Title of Regulation: 4VAC15-170. Game: Otter (amending 4VAC15-170-20; repealing 4VAC15-170-21).

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

Public Hearing Information:

May 3, 2011 - 9 a.m. - Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, 4000 West Broad Street, Richmond, VA

Public Comment Deadline: April 15, 2011.

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 will eliminate the mandatory carcass submission requirement for otters trapped west of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

4VAC15-170-20. Open season for trapping in counties east of Blue Ridge Mountains; generally; season bag limit west of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

A. It shall be lawful to trap otter in all counties east of the Blue Ridge Mountains from December 1 through the last day of February, both dates inclusive.

B. The season bag limit for trapping otter shall be two per trapper in counties west of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

4VAC15-170-21. Open season for trapping in counties west of the Blue Ridge Mountains; carcass presented to department agent; season bag limit. (Repealed.)

A. It shall be lawful to trap otter in all counties west of the Blue Ridge Mountains from December 1 through the last day of February, both dates inclusive.

B. The entire skinned carcass of all otters trapped in counties west of the Blue Ridge Mountains must be presented to an agent of the department within three days of capture.

C. The season bag limit for trapping otter shall be two per trapper in counties west of the Blue Ridge Mountains.