LIS

Virginia Law

Administrative Code

Virginia Administrative Code
Title 4. Conservation And Natural Resources
11/23/2024

Agency 15. Department of Wildlife Resources

Preface

VAC AGENCY NO. 15

DEPARTMENT OF GAME AND INLAND FISHERIES

AGENCY SUMMARY

The Board of Wildlife Resources is the policy-making entity responsible for conserving, protecting, replenishing, propagating, and increasing the supply of game birds, game animals, fish, and other wildlife of the Commonwealth. Pursuant to Article 2 (§ 29.1-102 et seq.) of Chapter 1 of Title 29.1 of the Code of Virginia, the board is authorized to adopt resolutions or regulations conferring upon the Director of the Department of Wildlife Resources all such powers, authorities, and duties as the board possesses and deems necessary or proper. The Department of Wildlife Resources provides public, informational, and educational services and serves as the agency responsible for the administration and enforcement of all rules and regulations of the board and of Title 29.1 of the Code of Virginia.

Pursuant to Article 1 (§ 29.1-100 et seq.) of Chapter 1 of Title 29.1 of the Code of Virginia, the department may designate, by regulation, those species that are determined to be nuisance species.

 Article 2 (§ 29.1-102 et seq.) of Chapter 1 of Title 29.1 of the Code of Virginia authorizes the department to make regulations governing the taking, possession, and sale of wild animals and birds and freshwater fish and of endangered species of any form of wildlife. It may prescribe seasons and limits and otherwise vary some of the statutory provisions respecting conservation of wildlife resources. It may also license and make regulations governing drilling and dredging in the Back Bay area.

Pursuant to Chapter 2 (§ 29.1-200 et seq.) of Title 29.1 of the Code of Virginia, regular conservation police officers of the department have authority to enforce all of the criminal laws of the Commonwealth and special conservation police officers have general police power while performing duties on properties owned or controlled by the board.

Article 1 (§ 29.1-300 et seq.) of Chapter 3 and Chapter 5 (§ 29.1-500 et seq.) Title 29.1 of the Code of Virginia directs the department to provide for a course of instruction in hunter safety, principles of conservation, and sportsmanship and to promulgate regulations to administer the program. The department is required to establish a procedure for selling bonus deer permits, which entitle the permit holder to take additional deer under certain conditions.

Article 1 (§ 29.1-300 et seq.) of Chapter 3 and Chapter 4 (§ 29.1-400 et seq.) Title 29.1 of the Code of Virginia authorizes the department, through the clerks of the circuit courts and local agents, to license sport fishing, hunting, and trapping. It may license or permit shooting preserves, fur farming, fur dealing, hunting dog trials, commercial trout rearing, fishing, seine hauling, the breeding and raising of game birds and animals, the holding of certain animals and birds and of endangered species, the stuffing and mounting of birds and animals, game bird and animal exhibits, and a variety of special or unique activities relating to or affecting wildlife.

Chapter 7 (§ 29.1-700 et seq.) of Title 29.1 of the Code of Virginia authorizes the department to make safety regulations for operation and equipment of vessels and seaplanes on the waters of the Commonwealth, to title and to register motorboats, and to permit regattas and races and designates the department as the state agency to which boating accidents are required to be reported. The department is also authorized to make or approve local ordinances regulating the operation of vessels. 

The department is authorized, pursuant to Chapter 8 (§ 29.1-800 et seq.) of Title 29.1 of the Code of Virginia, to license watercraft dealers and to promulgate regulations to enforce the Virginia Watercraft Dealer Licensing Act.

The department operates under the supervision of the Secretary of Natural Resources. Regulations are available online at http://law.lis.virginia.gov/admincode/title4/agency15/ and at the department's office at 7870 Villa Park Drive, Suite 400, Henrico, Virginia 23228. The full texts or informative summaries of proposed regulations are also published in newspapers: statewide regulations in a sufficient number of newspapers having a general circulation throughout the Commonwealth and local regulations in or within reasonable proximity to the affected locality. The department publishes hunting, fishing, trapping, and boating regulations in summary form for free distribution to the purchasers of appropriate licenses. The department's website is http://www.dgif.virginia.gov http://www.dwr.virginia.gov.

