REGISTER INFORMATION PAGE
Vol. 37 Iss. 5 - October 26, 2020

The Virginia Register OF REGULATIONS is an official state publication issued every other week throughout the year. Indexes are published quarterly, and are cumulative for the year. The Virginia Register has several functions. The new and amended sections of regulations, both as proposed and as finally adopted, are required by law to be published in the Virginia Register. In addition, the Virginia Register is a source of other information about state government, including petitions for rulemaking, emergency regulations, executive orders issued by the Governor, and notices of public hearings on regulations.

ADOPTION, AMENDMENT, AND REPEAL OF REGULATIONS

Unless exempted by law, an agency wishing to adopt, amend, or repeal regulations must follow the procedures in the Administrative Process Act (§ 2.2-4000 et seq. of the Code of Virginia). Typically, this includes first publishing in the Virginia Register a notice of intended regulatory action; a basis, purpose, substance and issues statement; an economic impact analysis prepared by the Department of Planning and Budget; the agency’s response to the economic impact analysis; a summary; a notice giving the public an opportunity to comment on the proposal; and the text of the proposed regulation.

Following publication of the proposed regulation in the Virginia Register, the promulgating agency receives public comments for a minimum of 60 days. The Governor reviews the proposed regulation to determine if it is necessary to protect the public health, safety, and welfare, and if it is clearly written and easily understandable. If the Governor chooses to comment on the proposed regulation, his comments must be transmitted to the agency and the Registrar of Regulations no later than 15 days following the completion of the 60-day public comment period. The Governor’s comments, if any, will be published in the Virginia Register. Not less than 15 days following the completion of the 60-day public comment period, the agency may adopt the proposed regulation.

The Joint Commission on Administrative Rules or the appropriate standing committee of each house of the General Assembly may meet during the promulgation or final adoption process and file an objection with the Registrar and the promulgating agency. The objection will be published in the Virginia Register. Within 21 days after receipt by the agency of a legislative objection, the agency shall file a response with the Registrar, the objecting legislative body, and the Governor.

When final action is taken, the agency again publishes the text of the regulation as adopted, highlighting all changes made to the proposed regulation and explaining any substantial changes made since publication of the proposal. A 30-day final adoption period begins upon final publication in the Virginia Register.

The Governor may review the final regulation during this time and, if he objects, forward his objection to the Registrar and the agency. In addition to or in lieu of filing a formal objection, the Governor may suspend the effective date of a portion or all of a regulation until the end of the next regular General Assembly session by issuing a directive signed by a majority of the members of the appropriate legislative body and the Governor. The Governor’s objection or suspension of the regulation, or both, will be published in the Virginia Register.

If the Governor finds that the final regulation contains changes made after publication of the proposed regulation that have substantial impact, he may require the agency to provide an additional 30-day public comment period on the changes. Notice of the additional public comment period required by the Governor will be published in the Virginia Register. Pursuant to § 2.2-4007.06 of the Code of Virginia, any person may request that the agency solicit additional public comment on certain changes made after publication of the proposed regulation. The agency shall suspend the regulatory process for 30 days upon such request from 25 or more individuals, unless the agency determines that the changes have minor or inconsequential impact.

A regulation becomes effective at the conclusion of the 30-day final adoption period, or at any other later date specified by the promulgating agency, unless (i) a legislative objection has been filed, in which event the regulation, unless withdrawn, becomes effective on the date specified, which shall be after the expiration of the 21-day objection period; (ii) the Governor exercises his authority to require the agency to provide for additional public comment, in which event the regulation, unless withdrawn, becomes effective on the date specified, which shall be after the expiration of the period for which the Governor has provided for additional public comment; (iii) the Governor and the General Assembly exercise their authority to suspend the effective date of a regulation until the end of the next regular legislative session; or (iv) the agency suspends the regulatory process, in which event the regulation, unless withdrawn, becomes effective on the date specified, which shall be after the expiration of the 30-day public comment period and no earlier than 15 days from publication of the readopted action.

A regulatory action may be withdrawn by the promulgating agency at any time before the regulation becomes final.

FAST-TRACK RULEMAKING PROCESS

Section 2.2-4012.1 of the Code of Virginia provides an alternative to the standard process set forth in the Administrative Process Act for regulations deemed by the Governor to be noncontroversial. To use this process, the Governor's concurrence is required and advance notice must be provided to certain legislative committees. Fast-track regulations become effective on the date noted in the regulatory action if fewer than 10 persons object to using the process in accordance with § 2.2-4012.1.

EMERGENCY REGULATIONS

Pursuant to § 2.2-4011 of the Code of Virginia, an agency may adopt emergency regulations if necessitated by an emergency situation or when Virginia statutory law or the appropriation act or federal law or federal regulation requires that a regulation be effective in 280 days or fewer from its enactment. In either situation, approval of the Governor is required.  The emergency regulation is effective upon its filing with the Registrar of Regulations, unless a later date is specified per § 2.2-4012 of the Code of Virginia. Emergency regulations are limited to no more than 18 months in duration; however, may be extended for six months under the circumstances noted in § 2.2-4011 D. Emergency regulations are published as soon as possible in the Virginia Register and are on the Register of Regulations website at register.dls.virgina.gov.

During the time the emergency regulation is in effect, the agency may proceed with the adoption of permanent regulations in accordance with the Administrative Process Act. If the agency chooses not to adopt the regulations, the emergency status ends when the prescribed time limit expires.

STATEMENT

The foregoing constitutes a generalized statement of the procedures to be followed. For specific statutory language, it is suggested that Article 2 (§ 2.2-4006 et seq.) of Chapter 40 of Title 2.2 of the Code of Virginia be examined carefully.

CITATION TO THE VIRGINIA REGISTER

The Virginia Register is cited by volume, issue, page number, and date. 34:8 VA.R. 763-832 December 11, 2017, refers to Volume 34, Issue 8, pages 763 through 832 of the Virginia Register issued on
December 11, 2017.

The Virginia Register of Regulations is published pursuant to Article 6 (§ 2.2-4031 et seq.) of Chapter 40 of Title 2.2 of the Code of Virginia.

Members of the Virginia Code Commission: John S. Edwards, Chair; Jennifer L. McClellan; Ward L. Armstrong; Nicole Cheuk; Rita Davis; Leslie L. Lilley; Christopher R. Nolen; Don L. Scott, Jr.; Charles S. Sharp; Marcus B. Simon; Samuel T. Towell; Malfourd W. Trumbo.

Staff of the Virginia Register: Karen Perrine, Registrar of Regulations; Anne Bloomsburg, Assistant Registrar; Nikki Clemons, Regulations Analyst; Rhonda Dyer, Publications Assistant; Terri Edwards, Senior Operations Staff Assistant.


PUBLICATION SCHEDULE AND DEADLINES
Vol. 37 Iss. 5 - October 26, 2020

November 2020 through December 2021

Volume: Issue

Material Submitted By Noon*

Will Be Published On

37:7

November 4, 2020

November 23, 2020

37:8

November 16, 2020 (Monday)

December 7, 2020

37:9

December 2, 2020

December 21, 2020

37:10

December 14, 2020 (Monday)

January 4, 2021

37:11

December 28, 2020 (Monday)

January 18, 2021

37:12

January 13, 2021

February 1, 2021

37:13

January 27, 2021

February 15, 2021

37:14

February 10, 2021

March 1, 2021

37:15

February 24, 2021

March 15, 2021

37:16

March 10, 2021

March 29, 2021

37:17

March 24, 2021

April 12, 2021

37:18

April 7, 2021

April 26, 2021

37:19

April 21, 2021

May 10, 2021

37:20

May 5, 2021

May 24, 2021

37:21

May 19, 2021

June 7, 2021

37:22

June 2, 2021

June 21, 2021

37:23

June 16, 2021

July 5, 2021

37:24

June 30, 2021

July 19, 2021

37:25

July 14, 2021

August 2, 2021

37:26

July 28, 2021

August 16, 2021

38:1

August 11, 2021

August 30, 2021

38:2

August 25, 2021

September 13, 2021

38:3

September 8, 2021

September 27, 2021

38:4

September 22, 2021

October 11, 2021

38:5

October 6, 2021

October 25, 2021

38:6

October 20, 2021

November 8, 2021

38:7

November 3, 2021

November 22, 2021

38:8

November 15, 2021 (Monday)

December 6, 2021

38:9

December 1, 2021

December 20, 2021

*Filing deadlines are Wednesdays unless otherwise specified.


PETITIONS FOR RULEMAKING
Vol. 37 Iss. 5 - October 26, 2020

TITLE 24. TRANSPORTATION AND MOTOR VEHICLES

COMMISSION ON THE VIRGINIA ALCOHOL SAFETY ACTION PROGRAM

Initial Agency Notice

Title of Regulation: 24VAC35-30. VASAP Case Management Policy and Procedure Manual.

Statutory Authority: §§ 18.2-271.1 and 18.2-271.2 of the Code of Virginia.

Name of Petitioner: Cynthia Hites.

Nature of Petitioner's Request: "I, Cynthia Hites, as a citizen of the Commonwealth of Virginia, pursuant to § 2.2-4007 of the Code of Virginia, do humbly submit this petition for the following amendment, in the form of addition, to Virginia Administrative Code 24VAC35-30-150 (VASAP Policy and Procedures Manual). The Virginia regulations state the following: Section 150, Paragraph A: 'Noncompliance reporting. When the offender has been deemed noncompliant by the case manager, that case manager, within five working days, shall notify in writing the referring court or agency and the offender.' A major problem facing innocent citizens accused of interlock violations is simply the lack of information presented to them by ASAP. Currently, the offender is given an accusation sheet from an ASAP that generally includes the time of the high reading, along with an accusation of not reaching zero, or "clearing out" within an allotted time. But the only way clients can obtain data-log readings from the machine is to proactively request them, or have an attorney obtain them, and most people don't know enough to do this. VASAP consistently fails to understand that the vast majority of high IID readings are not due to consumed ethanol. You're just measuring biomarkers for disease and routine metabolic byproducts. This is also a HIPAA violation, as the only, the ONLY substance the government should be analyzing someone's waste for is C2H6O. To invasively examine personal medical waste, and misconstrue ALL hydroxyl compounds as 'ethanol' is criminal. This is why the offender must be presented with the facts of the accusation and the opportunity to review the entire data-log from each alleged violation event is necessary. If a non-ethanol specific device is now an acceptable standard in VA, and a warning indicator is not mandated between the .000 and .02 window, the potential for fraud is omnipresent. Only when one is armed with their complete interlock data-logs can a person begin to understand what occurred. In many cases, ketogenesis, and other metabolic processes create internal hydroxyl compounds detectable on sober breath. The 'fail' point then becomes a 'pass' point, as people must wait for their bodies to cease alcohol production. Several of my events took over 45 minutes to 'clear out,' but when presented with the full data logs, it's clear to see that if you start a car at zero, rise to .07 BrAC, then are back to zero in 24 minutes, the machine is not measuring ethanol. 7 of the 9 times I was accused, I actually started the car at .000 BAC, had high readings, then was back to .000 BAC in scientifically impossible spans of time. Each of these 9 days' worth of readings are published on the FaceBook page entitled Virginia Ignition Interlock Forum. Since a warning indicator is now not required between .000 and .02, the client will get a green light and assume they're at zero. In this case only the data logs, and nothing else, can prove innocence by showing the readings were passing below .02. This is fraud and since the breath tests are unsupervised, the only evidence that can exonerate the client is the data shown in the full IID logs. I propose the following language be added to amend this statute: 'All clients shall be presented with full interlock log information, to include all data within 24 hours prior to and after the alleged violation.' Section 150, Paragraph A: 'Noncompliance reporting. When the offender has been deemed noncompliant by the case manager, that case manager, within five working days, shall notify in writing the referring court or agency and the offender. All clients shall be presented with full interlock log information, to include all data within 24 hours prior to and after the alleged violation.' Every reading during the 24 hour period must be included because many times data recorded hours prior to and subsequent can disprove ethanol use, as opposed to only showing readings immediately around the high BrAC. This system should never have been adopted for use on sober individuals. The fuel cell does not solely measure ethanol, and most high readings are not liquor. Due process is denied every single time someone is 'restarted' without going to court. False confession is ignored, and the entire IID system is, for lack of a better term, absolutely 'rigged' against the offender. If you're going to totally abuse and misconstrue science, you must provide clients the exculpatory evidence to protect themselves. Please amend the law to begin to protect Virginians from the unethical use of non-alcohol specific electrochemical fuel cell technology."

Agency Plan for Disposition of Request: The Commission on the Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program will consider this petition at its December 11, 2020, meeting.

Public Comment Deadline: December 4, 2020.

Agency Contact: Richard L. Foy, Field Services Specialist, Commission on the Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program, 1111 East Main Street, Suite 801, Richmond, VA 23219, telephone (804) 786-5895, or email rfoy@vasap.virginia.gov.

VA.R. Doc. No. R21-05; Filed October 1, 2020, 1:16 p.m.


PERIODIC REVIEWS AND SMALL BUSINESS IMPACT REVIEWS
Vol. 37 Iss. 5 - October 26, 2020

TITLE 9. ENVIRONMENT

STATE AIR POLLUTION CONTROL BOARD

Report of Findings

Pursuant to §§ 2.2-4007.1 and 2.2-4017 of the Code of Virginia, the State Air Pollution Control Board conducted a periodic review and a small business impact review of 9VAC5-85, Permits for Stationary Sources of Pollutants Subject to Regulation, and determined that this regulation should be retained in its current form. The department is publishing its report of findings dated September 25, 2020, to support this decision.

This regulation enhances the department's ability to ensure compliance with all applicable federal requirements under the Clean Air Act and specific requirements under the state code through the issuance and enforcement of federal and state operating permits to construct and operate a new or modified facility. The regulation has been effective in achieving its specific and measurable goals, which are as follows:

1. To protect public health, safety, and welfare with the least possible cost and intrusiveness to the citizens and businesses of the Commonwealth.

2. To prevent the construction, modification, or operation of major facilities that will prevent or interfere with the attainment or maintenance of any ambient air quality standard.

3. To ensure that major new facilities or major expansions to existing facilities will be designed, built, and equipped to operate without causing or exacerbating a violation of any ambient air quality standard.

4. To ensure that major new facilities or major expansions to existing facilities will be designed, built, and equipped to comply with case-by-case control technology determinations and other requirements.

5. To ensure that there is no significant deterioration of air quality in Virginia's national parks and throughout the Commonwealth.

6. To provide an administrative mechanism to impose source-specific regulatory requirements with the flexibility to address the individual needs of sources.

7. To provide a mechanism to administer certain air quality control program requirements without the need for federal oversight.

8. To identify and clarify for the department and source owner exactly which air quality program requirements are applicable to the permitted source.

The department has determined that the regulation is clearly written and easily understandable by the individuals and entities affected. It is written to permit only one reasonable interpretation, is written to adequately identify the affected entity, and, insofar as possible, is written in nontechnical language.

This regulation satisfies the provisions of the law and legally binding state and federal requirements and is effective in meeting its goals; therefore, the regulation is being retained without amendment.

This regulation continues to be needed. This regulation enables the permitting of greenhouse gasses for appropriate sources.

No comments were received that indicate a need to repeal or revise the regulation. The regulation's level of complexity is appropriate to ensure that the regulated entities are able to meet their legal mandates as efficiently and cost-effectively as possible.

This regulation does not overlap, duplicate, or conflict with any state law or other state regulation.

This chapter was last amended in 2014.

Over time, it generally becomes less expensive to characterize, measure, and mitigate the regulated pollutants that contribute to poor air quality. This regulation continues to enable the permitting of greenhouse gasses for appropriate sources.

The department, through examination of the regulation, has determined that the regulatory requirements currently minimize the economic impact of emission control regulations on small businesses and thereby minimize the impact on existing and potential Virginia employers and their ability to maintain and increase the number of jobs in the Commonwealth.

Contact Information: Gary E. Graham, 1111 East Main Street, Suite 1400, P.O. Box 1105, Richmond, VA 23218, telephone (804) 689-4103, FAX (804) 698-4178, or email gary.graham@deq.virginia.gov.

STATE WATER CONTROL BOARD

Report of Findings

Pursuant to §§ 2.2-4007.1 and 2.2-4017 of the Code of Virginia, the State Water Control Board conducted a periodic review and a small business impact review of 9VAC25-32, Virginia Pollution Abatement (VPA) Permit Regulation, and determined that this regulation should be retained in its current form. The department is publishing its report of findings dated September 22, 2020, to support this decision.

This regulation is necessary for the protection of public health, safety, and welfare since it regulates the discharge of sewage, industrial wastes, and other wastes that may occur adjacent to state waters. Examples of activities covered by this regulation include land application of biosolids and industrial sludge or spray irrigation of industrial and municipal wastewater. This regulation defines the procedures and requirements to be followed in connection with VPA permits issued by the board. Commenters indicated some areas of the regulation could be amended to be further clarified; however, the agency believes the regulation is clearly written and easily understandable. The agency will continue to utilize guidance documents to assist the regulated community with understanding situational specific regulatory requirements.

The regulation is effective and continues to be needed and is being retained.

The regulation continues to be needed. Without this regulation, there would not be a mechanism to permit and regulate individual permits related to the application of biosolids and industrial sludge or spray irrigation of industrial and municipal wastewater to the land in the Commonwealth. This regulation ensures that these activities are conducted in a manner that is protective of human health and the environment.

Comments were received from the regulated community and environmental organizations during the public comment period. In general, the regulated community suggested clarifications to be made to the regulation and also requested the board develop and adopt a general permit for the management of exceptional quality cake biosolids. Environmental organizations requested the board to strengthen the regulation to include monitoring requirements related to polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The comments received, and the responses to those comments, are further detailed in the public comment section of the Town Hall reporting form for the periodic review.

The regulation is complex in nature to the general reader since it contains many scientific terms and standards; however, the complexity of the regulation is appropriate for the user of the regulation.

The corresponding federal authority for the criteria for land application of biosolids is found at 40 CFR Part 503.

This regulation was last amended in 2018 to update the date of the federal CFR incorporated by reference and to incorporate EPA's Methods Update Rule amendments to 40 CFR Part 136.

This regulation contains the requirements for individual permits. The requirements found in this regulation are necessary to protect human health and the environment. It would not be protective of human health and the environment to allow small businesses to comply with less stringent standards.

Contact Information: Melissa Porterfield, Department of Environmental Quality, 1111 East Main Street, Suite 1400, P.O. Box 1105, Richmond, VA 23218, telephone (804) 698-4238, FAX (804) 698-4019, or email melissa.porterfield@deq.virginia.gov.

Report of Findings

Pursuant to §§ 2.2-4007.1 and 2.2-4017 of the Code of Virginia, the State Water Control Board conducted a periodic review and a small business impact review of 9VAC25-860, Virginia Pollutant Discharge Elimination System General Permit for Potable Water Treatment Plants, and determined that this regulation should be retained in its current form. The department is publishing its report of findings dated September 22, 2020, to support this decision.

This regulation is necessary for the protection of public health, safety, and welfare. The regulation is clearly written and easily understandable.

The regulation is effective and continues to be needed and will be retained. The general permit covers point source discharges of wastewater from potable water treatment plants. Repealing this regulation would require these dischargers to obtain individual permits to conduct these activities.

Comments were received during the periodic review from the Southern Environmental Law Center and the Potomac Riverkeeper Network requesting the regulation be amended to include requirements related to polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Commenters requested PFAS monitoring to be conducted and disclosed. Commenters also requested potable water treatment plant discharges containing PFAS to not be permitted under the general permit but be issued individual permits with PFAS effluent limitations for each plant.

This regulation establishes procedures for obtaining coverage under this general permit and the applicable limitations and monitoring requirements for point source discharges of wastewaters from potable water treatment plants. This regulation is clearly written and easily understandable.

The regulation does not overlap, duplicate, or conflict with federal or state law or regulation as the State Water Control Board is the delegated authority to regulate point source discharges to surface water.

The State Water Control Board last reissued this regulation in 2018. This regulation is evaluated and necessary changes are made to the regulation when the permit is reissued.

The general VPDES permit accomplishes the objectives of applicable law, minimizes the costs to a small business owner, and simplifies the application process. Without the general permit, a small business owner would be required to obtain an individual permit, which would increase the complexity of a permit application and the costs to obtain permit coverage.

Contact Information: Melissa Porterfield, Department of Environmental Quality, 1111 East Main Street, Suite 1400, P.O. Box 1105, Richmond, VA 23218, telephone (804) 698-4238, FAX (804) 698-4019, or email melissa.porterfield@deq.virginia.gov.

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TITLE 18. PROFESSIONAL AND OCCUPATIONAL LICENSING

BOARD FOR WATERWORKS AND WASTEWATER WORKS OPERATORS AND ONSITE SEWAGE SYSTEM PROFESSIONALS

Agency Notice

Pursuant to Executive Order 14 (as amended July 16, 2018) and §§ 2.2-4007.1 and 2.2-4017 of the Code of Virginia, the following regulations are undergoing a periodic review and a small business impact review: 18VAC160-30, Waterworks and Wastewater Works Operators Licensing Regulations, and 18VAC160-40, Onsite Sewage System Professionals Licensing Regulations. The review will be guided by the principles in Executive Order 14 (as amended July 16, 2018).

The purpose of this review is to determine whether each regulation should be repealed, amended, or retained in its current form. Public comment is sought on the review of any issue relating to each regulation, including whether the regulation (i) is necessary for the protection of public health, safety, and welfare or for the economical performance of important governmental functions; (ii) minimizes the economic impact on small businesses in a manner consistent with the stated objectives of applicable law; and (iii) is clearly written and easily understandable.

Public comment period begins October 26, 2020, and ends November 16, 2020.

Comments must include the commenter's name and address (physical or email) information in order to receive a response to the comment from the agency.

Following the close of the public comment period, a report of both reviews will be posted on the Virginia Regulatory Town Hall and published in the Virginia Register of Regulations.

Contact Information: Trisha Henshaw, Executive Director, Board for Waterworks and Wastewater Works Operators and Onsite Sewage System Professionals, 9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 400, Richmond, VA 23233, telephone (804) 367-8595, FAX (866) 350-5354, or email waterwasteoper@dpor.virginia.gov.

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TITLE 24. TRANSPORTATION AND MOTOR VEHICLES

DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES

Report of Findings

Pursuant to §§ 2.2-4007.1 and 2.2-4017 of the Code of Virginia, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) conducted a periodic review and a small business impact review of 24VAC20-40, Rules and Regulations on Accident Prevention Courses for Older Drivers, and determined that this regulation should be retained in its current form. The department is publishing its report of findings dated December 9, 2019, to support this decision.

The regulation is necessary for the protection of the public welfare. The regulation is intended to ensure that accident prevention courses for older drivers in Virginia provide adequate training for drivers and the regulation oversees the accident prevention courses curriculum requirements, obligations to participants, qualifications and other requirements for instructors, duration of curriculum, and other requirements.

Comments received centered around the length of the mature driver course. To maintain comparability between the driver improvement clinic and the mature driver motor vehicle crash prevention course that courts may order defendants to attend, both courses are required to provide eight hours of instruction. DMV will retain the regulation as is without making changes to the regulation.

DMV received comments during the public comment period indicating a need to amend the regulation. DMV has determined to retain the regulation as is at this time in order to maintain comparability between the driver improvement clinic and the mature driver motor vehicle crash prevention course. DMV has determined that the regulation is not overly complex and conforms to the Code of Virginia. DMV has also determined that the regulation does not overlap, duplicate, or conflict with federal or state law or regulation. DMV considered the degree to which technology, economic conditions, or other factors have changed in the area affected by the regulation and has determined that an amendment to the regulation is not necessary at this time.

Contact Information: Melissa Velazquez, Legislative Services Manager, Department of Motor Vehicles, P.O. Box 27412, Richmond, VA 23269-0001, telephone (804) 367-1844, FAX (804) 367-6631, TDD (800) 272-9268, or email melissa.velazquez@dmv.virginia.gov.

 

REGULATIONS
Vol. 37 Iss. 5 - October 26, 2020

TITLE 4. CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES
BOARD OF WILDLIFE RESOURCES
Final Regulation

REGISTRAR'S NOTICE: The Board of Wildlife Resources is claiming an exemption from Article 2 of the Administrative Process Act in accordance with § 2.2-4006 A 4 a of the Code of Virginia, which excludes regulations that are necessary to conform to changes in Virginia statutory law or the appropriation act where no agency discretion is involved. The State Board of Social Services will receive, consider, and respond to petitions by any interested person at any time with respect to reconsideration or revision.

Titles of Regulations: 4VAC15-20. Definitions and Miscellaneous: In General (amending 4VAC15-20-10, 4VAC15-20-75).

4VAC15-30. Definitions and Miscellaneous: Importation, Possession, Sale, etc., of Animals (amending 4VAC15-30-40).

4VAC15-40. Game: In General (amending 4VAC15-40-60, 4VAC15-40-281, 4VAC15-40-287).

4VAC15-90. Game: Deer (amending 4VAC15-90-290).

4VAC15-270. Game: Firearms (amending 4VAC15-270-60, 4VAC15-270-95).

4VAC15-275. Game: Hunter Education (amending 4VAC15-275-10, 4VAC15-275-20, 4VAC15-275-80).

4VAC15-290. Game: Permits (amending 4VAC15-290-130).

4VAC15-340. Fish: Seines and Nets (amending 4VAC15-340-80).

4VAC15-410. Watercraft: Boating Safety Education (amending 4VAC15-410-20).

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

Effective Date: January 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 align regulations with Chapter 958 of the 2020 Acts of Assembly, which changes the name of the department to Department of Wildlife Resources and of the board to Board of Wildlife Resources.

4VAC15-20-10. Definitions; generally.

Words and phrases used in any regulations made by the board shall have the same meaning, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, as is given for such words and phrases in the Virginia Game and Inland Fisheries laws contained in Title 29.1 (§ 29.1-100 et seq.) of the Code of Virginia.

4VAC15-20-75. Wildlife Violator Compact.

A. This section is adopted pursuant to authority granted to the Board of Game and Inland Fisheries Wildlife Resources under §§ 29.1-103 and 29.1-530.5 of the Code of Virginia.

B. Definitions used herein in this section, unless the contrary is clearly indicated are those used in § 29.1-530.5 of the Code of Virginia, the Wildlife Violator Compact, herein referred to as the compact (compact).

C. In accordance with Article VII of the compact, the board hereby authorizes the Director of the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Wildlife Resources to appoint the Commonwealth's representative to the Board of Compact Administrators. Such appointment shall be consistent with and subject to the aforesaid provisions of the compact and such representative shall serve at the pleasure of the director.

D. In accordance with Article IV of the compact, upon receipt from a participating state of a report of the conviction in that state of a resident of the Commonwealth, the department shall enter such conviction in its records and such conviction shall be treated as though it had occurred in the Commonwealth and therefore as a violation of the board's applicable regulations for purposes of suspension of license privileges.

E. In accordance with Article IV of the compact, upon receipt from a participating state of a report of the failure of a resident of the Commonwealth to comply with the terms of a citation issued by that state, the department shall notify such person of that report in accordance with the procedures set forth in subsections G through J of this section and shall initiate a proceeding to suspend any applicable licenses issued to such person by the board until the department has received satisfactory evidence of compliance with the terms of such citation.

F. In accordance with Article V of the compact, upon receipt from a participating state of a report of the suspension of license privileges of a resident of the Commonwealth issued by that state that is in accordance with suspension of license pursuant to the Code of Virginia, the department shall notify such person of that report in accordance with the procedures set forth in subsections G through J of this section and shall initiate a proceeding to suspend any applicable licenses issued to such person by the board until the department has received satisfactory evidence that such suspension has been terminated.

G. Upon receipt of a report pursuant to subsections subsection D, E, or F of this section, the director or his the director's designee shall provide notice thereof to the resident of the Commonwealth who is the subject of such report. Such notice shall advise such person of the contents of the notice and of any action that the department proposes to take in response thereto.

H. The person who is the subject of such notice shall be provided an opportunity to request within 30 days from the date of such notice an opportunity to contest the department's proposed action by requesting an informal fact-finding conference to be conducted by a representative of the department designated by the director. Although such proceedings are exempt from the requirements of the Administrative Process Act (§ 2.2-4000 et seq. of the Code of Virginia) as provided by § 2.2-4002 A 3 thereof of the Code of Virginia, the department shall to the extent practicable afford such persons seeking an informal fact-finding conference the rights provided under § 2.2-4019 of the Code of Virginia. Those include but are not limited to the right to receive reasonable notice as described in subsection G of this section and the right to appear in person or by counsel before the designated representative of the department. However, no discovery shall be conducted and no subpoenas shall be issued as part of any such proceeding.

I. An informal fact-finding proceeding shall be completed within 60 days of receipt by the department of the request described in subsection H of this section. Upon such completion the designated representative of the department shall make a recommended decision to the director or to such person designated by the director to make such decision. The decision maker shall promptly issue a written decision to the person who requested the proceeding. If the affected party is not satisfied by this decision it may be appealed to a three member panel as appointed by the agency director.

J. Any decision upholding the suspension of licensing privileges as a result of the process described in subsections D through I of this section shall be entered by the department on its records and shall be treated as though it had occurred in the Commonwealth and therefore as a violation of the board's applicable regulations.

