Public Comment Period: April 9 – May 9, 2025
On March 20, 2025, the Virginia Board of Wildlife Resources, pursuant to §§ 29.1-103, 29.1-501, and 29.1-502 of the Code of Virginia, proposed amendments to the Commonwealth’s regulations governing wildlife and boating. Comments on the proposals are solicited during a public comment period that closes May 9, 2025. This online comment system is the most efficient and effective way to submit your views and have them seen the fastest.
Comments also may be: made during the May 22, 2025 meeting of the Board; postal-mailed to the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, Attn: Policy Analyst and Regulatory Coordinator, P.O. Box 90778, Henrico, Virginia 23228; or emailed to [email protected]. Comments must be in writing and accompanied by the name, address and telephone number of the party offering them. Comments submitted other than at the May 22, 2025 Board meeting must be received no later than May 9, 2025.
After hearing public comment on the proposed amendments at the May 22, 2025 Board meeting, the Board anticipates adopting final regulation amendments that will be effective on August 1, 2025.
Provide your information to comment »
Deer & Elk Regulations | |
| VAC | Title |
|---|---|
| 4VAC15-90-10 | Game: Deer. Open season; generally. |
| 4VAC15-90-70 | Game: Deer. Archery hunting. |
| 4VAC15-90-80 | Game: Deer. Muzzleloading gun hunting. |
| 4VAC15-90-89 | Game: Deer. Earn a buck. |
| 4VAC15-90-91 | Game: Deer. General firearms season either-sex deer hunting days. |
| 4VAC15-90-530 | Game: Deer. Special elk hunting license, random drawing license program. |
| 4VAC15-90-540 | Game: Deer. Special elk hunting license, Landowner License Program. |
| 4VAC15-90-550 | Game: Deer. Special elk hunting license, Conservation License Program. |
Bear Regulations | |
| VAC | Title |
| 4VAC15-50-11 | Game: Bear. Open season; generally. |
| 4VAC15-50-70 | Game: Bear. Archery hunting. |
| 4VAC15-50-71 | Game: Bear. Muzzleloading gun hunting. |
| 4VAC15-50-120 | Game: Bear. Bear hound training season. |
General Regulations | |
| VAC | Title |
| 4VAC15-20-50 | Definitions and Miscellaneous: In General. Definitions; "wild animal," "native animal," "naturalized animal," "nonnative (exotic) animal," and "domestic animal". |
| 4VAC15-20-65 | Definitions and Miscellaneous: In General. Hunting, trapping, and fishing license and permit fees. |
| 4VAC15-20-130 | Definitions and Miscellaneous: In General. Endangered and threatened species; adoption of federal list; additional species enumerated. |
| 4VAC15-20-155 | Definitions and Miscellaneous: In General. Camping on Wildlife Management Areas and other department-owned or department-managed lands. |
| 4VAC15-30-40 | Definitions and Miscellaneous: Importation, Possession, Sale, etc., of Animals. Importation requirements, possession, and sale of nonnative (exotic) animals. |
| 4VAC15-40-282 | Game: In General. Unauthorized feeding of bear. |
| 4VAC15-40-310 | Game: In General. Dispatch of game or furbearers by authorized persons. (NEW) |
Furbearer & Waterfowl Blind Regulations | |
| VAC | Title |
| 4VAC15-160-31 | Game: Opossum. Open season for trapping. |
| 4VAC15-210-51 | Game: Raccoon. Open season for trapping. |
| 4VAC15-170-30 | Game: Otter. Pelts to be sealed before sale, etc. |
| 4VAC15-260-50 | Game: Waterfowl Blinds. Blinds in the City of Virginia Beach. |
Firearms Regulations | |
| VAC | Title |
| 4VAC15-40-60 | Game: In General. Hunting with dogs or possession of weapons in certain locations during closed season. |
| 4VAC15-40-61 | Game: In General. Hunting and trapping on National Forest, state forest, and department-owned or managed lands. |
| 4VAC15-40-62 | Game: In General. Shooting ranges on department-owned and managed lands. (NEW) |
| 4VAC15-40-70 | Game: In General. Open dog training season. |
| 4VAC15-210-10 | Game: Raccoon. Open season; raccoon chase on areas open to bear hound training; possession of certain devices unlawful. |
| 4VAC15-70-60 | Game: Bobcat. Archery hunting with bow and arrow, crossbow, or slingbow. |
| 4VAC15-240-60 | Game: Turkey. Archery Hunting. |
General Regulations | |
| VAC | Title |
| 4VAC15-20-120 | Definitions and Miscellaneous: In General. Appointment of new consignment agents for sale of hunting and fishing licenses. |
Boating Regulations | |
| VAC | Title |
| 4VAC15-410-30 | Watercraft: Boating Safety Education. Compliance schedule and phase-in provisions. |
| 4VAC15-410-40 | Watercraft: Boating Safety Education. Provisions for compliance and minimum standards for boating safety education course competency. |
| 4VAC15-410-50 | Watercraft: Boating Safety Education. Boating safety education course provider requirements. |
| 4VAC15-410-70 | Watercraft: Boating Safety Education. Boating safety education course certificates, record keeping, and student records. |
| 4VAC15-410-80 | Watercraft: Boating Safety Education. Recordkeeping and student records. |
| 4VAC15-410-90 | Watercraft: Boating Safety Education. Instructor certification. |
| 4VAC15-410-100 | Watercraft: Boating Safety Education. Provisions for open-book tests for classroom courses. |
| 4VAC15-410-110 | Watercraft: Boating Safety Education. Equivalency exam criteria. |
| 4VAC15-410-130 | Watercraft: Boating Safety Education. Temporary operator's certificate. |
| 4VAC15-410-140 | Watercraft: Boating Safety Education. Virginia Boater Education Cards. |
| 4VAC15-430-60 | Watercraft: Safety Equipment Requirements. Personal flotation device condition; size and fit; approval marking. |
| 4VAC15-430-150 | Watercraft: Safety Equipment Requirements. Ventilation. |
| 4VAC15-430-170 | Watercraft: Safety Equipment Requirements. Hand-portable fire extinguishers and semiportable fire extinguishing systems. |
| 4VAC15-430-210 | Watercraft: Safety Equipment Requirements. Backfire flame control. |