Rev. 7/2024

Chapter 10
Public Participation GuidelinesRead all
Section 10
Definitions
Section 20
General
Section 30
Public Participation Procedures
Section 40
Transition
Chapter 20
Definitions and Miscellaneous: in GeneralRead all
Section 10
Definitions; Generally
Section 20
Definitions; "Counties East of the Blue Ridge Mountains."
Section 30
Definitions; "Counties West of the Blue Ridge Mountains."
Section 40
Definitions; "Dismal Swamp Line."
Section 50
Definitions; "Wild Animal," "Native Animal," "Naturalized Animal," "Nonnative (Exotic) Animal," and "Domestic Animal"
Section 60
Definitions; "Person."
Section 65
Hunting, Trapping, and Fishing License and Permit Fees
Section 66
Admittance, Parking, or Other Use Fee at Certain Department-Owned and Department-Managed Facilities
Section 70
Violations of Regulations
Section 75
Wildlife Violator Compact
Section 80
[Repealed]
Section 90
Permits for Drilling, Dredging and Other Operations in Back Bay Area
Section 100
Prohibited Use of Vehicles on Department-Owned Lands
Section 110
Refusal to Surrender Licenses, Permits, Stamps, or Records to Department Representatives
Section 120
Appointment of New Consignment Agents for Sale of Hunting and Fishing Licenses
Section 130
Endangered and Threatened Species; Adoption of Federal List; Additional Species Enumerated
Section 140
Endangered Species; Definitions
Section 150
Structures on Department-Owned Lands and National Forest Lands
Section 151
Manipulation of Vegetation on Department-Owned Lands
Section 152
Target Shooting on Department-Owned Lands
Section 155
Camping on Wildlife Management Areas and Other Department-Owned or Department-Managed Lands
Section 160
Nuisance Species Designated
Section 170
[Repealed]
Section 180
Taking of Invertebrates
Section 190
Definitions; "Designated Stocked Trout Waters"
Section 200
Fees for Miscellaneous Permits
Section 210
Definitions; Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Species
Section 220
Disease Prevention, Control and Eradication in Wildlife
Section 230
Color of Paint Prescribed for Posting Land
Section 240
Use of Drones for Certain Activities Prohibited
DIBR
Documents Incorporated by Reference (4VAC15-20)
Chapter 30
Definitions and Miscellaneous: Importation, Possession, Sale, Etc., of AnimalsRead all
Section 5
Powers, Authorities, and Duties of the Director in Permitting
Section 7
Continuation of Permitted Activity
Section 10
Possession, Importation, Sale, Etc., of Wild Animals
Section 20
Permit Required to Import, Liberate or Possess Predatory or Undesirable Animals or Birds
Section 30
Exclusions
Section 40
Importation Requirements, Possession, and Sale of Nonnative (Exotic) Animals
Section 50
Possession, Transportation, and Release of Wildlife by Authorized Persons
Section 60
Raptor Propagation
Chapter 35
Birds: Incidental Take of Bird SpeciesRead all
Section 10
Purpose
Section 20
Definitions
Section 30
Requirement for a Permit
Section 40
Activities Occurring Before Adoption of Sector-Specific Plan
Section 50
Applicability of Other Laws or Regulations
Section 60
Exemptions
Section 70
Permits
Section 80
Permit Procedures
Section 90
Biennial Standards and Specifications
Section 100
Enforcement; Unpermitted Regulated Activities
Chapter 40
Game: in GeneralRead all
Section 10
[Repealed]
Section 20
Archery Hunting Requirements
Section 21
[Repealed]
Section 22
Special License for Hunting Bear.
Section 30
Recorded Wild Animal or Wild Bird Calls or Sounds Prohibited in Taking Game; Bobcats, Coyotes, Crows...
Section 40
Live Birds or Animals As Decoys Prohibited
Section 50
Poisoning of Wild Birds and Wild Animals Prohibited; Certain Control Programs Excepted
Section 60
Hunting with Dogs or Possession of Weapons in Certain Locations During Closed Season
Section 70
Open Dog Training Season
Section 80
[Repealed]
Section 90
[Repealed]
Section 100
Hog Island Wildlife Management Area; Waterfowl Refuge Established
Section 110