K. The director shall establish procedures for reporting to participating states convictions or failures to comply with citations in the Commonwealth by residents of those respective states. Such procedures shall comply with the reporting requirements established by and pursuant to the provisions of the compact.

4VAC15-30-40. Importation requirements, possession, and sale of nonnative (exotic) animals.

A. Permit required. A special permit is required and may be issued by the department, if consistent with the department's fish and wildlife management program, to import, possess, or sell those nonnative (exotic) animals listed below in the following table and in 4VAC15-20-210 that the board finds and declares to be predatory or undesirable within the meaning and intent of § 29.1-542 of the Code of Virginia, in that their introduction into the Commonwealth will be detrimental to the native fish and wildlife resources of Virginia.

AMPHIBIANS

Order

Family

Genus/Species

Common Name

Anura

Bufonidae

Rhinella marina

Cane toad*

Pipidae

Hymenochirus spp. Pseudohymenochiris merlini

African dwarf frog

Xenopus spp.

Tongueless or African clawed frog

Caudata

Ambystomatidae

All species

All mole salamanders

BIRDS

Order

Family

Genus/Species

Common Name

Psittaciformes

Psittacidae

Myiopsitta monachus

Monk parakeet*

Anseriformes

Anatidae

Cygnus olor

Mute swan

FISH

Order

Family

Genus/Species

Common Name

Cypriniformes

Catostomidae

Catostomus microps

Modoc sucker

Catostomus santaanae

Santa Ana sucker

Catostomus warnerensis

Warner sucker

Ictiobus bubalus

Smallmouth* buffalo

I. cyprinellus

Bigmouth* buffalo

I. niger

Black buffalo*

Characidae

Pygopristis spp.
Pygocentrus spp.
Rooseveltiella spp.
Serrasalmo spp.
Serrasalmus spp.
Taddyella spp.

Piranhas

Cobitidae

Misgurnus anguillicaudatus

Oriental weatherfish

Cyprinidae

Aristichyhys nobilis

Bighead carp*

Chrosomus saylori

Laurel dace

Ctenopharyngodon idella

Grass carp or white amur

Cyprinella caerulea

Blue shiner

Cyprinella formosa

Beautiful shiner

Cyprinella lutrensis

Red shiner

Hypophthalmichthys molitrix

Silver carp*

Mylopharyngodom piceus

Black carp*

Notropis albizonatus

Palezone shiner

Notropis cahabae

Cahaba shiner

Notropis girardi

Arkansas River shiner

Notropis mekistocholas

Cape Fear shiner

Notropis simus pecosensis

Pecos bluntnose shiner

Notropis topeka (= tristis)

Topeka shiner

Phoxinus cumberlandensis

Blackside dace

Rhinichthys osculus lethoporus

Independence Valley speckled dace

Rhinichthys osculus nevadensis

Ash Meadows speckled dace

Rhinichthys osculus oligoporus

Clover Valley speckled dace

Rhinichthys osculus ssp.

Foskett speckled dace

Rhinichthys osculus thermalis

Kendall Warm Springs dace

Scardinius erythrophthalmus

Rudd

Tinca tinca

Tench*

Cyprinodontiformes

Poeciliidae

Gambusia gaigei

Big Bend gambusia

Gambusia georgei

San Marcos gambusia

Gambusia heterochir

Clear Creek gambusia

Gambusia nobilis

Pecos gambusia

Peociliopsis occidentalis

Gila topminnow

Gasterosteiformes

Gasterosteidae

Gasterosteus aculeatus williamsoni

Unarmored threespine stickleback

Gobiesociformes

Gobiidae

Proterorhinus marmoratus

Tubenose goby

Neogobius melanostomus

Round goby

Perciformes

Channidae

Channa spp.
Parachanna spp.

Snakeheads

Cichlidae

Tilapia spp.

Tilapia

Gymnocephalus cernuum

Ruffe*

Elassomatidae

Elassoma alabamae

Spring pygmy sunfish

Percidae

Crystallaria cincotta

Diamond darter

Etheostoma chermocki

Vermilion darter

Etheostoma boschungi

Slackwater darter

Etheostoma chienense

Relict darter

Etheostoma etowahae

Etowah darter

Etheostoma fonticola

Fountain darter

Etheostoma moorei

Yellowcheek darter

Etheostoma nianguae

Niangua darter

Etheostoma nuchale

Watercress darter

Etheostoma okaloosae

Okaloosa darter

Etheostoma phytophilum

Rush darter

Etheostoma rubrum

Bayou darter

Etheostoma scotti

Cherokee darter

Etheostoma sp.

Bluemask (= jewel) darter

Etheostoma susanae

Cumberland darter

Etheostoma wapiti

Boulder darter

Percina antesella

Amber darter

Percina aurolineata

Goldline darter

Percina jenkinsi

Conasauga logperch

Percina pantherina

Leopard darter

Percina tanasi

Snail darter

Scorpaeniformes

Cottidae

Cottus sp.

Grotto sculpin

Cottus paulus (= pygmaeus)

Pygmy sculpin

Siluriformes

Clariidae

All species

Air-breathing catfish

Ictaluridae

Noturus baileyi

Smoky madtom

Noturus crypticus

Chucky madtom

Noturus placidus

Neosho madtom

Noturus stanauli

Pygmy madtom

Noturus trautmani

Scioto madtom

Synbranchiformes

Synbranchidae

Monopterus albus

Swamp eel

MAMMALS

Order

Family

Genus/Species

Common Name

Artiodactyla

Suidae

All Species

Pigs or Hogs*

Cervidae

All Species

Deer*

Carnivora

Canidae

All Species

Wild Dogs,* Wolves, Coyotes or Coyote hybrids, Jackals and Foxes

Ursidae

All Species

Bears*

Procyonidae

All Species

Raccoons and* Relatives

Mustelidae

All Species

Weasels, Badgers,* Skunks and Otters

(except Mustela putorius furo)

Ferret

Viverridae

All Species

Civets, Genets,* Lingsangs, Mongooses, and Fossas

Herpestidae

All Species

Mongooses*

Hyaenidae

All Species

Hyenas and Aardwolves*

Felidae

All Species

Cats*

Chiroptera

 

All Species

Bats*

Lagomorpha

Lepridae

Brachylagus idahoensis

Pygmy rabbit

Lepus europeaeous

European hare

Oryctolagus cuniculus

European rabbit

Sylvilagus bachmani riparius

Riparian brush rabbit

Sylvilagus palustris hefneri

Lower Keys marsh rabbit

Rodentia

 

All species native to Africa

All species native to Africa

Dipodidae

Zapus hudsonius preblei

Preble's meadow jumping mouse

Muridae

Microtus californicus scirpensis

Amargosa vole

Microtus mexicanus hualpaiensis

Hualapai Mexican vole

Microtus pennsylvanicus dukecampbelli

Florida salt marsh vole

Neotoma floridana smalli

Key Largo woodrat

Neotoma fuscipes riparia

Riparian (= San Joaquin Valley) woodrat

Oryzomys palustris natator

Rice rat

Peromyscus gossypinus allapaticola

Key Largo cotton mouse

Peromyscus polionotus allophrys

Choctawhatchee beach mouse

Peromyscus polionotus ammobates

Alabama beach mouse

Peromyscus polionotus niveiventris

Southeastern beach mouse

Peromyscus polionotus peninsularis

St. Andrew beach mouse

Peromyscus polionotus phasma

Anastasia Island beach mouse

Peromyscus polionotus trissyllepsis

Perdido Key beach mouse

Reithrodontomys raviventris

Salt marsh harvest mouse

Heteromyidae

Dipodomys heermanni morroensis

Morro Bay kangaroo rat

Dipodomys ingens

Giant kangaroo rat

Dipodomys merriami parvus

San Bernadino Merriam's kangaroo rat

Dipodomys nitratoides exilis

Fresno kangaroo rat

Dipodomys nitratoides nitratoides

Tipton kangaroo rat

Dipodomys stephensi (including D. cascus)

Stephens' kangaroo rat

Perognathus longimembris pacificus

Pacific pocket mouse

Sciuridae

Cynomys spp.

Prairie dogs

Spermophilus brunneus brunneus

Northern Idaho ground squirrel

Tamiasciurus hudsonicus grahamensis

Mount Graham red squirrel

Soricomorpha

Soricidae

Sorex ornatus relictus

Buena Vista Lake ornate shrew

MOLLUSKS

Order

Family

Genus/Species

Common Name

Neotaenioglossa

Hydrobiidae

Potamopyrgus antipodarum

New Zealand mudsnail

Veneroida

Dreissenidae

Dreissena bugensis

Quagga mussel

Dreissena polymorpha

Zebra mussel

REPTILES

Order

Family

Genus/Species

Common Name

Crocodilia

Alligatoridae

All species

Alligators, caimans*

Crocodylidae

All species

Crocodiles*

Gavialidae

All species

Gavials*

Squamata

Colubridae

Boiga irregularis

Brown tree snake*

CRUSTACEANS

Order

Family

Genus/Species

Common Name

Decapoda

Cambaridae

Cambarus aculabrum

Cave crayfish

Cambarus zophonastes

Cave crayfish

Orconectes rusticus

Rusty crayfish

Orconectes shoupi

Nashville crayfish

Pacifastacus fortis

Shasta crayfish

Procambarus sp.

Marbled crayfish

Parastacidae

Cherax spp.

Australian crayfish

Varunidea

Eriocheir sinensis

Chinese mitten crab

B. Temporary possession permit for certain animals. Notwithstanding the permitting requirements of subsection A of this section, a person, company, or corporation possessing any nonnative (exotic) animal, designated with an asterisk (*) in subsection A of this section, prior to July 1, 1992, must declare such possession in writing to the department by January 1, 1993. This written declaration shall serve as a permit for possession only, is not transferable, and must be renewed every five years. This written declaration must include species name, common name, number of individuals, date or dates acquired, sex (if possible), estimated age, height or length, and other characteristics such as bands and band numbers, tattoos, registration numbers, coloration, and specific markings. Possession transfer will require a new permit according to the requirements of this subsection.

C. Exception for certain monk parakeets. A permit is not required for monk parakeets (quakers) that have been captive bred and are closed-banded with a seamless band.

D. Exception for parts or products. A permit is not required for parts or products of those nonnative (exotic) animals listed in subsection A of this section that may be used for personal use, in the manufacture of products, or used in scientific research, provided that such parts or products be packaged outside the Commonwealth by any person, company, or corporation duly licensed by the state in which the parts originate. Such packages may be transported into the Commonwealth, consistent with other state laws and regulations, so long as the original package remains unbroken, unopened and intact until its point of destination is reached. Documentation concerning the type and cost of the animal parts ordered, the purpose and date of the order, point and date of shipping, and date of receiving shall be kept by the person, business, or institution ordering such nonnative (exotic) animal parts. Such documentation shall be open to inspection by a representative of the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Wildlife Resources.

E. Exception for prairie dogs. The effective date of listing of prairie dogs under subsection A of this section shall be January 1, 1998. Prairie dogs possessed in captivity in Virginia on December 31, 1997, may be maintained in captivity until the animals' deaths, but they may not be sold on or after January 1, 1998, without a permit.

F. Exception for snakehead fish. Anglers may legally harvest snakehead fish of the family Channidae, provided that they immediately kill such fish and that they notify the department, as soon as practicable, of such actions.

G. Exception for feral hogs. Anyone may legally trap feral hogs with written permission of the landowner, provided that any trapped hogs are not removed from the trap site alive and are killed immediately.

H. Exception for grass carp. Anglers may legally harvest grass carp of the family Cyprinidae from public waters of the Commonwealth, except from department-owned or department-controlled lakes, provided that anglers ensure that harvested grass carp are dead.

I. All other nonnative (exotic) animals. All other nonnative (exotic) animals not listed in subsection A of this section may be possessed, purchased, and sold; provided, that such animals shall be subject to all applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations, including those that apply to threatened/endangered species, and further provided, that such animals shall not be liberated within the Commonwealth.

4VAC15-40-60. Hunting with dogs or possession of weapons in certain locations during closed season.

A. Department-owned and national forest lands statewide. It shall be unlawful to have in possession a firearm or any hunting weapon that is not unloaded and cased or dismantled on all national forest lands statewide and on department-owned lands and on other lands managed by the department under cooperative agreement except during the period when it is lawful to take bear, deer, grouse, pheasant, quail, rabbit, raccoon, squirrel, turkey, waterfowl, or migratory gamebirds on these lands.

B. Certain counties. Except as otherwise provided in 4VAC15-40-70, it shall be unlawful to have either a shotgun or a rifle in one's possession when accompanied by a dog in the daytime in the fields, forests or waters of the Counties of Augusta, Clarke, Frederick, Page, Shenandoah, and Warren, and in the counties east of the Blue Ridge Mountains, except Patrick, at any time except the periods prescribed by law to hunt game birds and animals.

C. Shooting ranges and authorized activities. The provisions of this section shall not prohibit the conduct of any activities authorized by the board or the establishment and operation of archery and shooting ranges on the lands described in subsections A and B of this section. The use of firearms or any hunting weapon in such ranges during the closed season period will be restricted to the area within the established range boundaries. Such weapons shall be required to be unloaded and cased or dismantled in all areas other than the range boundaries. The use of firearms or any hunting weapon during the closed hunting period in such ranges shall be restricted to target shooting only, and no birds or animals shall be molested.

D. It shall be unlawful to chase with a dog or train dogs on national forest lands or department-owned lands except during authorized hunting, chase, or training seasons that specifically permit these activities on these lands or during raccoon hound field trials on these lands between September 1 and March 31, both dates inclusive, that are sanctioned by bona fide national kennel clubs and authorized by permits issued by the department or the U.S. Forest Service.

E. It shall be unlawful to possess or transport any loaded firearm or loaded hunting weapon in or on any vehicle at any time on national forest lands or department-owned lands.

F. The provisions of this section shall not prohibit the possession, transport, and use of loaded firearms by employees of the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Wildlife Resources while engaged in the performance of their authorized and official duties, nor shall it prohibit possession and transport of loaded concealed handguns where the individual possesses a concealed handgun permit as defined in § 18.2-308 of the Code of Virginia.

G. Meaning of "possession" of any hunting weapon and definition of "loaded crossbow," "loaded arrowgun," "loaded muzzleloader," and "loaded firearm." For the purpose of this section, the word "possession" shall include having any firearm or weapon used for hunting in or on one's person, vehicle, or conveyance. For the purpose of this section, a "loaded firearm" means a firearm in which ammunition is chambered or loaded in the magazine or clip when such magazine or clip is engaged or partially engaged in a firearm. The definition of a "loaded muzzleloader" will include a muzzleloading rifle, pistol, or shotgun that is capped, has a charged pan, or has a primer or battery installed in the muzzleloader. A "loaded crossbow" means a crossbow that is cocked and has either a bolt or arrow engaged or partially engaged on the shooting rail or track of the crossbow, or with a "trackless crossbow" when the crossbow is cocked and a bolt or arrow is nocked. "Loaded arrowgun" means an arrowgun that has an arrow or bolt inserted on the arrow rest or in the barrel. "Hunting weapon" means any weapon allowable for hunting as defined in § 29.1-519 of the Code of Virginia.

4VAC15-40-281. Unauthorized feeding of bear, deer, or turkey on national forest lands and department-owned lands.

It shall be unlawful to place or direct the placement of, deposit, distribute, or scatter food or salt capable of attracting or being eaten by bear, deer, or turkey on national forest lands or on department-owned lands without the written authorization of the Director of the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Wildlife Resources or his the director's designee. The provisions of this section shall not prohibit the disposal of food in trash receptacles provided by the U.S. Forest Service on national forest lands or by the department on department-owned lands.

4VAC15-40-287. Model ordinances related to feeding of deer in cities and towns.

Per the provisions of § 29.1-527.2 of the Code of Virginia, the following model ordinance related to the feeding of deer may be adopted by a city or town. Any city or town must notify the director of the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Wildlife Resources of the adoption of such an ordinance by registered mail.

Model ordinance:

A. Pursuant to § 29.1-527.2 of the Code of Virginia, it shall be unlawful for any person to place, distribute, or allow the placement of food, salt, minerals, or similar substances to feed or attract deer at any time.

B. No person shall continue to place, distribute, or allow the placement of food, salt, minerals, or similar substances for any purpose if the placement of these materials results in the presence of deer.

C. No part of this ordinance shall be construed to restrict agricultural, commercial, noncommercial, or residential plantings (including wildlife food plots); bona fide distribution of food to livestock; or wildlife management activities conducted or authorized by the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Wildlife Resources.

4VAC15-90-290. Special quality deer management areas.

A. The board hereby designates the following areas posted by the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Wildlife Resources as special quality deer management areas with special antlered buck harvest.

B. Special Fairystone quality deer management area. It shall be unlawful to kill an antlered deer on the special Fairystone quality deer management area unless the deer has at least four antler points, each greater than one inch in length, on either the right or left antler.

4VAC15-270-60. Use of firearms loaded with slugs and discharge of firearms near boardwalk or nature trail on Ragged Island Wildlife Management Area.

A. It shall be unlawful to possess outside of a vehicle, or shoot or hunt with a rifle, muzzleloader, pistol, or shotgun loaded with slugs, or to possess shotgun slugs, on Ragged Island Wildlife Management Area in Isle of Wight County. In addition, it shall be unlawful to discharge any firearm within 100 yards of the boardwalk or nature trail on Ragged Island Wildlife Management Area.

B. The provisions of this section shall not prohibit the possession, transport, and use of loaded firearms by employees of the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Wildlife Resources while engaged in the performance of their duties, nor shall it prohibit the possession and transport of loaded concealed handguns where the individual possesses a concealed handgun permit as defined in § 18.2-308 of the Code of Virginia.

4VAC15-270-95. Model ordinances related to archery deer hunting.

Pursuant to § 29.1-528.1 A of the Code of Virginia, the following model ordinances related to hunting deer with bow and arrow (including crossbows) may be adopted by those counties and cities where there is an overabundance of the deer population, which is creating conflicts between humans and deer, including safety hazards to motorists. In accordance with § 29.1-528.1 B of the Code of Virginia, no such ordinance shall be enforceable unless the governing body of the locality notifies the director by registered mail prior to May 1 of the year in which the ordinance is to take effect.

Model Ordinance 1:

The times at which hunting shall commence and end each day shall be in accordance with the provisions of § 29.1-520 of the Code of Virginia.

Model Ordinance 2:

The number of deer that can be taken shall be in accordance with bag limits established by the Board of Game and Inland Fisheries Wildlife Resources pursuant to §§ 29.1-501 and 29.1-502 of the Code of Virginia.

Model Ordinance 3:

No person shall discharge a bow and arrow from, over, or across any street, sidewalk, alley, roadway, or toward any building or dwelling in such a manner that an arrow may strike it. Any person who violates the provisions of this ordinance shall be guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor.

Model Ordinance 4:

It shall be unlawful to discharge a bow and arrow in a manner that can be reasonably expected to result in the impact of the arrow upon the property of another without permission from the owner or tenant of such property. Any person who violates the provisions of this ordinance shall be guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor.

4VAC15-275-10. Application.

This chapter applies to any person who has never obtained a license to hunt in any state or country or any person who is under the age of younger than 16 years of age, unless such a person presents to the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Wildlife Resources or one of its authorized license vendors a certificate of completion in hunter education issued or authorized by the director or his the director's representative under the hunter education program or proof that he holds the equivalent certificate obtained from an authorized agency or association of another state or country.

4VAC15-275-20. Definitions.

The following words and terms when used in this chapter shall have the following meanings unless the context clearly requires a different meaning:

"Accompanied and directly supervised" means, in the case of an apprentice hunter, that a licensed person over older than 18 years of age maintains a close visual and verbal contact with, provides adequate direction to, and can immediately assume control of the firearm from the apprentice hunter. In the case of a hunter age 12 years of age or under younger, the term means that the licensed adult is within sight of the person under the age of younger than 12 years of age.

"Adult" means the parent or legal guardian of the person under age younger than 12 years of age, or such person over the age of older than 18 years of age designated by the parent or legal guardian.

"Approved course provider" is any individual, business, or organization that makes available to the hunting public a hunter education course that is approved by the International Hunter Education Association – United States (IHEA-USA) and is accepted by the department. An approved course provider shall have executed and have on file a valid cooperative agreement with the department. The department will make information regarding such approved courses and providers readily available for public access.

"Board" means the Board of Game and Inland Fisheries Wildlife Resources.

"Department" means the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Wildlife Resources.

"Hunter education course" means a course offered in the classroom, through the Internet, or through an electronic format that provides course content and test questions that at a minimum meet the International Hunter Education Association-USA Education Standards, May 2, 2014, set forth by the International Hunter Education Association-USA (IHEA-USA) and are accepted by the department. A hunter education course shall include no less than 50 test questions, which shall include at least eight test questions specific to Virginia hunting laws.

"IHEA-USA" means the International Hunter Education Association-USA.

"Virginia Hunter Education Card" means a card authorized for issuance by the department to a person who has met the minimum standard of hunter education course competency. This card may be issued as an original or a replacement hunter education course card.

4VAC15-275-80. Instructor certification.

A. The department may designate as a hunter instructor any person found by it to be competent to give instruction in the courses required.

B. Volunteer instructors are designated to work on a voluntary basis and at the pleasure of the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Wildlife Resources.

C. To be certified as a hunter education course instructor for the department's hunter education program, a person shall (i) have successfully completed a hunter education course and (ii) be certified as an instructor by the department or by a certification program accepted by the department.

D. Applicants for certified instructor shall submit an application to the department on a form and in a manner determined by the hunter education program manager. At a minimum, the application shall include:

1. The applicant's name;

2. The applicant's street address;

3. The applicant's telephone number;

4. The applicant's email address, if any;

5. Information describing the applicant's experience and training in hunter and hunting and proof of completion of a hunter education course that is accepted by the department; and

6. Any other information deemed necessary after review of the initial application.

E. Applicants may be required to submit written consent for a criminal history background check in a manner determined by the department or an interview in a manner determined by the department and in accordance with state policy.

4VAC15-290-130. Duty to comply with permit conditions.

A permit holder shall comply with all terms and conditions of any permit issued by the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Wildlife Resources pursuant to Title 29.1 of the Code of Virginia and the regulations of the board pertaining to hunting, fishing, trapping, taking, attempting to take, possession, sale, offering for sale, transporting or causing to be transported, importing or exporting, propagating, exhibiting, and rehabilitating of any wild bird, wild animal, or fish. The penalty for violation of this section is prescribed by § 29.1-505 of the Code of Virginia.

4VAC15-340-80. Eel pots for taking American eels for sale.

A. The director may issue, deny, modify, suspend, or revoke annual eel pot permits designated for the sale of American eels. Such permits shall authorize the taking of American eels for sale, as specified, with eel pots from waters designated in this section. Such permits shall be valid so long as the harvest of American eels in the Commonwealth is not prohibited by other state or federal law or regulation. To be eligible, applicants must document harvest of at least one pound of American eels from Back Bay or North Landing River or their tributaries via reports submitted through the Virginia Marine Resources Commission Mandatory Harvest Reporting Program during the period January 1, 2007, to December 31, 2012, both dates inclusive. Applicants must document the reported harvest occurred while the applicant held a valid commercial fish pot or eel pot license issued by the Virginia Marine Resources Commission.

B. It shall be unlawful for permit holders to possess any American eel less than nine inches in total length.

C. It shall be unlawful for permit holders fishing eel pots to take any species other than American eels.

D. It shall be unlawful to place, set, or fish any eel pot that has a mesh less than 1/2-inch by 1/2-inch and does not contain at least one unrestricted 4-inch by 4-inch escape panel consisting of 1/2-inch by 1-inch mesh.

E. The permit holder's last name and Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Wildlife Resources American eel pot number must be permanently attached to buoys of all eel pots set. The maximum number of pots authorized per permit holder under this permit shall be 300.

F. American eels may be taken with eel pots in Back Bay and its natural tributaries (not including Lake Tecumseh and Red Wing Lake) and in North Landing River and its natural tributaries from the North Carolina line to the Great Bridge locks.

G. It shall be unlawful for any person to ship or otherwise transport any package, box, or other receptacle containing fish taken under an eel pot permit unless the same bears the permit holder's name and address.

H. Failure to comply with the daily harvest and sales reporting requirements as detailed in conditions of the permit shall be unlawful and may result in immediate permit revocation. It shall be the permit holder's responsibility to report "No Activity" when no activity occurs during a monthly reporting period.

4VAC15-410-20. Definitions.

As used in this chapter, unless the context clearly requires a different meaning, the following words and terms shall have the following meanings:

"Approved course provider" is any individual, business, or organization that makes available to the boating public a boating safety education course approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators and accepted by the department. An approved course provider shall have executed and have on file a valid cooperative agreement with the department. Persons who simply provide classroom instruction for an approved course provider shall not be considered an approved course provider. The department will make information regarding such approved courses and providers readily available for public access.

"Board" means the Board of Game and Inland Fisheries Wildlife Resources.

"Boating safety education course" means a course offered in the classroom, through the Internet, or through an electronic format such as CD-ROM that provides a course content and test questions that have been reviewed and approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators in accordance with the National Boating Education Standards, updated January 1, 2008, and accepted by the department. A boating safety education course shall include no less than 50 test questions, which shall include at least 10 test questions specific about Virginia boating laws.

"Department" means the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Wildlife Resources.

"Dockside safety checklist" means a document provided by the department that consists of selected facts about Virginia boating laws and safe boat operation that a rental or livery agent or motorboat leasing business is required to present to those who rent or lease a motorboat or personal watercraft. The dockside safety checklist must be reviewed and initialed by the person operating the motorboat before the boat can be rented/leased rented or leased and operated.

"Equivalency exam" means a written examination that is developed by the department to test the knowledge of information included in the curriculum of a boating safety education course (may also be referred to as a challenge exam). The equivalency exam is intended to provide experienced and knowledgeable boaters with the opportunity to meet the boating safety education compliance requirement set forth in § 29.1-735.2 of the Code of Virginia without having to take and successfully complete a boating safety education course. The equivalency exam shall be comprised of no less than 75 or more than 100 test questions, shall include no less than 25 questions specific about Virginia boating laws, shall be proctored by an individual(s) individual specifically designated by the department, and shall be completed without the use of any reference material. A minimum score of at least 80% shall be considered passing.

"Motorboat" means any vessel propelled by machinery whether or not the machinery is the principal source of propulsion and for this chapter shall mean with a motor of 10 horsepower or greater.

"NASBLA" means the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators.

"NASBLA-approved course" means a boating safety education course that has been reviewed and approved by NASBLA.

"Onboard direct supervision" as referenced in § 29.1-735.2 B 6 and B 9 of the Code of Virginia occurs when a person maintains close visual and verbal contact with, provides adequate direction to, and can immediately assume control of a motorboat from the operator of a motorboat. A person who is water skiing, or is in the cabin of a motorboat and not at the helm/wheel is not considered to be in a position capable of providing direct supervision.

"Operate" means to navigate or otherwise control the movement of a motorboat or vessel.

"Optional Virginia Boater Education Card" means a card authorized for issuance by the department to persons who (i) can show they have met the minimum standard of boating safety education course competency, (ii) possess a valid license to operate a vessel issued to maritime personnel by the United States Coast Guard or a marine certificate issued by the Canadian government, (iii) possess a Canadian Pleasure Craft Operator's Card, or (iv) possess a valid commercial fisherman registration pursuant to § 28.2-241 of the Code of Virginia. For the purpose of this subsection a license is considered valid regardless of whether the license is current. This card may be issued as a replacement boating safety course card.

"Personal watercraft" means a motorboat less than 16 feet in length that uses an inboard motor powering a jet pump as its primary motive power and that is designed to be operated by a person sitting, standing, or kneeling on, rather than in the conventional manner of sitting or standing inside the vessel.

"Proctored" means that the written equivalency exam has been administered under the direct supervision of (i) a designated member of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary or the United States Power Squadrons®, (ii) a designated department employee or a department volunteer boating safety instructor, or (iii) an individual who has been approved for such purpose by the department.

"Temporary operator's certificate" means a nonrenewable document issued with the certificate of number for the motorboat or personal watercraft, if the boat is new or was sold with a transfer of ownership. A temporary operator's certificate shall be issued only by the department, by any person authorized by the director to act as an agent to issue a certificate of number pursuant to § 29.1-706 of the Code of Virginia, or by a license agent of the department authorized to issue a temporary registration certificate for a motorboat or personal watercraft. A temporary operator's certificate shall allow the owner(s) owner to operate a motorboat with a motor of 10 horsepower or greater or personal watercraft in Virginia for 90 days.

"Vessel" means every description of watercraft, other than a seaplane on the water, used or capable of being used as a means of transportation on water.

"Waters of the Commonwealth" means any public waters within the territorial limits of the Commonwealth.

VA.R. Doc. No. R21-5904; Filed September 29, 2020, 11:23 a.m.
TITLE 4. CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES
BOARD OF WILDLIFE RESOURCES
Final Regulation

REGISTRAR'S NOTICE: The Board of Wildlife Resources is claiming an exemption from Article 2 of the Administrative Process Act in accordance with § 2.2-4006 A 4 a of the Code of Virginia, which excludes regulations that are necessary to conform to changes in Virginia statutory law or the appropriation act where no agency discretion is involved. The State Board of Social Services will receive, consider, and respond to petitions by any interested person at any time with respect to reconsideration or revision.

