reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 29.1 - Wildlife, Inland Fisheries and Boating › Chapter 1 - Administration of Wildlife Resources › § 29.1-101.1. Lifetime Hunting and Fishing Endowment Fund

There is hereby established in the state treasury a special fund to be designated the "Lifetime Hunting and Fishing Endowment Fund." This fund shall consist of proceeds from the sale of lifetime hunting and fishing licenses as provided in § 29.1-302.1 and any gifts, grants and contributions which are specifically designated for inclusion in the Fund.
The income and principal of this Fund shall be used only for the purposes of administering the lifetime hunting and fishing license program and supporting the wildlife conservation programs of the Department.
The Board shall serve as trustee of the Fund and these funds shall be withdrawn and expended for the purposes stated in this section by order of the Board. The State Treasurer shall be custodian of the funds. No part of such Fund, either principal or interest earned thereon, shall revert to the general fund of the state treasury.
1987, c. 95, § 29-20.1; 2020, c. 958.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 29.1 - Wildlife, Inland Fisheries and Boating › Chapter 1 - Administration of Wildlife Resources › § 29.1-101.2. Creation and management of Fund

There is a permanent revolving fund known as the Virginia Fish Passage Grant and Revolving Loan Fund, hereinafter referred to as the Fund. The Fund shall be comprised of general fund moneys, receipts by the Fund from loans made by it, all income from the investment of moneys held by the Fund, and any other sums designated for deposit to the Fund from any source, public or private. The Fund shall be administered and managed by the Department and shall be used solely for the administration and management of the Fund and the Fish Passage Program. Moneys may be expended (i) as provided for in §§ 29.1-101.5 and 29.1-101.6 and (ii) for the costs incurred by the Department in the management of the Fund and operation of the Fish Passage Program.
1989, c. 5, § 10.1-1214; 1992, cc. 464, 887.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 29.1 - Wildlife, Inland Fisheries and Boating › Chapter 1 - Administration of Wildlife Resources › § 29.1-101.3. Deposit of money

All money belonging to the Fund shall be recorded on the books of the State Comptroller and deposited in an account or accounts in banks or trust companies organized under the laws of the Commonwealth or in national banking associations located in Virginia or in savings institutions located in Virginia organized under the laws of the Commonwealth or the United States. Money in the Fund not needed for immediate use or disbursement may be invested or reinvested by the State Treasurer in obligations or securities that are considered lawful investments for public funds under the laws of the Commonwealth.
1989, c. 5, § 10.1-1215; 1992, cc. 464, 887; 1996, c. 77.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 29.1 - Wildlife, Inland Fisheries and Boating › Chapter 1 - Administration of Wildlife Resources › § 29.1-101.4. Collection of money due to the Fund

The Department, or its designated agent, is empowered to collect amounts due to the Fund under any loan made by it including, where appropriate, taking action as required by § 15.2-2659 to obtain payment of any amounts in default. Proceedings to recover amounts due to the Fund may be instituted by the Department in the name of the Fund in any appropriate circuit court.
1989, c. 5, § 10.1-1216; 1992, cc. 464, 887.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 29.1 - Wildlife, Inland Fisheries and Boating › Chapter 1 - Administration of Wildlife Resources › § 29.1-101.5. Grants and loans to local governments

After consultation with the Commissioner of the Virginia Marine Resources Commission, the Department may offer to finance the construction of fishways for any local government which owns a dam or other artificial impediment to the free passage of anadromous fish. The Fund will pay for seventy-five percent of the entire cost of the fishway, and will lend the balance of the cost to the local government. The loan shall be repaid over ten years at no interest or over twenty years at an annual rate of interest which shall be two percentage points below the rate for municipal bonds given in the latest Bond Buyer Twenty Bond Index appearing before the loan is made. Any balance of a loan not paid off as required by this section shall be paid off as provided in § 29.1-101.4. The Department shall approve the design of the fishway prior to the making of any grant or loan from the Fund pursuant to this section.
All local governments borrowing money from the Fund are authorized to take any action, adopt any proceedings and make and carry out any contracts that are contemplated by this chapter. Such contracts need not be identical among all local governments, but may be structured as determined by the Department according to the needs of the contracting local governments and the Fund.
1989, c. 5, § 10.1-1217; 1992, cc. 464, 887.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 29.1 - Wildlife, Inland Fisheries and Boating › Chapter 1 - Administration of Wildlife Resources › § 29.1-101.6. Loans to owners other than local governments