Hog Island Wildlife Management Area; Hunting, Trapping, Etc., Prohibited; Exception
Section 120
Hog Island Wildlife Management Area; Possession of Loaded Gun Prohibited; Exception
Section 130
Disturbing Waterfowl Adjacent to Lands End Waterfowl Management Area
Section 140
Hunting, Etc., Prohibited on Buggs Island and Certain Waters of the Gaston Reservoir
Section 150
[Repealed]
Section 160
Molesting, Damaging, Removing, or Disturbing Traps Prohibited; Release of Game from Lawful Traps Prohibited
Section 170
Marking of Traps by Person Setting
Section 180
[Repealed]
Section 190
Restricted Use of Body-Gripping Traps in Excess of 7-1/2 Inches
Section 195
Visiting Traps, Generally; Visiting Completely Submerged, Body-Gripping Traps; Use of Remote Trap Check Systems
Section 200
Restricted Use of Above Ground Body-Gripping Traps in Excess of Five Inches
Section 210
Restricted Use of Certain Steel Foothold Traps
Section 220
Use of Deadfalls Prohibited; Restricted Use of Snares
Section 221
Restricted Use of Traps Near Exposed Carcasses and Animal Parts.
Section 225
Killing of Animals Captured in Live Traps Permitted
Section 230
Dates for Setting Traps in Water
Section 240
Animal Population Control
Section 250
Wanton Waste
Section 260
Sunday Hunting on Controlled Shooting Areas
Section 270
Sale of Unclaimed Taxidermy Specimens by Licensed Taxidermists
Section 275
Sale of Furbearer, Coyote, and Nutria Pelts, Carcasses, and Parts
Section 276
Sale of Wild Turkey andSmall Game Animals and Parts
Section 280
Department-Owned, Controlled, or Managed Lands; Annual Permit for Hunting on Lands Managed by the Department
Section 281
Unauthorized Feeding of Bear, Deer, or Turkey on National Forest Lands and Department-Owned Lands
Section 282
Unauthorized Feeding of Bear
Section 283
Unlawful to Chase, Hunt or Train from a Baited Site
Section 284
Intentionally Crippling or Harming Game Animals Prohibited; Dislodging an Animal from a Tree Prohibited; and Use of Radio Tracking Equipment to Aid...
Section 285
Unauthorized Feeding of Cervids
Section 286
Unauthorized Feeding of Wildlife
Section 287
Model Ordinances Related to Feeding of Deer in Cities and Towns
Section 290
Validating Tags and Reporting Bear, Deer, Elk, Turkey, and Bobcat
Section 300
[Repealed]
Chapter 50
Game: BearRead all
Section 10
[Repealed]
Section 11
Open Season; Generally
Section 12
Youth and Apprentice Hunter Bear Hunting Weekend
Section 20
[Repealed]
Section 21
[Repealed]
Section 22
[Repealed]
Section 25
[Repealed]
Section 30
[Repealed]
Section 40
Bag Limit
Section 50
Minimum Weight
Section 60
Female Bear Accompanied by Cub
Section 70
Archery Hunting
Section 71
Muzzleloading Gun Hunting
Section 80
[Expired]
Section 81
[Repealed]
Section 90
[Expired]
Section 91
[Repealed]
Section 100
Trapping Prohibited
Section 110
Use of Dogs in Hunting Bear
Section 120
Bear Hound Training Season
Chapter 60
Game: BeaverRead all
Section 10
Hunting or Shooting of Beaver
Section 20
Open Season for Trapping
Chapter 70
Game: BobcatRead all
Section 10
Open Season for Hunting
Section 20
Open Season for Trapping
Section 30
Bag Limit
Section 40
Use of Dogs in Hunting Bobcats During Deer Season in Certain Counties and National Forests
Section 50
Pelts to Be Sealed Before Sale, Etc
Section 60
Archery Hunting with Bow and Arrow, Crossbow, or Slingbow
Section 70
[Repealed]
Chapter 80
Game: CrowRead all
Section 10
Open Season
Chapter 90
Game: DeerRead all
Section 10
Open Season; Generally
Section 20
[Repealed]
Section 21
[Repealed]
Section 22
[Repealed]
Section 23
Youth and Apprentice Hunter Deer Hunting Weekend
Section 30
[Repealed]
Section 40
[Repealed]
Section 50
[Repealed]
Section 60
[Repealed]
Section 70
Archery Hunting
Section 80
Muzzleloading Gun Hunting
Section 85
[Repealed]
Section 89
Earn a Buck
Section 90
Bag Limit, Bonus Deer Permits and Special Antlerless Provision for Youth Hunters
Section 91
General Firearms Season Either-Sex Deer Hunting Days
Section 100
[Repealed]
Section 130
