TITLE 4. CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES
REGISTRAR'S NOTICE: The Board of Game and Inland Fisheries is claiming an exemption from the Administrative Process Act pursuant to § 2.2-4002 A 3 of the Code of Virginia when promulgating regulations regarding the management of wildlife.
Title of Regulation: 4VAC15-90. Game: Deer (amending 4VAC15-90-10, 4VAC15-90-70, 4VAC15-90-80, 4VAC15-90-89, 4VAC15-90-90, 4VAC15-90-91, 4VAC15-90-293).
Statutory Authority: §§ 29.1-103 and 29.1-501 of the Code of Virginia.
Effective Date: August 1, 2019.
Agency Contact: Aaron Proctor, Regulations Coordinator, Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, 7870 Villa Park Drive, Suite 400, Henrico, VA 23228, telephone (804) 367-8341, or email aaron.proctor@dgif.virginia.gov.
Summary:
The amendments (i) adjust deer bag limits in localities across the Commonwealth and (ii) clarify prohibitions on feeding cervids and transporting cervid parts.
4VAC15-90-10. Open season; generally.
A. It shall be lawful to hunt deer in the following localities, including the cities and towns therein, during the following seasons, all dates inclusive.
Locality | Season |
Accomack County | Saturday prior to the third Monday in November through the first Saturday in January |
Albemarle County | Saturday prior to the third Monday in November through the first Saturday in January |
Alleghany County | Saturday prior to the third Monday in November and for 14 consecutive days following |
Amelia County | Saturday prior to the third Monday in November through the first Saturday in January |
Amherst County (west of Business U.S. 29 from the James River to its intersection with U.S. 29 just south of the Town of Amherst continuing north on U.S. 29 to the TyeRiver)River, except on national forest lands) | Saturday prior to the third Monday in November and for1428 consecutive days following |
Amherst County (national forest lands) | Saturday prior to the third Monday in November and for 14 consecutive days following |
Amherst County (east of Business U.S. 29, as defined above) | Saturday prior to the third Monday in November through the first Saturday in January |
Appomattox County | Saturday prior to the third Monday in November through the first Saturday in January |
Arlington County | Saturday prior to the third Monday in November through the first Saturday in January |
Arlington County (antlerless deer only) | First Saturday in September through the Friday prior to the first Saturday in October and the Sunday following the first Saturday in January through the last Sunday in March |
Augusta County | Saturday prior to the third Monday in November and for 14 consecutive days following |
Bath County | Saturday prior to the third Monday in November and for 14 consecutive days following |
Bedford County(except on national forest lands) | Saturday prior to the third Monday in November and for1428 consecutive days following |
Bedford County (national forest lands) | Saturday prior to the third Monday in November and for 14 consecutive days following |
Bland County | Saturday prior to the third Monday in November and for 14 consecutive days following |
Botetourt County | Saturday prior to the third Monday in November and for 14 consecutive days following |
Brunswick County | Saturday prior to the third Monday in November through the first Saturday in January |
Buchanan County | Saturday prior to the third Monday in November and for 14 consecutive days following |
Buckingham County | Saturday prior to the third Monday in November through the first Saturday in January |
Campbell County | Saturday prior to the third Monday in November through the first Saturday in January |
Caroline County | Saturday prior to the third Monday in November through the first Saturday in January |
Carroll County | Saturday prior to the third Monday in November and for 14 consecutive days following |
Charles City County | Saturday prior to the third Monday in November through the first Saturday in January |
Charlotte County | Saturday prior to the third Monday in November through the first Saturday in January |
Chesapeake (City of) | October 1 through November 30 |
Chesterfield County | Saturday prior to the third Monday in November through the first Saturday in January |
Clarke County | Saturday prior to the third Monday in November through the first Saturday in January |
Craig County | Saturday prior to the third Monday in November and for 14 consecutive days following |
Culpeper County (except Chester F. Phelps Wildlife Management Area) | Saturday prior to the third Monday in November through the first Saturday in January |
Culpeper County (Chester F. Phelps Wildlife Management Area) | Saturday prior to the third Monday in November and for 14 consecutive days following |
Cumberland County | Saturday prior to the third Monday in November through the first Saturday in January |
Dickenson County | Saturday prior to the third Monday in November and for 14 consecutive days following |
Dinwiddie County | Saturday prior to the third Monday in November through the first Saturday in January |
Essex County | Saturday prior to the third Monday in November through the first Saturday in January |
Fairfax County | Saturday prior to the third Monday in November through the first Saturday in January |
Fairfax County (antlerless deer only) | First Saturday in September through the Friday prior to the first Saturday in October and the Sunday following the first Saturday in January through the last Sunday in March |
Fauquier County (except Chester F. Phelps Wildlife Management Area) | Saturday prior to the third Monday in November through the first Saturday in January |
Fauquier County (Chester F. Phelps Wildlife Management Area) | Saturday prior to the third Monday in November and for 14 consecutive days following |
Floyd County | Saturday prior to the third Monday in November and for 28 consecutive days following |
Fluvanna County | Saturday prior to the third Monday in November through the first Saturday in January |
Franklin County | Saturday prior to the third Monday in November and for 28 consecutive days following |
Frederick County (non-national forest lands) | Saturday prior to the third Monday in November through the first Saturday in January |
Frederick County (national forest lands) | Saturday prior to the third Monday in November and for 14 consecutive days following |
Giles County | Saturday prior to the third Monday in November and for 14 consecutive days following |
Gloucester County | Saturday prior to the third Monday in November through the first Saturday in January |
Goochland County | Saturday prior to the third Monday in November through the first Saturday in January |
Grayson County | Saturday prior to the third Monday in November and for 14 consecutive days following |
Greene County | Saturday prior to the third Monday in November through the first Saturday in January |
Greensville County | Saturday prior to the third Monday in November through the first Saturday in January |
Halifax County | Saturday prior to the third Monday in November through the first Saturday in January |
Hanover County | Saturday prior to the third Monday in November through the first Saturday in January |
