993, c. 209.
Code of Virginia — Title 29.1 (Wildlife, Inland Fisheries and Boating), Chapter 3 (LICENSES)
§ 29.1-350.1. Permits for waterfowl blinds in Chesapeake Bay Public Access Authorities.
The Department shall develop a singular license for all riparian stationary blinds issued to the Middle Peninsula Chesapeake Bay Public Access Authority created pursuant to Chapter 66 (§ 15.2-6600 et seq.) of Title 15.2 and the Northern Neck Chesapeake Bay Public Access Authority established in Chapter 66.1 (§ 15.2-6626 et seq.) of Title 15.2. The Department shall develop a fee schedule for such license. The provisions of this section shall be in addition and supplemental to the provisions of this article.

2024, c. 213.

Code of Virginia — Title 29.1 (Wildlife, Inland Fisheries and Boating), Chapter 3 (LICENSES)
§ 29.1-351. Regulations to be issued; present regulations continued in force.
The Board shall have the power to amend or alter the provisions of this article by regulation prescribing a distance less than 500 yards between blinds whenever and wherever such action seems practicable and desirable. The Board may adopt other regulations concerning the use of such blinds as may appear advisable to meet changing conditions as to hunting migratory game birds. The regulations of the Board now applying to such hunting are hereby continued in force until amended or repealed by the Board; however, the Board shall not have the power to alter in any respect the privileges prescribed for owners and their lessees and permittees in §§ 29.1-344 and 29.1-347.

Code 1950, § 29-92; 1987, c. 488.

Code of Virginia — Title 29.1 (Wildlife, Inland Fisheries and Boating), Chapter 3 (LICENSES)
§ 29.1-351.1. Penalty for violations.
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.

Code of Virginia — Title 29.1 (Wildlife, Inland Fisheries and Boating), Chapter 3 (LICENSES)
§ 29.1-352. Damage stamp program established; purpose; intent.
There is hereby established a damage stamp program to provide for an available source of funds to be used to compensate damage to crops, fruit trees, commercially grown Christmas trees, nursery stock, livestock, colonies of bees, bee equipment and appliances, as defined in § 3.2-4400, or farm equipment that is caused by deer, elk, or bear, or by big game hunters. It is the intent of the General Assembly that persons suffering loss or damage as the result of these activities should be realistically compensated for damages that occurred to their property as the result of the activity. A local governing body shall encourage to the maximum extent possible the utilization of the damage stamp fund for payment of claims in keeping with the purposes of this article.

1981, c. 16, § 29-92.1; 1983, c. 198; 1987, c. 488; 2003, c. 137; 2004, cc. 87, 463.
Code of Virginia — Title 29.1 (Wildlife, Inland Fisheries and Boating), Chapter 3 (LICENSES)
§ 29.1-353. Local governing body to adopt ordinance.
A. Any local governing body may adopt an ordinance consistent with the provisions of this article for the purpose of establishing a damage stamp program. No such ordinance shall be in force between May 1 of any year and the following April 30 whenever the amount of money in this special fund is more than twice the average annual disbursement made from the fund for the payment of damage claims in the locality during the immediately preceding three years. However, such estoppel shall not apply to any locality during the first three years immediately following the effective date of the first such ordinance adopted by the governing body of that locality pursuant to this or any earlier similar enabling act.

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

1981, c. 16, § 29-92.2; 1987, c. 488.

Code of Virginia — Title 29.1 (Wildlife, Inland Fisheries and Boating), Chapter 3 (LICENSES)
§ 29.1-354. Stamps required; issuance; fee; affixing stamps; cancellation.
It shall be unlawful for any person to hunt bear, deer or elk in any locality adopting a damage stamp ordinance within the Commonwealth without having first obtained the special stamp. A violation of this provision shall be punishable as a Class 3 misdemeanor.