[Repealed]
Section 140
[Repealed]
Section 141
[Repealed]
Section 150
[Repealed]
Section 160
[Repealed]
Section 180
[Repealed]
Section 190
[Repealed]
Section 230
[Expired]
Section 231
[Repealed]
Section 240
[Expired]
Section 241
[Repealed]
Section 250
[Repealed]
Section 260
Hunting with Dogs Prohibited in Certain Counties and Areas
Section 270
[Repealed]
Section 280
Sale of Cervid Parts and Cervid Mounts
Section 290
[Repealed]
Section 291
Enclosed or Fenced Areas That Prevent or Impede the Free Egress of Deer
Section 292
[Reserved]
Section 293
Unauthorized Cervid Parts, Excretions, and Carcass Importation, Movement, Possession, and Use
Section 294
Rehabilitation of Cervids
Section 500
Elk Hunting Outside the Elk Management Zone
Section 510
Elk Hunting within the Elk Management Zone
Section 520
Special Provisions for Hunting Elk within the Elk Management Zone
Section 530
Special Elk Hunting License, Random Drawing License Program
Section 540
Special Elk Hunting License, Landowner License Program
Section 550
Special Elk Hunting License, Conservation License Program
Chapter 100
Game: DoveRead all
Section 10
Use of Dogs for Retrieving
Chapter 105
Game: Fisher.Read all
Section 10
Closed Season; Generally.
Chapter 110
Game: FoxRead all
Part I
Hunting with Dogs Only
Section 10
Closed Season in Certain Areas
Part II
Hunting with Guns
Section 20
Hunting with Firearms;Open Season for Red Fox
Section 25
Hunting with Firearms; Open Season for Gray Fox
Section 30
Closed Season
Section 35
Bag Limit
Section 40
[Repealed]
Part III
Trapping
Section 50
Open Season
Section 60
Prohibited in Certain Counties
Section 70
Control of Rabies
Section 75
[Repealed]
Part IV
Miscellaneous
Section 80
Killing by Landowner
Section 90
Use of Dogs in Hunting Fox During Deer Season in Certain Counties and National Forests
Chapter 120
Game: GrouseRead all
Section 10
Open Season
Section 20
Bag Limit
Section 30
Continuous Closed Season
Chapter 130
Game: MinkRead all
Section 10
[Repealed]
Section 20
Open Season for Trapping; Generally
Section 30
[Repealed]
Chapter 140
Game: MuskratRead all
Section 10
[Repealed]
Section 20
Open Season for TrappingGenerally
Section 30
[Repealed]
Section 40
[Repealed]
Chapter 150
Game: Nutria [Repealed]Read all
Section 10
[Repealed]
Chapter 160
Game: OpossumRead all
Part I
Hunting
Section 10
Open Season
Section 20
[Repealed]
Section 30
[Repealed]
Part II
Trapping
Section 31
Open Season for Trapping
Section 40
[Repealed]
Chapter 170
Game: OtterRead all
Section 10
[Repealed]
Section 20
Open Season for Trapping; Season Bag Limit West of the Blue Ridge Mountains
Section 21
[Repealed]
Section 30
Pelts to Be Sealed Before Sale, Etc
Chapter 180
Game: PheasantRead all
Section 10
Open Season; Generally
Section 20
[Repealed]
Chapter 190
Game: QuailRead all
Section 10
Open Season; Generally
Section 20
[Repealed]
Section 40
Bag Limit
Section 50
[Repealed]
Section 60
Release of Pen-Raised Quail on Private Lands
Chapter 200
Game: Rabbit and HaresRead all
Section 10
Open Season; Generally
Section 15
Definitions
Section 20
Bag Limit
Section 30
Trapping with Box Traps
Section 40
[Repealed]
Section 50
Unauthorized Wild Rabbit Carcass Importation and Possession
Section 60
Disposal of Wild Rabbit Parts
Chapter 210
Game: RaccoonRead all
Part I
Chasing
Section 10
Open Season; Raccoon Chase on Areas Open to Bear Hound Training; Possession of Certain Devices Unlawful
Section 20
[Repealed]
Part II
Hunting and Trapping
Section 30
Open Season for Hunting
Section 40
[Repealed]
Section 50
[Repealed]
Section 51
Open Season for Trapping
Section 60
[Repealed]
Section 70
Bag Limit for Hunting and Trapping; Counties East of the Blue Ridge Mountains
Section 80
Bag Limit for Hunting and Trapping; Counties West of the Blue Ridge Mountains
Chapter 220
Game: SkunkRead all
Section 10
Continuous Open Season for Taking Striped Skunks
Section 20
Taking of Spotted Skunks
Chapter 230
Game: SquirrelRead all
Part I
Gray and Red Squirrel