Henrico County | Saturday prior to the third Monday in November through the first Saturday in January |
Henry County | Saturday prior to the third Monday in November and for 28 consecutive days following |
Highland County | Saturday prior to the third Monday in November and for 14 consecutive days following |
Isle of Wight County | Saturday prior to the third Monday in November through the first Saturday in January |
James City County | Saturday prior to the third Monday in November through the first Saturday in January |
King and Queen County | Saturday prior to the third Monday in November through the first Saturday in January |
King George County | Saturday prior to the third Monday in November through the first Saturday in January |
King William County | Saturday prior to the third Monday in November through the first Saturday in January |
Lancaster County | Saturday prior to the third Monday in November through the first Saturday in January |
Lee County | Saturday prior to the third Monday in November and for 14 consecutive days following |
Loudoun County | Saturday prior to the third Monday in November through the first Saturday in January |
Loudoun County (antlerless deer only) | First Saturday in September through the Friday prior to the first Saturday in October and the Sunday following the first Saturday in January through the last Sunday in March |
Louisa County | Saturday prior to the third Monday in November through the first Saturday in January |
Lunenburg County | Saturday prior to the third Monday in November through the first Saturday in January |
Madison County | Saturday prior to the third Monday in November through the first Saturday in January |
Mathews County | Saturday prior to the third Monday in November through the first Saturday in January |
Mecklenburg County | Saturday prior to the third Monday in November through the first Saturday in January |
Middlesex County | Saturday prior to the third Monday in November through the first Saturday in January |
Montgomery County | Saturday prior to the third Monday in November and for 14 consecutive days following |
Nelson County (west of Route151)151, except on national forest lands) | Saturday prior to the third Monday in November and for1428 consecutive days following |
Nelson County (national forest lands) | Saturday prior to the third Monday in November and for 14 consecutive days following |
Nelson County (east of Route 151) | Saturday prior to the third Monday in November through the first Saturday in January |
New Kent County | Saturday prior to the third Monday in November through the first Saturday in January |
Northampton County | Saturday prior to the third Monday in November through the first Saturday in January |
Northumberland County | Saturday prior to the third Monday in November through the first Saturday in January |
Nottoway County | Saturday prior to the third Monday in November through the first Saturday in January |
Orange County | Saturday prior to the third Monday in November through the first Saturday in January |
Page County | Saturday prior to the third Monday in November and for 14 consecutive days following |
Patrick County | Saturday prior to the third Monday in November and for 28 consecutive days following |
Pittsylvania County | Saturday prior to the third Monday in November through the first Saturday in January |
Powhatan County | Saturday prior to the third Monday in November through the first Saturday in January |
Prince Edward County | Saturday prior to the third Monday in November through the first Saturday in January |
Prince George County | Saturday prior to the third Monday in November through the first Saturday in January |
Prince William County | Saturday prior to the third Monday in November through the first Saturday in January |
Prince William County (antlerless deer only) | First Saturday in September through the Friday prior to the first Saturday in October and the Sunday following the first Saturday in January through the last Sunday in March |
Pulaski County (except on New River Unit of the Radford Army Ammunition Plant adjacent to the Town of Dublin) | Saturday prior to the third Monday in November and for 14 consecutive days following |
Pulaski County (New River Unit of the Radford Army Ammunition Plant adjacent to the Town of Dublin) | Saturday prior to the second Monday in November through the first Saturday in January |
Rappahannock County | Saturday prior to the third Monday in November through the first Saturday in January |
Richmond County | Saturday prior to the third Monday in November through the first Saturday in January |
Roanoke County | Saturday prior to the third Monday in November and for 14 consecutive days following |
Rockbridge County | Saturday prior to the third Monday in November and for 14 consecutive days following |
Rockingham County | Saturday prior to the third Monday in November and for 14 consecutive days following |
Russell County | Saturday prior to the third Monday in November and for 14 consecutive days following |
Scott County | Saturday prior to the third Monday in November and for 14 consecutive days following |
Shenandoah County | Saturday prior to the third Monday in November and for 14 consecutive days following |
Smyth County | Saturday prior to the third Monday in November and for 14 consecutive days following |
Southampton County | Saturday prior to the third Monday in November through the first Saturday in January |
Spotsylvania County | Saturday prior to the third Monday in November through the first Saturday in January |
Stafford County | Saturday prior to the third Monday in November through the first Saturday in January |
Suffolk (City of) (east of Dismal Swamp Line) | October 1 through November 30 |
Suffolk (City of) (west of Dismal Swamp Line) | Saturday prior to the third Monday in November through the first Saturday in January |
Surry County | Saturday prior to the third Monday in November through the first Saturday in January |
Sussex County | Saturday prior to the third Monday in November through the first Saturday in January |
Tazewell County | Saturday prior to the third Monday in November and for 14 consecutive days following |
Virginia Beach (City of) | October 1 through November 30 |
Warren County | Saturday prior to the third Monday in November and for 14 consecutive days following |
Washington County | Saturday prior to the third Monday in November and for 14 consecutive days following |
Westmoreland County | Saturday prior to the third Monday in November through the first Saturday in January |
Wise County | Saturday prior to the third Monday in November and for 14 consecutive days following |
Wythe County | Saturday prior to the third Monday in November and for 14 consecutive days following |
York County | Saturday prior to the third Monday in November through the first Saturday in January |
B. Except as provided in subsection A of this section, east of the Blue Ridge Mountains deer may be hunted from the Saturday prior to the third Monday in November through the first Saturday in January, both dates inclusive, within the incorporated limits of any city or town that allows deer hunting.
