Title of Regulation: 4VAC15-260. Game: Waterfowl and Waterfowl Blinds (adding 4VAC15-260-75).

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

Public Hearing Information:

August 18, 2016 - 9 a.m. - Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, 7870 Villa Park Drive, Suite 400, Henrico, VA 23228

Public Comment Deadline: August 6, 2016.

Agency Contact: Phil Smith, Regulatory Coordinator, Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, 7870 Villa Park Drive, Suite 400, Henrico, VA 23228, telephone (804) 367-8341, or email phil.smith@dgif.virginia.gov.

Summary:

The proposed amendments (i) prohibit the licensing of nonriparian stationary waterfowl blinds adjacent to the Ware Creek Wildlife Management Area in New Kent County and (ii) enable the department to designate the locations where and the times when waterfowl hunting will be allowed within 500 yards of the wildlife management area.

4VAC15-260-75. Blinds adjacent to the Ware Creek Wildlife Management Area.

Except for blinds built or maintained by the department, no stationary waterfowl blinds shall be licensed on the public waters of Philbates and Ware Creeks, or on the York River within 1000 yards of the Ware Creek Wildlife Management Area, in New Kent County. Waterfowl hunting within 500 yards of the wildlife management area property will be permitted only at locations and during times designated by the department. However, this section shall not abridge the privileges prescribed for landowners and their lessees and permittees in §§ 29.1-344 and 29.1-347 of the Code of Virginia.