Title of Regulation: 4VAC15-210. Game: Raccoon (amending 4VAC15-210-20).

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

Public Hearing Information:

June 2, 2009 - 9 a.m. - Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, 4000 West Broad Street, Richmond, VA

Public Comments: Public comments may be submitted until 5 p.m. on May 11, 2009.

Agency Contact: Phil Smith, Regulatory Coordinator, Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, 4016 West Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23230, telephone (804) 367-8341 or email phil.smith@dgif.virginia.gov.

Summary:

The proposed amendments (i) allow raccoon chase, without capturing or taking, on national forest and department-controlled lands in the counties of Bland, Buchanan, Craig, Dickenson, Giles, Lee, Montgomery north of I-81, Pulaski north of I-81, Russell, Scott, Smyth north of I-81, Tazewell, Washington north of I-81, Wise, and Wythe north of I-81, from the second Saturday in August through the last Saturday in September and (ii) add crossbow to the list of weapons and items that one may not have in possession during raccoon chase without capturing or taking.

4VAC15-210-20. Open season; counties west of Route 29; possession of certain devices unlawful.

A. It shall be lawful to chase raccoon with dogs, without capturing or taking, on private lands in all counties and portions of counties west of Route 29 and in the counties of Loudoun (west of Route 15); Prince William (west of Route 15); and on Fairystone Farms, G. Richard Thompson, Rapidan, and Turkeycock Wildlife Management Areas from August 1 through May 31, both dates inclusive. It shall be unlawful to have in possession a firearm, bow, axe, saw, or any tree climbing device while hunting during this chase season. The meaning of "possession" for the purpose of this section shall include, but not be limited to, having these devices in or on one's person, vehicle or conveyance while engaged in the act of chasing.

B. It shall be lawful to chase raccoon with dogs, without capturing or taking, on national forest and department-controlled lands in the counties of Bland, Buchanan, Craig, Dickenson, Giles, Lee, Montgomery (north of Interstate 81), Pulaski (north of Interstate 81), Russell, Scott, Smyth (north of Interstate 81), Tazewell, Washington (north of Interstate 81), Wise, and Wythe (north of Interstate 81) from the second Saturday in August through the last Saturday in September.

C. It shall be unlawful to have in possession a firearm, bow, crossbow, axe, saw, or any tree climbing device while hunting during this chase season. The meaning of "possession" for the purpose of this section shall include, but not be limited to, having these devices in or on one's person, vehicle, or conveyance while engaged in the act of chasing.