Section 10
Applicability of Part
Section 20
Gray and Red Squirrel. Season; Generally
Section 21
Spring Season for Gray and Red Squirrel
Section 30
[Repealed]
Section 40
[Repealed]
Part II
Fox Squirrel
Section 50
Closed Season; Generally
Section 60
Fox Squirrel. Open Season; First Saturday in September Through January 31
Section 61
Spring Season for Fox Squirrel
Section 70
[Repealed]
Section 80
[Repealed]
Part III
Bag Limit
Section 90
Generally
Chapter 240
Game: TurkeyRead all
Section 10
Open Season; Generally
Section 11
[Repealed]
Section 20
Open Season; Certain Counties and Areas; Two-Week Season
Section 30
[Repealed]
Section 31
Open Season; Certain Counties and Areas; Four-Week Season
Section 32
Open Season; Certain Counties and Areas; Six Week Season
Section 40
Open Season; Spring Season for Bearded Turkeys
Section 50
Continuous Closed Season in Certain Counties, Cities and Areas
Section 51
Youth and Apprentice Hunter Fall Turkey Hunting Weekend
Section 60
Archery Hunting
Section 70
Bag Limit
Section 80
[Expired]
Section 81
[Repealed]
Section 90
[Expired]
Section 91
[Repealed]
FORMS
Forms (4VAC15-240)
Chapter 250
Game: FalconryRead all
Section 10
Falconry; Adoption of Federal Standards, Regulations, and Definitions
Section 20
Permit Conditions
Section 30
[Repealed]
Section 40
[Repealed]
Section 50
[Repealed]
Section 60
Taking of Raptors by Nonresidents
Section 70
[Repealed]
Section 80
Season for Hunting with Raptors
Section 90
Sunday Hunting
Section 100
[Repealed]
Section 110
[Repealed]
FORMS
Forms (4VAC15-250)
Chapter 260
Game: Waterfowl and Waterfowl BlindsRead all
Section 10
"Floating Blind" and "Stationary Blind" Defined
Section 20
Determining Depth of Water for Purpose of Licensing Blinds to Persons Other Than Riparian Owners
Section 30
Violation of Federal Law or Regulation Pertaining to Migratory Game Birds
Section 35
Distance from a Licensed Stationary Blind and Off-Shore Blind Stake
Section 40
[Repealed]
Section 50
Blinds in the City of Virginia Beach
Section 60
Blinds Adjacent to Chickahominy Wildlife Management Area
Section 70
Blinds on Game Farm Marsh Wildlife Management Area
Section 75
Blinds Adjacent to the Ware Creek Wildlife Management Area
Section 80
Blinds Adjacent to Ragged Island Wildlife Management Area
Section 90
Blinds and Hunting Prohibited in Sections of Accomack County
Section 100
Disturbing Waterfowl on New River within Boundaries of Radford Army Ammunition Plant
Section 110
Disturbing, Taking, Etc., Waterfowl within Mason Neck State Park
Section 115
Disturbing Waterfowl on Kittewan Creek Refuge in Charles City County
Section 116
Blinds Adjacent to Werowocomoco National Park and York River State Park
Section 120
Special Sea Duck Area
Section 130
Bonus Scaup Area
Section 140
Nontoxic Shot Requirement for Hunting of Certain Migratory Game Birds
Section 150
Great Hunting Creek and Dyke Marsh; No Hunting Area Established
Section 160
Great Hunting Creek and Dyke Marsh; Floating Blind Area
Section 170
Waterfowl Hunting on Dutch Gap Conservation Area in Chesterfield and Henrico Counties
Section 180
Tundra Swan Hunting Permit.
Chapter 270
Game: FirearmsRead all
Section 10
Size Rifles for Hunting Bear, Elk, and Deer
Section 20
Rifles Prohibited in Hunting Bear and Deer in Certain Counties and Cities
Section 30
Use of Rifles for Hunting and Killing Big Game in Dismal Swamp
Section 40
Shooting or Carrying Rifle or Pistol over Public Inland Waters
Section 50
[Repealed]
Section 60
Use of Firearms Loaded with Slugs and Discharge of Firearms Near Boardwalk or Nature Trail on Ragged Island Wildlife Management Area
Section 70
Use of Shotguns with Rifled Barrels
Section 80
Shotgun Shell Capacity for Nonmigratory Game, Crows, and Migratory Game Birds
Section 90
Model Ordinances Related to Hunting with Firearms for Counties and Cities
Section 95
Model Ordinances Related to Archery Deer Hunting
Section 96
Pneumatic Rifles Permitted for Hunting Deer; Prohibited for Hunting Bear and Elk