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.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 29.1 - Wildlife, Inland Fisheries and Boating › Chapter 1 - Administration of Wildlife Resources › § 29.1-101.7. Security for loans

Each loan to an owner other than a local government shall be evidenced by appropriate bonds or notes of the borrower payable to the Fund. The Department may require in connection with any loan to an owner other than a local government such documents, instruments, certificates, legal opinions, and other information as it deems necessary or convenient. The Department may require such borrower to provide the Fund a security interest in the borrower's real and personal property and to procure such insurance, guarantees, letters of credit and other forms of security as the Department deems necessary to provide remedies to the Fund in case of loss or default.
1989, c. 5, § 10.1-1219; 1992, cc. 464, 887.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 29.1 - Wildlife, Inland Fisheries and Boating › Chapter 1 - Administration of Wildlife Resources › § 29.1-101.8. Grants and loans for dams licensed under or by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

In the event that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission issues a license for hydropower generation in connection with a dam that is the subject of a loan or grant from the Fund, that loan balance and all accrued interest and the full amount of the grant shall be due and payable one year from the date the federal license is issued or at the expiration of the term of the loan, whichever is earlier.
1989, c. 5, § 10.1-1220; 1992, cc. 464, 887.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 29.1 - Wildlife, Inland Fisheries and Boating › Chapter 1 - Administration of Wildlife Resources › § 29.1-101.9. Requirement for fishways

Notwithstanding any provision of § 29.1-532, including the existence or lack thereof of an exemption pursuant to § 29.1-532, the owner of every dam or other artificial impediment to the migration of anadromous fish in any tributary of the Chesapeake Bay, including that portion of the James River downstream from the City of Lynchburg, shall be responsible to provide appropriate fishways for anadromous fish as soon as reasonably possible after being offered financing from the Fund for the estimated construction cost of the fishways as provided in this article. Any owner of such a dam or other artificial impediment who fails to provide or to maintain fishways providing substantially free passage for anadromous fish may be compelled to provide such fishways by injunction in an action initiated by the Department in an appropriate circuit court. Nothing in this section shall relieve the owner of any dam or other object in a watercourse, which obstructs navigation or the passage of anadromous and other migratory fish, of any obligations or responsibilities under § 29.1-532.
1989, c. 5, § 10.1-1221; 1992, cc. 464, 887.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 29.1 - Wildlife, Inland Fisheries and Boating › Chapter 1 - Administration of Wildlife Resources › § 29.1-102. Board of Wildlife Resources; how constituted; meetings

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.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 29.1 - Wildlife, Inland Fisheries and Boating › Chapter 1 - Administration of Wildlife Resources › § 29.1-103.1. Control and eradication of wildlife diseases; Board authorized to promulgate regulations

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.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 29.1 - Wildlife, Inland Fisheries and Boating › Chapter 1 - Administration of Wildlife Resources › § 29.1-103.2. Assent to wildlife restoration projects and sport fishing restoration and management projects

The Commonwealth hereby assents to the provisions of the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act of September 2, 1937 (16 U.S.C. § 669 et seq.), as amended, and to the provisions of the Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act of August 9, 1950 (16 U.S.C. § 777 et seq.), as amended. The Director and the Board are hereby authorized to perform all such acts as may be necessary for the establishment and implementation of cooperative wildlife restoration projects and fish restoration and management projects, as defined in these federal statutes and the implementing regulations promulgated thereunder. Revenues derived from license fees paid by hunters and fishermen, as well as interest, dividends, or other income earned on such revenues, shall not be diverted and shall be used solely for the administration of the Department's fish and wildlife programs.
2006, c. 24.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 29.1 - Wildlife, Inland Fisheries and Boating › Chapter 1 - Administration of Wildlife Resources › § 29.1-104. Acceptance of gifts, etc.