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

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

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

1981, c. 16, § 29-92.3; 1987, c. 488; 1989, c. 421; 2003, c. 137.
Code of Virginia — Title 29.1 (Wildlife, Inland Fisheries and Boating), Chapter 3 (LICENSES)
§ 29.1-355. Disposition of funds.
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.
Code of Virginia — Title 29.1 (Wildlife, Inland Fisheries and Boating), Chapter 3 (LICENSES)
§ 29.1-356. Reporting damages; filing and adjudicating claims.
Any person suffering damage pursuant to the provisions of this article shall report the damage to a locally designated official whose duty it shall be to have the damage investigated. The claim for damage shall be filed under oath and in a manner and form as may be prescribed by the local governing body.

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

1981, c. 16, § 29-92.5; 1987, c. 488; 1988, cc. 375, 385; 2003, c. 137.

Code of Virginia — Title 29.1 (Wildlife, Inland Fisheries and Boating), Chapter 3 (LICENSES)
§ 29.1-357. Civil action required.
In any instance in which compensable damage is alleged to have been caused by an individual hunter whose whereabouts are known and when it is reasonable and practicable to do so, the claimant shall first proceed against such hunter in a civil action before any payment is made pursuant to the provisions of this article.

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

1981, c. 16, § 29-92.6; 1987, c. 488.

Code of Virginia — Title 29.1 (Wildlife, Inland Fisheries and Boating), Chapter 3 (LICENSES)
§ 29.1-358. Localities to report claims and reimbursements.
Any locality establishing a damage stamp program pursuant to the provisions of this article, including those localities previously authorized to adopt such an ordinance prior to July 1, 1981, shall ensure that annual reports of all damage claims made and the amount of reimbursement therefor are made to the Department.

1981, c. 16, § 29-92.7; 1987, c. 488; 2020, c. 958.
Code of Virginia — Title 29.1 (Wildlife, Inland Fisheries and Boating), Chapter 4 (PERMITS REQUIRED)
§ 29.1-400. Unlawful to deal in furs without a permit.
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.

Code of Virginia — Title 29.1 (Wildlife, Inland Fisheries and Boating), Chapter 4 (PERMITS REQUIRED)
§ 29.1-401. Exemptions as to fur permits.
A. A permit shall not be required of any hunter or trapper to possess or dispose of the hides, furs or pelts of wild animals legally shot or caught by him nor of any person lawfully engaging in the business of fur farming to possess or to dispose of the hides, furs or pelts of wild animals raised by him.

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

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

Code 1950, § 29-94; 1980, c. 494; 1987, c. 488; 1997, c. 510; 2016, c. 62.

Code of Virginia — Title 29.1 (Wildlife, Inland Fisheries and Boating), Chapter 4 (PERMITS REQUIRED)
§ 29.1-402. Permit fees to deal in furs; permit issuance.
A. The fee for a permit to buy, sell, barter, exchange, traffic or trade in, bargain for, solicit for purchase, or possess the hides, furs or pelts of wild animals shall be as follows:

1. State resident, $50.

2. State nonresident, $125.

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

Code 1950, § 29-95; 1980, c. 494; 1987, c. 488; 1988, c. 250.

Code of Virginia — Title 29.1 (Wildlife, Inland Fisheries and Boating), Chapter 4 (PERMITS REQUIRED)
§ 29.1-403. Term of permits; application.
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.

Code of Virginia — Title 29.1 (Wildlife, Inland Fisheries and Boating), Chapter 4 (PERMITS REQUIRED)
§ 29.1-404. Qualifications of permittee.
The qualifications for securing resident county and state hunting and fishing licenses shall apply to obtaining permits under this article.

Code 1950, § 29-99; 1987, c. 488.
Code of Virginia — Title 29.1 (Wildlife, Inland Fisheries and Boating), Chapter 4 (PERMITS REQUIRED)
§ 29.1-405. Reports of permittees.
The Director may require each permit holder to submit, within ten days after the end of each fiscal year, a detailed activities report in a form as the Director may prescribe.

Code 1950, § 29-100; 1980, c. 494; 1987, c. 488.

