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Virginia Administrative Code
Title 4. Conservation And Natural Resources
Agency 15. Department of Wildlife Resources
Chapter 40. Game: In General
11/8/2025

4VAC15-40-61. Hunting and trapping on national forest, state forest, and department-owned or department-managed lands.

A. Except as provided in subsection B of this section, it shall be unlawful to hunt or trap, as defined in § 29.1-100 of the Code of Virginia, on all national forest lands and state forest lands statewide and on department-owned and department-managed lands, except during the period when it is lawful to take bear, deer, grouse, pheasant, quail, rabbit, raccoon, squirrel, turkey, waterfowl, or migratory game birds on these lands.

B. It shall be lawful to chase with a dog or train dogs on national forest lands, state forest lands, or department-owned and department-managed lands during authorized hunting, chase, or training seasons that specifically permit these activities on these lands or during raccoon hound field trials on these lands between September 1 and March 31, both dates inclusive, that are sanctioned by bona fide national kennel clubs and authorized by permits issued by the department or the U.S. Forest Service. Otherwise, such activities on these lands shall be unlawful.

Statutory Authority

§§ 29.1-103, 29.1-501, and 29.1-502 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 41, Issue 26, eff. September 1, 2025.

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