In addition to the authority granted the Board by § 29.1-103, the Board may receive gifts, grants, bequests, and devises of property, real or personal, and of money which, if accepted, shall be taken and held for any uses prescribed by the donor, grantor, or testator and in accord with the purposes of this title. The Board shall manage such properties or money in such a way as to maximize their value to the citizens of Virginia.
1973, c. 191, § 29-11.2; 1987, c. 488.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 29.1 - Wildlife, Inland Fisheries and Boating › Chapter 1 - Administration of Wildlife Resources › § 29.1-105. Lease or contract respecting land or buildings

The Board is authorized, with the approval of the Governor, to enter into contracts respecting or to lease any land or buildings leased or owned by it to private persons, corporations, associations, other governmental agencies, public authorities duly created by law or political subdivisions of the Commonwealth. The contracts or leases shall be (i) upon terms and conditions as deemed advisable by the Board, (ii) in a form to be approved by the Attorney General, and (iii) consistent with the powers, authority and responsibilities of the Board. If any such lease or contract is to be effective for a term of more than five years, it shall be authorized only after a public hearing by the Board. All amounts received pursuant to leases and contracts hereunder shall be deposited in the state treasury to the credit of the game protection fund.
1970, c. 406, § 29-11.1; 1972, c. 520; 1973, c. 4; 1978, c. 835; 1979, c. 140; 1987, c. 488.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 29.1 - Wildlife, Inland Fisheries and Boating › Chapter 1 - Administration of Wildlife Resources › § 29.1-106. Forest and watershed areas

The Board is authorized to exercise full control of the hunting and fishing rights and privileges in and on all impounded water areas in this Commonwealth resulting from power development; and in all forest and watershed areas in this Commonwealth which are now owned, or which may hereafter be acquired, by the United States government, subject to the rights and power of the United States Department of Agriculture. The Board shall have the power to establish refuges, sanctuaries and public shooting and fishing preserves in these areas, under such regulations as it may deem proper.
Code 1950, § 29-12; 1987, c. 488.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 29.1 - Wildlife, Inland Fisheries and Boating › Chapter 1 - Administration of Wildlife Resources › § 29.1-107. Rules and regulations

All rules, resolutions, regulations and policies adopted by the Board shall be reduced to writing for the Director, shall be public documents and shall be available to the public on request.
Code 1950, § 29-7; 1987, c. 488.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 29.1 - Wildlife, Inland Fisheries and Boating › Chapter 1 - Administration of Wildlife Resources › § 29.1-108. Audits and examinations

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.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 29.1 - Wildlife, Inland Fisheries and Boating › Chapter 1 - Administration of Wildlife Resources › § 29.1-110. Disbursements, accounts for Department; Board

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.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 29.1 - Wildlife, Inland Fisheries and Boating › Chapter 1 - Administration of Wildlife Resources › § 29.1-111. Sale of timber; portion of proceeds to be paid to locality

A. The Director is authorized to manage and harvest timber on lands owned by the Board in accordance with the best timber and game management practices, and to sell the timber. Proceeds from the sale of such timber shall be deposited in the state treasury to the credit of the game protection fund.
B. When the Director authorizes the selling of timber which is standing, or which has been cut from timber standing on land owned by the Board, the Board shall pay to the locality in which the standing timber is located twenty-five percent of the proceeds of the sale of the timber, after deducting the cost of any road constructed by the Department which is necessary for the sale of the timber.
Code 1950, § 29-23; 1964, c. 532, § 29-23.01; 1987, c. 488.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 29.1 - Wildlife, Inland Fisheries and Boating › Chapter 1 - Administration of Wildlife Resources › § 29.1-112. Payment of license and permit fees

The Director may authorize the acceptance of any method of payment authorized by § 2.2-614.1 in lieu of money for payment of any fees collected by the Department or agents acting on behalf of the Department for any licenses or permits issued under this title or for any merchandise sold by the Department.
1999, c. 254; 2002, c. 719.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 29.1 - Wildlife, Inland Fisheries and Boating › Chapter 1 - Administration of Wildlife Resources › § 29.1-113. Admittance, parking, and use at certain Department-owned facilities or Department-leased land; civil penalty

A. No person shall make use of, gain admittance to, or attempt to use or gain admittance to certain Department-owned facilities where the Department charges a fee established by the Board pursuant to § 29.1-103, unless the person pays such fee. However, such fee shall not apply to (i) any person holding a valid hunting, trapping, or fishing permit or current certificate of boat registration issued by the Department; (ii) any person 16 years of age or younger; or (iii) the use of Department-owned boat ramps.
B. No person shall hunt on private lands managed by the Department through a lease agreement or other similar memorandum of agreement where the Department issues an annual hunting stamp without having purchased a valid annual hunting stamp.
C. Any person violating subsection A or B may, in lieu of any criminal penalty, be assessed a civil penalty of up to $50 by the Department. Civil penalties assessed under this section shall be paid into the Game Protection Fund established pursuant to § 29.1-101.
D. No owner or driver shall cause or permit a vehicle to stand:
1. On property owned or managed by the Department outside of a designated parking space, except for a reasonable time in order to receive or discharge passengers or in the case of an emergency;
2. In any designated parking space on property owned or managed by the Department in violation of any posted rule regarding use of the space; or
3. In any space on property owned or managed by the Department designated for use by persons with disabilities unless the vehicle displays a license plate or decal issued by the Commissioner of the Department of Motor Vehicles, or a similar identification issued by a similar authority of another state or the District of Columbia, that authorizes parking in such a designated space. Notwithstanding the provisions of § 29.1-554, any regulation of the Board, or any other trespass provision in the Code of Virginia, no person violating this subsection shall be subject to a criminal penalty. Any person violating this subsection may, in lieu of any criminal penalty, be assessed a civil penalty of $25, which shall be paid into the Game Protection Fund.
2003, c. 562; 2004, c. 280; 2011, c. 768; 2020, c. 321; 2022, cc. 33, 34.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 29.1 - Wildlife, Inland Fisheries and Boating › Chapter 1 - Administration of Wildlife Resources › § 29.1-114. Hunting from aircraft feral hogs

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.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 29.1 - Wildlife, Inland Fisheries and Boating › Chapter 2 - Conservation Police Officers › § 29.1-200. Appointment of conservation police officers

The Director shall appoint regular and special conservation police officers as he may deem necessary to enforce the game and inland fish laws and shall issue a certificate of appointment to each conservation police officer. Any special conservation police officer initially appointed after October 1, 2009, shall have a valid registration as a Special Conservator of the Peace from the Department of Criminal Justice Services.
Code 1950, §§ 29-24, 29-28; 1952, c. 608; 1979, c. 264; 1987, c. 488; 1994, c. 641; 2007, c. 87; 2009, c. 355; 2020, c. 671.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 29.1 - Wildlife, Inland Fisheries and Boating › Chapter 2 - Conservation Police Officers › § 29.1-201. Bond

Before entering upon the discharge of his official duties, each conservation police officer shall post bond with a guaranty company, authorized to do business within this Commonwealth as surety, for $1,000 payable to the Commonwealth of Virginia. The bonds shall be posted with the condition that the conservation police officer will (i) account for and legally apply all money which he receives in his official capacity, (ii) pay all judgments rendered against him for malicious prosecution or for unlawful search, arrest or imprisonment, and (iii) faithfully perform all of the duties enjoined upon him by law. These bonds shall be filed with the Department and shall be subject to the approval of the Director or his designated officer. The premium on the bonds shall be paid out of the game protection fund.
Code 1950, § 29-27; 1952, c. 608; 1987, c. 488; 2007, c. 87.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 29.1 - Wildlife, Inland Fisheries and Boating › Chapter 2 - Conservation Police Officers › § 29.1-203. Jurisdiction; power to serve process