C. Except as provided in subsection A of this section, west of the Blue Ridge Mountains deer may be hunted from the Saturday prior to the third Monday in November and for 14 consecutive days following within the incorporated limits of any city or town that allows deer hunting.
4VAC15-90-70. Archery hunting.
A. It shall be lawful to hunt deer during the early special archery season with archery equipment or a slingbow from the first Saturday in October through the Friday prior to the third Monday in November, both dates inclusive.
B. In addition to the season provided in subsection A of this section, it shall be lawful to hunt deer during the late special archery season with archery equipment or a slingbow:
1. From the Sunday following the close of the general firearms season on deer through the first Saturday in January, both dates inclusive, in (i) in all cities, towns, and counties west of the Blue Ridge Mountains (except Clarke County and on non-national forest lands in Frederick County); (ii) in the Counties (including the cities and towns within) of Amherst (west of Business U.S. 29 from the James River to its intersection with U.S. 29 just south of the Town of Amherst continuing north on U.S. 29 to the Tye River), Bedford, Franklin, Henry, Nelson (west of Route 151), and Patrick; (iii) on the Chester F. Phelps Wildlife Management Area; and (iv) on national forest lands in Frederick County.
2. From December 1 through the first Saturday in January, both dates inclusive, in the Cities of Chesapeake, Suffolk (east of the Dismal Swamp Line), and Virginia Beach.
C. Deer of either sex may be taken full season during the special archery seasons as provided in subsections A and B of this section (except on PALS (Public Access Lands) in Dickenson County where it shall be unlawful to take antlerless deer during the special archery seasons provided for in subsections A and B of this section).
D. It shall be unlawful to carry firearms while hunting with archery equipment during the special archery seasons, except that a muzzleloading gun, as defined in 4VAC15-90-80, may be in the possession of a properly licensed muzzleloading gun hunter when and where a special archery deer season overlaps a special muzzleloading deer season.
E. It shall be unlawful to use dogs when hunting with archery equipment during any special archery season, except that tracking dogs as described in § 29.1-516.1 of the Code of Virginia may be used.
F. It shall be lawful to hunt antlerless deer during the special urban archery season with archery equipment or a slingbow from the first Saturday in September through the Friday prior to the first Saturday in October, both dates inclusive, and from the Sunday following the first Saturday in January through the last Sunday in March, both dates inclusive, within the incorporated limits of any city or town in the Commonwealth (except on national forest and department-owned lands) and counties with a human population density of 300 persons per square mile or more (except on national forest and department-owned lands), provided that its governing body submits by certified letter to the department prior to April 1, its intent to participate in the special urban archery season. Any city, town, or county no longer participating in this season shall submit by certified letter to the department prior to April 1 notice of its intent not to participate in the special urban archery season. When consistent with the department's deer management objectives and subject to the director's approval, a participating county may exclude from this season a geographic area or areas by submitting a clear description of such area or areas in a certified letter to the department prior to April 1.
G. It shall be lawful to hunt antlerless deer during the special urban archery season with archery equipment or a slingbow during dates specified in subsection F of this section within the boundaries of any common interest community as defined in § 55-528 of the Code of Virginia provided that (i) the association submits by certified letter to the department prior to July 1 the association's request to participate in the special urban archery season and (ii) the department approves such request.
1. The special urban archery season will in no way supersede any local ordinance, any restriction in the association's governing documents, or the requirement to obtain a landowner's permission to hunt.
2. An association no longer participating in the special urban archery season shall submit notice of the association's intent not to participate in the special urban archery season. The association shall submit the certified letter to the department prior to July 1.
3. At its discretion, the department may suspend or revoke the special urban archery season in any association upon written notice to the association.
For the purposes of this subsection, "association" means the governing board or the authorized agent of the governing board of an association of property owners, condominium unit owners, or proprietary lessees.
G. H. It shall be lawful to hunt antlerless deer during the special antlerless archery season with archery equipment or a slingbow from the Monday following the last Sunday in March through the last Sunday in April, both dates inclusive, in the Counties of Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, and Prince William (including the cities and towns within).
4VAC15-90-80. Muzzleloading gun hunting.
A. It shall be lawful to hunt deer during the early special muzzleloading season with muzzleloading guns from the Saturday prior to the first Monday in November through the Friday prior to the third Monday in November, both dates inclusive, in all cities, towns, and counties where deer hunting with a rifle or muzzleloading gun is permitted, except in the cities Cities of Chesapeake, Suffolk (east of the Dismal Swamp Line), and Virginia Beach.
