Title of Regulation: 4VAC15-270. Game: Firearms (adding 4VAC15-270-95).

Statutory Authority: §§ 29.1-103, 29.1-501, 29.1-502, and 29.1-528.1 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 establish model local government ordinances for governance of archery deer hunting, as mandated by § 29.1-528.1 of the Code of Virginia.

4VAC15-270-95. Model ordinances related to archery deer hunting.

Pursuant to § 29.1-528.1 A of the Code of Virginia, the following model ordinances related to hunting deer with bow and arrow (including crossbows) may be adopted by those counties and cities where there is an overabundance of the deer population, which is creating conflicts between humans and deer, including safety hazards to motorists. In accordance with § 29.1-528.1 B of the Code of Virginia, no such ordinance shall be enforceable unless the governing body of the locality notifies the director by registered mail prior to May 1 of the year in which the ordinance is to take effect.

Model Ordinance 1:

The times at which hunting shall commence and end each day shall be in accordance with the provisions of § 29.1-520 of the Code of Virginia.

Model Ordinance 2:

The number of deer that can be taken shall be in accordance with bag limits established by the Board of Game and Inland Fisheries pursuant to §§ 29.1-501 and 29.1-502 of the Code of Virginia.

Model Ordinance 3:

No person shall discharge a bow and arrow from, over, or across any street, sidewalk, alley, roadway, or toward any building or dwelling in such a manner that an arrow may strike it. Any person who violates the provisions of this ordinance shall be guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor.

Model Ordinance 4:

It shall be unlawful to discharge a bow and arrow in a manner that can be reasonably expected to result in the impact of the arrow upon the property of another without permission from the owner or tenant of such property. Any person who violates the provisions of this ordinance shall be guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor.