TITLE 4. CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES

BOARD OF WILDLIFE RESOURCES

Proposed Regulation

Title of Regulation: 4VAC15-210. Game: Raccoon (amending 4VAC15-210-10, 4VAC15-210-51).

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

Public Comment Deadline: June 3, 2025.

Agency Contact: Aaron Proctor, Policy Manager, Department of Wildlife Resources, 7870 Villa Park Drive, Suite 400, Henrico, VA 23228, telephone (804) 801-8199, or email aaron.proctor@dwr.virginia.gov.

Summary:

The proposed amendments (i) clarify language regarding the possession of a firearm and other weapons while engaging in the act of chasing a raccoon and (ii) add private lands where permission to trap has been granted by the landowner to the list of areas where there is a continuous open trapping season for raccoon.

4VAC15-210-10. Open season; raccoon chase on areas open to bear hound training; possession of certain devices unlawful.

A. Except as otherwise specifically provided in the sections appearing in this chapter, there shall be a continuous open season for chasing raccoon with dogs, without capturing or taking, except on department-controlled lands west of the Blue Ridge Mountains and on national forest lands.

B. It shall be lawful to chase raccoon with dogs, without capturing or taking, on department-controlled lands west of the Blue Ridge Mountains and on national forest lands where bear hound training is permitted during the season dates specified in 4VAC15-50-120.

C. It shall be unlawful to have in possession use for the purpose of chasing or taking a raccoon a firearm, bow, or crossbow, or to have in possession an 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.

4VAC15-210-51. Open season for trapping.

It shall be lawful to trap raccoon from November 15 through the last day of February, both dates inclusive, except that there shall be a continuous open season to trap raccoon within the incorporated limits of any city or town in the Commonwealth and; in the counties Counties of Arlington, Chesterfield, Fairfax, Henrico, James City, Loudoun, Prince William, Spotsylvania, Stafford, Roanoke and York; and on private lands throughout the Commonwealth with permission of the landowner.