Code of Virginia — Title 29.1 (Wildlife, Inland Fisheries and Boating), Chapter 4 (PERMITS REQUIRED)
§ 29.1-406. Penalty for violations.
The violation of any of the terms of this article shall constitute a Class 3 misdemeanor. Furthermore, the trial court shall revoke the permit of the fur dealer, and he shall not have a similar permit for that season or for the succeeding season. He may, however, be eligible for a permit thereafter.

Code 1950, § 29-101; 1980, c. 494; 1987, c. 488.

Code of Virginia — Title 29.1 (Wildlife, Inland Fisheries and Boating), Chapter 4 (PERMITS REQUIRED)
§ 29.1-407. Forfeiture of furs.
Any furs found in the possession of any person or firm and acquired in violation of this article shall be forfeited to the Commonwealth. The proceedings for forfeiture shall conform as far as practicable to the provisions of Chapter 22.1 (§ 19.2-386.1 et seq.) of Title 19.2, and the net proceeds of the forfeiture shall be paid into the Literary Fund.

Code 1950, § 29-102; 1987, c. 488; 2012, cc. 283, 756.

Code of Virginia — Title 29.1 (Wildlife, Inland Fisheries and Boating), Chapter 4 (PERMITS REQUIRED)
§ 29.1-408. Permit required; exceptions.
No person shall hunt, fish, or trap on any lands in the national forests in this Commonwealth without first obtaining, in addition to the regular resident or nonresident license, a special permit to hunt, fish, or trap on such areas in the national forests as the Board and the Forest Service may agree upon. However, no such permit shall be required of (i) residents under the age of 16 to fish or trap; (ii) residents over the age of 65 to fish; (iii) nonresidents under the age of 16 to fish when accompanied by a person possessing a valid license to fish therein; (iv) residents possessing a license as provided by subsection E of § 29.1-301; and (v) persons holding a license as provided by § 29.1-339.

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

Code 1950, § 29-117; 1972, c. 381; 1977, c. 377; 1987, c. 488; 2018, c. 507.

Code of Virginia — Title 29.1 (Wildlife, Inland Fisheries and Boating), Chapter 4 (PERMITS REQUIRED)
§ 29.1-409. From whom permits obtained; fee.
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.
Code of Virginia — Title 29.1 (Wildlife, Inland Fisheries and Boating), Chapter 4 (PERMITS REQUIRED)
§ 29.1-410. Disposition of funds.
The funds derived from the sale of the special permits shall be used by the Director for game and fish management purposes within the national forests in this Commonwealth, or, in the discretion of the Board, shall be paid into the United States treasury as a cooperative deposit for use of the United States Forest Service for game and fish management purposes within the national forests in Virginia.

Code 1950, § 29-119; 1987, c. 488.

Code of Virginia — Title 29.1 (Wildlife, Inland Fisheries and Boating), Chapter 4 (PERMITS REQUIRED)
§ 29.1-411. Cooperative agreement.
The Board shall enter into a cooperative agreement with the United States Forest Service. The cooperative agreement shall define the means and methods to be taken to improve the fish and game resources of the national forests of this Commonwealth and shall program the expenditure of all funds derived from the special permit.

Code 1950, § 29-120; 1987, c. 488.

Code of Virginia — Title 29.1 (Wildlife, Inland Fisheries and Boating), Chapter 4 (PERMITS REQUIRED)
§ 29.1-412. Permits required.
It shall be unlawful to exercise any privilege of the permits provided in this article without first having obtained the required permit.

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

Code 1950, §§ 29-103, 29-116; 1962, c. 469; 1968, c. 242; 1987, c. 488.

Code of Virginia — Title 29.1 (Wildlife, Inland Fisheries and Boating), Chapter 4 (PERMITS REQUIRED)
§ 29.1-413. Issuance discretionary, duration.
The issuance of all of the permits provided by this article shall be within the discretion of the Board, under regulations it may prescribe, and contingent on reports as it may require. The Board is authorized to establish a starting and ending date for each type of permit issued under this article and the number of years for which each type of permit may be issued.