Titles of Regulations: 4VAC15-20. Definitions and Miscellaneous: In General (amending 4VAC15-20-10, 4VAC15-20-75).

4VAC15-30. Definitions and Miscellaneous: Importation, Possession, Sale, etc., of Animals (amending 4VAC15-30-40).

4VAC15-40. Game: In General (amending 4VAC15-40-60, 4VAC15-40-281, 4VAC15-40-287).

4VAC15-90. Game: Deer (amending 4VAC15-90-290).

4VAC15-270. Game: Firearms (amending 4VAC15-270-60, 4VAC15-270-95).

4VAC15-275. Game: Hunter Education (amending 4VAC15-275-10, 4VAC15-275-20, 4VAC15-275-80).

4VAC15-290. Game: Permits (amending 4VAC15-290-130).

4VAC15-340. Fish: Seines and Nets (amending 4VAC15-340-80).

4VAC15-410. Watercraft: Boating Safety Education (amending 4VAC15-410-20).

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

Effective Date: January 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 align regulations with Chapter 958 of the 2020 Acts of Assembly, which changes the name of the department to Department of Wildlife Resources and of the board to Board of Wildlife Resources.

4VAC15-20-10. Definitions; generally.

Words and phrases used in any regulations made by the board shall have the same meaning, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, as is given for such words and phrases in the Virginia Game and Inland Fisheries laws contained in Title 29.1 (§ 29.1-100 et seq.) of the Code of Virginia.

4VAC15-20-75. Wildlife Violator Compact.

A. This section is adopted pursuant to authority granted to the Board of Game and Inland Fisheries Wildlife Resources under §§ 29.1-103 and 29.1-530.5 of the Code of Virginia.

B. Definitions used herein in this section, unless the contrary is clearly indicated are those used in § 29.1-530.5 of the Code of Virginia, the Wildlife Violator Compact, herein referred to as the compact (compact).

C. In accordance with Article VII of the compact, the board hereby authorizes the Director of the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Wildlife Resources to appoint the Commonwealth's representative to the Board of Compact Administrators. Such appointment shall be consistent with and subject to the aforesaid provisions of the compact and such representative shall serve at the pleasure of the director.

D. In accordance with Article IV of the compact, upon receipt from a participating state of a report of the conviction in that state of a resident of the Commonwealth, the department shall enter such conviction in its records and such conviction shall be treated as though it had occurred in the Commonwealth and therefore as a violation of the board's applicable regulations for purposes of suspension of license privileges.

E. In accordance with Article IV of the compact, upon receipt from a participating state of a report of the failure of a resident of the Commonwealth to comply with the terms of a citation issued by that state, the department shall notify such person of that report in accordance with the procedures set forth in subsections G through J of this section and shall initiate a proceeding to suspend any applicable licenses issued to such person by the board until the department has received satisfactory evidence of compliance with the terms of such citation.

F. In accordance with Article V of the compact, upon receipt from a participating state of a report of the suspension of license privileges of a resident of the Commonwealth issued by that state that is in accordance with suspension of license pursuant to the Code of Virginia, the department shall notify such person of that report in accordance with the procedures set forth in subsections G through J of this section and shall initiate a proceeding to suspend any applicable licenses issued to such person by the board until the department has received satisfactory evidence that such suspension has been terminated.

G. Upon receipt of a report pursuant to subsections subsection D, E, or F of this section, the director or his the director's designee shall provide notice thereof to the resident of the Commonwealth who is the subject of such report. Such notice shall advise such person of the contents of the notice and of any action that the department proposes to take in response thereto.

H. The person who is the subject of such notice shall be provided an opportunity to request within 30 days from the date of such notice an opportunity to contest the department's proposed action by requesting an informal fact-finding conference to be conducted by a representative of the department designated by the director. Although such proceedings are exempt from the requirements of the Administrative Process Act (§ 2.2-4000 et seq. of the Code of Virginia) as provided by § 2.2-4002 A 3 thereof of the Code of Virginia, the department shall to the extent practicable afford such persons seeking an informal fact-finding conference the rights provided under § 2.2-4019 of the Code of Virginia. Those include but are not limited to the right to receive reasonable notice as described in subsection G of this section and the right to appear in person or by counsel before the designated representative of the department. However, no discovery shall be conducted and no subpoenas shall be issued as part of any such proceeding.

I. An informal fact-finding proceeding shall be completed within 60 days of receipt by the department of the request described in subsection H of this section. Upon such completion the designated representative of the department shall make a recommended decision to the director or to such person designated by the director to make such decision. The decision maker shall promptly issue a written decision to the person who requested the proceeding. If the affected party is not satisfied by this decision it may be appealed to a three member panel as appointed by the agency director.

J. Any decision upholding the suspension of licensing privileges as a result of the process described in subsections D through I of this section shall be entered by the department on its records and shall be treated as though it had occurred in the Commonwealth and therefore as a violation of the board's applicable regulations.

K. The director shall establish procedures for reporting to participating states convictions or failures to comply with citations in the Commonwealth by residents of those respective states. Such procedures shall comply with the reporting requirements established by and pursuant to the provisions of the compact.

4VAC15-30-40. Importation requirements, possession, and sale of nonnative (exotic) animals.

A. Permit required. A special permit is required and may be issued by the department, if consistent with the department's fish and wildlife management program, to import, possess, or sell those nonnative (exotic) animals listed below in the following table and in 4VAC15-20-210 that the board finds and declares to be predatory or undesirable within the meaning and intent of § 29.1-542 of the Code of Virginia, in that their introduction into the Commonwealth will be detrimental to the native fish and wildlife resources of Virginia.

AMPHIBIANS

Order

Family

Genus/Species

Common Name

Anura

Bufonidae

Rhinella marina

Cane toad*

Pipidae

Hymenochirus spp. Pseudohymenochiris merlini

African dwarf frog

Xenopus spp.

Tongueless or African clawed frog

Caudata

Ambystomatidae

All species

All mole salamanders

BIRDS

Order

Family

Genus/Species

Common Name

Psittaciformes

Psittacidae

Myiopsitta monachus

Monk parakeet*

Anseriformes

Anatidae

Cygnus olor

Mute swan

FISH

Order

Family

Genus/Species

Common Name

Cypriniformes

Catostomidae

Catostomus microps

Modoc sucker

Catostomus santaanae

Santa Ana sucker

Catostomus warnerensis

Warner sucker

Ictiobus bubalus

Smallmouth* buffalo

I. cyprinellus

Bigmouth* buffalo

I. niger

Black buffalo*

Characidae

Pygopristis spp.
Pygocentrus spp.
Rooseveltiella spp.
Serrasalmo spp.
Serrasalmus spp.
Taddyella spp.

Piranhas

Cobitidae

Misgurnus anguillicaudatus

Oriental weatherfish

Cyprinidae

Aristichyhys nobilis

Bighead carp*

Chrosomus saylori

Laurel dace

Ctenopharyngodon idella

Grass carp or white amur

Cyprinella caerulea

Blue shiner

Cyprinella formosa

Beautiful shiner

Cyprinella lutrensis

Red shiner

Hypophthalmichthys molitrix

Silver carp*

Mylopharyngodom piceus

Black carp*

Notropis albizonatus

Palezone shiner

Notropis cahabae

Cahaba shiner

Notropis girardi

Arkansas River shiner

Notropis mekistocholas

Cape Fear shiner

Notropis simus pecosensis

Pecos bluntnose shiner

Notropis topeka (= tristis)

Topeka shiner

Phoxinus cumberlandensis

Blackside dace

Rhinichthys osculus lethoporus

Independence Valley speckled dace

Rhinichthys osculus nevadensis

Ash Meadows speckled dace

Rhinichthys osculus oligoporus

Clover Valley speckled dace

Rhinichthys osculus ssp.

Foskett speckled dace

Rhinichthys osculus thermalis

Kendall Warm Springs dace

Scardinius erythrophthalmus

Rudd

Tinca tinca

Tench*

Cyprinodontiformes

Poeciliidae

Gambusia gaigei

Big Bend gambusia

Gambusia georgei

San Marcos gambusia

Gambusia heterochir

Clear Creek gambusia

Gambusia nobilis

Pecos gambusia

Peociliopsis occidentalis

Gila topminnow

Gasterosteiformes

Gasterosteidae

Gasterosteus aculeatus williamsoni

Unarmored threespine stickleback

Gobiesociformes

Gobiidae

Proterorhinus marmoratus

Tubenose goby

Neogobius melanostomus

Round goby

Perciformes

Channidae

Channa spp.
Parachanna spp.

Snakeheads

Cichlidae

Tilapia spp.

Tilapia

Gymnocephalus cernuum

Ruffe*

Elassomatidae

Elassoma alabamae

Spring pygmy sunfish

Percidae

Crystallaria cincotta

Diamond darter

Etheostoma chermocki

Vermilion darter

Etheostoma boschungi

Slackwater darter

Etheostoma chienense

Relict darter

Etheostoma etowahae

Etowah darter

Etheostoma fonticola

Fountain darter

Etheostoma moorei

Yellowcheek darter

Etheostoma nianguae

Niangua darter

Etheostoma nuchale

Watercress darter

Etheostoma okaloosae

Okaloosa darter

Etheostoma phytophilum

Rush darter

Etheostoma rubrum

Bayou darter

Etheostoma scotti

Cherokee darter

Etheostoma sp.

Bluemask (= jewel) darter

Etheostoma susanae

Cumberland darter

Etheostoma wapiti

Boulder darter

Percina antesella

Amber darter

Percina aurolineata

Goldline darter

Percina jenkinsi

Conasauga logperch

Percina pantherina

Leopard darter

Percina tanasi

Snail darter

Scorpaeniformes

Cottidae

Cottus sp.

Grotto sculpin

Cottus paulus (= pygmaeus)

Pygmy sculpin

Siluriformes

Clariidae

All species

Air-breathing catfish

Ictaluridae

Noturus baileyi

Smoky madtom

Noturus crypticus

Chucky madtom

Noturus placidus

Neosho madtom

Noturus stanauli

Pygmy madtom

Noturus trautmani

Scioto madtom

Synbranchiformes

Synbranchidae

Monopterus albus

Swamp eel

MAMMALS

Order

Family

Genus/Species

Common Name

Artiodactyla

Suidae

All Species

Pigs or Hogs*

Cervidae

All Species

Deer*

Carnivora

Canidae

All Species

Wild Dogs,* Wolves, Coyotes or Coyote hybrids, Jackals and Foxes

Ursidae

All Species

Bears*

Procyonidae

All Species

Raccoons and* Relatives

Mustelidae

All Species

Weasels, Badgers,* Skunks and Otters

(except Mustela putorius furo)

Ferret

Viverridae

All Species

Civets, Genets,* Lingsangs, Mongooses, and Fossas

Herpestidae

All Species

Mongooses*

Hyaenidae

All Species

Hyenas and Aardwolves*

Felidae

All Species

Cats*

Chiroptera

 

All Species

Bats*

Lagomorpha

Lepridae

Brachylagus idahoensis

Pygmy rabbit

Lepus europeaeous

European hare

Oryctolagus cuniculus

European rabbit

Sylvilagus bachmani riparius

Riparian brush rabbit

Sylvilagus palustris hefneri

Lower Keys marsh rabbit

Rodentia

 

All species native to Africa

All species native to Africa

Dipodidae

Zapus hudsonius preblei

Preble's meadow jumping mouse

Muridae

Microtus californicus scirpensis

Amargosa vole

Microtus mexicanus hualpaiensis

Hualapai Mexican vole

Microtus pennsylvanicus dukecampbelli

Florida salt marsh vole

Neotoma floridana smalli

Key Largo woodrat

Neotoma fuscipes riparia

Riparian (= San Joaquin Valley) woodrat

Oryzomys palustris natator

Rice rat

Peromyscus gossypinus allapaticola

Key Largo cotton mouse

Peromyscus polionotus allophrys

Choctawhatchee beach mouse

Peromyscus polionotus ammobates

Alabama beach mouse

Peromyscus polionotus niveiventris

Southeastern beach mouse

Peromyscus polionotus peninsularis

St. Andrew beach mouse

Peromyscus polionotus phasma

Anastasia Island beach mouse

Peromyscus polionotus trissyllepsis

Perdido Key beach mouse

Reithrodontomys raviventris

Salt marsh harvest mouse

Heteromyidae

Dipodomys heermanni morroensis

Morro Bay kangaroo rat

Dipodomys ingens

Giant kangaroo rat

Dipodomys merriami parvus

San Bernadino Merriam's kangaroo rat

Dipodomys nitratoides exilis

Fresno kangaroo rat

Dipodomys nitratoides nitratoides

Tipton kangaroo rat

Dipodomys stephensi (including D. cascus)

Stephens' kangaroo rat

Perognathus longimembris pacificus

Pacific pocket mouse

Sciuridae

Cynomys spp.

Prairie dogs

Spermophilus brunneus brunneus

Northern Idaho ground squirrel

Tamiasciurus hudsonicus grahamensis

Mount Graham red squirrel

Soricomorpha

Soricidae

Sorex ornatus relictus

Buena Vista Lake ornate shrew

MOLLUSKS

Order

Family

Genus/Species

Common Name

Neotaenioglossa

Hydrobiidae

Potamopyrgus antipodarum

New Zealand mudsnail

Veneroida

Dreissenidae

Dreissena bugensis

Quagga mussel

Dreissena polymorpha

Zebra mussel

REPTILES

Order

Family

Genus/Species

Common Name

Crocodilia

Alligatoridae

All species

Alligators, caimans*

Crocodylidae

All species

Crocodiles*

Gavialidae

All species

Gavials*

Squamata

Colubridae

Boiga irregularis

Brown tree snake*

CRUSTACEANS

Order

Family

Genus/Species

Common Name

Decapoda

Cambaridae

Cambarus aculabrum

Cave crayfish

Cambarus zophonastes

Cave crayfish

Orconectes rusticus

Rusty crayfish

Orconectes shoupi

Nashville crayfish

Pacifastacus fortis

Shasta crayfish

Procambarus sp.

Marbled crayfish

Parastacidae

Cherax spp.

Australian crayfish

Varunidea

Eriocheir sinensis

Chinese mitten crab

B. Temporary possession permit for certain animals. Notwithstanding the permitting requirements of subsection A of this section, a person, company, or corporation possessing any nonnative (exotic) animal, designated with an asterisk (*) in subsection A of this section, prior to July 1, 1992, must declare such possession in writing to the department by January 1, 1993. This written declaration shall serve as a permit for possession only, is not transferable, and must be renewed every five years. This written declaration must include species name, common name, number of individuals, date or dates acquired, sex (if possible), estimated age, height or length, and other characteristics such as bands and band numbers, tattoos, registration numbers, coloration, and specific markings. Possession transfer will require a new permit according to the requirements of this subsection.

C. Exception for certain monk parakeets. A permit is not required for monk parakeets (quakers) that have been captive bred and are closed-banded with a seamless band.

D. Exception for parts or products. A permit is not required for parts or products of those nonnative (exotic) animals listed in subsection A of this section that may be used for personal use, in the manufacture of products, or used in scientific research, provided that such parts or products be packaged outside the Commonwealth by any person, company, or corporation duly licensed by the state in which the parts originate. Such packages may be transported into the Commonwealth, consistent with other state laws and regulations, so long as the original package remains unbroken, unopened and intact until its point of destination is reached. Documentation concerning the type and cost of the animal parts ordered, the purpose and date of the order, point and date of shipping, and date of receiving shall be kept by the person, business, or institution ordering such nonnative (exotic) animal parts. Such documentation shall be open to inspection by a representative of the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Wildlife Resources.

E. Exception for prairie dogs. The effective date of listing of prairie dogs under subsection A of this section shall be January 1, 1998. Prairie dogs possessed in captivity in Virginia on December 31, 1997, may be maintained in captivity until the animals' deaths, but they may not be sold on or after January 1, 1998, without a permit.

F. Exception for snakehead fish. Anglers may legally harvest snakehead fish of the family Channidae, provided that they immediately kill such fish and that they notify the department, as soon as practicable, of such actions.

G. Exception for feral hogs. Anyone may legally trap feral hogs with written permission of the landowner, provided that any trapped hogs are not removed from the trap site alive and are killed immediately.

H. Exception for grass carp. Anglers may legally harvest grass carp of the family Cyprinidae from public waters of the Commonwealth, except from department-owned or department-controlled lakes, provided that anglers ensure that harvested grass carp are dead.

I. All other nonnative (exotic) animals. All other nonnative (exotic) animals not listed in subsection A of this section may be possessed, purchased, and sold; provided, that such animals shall be subject to all applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations, including those that apply to threatened/endangered species, and further provided, that such animals shall not be liberated within the Commonwealth.

4VAC15-40-60. Hunting with dogs or possession of weapons in certain locations during closed season.

A. Department-owned and national forest lands statewide. It shall be unlawful to have in possession a firearm or any hunting weapon that is not unloaded and cased or dismantled on all national forest lands statewide and on department-owned lands and on other lands managed by the department under cooperative agreement except during the period when it is lawful to take bear, deer, grouse, pheasant, quail, rabbit, raccoon, squirrel, turkey, waterfowl, or migratory gamebirds on these lands.

B. Certain counties. Except as otherwise provided in 4VAC15-40-70, it shall be unlawful to have either a shotgun or a rifle in one's possession when accompanied by a dog in the daytime in the fields, forests or waters of the Counties of Augusta, Clarke, Frederick, Page, Shenandoah, and Warren, and in the counties east of the Blue Ridge Mountains, except Patrick, at any time except the periods prescribed by law to hunt game birds and animals.

C. Shooting ranges and authorized activities. The provisions of this section shall not prohibit the conduct of any activities authorized by the board or the establishment and operation of archery and shooting ranges on the lands described in subsections A and B of this section. The use of firearms or any hunting weapon in such ranges during the closed season period will be restricted to the area within the established range boundaries. Such weapons shall be required to be unloaded and cased or dismantled in all areas other than the range boundaries. The use of firearms or any hunting weapon during the closed hunting period in such ranges shall be restricted to target shooting only, and no birds or animals shall be molested.

D. It shall be unlawful to chase with a dog or train dogs on national forest lands or department-owned lands except during authorized hunting, chase, or training seasons that specifically permit these activities on these lands or during raccoon hound field trials on these lands between September 1 and March 31, both dates inclusive, that are sanctioned by bona fide national kennel clubs and authorized by permits issued by the department or the U.S. Forest Service.

E. It shall be unlawful to possess or transport any loaded firearm or loaded hunting weapon in or on any vehicle at any time on national forest lands or department-owned lands.

F. The provisions of this section shall not prohibit the possession, transport, and use of loaded firearms by employees of the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Wildlife Resources while engaged in the performance of their authorized and official duties, nor shall it prohibit possession and transport of loaded concealed handguns where the individual possesses a concealed handgun permit as defined in § 18.2-308 of the Code of Virginia.

G. Meaning of "possession" of any hunting weapon and definition of "loaded crossbow," "loaded arrowgun," "loaded muzzleloader," and "loaded firearm." For the purpose of this section, the word "possession" shall include having any firearm or weapon used for hunting in or on one's person, vehicle, or conveyance. For the purpose of this section, a "loaded firearm" means a firearm in which ammunition is chambered or loaded in the magazine or clip when such magazine or clip is engaged or partially engaged in a firearm. The definition of a "loaded muzzleloader" will include a muzzleloading rifle, pistol, or shotgun that is capped, has a charged pan, or has a primer or battery installed in the muzzleloader. A "loaded crossbow" means a crossbow that is cocked and has either a bolt or arrow engaged or partially engaged on the shooting rail or track of the crossbow, or with a "trackless crossbow" when the crossbow is cocked and a bolt or arrow is nocked. "Loaded arrowgun" means an arrowgun that has an arrow or bolt inserted on the arrow rest or in the barrel. "Hunting weapon" means any weapon allowable for hunting as defined in § 29.1-519 of the Code of Virginia.

4VAC15-40-281. Unauthorized feeding of bear, deer, or turkey on national forest lands and department-owned lands.

It shall be unlawful to place or direct the placement of, deposit, distribute, or scatter food or salt capable of attracting or being eaten by bear, deer, or turkey on national forest lands or on department-owned lands without the written authorization of the Director of the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Wildlife Resources or his the director's designee. The provisions of this section shall not prohibit the disposal of food in trash receptacles provided by the U.S. Forest Service on national forest lands or by the department on department-owned lands.

4VAC15-40-287. Model ordinances related to feeding of deer in cities and towns.

Per the provisions of § 29.1-527.2 of the Code of Virginia, the following model ordinance related to the feeding of deer may be adopted by a city or town. Any city or town must notify the director of the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Wildlife Resources of the adoption of such an ordinance by registered mail.

Model ordinance:

A. Pursuant to § 29.1-527.2 of the Code of Virginia, it shall be unlawful for any person to place, distribute, or allow the placement of food, salt, minerals, or similar substances to feed or attract deer at any time.

B. No person shall continue to place, distribute, or allow the placement of food, salt, minerals, or similar substances for any purpose if the placement of these materials results in the presence of deer.

C. No part of this ordinance shall be construed to restrict agricultural, commercial, noncommercial, or residential plantings (including wildlife food plots); bona fide distribution of food to livestock; or wildlife management activities conducted or authorized by the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Wildlife Resources.

4VAC15-90-290. Special quality deer management areas.

A. The board hereby designates the following areas posted by the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Wildlife Resources as special quality deer management areas with special antlered buck harvest.

B. Special Fairystone quality deer management area. It shall be unlawful to kill an antlered deer on the special Fairystone quality deer management area unless the deer has at least four antler points, each greater than one inch in length, on either the right or left antler.

4VAC15-270-60. Use of firearms loaded with slugs and discharge of firearms near boardwalk or nature trail on Ragged Island Wildlife Management Area.

A. It shall be unlawful to possess outside of a vehicle, or shoot or hunt with a rifle, muzzleloader, pistol, or shotgun loaded with slugs, or to possess shotgun slugs, on Ragged Island Wildlife Management Area in Isle of Wight County. In addition, it shall be unlawful to discharge any firearm within 100 yards of the boardwalk or nature trail on Ragged Island Wildlife Management Area.

B. The provisions of this section shall not prohibit the possession, transport, and use of loaded firearms by employees of the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Wildlife Resources while engaged in the performance of their duties, nor shall it prohibit the possession and transport of loaded concealed handguns where the individual possesses a concealed handgun permit as defined in § 18.2-308 of the Code of Virginia.

4VAC15-270-95. Model ordinances related to archery deer hunting.

Pursuant to § 29.1-528.1 A of the Code of Virginia, the following model ordinances related to hunting deer with bow and arrow (including crossbows) may be adopted by those counties and cities where there is an overabundance of the deer population, which is creating conflicts between humans and deer, including safety hazards to motorists. In accordance with § 29.1-528.1 B of the Code of Virginia, no such ordinance shall be enforceable unless the governing body of the locality notifies the director by registered mail prior to May 1 of the year in which the ordinance is to take effect.

Model Ordinance 1:

The times at which hunting shall commence and end each day shall be in accordance with the provisions of § 29.1-520 of the Code of Virginia.

Model Ordinance 2:

The number of deer that can be taken shall be in accordance with bag limits established by the Board of Game and Inland Fisheries Wildlife Resources pursuant to §§ 29.1-501 and 29.1-502 of the Code of Virginia.

Model Ordinance 3:

No person shall discharge a bow and arrow from, over, or across any street, sidewalk, alley, roadway, or toward any building or dwelling in such a manner that an arrow may strike it. Any person who violates the provisions of this ordinance shall be guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor.

Model Ordinance 4:

It shall be unlawful to discharge a bow and arrow in a manner that can be reasonably expected to result in the impact of the arrow upon the property of another without permission from the owner or tenant of such property. Any person who violates the provisions of this ordinance shall be guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor.

4VAC15-275-10. Application.

This chapter applies to any person who has never obtained a license to hunt in any state or country or any person who is under the age of younger than 16 years of age, unless such a person presents to the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Wildlife Resources or one of its authorized license vendors a certificate of completion in hunter education issued or authorized by the director or his the director's representative under the hunter education program or proof that he holds the equivalent certificate obtained from an authorized agency or association of another state or country.

4VAC15-275-20. Definitions.

The following words and terms when used in this chapter shall have the following meanings unless the context clearly requires a different meaning:

"Accompanied and directly supervised" means, in the case of an apprentice hunter, that a licensed person over older than 18 years of age maintains a close visual and verbal contact with, provides adequate direction to, and can immediately assume control of the firearm from the apprentice hunter. In the case of a hunter age 12 years of age or under younger, the term means that the licensed adult is within sight of the person under the age of younger than 12 years of age.

"Adult" means the parent or legal guardian of the person under age younger than 12 years of age, or such person over the age of older than 18 years of age designated by the parent or legal guardian.

"Approved course provider" is any individual, business, or organization that makes available to the hunting public a hunter education course that is approved by the International Hunter Education Association – United States (IHEA-USA) and is accepted by the department. An approved course provider shall have executed and have on file a valid cooperative agreement with the department. The department will make information regarding such approved courses and providers readily available for public access.

"Board" means the Board of Game and Inland Fisheries Wildlife Resources.

"Department" means the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Wildlife Resources.

"Hunter education course" means a course offered in the classroom, through the Internet, or through an electronic format that provides course content and test questions that at a minimum meet the International Hunter Education Association-USA Education Standards, May 2, 2014, set forth by the International Hunter Education Association-USA (IHEA-USA) and are accepted by the department. A hunter education course shall include no less than 50 test questions, which shall include at least eight test questions specific to Virginia hunting laws.

"IHEA-USA" means the International Hunter Education Association-USA.

"Virginia Hunter Education Card" means a card authorized for issuance by the department to a person who has met the minimum standard of hunter education course competency. This card may be issued as an original or a replacement hunter education course card.

4VAC15-275-80. Instructor certification.

A. The department may designate as a hunter instructor any person found by it to be competent to give instruction in the courses required.

B. Volunteer instructors are designated to work on a voluntary basis and at the pleasure of the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Wildlife Resources.

C. To be certified as a hunter education course instructor for the department's hunter education program, a person shall (i) have successfully completed a hunter education course and (ii) be certified as an instructor by the department or by a certification program accepted by the department.

D. Applicants for certified instructor shall submit an application to the department on a form and in a manner determined by the hunter education program manager. At a minimum, the application shall include:

1. The applicant's name;

2. The applicant's street address;

3. The applicant's telephone number;

4. The applicant's email address, if any;

5. Information describing the applicant's experience and training in hunter and hunting and proof of completion of a hunter education course that is accepted by the department; and

6. Any other information deemed necessary after review of the initial application.

E. Applicants may be required to submit written consent for a criminal history background check in a manner determined by the department or an interview in a manner determined by the department and in accordance with state policy.

4VAC15-290-130. Duty to comply with permit conditions.

A permit holder shall comply with all terms and conditions of any permit issued by the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Wildlife Resources pursuant to Title 29.1 of the Code of Virginia and the regulations of the board pertaining to hunting, fishing, trapping, taking, attempting to take, possession, sale, offering for sale, transporting or causing to be transported, importing or exporting, propagating, exhibiting, and rehabilitating of any wild bird, wild animal, or fish. The penalty for violation of this section is prescribed by § 29.1-505 of the Code of Virginia.

4VAC15-340-80. Eel pots for taking American eels for sale.

A. The director may issue, deny, modify, suspend, or revoke annual eel pot permits designated for the sale of American eels. Such permits shall authorize the taking of American eels for sale, as specified, with eel pots from waters designated in this section. Such permits shall be valid so long as the harvest of American eels in the Commonwealth is not prohibited by other state or federal law or regulation. To be eligible, applicants must document harvest of at least one pound of American eels from Back Bay or North Landing River or their tributaries via reports submitted through the Virginia Marine Resources Commission Mandatory Harvest Reporting Program during the period January 1, 2007, to December 31, 2012, both dates inclusive. Applicants must document the reported harvest occurred while the applicant held a valid commercial fish pot or eel pot license issued by the Virginia Marine Resources Commission.

B. It shall be unlawful for permit holders to possess any American eel less than nine inches in total length.

C. It shall be unlawful for permit holders fishing eel pots to take any species other than American eels.

D. It shall be unlawful to place, set, or fish any eel pot that has a mesh less than 1/2-inch by 1/2-inch and does not contain at least one unrestricted 4-inch by 4-inch escape panel consisting of 1/2-inch by 1-inch mesh.

E. The permit holder's last name and Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Wildlife Resources American eel pot number must be permanently attached to buoys of all eel pots set. The maximum number of pots authorized per permit holder under this permit shall be 300.

F. American eels may be taken with eel pots in Back Bay and its natural tributaries (not including Lake Tecumseh and Red Wing Lake) and in North Landing River and its natural tributaries from the North Carolina line to the Great Bridge locks.

G. It shall be unlawful for any person to ship or otherwise transport any package, box, or other receptacle containing fish taken under an eel pot permit unless the same bears the permit holder's name and address.

H. Failure to comply with the daily harvest and sales reporting requirements as detailed in conditions of the permit shall be unlawful and may result in immediate permit revocation. It shall be the permit holder's responsibility to report "No Activity" when no activity occurs during a monthly reporting period.

4VAC15-410-20. Definitions.