B. It shall be lawful to hunt deer during the late special muzzleloading season with muzzleloading guns starting 21 consecutive days immediately prior to and on the first Saturday in January:
1. In all cities, towns, and counties west of the Blue Ridge Mountains (except Clarke County and on non-national forest lands in Frederick County);
2. East of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the Counties (including the cities and towns within) of Amherst (west of Business U.S. 29 from the James River to its intersection with U.S. 29 just south of the Town of Amherst continuing north on U.S. 29 to the Tye River), Bedford, Franklin, Henry, Nelson (west of Route 151), and Patrick;
3. On national forest lands in Frederick County; and
4. In the Cities of Chesapeake, Suffolk (east of the Dismal Swamp Line), and Virginia Beach.
C. Deer of either sex may be taken during the entire early special muzzleloading season east of the Blue Ridge Mountains unless otherwise noted in this subsection:
1. Deer of either sex may be taken on the second Saturday only of the early special muzzleloading season on state forest lands, state park lands (except Occoneechee State Park), department-owned lands (except on [ Featherfin and ] Merrimac Farm Wildlife Management [ Area) Areas) ], and Philpott Reservoir.
2. Antlered bucks only—no either-sex deer hunting days during the early special muzzleloading season on national forest lands in Amherst, Bedford, and Nelson Counties.
D. Deer of either sex may be taken on the second Saturday only during the early special muzzleloading season west of the Blue Ridge Mountains unless otherwise noted in this subsection:.
1. Deer of either sex may be taken during the entire early special muzzleloading season in Clarke and Floyd Counties and on private lands in Botetourt, Carroll, Frederick, Grayson, Montgomery, Pulaski, Roanoke, Rockingham (east of Routes 613 and 731), Scott, Shenandoah, and Warren, and Wythe Counties.
2. Deer of either sex may be taken on the second Saturday and the last five days of the early muzzleloading season on private lands in Botetourt County.
3. 2. Antlered bucks only—no either-sex deer hunting days during the early special muzzleloading season in Buchanan, Dickenson, Lee, Russell, Tazewell, and Wise Counties and on national forest lands in Alleghany, Bland, Craig, Frederick, Giles, Grayson, Montgomery, Page, Pulaski, Rockingham, Scott, Shenandoah, and Warren Counties, and on national forest and department-owned lands in Augusta, Bath, Botetourt, Carroll, Highland (except Highland Wildlife Management Area), Roanoke, Rockbridge, Smyth, Washington, and Wythe Counties and on Channels State Forest, Grayson Highlands State Park, Hungry Mother State Park, and on private lands west of Routes 613 and 731 in Rockingham County.
E. Deer of either sex may be taken during the last six days of the late special muzzleloading season unless otherwise listed in this subsection:
1. Deer of either sex may be taken full season during the entire late special muzzleloading season in the Counties (including the cities and towns within) of Amherst (west of Business U.S. 29 from the James River to its intersection with U.S. 29 just south of the Town of Amherst continuing north on U.S. 29 to the Tye River, except on national forest lands), Bedford (except on national forest lands), Floyd, Franklin, Henry, Nelson (west of Route 151, except on national forest lands), and Patrick and on private lands in Botetourt, Carroll, Grayson, Montgomery, Pulaski, Roanoke, Rockingham (east of Routes 613 and 731), Shenandoah, and Warren, and Wythe Counties.
2. Deer of either sex may be taken the last day only during the late special muzzleloading season in Alleghany, Bath, Dickenson, Highland, Lee, Russell, Tazewell, and Wise Counties and on national forest lands in Amherst, Bedford, Bland, Craig, Frederick, Giles, Grayson, Montgomery, Nelson, Page, Pulaski, Rockingham, Scott, Shenandoah, and Warren Counties, and on national forest and department-owned lands in Augusta, Botetourt, Carroll, Roanoke, Rockbridge, Smyth, Washington, and Wythe Counties and on private lands west of Routes 613 and 731 in Rockingham County, Channels State Forest, and Grayson Highlands State Park, and Hungry Mother State Park.
3. Antlered bucks only—no either-sex deer hunting days during the late special muzzleloading season in Buchanan County.
F. Deer of either sex may be taken full season during the special muzzleloading seasons within the incorporated limits of any city or town in the Commonwealth that allows deer hunting except in the Cities of Chesapeake, Suffolk, and Virginia Beach.
G. It shall be unlawful to hunt deer with dogs during any special season for hunting with muzzleloading guns, except that tracking dogs as described in § 29.1-516.1 of the Code of Virginia may be used.
H. A muzzleloading gun, for the purpose of this section, means a single shot weapon, [ .45 caliber or larger, ] firing a single projectile or sabot (with a .35 caliber or larger projectile) of the same caliber [ where the propellant and projective are ] loaded from the muzzle of the weapon and propelled by at least 50 grains of black powder (or black powder equivalent or smokeless powder).
I. It shall be unlawful to have in immediate possession any firearm other than a muzzleloading gun while hunting with a muzzleloading gun in a special muzzleloading season.
4VAC15-90-89. Earn a buck (EAB).
For the purposes of this section, the term "license year" defines the period between July 1 and June 30 of the following year.
Albemarle County on private lands. During a license year, it shall be unlawful to take a second antlered deer on private lands in Albemarle County prior to taking at least one antlerless deer on private lands in Albemarle County, and it shall be unlawful to take a third antlered deer on private lands in Albemarle County prior to taking at least two antlerless deer on private lands in Albemarle County.
Arlington County. During a license year, it shall be unlawful to take a second antlered deer in Arlington County prior to taking at least two antlerless deer in Arlington County, and it shall be unlawful to take a third antlered deer in Arlington County prior to taking at least three antlerless deer in Arlington County.
Bedford County on private lands. During a license year, it shall be unlawful to take a second antlered deer on private lands in Bedford County prior to taking at least one antlerless deer on private lands in Bedford County, and it shall be unlawful to take a third antlered deer on private lands in Bedford County prior to taking at least two antlerless deer on private lands in Bedford County.