Chapter 275
Game: Hunter EducationRead all
Section 10
Application
Section 20
Definitions
Section 30
Provisions for Compliance and Minimum Standards for Hunter Education Course Competency
Section 40
Hunter Education Course Provider Requirements
Section 50
Hunter Education Course Availability
Section 60
Hunter Educaton Course Certificates
Section 70
Recordkeeping and Student Records
Section 80
Instructor Certification
Section 90
Virginia Hunter Education Card
Section 100
Fees
Section 110
Penalties for Violation
FORMS
Forms (4VAC15-275)
DIBR
Documents Incorporated by Reference (4VAC15-275)
Chapter 280
Game: Pelts and FursRead all
Section 10
Requirements for Legal Possession of Furs Purchased Out of State Prior to Season
Section 20
Fur Farming; Authority to Breed and Raise Fur-Bearing Animals
Section 30
Fur Farming; Records
Section 40
Fur Farming; Labeling Packages
Section 50
Fur Farming; Confinement of Animals; Inspection
Chapter 290
Game: PermitsRead all
Section 10
[Repealed]
Section 20
Collection of Specimens of Wild Birds for Scientific Purposes
Section 30
Breeding Game Birds for Propagation and Stocking; Records
Section 40
Breeding Game Birds for Propagation and Stocking; Labeling Packages
Section 50
Breeding Game Birds and Game Animals for Propagation and Stocking; Confinement; Inspection
Section 60
Holding Wild Animals for Exhibition Purposes
Section 70
Stuffing or Mounting Birds and Animals; Possession of Game Legally Taken
Section 80
Stuffing or Mounting Birds and Animals - Records; Inspections
Section 90
[Repealed]
Section 110
Breeding Pheasants; Confinement; Inspection
Section 115
Field Trials; Authorized Dates
Section 120
[Repealed]
Section 130
Duty to Comply with Permit Conditions
Section 140
Possession and Display of a Harvest Information Program Authorization to Hunt Migratory Game Birds
Section 150
(Reserved.)
Section 160
Foxhound Training Preserves.
FORMS
Forms (4VAC15-290)
Chapter 300
Game: WeaselRead all
Section 10
Open Season for Weasel
Section 20
[Repealed]
Chapter 310
Game: Woodchuck [Repealed]Read all
Section 10
[Repealed]
Chapter 320
Fish: Fishing GenerallyRead all
Section 10
Continuous Open Season for All Species Except Anadromous (Coastal) Striped Bass Above the Fall Line in Coastal Rivers of the Chesapeake Bay
Section 20
[Repealed]
Section 25
Creel and Length Limits
Section 30
[Repealed]
Section 40
Sale of Game Fish, Yellow Perch, White Perch, Gizzard Shad, Carp, Gar, and Catfish
Section 50
Fish Used As Bait Prohibited in Certain Waters
Section 60
Approval Required to Stock Fish into Inland Waters
Section 70
Use of Certain Mechanical Devices in Tail Waters of Kerr Dam
Section 80
Fishing, Collecting Bait, Etc., in Tail Waters of Leesville Dam
Section 90
Exception to Requirement of National Forest Permit
Section 100
Department-Owned or Department-Controlled Lakes, Ponds, Streams, Boat Access Sites, or Hatcheries
Section 110
[Repealed]
Section 120
Special Daily Permit for Fishing in Clinch Mountain Wildlife Management Area, Douthat State Park Lake, Crooked Creek, and Wilson Creek
Section 130
[Repealed]
Section 140
[Repealed]
Section 150
Shooting Certain Fish in Clinch River in Scott County
Section 160
Altering of Game Fish in Possession Prohibited
Section 170
Fishways
FORMS
Forms (4VAC15-320)
Chapter 330
Fish: Trout FishingRead all
Section 10
Season; General Open Season
Section 20
[Repealed]
Section 30
Creel Limit; Generally
Section 40
[Repealed]
Section 50
Size Limit
Section 60
Methods and Equipment Used in Fishing
Section 70
[Repealed]
Section 80
Fishing in Certain Waters After Obtaining Creel Limit of Trout Prohibited
Section 90
Feeding or Baiting Trout Prohibited in Designated Stocked Trout Waters
Section 100
"Artificial Lure" Defined
Section 110
[Repealed]
Section 120
Special Provisions Applicable to Certain Portions of Buffalo Creek, Dan River, Pound River, Roaring Run, and South Fork Holston River
Section 130