As used in this chapter, unless the context clearly requires a different meaning, the following words and terms shall have the following meanings:

"Approved course provider" is any individual, business, or organization that makes available to the boating public a boating safety education course approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators and accepted by the department. An approved course provider shall have executed and have on file a valid cooperative agreement with the department. Persons who simply provide classroom instruction for an approved course provider shall not be considered an approved course provider. The department will make information regarding such approved courses and providers readily available for public access.

"Board" means the Board of Game and Inland Fisheries Wildlife Resources.

"Boating safety education course" means a course offered in the classroom, through the Internet, or through an electronic format such as CD-ROM that provides a course content and test questions that have been reviewed and approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators in accordance with the National Boating Education Standards, updated January 1, 2008, and accepted by the department. A boating safety education course shall include no less than 50 test questions, which shall include at least 10 test questions specific about Virginia boating laws.

"Department" means the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Wildlife Resources.

"Dockside safety checklist" means a document provided by the department that consists of selected facts about Virginia boating laws and safe boat operation that a rental or livery agent or motorboat leasing business is required to present to those who rent or lease a motorboat or personal watercraft. The dockside safety checklist must be reviewed and initialed by the person operating the motorboat before the boat can be rented/leased rented or leased and operated.

"Equivalency exam" means a written examination that is developed by the department to test the knowledge of information included in the curriculum of a boating safety education course (may also be referred to as a challenge exam). The equivalency exam is intended to provide experienced and knowledgeable boaters with the opportunity to meet the boating safety education compliance requirement set forth in § 29.1-735.2 of the Code of Virginia without having to take and successfully complete a boating safety education course. The equivalency exam shall be comprised of no less than 75 or more than 100 test questions, shall include no less than 25 questions specific about Virginia boating laws, shall be proctored by an individual(s) individual specifically designated by the department, and shall be completed without the use of any reference material. A minimum score of at least 80% shall be considered passing.

"Motorboat" means any vessel propelled by machinery whether or not the machinery is the principal source of propulsion and for this chapter shall mean with a motor of 10 horsepower or greater.

"NASBLA" means the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators.

"NASBLA-approved course" means a boating safety education course that has been reviewed and approved by NASBLA.

"Onboard direct supervision" as referenced in § 29.1-735.2 B 6 and B 9 of the Code of Virginia occurs when a person maintains close visual and verbal contact with, provides adequate direction to, and can immediately assume control of a motorboat from the operator of a motorboat. A person who is water skiing, or is in the cabin of a motorboat and not at the helm/wheel is not considered to be in a position capable of providing direct supervision.

"Operate" means to navigate or otherwise control the movement of a motorboat or vessel.

"Optional Virginia Boater Education Card" means a card authorized for issuance by the department to persons who (i) can show they have met the minimum standard of boating safety education course competency, (ii) possess a valid license to operate a vessel issued to maritime personnel by the United States Coast Guard or a marine certificate issued by the Canadian government, (iii) possess a Canadian Pleasure Craft Operator's Card, or (iv) possess a valid commercial fisherman registration pursuant to § 28.2-241 of the Code of Virginia. For the purpose of this subsection a license is considered valid regardless of whether the license is current. This card may be issued as a replacement boating safety course card.

"Personal watercraft" means a motorboat less than 16 feet in length that uses an inboard motor powering a jet pump as its primary motive power and that is designed to be operated by a person sitting, standing, or kneeling on, rather than in the conventional manner of sitting or standing inside the vessel.

"Proctored" means that the written equivalency exam has been administered under the direct supervision of (i) a designated member of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary or the United States Power Squadrons®, (ii) a designated department employee or a department volunteer boating safety instructor, or (iii) an individual who has been approved for such purpose by the department.

"Temporary operator's certificate" means a nonrenewable document issued with the certificate of number for the motorboat or personal watercraft, if the boat is new or was sold with a transfer of ownership. A temporary operator's certificate shall be issued only by the department, by any person authorized by the director to act as an agent to issue a certificate of number pursuant to § 29.1-706 of the Code of Virginia, or by a license agent of the department authorized to issue a temporary registration certificate for a motorboat or personal watercraft. A temporary operator's certificate shall allow the owner(s) owner to operate a motorboat with a motor of 10 horsepower or greater or personal watercraft in Virginia for 90 days.

"Vessel" means every description of watercraft, other than a seaplane on the water, used or capable of being used as a means of transportation on water.

"Waters of the Commonwealth" means any public waters within the territorial limits of the Commonwealth.

VA.R. Doc. No. R21-5904; Filed September 29, 2020, 11:23 a.m.
TITLE 4. CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES
BOARD OF WILDLIFE RESOURCES
Final Regulation

REGISTRAR'S NOTICE: The Board of Wildlife Resources is claiming an exemption from Article 2 of the Administrative Process Act in accordance with § 2.2-4006 A 4 a of the Code of Virginia, which excludes regulations that are necessary to conform to changes in Virginia statutory law or the appropriation act where no agency discretion is involved. The State Board of Social Services will receive, consider, and respond to petitions by any interested person at any time with respect to reconsideration or revision.

Titles of Regulations: 4VAC15-20. Definitions and Miscellaneous: In General (amending 4VAC15-20-10, 4VAC15-20-75).

4VAC15-30. Definitions and Miscellaneous: Importation, Possession, Sale, etc., of Animals (amending 4VAC15-30-40).

4VAC15-40. Game: In General (amending 4VAC15-40-60, 4VAC15-40-281, 4VAC15-40-287).

4VAC15-90. Game: Deer (amending 4VAC15-90-290).

4VAC15-270. Game: Firearms (amending 4VAC15-270-60, 4VAC15-270-95).

4VAC15-275. Game: Hunter Education (amending 4VAC15-275-10, 4VAC15-275-20, 4VAC15-275-80).

4VAC15-290. Game: Permits (amending 4VAC15-290-130).

4VAC15-340. Fish: Seines and Nets (amending 4VAC15-340-80).

4VAC15-410. Watercraft: Boating Safety Education (amending 4VAC15-410-20).

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

Effective Date: January 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 align regulations with Chapter 958 of the 2020 Acts of Assembly, which changes the name of the department to Department of Wildlife Resources and of the board to Board of Wildlife Resources.

4VAC15-20-10. Definitions; generally.

Words and phrases used in any regulations made by the board shall have the same meaning, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, as is given for such words and phrases in the Virginia Game and Inland Fisheries laws contained in Title 29.1 (§ 29.1-100 et seq.) of the Code of Virginia.

4VAC15-20-75. Wildlife Violator Compact.

A. This section is adopted pursuant to authority granted to the Board of Game and Inland Fisheries Wildlife Resources under §§ 29.1-103 and 29.1-530.5 of the Code of Virginia.

B. Definitions used herein in this section, unless the contrary is clearly indicated are those used in § 29.1-530.5 of the Code of Virginia, the Wildlife Violator Compact, herein referred to as the compact (compact).

C. In accordance with Article VII of the compact, the board hereby authorizes the Director of the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Wildlife Resources to appoint the Commonwealth's representative to the Board of Compact Administrators. Such appointment shall be consistent with and subject to the aforesaid provisions of the compact and such representative shall serve at the pleasure of the director.

D. In accordance with Article IV of the compact, upon receipt from a participating state of a report of the conviction in that state of a resident of the Commonwealth, the department shall enter such conviction in its records and such conviction shall be treated as though it had occurred in the Commonwealth and therefore as a violation of the board's applicable regulations for purposes of suspension of license privileges.

E. In accordance with Article IV of the compact, upon receipt from a participating state of a report of the failure of a resident of the Commonwealth to comply with the terms of a citation issued by that state, the department shall notify such person of that report in accordance with the procedures set forth in subsections G through J of this section and shall initiate a proceeding to suspend any applicable licenses issued to such person by the board until the department has received satisfactory evidence of compliance with the terms of such citation.

F. In accordance with Article V of the compact, upon receipt from a participating state of a report of the suspension of license privileges of a resident of the Commonwealth issued by that state that is in accordance with suspension of license pursuant to the Code of Virginia, the department shall notify such person of that report in accordance with the procedures set forth in subsections G through J of this section and shall initiate a proceeding to suspend any applicable licenses issued to such person by the board until the department has received satisfactory evidence that such suspension has been terminated.

G. Upon receipt of a report pursuant to subsections subsection D, E, or F of this section, the director or his the director's designee shall provide notice thereof to the resident of the Commonwealth who is the subject of such report. Such notice shall advise such person of the contents of the notice and of any action that the department proposes to take in response thereto.

H. The person who is the subject of such notice shall be provided an opportunity to request within 30 days from the date of such notice an opportunity to contest the department's proposed action by requesting an informal fact-finding conference to be conducted by a representative of the department designated by the director. Although such proceedings are exempt from the requirements of the Administrative Process Act (§ 2.2-4000 et seq. of the Code of Virginia) as provided by § 2.2-4002 A 3 thereof of the Code of Virginia, the department shall to the extent practicable afford such persons seeking an informal fact-finding conference the rights provided under § 2.2-4019 of the Code of Virginia. Those include but are not limited to the right to receive reasonable notice as described in subsection G of this section and the right to appear in person or by counsel before the designated representative of the department. However, no discovery shall be conducted and no subpoenas shall be issued as part of any such proceeding.

I. An informal fact-finding proceeding shall be completed within 60 days of receipt by the department of the request described in subsection H of this section. Upon such completion the designated representative of the department shall make a recommended decision to the director or to such person designated by the director to make such decision. The decision maker shall promptly issue a written decision to the person who requested the proceeding. If the affected party is not satisfied by this decision it may be appealed to a three member panel as appointed by the agency director.

J. Any decision upholding the suspension of licensing privileges as a result of the process described in subsections D through I of this section shall be entered by the department on its records and shall be treated as though it had occurred in the Commonwealth and therefore as a violation of the board's applicable regulations.

K. The director shall establish procedures for reporting to participating states convictions or failures to comply with citations in the Commonwealth by residents of those respective states. Such procedures shall comply with the reporting requirements established by and pursuant to the provisions of the compact.

4VAC15-30-40. Importation requirements, possession, and sale of nonnative (exotic) animals.

A. Permit required. A special permit is required and may be issued by the department, if consistent with the department's fish and wildlife management program, to import, possess, or sell those nonnative (exotic) animals listed below in the following table and in 4VAC15-20-210 that the board finds and declares to be predatory or undesirable within the meaning and intent of § 29.1-542 of the Code of Virginia, in that their introduction into the Commonwealth will be detrimental to the native fish and wildlife resources of Virginia.

AMPHIBIANS

Order

Family

Genus/Species

Common Name

Anura

Bufonidae

Rhinella marina

Cane toad*

Pipidae

Hymenochirus spp. Pseudohymenochiris merlini

African dwarf frog

Xenopus spp.

Tongueless or African clawed frog

Caudata

Ambystomatidae

All species

All mole salamanders

BIRDS

Order

Family

Genus/Species

Common Name

Psittaciformes

Psittacidae

Myiopsitta monachus

Monk parakeet*

Anseriformes

Anatidae

Cygnus olor

Mute swan

FISH

Order

Family

Genus/Species

Common Name

Cypriniformes

Catostomidae

Catostomus microps

Modoc sucker

Catostomus santaanae

Santa Ana sucker

Catostomus warnerensis

Warner sucker

Ictiobus bubalus

Smallmouth* buffalo

I. cyprinellus

Bigmouth* buffalo

I. niger

Black buffalo*

Characidae

Pygopristis spp.
Pygocentrus spp.
Rooseveltiella spp.
Serrasalmo spp.
Serrasalmus spp.
Taddyella spp.

Piranhas

Cobitidae

Misgurnus anguillicaudatus

Oriental weatherfish

Cyprinidae

Aristichyhys nobilis

Bighead carp*

Chrosomus saylori

Laurel dace

Ctenopharyngodon idella

Grass carp or white amur

Cyprinella caerulea

Blue shiner

Cyprinella formosa

Beautiful shiner

Cyprinella lutrensis

Red shiner

Hypophthalmichthys molitrix

Silver carp*

Mylopharyngodom piceus

Black carp*

Notropis albizonatus

Palezone shiner

Notropis cahabae

Cahaba shiner

Notropis girardi

Arkansas River shiner

Notropis mekistocholas

Cape Fear shiner

Notropis simus pecosensis

Pecos bluntnose shiner

Notropis topeka (= tristis)

Topeka shiner

Phoxinus cumberlandensis

Blackside dace

Rhinichthys osculus lethoporus

Independence Valley speckled dace

Rhinichthys osculus nevadensis

Ash Meadows speckled dace

Rhinichthys osculus oligoporus

Clover Valley speckled dace

Rhinichthys osculus ssp.

Foskett speckled dace

Rhinichthys osculus thermalis

Kendall Warm Springs dace

Scardinius erythrophthalmus

Rudd

Tinca tinca

Tench*

Cyprinodontiformes

Poeciliidae

Gambusia gaigei

Big Bend gambusia

Gambusia georgei

San Marcos gambusia

Gambusia heterochir

Clear Creek gambusia

Gambusia nobilis

Pecos gambusia

Peociliopsis occidentalis

Gila topminnow

Gasterosteiformes

Gasterosteidae

Gasterosteus aculeatus williamsoni

Unarmored threespine stickleback

Gobiesociformes

Gobiidae

Proterorhinus marmoratus

Tubenose goby

Neogobius melanostomus

Round goby

Perciformes

Channidae

Channa spp.
Parachanna spp.

Snakeheads

Cichlidae

Tilapia spp.

Tilapia

Gymnocephalus cernuum

Ruffe*

Elassomatidae

Elassoma alabamae

Spring pygmy sunfish

Percidae

Crystallaria cincotta

Diamond darter

Etheostoma chermocki

Vermilion darter

Etheostoma boschungi

Slackwater darter

Etheostoma chienense

Relict darter

Etheostoma etowahae

Etowah darter

Etheostoma fonticola

Fountain darter

Etheostoma moorei

Yellowcheek darter

Etheostoma nianguae

Niangua darter

Etheostoma nuchale

Watercress darter

Etheostoma okaloosae

Okaloosa darter

Etheostoma phytophilum

Rush darter

Etheostoma rubrum

Bayou darter

Etheostoma scotti

Cherokee darter

Etheostoma sp.

Bluemask (= jewel) darter

Etheostoma susanae

Cumberland darter

Etheostoma wapiti

Boulder darter

Percina antesella

Amber darter

Percina aurolineata

Goldline darter

Percina jenkinsi

Conasauga logperch

Percina pantherina

Leopard darter

Percina tanasi

Snail darter

Scorpaeniformes

Cottidae

Cottus sp.

Grotto sculpin

Cottus paulus (= pygmaeus)

Pygmy sculpin

Siluriformes

Clariidae

All species

Air-breathing catfish

Ictaluridae

Noturus baileyi

Smoky madtom

Noturus crypticus

Chucky madtom

Noturus placidus

Neosho madtom

Noturus stanauli

Pygmy madtom

Noturus trautmani

Scioto madtom

Synbranchiformes

Synbranchidae

Monopterus albus

Swamp eel

MAMMALS

Order

Family

Genus/Species

Common Name

Artiodactyla

Suidae

All Species

Pigs or Hogs*

Cervidae

All Species

Deer*

Carnivora

Canidae

All Species

Wild Dogs,* Wolves, Coyotes or Coyote hybrids, Jackals and Foxes

Ursidae

All Species

Bears*

Procyonidae

All Species

Raccoons and* Relatives

Mustelidae

All Species

Weasels, Badgers,* Skunks and Otters

(except Mustela putorius furo)

Ferret

Viverridae

All Species

Civets, Genets,* Lingsangs, Mongooses, and Fossas

Herpestidae

All Species

Mongooses*

Hyaenidae

All Species

Hyenas and Aardwolves*

Felidae

All Species

Cats*

Chiroptera

 

All Species

Bats*

Lagomorpha

Lepridae

Brachylagus idahoensis

Pygmy rabbit

Lepus europeaeous

European hare

Oryctolagus cuniculus

European rabbit

Sylvilagus bachmani riparius

Riparian brush rabbit

Sylvilagus palustris hefneri

Lower Keys marsh rabbit

Rodentia

 

All species native to Africa

All species native to Africa

Dipodidae

Zapus hudsonius preblei

Preble's meadow jumping mouse

Muridae

Microtus californicus scirpensis

Amargosa vole

Microtus mexicanus hualpaiensis

Hualapai Mexican vole

Microtus pennsylvanicus dukecampbelli

Florida salt marsh vole

Neotoma floridana smalli

Key Largo woodrat

Neotoma fuscipes riparia

Riparian (= San Joaquin Valley) woodrat

Oryzomys palustris natator

Rice rat

Peromyscus gossypinus allapaticola

Key Largo cotton mouse

Peromyscus polionotus allophrys

Choctawhatchee beach mouse

Peromyscus polionotus ammobates

Alabama beach mouse

Peromyscus polionotus niveiventris

Southeastern beach mouse

Peromyscus polionotus peninsularis

St. Andrew beach mouse

Peromyscus polionotus phasma

Anastasia Island beach mouse

Peromyscus polionotus trissyllepsis

Perdido Key beach mouse

Reithrodontomys raviventris

Salt marsh harvest mouse

Heteromyidae

Dipodomys heermanni morroensis

Morro Bay kangaroo rat

Dipodomys ingens

Giant kangaroo rat

Dipodomys merriami parvus

San Bernadino Merriam's kangaroo rat

Dipodomys nitratoides exilis

Fresno kangaroo rat

Dipodomys nitratoides nitratoides

Tipton kangaroo rat

Dipodomys stephensi (including D. cascus)

Stephens' kangaroo rat

Perognathus longimembris pacificus

Pacific pocket mouse

Sciuridae

Cynomys spp.

Prairie dogs

Spermophilus brunneus brunneus

Northern Idaho ground squirrel

Tamiasciurus hudsonicus grahamensis

Mount Graham red squirrel

Soricomorpha

Soricidae

Sorex ornatus relictus

Buena Vista Lake ornate shrew

MOLLUSKS

Order

Family

Genus/Species

Common Name

Neotaenioglossa

Hydrobiidae

Potamopyrgus antipodarum

New Zealand mudsnail

Veneroida

Dreissenidae

Dreissena bugensis

Quagga mussel

Dreissena polymorpha

Zebra mussel

REPTILES

Order

Family

Genus/Species

Common Name

Crocodilia

Alligatoridae

All species

Alligators, caimans*

Crocodylidae

All species

Crocodiles*

Gavialidae

All species

Gavials*

Squamata

Colubridae

Boiga irregularis

Brown tree snake*

CRUSTACEANS

Order

Family

Genus/Species

Common Name

Decapoda

Cambaridae

Cambarus aculabrum

Cave crayfish

Cambarus zophonastes

Cave crayfish

Orconectes rusticus

Rusty crayfish

Orconectes shoupi

Nashville crayfish

Pacifastacus fortis

Shasta crayfish

Procambarus sp.

Marbled crayfish

Parastacidae

Cherax spp.

Australian crayfish

Varunidea

Eriocheir sinensis

Chinese mitten crab

B. Temporary possession permit for certain animals. Notwithstanding the permitting requirements of subsection A of this section, a person, company, or corporation possessing any nonnative (exotic) animal, designated with an asterisk (*) in subsection A of this section, prior to July 1, 1992, must declare such possession in writing to the department by January 1, 1993. This written declaration shall serve as a permit for possession only, is not transferable, and must be renewed every five years. This written declaration must include species name, common name, number of individuals, date or dates acquired, sex (if possible), estimated age, height or length, and other characteristics such as bands and band numbers, tattoos, registration numbers, coloration, and specific markings. Possession transfer will require a new permit according to the requirements of this subsection.

C. Exception for certain monk parakeets. A permit is not required for monk parakeets (quakers) that have been captive bred and are closed-banded with a seamless band.

D. Exception for parts or products. A permit is not required for parts or products of those nonnative (exotic) animals listed in subsection A of this section that may be used for personal use, in the manufacture of products, or used in scientific research, provided that such parts or products be packaged outside the Commonwealth by any person, company, or corporation duly licensed by the state in which the parts originate. Such packages may be transported into the Commonwealth, consistent with other state laws and regulations, so long as the original package remains unbroken, unopened and intact until its point of destination is reached. Documentation concerning the type and cost of the animal parts ordered, the purpose and date of the order, point and date of shipping, and date of receiving shall be kept by the person, business, or institution ordering such nonnative (exotic) animal parts. Such documentation shall be open to inspection by a representative of the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Wildlife Resources.

E. Exception for prairie dogs. The effective date of listing of prairie dogs under subsection A of this section shall be January 1, 1998. Prairie dogs possessed in captivity in Virginia on December 31, 1997, may be maintained in captivity until the animals' deaths, but they may not be sold on or after January 1, 1998, without a permit.

F. Exception for snakehead fish. Anglers may legally harvest snakehead fish of the family Channidae, provided that they immediately kill such fish and that they notify the department, as soon as practicable, of such actions.

G. Exception for feral hogs. Anyone may legally trap feral hogs with written permission of the landowner, provided that any trapped hogs are not removed from the trap site alive and are killed immediately.

H. Exception for grass carp. Anglers may legally harvest grass carp of the family Cyprinidae from public waters of the Commonwealth, except from department-owned or department-controlled lakes, provided that anglers ensure that harvested grass carp are dead.

I. All other nonnative (exotic) animals. All other nonnative (exotic) animals not listed in subsection A of this section may be possessed, purchased, and sold; provided, that such animals shall be subject to all applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations, including those that apply to threatened/endangered species, and further provided, that such animals shall not be liberated within the Commonwealth.

4VAC15-40-60. Hunting with dogs or possession of weapons in certain locations during closed season.

A. Department-owned and national forest lands statewide. It shall be unlawful to have in possession a firearm or any hunting weapon that is not unloaded and cased or dismantled on all national forest lands statewide and on department-owned lands and on other lands managed by the department under cooperative agreement except during the period when it is lawful to take bear, deer, grouse, pheasant, quail, rabbit, raccoon, squirrel, turkey, waterfowl, or migratory gamebirds on these lands.

B. Certain counties. Except as otherwise provided in 4VAC15-40-70, it shall be unlawful to have either a shotgun or a rifle in one's possession when accompanied by a dog in the daytime in the fields, forests or waters of the Counties of Augusta, Clarke, Frederick, Page, Shenandoah, and Warren, and in the counties east of the Blue Ridge Mountains, except Patrick, at any time except the periods prescribed by law to hunt game birds and animals.

C. Shooting ranges and authorized activities. The provisions of this section shall not prohibit the conduct of any activities authorized by the board or the establishment and operation of archery and shooting ranges on the lands described in subsections A and B of this section. The use of firearms or any hunting weapon in such ranges during the closed season period will be restricted to the area within the established range boundaries. Such weapons shall be required to be unloaded and cased or dismantled in all areas other than the range boundaries. The use of firearms or any hunting weapon during the closed hunting period in such ranges shall be restricted to target shooting only, and no birds or animals shall be molested.

D. It shall be unlawful to chase with a dog or train dogs on national forest lands or department-owned lands except during authorized hunting, chase, or training seasons that specifically permit these activities on these lands or during raccoon hound field trials on these lands between September 1 and March 31, both dates inclusive, that are sanctioned by bona fide national kennel clubs and authorized by permits issued by the department or the U.S. Forest Service.

E. It shall be unlawful to possess or transport any loaded firearm or loaded hunting weapon in or on any vehicle at any time on national forest lands or department-owned lands.

F. The provisions of this section shall not prohibit the possession, transport, and use of loaded firearms by employees of the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Wildlife Resources while engaged in the performance of their authorized and official duties, nor shall it prohibit possession and transport of loaded concealed handguns where the individual possesses a concealed handgun permit as defined in § 18.2-308 of the Code of Virginia.

G. Meaning of "possession" of any hunting weapon and definition of "loaded crossbow," "loaded arrowgun," "loaded muzzleloader," and "loaded firearm." For the purpose of this section, the word "possession" shall include having any firearm or weapon used for hunting in or on one's person, vehicle, or conveyance. For the purpose of this section, a "loaded firearm" means a firearm in which ammunition is chambered or loaded in the magazine or clip when such magazine or clip is engaged or partially engaged in a firearm. The definition of a "loaded muzzleloader" will include a muzzleloading rifle, pistol, or shotgun that is capped, has a charged pan, or has a primer or battery installed in the muzzleloader. A "loaded crossbow" means a crossbow that is cocked and has either a bolt or arrow engaged or partially engaged on the shooting rail or track of the crossbow, or with a "trackless crossbow" when the crossbow is cocked and a bolt or arrow is nocked. "Loaded arrowgun" means an arrowgun that has an arrow or bolt inserted on the arrow rest or in the barrel. "Hunting weapon" means any weapon allowable for hunting as defined in § 29.1-519 of the Code of Virginia.

4VAC15-40-281. Unauthorized feeding of bear, deer, or turkey on national forest lands and department-owned lands.

It shall be unlawful to place or direct the placement of, deposit, distribute, or scatter food or salt capable of attracting or being eaten by bear, deer, or turkey on national forest lands or on department-owned lands without the written authorization of the Director of the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Wildlife Resources or his the director's designee. The provisions of this section shall not prohibit the disposal of food in trash receptacles provided by the U.S. Forest Service on national forest lands or by the department on department-owned lands.

4VAC15-40-287. Model ordinances related to feeding of deer in cities and towns.

Per the provisions of § 29.1-527.2 of the Code of Virginia, the following model ordinance related to the feeding of deer may be adopted by a city or town. Any city or town must notify the director of the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Wildlife Resources of the adoption of such an ordinance by registered mail.

Model ordinance:

A. Pursuant to § 29.1-527.2 of the Code of Virginia, it shall be unlawful for any person to place, distribute, or allow the placement of food, salt, minerals, or similar substances to feed or attract deer at any time.

B. No person shall continue to place, distribute, or allow the placement of food, salt, minerals, or similar substances for any purpose if the placement of these materials results in the presence of deer.

C. No part of this ordinance shall be construed to restrict agricultural, commercial, noncommercial, or residential plantings (including wildlife food plots); bona fide distribution of food to livestock; or wildlife management activities conducted or authorized by the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Wildlife Resources.

4VAC15-90-290. Special quality deer management areas.

A. The board hereby designates the following areas posted by the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Wildlife Resources as special quality deer management areas with special antlered buck harvest.

B. Special Fairystone quality deer management area. It shall be unlawful to kill an antlered deer on the special Fairystone quality deer management area unless the deer has at least four antler points, each greater than one inch in length, on either the right or left antler.

4VAC15-270-60. Use of firearms loaded with slugs and discharge of firearms near boardwalk or nature trail on Ragged Island Wildlife Management Area.

A. It shall be unlawful to possess outside of a vehicle, or shoot or hunt with a rifle, muzzleloader, pistol, or shotgun loaded with slugs, or to possess shotgun slugs, on Ragged Island Wildlife Management Area in Isle of Wight County. In addition, it shall be unlawful to discharge any firearm within 100 yards of the boardwalk or nature trail on Ragged Island Wildlife Management Area.

B. The provisions of this section shall not prohibit the possession, transport, and use of loaded firearms by employees of the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Wildlife Resources while engaged in the performance of their duties, nor shall it prohibit the possession and transport of loaded concealed handguns where the individual possesses a concealed handgun permit as defined in § 18.2-308 of the Code of Virginia.

4VAC15-270-95. Model ordinances related to archery deer hunting.

Pursuant to § 29.1-528.1 A of the Code of Virginia, the following model ordinances related to hunting deer with bow and arrow (including crossbows) may be adopted by those counties and cities where there is an overabundance of the deer population, which is creating conflicts between humans and deer, including safety hazards to motorists. In accordance with § 29.1-528.1 B of the Code of Virginia, no such ordinance shall be enforceable unless the governing body of the locality notifies the director by registered mail prior to May 1 of the year in which the ordinance is to take effect.

Model Ordinance 1:

The times at which hunting shall commence and end each day shall be in accordance with the provisions of § 29.1-520 of the Code of Virginia.

Model Ordinance 2:

The number of deer that can be taken shall be in accordance with bag limits established by the Board of Game and Inland Fisheries Wildlife Resources pursuant to §§ 29.1-501 and 29.1-502 of the Code of Virginia.

Model Ordinance 3:

No person shall discharge a bow and arrow from, over, or across any street, sidewalk, alley, roadway, or toward any building or dwelling in such a manner that an arrow may strike it. Any person who violates the provisions of this ordinance shall be guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor.

Model Ordinance 4:

It shall be unlawful to discharge a bow and arrow in a manner that can be reasonably expected to result in the impact of the arrow upon the property of another without permission from the owner or tenant of such property. Any person who violates the provisions of this ordinance shall be guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor.

4VAC15-275-10. Application.

This chapter applies to any person who has never obtained a license to hunt in any state or country or any person who is under the age of younger than 16 years of age, unless such a person presents to the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Wildlife Resources or one of its authorized license vendors a certificate of completion in hunter education issued or authorized by the director or his the director's representative under the hunter education program or proof that he holds the equivalent certificate obtained from an authorized agency or association of another state or country.

4VAC15-275-20. Definitions.

The following words and terms when used in this chapter shall have the following meanings unless the context clearly requires a different meaning:

"Accompanied and directly supervised" means, in the case of an apprentice hunter, that a licensed person over older than 18 years of age maintains a close visual and verbal contact with, provides adequate direction to, and can immediately assume control of the firearm from the apprentice hunter. In the case of a hunter age 12 years of age or under younger, the term means that the licensed adult is within sight of the person under the age of younger than 12 years of age.