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.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 29.1 - Wildlife, Inland Fisheries and Boating › Chapter 2 - Conservation Police Officers › § 29.1-204. Assisting the Director; supervision

The conservation police officers shall assist the Director in discharging his official duties. Each regular and special conservation police officer shall be under the supervision of certain conservation police officers specified by the Director.
Code 1950, § 29-31; 1987, c. 488; 2007, c. 87.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 29.1 - Wildlife, Inland Fisheries and Boating › Chapter 2 - Conservation Police Officers › § 29.1-205. Power to make arrests

All conservation police officers are vested with the authority, upon displaying a badge or other credential of office, to issue a summons or to arrest any person found in the act of violating any of the provisions of the hunting, trapping, inland fish and boating laws.
Regular conservation police officers are vested with the same authority as sheriffs and other law-enforcement officers to enforce all of the criminal laws of the Commonwealth.
Any special conservation police officer shall have general police power while performing his duty on properties owned or controlled by the Board.
Any commissioned, warrant or petty officers of the United States Coast Guard and of the United States Coast Guard Reserve while engaged on active duty, in the conduct of their official duties in uniform, and any officers of the customs as defined by 19 U.S.C. § 1709 (b), in the conduct of their official duties in uniform, shall have the same power to make arrests under Chapter 7 (§ 29.1-700 et seq.) of Title 29.1 as conservation police officers.
Code 1950, § 29-32; 1960, c. 540; 1979, c. 264; 1982, c. 64; 1987, c. 488; 1988, c. 605; 2007, c. 87.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 29.1 - Wildlife, Inland Fisheries and Boating › Chapter 2 - Conservation Police Officers › § 29.1-207. Impeding conservation police officer, etc., in discharge of his duty

If any person, by threats or force, attempts to intimidate or impede any law-enforcement officer enforcing the game, inland fish and boating laws, he shall be guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor and shall be subject to arrest by the officer and to the procedures set forth in § 29.1-210.
1974, c. 299, § 29-32.2; 1987, c. 488; 2007, c. 87.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 29.1 - Wildlife, Inland Fisheries and Boating › Chapter 2 - Conservation Police Officers › § 29.1-208. Searches and seizures

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.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 29.1 - Wildlife, Inland Fisheries and Boating › Chapter 2 - Conservation Police Officers › § 29.1-209. Inspection of game and fish without arrest

In order to see that bag or creel limits are being observed, conservation police officers shall also have the power to inspect game, fur-bearing animals and fish taken by any person found hunting, trapping or fishing without arresting the person.
Code 1950, § 29-34; 1962, c. 469; 1987, c. 488.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 29.1 - Wildlife, Inland Fisheries and Boating › Chapter 2 - Conservation Police Officers › § 29.1-210. Person arrested may be committed to jail, bailed, recognized or summoned

Any person arrested for a violation of the game, inland fish and boating laws may be committed to jail pending trial or admitted to bail or released on recognizance as provided by general law; or the arresting officer may issue a summons requiring the person to appear for trial at a time and place specified therein before a court having jurisdiction to try such offenses if the person gives his written promise to appear at the specified time. Such time shall not, however, be less than five days from the date of arrest unless the person requests an earlier hearing.
Any person refusing to give the written promise to appear shall be taken immediately by the arresting or other police officer before the nearest or most accessible judicial officer.
Any person who willfully violates his written promise to appear, given in accordance with this section, shall be guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor.
1952, c. 608, § 29-34.1; 1974, c. 58; 1987, c. 488.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 29.1 - Wildlife, Inland Fisheries and Boating › Chapter 2 - Conservation Police Officers › § 29.1-212. Precaution against fire

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.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 29.1 - Wildlife, Inland Fisheries and Boating › Chapter 2 - Conservation Police Officers › § 29.1-213. Taking samples of water believed to be polluted