Special Provision Applicable to Certain Portions of Mossy Creek and South River
Section 140
Special Provision Applicable to Certain Portions of Big Wilson Creek, Cabin Creek, Conway River, Little Stony Creek, Little Wilson Creek, Mill Creek..
Section 150
Special Provision Applicable to Trout Fishing Using Artificial Lures with Single Hook
Section 160
Special Provisions Applicable to Certain Portions of Accotink Creek, Back Creek, Big Moccasin Creek, Chestnut Creek, Hardy Creek, Holliday Creek, Holmes Run, Indian Creek, North River, Passage Creek, Pedlar River, Piney River, North Fork of Pound and Pound Rivers, Middle Fork of Powell River, and Roanoke River
Section 170
[Repealed]
Section 171
Special Provisions Applicable to Certain Portions of Jackson River
Section 175
Special Provisions Applicable to Certain Portions of Smith River.
Section 180
Bills of Sale for Trout Creeled in Commercially Operated Fishing Ponds
Section 190
Trout Artificially Raised for Sale
Section 200
Special Provisions Applicable to Urban Fishing Program Waters
Section 210
Special Provisions Applicable to Youth-Only Stocked Trout Waters
Chapter 340
Fish: Seines and NetsRead all
Section 10
Haul Seines to Take Fish for Sale
Section 20
Haul Seines to Take Fish for Personal Use
Section 30
Gill Nets
Section 40
Dip Nets; Generally
Section 50
Dip Nets; Hedging Prohibited
Section 60
Seines, Traps, and Nets Prohibited in Certain Areas
Section 70
Eel Pots for Taking American Eels for Personal Use
Section 80
Eel Pots for Taking American Eels for Sale
FORMS
Forms (4VAC15-340)
Chapter 350
Fish: Gigs, Grab Hooks, Trotlines, Snares, EtcRead all
Section 10
Gigs, Grab Hooks, Etc.; Generally
Section 20
Gigs, Grab Hooks, Etc.; Certain Counties East of the Blue Ridge Mountains
Section 30
Gigs, Grab Hooks, Etc.; Certain Counties West of the Blue Ridge Mountains
Section 40
Fish: Gigs, Grab Hooks, Etc.; Wolf and Big Walker's Creeks in Giles County
Section 50
Gigs, Grab Hooks, Etc.; Walker's Creek, Wolf Creek and North Fork of Holston River in Bland County
Section 60
Trotlines, Juglines, Limblines, or Set Poles
Section 70
Taking of Fish with Bow and Arrow or Crossbow
Section 80
[Repealed]
Chapter 360
Fish: Aquatic Invertebrates, Amphibians, Reptiles, and Nongame FishRead all
Section 10
Taking Aquatic Invertebrates, Amphibians, Reptiles, and Nongame Fish for Private Use
Section 20
Taking Minnows and Chubs for Sale
Section 30
Taking of Snapping Turtles, Crayfish and Hellgrammites for Sale
Section 40
Releasing Game Fish from Nets, Traps, Etc
Section 50
Propagation and Sale of Certain Amphibians and Reptiles
Section 60
Prohibit the Sale of Salamander and Madtom Species
Section 70
Prohibit the Sale of Crayfish Species
FORMS
Forms (4VAC15-360)
Chapter 370
Watercraft: in GeneralRead all
Section 10
[Repealed]
Section 20
Lifesaving Devices for Passengers of Boats Other Than Motorboats Regularly Offered for Rent
Section 30
[Repealed]
Section 40
Vessels Prohibited within Certain Areas Below John H. Kerr Dam and Leesville Dam
Section 45
Invasive Species Prevention
Section 50
Regulatory Markers and Aids to Navigation
Section 51
Regulatory Markers and Aids to Navigation Maintenance
Section 60
Throughway Channel in Waters of Virginia Beach
Section 70
Watercraft and Motor Identification Numbers
Section 80
Penalties
Chapter 380
Watercraft: Motorboat NumberingRead all
Section 10
[Repealed]
Section 30
Numbering Pattern
Section 40
Display of Numbers
Section 50
Report of Change of Status of Watercraft or Owner
Section 60
[Repealed]
Section 70
When Invalid; Removal of Numbers and Surrender of Certificate of Number and Certificate of Title
Section 71
Registration Decals Issued to Documented Vessels; Exception to Display of Numbers
Section 80
Effective Date of Cancellation
Section 90
Inspection of Watercraft
Section 100
Fees for More Than 10 Watercraft Registrations
Section 110
Lifeboats and Tender Vessels Defined
Section 120
Certificate of Registration and Titling Fees
Section 130
Penalties