Clarke County on private lands. During a license year, it shall be unlawful to take a second antlered deer on private lands in Clarke County prior to taking at least one two antlerless deer on private lands in Clarke County.
Culpeper County on private lands. During a license year, it shall be unlawful to take a second antlered deer on private lands in Culpeper County prior to taking at least one antlerless deer on private lands in Culpeper County, and it shall be unlawful to take a third antlered deer on private lands in Culpeper County prior to taking at least two antlerless deer on private lands in Culpeper County.
Fairfax County. During a license year, it shall be unlawful to take a second antlered deer in Fairfax County prior to taking at least two antlerless deer in Fairfax County, and it shall be unlawful to take a third antlered deer in Fairfax County prior to taking at least three antlerless deer in Fairfax County.
Fauquier County on private lands. During a license year, it shall be unlawful to take a second antlered deer on private lands in Fauquier County prior to taking at least one antlerless deer on private lands in Fauquier County, and it shall be unlawful to take a third antlered deer on private lands in Fauquier County prior to taking at least two antlerless deer on private lands in Fauquier County.
Floyd County on private lands. During a license year, it shall be unlawful to take a second antlered deer on private lands in Floyd County prior to taking at least one antlerless deer on private lands in Floyd County.
Franklin County on private lands. During a license year, it shall be unlawful to take a second antlered deer on private lands in Franklin County prior to taking at least one antlerless deer on private lands in Franklin County, and it shall be unlawful to take a third antlered deer on private lands in Franklin County prior to taking at least two antlerless deer on private lands in Franklin County.
Frederick County on private lands. During a license year, it shall be unlawful to take a second antlered deer on private lands in Frederick County prior to taking at least one two antlerless deer on private lands in Frederick County.
Grayson County on private lands. During a license year, it shall be unlawful to take a second antlered deer on private lands in Grayson County prior to taking at least one antlerless deer on private lands in Grayson County.
Hanover County on private lands. During a license year, it shall be unlawful to take a second antlered deer on private lands in Hanover County prior to taking at least one antlerless deer on private lands in Hanover County, and it shall be unlawful to take a third antlered deer on private lands in Hanover County prior to taking at least two antlerless deer on private lands in Hanover County.
Henrico County on private lands. During a license year, it shall be unlawful to take a second antlered deer on private lands in Henrico County prior to taking at least one antlerless deer on private lands in Henrico County, and it shall be unlawful to take a third antlered deer on private lands in Henrico County prior to taking at least two antlerless deer on private lands in Henrico County.
James City County on private lands. During a license year, it shall be unlawful to take a second antlered deer on private lands in James City County prior to taking at least one antlerless deer on private lands in James City County, and it shall be unlawful to take a third antlered deer on private lands in James City County prior to taking at least two antlerless deer on private lands in James City County.
Loudoun County. During a license year, it shall be unlawful to take a second antlered deer in Loudoun County prior to taking at least two antlerless deer in Loudoun County, and it shall be unlawful to take a third antlered deer in Loudoun County prior to taking at least three antlerless deer in Loudoun County.
Montgomery County on private lands. During a license year, it shall be unlawful to take a second antlered deer on private lands in Montgomery County prior to taking at least one antlerless deer on private lands in Montgomery County.
Prince George County on private lands. During a license year, it shall be unlawful to take a second antlered deer on private lands in Prince George County prior to taking at least one antlerless deer on private lands in Prince George County, and it shall be unlawful to take a third antlered deer on private lands in Prince George County prior to taking at least two antlerless deer on private lands in Prince George County.
Prince William County except on Department of Defense lands. During a license year, it shall be unlawful to take a second antlered deer in Prince William County (except on Department of Defense lands) prior to taking at least two antlerless deer in Prince William County (except on Department of Defense lands), and it shall be unlawful to take a third antlered deer in Prince William County (except on Department of Defense lands) prior to taking at least three antlerless deer in Prince William County (except on Department of Defense lands).
Pulaski County on private lands. During a license year, it shall be unlawful to take a second antlered deer on private lands in Pulaski County prior to taking at least one antlerless deer on private lands in Pulaski County.
Rappahannock County. During a license year, it shall be unlawful to take a second antlered deer in Rappahannock County prior to taking at least one antlerless deer in Rappahannock County, and it shall be unlawful to take a third antlered deer in Rappahannock County prior to taking at least two antlerless deer in Rappahannock County.
Roanoke County on private lands. During a license year, it shall be unlawful to take a second antlered deer on private lands in Roanoke County prior to taking at least one antlerless deer on private lands in Roanoke County.
Shenandoah County on private lands. During a license year, it shall be unlawful to take a second antlered deer on private lands in Shenandoah County prior to taking at least one antlerless deer on private lands in Shenandoah County.
Warren County on private lands. During a license year, it shall be unlawful to take a second antlered deer on private lands in Warren County prior to taking at least one two antlerless deer on private lands in Warren County.
York County on private lands. During a license year, it shall be unlawful to take a second antlered deer on private lands in York County prior to taking at least one antlerless deer on private lands in York County, and it shall be unlawful to take a third antlered deer on private lands in York County prior to taking at least two antlerless deer on private lands in York County.
Cities and towns. During a license year in any town or city (except Chesapeake, Suffolk, and Virginia Beach) east of the Blue Ridge Mountains, it shall be unlawful to take a second antlered deer prior to taking at least one antlerless deer in that town or city, and it shall be unlawful to take a third antlered deer prior to taking at least two antlerless deer in that town or city. During a license year in any town or city west of the Blue Ridge Mountains, it shall be unlawful to take a second antlered deer prior to taking at least one antlerless deer in that town or city.