Any conservation police officer appointed under the provisions of this title may, and shall when requested by a member of the governing body of a county, city or town, take samples of water from any stream in this Commonwealth when he has reason to believe that the water may be polluted. Any conservation police officer collecting any water sample shall take the sample in a clean container, seal it, and send it to the State Water Control Board. With the sample, the conservation police officer shall enclose a signed statement showing in reasonable detail the time and place at which the sample was taken. The officer shall keep the original of the statement and send the copy with the sample.
1954, c. 695, § 29-35.1; 1987, c. 488; 2007, c. 87.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 29.1 - Wildlife, Inland Fisheries and Boating › Chapter 2 - Conservation Police Officers › § 29.1-214. Duties of State Water Control Board with respect to water samples

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.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 29.1 - Wildlife, Inland Fisheries and Boating › Chapter 2 - Conservation Police Officers › § 29.1-217. Special conservation police officers receiving no compensation from Commonwealth

A. On request of any employer owning more than 500 acres in this Commonwealth, the Director may appoint as special conservation police officers persons employed by the owner. No such special conservation police officer shall receive any compensation from the Commonwealth for his services as such. Any such special conservation police officer shall give the bond required by § 29.1-201 prior to serving. The powers and authority of such special conservation police officer shall not extend beyond the lands of his employer. The Director may require any special conservation police officer to perform duties on such lands as are required for the enforcement of this chapter.
B. On request of two or more adjoining landowners who own 1,000 or more contiguous acres in this Commonwealth, the Director may appoint as special conservation police officers persons employed by one or more of the landowners. No such special conservation police officer shall receive any compensation from the Commonwealth for his services as such. Any such special conservation police officer shall give the bond required by § 29.1-201 prior to serving. The powers and authority of such special conservation police officer shall not extend beyond the lands of the adjoining landowners requesting the appointment of the special conservation police officer. The Director may require any special conservation police officer to perform duties on such lands as are required for the enforcement of this chapter.
C. The Commonwealth and the Department shall not be liable in any manner for the acts or omissions of special conservation police officers appointed pursuant to this section occurring during the performance of their duties as special conservation police officers.
D. Each request for appointment of a special conservation police officer shall be accompanied by a nonrefundable fee of $100 to defray the cost of processing the request.
1954, c. 700, § 29-37.1; 1987, c. 488; 1994, c. 411; 1997, c. 185; 2007, c. 87.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 29.1 - Wildlife, Inland Fisheries and Boating › Chapter 2 - Conservation Police Officers › § 29.1-218. Defense of conservation police officer prosecuted on criminal charge

If any conservation police officer appointed by the Director is prosecuted on any criminal charge arising out of any act committed in performing his official duties, the Director may employ special counsel approved by the Governor to defend the officer. The compensation for special counsel employed pursuant to this section, shall, subject to the approval of the Governor, be paid out of the funds appropriated for the administration of the Department.
1966, c. 222, § 29-37.2; 1987, c. 488; 2007, c. 87.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 29.1 - Wildlife, Inland Fisheries and Boating › Chapter 3 - Licenses › § 29.1-300. Unlawful to hunt, trap or fish without license

It shall be unlawful to hunt, trap or fish in or on the lands or inland waters of this Commonwealth without first obtaining a license, subject to the exceptions set out in § 29.1-301.
Code 1950, § 29-51; 1987, c. 488.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 29.1 - Wildlife, Inland Fisheries and Boating › Chapter 3 - Licenses › § 29.1-300.1. Certification of competence in hunter education; incentives

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.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 29.1 - Wildlife, Inland Fisheries and Boating › Chapter 3 - Licenses › § 29.1-300.2. Hunter education program

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 establish at least one full-time hunter education coordinator position for each of the Department's administrative regions. Each coordinator will be assigned to a conservation police officer district and have the responsibility for providing hunter education training throughout the administrative region.
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.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 29.1 - Wildlife, Inland Fisheries and Boating › Chapter 3 - Licenses › § 29.1-300.3. Program fees