"Adult" means the parent or legal guardian of the person under age younger than 12 years of age, or such person over the age of older than 18 years of age designated by the parent or legal guardian.

"Approved course provider" is any individual, business, or organization that makes available to the hunting public a hunter education course that is approved by the International Hunter Education Association – United States (IHEA-USA) and is accepted by the department. An approved course provider shall have executed and have on file a valid cooperative agreement with the department. The department will make information regarding such approved courses and providers readily available for public access.

"Board" means the Board of Game and Inland Fisheries Wildlife Resources.

"Department" means the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Wildlife Resources.

"Hunter education course" means a course offered in the classroom, through the Internet, or through an electronic format that provides course content and test questions that at a minimum meet the International Hunter Education Association-USA Education Standards, May 2, 2014, set forth by the International Hunter Education Association-USA (IHEA-USA) and are accepted by the department. A hunter education course shall include no less than 50 test questions, which shall include at least eight test questions specific to Virginia hunting laws.

"IHEA-USA" means the International Hunter Education Association-USA.

"Virginia Hunter Education Card" means a card authorized for issuance by the department to a person who has met the minimum standard of hunter education course competency. This card may be issued as an original or a replacement hunter education course card.

4VAC15-275-80. Instructor certification.

A. The department may designate as a hunter instructor any person found by it to be competent to give instruction in the courses required.

B. Volunteer instructors are designated to work on a voluntary basis and at the pleasure of the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Wildlife Resources.

C. To be certified as a hunter education course instructor for the department's hunter education program, a person shall (i) have successfully completed a hunter education course and (ii) be certified as an instructor by the department or by a certification program accepted by the department.

D. Applicants for certified instructor shall submit an application to the department on a form and in a manner determined by the hunter education program manager. At a minimum, the application shall include:

1. The applicant's name;

2. The applicant's street address;

3. The applicant's telephone number;

4. The applicant's email address, if any;

5. Information describing the applicant's experience and training in hunter and hunting and proof of completion of a hunter education course that is accepted by the department; and

6. Any other information deemed necessary after review of the initial application.

E. Applicants may be required to submit written consent for a criminal history background check in a manner determined by the department or an interview in a manner determined by the department and in accordance with state policy.

4VAC15-290-130. Duty to comply with permit conditions.

A permit holder shall comply with all terms and conditions of any permit issued by the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Wildlife Resources pursuant to Title 29.1 of the Code of Virginia and the regulations of the board pertaining to hunting, fishing, trapping, taking, attempting to take, possession, sale, offering for sale, transporting or causing to be transported, importing or exporting, propagating, exhibiting, and rehabilitating of any wild bird, wild animal, or fish. The penalty for violation of this section is prescribed by § 29.1-505 of the Code of Virginia.

4VAC15-340-80. Eel pots for taking American eels for sale.

A. The director may issue, deny, modify, suspend, or revoke annual eel pot permits designated for the sale of American eels. Such permits shall authorize the taking of American eels for sale, as specified, with eel pots from waters designated in this section. Such permits shall be valid so long as the harvest of American eels in the Commonwealth is not prohibited by other state or federal law or regulation. To be eligible, applicants must document harvest of at least one pound of American eels from Back Bay or North Landing River or their tributaries via reports submitted through the Virginia Marine Resources Commission Mandatory Harvest Reporting Program during the period January 1, 2007, to December 31, 2012, both dates inclusive. Applicants must document the reported harvest occurred while the applicant held a valid commercial fish pot or eel pot license issued by the Virginia Marine Resources Commission.

B. It shall be unlawful for permit holders to possess any American eel less than nine inches in total length.

C. It shall be unlawful for permit holders fishing eel pots to take any species other than American eels.

D. It shall be unlawful to place, set, or fish any eel pot that has a mesh less than 1/2-inch by 1/2-inch and does not contain at least one unrestricted 4-inch by 4-inch escape panel consisting of 1/2-inch by 1-inch mesh.

E. The permit holder's last name and Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Wildlife Resources American eel pot number must be permanently attached to buoys of all eel pots set. The maximum number of pots authorized per permit holder under this permit shall be 300.

F. American eels may be taken with eel pots in Back Bay and its natural tributaries (not including Lake Tecumseh and Red Wing Lake) and in North Landing River and its natural tributaries from the North Carolina line to the Great Bridge locks.

G. It shall be unlawful for any person to ship or otherwise transport any package, box, or other receptacle containing fish taken under an eel pot permit unless the same bears the permit holder's name and address.

H. Failure to comply with the daily harvest and sales reporting requirements as detailed in conditions of the permit shall be unlawful and may result in immediate permit revocation. It shall be the permit holder's responsibility to report "No Activity" when no activity occurs during a monthly reporting period.

4VAC15-410-20. Definitions.

As used in this chapter, unless the context clearly requires a different meaning, the following words and terms shall have the following meanings:

"Approved course provider" is any individual, business, or organization that makes available to the boating public a boating safety education course approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators and accepted by the department. An approved course provider shall have executed and have on file a valid cooperative agreement with the department. Persons who simply provide classroom instruction for an approved course provider shall not be considered an approved course provider. The department will make information regarding such approved courses and providers readily available for public access.

"Board" means the Board of Game and Inland Fisheries Wildlife Resources.

"Boating safety education course" means a course offered in the classroom, through the Internet, or through an electronic format such as CD-ROM that provides a course content and test questions that have been reviewed and approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators in accordance with the National Boating Education Standards, updated January 1, 2008, and accepted by the department. A boating safety education course shall include no less than 50 test questions, which shall include at least 10 test questions specific about Virginia boating laws.

"Department" means the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Wildlife Resources.

"Dockside safety checklist" means a document provided by the department that consists of selected facts about Virginia boating laws and safe boat operation that a rental or livery agent or motorboat leasing business is required to present to those who rent or lease a motorboat or personal watercraft. The dockside safety checklist must be reviewed and initialed by the person operating the motorboat before the boat can be rented/leased rented or leased and operated.

"Equivalency exam" means a written examination that is developed by the department to test the knowledge of information included in the curriculum of a boating safety education course (may also be referred to as a challenge exam). The equivalency exam is intended to provide experienced and knowledgeable boaters with the opportunity to meet the boating safety education compliance requirement set forth in § 29.1-735.2 of the Code of Virginia without having to take and successfully complete a boating safety education course. The equivalency exam shall be comprised of no less than 75 or more than 100 test questions, shall include no less than 25 questions specific about Virginia boating laws, shall be proctored by an individual(s) individual specifically designated by the department, and shall be completed without the use of any reference material. A minimum score of at least 80% shall be considered passing.

"Motorboat" means any vessel propelled by machinery whether or not the machinery is the principal source of propulsion and for this chapter shall mean with a motor of 10 horsepower or greater.

"NASBLA" means the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators.

"NASBLA-approved course" means a boating safety education course that has been reviewed and approved by NASBLA.

"Onboard direct supervision" as referenced in § 29.1-735.2 B 6 and B 9 of the Code of Virginia occurs when a person maintains close visual and verbal contact with, provides adequate direction to, and can immediately assume control of a motorboat from the operator of a motorboat. A person who is water skiing, or is in the cabin of a motorboat and not at the helm/wheel is not considered to be in a position capable of providing direct supervision.

"Operate" means to navigate or otherwise control the movement of a motorboat or vessel.

"Optional Virginia Boater Education Card" means a card authorized for issuance by the department to persons who (i) can show they have met the minimum standard of boating safety education course competency, (ii) possess a valid license to operate a vessel issued to maritime personnel by the United States Coast Guard or a marine certificate issued by the Canadian government, (iii) possess a Canadian Pleasure Craft Operator's Card, or (iv) possess a valid commercial fisherman registration pursuant to § 28.2-241 of the Code of Virginia. For the purpose of this subsection a license is considered valid regardless of whether the license is current. This card may be issued as a replacement boating safety course card.

"Personal watercraft" means a motorboat less than 16 feet in length that uses an inboard motor powering a jet pump as its primary motive power and that is designed to be operated by a person sitting, standing, or kneeling on, rather than in the conventional manner of sitting or standing inside the vessel.

"Proctored" means that the written equivalency exam has been administered under the direct supervision of (i) a designated member of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary or the United States Power Squadrons®, (ii) a designated department employee or a department volunteer boating safety instructor, or (iii) an individual who has been approved for such purpose by the department.

"Temporary operator's certificate" means a nonrenewable document issued with the certificate of number for the motorboat or personal watercraft, if the boat is new or was sold with a transfer of ownership. A temporary operator's certificate shall be issued only by the department, by any person authorized by the director to act as an agent to issue a certificate of number pursuant to § 29.1-706 of the Code of Virginia, or by a license agent of the department authorized to issue a temporary registration certificate for a motorboat or personal watercraft. A temporary operator's certificate shall allow the owner(s) owner to operate a motorboat with a motor of 10 horsepower or greater or personal watercraft in Virginia for 90 days.

"Vessel" means every description of watercraft, other than a seaplane on the water, used or capable of being used as a means of transportation on water.

"Waters of the Commonwealth" means any public waters within the territorial limits of the Commonwealth.

VA.R. Doc. No. R21-5904; Filed September 29, 2020, 11:23 a.m.
TITLE 4. CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES
BOARD OF WILDLIFE RESOURCES
Final Regulation

REGISTRAR'S NOTICE: The Board of Wildlife Resources is claiming an exemption from Article 2 of the Administrative Process Act in accordance with § 2.2-4006 A 4 a of the Code of Virginia, which excludes regulations that are necessary to conform to changes in Virginia statutory law or the appropriation act where no agency discretion is involved. The State Board of Social Services will receive, consider, and respond to petitions by any interested person at any time with respect to reconsideration or revision.

Titles of Regulations: 4VAC15-20. Definitions and Miscellaneous: In General (amending 4VAC15-20-10, 4VAC15-20-75).

4VAC15-30. Definitions and Miscellaneous: Importation, Possession, Sale, etc., of Animals (amending 4VAC15-30-40).

4VAC15-40. Game: In General (amending 4VAC15-40-60, 4VAC15-40-281, 4VAC15-40-287).

4VAC15-90. Game: Deer (amending 4VAC15-90-290).

4VAC15-270. Game: Firearms (amending 4VAC15-270-60, 4VAC15-270-95).

4VAC15-275. Game: Hunter Education (amending 4VAC15-275-10, 4VAC15-275-20, 4VAC15-275-80).

4VAC15-290. Game: Permits (amending 4VAC15-290-130).

4VAC15-340. Fish: Seines and Nets (amending 4VAC15-340-80).

4VAC15-410. Watercraft: Boating Safety Education (amending 4VAC15-410-20).

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

Effective Date: January 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 align regulations with Chapter 958 of the 2020 Acts of Assembly, which changes the name of the department to Department of Wildlife Resources and of the board to Board of Wildlife Resources.

4VAC15-20-10. Definitions; generally.

Words and phrases used in any regulations made by the board shall have the same meaning, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, as is given for such words and phrases in the Virginia Game and Inland Fisheries laws contained in Title 29.1 (§ 29.1-100 et seq.) of the Code of Virginia.

4VAC15-20-75. Wildlife Violator Compact.

A. This section is adopted pursuant to authority granted to the Board of Game and Inland Fisheries Wildlife Resources under §§ 29.1-103 and 29.1-530.5 of the Code of Virginia.

B. Definitions used herein in this section, unless the contrary is clearly indicated are those used in § 29.1-530.5 of the Code of Virginia, the Wildlife Violator Compact, herein referred to as the compact (compact).

C. In accordance with Article VII of the compact, the board hereby authorizes the Director of the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Wildlife Resources to appoint the Commonwealth's representative to the Board of Compact Administrators. Such appointment shall be consistent with and subject to the aforesaid provisions of the compact and such representative shall serve at the pleasure of the director.

D. In accordance with Article IV of the compact, upon receipt from a participating state of a report of the conviction in that state of a resident of the Commonwealth, the department shall enter such conviction in its records and such conviction shall be treated as though it had occurred in the Commonwealth and therefore as a violation of the board's applicable regulations for purposes of suspension of license privileges.

E. In accordance with Article IV of the compact, upon receipt from a participating state of a report of the failure of a resident of the Commonwealth to comply with the terms of a citation issued by that state, the department shall notify such person of that report in accordance with the procedures set forth in subsections G through J of this section and shall initiate a proceeding to suspend any applicable licenses issued to such person by the board until the department has received satisfactory evidence of compliance with the terms of such citation.

F. In accordance with Article V of the compact, upon receipt from a participating state of a report of the suspension of license privileges of a resident of the Commonwealth issued by that state that is in accordance with suspension of license pursuant to the Code of Virginia, the department shall notify such person of that report in accordance with the procedures set forth in subsections G through J of this section and shall initiate a proceeding to suspend any applicable licenses issued to such person by the board until the department has received satisfactory evidence that such suspension has been terminated.

G. Upon receipt of a report pursuant to subsections subsection D, E, or F of this section, the director or his the director's designee shall provide notice thereof to the resident of the Commonwealth who is the subject of such report. Such notice shall advise such person of the contents of the notice and of any action that the department proposes to take in response thereto.

H. The person who is the subject of such notice shall be provided an opportunity to request within 30 days from the date of such notice an opportunity to contest the department's proposed action by requesting an informal fact-finding conference to be conducted by a representative of the department designated by the director. Although such proceedings are exempt from the requirements of the Administrative Process Act (§ 2.2-4000 et seq. of the Code of Virginia) as provided by § 2.2-4002 A 3 thereof of the Code of Virginia, the department shall to the extent practicable afford such persons seeking an informal fact-finding conference the rights provided under § 2.2-4019 of the Code of Virginia. Those include but are not limited to the right to receive reasonable notice as described in subsection G of this section and the right to appear in person or by counsel before the designated representative of the department. However, no discovery shall be conducted and no subpoenas shall be issued as part of any such proceeding.

I. An informal fact-finding proceeding shall be completed within 60 days of receipt by the department of the request described in subsection H of this section. Upon such completion the designated representative of the department shall make a recommended decision to the director or to such person designated by the director to make such decision. The decision maker shall promptly issue a written decision to the person who requested the proceeding. If the affected party is not satisfied by this decision it may be appealed to a three member panel as appointed by the agency director.

J. Any decision upholding the suspension of licensing privileges as a result of the process described in subsections D through I of this section shall be entered by the department on its records and shall be treated as though it had occurred in the Commonwealth and therefore as a violation of the board's applicable regulations.

K. The director shall establish procedures for reporting to participating states convictions or failures to comply with citations in the Commonwealth by residents of those respective states. Such procedures shall comply with the reporting requirements established by and pursuant to the provisions of the compact.

4VAC15-30-40. Importation requirements, possession, and sale of nonnative (exotic) animals.

A. Permit required. A special permit is required and may be issued by the department, if consistent with the department's fish and wildlife management program, to import, possess, or sell those nonnative (exotic) animals listed below in the following table and in 4VAC15-20-210 that the board finds and declares to be predatory or undesirable within the meaning and intent of § 29.1-542 of the Code of Virginia, in that their introduction into the Commonwealth will be detrimental to the native fish and wildlife resources of Virginia.

AMPHIBIANS

Order

Family

Genus/Species

Common Name

Anura

Bufonidae

Rhinella marina

Cane toad*

Pipidae

Hymenochirus spp. Pseudohymenochiris merlini

African dwarf frog

Xenopus spp.

Tongueless or African clawed frog

Caudata

Ambystomatidae

All species

All mole salamanders

BIRDS

Order

Family

Genus/Species

Common Name

Psittaciformes

Psittacidae

Myiopsitta monachus

Monk parakeet*

Anseriformes

Anatidae

Cygnus olor

Mute swan

FISH

Order

Family

Genus/Species

Common Name

Cypriniformes

Catostomidae

Catostomus microps

Modoc sucker

Catostomus santaanae

Santa Ana sucker

Catostomus warnerensis

Warner sucker

Ictiobus bubalus

Smallmouth* buffalo

I. cyprinellus

Bigmouth* buffalo

I. niger

Black buffalo*

Characidae

Pygopristis spp.
Pygocentrus spp.
Rooseveltiella spp.
Serrasalmo spp.
Serrasalmus spp.
Taddyella spp.

Piranhas

Cobitidae

Misgurnus anguillicaudatus

Oriental weatherfish

Cyprinidae

Aristichyhys nobilis

Bighead carp*

Chrosomus saylori

Laurel dace

Ctenopharyngodon idella

Grass carp or white amur

Cyprinella caerulea

Blue shiner

Cyprinella formosa

Beautiful shiner

Cyprinella lutrensis

Red shiner

Hypophthalmichthys molitrix

Silver carp*

Mylopharyngodom piceus

Black carp*

Notropis albizonatus

Palezone shiner

Notropis cahabae

Cahaba shiner

Notropis girardi

Arkansas River shiner

Notropis mekistocholas

Cape Fear shiner

Notropis simus pecosensis

Pecos bluntnose shiner

Notropis topeka (= tristis)

Topeka shiner

Phoxinus cumberlandensis

Blackside dace

Rhinichthys osculus lethoporus

Independence Valley speckled dace

Rhinichthys osculus nevadensis

Ash Meadows speckled dace

Rhinichthys osculus oligoporus

Clover Valley speckled dace

Rhinichthys osculus ssp.

Foskett speckled dace

Rhinichthys osculus thermalis

Kendall Warm Springs dace

Scardinius erythrophthalmus

Rudd

Tinca tinca

Tench*

Cyprinodontiformes

Poeciliidae

Gambusia gaigei

Big Bend gambusia

Gambusia georgei

San Marcos gambusia

Gambusia heterochir

Clear Creek gambusia

Gambusia nobilis

Pecos gambusia

Peociliopsis occidentalis

Gila topminnow

Gasterosteiformes

Gasterosteidae

Gasterosteus aculeatus williamsoni

Unarmored threespine stickleback

Gobiesociformes

Gobiidae

Proterorhinus marmoratus

Tubenose goby

Neogobius melanostomus

Round goby

Perciformes

Channidae

Channa spp.
Parachanna spp.

Snakeheads

Cichlidae

Tilapia spp.

Tilapia

Gymnocephalus cernuum

Ruffe*

Elassomatidae

Elassoma alabamae

Spring pygmy sunfish

Percidae

Crystallaria cincotta

Diamond darter

Etheostoma chermocki

Vermilion darter

Etheostoma boschungi

Slackwater darter

Etheostoma chienense

Relict darter

Etheostoma etowahae

Etowah darter

Etheostoma fonticola

Fountain darter

Etheostoma moorei

Yellowcheek darter

Etheostoma nianguae

Niangua darter

Etheostoma nuchale

Watercress darter

Etheostoma okaloosae

Okaloosa darter

Etheostoma phytophilum

Rush darter

Etheostoma rubrum

Bayou darter

Etheostoma scotti

Cherokee darter

Etheostoma sp.

Bluemask (= jewel) darter

Etheostoma susanae

Cumberland darter

Etheostoma wapiti

Boulder darter

Percina antesella

Amber darter

Percina aurolineata

Goldline darter

Percina jenkinsi

Conasauga logperch

Percina pantherina

Leopard darter

Percina tanasi

Snail darter

Scorpaeniformes

Cottidae

Cottus sp.

Grotto sculpin

Cottus paulus (= pygmaeus)

Pygmy sculpin

Siluriformes

Clariidae

All species

Air-breathing catfish

Ictaluridae

Noturus baileyi

Smoky madtom

Noturus crypticus

Chucky madtom

Noturus placidus

Neosho madtom

Noturus stanauli

Pygmy madtom

Noturus trautmani

Scioto madtom

Synbranchiformes

Synbranchidae

Monopterus albus

Swamp eel

MAMMALS

Order

Family

Genus/Species

Common Name

Artiodactyla

Suidae

All Species

Pigs or Hogs*

Cervidae

All Species

Deer*

Carnivora

Canidae

All Species

Wild Dogs,* Wolves, Coyotes or Coyote hybrids, Jackals and Foxes

Ursidae

All Species

Bears*

Procyonidae

All Species

Raccoons and* Relatives

Mustelidae

All Species

Weasels, Badgers,* Skunks and Otters

(except Mustela putorius furo)

Ferret

Viverridae

All Species

Civets, Genets,* Lingsangs, Mongooses, and Fossas

Herpestidae

All Species

Mongooses*

Hyaenidae

All Species

Hyenas and Aardwolves*

Felidae

All Species

Cats*

Chiroptera

 

All Species

Bats*

Lagomorpha

Lepridae

Brachylagus idahoensis

Pygmy rabbit

Lepus europeaeous

European hare

Oryctolagus cuniculus

European rabbit

Sylvilagus bachmani riparius

Riparian brush rabbit

Sylvilagus palustris hefneri

Lower Keys marsh rabbit

Rodentia

 

All species native to Africa

All species native to Africa

Dipodidae

Zapus hudsonius preblei

Preble's meadow jumping mouse

Muridae

Microtus californicus scirpensis

Amargosa vole

Microtus mexicanus hualpaiensis

Hualapai Mexican vole

Microtus pennsylvanicus dukecampbelli

Florida salt marsh vole

Neotoma floridana smalli

Key Largo woodrat

Neotoma fuscipes riparia

Riparian (= San Joaquin Valley) woodrat

Oryzomys palustris natator

Rice rat

Peromyscus gossypinus allapaticola

Key Largo cotton mouse

Peromyscus polionotus allophrys

Choctawhatchee beach mouse

Peromyscus polionotus ammobates

Alabama beach mouse

Peromyscus polionotus niveiventris

Southeastern beach mouse

Peromyscus polionotus peninsularis

St. Andrew beach mouse

Peromyscus polionotus phasma

Anastasia Island beach mouse

Peromyscus polionotus trissyllepsis

Perdido Key beach mouse

Reithrodontomys raviventris

Salt marsh harvest mouse

Heteromyidae

Dipodomys heermanni morroensis

Morro Bay kangaroo rat

Dipodomys ingens

Giant kangaroo rat

Dipodomys merriami parvus

San Bernadino Merriam's kangaroo rat

Dipodomys nitratoides exilis

Fresno kangaroo rat

Dipodomys nitratoides nitratoides

Tipton kangaroo rat

Dipodomys stephensi (including D. cascus)

Stephens' kangaroo rat

Perognathus longimembris pacificus

Pacific pocket mouse

Sciuridae

Cynomys spp.

Prairie dogs

Spermophilus brunneus brunneus

Northern Idaho ground squirrel

Tamiasciurus hudsonicus grahamensis

Mount Graham red squirrel

Soricomorpha

Soricidae

Sorex ornatus relictus

Buena Vista Lake ornate shrew

MOLLUSKS

Order

Family

Genus/Species

Common Name

Neotaenioglossa

Hydrobiidae

Potamopyrgus antipodarum

New Zealand mudsnail

Veneroida

Dreissenidae

Dreissena bugensis

Quagga mussel

Dreissena polymorpha

Zebra mussel

REPTILES

Order

Family

Genus/Species

Common Name

Crocodilia

Alligatoridae

All species

Alligators, caimans*

Crocodylidae

All species

Crocodiles*

Gavialidae

All species

Gavials*

Squamata

Colubridae

Boiga irregularis

Brown tree snake*

CRUSTACEANS

Order

Family

Genus/Species

Common Name

Decapoda

Cambaridae

Cambarus aculabrum

Cave crayfish

Cambarus zophonastes

Cave crayfish

Orconectes rusticus

Rusty crayfish

Orconectes shoupi

Nashville crayfish

Pacifastacus fortis

Shasta crayfish

Procambarus sp.

Marbled crayfish

Parastacidae

Cherax spp.

Australian crayfish

Varunidea

Eriocheir sinensis

Chinese mitten crab

B. Temporary possession permit for certain animals. Notwithstanding the permitting requirements of subsection A of this section, a person, company, or corporation possessing any nonnative (exotic) animal, designated with an asterisk (*) in subsection A of this section, prior to July 1, 1992, must declare such possession in writing to the department by January 1, 1993. This written declaration shall serve as a permit for possession only, is not transferable, and must be renewed every five years. This written declaration must include species name, common name, number of individuals, date or dates acquired, sex (if possible), estimated age, height or length, and other characteristics such as bands and band numbers, tattoos, registration numbers, coloration, and specific markings. Possession transfer will require a new permit according to the requirements of this subsection.

C. Exception for certain monk parakeets. A permit is not required for monk parakeets (quakers) that have been captive bred and are closed-banded with a seamless band.

D. Exception for parts or products. A permit is not required for parts or products of those nonnative (exotic) animals listed in subsection A of this section that may be used for personal use, in the manufacture of products, or used in scientific research, provided that such parts or products be packaged outside the Commonwealth by any person, company, or corporation duly licensed by the state in which the parts originate. Such packages may be transported into the Commonwealth, consistent with other state laws and regulations, so long as the original package remains unbroken, unopened and intact until its point of destination is reached. Documentation concerning the type and cost of the animal parts ordered, the purpose and date of the order, point and date of shipping, and date of receiving shall be kept by the person, business, or institution ordering such nonnative (exotic) animal parts. Such documentation shall be open to inspection by a representative of the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Wildlife Resources.

E. Exception for prairie dogs. The effective date of listing of prairie dogs under subsection A of this section shall be January 1, 1998. Prairie dogs possessed in captivity in Virginia on December 31, 1997, may be maintained in captivity until the animals' deaths, but they may not be sold on or after January 1, 1998, without a permit.

F. Exception for snakehead fish. Anglers may legally harvest snakehead fish of the family Channidae, provided that they immediately kill such fish and that they notify the department, as soon as practicable, of such actions.

G. Exception for feral hogs. Anyone may legally trap feral hogs with written permission of the landowner, provided that any trapped hogs are not removed from the trap site alive and are killed immediately.

H. Exception for grass carp. Anglers may legally harvest grass carp of the family Cyprinidae from public waters of the Commonwealth, except from department-owned or department-controlled lakes, provided that anglers ensure that harvested grass carp are dead.

I. All other nonnative (exotic) animals. All other nonnative (exotic) animals not listed in subsection A of this section may be possessed, purchased, and sold; provided, that such animals shall be subject to all applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations, including those that apply to threatened/endangered species, and further provided, that such animals shall not be liberated within the Commonwealth.

4VAC15-40-60. Hunting with dogs or possession of weapons in certain locations during closed season.

A. Department-owned and national forest lands statewide. It shall be unlawful to have in possession a firearm or any hunting weapon that is not unloaded and cased or dismantled on all national forest lands statewide and on department-owned lands and on other lands managed by the department under cooperative agreement except during the period when it is lawful to take bear, deer, grouse, pheasant, quail, rabbit, raccoon, squirrel, turkey, waterfowl, or migratory gamebirds on these lands.

B. Certain counties. Except as otherwise provided in 4VAC15-40-70, it shall be unlawful to have either a shotgun or a rifle in one's possession when accompanied by a dog in the daytime in the fields, forests or waters of the Counties of Augusta, Clarke, Frederick, Page, Shenandoah, and Warren, and in the counties east of the Blue Ridge Mountains, except Patrick, at any time except the periods prescribed by law to hunt game birds and animals.

C. Shooting ranges and authorized activities. The provisions of this section shall not prohibit the conduct of any activities authorized by the board or the establishment and operation of archery and shooting ranges on the lands described in subsections A and B of this section. The use of firearms or any hunting weapon in such ranges during the closed season period will be restricted to the area within the established range boundaries. Such weapons shall be required to be unloaded and cased or dismantled in all areas other than the range boundaries. The use of firearms or any hunting weapon during the closed hunting period in such ranges shall be restricted to target shooting only, and no birds or animals shall be molested.

D. It shall be unlawful to chase with a dog or train dogs on national forest lands or department-owned lands except during authorized hunting, chase, or training seasons that specifically permit these activities on these lands or during raccoon hound field trials on these lands between September 1 and March 31, both dates inclusive, that are sanctioned by bona fide national kennel clubs and authorized by permits issued by the department or the U.S. Forest Service.

E. It shall be unlawful to possess or transport any loaded firearm or loaded hunting weapon in or on any vehicle at any time on national forest lands or department-owned lands.

F. The provisions of this section shall not prohibit the possession, transport, and use of loaded firearms by employees of the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Wildlife Resources while engaged in the performance of their authorized and official duties, nor shall it prohibit possession and transport of loaded concealed handguns where the individual possesses a concealed handgun permit as defined in § 18.2-308 of the Code of Virginia.

G. Meaning of "possession" of any hunting weapon and definition of "loaded crossbow," "loaded arrowgun," "loaded muzzleloader," and "loaded firearm." For the purpose of this section, the word "possession" shall include having any firearm or weapon used for hunting in or on one's person, vehicle, or conveyance. For the purpose of this section, a "loaded firearm" means a firearm in which ammunition is chambered or loaded in the magazine or clip when such magazine or clip is engaged or partially engaged in a firearm. The definition of a "loaded muzzleloader" will include a muzzleloading rifle, pistol, or shotgun that is capped, has a charged pan, or has a primer or battery installed in the muzzleloader. A "loaded crossbow" means a crossbow that is cocked and has either a bolt or arrow engaged or partially engaged on the shooting rail or track of the crossbow, or with a "trackless crossbow" when the crossbow is cocked and a bolt or arrow is nocked. "Loaded arrowgun" means an arrowgun that has an arrow or bolt inserted on the arrow rest or in the barrel. "Hunting weapon" means any weapon allowable for hunting as defined in § 29.1-519 of the Code of Virginia.