4VAC15-90-90. Bag limit, bonus deer permits [ , ] and special antlerless provision for youth hunters.
A. The bag limit for deer east of the Blue Ridge Mountains (except on national forest lands in Amherst, Bedford, and Nelson Counties) is two per day, six per license year, three of which must be antlerless unless otherwise noted in this subsection.
1. The daily bag limit for deer is unlimited in the Counties (including the cities and towns within) of Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, and Prince William.
2. Only one deer per day may be taken on national forest lands in Amherst, Bedford, and Nelson Counties.
3. Only one elk per day may be taken east of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
B. The bag limit for deer west of the Blue Ridge Mountains and on national forest lands in Amherst, Bedford, and Nelson Counties is one two per day, five per license year, three of which must be antlerless unless otherwise noted in this subsection.
1. The daily bag limit for deer is two per day on private lands in the Counties (including the cities and towns within) of Clarke, Frederick, Roanoke, Shenandoah, and Warren Only one deer per day may be taken on national forest, department-owned, and department-managed lands west of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
2. If a deer hunter kills two antlered bucks in a license year in Alleghany, Augusta, Bath, Highland, or Rockbridge, Rockingham, or Shenandoah County, at least one of the antlered bucks must have at least four antler points, one inch or longer, on one side of the antlers. This subdivision shall not apply to any county designated by the department within 25 miles of a confirmed detection of Chronic Wasting Disease.
3. Only one elk per day may be taken west of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
C. Except as noted in subsection E of this section, antlerless deer may be taken only during designated either-sex deer hunting days during the special archery seasons, special muzzleloading seasons, and the general firearms season.
D. Bonus deer permits shall be valid on private land in counties and cities where deer hunting is permitted (except Buchanan, Dickenson, and Wise Counties) during the special archery seasons, special muzzleloading seasons, and the general firearms season. Bonus deer permits shall be valid on public lands, including state parks, state forests, national wildlife refuges, military areas, etc., as authorized by the managing agency. Unless otherwise posted or authorized in writing for wildlife management areas by the department, or for national forest lands by the U.S. Forest Service, the use of bonus permits is prohibited on department-owned and national forest lands. Bonus deer permits shall be valid for antlerless deer only. Deer taken on bonus permits shall count against the daily bag limit but are in addition to the seasonal bag limit.
E. Deer hunters 15 years of age and under younger, including those exempt from purchasing a hunting license and holders of an apprentice hunting license, when in compliance with all applicable laws and license requirements, may take one antlerless deer per license year on days other than designated either-sex deer hunting days during the special muzzleloading seasons or the general firearms season in all counties that have at least one either-sex deer hunting day during the general firearms deer season.
4VAC15-90-91. General firearms season either-sex deer hunting days.
A. During the general firearms deer season, deer of either sex may be taken within:
Accomack County: full season.
Albemarle County: full season.
Alleghany County: the second Saturday and the last day.
-National forest lands: antlered bucks only—no either-sex days. Only deer with antlers above the hairline may be taken the last day.
Amelia County: the second and third Saturdays and the last 13 days.
-Amelia WMA: the second and third Saturdays and the last six days.
Amherst County (east of Business U.S. 29 from the James River to its intersection with U.S. 29 just south of the Town of Amherst continuing north on U.S. 29 to the Tye River): the second and third Saturdays and the last 29 days.
Amherst County (west of Business U.S. 29 from the James River to its intersection with U.S. 29 just south of the Town of Amherst continuing north on U.S. 29 to the Tye River): full season.
-National forest lands: antlered bucks only—no either-sex days. Only deer with antlers above the hairline may be taken the last day.
Appomattox County: the second and third Saturdays and the last six days.
-Appomattox-Buckingham State Forest: the second and third Saturdays.
-Featherfin WMA: [ the second and third Saturdays and the last 29 days full season ].
Arlington County: full season.
Augusta County: the second Saturday and the last six days full season.
-National forest and department-owned lands: antlered bucks only—no either-sex days. Only deer with antlers above the hairline may be taken the last day.
Bath County: the second Saturday and the last day.
-National forest and department-owned lands: antlered bucks only—no either-sex days. Only deer with antlers above the hairline may be taken the last day.
Bedford County: full season.
-National forest lands: antlered bucks only—no either-sex days. Only deer with antlers above the hairline may be taken the last day.
Bland County: the second Saturday and the last day.
-National forest lands: the second Saturday and the last day.
Botetourt County: full season.
-National forest and department-owned lands: antlered bucks only—no either-sex days. Only deer with antlers above the hairline may be taken the last day.
Brunswick County: the second and third Saturdays and the last six days.
Buchanan County: antlered bucks only—no either-sex days. Only deer with antlers above the hairline may be taken.
Buckingham County: the second and third Saturdays and the last six days.
-Horsepen Lake WMA: the second and third Saturdays and the last six days.
-Appomattox-Buckingham State Forest: the second and third Saturdays.
-Featherfin WMA: [ the second and third Saturdays and the last 29 days full season ].
Campbell County (east of Norfolk Southern Railroad): the second and third Saturdays and the last 29 days.
Campbell County (west of Norfolk Southern Railroad): full season.
Caroline County: the second and third Saturdays and the last six days.
-Mattaponi WMA: the second and third Saturdays and the last six days.
Carroll County: full season.
-National forest and department-owned lands: the second Saturday and the last day.
Charles City County: the second and third Saturdays and the last 13 29 days.
