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Administrative Code

Virginia Administrative Code
11/21/2024

Chapter 250. Game: Falconry

4VAC15-250-10. Falconry; adoption of federal standards, regulations, and definitions.

As used in this chapter:

"Raptor" means any bird of the order Falconiformes or the order Strigiformes, including hybrids thereof.

The board hereby adopts the federal definitions, regulations, and standards pertaining to falconry as contained in 50 CFR 21.3 (definitions; effective July 8, 1983, and as amended June 17, 1999; August 10, 2006; February 28, 2007; August 20, 2007; October 8, 2008; and January 7, 2010) and 50 CFR 21.29 (falconry standards and falconry permitting; effective October 8, 2008, and as amended December 8, 2009; January 7, 2010; and January 21, 2010). Pursuant to § 29.1-103.12 of the Code of Virginia, the director of the department is hereby delegated authority to propose adoption of modifications and amendments to these federal definitions, regulations, and standards in accordance with the procedures of §§ 29.1-501 and 29.1-502 of the Code of Virginia.

Statutory Authority

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

Historical Notes

Derived from VR325-02-23 § 1, eff. July 1, 1985; amended, Virginia Register Volume 27, Issue 10, eff. January 1, 2011.

4VAC15-250-20. Permit conditions.

A. An applicant for a permit to practice falconry pursuant to § 29.1-419 of the Code of Virginia shall submit to the department a completed application form, provided by the department and approved by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, including all required information indicated on such form.

B. A permit shall not be issued before applicant has answered correctly at least 80% of the questions on a supervised examination provided by the department and approved by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.

C. A permit shall not be issued or renewed unless applicant has adequate facilities and equipment, which shall have been inspected and certified by a representative of the department as meeting federal standards set forth in 50 CFR 21.29.

D. A person who is a nonresident of the Commonwealth may engage in falconry in Virginia provided he possesses a valid Virginia nonresident hunting license and satisfactory evidence that such person legally possesses the raptor and a valid falconry permit issued by his state, tribe, or territory of residence. Such practitioners must nonetheless comply with all applicable hunting and falconry regulations and conditions of Virginia's Falconry Permit.

Statutory Authority

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

Historical Notes

Derived from VR325-02-23 § 1, eff. July 1, 1985; amended, Virginia Register Volume 27, Issue 10, eff. January 1, 2011.

4VAC15-250-30. (Repealed.)

Historical Notes

Derived from VR325-02-23 § 3, eff. July 1, 1985; amended, Virginia Register Volume 17, Issue 6, eff. January 1, 2001; repealed, Virginia Register Volume 27, Issue 10, eff. January 1, 2011.

4VAC15-250-40. (Repealed.)

Historical Notes

Derived from VR325-02-23 § 4, eff. October 1, 1976; repealed, Virginia Register Volume 27, Issue 10, eff. January 1, 2011.

4VAC15-250-50. (Repealed.)

Historical Notes

Derived from VR325-02-23 § 5, eff. July 1, 1985; amended, Virginia Register Volume 13, Issue 18, eff. July 1, 1997; repealed Virginia Register Volume 27, Issue 10, eff. January 1, 2011.

4VAC15-250-60. Taking of raptors by nonresidents.

A permit may be issued to a nonresident general or master falconer for the purpose of taking a raptor in Virginia, provided that his resident state, tribe, or territory issues nonresident falconry permits or licenses, or otherwise provides for the taking of raptors by nonresidents. A nonresident applicant shall submit a copy of his valid falconry permit and a copy of his valid import permit from his resident state, tribe, or territory.

Statutory Authority

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

Historical Notes

Derived from VR325-02-23 § 1, eff. July 1, 1985; amended, Virginia Register Volume 27, Issue 10, eff. January 1, 2011.

4VAC15-250-70. (Repealed.)

Historical Notes

Derived from VR325-02-23 § 7, eff. October 1, 1976; amended, Virginia Register Volume 13, Issue 18, eff. July 1, 1997; repealed, Virginia Register Volume 27, Issue 10, eff. January 1, 2011.

4VAC15-250-80. Season for hunting with raptors.

It shall be lawful to hunt nonmigratory game birds and game animals with raptors from October 1 through March 31, both dates inclusive.

Statutory Authority

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

Historical Notes

Derived from VR325-02-23 § 1, eff. July 1, 1985; amended, Virginia Register Volume 27, Issue 10, eff. January 1, 2011.

4VAC15-250-90. Sunday hunting.

It shall be lawful to hunt nonmigratory game birds and game animals with raptors on Sunday.

Statutory Authority

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

Historical Notes

Derived from VR325-02-23 § 9, eff. July 1, 1985.

4VAC15-250-100. (Repealed.)

Historical Notes

Derived from VR325-02-23 § 10, eff. July 1, 1985; repealed, Virginia Register Volume 27, Issue 10, eff. January 1, 2011.

4VAC15-250-110. (Repealed.)

Historical Notes

Derived from VR325-02-23 § 11, eff. October 1, 1976; amended, Virginia Register Volume 13, Issue 18, eff. July 1, 1997; repealed, Virginia Register Volume 27, Issue 10, eff. January 1, 2011.

Forms (4VAC15-250)

Falconry Permit Application.

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