Title of Regulation: 4VAC15-200. Game: Rabbit and Hares (amending 4VAC15-200-30; adding 4VAC15-200-15, 4VAC15-200-50, 4VAC15-200-60).

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

Effective Date: July 1, 2021.

Agency Contact: Aaron Proctor, Regulations Coordinator, Department of Wildlife Resources, 7870 Villa Park Drive, Suite 400, Henrico, VA 23228, telephone (804) 367-8341, or email aaron.proctor@dwr.virginia.gov.

Summary:

The amendments (i) limit the translocation of live wild rabbits box trapped in Virginia to within the county of capture in order to reduce the risk of spreading Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease, (ii) prohibit the import and possession of all whole wild rabbit carcasses originating from anywhere outside of Virginia, and (iii) prohibit the disposal of wild rabbit parts onto the landscape of the Commonwealth.

4VAC15-200-15. Definitions.

The following words or terms, when used in this chapter, shall have the following meanings unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

"Import" means to transport a carcass or carcass parts, other than those outlined in 4VAC15-200-60, 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. Rabbits harvested on properties that span the Commonwealth's boundary with an adjoining state shall not be considered imported.

"Wild rabbit" means any member of the taxonomic order Lagomorpha, including rabbits, hares, and pika regulated by the Department of Wildlife Resources and not defined as domestic breeds by the American Rabbit Breeders Association.

4VAC15-200-30. Trapping with box traps.

It shall be lawful to trap rabbits with box traps from October 15 through January 31, both dates inclusive; provided, that no traps shall be set on the lands of another without written permission; provided further, that it shall be lawful to live-trap rabbits and transport them only within the county of capture, for release or restocking purposes in Virginia at any time, provided they are not released onto the lands of another without permission.

4VAC15-200-50. Unauthorized wild rabbit carcass importation and possession.

No person shall import or possess a whole carcass or any part of a carcass of a wild rabbit originating from outside the Commonwealth, except for a fully dressed carcass with the skin, feet, head, and internal organs removed.

4VAC15-200-60. Disposal of wild rabbit parts.

No wild rabbit carcasses or carcass parts may be discarded or disposed of directly on the ground. All such carcasses or carcass parts must be buried at least two feet below ground, incinerated, or securely bagged and discarded in household trash for ultimate disposal in a permitted landfill.