-Chickahominy WMA: antlered bucks only—no either-sex days. Only deer with antlers above the hairline may be taken.
Charlotte County: the second and third Saturdays and the last six days.
Chesapeake (City of): the second and third Saturdays and the last 13 days.
Chesterfield County: the second and third Saturdays and the last six days.
Clarke County: full season.
Craig County: full season.
-National forest and department-owned lands: the second Saturday and the last day.
Culpeper County: full season.
-Chester F. Phelps WMA: the second Saturday and the last day.
Cumberland County: the second and third Saturdays and the last 13 days.
-Cumberland State Forest: the second and third Saturdays.
Dickenson County: antlered bucks only—no either-sex days. Only deer with antlers above the hairline may be taken.
Dinwiddie County: the second and third Saturdays and the last six days.
Essex County: the second and third Saturdays and the last six days.
Fairfax County: full season.
Fauquier County: full season.
-G. Richard Thompson WMA: the second Saturday and the last day.
-Chester F. Phelps WMA: the second Saturday and the last day.
Floyd County: full season.
Fluvanna County: second and third Saturdays and the last 13 days.
Franklin County: full season.
-Philpott Reservoir: the second Saturday and the last six days.
-Turkeycock Mountain WMA: the second Saturday and the last six days.
Frederick County: full season.
-National forest lands: antlered bucks only—no either-sex days. Only deer with antlers above the hairline may be taken the last day.
Giles County: full season.
-National forest lands: the second Saturday and the last day.
Gloucester County: the second and third Saturdays and the last six days.
Goochland County: the second and third Saturdays and the last 29 days.
Grayson County: full season.
-National forest lands and Grayson Highlands State Park: antlered bucks only—no either-sex days. Only deer with antlers above the hairline may be taken the last day.
Greene County: full season.
Greensville County: the second and third Saturdays and the last six days.
Halifax County: the second and third Saturdays and the last 13 days.
Hanover County: full season.
Henrico County: full season.
Henry County: the second and third Saturdays and the last 13 days.
-Fairystone Farms WMA, Fairystone State Park, and Philpott Reservoir: the second Saturday and the last six days.
-Turkeycock Mountain WMA: the second Saturday and the last six days.
Highland County: the second Saturday and the last day.
-National forest lands: antlered bucks only—no either-sex days. Only deer with antlers above the hairline may be taken the last day.
-Department-owned lands: the second Saturday and the last day.
Isle of Wight County: full season.
-Ragged Island WMA: antlered bucks only—no either-sex days. Only deer with antlers above the hairline may be taken.
James City County: full season.
King and Queen County: the second and third Saturdays and the last six days.
King George County: the second and third Saturdays and the last 13 days.
King William County: the second and third Saturdays and the last six days.
Lancaster County: the second and third Saturdays and the last 13 days.
Lee County: the second Saturday and the last two days.
-National forest lands: antlered bucks only—no either-sex days. Only deer with antlers above the hairline may be taken.
Loudoun County: full season.
Louisa County: the second and third Saturdays and the last 29 days.
Lunenburg County: the second and third Saturdays and the last six days.
Madison County: full season.
-Rapidan WMA: the second and third Saturdays and the last 29 days.
Mathews County: the second and third Saturdays and the last six days.
Mecklenburg County: the second and third Saturdays and the last six days.
-Dick Cross WMA: the second and third Saturdays and the last six days.
Middlesex County: the second and third Saturdays and the last six days.
Montgomery County: full season.
-National forest lands: the second Saturday and the last day.
Nelson County (east of Route 151): the second and third Saturdays and the last 29 days.
-James River WMA: the second Saturday and the last six days.
Nelson County (west of Route 151): full season.
-National forest lands: antlered bucks only—no either-sex days. Only deer with antlers above the hairline may be taken the last day.
New Kent County: the second and third Saturdays and the last 13 29 days.
Northampton County: full season.
Northumberland County: the second and third Saturdays and the last 13 days.
Nottoway County: the second and third Saturdays and the last six days.
Orange County: full season.
Page County: the second Saturday and the last two six days.
-National forest lands: antlered bucks only—no either-sex days. Only deer with antlers above the hairline may be taken the last day.
Patrick County: the second and third Saturdays and the last 13 days.
-Fairystone Farms WMA, Fairystone State Park, and Philpott Reservoir: the second Saturday and the last six days.
Pittsylvania County (east of Norfolk Southern Railroad): the second and third Saturdays and the last 29 days.
-White Oak Mountain WMA: the second Saturday and the last day.
Pittsylvania County (west of Norfolk Southern Railroad): full season.
Powhatan County: the second and third Saturdays and the last 13 29 days.
-Powhatan WMA: the second and third Saturdays and the last 13 days.
Prince Edward County: the second and third Saturdays and the last six days.
-Briery Creek WMA: the second and third Saturdays and the last six days.
-Featherfin WMA: [ the second and third Saturdays and the last 29 days full season ].
-Prince Edward State Forest: the second and third Saturdays.
Prince George County: full season.
Prince William County: full season.
Pulaski County: full season.
-National forest lands: the second Saturday and the last day.
Rappahannock County: full season.
Richmond County: the second and third Saturdays and the last 13 days.
Roanoke County: full season.
-National forest and department-owned lands: antlered bucks only-no either-sex days. Only deer with antlers above the hairline may be taken the last day.
Rockbridge County: the second Saturday and the last two days.
-National forest and department-owned lands: antlered bucks only—no either-sex days. Only deer with antlers above the hairline may be taken the last day.
