What other licenses are required when licensing a stationary blind?

Any person applying to license a stationary blind in the public waters must also have a season license to hunt, a state Migratory Waterfowl Conservation Stamp (unless license exempt), and a Federal Duck Stamp.

Am I required to provide GPS coordinates for the location of my stationary blind?

Yes, legislation introduced in 2013 made it a requirement that latitude and longitude coordinates of the stationary blind must be provided when purchasing the license.

Why did you move all blind license sales to an automated, electronic system (point of sale)?

We moved blind license sales to point of sale as a convenience to the blind applicant. You will no longer have to travel to an agent in the county where the blind will be located as you had to in the past. You can now purchase your blind license at any point of sale license agent or you can purchase it online at the DWR website. If you purchase your license online, you will be able to view and print the license once the sale is complete, and the license will also be emailed to you.

How long will it take to receive my decal?

A decal will be sent within 5 to 7 business days after you complete your transaction.

Will I have time to put the decal on my blind?

There is a 15-day window between each purchase period. You should purchase your blind license as early in the allowed time period as you can to ensure that you have time to affix it to your blind.

I will need several new plates; how will these be mailed to me? Aren’t they heavy?

We now provide thin aluminum plates that will fit in an envelope and can be mailed easily.

What is the difference between riparian and non-riparian blinds?

Riparian blind owners are licensing blinds on the shores of properties they own, lease, or have permission to use. This privilege extends out to 8 feet of depth at mean low water or halfway across the water body, except on the shores and waters of Back Bay in the City of Virginia Beach where such blinds are limited to (i) the riparian’s shoreline at the mean low water or (ii) blinds erected and licensed by the riparian owner in 2011. Non-riparian owners can license blinds in public waters in which a riparian blind has not been licensed.

Were the dates changed for the sale of all stationary blind licenses?

No. A bill was introduced and approved in the 2013 General Assembly that changed only the dates when riparian landowners, or their lessees or permittees, can purchase stationary blind licenses. The dates for the purchase of non-riparian licenses have remained the same since 2010.

Has there been a change in the date when blinds must be erected?

No. For all stationary blinds, if a stake has been erected on the site of a stationary blind, such stake must be replaced by a blind by November 1. Such stationary blinds shall be for the purpose of hunting and shooting waterfowl and conform to the standards prescribed in Code of Virginia § 29.1-341.

Can a person buy a stationary blind license and not use the license or build the blind, just post the plate/sticker to keep people off their property or from hunting too close?

There has been no change in the purpose of a stationary blind. For all stationary blinds, if a stake has been erected on the site of a stationary blind, such stake must be replaced by a blind by November 1. Such stationary blinds shall be for the purpose of hunting and shooting waterfowl and conform to the standards prescribed in Virginia Code § 29.1-341. Code § 29.1-341 states 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.