4VAC15-40-281. Unauthorized feeding of bear, deer, or turkey on national forest lands and department-owned lands.

It shall be unlawful to place or direct the placement of, deposit, distribute, or scatter food or salt capable of attracting or being eaten by bear, deer, or turkey on national forest lands or on department-owned lands without the written authorization of the Director of the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Wildlife Resources or his the director's designee. The provisions of this section shall not prohibit the disposal of food in trash receptacles provided by the U.S. Forest Service on national forest lands or by the department on department-owned lands.

4VAC15-40-287. Model ordinances related to feeding of deer in cities and towns.

Per the provisions of § 29.1-527.2 of the Code of Virginia, the following model ordinance related to the feeding of deer may be adopted by a city or town. Any city or town must notify the director of the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Wildlife Resources of the adoption of such an ordinance by registered mail.

Model ordinance:

A. Pursuant to § 29.1-527.2 of the Code of Virginia, it shall be unlawful for any person to place, distribute, or allow the placement of food, salt, minerals, or similar substances to feed or attract deer at any time.

B. No person shall continue to place, distribute, or allow the placement of food, salt, minerals, or similar substances for any purpose if the placement of these materials results in the presence of deer.

C. No part of this ordinance shall be construed to restrict agricultural, commercial, noncommercial, or residential plantings (including wildlife food plots); bona fide distribution of food to livestock; or wildlife management activities conducted or authorized by the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Wildlife Resources.

4VAC15-90-290. Special quality deer management areas.

A. The board hereby designates the following areas posted by the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Wildlife Resources as special quality deer management areas with special antlered buck harvest.

B. Special Fairystone quality deer management area. It shall be unlawful to kill an antlered deer on the special Fairystone quality deer management area unless the deer has at least four antler points, each greater than one inch in length, on either the right or left antler.

4VAC15-270-60. Use of firearms loaded with slugs and discharge of firearms near boardwalk or nature trail on Ragged Island Wildlife Management Area.

A. It shall be unlawful to possess outside of a vehicle, or shoot or hunt with a rifle, muzzleloader, pistol, or shotgun loaded with slugs, or to possess shotgun slugs, on Ragged Island Wildlife Management Area in Isle of Wight County. In addition, it shall be unlawful to discharge any firearm within 100 yards of the boardwalk or nature trail on Ragged Island Wildlife Management Area.

B. The provisions of this section shall not prohibit the possession, transport, and use of loaded firearms by employees of the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Wildlife Resources while engaged in the performance of their duties, nor shall it prohibit the possession and transport of loaded concealed handguns where the individual possesses a concealed handgun permit as defined in § 18.2-308 of the Code of Virginia.

4VAC15-270-95. Model ordinances related to archery deer hunting.

Pursuant to § 29.1-528.1 A of the Code of Virginia, the following model ordinances related to hunting deer with bow and arrow (including crossbows) may be adopted by those counties and cities where there is an overabundance of the deer population, which is creating conflicts between humans and deer, including safety hazards to motorists. In accordance with § 29.1-528.1 B of the Code of Virginia, no such ordinance shall be enforceable unless the governing body of the locality notifies the director by registered mail prior to May 1 of the year in which the ordinance is to take effect.

Model Ordinance 1:

The times at which hunting shall commence and end each day shall be in accordance with the provisions of § 29.1-520 of the Code of Virginia.

Model Ordinance 2:

The number of deer that can be taken shall be in accordance with bag limits established by the Board of Game and Inland Fisheries Wildlife Resources pursuant to §§ 29.1-501 and 29.1-502 of the Code of Virginia.

Model Ordinance 3:

No person shall discharge a bow and arrow from, over, or across any street, sidewalk, alley, roadway, or toward any building or dwelling in such a manner that an arrow may strike it. Any person who violates the provisions of this ordinance shall be guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor.

Model Ordinance 4:

It shall be unlawful to discharge a bow and arrow in a manner that can be reasonably expected to result in the impact of the arrow upon the property of another without permission from the owner or tenant of such property. Any person who violates the provisions of this ordinance shall be guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor.

4VAC15-275-10. Application.

This chapter applies to any person who has never obtained a license to hunt in any state or country or any person who is under the age of younger than 16 years of age, unless such a person presents to the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Wildlife Resources or one of its authorized license vendors a certificate of completion in hunter education issued or authorized by the director or his the director's representative under the hunter education program or proof that he holds the equivalent certificate obtained from an authorized agency or association of another state or country.

4VAC15-275-20. Definitions.

The following words and terms when used in this chapter shall have the following meanings unless the context clearly requires a different meaning:

"Accompanied and directly supervised" means, in the case of an apprentice hunter, that a licensed person over older than 18 years of age maintains a close visual and verbal contact with, provides adequate direction to, and can immediately assume control of the firearm from the apprentice hunter. In the case of a hunter age 12 years of age or under younger, the term means that the licensed adult is within sight of the person under the age of younger than 12 years of age.

"Adult" means the parent or legal guardian of the person under age younger than 12 years of age, or such person over the age of older than 18 years of age designated by the parent or legal guardian.

"Approved course provider" is any individual, business, or organization that makes available to the hunting public a hunter education course that is approved by the International Hunter Education Association – United States (IHEA-USA) and is accepted by the department. An approved course provider shall have executed and have on file a valid cooperative agreement with the department. The department will make information regarding such approved courses and providers readily available for public access.

"Board" means the Board of Game and Inland Fisheries Wildlife Resources.

"Department" means the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Wildlife Resources.

"Hunter education course" means a course offered in the classroom, through the Internet, or through an electronic format that provides course content and test questions that at a minimum meet the International Hunter Education Association-USA Education Standards, May 2, 2014, set forth by the International Hunter Education Association-USA (IHEA-USA) and are accepted by the department. A hunter education course shall include no less than 50 test questions, which shall include at least eight test questions specific to Virginia hunting laws.

"IHEA-USA" means the International Hunter Education Association-USA.

"Virginia Hunter Education Card" means a card authorized for issuance by the department to a person who has met the minimum standard of hunter education course competency. This card may be issued as an original or a replacement hunter education course card.

4VAC15-275-80. Instructor certification.

A. The department may designate as a hunter instructor any person found by it to be competent to give instruction in the courses required.

B. Volunteer instructors are designated to work on a voluntary basis and at the pleasure of the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Wildlife Resources.

C. To be certified as a hunter education course instructor for the department's hunter education program, a person shall (i) have successfully completed a hunter education course and (ii) be certified as an instructor by the department or by a certification program accepted by the department.

D. Applicants for certified instructor shall submit an application to the department on a form and in a manner determined by the hunter education program manager. At a minimum, the application shall include:

1. The applicant's name;

2. The applicant's street address;

3. The applicant's telephone number;

4. The applicant's email address, if any;

5. Information describing the applicant's experience and training in hunter and hunting and proof of completion of a hunter education course that is accepted by the department; and

6. Any other information deemed necessary after review of the initial application.

E. Applicants may be required to submit written consent for a criminal history background check in a manner determined by the department or an interview in a manner determined by the department and in accordance with state policy.

4VAC15-290-130. Duty to comply with permit conditions.

A permit holder shall comply with all terms and conditions of any permit issued by the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Wildlife Resources pursuant to Title 29.1 of the Code of Virginia and the regulations of the board pertaining to hunting, fishing, trapping, taking, attempting to take, possession, sale, offering for sale, transporting or causing to be transported, importing or exporting, propagating, exhibiting, and rehabilitating of any wild bird, wild animal, or fish. The penalty for violation of this section is prescribed by § 29.1-505 of the Code of Virginia.

4VAC15-340-80. Eel pots for taking American eels for sale.

A. The director may issue, deny, modify, suspend, or revoke annual eel pot permits designated for the sale of American eels. Such permits shall authorize the taking of American eels for sale, as specified, with eel pots from waters designated in this section. Such permits shall be valid so long as the harvest of American eels in the Commonwealth is not prohibited by other state or federal law or regulation. To be eligible, applicants must document harvest of at least one pound of American eels from Back Bay or North Landing River or their tributaries via reports submitted through the Virginia Marine Resources Commission Mandatory Harvest Reporting Program during the period January 1, 2007, to December 31, 2012, both dates inclusive. Applicants must document the reported harvest occurred while the applicant held a valid commercial fish pot or eel pot license issued by the Virginia Marine Resources Commission.

B. It shall be unlawful for permit holders to possess any American eel less than nine inches in total length.

C. It shall be unlawful for permit holders fishing eel pots to take any species other than American eels.

D. It shall be unlawful to place, set, or fish any eel pot that has a mesh less than 1/2-inch by 1/2-inch and does not contain at least one unrestricted 4-inch by 4-inch escape panel consisting of 1/2-inch by 1-inch mesh.

E. The permit holder's last name and Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Wildlife Resources American eel pot number must be permanently attached to buoys of all eel pots set. The maximum number of pots authorized per permit holder under this permit shall be 300.

F. American eels may be taken with eel pots in Back Bay and its natural tributaries (not including Lake Tecumseh and Red Wing Lake) and in North Landing River and its natural tributaries from the North Carolina line to the Great Bridge locks.

G. It shall be unlawful for any person to ship or otherwise transport any package, box, or other receptacle containing fish taken under an eel pot permit unless the same bears the permit holder's name and address.

H. Failure to comply with the daily harvest and sales reporting requirements as detailed in conditions of the permit shall be unlawful and may result in immediate permit revocation. It shall be the permit holder's responsibility to report "No Activity" when no activity occurs during a monthly reporting period.

4VAC15-410-20. Definitions.

As used in this chapter, unless the context clearly requires a different meaning, the following words and terms shall have the following meanings:

"Approved course provider" is any individual, business, or organization that makes available to the boating public a boating safety education course approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators and accepted by the department. An approved course provider shall have executed and have on file a valid cooperative agreement with the department. Persons who simply provide classroom instruction for an approved course provider shall not be considered an approved course provider. The department will make information regarding such approved courses and providers readily available for public access.

"Board" means the Board of Game and Inland Fisheries Wildlife Resources.

"Boating safety education course" means a course offered in the classroom, through the Internet, or through an electronic format such as CD-ROM that provides a course content and test questions that have been reviewed and approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators in accordance with the National Boating Education Standards, updated January 1, 2008, and accepted by the department. A boating safety education course shall include no less than 50 test questions, which shall include at least 10 test questions specific about Virginia boating laws.

"Department" means the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Wildlife Resources.

"Dockside safety checklist" means a document provided by the department that consists of selected facts about Virginia boating laws and safe boat operation that a rental or livery agent or motorboat leasing business is required to present to those who rent or lease a motorboat or personal watercraft. The dockside safety checklist must be reviewed and initialed by the person operating the motorboat before the boat can be rented/leased rented or leased and operated.

"Equivalency exam" means a written examination that is developed by the department to test the knowledge of information included in the curriculum of a boating safety education course (may also be referred to as a challenge exam). The equivalency exam is intended to provide experienced and knowledgeable boaters with the opportunity to meet the boating safety education compliance requirement set forth in § 29.1-735.2 of the Code of Virginia without having to take and successfully complete a boating safety education course. The equivalency exam shall be comprised of no less than 75 or more than 100 test questions, shall include no less than 25 questions specific about Virginia boating laws, shall be proctored by an individual(s) individual specifically designated by the department, and shall be completed without the use of any reference material. A minimum score of at least 80% shall be considered passing.

"Motorboat" means any vessel propelled by machinery whether or not the machinery is the principal source of propulsion and for this chapter shall mean with a motor of 10 horsepower or greater.

"NASBLA" means the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators.

"NASBLA-approved course" means a boating safety education course that has been reviewed and approved by NASBLA.

"Onboard direct supervision" as referenced in § 29.1-735.2 B 6 and B 9 of the Code of Virginia occurs when a person maintains close visual and verbal contact with, provides adequate direction to, and can immediately assume control of a motorboat from the operator of a motorboat. A person who is water skiing, or is in the cabin of a motorboat and not at the helm/wheel is not considered to be in a position capable of providing direct supervision.

"Operate" means to navigate or otherwise control the movement of a motorboat or vessel.

"Optional Virginia Boater Education Card" means a card authorized for issuance by the department to persons who (i) can show they have met the minimum standard of boating safety education course competency, (ii) possess a valid license to operate a vessel issued to maritime personnel by the United States Coast Guard or a marine certificate issued by the Canadian government, (iii) possess a Canadian Pleasure Craft Operator's Card, or (iv) possess a valid commercial fisherman registration pursuant to § 28.2-241 of the Code of Virginia. For the purpose of this subsection a license is considered valid regardless of whether the license is current. This card may be issued as a replacement boating safety course card.

"Personal watercraft" means a motorboat less than 16 feet in length that uses an inboard motor powering a jet pump as its primary motive power and that is designed to be operated by a person sitting, standing, or kneeling on, rather than in the conventional manner of sitting or standing inside the vessel.

"Proctored" means that the written equivalency exam has been administered under the direct supervision of (i) a designated member of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary or the United States Power Squadrons®, (ii) a designated department employee or a department volunteer boating safety instructor, or (iii) an individual who has been approved for such purpose by the department.

"Temporary operator's certificate" means a nonrenewable document issued with the certificate of number for the motorboat or personal watercraft, if the boat is new or was sold with a transfer of ownership. A temporary operator's certificate shall be issued only by the department, by any person authorized by the director to act as an agent to issue a certificate of number pursuant to § 29.1-706 of the Code of Virginia, or by a license agent of the department authorized to issue a temporary registration certificate for a motorboat or personal watercraft. A temporary operator's certificate shall allow the owner(s) owner to operate a motorboat with a motor of 10 horsepower or greater or personal watercraft in Virginia for 90 days.

"Vessel" means every description of watercraft, other than a seaplane on the water, used or capable of being used as a means of transportation on water.

"Waters of the Commonwealth" means any public waters within the territorial limits of the Commonwealth.

VA.R. Doc. No. R21-5904; Filed September 29, 2020, 11:23 a.m.
TITLE 4. CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES
BOARD OF WILDLIFE RESOURCES
Final Regulation

REGISTRAR'S NOTICE: The Board of Wildlife Resources is claiming an exemption from Article 2 of the Administrative Process Act in accordance with § 2.2-4006 A 4 a of the Code of Virginia, which excludes regulations that are necessary to conform to changes in Virginia statutory law or the appropriation act where no agency discretion is involved. The State Board of Social Services will receive, consider, and respond to petitions by any interested person at any time with respect to reconsideration or revision.

Titles of Regulations: 4VAC15-20. Definitions and Miscellaneous: In General (amending 4VAC15-20-10, 4VAC15-20-75).

4VAC15-30. Definitions and Miscellaneous: Importation, Possession, Sale, etc., of Animals (amending 4VAC15-30-40).

4VAC15-40. Game: In General (amending 4VAC15-40-60, 4VAC15-40-281, 4VAC15-40-287).

4VAC15-90. Game: Deer (amending 4VAC15-90-290).

4VAC15-270. Game: Firearms (amending 4VAC15-270-60, 4VAC15-270-95).

4VAC15-275. Game: Hunter Education (amending 4VAC15-275-10, 4VAC15-275-20, 4VAC15-275-80).

4VAC15-290. Game: Permits (amending 4VAC15-290-130).

4VAC15-340. Fish: Seines and Nets (amending 4VAC15-340-80).

4VAC15-410. Watercraft: Boating Safety Education (amending 4VAC15-410-20).

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

Effective Date: January 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 align regulations with Chapter 958 of the 2020 Acts of Assembly, which changes the name of the department to Department of Wildlife Resources and of the board to Board of Wildlife Resources.

4VAC15-20-10. Definitions; generally.

Words and phrases used in any regulations made by the board shall have the same meaning, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, as is given for such words and phrases in the Virginia Game and Inland Fisheries laws contained in Title 29.1 (§ 29.1-100 et seq.) of the Code of Virginia.

4VAC15-20-75. Wildlife Violator Compact.

A. This section is adopted pursuant to authority granted to the Board of Game and Inland Fisheries Wildlife Resources under §§ 29.1-103 and 29.1-530.5 of the Code of Virginia.

B. Definitions used herein in this section, unless the contrary is clearly indicated are those used in § 29.1-530.5 of the Code of Virginia, the Wildlife Violator Compact, herein referred to as the compact (compact).

C. In accordance with Article VII of the compact, the board hereby authorizes the Director of the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Wildlife Resources to appoint the Commonwealth's representative to the Board of Compact Administrators. Such appointment shall be consistent with and subject to the aforesaid provisions of the compact and such representative shall serve at the pleasure of the director.

D. In accordance with Article IV of the compact, upon receipt from a participating state of a report of the conviction in that state of a resident of the Commonwealth, the department shall enter such conviction in its records and such conviction shall be treated as though it had occurred in the Commonwealth and therefore as a violation of the board's applicable regulations for purposes of suspension of license privileges.

E. In accordance with Article IV of the compact, upon receipt from a participating state of a report of the failure of a resident of the Commonwealth to comply with the terms of a citation issued by that state, the department shall notify such person of that report in accordance with the procedures set forth in subsections G through J of this section and shall initiate a proceeding to suspend any applicable licenses issued to such person by the board until the department has received satisfactory evidence of compliance with the terms of such citation.

F. In accordance with Article V of the compact, upon receipt from a participating state of a report of the suspension of license privileges of a resident of the Commonwealth issued by that state that is in accordance with suspension of license pursuant to the Code of Virginia, the department shall notify such person of that report in accordance with the procedures set forth in subsections G through J of this section and shall initiate a proceeding to suspend any applicable licenses issued to such person by the board until the department has received satisfactory evidence that such suspension has been terminated.

G. Upon receipt of a report pursuant to subsections subsection D, E, or F of this section, the director or his the director's designee shall provide notice thereof to the resident of the Commonwealth who is the subject of such report. Such notice shall advise such person of the contents of the notice and of any action that the department proposes to take in response thereto.

H. The person who is the subject of such notice shall be provided an opportunity to request within 30 days from the date of such notice an opportunity to contest the department's proposed action by requesting an informal fact-finding conference to be conducted by a representative of the department designated by the director. Although such proceedings are exempt from the requirements of the Administrative Process Act (§ 2.2-4000 et seq. of the Code of Virginia) as provided by § 2.2-4002 A 3 thereof of the Code of Virginia, the department shall to the extent practicable afford such persons seeking an informal fact-finding conference the rights provided under § 2.2-4019 of the Code of Virginia. Those include but are not limited to the right to receive reasonable notice as described in subsection G of this section and the right to appear in person or by counsel before the designated representative of the department. However, no discovery shall be conducted and no subpoenas shall be issued as part of any such proceeding.

I. An informal fact-finding proceeding shall be completed within 60 days of receipt by the department of the request described in subsection H of this section. Upon such completion the designated representative of the department shall make a recommended decision to the director or to such person designated by the director to make such decision. The decision maker shall promptly issue a written decision to the person who requested the proceeding. If the affected party is not satisfied by this decision it may be appealed to a three member panel as appointed by the agency director.

J. Any decision upholding the suspension of licensing privileges as a result of the process described in subsections D through I of this section shall be entered by the department on its records and shall be treated as though it had occurred in the Commonwealth and therefore as a violation of the board's applicable regulations.

K. The director shall establish procedures for reporting to participating states convictions or failures to comply with citations in the Commonwealth by residents of those respective states. Such procedures shall comply with the reporting requirements established by and pursuant to the provisions of the compact.

4VAC15-30-40. Importation requirements, possession, and sale of nonnative (exotic) animals.

A. Permit required. A special permit is required and may be issued by the department, if consistent with the department's fish and wildlife management program, to import, possess, or sell those nonnative (exotic) animals listed below in the following table and in 4VAC15-20-210 that the board finds and declares to be predatory or undesirable within the meaning and intent of § 29.1-542 of the Code of Virginia, in that their introduction into the Commonwealth will be detrimental to the native fish and wildlife resources of Virginia.

AMPHIBIANS

Order

Family

Genus/Species

Common Name

Anura

Bufonidae

Rhinella marina

Cane toad*

Pipidae

Hymenochirus spp. Pseudohymenochiris merlini

African dwarf frog

Xenopus spp.

Tongueless or African clawed frog

Caudata

Ambystomatidae

All species

All mole salamanders

BIRDS

Order

Family

Genus/Species

Common Name

Psittaciformes

Psittacidae

Myiopsitta monachus

Monk parakeet*

Anseriformes

Anatidae

Cygnus olor

Mute swan

FISH

Order

Family

Genus/Species

Common Name

Cypriniformes

Catostomidae

Catostomus microps

Modoc sucker

Catostomus santaanae

Santa Ana sucker

Catostomus warnerensis

Warner sucker

Ictiobus bubalus

Smallmouth* buffalo

I. cyprinellus

Bigmouth* buffalo

I. niger

Black buffalo*

Characidae

Pygopristis spp.
Pygocentrus spp.
Rooseveltiella spp.
Serrasalmo spp.
Serrasalmus spp.
Taddyella spp.

Piranhas

Cobitidae

Misgurnus anguillicaudatus

Oriental weatherfish

Cyprinidae

Aristichyhys nobilis

Bighead carp*

Chrosomus saylori

Laurel dace

Ctenopharyngodon idella

Grass carp or white amur

Cyprinella caerulea

Blue shiner

Cyprinella formosa

Beautiful shiner

Cyprinella lutrensis

Red shiner

Hypophthalmichthys molitrix

Silver carp*

Mylopharyngodom piceus

Black carp*

Notropis albizonatus

Palezone shiner

Notropis cahabae

Cahaba shiner

Notropis girardi

Arkansas River shiner

Notropis mekistocholas

Cape Fear shiner

Notropis simus pecosensis

Pecos bluntnose shiner

Notropis topeka (= tristis)

Topeka shiner

Phoxinus cumberlandensis

Blackside dace

Rhinichthys osculus lethoporus

Independence Valley speckled dace

Rhinichthys osculus nevadensis

Ash Meadows speckled dace

Rhinichthys osculus oligoporus

Clover Valley speckled dace

Rhinichthys osculus ssp.

Foskett speckled dace

Rhinichthys osculus thermalis

Kendall Warm Springs dace

Scardinius erythrophthalmus

Rudd

Tinca tinca

Tench*

Cyprinodontiformes

Poeciliidae

Gambusia gaigei

Big Bend gambusia

Gambusia georgei

San Marcos gambusia

Gambusia heterochir

Clear Creek gambusia

Gambusia nobilis

Pecos gambusia

Peociliopsis occidentalis

Gila topminnow

Gasterosteiformes

Gasterosteidae

Gasterosteus aculeatus williamsoni

Unarmored threespine stickleback

Gobiesociformes

Gobiidae

Proterorhinus marmoratus

Tubenose goby

Neogobius melanostomus

Round goby

Perciformes

Channidae

Channa spp.
Parachanna spp.

Snakeheads

Cichlidae

Tilapia spp.

Tilapia

Gymnocephalus cernuum

Ruffe*

Elassomatidae

Elassoma alabamae

Spring pygmy sunfish

Percidae

Crystallaria cincotta

Diamond darter

Etheostoma chermocki

Vermilion darter

Etheostoma boschungi

Slackwater darter

Etheostoma chienense

Relict darter

Etheostoma etowahae

Etowah darter

Etheostoma fonticola

Fountain darter

Etheostoma moorei

Yellowcheek darter

Etheostoma nianguae

Niangua darter

Etheostoma nuchale

Watercress darter

Etheostoma okaloosae

Okaloosa darter

Etheostoma phytophilum

Rush darter

Etheostoma rubrum

Bayou darter

Etheostoma scotti

Cherokee darter

Etheostoma sp.

Bluemask (= jewel) darter

Etheostoma susanae

Cumberland darter

Etheostoma wapiti

Boulder darter

Percina antesella

Amber darter

Percina aurolineata

Goldline darter

Percina jenkinsi

Conasauga logperch

Percina pantherina

Leopard darter

Percina tanasi

Snail darter

Scorpaeniformes

Cottidae

Cottus sp.

Grotto sculpin

Cottus paulus (= pygmaeus)

Pygmy sculpin

Siluriformes

Clariidae

All species

Air-breathing catfish

Ictaluridae

Noturus baileyi

Smoky madtom

Noturus crypticus

Chucky madtom

Noturus placidus

Neosho madtom

Noturus stanauli

Pygmy madtom

Noturus trautmani

Scioto madtom

Synbranchiformes

Synbranchidae

Monopterus albus

Swamp eel

MAMMALS

Order

Family

Genus/Species

Common Name

Artiodactyla

Suidae

All Species

Pigs or Hogs*

Cervidae

All Species

Deer*

Carnivora

Canidae

All Species

Wild Dogs,* Wolves, Coyotes or Coyote hybrids, Jackals and Foxes

Ursidae

All Species

Bears*

Procyonidae

All Species

Raccoons and* Relatives

Mustelidae

All Species

Weasels, Badgers,* Skunks and Otters

(except Mustela putorius furo)

Ferret

Viverridae

All Species

Civets, Genets,* Lingsangs, Mongooses, and Fossas

Herpestidae

All Species

Mongooses*

Hyaenidae

All Species

Hyenas and Aardwolves*

Felidae

All Species

Cats*

Chiroptera

 

All Species

Bats*

Lagomorpha

Lepridae

Brachylagus idahoensis

Pygmy rabbit

Lepus europeaeous

European hare

Oryctolagus cuniculus

European rabbit

Sylvilagus bachmani riparius

Riparian brush rabbit

Sylvilagus palustris hefneri

Lower Keys marsh rabbit

Rodentia

 

All species native to Africa

All species native to Africa

Dipodidae

Zapus hudsonius preblei

Preble's meadow jumping mouse

Muridae

Microtus californicus scirpensis

Amargosa vole

Microtus mexicanus hualpaiensis

Hualapai Mexican vole

Microtus pennsylvanicus dukecampbelli

Florida salt marsh vole

Neotoma floridana smalli

Key Largo woodrat

Neotoma fuscipes riparia

Riparian (= San Joaquin Valley) woodrat

Oryzomys palustris natator

Rice rat

Peromyscus gossypinus allapaticola

Key Largo cotton mouse

Peromyscus polionotus allophrys

Choctawhatchee beach mouse

Peromyscus polionotus ammobates

Alabama beach mouse

Peromyscus polionotus niveiventris

Southeastern beach mouse

Peromyscus polionotus peninsularis

St. Andrew beach mouse

Peromyscus polionotus phasma

Anastasia Island beach mouse

Peromyscus polionotus trissyllepsis

Perdido Key beach mouse

Reithrodontomys raviventris

Salt marsh harvest mouse

Heteromyidae

Dipodomys heermanni morroensis

Morro Bay kangaroo rat

Dipodomys ingens

Giant kangaroo rat

Dipodomys merriami parvus

San Bernadino Merriam's kangaroo rat

Dipodomys nitratoides exilis

Fresno kangaroo rat

Dipodomys nitratoides nitratoides

Tipton kangaroo rat

Dipodomys stephensi (including D. cascus)

Stephens' kangaroo rat

Perognathus longimembris pacificus

Pacific pocket mouse

Sciuridae

Cynomys spp.

Prairie dogs

Spermophilus brunneus brunneus

Northern Idaho ground squirrel

Tamiasciurus hudsonicus grahamensis

Mount Graham red squirrel

Soricomorpha

Soricidae

Sorex ornatus relictus

Buena Vista Lake ornate shrew

MOLLUSKS

Order

Family

Genus/Species

Common Name

Neotaenioglossa

Hydrobiidae

Potamopyrgus antipodarum

New Zealand mudsnail

Veneroida

Dreissenidae

Dreissena bugensis

Quagga mussel

Dreissena polymorpha

Zebra mussel

REPTILES

Order

Family

Genus/Species

Common Name

Crocodilia

Alligatoridae

All species

Alligators, caimans*

Crocodylidae

All species

Crocodiles*

Gavialidae

All species

Gavials*

Squamata

Colubridae

Boiga irregularis

Brown tree snake*

CRUSTACEANS

Order

Family

Genus/Species

Common Name

Decapoda

Cambaridae

Cambarus aculabrum

Cave crayfish

Cambarus zophonastes

Cave crayfish

Orconectes rusticus

Rusty crayfish

Orconectes shoupi

Nashville crayfish

Pacifastacus fortis

Shasta crayfish

Procambarus sp.

Marbled crayfish

Parastacidae

Cherax spp.

Australian crayfish

Varunidea

Eriocheir sinensis

Chinese mitten crab

B. Temporary possession permit for certain animals. Notwithstanding the permitting requirements of subsection A of this section, a person, company, or corporation possessing any nonnative (exotic) animal, designated with an asterisk (*) in subsection A of this section, prior to July 1, 1992, must declare such possession in writing to the department by January 1, 1993. This written declaration shall serve as a permit for possession only, is not transferable, and must be renewed every five years. This written declaration must include species name, common name, number of individuals, date or dates acquired, sex (if possible), estimated age, height or length, and other characteristics such as bands and band numbers, tattoos, registration numbers, coloration, and specific markings. Possession transfer will require a new permit according to the requirements of this subsection.

C. Exception for certain monk parakeets. A permit is not required for monk parakeets (quakers) that have been captive bred and are closed-banded with a seamless band.