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.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 29.1 - Wildlife, Inland Fisheries and Boating › Chapter 3 - Licenses › § 29.1-300.4. Apprentice hunting license; deferral of hunter education

A. There is hereby established an apprentice hunting license. The license shall be a one-time nonrenewable license that shall be valid for two years from the date of purchase and shall entitle the licensee to a one-time deferral of completion of hunter education required under § 29.1-300.1. The apprentice hunting licensee shall not hunt prior to completing hunter education unless accompanied and directly supervised by an adult over the age of 18 who has, on his person, a valid Virginia hunting license. For the purposes of this section, "accompanied and directly supervised" occurs when a person over 18 maintains a close visual and verbal contact with, provides adequate direction to, and can immediately assume control of the firearm from the apprentice hunter. The cost of the license shall be $10 for a resident and $20 for a nonresident. The Board may subsequently revise the cost of the license pursuant to § 29.1-103.
B. Possession of a valid apprentice hunting license shall serve in lieu of the state resident hunting or nonresident hunting license required under subdivisions 2 and 3 of § 29.1-303, respectively. The purchase of any other hunting licenses shall be at the same cost as specified for residents or nonresidents in this title or as subsequently revised by the Board pursuant to subdivision 16 of § 29.1-103. The purchase of the apprentice hunting license shall not qualify the holder to purchase a regular hunting license or exempt the licensee from compliance with the requirements of this title and any regulations adopted by the Department. Any previous holder of a state resident or nonresident hunting license issued under this title shall be prohibited from the purchase of an apprentice hunting license for himself.
C. Upon completion of hunter education under § 29.1-300.1, and unless otherwise required by law to be supervised, the apprentice hunting licensee may hunt unsupervised subject to the requirements of applicable state law and regulations.
D. The Board may adopt regulations to carry out the provisions of this section.
2008, cc. 18, 416; 2009, c. 9; 2014, c. 244.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 29.1 - Wildlife, Inland Fisheries and Boating › Chapter 3 - Licenses › § 29.1-302. Special license for certain resident disabled veterans

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.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 29.1 - Wildlife, Inland Fisheries and Boating › Chapter 3 - Licenses › § 29.1-302.01. Special fishing license for disabled active duty military personnel

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.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 29.1 - Wildlife, Inland Fisheries and Boating › Chapter 3 - Licenses › § 29.1-302.02. Special resident and nonresident hunting and fishing licenses for partially disabled veterans

A. Any nonresident veteran who is rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs as having at least a 70 percent service-connected disability, upon certification, shall pay an amount equal to one-half the fee for the state nonresident basic hunting license required by subdivision 3 of § 29.1-303. The license fees established by this section may be revised by the Board pursuant to § 29.1-103.
B. Any nonresident veteran who is rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs as having at least a 70 percent service-connected disability, upon certification, shall pay an amount equal to one-half the fee for the state nonresident basic fishing license required by subdivision A 3 of § 29.1-310. The license fees established by this section may be revised by the Board pursuant to § 29.1-103.
2011, c. 273; 2012, c. 244; 2022, c. 40.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 29.1 - Wildlife, Inland Fisheries and Boating › Chapter 3 - Licenses › § 29.1-302.03. Special licenses for certain nonresident disabled veterans

A. Any nonresident veteran who is totally and permanently disabled due to a service-connected disability as certified by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs shall pay an amount equal to one-quarter the fee for the state nonresident hunting license required by subdivision 3 of § 29.1-303. The license fees established by this subsection may be revised by the Board pursuant to § 29.1-103.
B. Any nonresident veteran who is totally and permanently disabled due to a service-connected disability as certified by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs shall pay an amount equal to one-quarter the fee for the state nonresident fishing license required by subdivision A 3 of § 29.1-310. However, this license shall not entitle such nonresident veteran to fish in designated waters stocked with trout by the Department or other public body. The license fees established by this subsection may be revised by the Board pursuant to § 29.1-103.
2014, c. 587.