Title of Regulation: 4VAC15-290. Game: Permits (amending 4VAC15-290-140).

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

Public Hearing Information:

May 24, 2017 - 9 a.m. - Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, 7870 Villa Park Drive, Suite 400, Henrico, VA 23228

Public Comment Deadline: May 10, 2017.

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 require all hunters of migratory game birds, including those who are exempt from being licensed, to possess Harvest Information Program (HIP) authorization.

4VAC15-290-140. Possession and display of a harvest information program registration number authorization to hunt migratory game birds.

Every person required to obtain a harvest information program registration number to hunt, whether licensed or exempt from being licensed, (i) must be registered with the Virginia Harvest Information Program (HIP) to hunt migratory game birds, including waterfowl, doves, woodcock, snipe, rails, gallinules, moorhens, and coots; (ii) must carry the registration number HIP authorization on his person when hunting; and (iii) shall present it immediately upon demand of any officer whose duty it is to enforce the game and inland fish laws. The penalty for violation of this section is prescribed by § 29.1-505 of the Code of Virginia.