D. Exception for parts or products. A permit is not required for parts or products of those nonnative (exotic) animals listed in subsection A of this section that may be used for personal use, in the manufacture of products, or used in scientific research, provided that such parts or products be packaged outside the Commonwealth by any person, company, or corporation duly licensed by the state in which the parts originate. Such packages may be transported into the Commonwealth, consistent with other state laws and regulations, so long as the original package remains unbroken, unopened and intact until its point of destination is reached. Documentation concerning the type and cost of the animal parts ordered, the purpose and date of the order, point and date of shipping, and date of receiving shall be kept by the person, business, or institution ordering such nonnative (exotic) animal parts. Such documentation shall be open to inspection by a representative of the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Wildlife Resources.

E. Exception for prairie dogs. The effective date of listing of prairie dogs under subsection A of this section shall be January 1, 1998. Prairie dogs possessed in captivity in Virginia on December 31, 1997, may be maintained in captivity until the animals' deaths, but they may not be sold on or after January 1, 1998, without a permit.

F. Exception for snakehead fish. Anglers may legally harvest snakehead fish of the family Channidae, provided that they immediately kill such fish and that they notify the department, as soon as practicable, of such actions.

G. Exception for feral hogs. Anyone may legally trap feral hogs with written permission of the landowner, provided that any trapped hogs are not removed from the trap site alive and are killed immediately.

H. Exception for grass carp. Anglers may legally harvest grass carp of the family Cyprinidae from public waters of the Commonwealth, except from department-owned or department-controlled lakes, provided that anglers ensure that harvested grass carp are dead.

I. All other nonnative (exotic) animals. All other nonnative (exotic) animals not listed in subsection A of this section may be possessed, purchased, and sold; provided, that such animals shall be subject to all applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations, including those that apply to threatened/endangered species, and further provided, that such animals shall not be liberated within the Commonwealth.

4VAC15-40-60. Hunting with dogs or possession of weapons in certain locations during closed season.

A. Department-owned and national forest lands statewide. It shall be unlawful to have in possession a firearm or any hunting weapon that is not unloaded and cased or dismantled on all national forest lands statewide and on department-owned lands and on other lands managed by the department under cooperative agreement except during the period when it is lawful to take bear, deer, grouse, pheasant, quail, rabbit, raccoon, squirrel, turkey, waterfowl, or migratory gamebirds on these lands.

B. Certain counties. Except as otherwise provided in 4VAC15-40-70, it shall be unlawful to have either a shotgun or a rifle in one's possession when accompanied by a dog in the daytime in the fields, forests or waters of the Counties of Augusta, Clarke, Frederick, Page, Shenandoah, and Warren, and in the counties east of the Blue Ridge Mountains, except Patrick, at any time except the periods prescribed by law to hunt game birds and animals.

C. Shooting ranges and authorized activities. The provisions of this section shall not prohibit the conduct of any activities authorized by the board or the establishment and operation of archery and shooting ranges on the lands described in subsections A and B of this section. The use of firearms or any hunting weapon in such ranges during the closed season period will be restricted to the area within the established range boundaries. Such weapons shall be required to be unloaded and cased or dismantled in all areas other than the range boundaries. The use of firearms or any hunting weapon during the closed hunting period in such ranges shall be restricted to target shooting only, and no birds or animals shall be molested.

D. It shall be unlawful to chase with a dog or train dogs on national forest lands or department-owned lands except during authorized hunting, chase, or training seasons that specifically permit these activities on these lands or during raccoon hound field trials on these lands between September 1 and March 31, both dates inclusive, that are sanctioned by bona fide national kennel clubs and authorized by permits issued by the department or the U.S. Forest Service.

E. It shall be unlawful to possess or transport any loaded firearm or loaded hunting weapon in or on any vehicle at any time on national forest lands or department-owned lands.

F. The provisions of this section shall not prohibit the possession, transport, and use of loaded firearms by employees of the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Wildlife Resources while engaged in the performance of their authorized and official duties, nor shall it prohibit possession and transport of loaded concealed handguns where the individual possesses a concealed handgun permit as defined in § 18.2-308 of the Code of Virginia.

G. Meaning of "possession" of any hunting weapon and definition of "loaded crossbow," "loaded arrowgun," "loaded muzzleloader," and "loaded firearm." For the purpose of this section, the word "possession" shall include having any firearm or weapon used for hunting in or on one's person, vehicle, or conveyance. For the purpose of this section, a "loaded firearm" means a firearm in which ammunition is chambered or loaded in the magazine or clip when such magazine or clip is engaged or partially engaged in a firearm. The definition of a "loaded muzzleloader" will include a muzzleloading rifle, pistol, or shotgun that is capped, has a charged pan, or has a primer or battery installed in the muzzleloader. A "loaded crossbow" means a crossbow that is cocked and has either a bolt or arrow engaged or partially engaged on the shooting rail or track of the crossbow, or with a "trackless crossbow" when the crossbow is cocked and a bolt or arrow is nocked. "Loaded arrowgun" means an arrowgun that has an arrow or bolt inserted on the arrow rest or in the barrel. "Hunting weapon" means any weapon allowable for hunting as defined in § 29.1-519 of the Code of Virginia.

4VAC15-40-281. Unauthorized feeding of bear, deer, or turkey on national forest lands and department-owned lands.

It shall be unlawful to place or direct the placement of, deposit, distribute, or scatter food or salt capable of attracting or being eaten by bear, deer, or turkey on national forest lands or on department-owned lands without the written authorization of the Director of the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Wildlife Resources or his the director's designee. The provisions of this section shall not prohibit the disposal of food in trash receptacles provided by the U.S. Forest Service on national forest lands or by the department on department-owned lands.

4VAC15-40-287. Model ordinances related to feeding of deer in cities and towns.

Per the provisions of § 29.1-527.2 of the Code of Virginia, the following model ordinance related to the feeding of deer may be adopted by a city or town. Any city or town must notify the director of the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Wildlife Resources of the adoption of such an ordinance by registered mail.

Model ordinance:

A. Pursuant to § 29.1-527.2 of the Code of Virginia, it shall be unlawful for any person to place, distribute, or allow the placement of food, salt, minerals, or similar substances to feed or attract deer at any time.

B. No person shall continue to place, distribute, or allow the placement of food, salt, minerals, or similar substances for any purpose if the placement of these materials results in the presence of deer.

C. No part of this ordinance shall be construed to restrict agricultural, commercial, noncommercial, or residential plantings (including wildlife food plots); bona fide distribution of food to livestock; or wildlife management activities conducted or authorized by the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Wildlife Resources.

4VAC15-90-290. Special quality deer management areas.

A. The board hereby designates the following areas posted by the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Wildlife Resources as special quality deer management areas with special antlered buck harvest.

B. Special Fairystone quality deer management area. It shall be unlawful to kill an antlered deer on the special Fairystone quality deer management area unless the deer has at least four antler points, each greater than one inch in length, on either the right or left antler.

4VAC15-270-60. Use of firearms loaded with slugs and discharge of firearms near boardwalk or nature trail on Ragged Island Wildlife Management Area.

A. It shall be unlawful to possess outside of a vehicle, or shoot or hunt with a rifle, muzzleloader, pistol, or shotgun loaded with slugs, or to possess shotgun slugs, on Ragged Island Wildlife Management Area in Isle of Wight County. In addition, it shall be unlawful to discharge any firearm within 100 yards of the boardwalk or nature trail on Ragged Island Wildlife Management Area.

B. The provisions of this section shall not prohibit the possession, transport, and use of loaded firearms by employees of the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Wildlife Resources while engaged in the performance of their duties, nor shall it prohibit the possession and transport of loaded concealed handguns where the individual possesses a concealed handgun permit as defined in § 18.2-308 of the Code of Virginia.

4VAC15-270-95. Model ordinances related to archery deer hunting.

Pursuant to § 29.1-528.1 A of the Code of Virginia, the following model ordinances related to hunting deer with bow and arrow (including crossbows) may be adopted by those counties and cities where there is an overabundance of the deer population, which is creating conflicts between humans and deer, including safety hazards to motorists. In accordance with § 29.1-528.1 B of the Code of Virginia, no such ordinance shall be enforceable unless the governing body of the locality notifies the director by registered mail prior to May 1 of the year in which the ordinance is to take effect.

Model Ordinance 1:

The times at which hunting shall commence and end each day shall be in accordance with the provisions of § 29.1-520 of the Code of Virginia.

Model Ordinance 2:

The number of deer that can be taken shall be in accordance with bag limits established by the Board of Game and Inland Fisheries Wildlife Resources pursuant to §§ 29.1-501 and 29.1-502 of the Code of Virginia.

Model Ordinance 3:

No person shall discharge a bow and arrow from, over, or across any street, sidewalk, alley, roadway, or toward any building or dwelling in such a manner that an arrow may strike it. Any person who violates the provisions of this ordinance shall be guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor.

Model Ordinance 4:

It shall be unlawful to discharge a bow and arrow in a manner that can be reasonably expected to result in the impact of the arrow upon the property of another without permission from the owner or tenant of such property. Any person who violates the provisions of this ordinance shall be guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor.

4VAC15-275-10. Application.

This chapter applies to any person who has never obtained a license to hunt in any state or country or any person who is under the age of younger than 16 years of age, unless such a person presents to the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Wildlife Resources or one of its authorized license vendors a certificate of completion in hunter education issued or authorized by the director or his the director's representative under the hunter education program or proof that he holds the equivalent certificate obtained from an authorized agency or association of another state or country.

4VAC15-275-20. Definitions.

The following words and terms when used in this chapter shall have the following meanings unless the context clearly requires a different meaning:

"Accompanied and directly supervised" means, in the case of an apprentice hunter, that a licensed person over older than 18 years of age maintains a close visual and verbal contact with, provides adequate direction to, and can immediately assume control of the firearm from the apprentice hunter. In the case of a hunter age 12 years of age or under younger, the term means that the licensed adult is within sight of the person under the age of younger than 12 years of age.

"Adult" means the parent or legal guardian of the person under age younger than 12 years of age, or such person over the age of older than 18 years of age designated by the parent or legal guardian.

"Approved course provider" is any individual, business, or organization that makes available to the hunting public a hunter education course that is approved by the International Hunter Education Association – United States (IHEA-USA) and is accepted by the department. An approved course provider shall have executed and have on file a valid cooperative agreement with the department. The department will make information regarding such approved courses and providers readily available for public access.

"Board" means the Board of Game and Inland Fisheries Wildlife Resources.

"Department" means the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Wildlife Resources.

"Hunter education course" means a course offered in the classroom, through the Internet, or through an electronic format that provides course content and test questions that at a minimum meet the International Hunter Education Association-USA Education Standards, May 2, 2014, set forth by the International Hunter Education Association-USA (IHEA-USA) and are accepted by the department. A hunter education course shall include no less than 50 test questions, which shall include at least eight test questions specific to Virginia hunting laws.

"IHEA-USA" means the International Hunter Education Association-USA.

"Virginia Hunter Education Card" means a card authorized for issuance by the department to a person who has met the minimum standard of hunter education course competency. This card may be issued as an original or a replacement hunter education course card.

4VAC15-275-80. Instructor certification.

A. The department may designate as a hunter instructor any person found by it to be competent to give instruction in the courses required.

B. Volunteer instructors are designated to work on a voluntary basis and at the pleasure of the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Wildlife Resources.

C. To be certified as a hunter education course instructor for the department's hunter education program, a person shall (i) have successfully completed a hunter education course and (ii) be certified as an instructor by the department or by a certification program accepted by the department.

D. Applicants for certified instructor shall submit an application to the department on a form and in a manner determined by the hunter education program manager. At a minimum, the application shall include:

1. The applicant's name;

2. The applicant's street address;

3. The applicant's telephone number;

4. The applicant's email address, if any;

5. Information describing the applicant's experience and training in hunter and hunting and proof of completion of a hunter education course that is accepted by the department; and

6. Any other information deemed necessary after review of the initial application.

E. Applicants may be required to submit written consent for a criminal history background check in a manner determined by the department or an interview in a manner determined by the department and in accordance with state policy.

4VAC15-290-130. Duty to comply with permit conditions.

A permit holder shall comply with all terms and conditions of any permit issued by the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Wildlife Resources pursuant to Title 29.1 of the Code of Virginia and the regulations of the board pertaining to hunting, fishing, trapping, taking, attempting to take, possession, sale, offering for sale, transporting or causing to be transported, importing or exporting, propagating, exhibiting, and rehabilitating of any wild bird, wild animal, or fish. The penalty for violation of this section is prescribed by § 29.1-505 of the Code of Virginia.

4VAC15-340-80. Eel pots for taking American eels for sale.

A. The director may issue, deny, modify, suspend, or revoke annual eel pot permits designated for the sale of American eels. Such permits shall authorize the taking of American eels for sale, as specified, with eel pots from waters designated in this section. Such permits shall be valid so long as the harvest of American eels in the Commonwealth is not prohibited by other state or federal law or regulation. To be eligible, applicants must document harvest of at least one pound of American eels from Back Bay or North Landing River or their tributaries via reports submitted through the Virginia Marine Resources Commission Mandatory Harvest Reporting Program during the period January 1, 2007, to December 31, 2012, both dates inclusive. Applicants must document the reported harvest occurred while the applicant held a valid commercial fish pot or eel pot license issued by the Virginia Marine Resources Commission.

B. It shall be unlawful for permit holders to possess any American eel less than nine inches in total length.

C. It shall be unlawful for permit holders fishing eel pots to take any species other than American eels.

D. It shall be unlawful to place, set, or fish any eel pot that has a mesh less than 1/2-inch by 1/2-inch and does not contain at least one unrestricted 4-inch by 4-inch escape panel consisting of 1/2-inch by 1-inch mesh.

E. The permit holder's last name and Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Wildlife Resources American eel pot number must be permanently attached to buoys of all eel pots set. The maximum number of pots authorized per permit holder under this permit shall be 300.

F. American eels may be taken with eel pots in Back Bay and its natural tributaries (not including Lake Tecumseh and Red Wing Lake) and in North Landing River and its natural tributaries from the North Carolina line to the Great Bridge locks.

G. It shall be unlawful for any person to ship or otherwise transport any package, box, or other receptacle containing fish taken under an eel pot permit unless the same bears the permit holder's name and address.

H. Failure to comply with the daily harvest and sales reporting requirements as detailed in conditions of the permit shall be unlawful and may result in immediate permit revocation. It shall be the permit holder's responsibility to report "No Activity" when no activity occurs during a monthly reporting period.

4VAC15-410-20. Definitions.

As used in this chapter, unless the context clearly requires a different meaning, the following words and terms shall have the following meanings:

"Approved course provider" is any individual, business, or organization that makes available to the boating public a boating safety education course approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators and accepted by the department. An approved course provider shall have executed and have on file a valid cooperative agreement with the department. Persons who simply provide classroom instruction for an approved course provider shall not be considered an approved course provider. The department will make information regarding such approved courses and providers readily available for public access.

"Board" means the Board of Game and Inland Fisheries Wildlife Resources.

"Boating safety education course" means a course offered in the classroom, through the Internet, or through an electronic format such as CD-ROM that provides a course content and test questions that have been reviewed and approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators in accordance with the National Boating Education Standards, updated January 1, 2008, and accepted by the department. A boating safety education course shall include no less than 50 test questions, which shall include at least 10 test questions specific about Virginia boating laws.

"Department" means the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Wildlife Resources.

"Dockside safety checklist" means a document provided by the department that consists of selected facts about Virginia boating laws and safe boat operation that a rental or livery agent or motorboat leasing business is required to present to those who rent or lease a motorboat or personal watercraft. The dockside safety checklist must be reviewed and initialed by the person operating the motorboat before the boat can be rented/leased rented or leased and operated.

"Equivalency exam" means a written examination that is developed by the department to test the knowledge of information included in the curriculum of a boating safety education course (may also be referred to as a challenge exam). The equivalency exam is intended to provide experienced and knowledgeable boaters with the opportunity to meet the boating safety education compliance requirement set forth in § 29.1-735.2 of the Code of Virginia without having to take and successfully complete a boating safety education course. The equivalency exam shall be comprised of no less than 75 or more than 100 test questions, shall include no less than 25 questions specific about Virginia boating laws, shall be proctored by an individual(s) individual specifically designated by the department, and shall be completed without the use of any reference material. A minimum score of at least 80% shall be considered passing.

"Motorboat" means any vessel propelled by machinery whether or not the machinery is the principal source of propulsion and for this chapter shall mean with a motor of 10 horsepower or greater.

"NASBLA" means the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators.

"NASBLA-approved course" means a boating safety education course that has been reviewed and approved by NASBLA.

"Onboard direct supervision" as referenced in § 29.1-735.2 B 6 and B 9 of the Code of Virginia occurs when a person maintains close visual and verbal contact with, provides adequate direction to, and can immediately assume control of a motorboat from the operator of a motorboat. A person who is water skiing, or is in the cabin of a motorboat and not at the helm/wheel is not considered to be in a position capable of providing direct supervision.

"Operate" means to navigate or otherwise control the movement of a motorboat or vessel.

"Optional Virginia Boater Education Card" means a card authorized for issuance by the department to persons who (i) can show they have met the minimum standard of boating safety education course competency, (ii) possess a valid license to operate a vessel issued to maritime personnel by the United States Coast Guard or a marine certificate issued by the Canadian government, (iii) possess a Canadian Pleasure Craft Operator's Card, or (iv) possess a valid commercial fisherman registration pursuant to § 28.2-241 of the Code of Virginia. For the purpose of this subsection a license is considered valid regardless of whether the license is current. This card may be issued as a replacement boating safety course card.

"Personal watercraft" means a motorboat less than 16 feet in length that uses an inboard motor powering a jet pump as its primary motive power and that is designed to be operated by a person sitting, standing, or kneeling on, rather than in the conventional manner of sitting or standing inside the vessel.

"Proctored" means that the written equivalency exam has been administered under the direct supervision of (i) a designated member of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary or the United States Power Squadrons®, (ii) a designated department employee or a department volunteer boating safety instructor, or (iii) an individual who has been approved for such purpose by the department.

"Temporary operator's certificate" means a nonrenewable document issued with the certificate of number for the motorboat or personal watercraft, if the boat is new or was sold with a transfer of ownership. A temporary operator's certificate shall be issued only by the department, by any person authorized by the director to act as an agent to issue a certificate of number pursuant to § 29.1-706 of the Code of Virginia, or by a license agent of the department authorized to issue a temporary registration certificate for a motorboat or personal watercraft. A temporary operator's certificate shall allow the owner(s) owner to operate a motorboat with a motor of 10 horsepower or greater or personal watercraft in Virginia for 90 days.

"Vessel" means every description of watercraft, other than a seaplane on the water, used or capable of being used as a means of transportation on water.

"Waters of the Commonwealth" means any public waters within the territorial limits of the Commonwealth.

VA.R. Doc. No. R21-5904; Filed September 29, 2020, 11:23 a.m.
TITLE 4. CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES
BOARD OF WILDLIFE RESOURCES
Final Regulation

REGISTRAR'S NOTICE: The Board of Wildlife Resources is claiming an exemption from Article 2 of the Administrative Process Act in accordance with § 2.2-4006 A 4 a of the Code of Virginia, which excludes regulations that are necessary to conform to changes in Virginia statutory law or the appropriation act where no agency discretion is involved. The State Board of Social Services will receive, consider, and respond to petitions by any interested person at any time with respect to reconsideration or revision.

Titles of Regulations: 4VAC15-20. Definitions and Miscellaneous: In General (amending 4VAC15-20-10, 4VAC15-20-75).

4VAC15-30. Definitions and Miscellaneous: Importation, Possession, Sale, etc., of Animals (amending 4VAC15-30-40).

4VAC15-40. Game: In General (amending 4VAC15-40-60, 4VAC15-40-281, 4VAC15-40-287).

4VAC15-90. Game: Deer (amending 4VAC15-90-290).

4VAC15-270. Game: Firearms (amending 4VAC15-270-60, 4VAC15-270-95).

4VAC15-275. Game: Hunter Education (amending 4VAC15-275-10, 4VAC15-275-20, 4VAC15-275-80).

4VAC15-290. Game: Permits (amending 4VAC15-290-130).

4VAC15-340. Fish: Seines and Nets (amending 4VAC15-340-80).

4VAC15-410. Watercraft: Boating Safety Education (amending 4VAC15-410-20).

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

Effective Date: January 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 align regulations with Chapter 958 of the 2020 Acts of Assembly, which changes the name of the department to Department of Wildlife Resources and of the board to Board of Wildlife Resources.

4VAC15-20-10. Definitions; generally.

Words and phrases used in any regulations made by the board shall have the same meaning, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, as is given for such words and phrases in the Virginia Game and Inland Fisheries laws contained in Title 29.1 (§ 29.1-100 et seq.) of the Code of Virginia.

4VAC15-20-75. Wildlife Violator Compact.

A. This section is adopted pursuant to authority granted to the Board of Game and Inland Fisheries Wildlife Resources under §§ 29.1-103 and 29.1-530.5 of the Code of Virginia.

B. Definitions used herein in this section, unless the contrary is clearly indicated are those used in § 29.1-530.5 of the Code of Virginia, the Wildlife Violator Compact, herein referred to as the compact (compact).

C. In accordance with Article VII of the compact, the board hereby authorizes the Director of the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Wildlife Resources to appoint the Commonwealth's representative to the Board of Compact Administrators. Such appointment shall be consistent with and subject to the aforesaid provisions of the compact and such representative shall serve at the pleasure of the director.

D. In accordance with Article IV of the compact, upon receipt from a participating state of a report of the conviction in that state of a resident of the Commonwealth, the department shall enter such conviction in its records and such conviction shall be treated as though it had occurred in the Commonwealth and therefore as a violation of the board's applicable regulations for purposes of suspension of license privileges.

E. In accordance with Article IV of the compact, upon receipt from a participating state of a report of the failure of a resident of the Commonwealth to comply with the terms of a citation issued by that state, the department shall notify such person of that report in accordance with the procedures set forth in subsections G through J of this section and shall initiate a proceeding to suspend any applicable licenses issued to such person by the board until the department has received satisfactory evidence of compliance with the terms of such citation.

F. In accordance with Article V of the compact, upon receipt from a participating state of a report of the suspension of license privileges of a resident of the Commonwealth issued by that state that is in accordance with suspension of license pursuant to the Code of Virginia, the department shall notify such person of that report in accordance with the procedures set forth in subsections G through J of this section and shall initiate a proceeding to suspend any applicable licenses issued to such person by the board until the department has received satisfactory evidence that such suspension has been terminated.

G. Upon receipt of a report pursuant to subsections subsection D, E, or F of this section, the director or his the director's designee shall provide notice thereof to the resident of the Commonwealth who is the subject of such report. Such notice shall advise such person of the contents of the notice and of any action that the department proposes to take in response thereto.

H. The person who is the subject of such notice shall be provided an opportunity to request within 30 days from the date of such notice an opportunity to contest the department's proposed action by requesting an informal fact-finding conference to be conducted by a representative of the department designated by the director. Although such proceedings are exempt from the requirements of the Administrative Process Act (§ 2.2-4000 et seq. of the Code of Virginia) as provided by § 2.2-4002 A 3 thereof of the Code of Virginia, the department shall to the extent practicable afford such persons seeking an informal fact-finding conference the rights provided under § 2.2-4019 of the Code of Virginia. Those include but are not limited to the right to receive reasonable notice as described in subsection G of this section and the right to appear in person or by counsel before the designated representative of the department. However, no discovery shall be conducted and no subpoenas shall be issued as part of any such proceeding.

I. An informal fact-finding proceeding shall be completed within 60 days of receipt by the department of the request described in subsection H of this section. Upon such completion the designated representative of the department shall make a recommended decision to the director or to such person designated by the director to make such decision. The decision maker shall promptly issue a written decision to the person who requested the proceeding. If the affected party is not satisfied by this decision it may be appealed to a three member panel as appointed by the agency director.

J. Any decision upholding the suspension of licensing privileges as a result of the process described in subsections D through I of this section shall be entered by the department on its records and shall be treated as though it had occurred in the Commonwealth and therefore as a violation of the board's applicable regulations.

K. The director shall establish procedures for reporting to participating states convictions or failures to comply with citations in the Commonwealth by residents of those respective states. Such procedures shall comply with the reporting requirements established by and pursuant to the provisions of the compact.

4VAC15-30-40. Importation requirements, possession, and sale of nonnative (exotic) animals.

A. Permit required. A special permit is required and may be issued by the department, if consistent with the department's fish and wildlife management program, to import, possess, or sell those nonnative (exotic) animals listed below in the following table and in 4VAC15-20-210 that the board finds and declares to be predatory or undesirable within the meaning and intent of § 29.1-542 of the Code of Virginia, in that their introduction into the Commonwealth will be detrimental to the native fish and wildlife resources of Virginia.

AMPHIBIANS

Order

Family

Genus/Species

Common Name

Anura

Bufonidae

Rhinella marina

Cane toad*

Pipidae

Hymenochirus spp. Pseudohymenochiris merlini

African dwarf frog

Xenopus spp.

Tongueless or African clawed frog

Caudata

Ambystomatidae

All species

All mole salamanders

BIRDS

Order

Family

Genus/Species

Common Name

Psittaciformes

Psittacidae

Myiopsitta monachus

Monk parakeet*

Anseriformes

Anatidae

Cygnus olor

Mute swan

FISH

Order

Family

Genus/Species

Common Name

Cypriniformes

Catostomidae

Catostomus microps

Modoc sucker

Catostomus santaanae

Santa Ana sucker

Catostomus warnerensis

Warner sucker

Ictiobus bubalus

Smallmouth* buffalo

I. cyprinellus

Bigmouth* buffalo

I. niger

Black buffalo*

Characidae

Pygopristis spp.
Pygocentrus spp.
Rooseveltiella spp.
Serrasalmo spp.
Serrasalmus spp.
Taddyella spp.

Piranhas

Cobitidae

Misgurnus anguillicaudatus

Oriental weatherfish

Cyprinidae

Aristichyhys nobilis

Bighead carp*

Chrosomus saylori

Laurel dace

Ctenopharyngodon idella

Grass carp or white amur

Cyprinella caerulea

Blue shiner

Cyprinella formosa

Beautiful shiner

Cyprinella lutrensis

Red shiner

Hypophthalmichthys molitrix

Silver carp*

Mylopharyngodom piceus

Black carp*

Notropis albizonatus

Palezone shiner

Notropis cahabae

Cahaba shiner

Notropis girardi

Arkansas River shiner

Notropis mekistocholas

Cape Fear shiner

Notropis simus pecosensis

Pecos bluntnose shiner

Notropis topeka (= tristis)

Topeka shiner

Phoxinus cumberlandensis

Blackside dace

Rhinichthys osculus lethoporus

Independence Valley speckled dace

Rhinichthys osculus nevadensis

Ash Meadows speckled dace

Rhinichthys osculus oligoporus

Clover Valley speckled dace

Rhinichthys osculus ssp.

Foskett speckled dace

Rhinichthys osculus thermalis

Kendall Warm Springs dace

Scardinius erythrophthalmus

Rudd

Tinca tinca

Tench*

Cyprinodontiformes

Poeciliidae

Gambusia gaigei

Big Bend gambusia

Gambusia georgei

San Marcos gambusia

Gambusia heterochir

Clear Creek gambusia

Gambusia nobilis

Pecos gambusia

Peociliopsis occidentalis

Gila topminnow

Gasterosteiformes

Gasterosteidae

Gasterosteus aculeatus williamsoni

Unarmored threespine stickleback

Gobiesociformes

Gobiidae

Proterorhinus marmoratus

Tubenose goby

Neogobius melanostomus

Round goby

Perciformes

Channidae

Channa spp.
Parachanna spp.

Snakeheads

Cichlidae

Tilapia spp.

Tilapia

Gymnocephalus cernuum

Ruffe*

Elassomatidae

Elassoma alabamae

Spring pygmy sunfish

Percidae

Crystallaria cincotta

Diamond darter

Etheostoma chermocki

Vermilion darter

Etheostoma boschungi

Slackwater darter

Etheostoma chienense

Relict darter

Etheostoma etowahae

Etowah darter

Etheostoma fonticola

Fountain darter

Etheostoma moorei

Yellowcheek darter

Etheostoma nianguae

Niangua darter

Etheostoma nuchale

Watercress darter

Etheostoma okaloosae

Okaloosa darter

Etheostoma phytophilum

Rush darter

Etheostoma rubrum

Bayou darter

Etheostoma scotti

Cherokee darter

Etheostoma sp.

Bluemask (= jewel) darter

Etheostoma susanae

Cumberland darter

Etheostoma wapiti

Boulder darter

Percina antesella

Amber darter

Percina aurolineata

Goldline darter

Percina jenkinsi

Conasauga logperch

Percina pantherina

Leopard darter

Percina tanasi

Snail darter

Scorpaeniformes

Cottidae

Cottus sp.

