4VAC15-40-61. Game: In General. Hunting and trapping on National Forest, state forest, and department-owned or managed lands.
Summary
The proposal is to (i) establish a regulation outlining the period during which hunting and trapping may occur on national forest and department-owned and managed lands that maintains the current timeframe for hunting and trapping on these lands, and (ii) include state forest lands in this regulation as these lands are managed similar to National Forest and department-owned and managed lands.
Proposed Language
Note: In the “Proposed Language” document, underlined text denotes proposed new language, while text with a strikethrough denotes language that is proposed to be deleted.
Rationale
- While 4VAC15-40-60 is proposed for repeal because much of the language of the regulation is not consistent with an individual’s Second Amendment right, one aspect of that regulation which should be retained is a provision outlining the times when hunting and trapping, including hunting with dogs, can occur on National Forest and department-owned and managed lands. This proposal ensures that opportunities to hunt and trap on these lands remain consistent with current practices and ensures consistency with an individual’s right under the Second Amendment in conjunction with use of national forest and department-owned lands.
- The State Forests are managed for multiple resources and provide many user groups outdoor opportunities other than hunting. The management on the State Forests are similar to those of the Department lands and the National Forests. Adding State Forests to the regulations where Department Lands and National Forests impose seasonal limits, would encompass those public lands which are operated in a like manner.