FORMS
Forms (4VAC15-380)
Chapter 390
Watercraft: Safe and Reasonable Operation of VesselsRead all
Section 10
Applicability
Section 11
[Repealed]
Section 20
[Repealed]
Section 30
[Repealed]
Section 40
[Repealed]
Section 50
[Repealed]
Section 60
[Repealed]
Section 70
[Repealed]
Section 80
Duty to Slacken Speed to Avoid Damage by Motorboat's Wake
Section 85
Operators to Give Right-of-Way and Reduce Speed
Section 90
[Repealed]
Section 100
[Repealed]
Section 110
[Repealed]
Section 120
[Repealed]
Section 130
[Repealed]
Section 140
Riding on Decks and Gunwales
Section 150
Safe Speed
Section 160
Penalties
Chapter 400
Watercraft: Accident and Casualty ReportingRead all
Section 10
Applicability
Section 20
Immediate Notification of Reportable Accident
Section 30
Written Casualty or Accident Reports Required; Time for Making
Section 40
Form and Contents of Written Reports
Section 50
Penalties
FORMS
Forms (4VAC15-400)
Chapter 410
Watercraft: Boating Safety EducationRead all
Section 10
Application
Section 20
Definitions
Section 30
Compliance Schedule and Phase-In Provisions
Section 40
Provisions for Compliance and Minimum Standards for Boating Safety Education Course Competency
Section 50
Boating Safety Education Course Provider Requirements
Section 60
Boating Safety Education Course Availability
Section 70
Boating Safety Education Course Certificates
Section 80
Recordkeeping and Student Records
Section 90
Instructor Certification
Section 100
Provisions for Open-Book Tests for Classroom Courses
Section 110
Equivalency Exam Criteria
Section 120
Requirements for Motorboat Rental and Leasing Businesses and the Dockside Safety Checklist Program
Section 130
Temporary Operator's Certificate
Section 140
Virginia Boater Education Cards
Section 150
Fees
Section 160
Penalties for Violation
FORMS
Forms (4VAC15-410)
DIBR
Documents Incorporated by Reference (4VAC15-410)
Chapter 420
Watercraft: Navigation Lights and ShapesRead all
Section 10
Application
Section 20
[Repealed]
Section 30
[Repealed]
Section 40
[Repealed]
Section 50
[Repealed]
Section 60
[Repealed]
Section 70
[Repealed]
Section 80
[Repealed]
Section 90
[Repealed]
Section 100
[Repealed]
Section 110
[Repealed]
Section 120
Penalties
Chapter 430
Watercraft: Safety Equipment RequirementsRead all
Section 10
Application
Section 20
Definitions
Section 30
Personal Flotation Devices Required
Section 40
Personal Flotation Device Exemptions
Section 50
Personal Flotation Device Stowage
Section 60
Personal Flotation Device Condition; Size and Fit; Approval Marking
Section 70
Personal Flotation Device Serviceable Condition
Section 80
Visual Distress Signals Required
Section 90
Visual Distress Signal Launcher
Section 100
Visual Distress Signal Exceptions
Section 110
Visual Distress Signal Stowage, Serviceability, Marking
Section 120
Visual Distress Signals Accepted
Section 130
Visual Distress Signals; Existing Equipment
Section 140
Visual Distress Signals; Prohibited Use
Section 150
Ventilation
Section 160
Fire Extinguishing Equipment Application and General Provisions
Section 170
Hand-Portable Fire Extinguishers and Semiportable Fire Extinguishing Systems
Section 180
Fixed Fire Extinguishing Systems
Section 190
Fire Extinguishing Equipment Required
Section 200
Condition and Number of Fire Extinguishers Required for Recreational Vessels
Section 210
Backfire Flame Control
Section 220
Penalties
Chapter 440
Watercraft: Commercial Vessel Safety Equipment RequirementsRead all
Section 10
Application and Definitions
Section 20
Lifesaving Equipment Required
Section 30
Lifesaving Equipment Marking, Storage and Condition
Section 40
Personal Flotation Device Lights
Section 50
Personal Flotation Device Retroreflective Material
Section 60
Penalties
Chapter 450
Watercraft: Commercial Parasail OperationsRead all
Section 10
Application
Section 20
Definitions
Section 30
Commercial Parasailing Activities
Section 40
Penalties

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