Rockingham County: full season.
-National forest lands: antlered bucks only—no either-sex days. Only deer with antlers above the hairline may be taken the last day.
-Private lands west of Routes 613 and 731: the last day.
Russell County: the second Saturday and the last two days.
-Clinch Mountain WMA, Hidden Valley WMA, -Department-owned lands and the Channels State Forest: antlered bucks only—no either-sex days. Only deer with antlers above the hairline may be taken the last day.
Scott County: the second Saturday and the last six days.
-National forest lands: antlered bucks only—no either-sex days. Only deer with antlers above the hairline may be taken.
Shenandoah County: full season.
-National forest lands: antlered bucks only—no either-sex days. Only deer with antlers above the hairline may be taken the last day.
Smyth County: the second Saturday and the last six days full season.
-National forest lands, Clinch Mountain WMA, department-owned lands, and Hungry Mother State Park: antlered bucks only—no either-sex days. Only deer with antlers above the hairline may be taken the last day.
Southampton County: full season.
Spotsylvania County: the second and third Saturdays and the last 29 days.
Stafford County: full season.
Suffolk (east of the Dismal Swamp Line): the second and third Saturdays and the last 13 days.
Suffolk (west of the Dismal Swamp Line): full season.
Surry County: full season.
-Carlisle and Stewart Tracts of the Hog Island WMA: antlered bucks only—no either-sex days. Only deer with antlers above the hairline may be taken.
Sussex County: full season.
-Big Woods WMA (including the Parkers Branch Tract) and Big Woods State Forest: the second and third Saturdays and the last six days.
Tazewell County: the second Saturday and the last two days.
-National forest and department-owned lands and Clinch Mountain WMA: antlered bucks only—no either-sex days. Only deer with antlers above the hairline may be taken the last day.
Virginia Beach (City of): the second and third Saturdays and the last 13 days.
Warren County: full season.
-National forest lands: antlered bucks only—no either-sex days. Only deer with antlers above the hairline may be taken the last day.
Washington County: the second Saturday and the last six days.
-National forest lands, department-owned lands, Clinch Mountain WMA, Hidden Valley WMA, and the Channels State Forest: antlered bucks only—no either-sex days. Only deer with antlers above the hairline may be taken the last day.
Westmoreland County: the second and third Saturdays and the last 13 days.
Wise County: antlered bucks only—no either-sex days. Only deer with antlers above the hairline may be taken.
Wythe County: full season.
-National forest and department-owned lands and Big Survey WMA: the second Saturday and the last day.
York County: full season.
B. Except as provided in the subsection A of this section, deer of either sex may be taken full season during the general firearms deer season within the incorporated limits of any city or town, state park, national wildlife refuge, or military installation that allows deer hunting or within any common interest community participating in the special urban archery season according to provisions of 4VAC15-90-70.
4VAC15-90-293. Unauthorized cervid parts, excretions, and carcass importation, movement, possession, and use.
A. For the purposes of this section and The following words or terms, when used in 4VAC15-40-285, this section, and 4VAC15-90-294, shall have the following meanings unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
"Cervid" means any member of the deer family Cervidae, including but not limited to white-tailed deer, fallow deer, sika deer, elk, and reindeer.
"Import" means to transport a carcass or carcass parts, other than those outlined in subsection B of this section, into the Commonwealth in such a manner that the carcass or carcass parts are removed from their place of storage within a vehicle or other conveyance and placed or deposited within the Commonwealth. Deer harvested on properties that span the Commonwealth's boundary with an adjoining state shall not be considered imported.
B. No person shall import or possess any carcass or part of a carcass of any member of the family Cervidae (deer) originating from an enclosure intended to confine deer or elk or from any area designated by the department as a carcass-restriction zone outside of the Commonwealth, except that the following carcass parts may be imported and possessed:
1. Boned-out meat [ that is cut and wrapped ];
2. Quarters or other portions of meat with no part of the spinal column or skull attached;
3. Hides or capes with no skull attached;
4. Clean (no meat or tissue attached) skulls or skull plates with or without antlers attached;
5. Antlers (with no meat or tissue attached);
6. Upper canine teeth (buglers, whistlers, or ivories); and
7. Finished taxidermy products.
A legible label shall be affixed to packages or containers containing the allowed carcass parts bearing the following information: the species of animal, the state or province from where the animal originated, and the name and address of the person who either killed or owned the animal possesses the allowed parts in the Commonwealth.
C. Any person who imports into Virginia any deer carcass or parts described in subsection A of this section and is notified that the animal has tested positive for Chronic Wasting Disease must report the test results to the department within 72 hours of receiving the notification. In order to facilitate the proper disposal of any infected material, the department may take into possession any imported carcass or carcass part of an animal if the animal has tested positive for Chronic Wasting Disease.
D. No person shall transport any carcass or part of a carcass of any cervid out of any area designated by the department as a disease containment management area, except that the carcass parts enumerated in subsection B of this section may be transported, and carcasses or parts may be transported directly to locations designated by the department, provided that such carcasses or parts are transported without unnecessary delay and secured within a vehicle or vehicles during transit. Provisions of this section shall not apply to employees of the department or another government agency, or their designees, working in an official disease investigation or management capacity.
E. No person shall for the purposes of taking or attempting to take, attracting, or scouting any wild animal in Virginia possess or use any substance or material that contains or purports to contain any excretion collected from a cervid, including feces, urine, blood, gland oil, or other bodily fluid.
VA.R. Doc. No. R19-5900; Filed June 3, 2019, 2:25 p.m.