Code 1950, §§ 29-104, 29-105; 1987, c. 488; 1997, c. 57.

Code of Virginia — Title 29.1 (Wildlife, Inland Fisheries and Boating), Chapter 4 (PERMITS REQUIRED)
§ 29.1-414. Reserved.
Reserved.

Code of Virginia — Title 29.1 (Wildlife, Inland Fisheries and Boating), Chapter 4 (PERMITS REQUIRED)
§ 29.1-415. Taxidermy; sale of specimens.
The fee for a permit to stuff or mount birds, animals, fish or parts thereof, for compensation or for sale shall be forty dollars per year. The Board may promulgate regulations pertaining to the sale of unclaimed or mounted specimens or parts thereof.

Code 1950, § 29-109; 1980, c. 494; 1987, c. 488; 1988, c. 250; 1994, c. 194; 1997, c. 57.
Code of Virginia — Title 29.1 (Wildlife, Inland Fisheries and Boating), Chapter 4 (PERMITS REQUIRED)
§ 29.1-416. Netting fish.
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.

Code of Virginia — Title 29.1 (Wildlife, Inland Fisheries and Boating), Chapter 4 (PERMITS REQUIRED)
§ 29.1-416.1. Use of eel pots in the waters of Back Bay and its tributaries.
A. The Board may permit a licensee to use eel pots to take American eels in the waters of Back Bay and North Landing River and their tributaries for sale or private use.

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

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

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

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

2013, c. 706.
Code of Virginia — Title 29.1 (Wildlife, Inland Fisheries and Boating), Chapter 4 (PERMITS REQUIRED)
§ 29.1-417. Capturing, holding, propagating, and disposing of wildlife for authorized purposes.
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.

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.

Code of Virginia — Title 29.1 (Wildlife, Inland Fisheries and Boating), Chapter 4 (PERMITS REQUIRED)
§ 29.1-418. Collecting specimens.
The fee for a permit to collect specimens of fish, wild birds, wild animals and amphibians, in limited quantity, for scientific or museum purposes shall be established pursuant to § 29.1-417. Such permits may be issued to collect a certain number of specimens of one or more designated species when the collection is shown to be an essential part of a specific research project.

Code 1950, § 29-113; 1980, c. 494; 1987, c. 488; 1993, c. 623.
Code of Virginia — Title 29.1 (Wildlife, Inland Fisheries and Boating), Chapter 4 (PERMITS REQUIRED)
§ 29.1-419. Taking or holding of falcons, hawks and owls; use to hunt wild game.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Director may:

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

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

1964, c. 345, § 29-114.2; 1977, c. 377; 1978, c. 331; 1987, c. 488; 1997, c. 57; 2011, c. 191.

Code of Virginia — Title 29.1 (Wildlife, Inland Fisheries and Boating), Chapter 4 (PERMITS REQUIRED)
§ 29.1-420. From whom permits obtained.
The permits provided for in this article may be obtained from the Department except that county dip net permits shall be sold by clerks and agents.

Code 1950, § 29-115; 1987, c. 488.

Code of Virginia — Title 29.1 (Wildlife, Inland Fisheries and Boating), Chapter 4 (PERMITS REQUIRED)
§ 29.1-421. Reserved.
Reserved.

Code of Virginia — Title 29.1 (Wildlife, Inland Fisheries and Boating), Chapter 4 (PERMITS REQUIRED)
§ 29.1-422. Permits for field trials.
The Board is authorized to grant permits to bona fide field trial clubs and associations to hold field trials with dogs under such regulations it deems proper. The fee established by the Board for a field trial permit shall be an amount sufficient to defray the costs of processing the permit and administering the permitted activity, but shall not exceed twenty-five dollars per event. It shall be unlawful to hold such trials without the permit herein authorized during the closed season for game. If wild game is to be shot over or in front of dogs engaged in such field trials, the person actually shooting must have a license permitting him to do so.

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

1984, c. 492, § 29-213.96; 1987, c. 488; 1993, c. 623.
Code of Virginia — Title 29.1 (Wildlife, Inland Fisheries and Boating), Chapter 5 (WILDLIFE AND FISH LAWS)
§ 29.1-500. Reserved.
Reserved.

Code of Virginia — Title 29.1 (Wildlife, Inland Fisheries and Boating), Chapter 5 (WILDLIFE AND FISH LAWS)
§ 29.1-501. Promulgation of regulations; publication of proposed regulations or change therein; validation; evidentiary nature of publication.
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.

Code of Virginia — Title 29.1 (Wildlife, Inland Fisheries and Boating), Chapter 5 (WILDLIFE AND FISH LAWS)
§ 29.1-502. Adoption of regulations.
The board may adopt regulations and amendments to regulations upon completion of all applicable hearing and notice requirements. The Board shall file the regulations with the Registrar of Regulations pursuant to § 2.2-4103.

Code 1950, § 29-127; 1974, c. 56; 1979, c. 264; 1987, c. 488.

Code of Virginia — Title 29.1 (Wildlife, Inland Fisheries and Boating), Chapter 5 (WILDLIFE AND FISH LAWS)
§ 29.1-503. Repealed.
Repealed by Acts 1996, c. 9.
Code of Virginia — Title 29.1 (Wildlife, Inland Fisheries and Boating), Chapter 5 (WILDLIFE AND FISH LAWS)
§ 29.1-504. Annual publication of laws and regulations.
All laws relating to hunting, fishing and trapping, together with the regulations of the Board, of both general and local application, shall be published annually by the Department in a handbook or pamphlet. The courts of the Commonwealth shall take judicial notice of all laws and regulations contained in such publication.

1952, c. 608, § 29-128.1; 1979, c. 264; 1987, c. 488.

Code of Virginia — Title 29.1 (Wildlife, Inland Fisheries and Boating), Chapter 5 (WILDLIFE AND FISH LAWS)
§ 29.1-505. Penalty for violation of regulations.
It shall be a misdemeanor to violate any regulation promulgated pursuant to this title. Any person violating such a regulation shall be guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor unless another penalty is specified.

Code 1950, § 29-129; 1987, c. 488; 1988, c. 19.

Code of Virginia — Title 29.1 (Wildlife, Inland Fisheries and Boating), Chapter 5 (WILDLIFE AND FISH LAWS)
§ 29.1-505.1. Conspiracy; penalty.
If any person conspires with another to commit any offense defined in this title or any of the regulations of the Board, and one or more such persons does any act to effect the object of the conspiracy, he shall be guilty of conspiracy to commit the underlying offense and shall be subject to the same punishment prescribed for the offense the commission of which was the object of the conspiracy.

1989, c. 362; 2020, c. 958.

Code of Virginia — Title 29.1 (Wildlife, Inland Fisheries and Boating), Chapter 5 (WILDLIFE AND FISH LAWS)
§ 29.1-506. Prescribing seasons and bag limits for taking fish and game.
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.

Code of Virginia — Title 29.1 (Wildlife, Inland Fisheries and Boating), Chapter 5 (WILDLIFE AND FISH LAWS)
§ 29.1-507. Closing or shortening open season.
The Board may close or shorten the open season in any county or city (i) whenever extreme weather threatens the welfare of wild birds, wild animals or fish; (ii) whenever such wild birds, wild animals or fish have been seriously affected by adverse weather conditions; (iii) when investigation of the Board shows that there is an unusual scarcity of any species or; (iv) when there is substantial demand from any county or city. The Board shall immediately give notice of any closing or shortening of an open season by publishing the announcement in one or more newspapers having a general circulation in the county or city affected. The notice shall be published at least three days before the action becomes effective.

Code 1950, § 29-130; 1987, c. 488.