Grotto sculpin

Cottus paulus (= pygmaeus)

Pygmy sculpin

Siluriformes

Clariidae

All species

Air-breathing catfish

Ictaluridae

Noturus baileyi

Smoky madtom

Noturus crypticus

Chucky madtom

Noturus placidus

Neosho madtom

Noturus stanauli

Pygmy madtom

Noturus trautmani

Scioto madtom

Synbranchiformes

Synbranchidae

Monopterus albus

Swamp eel

MAMMALS

Order

Family

Genus/Species

Common Name

Artiodactyla

Suidae

All Species

Pigs or Hogs*

Cervidae

All Species

Deer*

Carnivora

Canidae

All Species

Wild Dogs,* Wolves, Coyotes or Coyote hybrids, Jackals and Foxes

Ursidae

All Species

Bears*

Procyonidae

All Species

Raccoons and* Relatives

Mustelidae

All Species

Weasels, Badgers,* Skunks and Otters

(except Mustela putorius furo)

Ferret

Viverridae

All Species

Civets, Genets,* Lingsangs, Mongooses, and Fossas

Herpestidae

All Species

Mongooses*

Hyaenidae

All Species

Hyenas and Aardwolves*

Felidae

All Species

Cats*

Chiroptera

 

All Species

Bats*

Lagomorpha

Lepridae

Brachylagus idahoensis

Pygmy rabbit

Lepus europeaeous

European hare

Oryctolagus cuniculus

European rabbit

Sylvilagus bachmani riparius

Riparian brush rabbit

Sylvilagus palustris hefneri

Lower Keys marsh rabbit

Rodentia

 

All species native to Africa

All species native to Africa

Dipodidae

Zapus hudsonius preblei

Preble's meadow jumping mouse

Muridae

Microtus californicus scirpensis

Amargosa vole

Microtus mexicanus hualpaiensis

Hualapai Mexican vole

Microtus pennsylvanicus dukecampbelli

Florida salt marsh vole

Neotoma floridana smalli

Key Largo woodrat

Neotoma fuscipes riparia

Riparian (= San Joaquin Valley) woodrat

Oryzomys palustris natator

Rice rat

Peromyscus gossypinus allapaticola

Key Largo cotton mouse

Peromyscus polionotus allophrys

Choctawhatchee beach mouse

Peromyscus polionotus ammobates

Alabama beach mouse

Peromyscus polionotus niveiventris

Southeastern beach mouse

Peromyscus polionotus peninsularis

St. Andrew beach mouse

Peromyscus polionotus phasma

Anastasia Island beach mouse

Peromyscus polionotus trissyllepsis

Perdido Key beach mouse

Reithrodontomys raviventris

Salt marsh harvest mouse

Heteromyidae

Dipodomys heermanni morroensis

Morro Bay kangaroo rat

Dipodomys ingens

Giant kangaroo rat

Dipodomys merriami parvus

San Bernadino Merriam's kangaroo rat

Dipodomys nitratoides exilis

Fresno kangaroo rat

Dipodomys nitratoides nitratoides

Tipton kangaroo rat

Dipodomys stephensi (including D. cascus)

Stephens' kangaroo rat

Perognathus longimembris pacificus

Pacific pocket mouse

Sciuridae

Cynomys spp.

Prairie dogs

Spermophilus brunneus brunneus

Northern Idaho ground squirrel

Tamiasciurus hudsonicus grahamensis

Mount Graham red squirrel

Soricomorpha

Soricidae

Sorex ornatus relictus

Buena Vista Lake ornate shrew

MOLLUSKS

Order

Family

Genus/Species

Common Name

Neotaenioglossa

Hydrobiidae

Potamopyrgus antipodarum

New Zealand mudsnail

Veneroida

Dreissenidae

Dreissena bugensis

Quagga mussel

Dreissena polymorpha

Zebra mussel

REPTILES

Order

Family

Genus/Species

Common Name

Crocodilia

Alligatoridae

All species

Alligators, caimans*

Crocodylidae

All species

Crocodiles*

Gavialidae

All species

Gavials*

Squamata

Colubridae

Boiga irregularis

Brown tree snake*

CRUSTACEANS

Order

Family

Genus/Species

Common Name

Decapoda

Cambaridae

Cambarus aculabrum

Cave crayfish

Cambarus zophonastes

Cave crayfish

Orconectes rusticus

Rusty crayfish

Orconectes shoupi

Nashville crayfish

Pacifastacus fortis

Shasta crayfish

Procambarus sp.

Marbled crayfish

Parastacidae

Cherax spp.

Australian crayfish

Varunidea

Eriocheir sinensis

Chinese mitten crab

B. Temporary possession permit for certain animals. Notwithstanding the permitting requirements of subsection A of this section, a person, company, or corporation possessing any nonnative (exotic) animal, designated with an asterisk (*) in subsection A of this section, prior to July 1, 1992, must declare such possession in writing to the department by January 1, 1993. This written declaration shall serve as a permit for possession only, is not transferable, and must be renewed every five years. This written declaration must include species name, common name, number of individuals, date or dates acquired, sex (if possible), estimated age, height or length, and other characteristics such as bands and band numbers, tattoos, registration numbers, coloration, and specific markings. Possession transfer will require a new permit according to the requirements of this subsection.

C. Exception for certain monk parakeets. A permit is not required for monk parakeets (quakers) that have been captive bred and are closed-banded with a seamless band.

D. Exception for parts or products. A permit is not required for parts or products of those nonnative (exotic) animals listed in subsection A of this section that may be used for personal use, in the manufacture of products, or used in scientific research, provided that such parts or products be packaged outside the Commonwealth by any person, company, or corporation duly licensed by the state in which the parts originate. Such packages may be transported into the Commonwealth, consistent with other state laws and regulations, so long as the original package remains unbroken, unopened and intact until its point of destination is reached. Documentation concerning the type and cost of the animal parts ordered, the purpose and date of the order, point and date of shipping, and date of receiving shall be kept by the person, business, or institution ordering such nonnative (exotic) animal parts. Such documentation shall be open to inspection by a representative of the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Wildlife Resources.

E. Exception for prairie dogs. The effective date of listing of prairie dogs under subsection A of this section shall be January 1, 1998. Prairie dogs possessed in captivity in Virginia on December 31, 1997, may be maintained in captivity until the animals' deaths, but they may not be sold on or after January 1, 1998, without a permit.

F. Exception for snakehead fish. Anglers may legally harvest snakehead fish of the family Channidae, provided that they immediately kill such fish and that they notify the department, as soon as practicable, of such actions.

G. Exception for feral hogs. Anyone may legally trap feral hogs with written permission of the landowner, provided that any trapped hogs are not removed from the trap site alive and are killed immediately.

H. Exception for grass carp. Anglers may legally harvest grass carp of the family Cyprinidae from public waters of the Commonwealth, except from department-owned or department-controlled lakes, provided that anglers ensure that harvested grass carp are dead.

I. All other nonnative (exotic) animals. All other nonnative (exotic) animals not listed in subsection A of this section may be possessed, purchased, and sold; provided, that such animals shall be subject to all applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations, including those that apply to threatened/endangered species, and further provided, that such animals shall not be liberated within the Commonwealth.

4VAC15-40-60. Hunting with dogs or possession of weapons in certain locations during closed season.

A. Department-owned and national forest lands statewide. It shall be unlawful to have in possession a firearm or any hunting weapon that is not unloaded and cased or dismantled on all national forest lands statewide and on department-owned lands and on other lands managed by the department under cooperative agreement except during the period when it is lawful to take bear, deer, grouse, pheasant, quail, rabbit, raccoon, squirrel, turkey, waterfowl, or migratory gamebirds on these lands.

B. Certain counties. Except as otherwise provided in 4VAC15-40-70, it shall be unlawful to have either a shotgun or a rifle in one's possession when accompanied by a dog in the daytime in the fields, forests or waters of the Counties of Augusta, Clarke, Frederick, Page, Shenandoah, and Warren, and in the counties east of the Blue Ridge Mountains, except Patrick, at any time except the periods prescribed by law to hunt game birds and animals.

C. Shooting ranges and authorized activities. The provisions of this section shall not prohibit the conduct of any activities authorized by the board or the establishment and operation of archery and shooting ranges on the lands described in subsections A and B of this section. The use of firearms or any hunting weapon in such ranges during the closed season period will be restricted to the area within the established range boundaries. Such weapons shall be required to be unloaded and cased or dismantled in all areas other than the range boundaries. The use of firearms or any hunting weapon during the closed hunting period in such ranges shall be restricted to target shooting only, and no birds or animals shall be molested.

D. It shall be unlawful to chase with a dog or train dogs on national forest lands or department-owned lands except during authorized hunting, chase, or training seasons that specifically permit these activities on these lands or during raccoon hound field trials on these lands between September 1 and March 31, both dates inclusive, that are sanctioned by bona fide national kennel clubs and authorized by permits issued by the department or the U.S. Forest Service.

E. It shall be unlawful to possess or transport any loaded firearm or loaded hunting weapon in or on any vehicle at any time on national forest lands or department-owned lands.

F. The provisions of this section shall not prohibit the possession, transport, and use of loaded firearms by employees of the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Wildlife Resources while engaged in the performance of their authorized and official duties, nor shall it prohibit possession and transport of loaded concealed handguns where the individual possesses a concealed handgun permit as defined in § 18.2-308 of the Code of Virginia.

G. Meaning of "possession" of any hunting weapon and definition of "loaded crossbow," "loaded arrowgun," "loaded muzzleloader," and "loaded firearm." For the purpose of this section, the word "possession" shall include having any firearm or weapon used for hunting in or on one's person, vehicle, or conveyance. For the purpose of this section, a "loaded firearm" means a firearm in which ammunition is chambered or loaded in the magazine or clip when such magazine or clip is engaged or partially engaged in a firearm. The definition of a "loaded muzzleloader" will include a muzzleloading rifle, pistol, or shotgun that is capped, has a charged pan, or has a primer or battery installed in the muzzleloader. A "loaded crossbow" means a crossbow that is cocked and has either a bolt or arrow engaged or partially engaged on the shooting rail or track of the crossbow, or with a "trackless crossbow" when the crossbow is cocked and a bolt or arrow is nocked. "Loaded arrowgun" means an arrowgun that has an arrow or bolt inserted on the arrow rest or in the barrel. "Hunting weapon" means any weapon allowable for hunting as defined in § 29.1-519 of the Code of Virginia.

4VAC15-40-281. Unauthorized feeding of bear, deer, or turkey on national forest lands and department-owned lands.

It shall be unlawful to place or direct the placement of, deposit, distribute, or scatter food or salt capable of attracting or being eaten by bear, deer, or turkey on national forest lands or on department-owned lands without the written authorization of the Director of the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Wildlife Resources or his the director's designee. The provisions of this section shall not prohibit the disposal of food in trash receptacles provided by the U.S. Forest Service on national forest lands or by the department on department-owned lands.

4VAC15-40-287. Model ordinances related to feeding of deer in cities and towns.

Per the provisions of § 29.1-527.2 of the Code of Virginia, the following model ordinance related to the feeding of deer may be adopted by a city or town. Any city or town must notify the director of the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Wildlife Resources of the adoption of such an ordinance by registered mail.

Model ordinance:

A. Pursuant to § 29.1-527.2 of the Code of Virginia, it shall be unlawful for any person to place, distribute, or allow the placement of food, salt, minerals, or similar substances to feed or attract deer at any time.

B. No person shall continue to place, distribute, or allow the placement of food, salt, minerals, or similar substances for any purpose if the placement of these materials results in the presence of deer.

C. No part of this ordinance shall be construed to restrict agricultural, commercial, noncommercial, or residential plantings (including wildlife food plots); bona fide distribution of food to livestock; or wildlife management activities conducted or authorized by the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Wildlife Resources.

4VAC15-90-290. Special quality deer management areas.

A. The board hereby designates the following areas posted by the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Wildlife Resources as special quality deer management areas with special antlered buck harvest.

B. Special Fairystone quality deer management area. It shall be unlawful to kill an antlered deer on the special Fairystone quality deer management area unless the deer has at least four antler points, each greater than one inch in length, on either the right or left antler.

4VAC15-270-60. Use of firearms loaded with slugs and discharge of firearms near boardwalk or nature trail on Ragged Island Wildlife Management Area.

A. It shall be unlawful to possess outside of a vehicle, or shoot or hunt with a rifle, muzzleloader, pistol, or shotgun loaded with slugs, or to possess shotgun slugs, on Ragged Island Wildlife Management Area in Isle of Wight County. In addition, it shall be unlawful to discharge any firearm within 100 yards of the boardwalk or nature trail on Ragged Island Wildlife Management Area.

B. The provisions of this section shall not prohibit the possession, transport, and use of loaded firearms by employees of the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Wildlife Resources while engaged in the performance of their duties, nor shall it prohibit the possession and transport of loaded concealed handguns where the individual possesses a concealed handgun permit as defined in § 18.2-308 of the Code of Virginia.

4VAC15-270-95. Model ordinances related to archery deer hunting.

Pursuant to § 29.1-528.1 A of the Code of Virginia, the following model ordinances related to hunting deer with bow and arrow (including crossbows) may be adopted by those counties and cities where there is an overabundance of the deer population, which is creating conflicts between humans and deer, including safety hazards to motorists. In accordance with § 29.1-528.1 B of the Code of Virginia, no such ordinance shall be enforceable unless the governing body of the locality notifies the director by registered mail prior to May 1 of the year in which the ordinance is to take effect.

Model Ordinance 1:

The times at which hunting shall commence and end each day shall be in accordance with the provisions of § 29.1-520 of the Code of Virginia.

Model Ordinance 2:

The number of deer that can be taken shall be in accordance with bag limits established by the Board of Game and Inland Fisheries Wildlife Resources pursuant to §§ 29.1-501 and 29.1-502 of the Code of Virginia.

Model Ordinance 3:

No person shall discharge a bow and arrow from, over, or across any street, sidewalk, alley, roadway, or toward any building or dwelling in such a manner that an arrow may strike it. Any person who violates the provisions of this ordinance shall be guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor.

Model Ordinance 4:

It shall be unlawful to discharge a bow and arrow in a manner that can be reasonably expected to result in the impact of the arrow upon the property of another without permission from the owner or tenant of such property. Any person who violates the provisions of this ordinance shall be guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor.

4VAC15-275-10. Application.

This chapter applies to any person who has never obtained a license to hunt in any state or country or any person who is under the age of younger than 16 years of age, unless such a person presents to the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Wildlife Resources or one of its authorized license vendors a certificate of completion in hunter education issued or authorized by the director or his the director's representative under the hunter education program or proof that he holds the equivalent certificate obtained from an authorized agency or association of another state or country.

4VAC15-275-20. Definitions.

The following words and terms when used in this chapter shall have the following meanings unless the context clearly requires a different meaning:

"Accompanied and directly supervised" means, in the case of an apprentice hunter, that a licensed person over older than 18 years of age maintains a close visual and verbal contact with, provides adequate direction to, and can immediately assume control of the firearm from the apprentice hunter. In the case of a hunter age 12 years of age or under younger, the term means that the licensed adult is within sight of the person under the age of younger than 12 years of age.

"Adult" means the parent or legal guardian of the person under age younger than 12 years of age, or such person over the age of older than 18 years of age designated by the parent or legal guardian.

"Approved course provider" is any individual, business, or organization that makes available to the hunting public a hunter education course that is approved by the International Hunter Education Association – United States (IHEA-USA) and is accepted by the department. An approved course provider shall have executed and have on file a valid cooperative agreement with the department. The department will make information regarding such approved courses and providers readily available for public access.

"Board" means the Board of Game and Inland Fisheries Wildlife Resources.

"Department" means the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Wildlife Resources.

"Hunter education course" means a course offered in the classroom, through the Internet, or through an electronic format that provides course content and test questions that at a minimum meet the International Hunter Education Association-USA Education Standards, May 2, 2014, set forth by the International Hunter Education Association-USA (IHEA-USA) and are accepted by the department. A hunter education course shall include no less than 50 test questions, which shall include at least eight test questions specific to Virginia hunting laws.

"IHEA-USA" means the International Hunter Education Association-USA.

"Virginia Hunter Education Card" means a card authorized for issuance by the department to a person who has met the minimum standard of hunter education course competency. This card may be issued as an original or a replacement hunter education course card.

4VAC15-275-80. Instructor certification.

A. The department may designate as a hunter instructor any person found by it to be competent to give instruction in the courses required.

B. Volunteer instructors are designated to work on a voluntary basis and at the pleasure of the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Wildlife Resources.

C. To be certified as a hunter education course instructor for the department's hunter education program, a person shall (i) have successfully completed a hunter education course and (ii) be certified as an instructor by the department or by a certification program accepted by the department.

D. Applicants for certified instructor shall submit an application to the department on a form and in a manner determined by the hunter education program manager. At a minimum, the application shall include:

1. The applicant's name;

2. The applicant's street address;

3. The applicant's telephone number;

4. The applicant's email address, if any;

5. Information describing the applicant's experience and training in hunter and hunting and proof of completion of a hunter education course that is accepted by the department; and

6. Any other information deemed necessary after review of the initial application.

E. Applicants may be required to submit written consent for a criminal history background check in a manner determined by the department or an interview in a manner determined by the department and in accordance with state policy.

4VAC15-290-130. Duty to comply with permit conditions.

A permit holder shall comply with all terms and conditions of any permit issued by the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Wildlife Resources pursuant to Title 29.1 of the Code of Virginia and the regulations of the board pertaining to hunting, fishing, trapping, taking, attempting to take, possession, sale, offering for sale, transporting or causing to be transported, importing or exporting, propagating, exhibiting, and rehabilitating of any wild bird, wild animal, or fish. The penalty for violation of this section is prescribed by § 29.1-505 of the Code of Virginia.

4VAC15-340-80. Eel pots for taking American eels for sale.

A. The director may issue, deny, modify, suspend, or revoke annual eel pot permits designated for the sale of American eels. Such permits shall authorize the taking of American eels for sale, as specified, with eel pots from waters designated in this section. Such permits shall be valid so long as the harvest of American eels in the Commonwealth is not prohibited by other state or federal law or regulation. To be eligible, applicants must document harvest of at least one pound of American eels from Back Bay or North Landing River or their tributaries via reports submitted through the Virginia Marine Resources Commission Mandatory Harvest Reporting Program during the period January 1, 2007, to December 31, 2012, both dates inclusive. Applicants must document the reported harvest occurred while the applicant held a valid commercial fish pot or eel pot license issued by the Virginia Marine Resources Commission.

B. It shall be unlawful for permit holders to possess any American eel less than nine inches in total length.

C. It shall be unlawful for permit holders fishing eel pots to take any species other than American eels.

D. It shall be unlawful to place, set, or fish any eel pot that has a mesh less than 1/2-inch by 1/2-inch and does not contain at least one unrestricted 4-inch by 4-inch escape panel consisting of 1/2-inch by 1-inch mesh.

E. The permit holder's last name and Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Wildlife Resources American eel pot number must be permanently attached to buoys of all eel pots set. The maximum number of pots authorized per permit holder under this permit shall be 300.

F. American eels may be taken with eel pots in Back Bay and its natural tributaries (not including Lake Tecumseh and Red Wing Lake) and in North Landing River and its natural tributaries from the North Carolina line to the Great Bridge locks.

G. It shall be unlawful for any person to ship or otherwise transport any package, box, or other receptacle containing fish taken under an eel pot permit unless the same bears the permit holder's name and address.

H. Failure to comply with the daily harvest and sales reporting requirements as detailed in conditions of the permit shall be unlawful and may result in immediate permit revocation. It shall be the permit holder's responsibility to report "No Activity" when no activity occurs during a monthly reporting period.

4VAC15-410-20. Definitions.

As used in this chapter, unless the context clearly requires a different meaning, the following words and terms shall have the following meanings:

"Approved course provider" is any individual, business, or organization that makes available to the boating public a boating safety education course approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators and accepted by the department. An approved course provider shall have executed and have on file a valid cooperative agreement with the department. Persons who simply provide classroom instruction for an approved course provider shall not be considered an approved course provider. The department will make information regarding such approved courses and providers readily available for public access.

"Board" means the Board of Game and Inland Fisheries Wildlife Resources.

"Boating safety education course" means a course offered in the classroom, through the Internet, or through an electronic format such as CD-ROM that provides a course content and test questions that have been reviewed and approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators in accordance with the National Boating Education Standards, updated January 1, 2008, and accepted by the department. A boating safety education course shall include no less than 50 test questions, which shall include at least 10 test questions specific about Virginia boating laws.

"Department" means the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Wildlife Resources.

"Dockside safety checklist" means a document provided by the department that consists of selected facts about Virginia boating laws and safe boat operation that a rental or livery agent or motorboat leasing business is required to present to those who rent or lease a motorboat or personal watercraft. The dockside safety checklist must be reviewed and initialed by the person operating the motorboat before the boat can be rented/leased rented or leased and operated.

"Equivalency exam" means a written examination that is developed by the department to test the knowledge of information included in the curriculum of a boating safety education course (may also be referred to as a challenge exam). The equivalency exam is intended to provide experienced and knowledgeable boaters with the opportunity to meet the boating safety education compliance requirement set forth in § 29.1-735.2 of the Code of Virginia without having to take and successfully complete a boating safety education course. The equivalency exam shall be comprised of no less than 75 or more than 100 test questions, shall include no less than 25 questions specific about Virginia boating laws, shall be proctored by an individual(s) individual specifically designated by the department, and shall be completed without the use of any reference material. A minimum score of at least 80% shall be considered passing.

"Motorboat" means any vessel propelled by machinery whether or not the machinery is the principal source of propulsion and for this chapter shall mean with a motor of 10 horsepower or greater.

"NASBLA" means the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators.

"NASBLA-approved course" means a boating safety education course that has been reviewed and approved by NASBLA.

"Onboard direct supervision" as referenced in § 29.1-735.2 B 6 and B 9 of the Code of Virginia occurs when a person maintains close visual and verbal contact with, provides adequate direction to, and can immediately assume control of a motorboat from the operator of a motorboat. A person who is water skiing, or is in the cabin of a motorboat and not at the helm/wheel is not considered to be in a position capable of providing direct supervision.

"Operate" means to navigate or otherwise control the movement of a motorboat or vessel.

"Optional Virginia Boater Education Card" means a card authorized for issuance by the department to persons who (i) can show they have met the minimum standard of boating safety education course competency, (ii) possess a valid license to operate a vessel issued to maritime personnel by the United States Coast Guard or a marine certificate issued by the Canadian government, (iii) possess a Canadian Pleasure Craft Operator's Card, or (iv) possess a valid commercial fisherman registration pursuant to § 28.2-241 of the Code of Virginia. For the purpose of this subsection a license is considered valid regardless of whether the license is current. This card may be issued as a replacement boating safety course card.

"Personal watercraft" means a motorboat less than 16 feet in length that uses an inboard motor powering a jet pump as its primary motive power and that is designed to be operated by a person sitting, standing, or kneeling on, rather than in the conventional manner of sitting or standing inside the vessel.

"Proctored" means that the written equivalency exam has been administered under the direct supervision of (i) a designated member of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary or the United States Power Squadrons®, (ii) a designated department employee or a department volunteer boating safety instructor, or (iii) an individual who has been approved for such purpose by the department.

"Temporary operator's certificate" means a nonrenewable document issued with the certificate of number for the motorboat or personal watercraft, if the boat is new or was sold with a transfer of ownership. A temporary operator's certificate shall be issued only by the department, by any person authorized by the director to act as an agent to issue a certificate of number pursuant to § 29.1-706 of the Code of Virginia, or by a license agent of the department authorized to issue a temporary registration certificate for a motorboat or personal watercraft. A temporary operator's certificate shall allow the owner(s) owner to operate a motorboat with a motor of 10 horsepower or greater or personal watercraft in Virginia for 90 days.

"Vessel" means every description of watercraft, other than a seaplane on the water, used or capable of being used as a means of transportation on water.

"Waters of the Commonwealth" means any public waters within the territorial limits of the Commonwealth.

VA.R. Doc. No. R21-5904; Filed September 29, 2020, 11:23 a.m.
TITLE 4. CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES
BOARD OF WILDLIFE RESOURCES
Final Regulation

REGISTRAR'S NOTICE: The Board of Wildlife Resources is claiming an exemption from Article 2 of the Administrative Process Act in accordance with § 2.2-4006 A 4 a of the Code of Virginia, which excludes regulations that are necessary to conform to changes in Virginia statutory law or the appropriation act where no agency discretion is involved. The State Board of Social Services will receive, consider, and respond to petitions by any interested person at any time with respect to reconsideration or revision.

Titles of Regulations: 4VAC15-20. Definitions and Miscellaneous: In General (amending 4VAC15-20-10, 4VAC15-20-75).

4VAC15-30. Definitions and Miscellaneous: Importation, Possession, Sale, etc., of Animals (amending 4VAC15-30-40).

4VAC15-40. Game: In General (amending 4VAC15-40-60, 4VAC15-40-281, 4VAC15-40-287).

4VAC15-90. Game: Deer (amending 4VAC15-90-290).

4VAC15-270. Game: Firearms (amending 4VAC15-270-60, 4VAC15-270-95).

4VAC15-275. Game: Hunter Education (amending 4VAC15-275-10, 4VAC15-275-20, 4VAC15-275-80).

4VAC15-290. Game: Permits (amending 4VAC15-290-130).

4VAC15-340. Fish: Seines and Nets (amending 4VAC15-340-80).

4VAC15-410. Watercraft: Boating Safety Education (amending 4VAC15-410-20).

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

Effective Date: January 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 align regulations with Chapter 958 of the 2020 Acts of Assembly, which changes the name of the department to Department of Wildlife Resources and of the board to Board of Wildlife Resources.

4VAC15-20-10. Definitions; generally.

Words and phrases used in any regulations made by the board shall have the same meaning, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, as is given for such words and phrases in the Virginia Game and Inland Fisheries laws contained in Title 29.1 (§ 29.1-100 et seq.) of the Code of Virginia.

4VAC15-20-75. Wildlife Violator Compact.

A. This section is adopted pursuant to authority granted to the Board of Game and Inland Fisheries Wildlife Resources under §§ 29.1-103 and 29.1-530.5 of the Code of Virginia.

B. Definitions used herein in this section, unless the contrary is clearly indicated are those used in § 29.1-530.5 of the Code of Virginia, the Wildlife Violator Compact, herein referred to as the compact (compact).

C. In accordance with Article VII of the compact, the board hereby authorizes the Director of the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Wildlife Resources to appoint the Commonwealth's representative to the Board of Compact Administrators. Such appointment shall be consistent with and subject to the aforesaid provisions of the compact and such representative shall serve at the pleasure of the director.

D. In accordance with Article IV of the compact, upon receipt from a participating state of a report of the conviction in that state of a resident of the Commonwealth, the department shall enter such conviction in its records and such conviction shall be treated as though it had occurred in the Commonwealth and therefore as a violation of the board's applicable regulations for purposes of suspension of license privileges.

E. In accordance with Article IV of the compact, upon receipt from a participating state of a report of the failure of a resident of the Commonwealth to comply with the terms of a citation issued by that state, the department shall notify such person of that report in accordance with the procedures set forth in subsections G through J of this section and shall initiate a proceeding to suspend any applicable licenses issued to such person by the board until the department has received satisfactory evidence of compliance with the terms of such citation.

F. In accordance with Article V of the compact, upon receipt from a participating state of a report of the suspension of license privileges of a resident of the Commonwealth issued by that state that is in accordance with suspension of license pursuant to the Code of Virginia, the department shall notify such person of that report in accordance with the procedures set forth in subsections G through J of this section and shall initiate a proceeding to suspend any applicable licenses issued to such person by the board until the department has received satisfactory evidence that such suspension has been terminated.

G. Upon receipt of a report pursuant to subsections subsection D, E, or F of this section, the director or his the director's designee shall provide notice thereof to the resident of the Commonwealth who is the subject of such report. Such notice shall advise such person of the contents of the notice and of any action that the department proposes to take in response thereto.

H. The person who is the subject of such notice shall be provided an opportunity to request within 30 days from the date of such notice an opportunity to contest the department's proposed action by requesting an informal fact-finding conference to be conducted by a representative of the department designated by the director. Although such proceedings are exempt from the requirements of the Administrative Process Act (§ 2.2-4000 et seq. of the Code of Virginia) as provided by § 2.2-4002 A 3 thereof of the Code of Virginia, the department shall to the extent practicable afford such persons seeking an informal fact-finding conference the rights provided under § 2.2-4019 of the Code of Virginia. Those include but are not limited to the right to receive reasonable notice as described in subsection G of this section and the right to appear in person or by counsel before the designated representative of the department. However, no discovery shall be conducted and no subpoenas shall be issued as part of any such proceeding.

I. An informal fact-finding proceeding shall be completed within 60 days of receipt by the department of the request described in subsection H of this section. Upon such completion the designated representative of the department shall make a recommended decision to the director or to such person designated by the director to make such decision. The decision maker shall promptly issue a written decision to the person who requested the proceeding. If the affected party is not satisfied by this decision it may be appealed to a three member panel as appointed by the agency director.

J. Any decision upholding the suspension of licensing privileges as a result of the process described in subsections D through I of this section shall be entered by the department on its records and shall be treated as though it had occurred in the Commonwealth and therefore as a violation of the board's applicable regulations.

K. The director shall establish procedures for reporting to participating states convictions or failures to comply with citations in the Commonwealth by residents of those respective states. Such procedures shall comply with the reporting requirements established by and pursuant to the provisions of the compact.

4VAC15-30-40. Importation requirements, possession, and sale of nonnative (exotic) animals.

A. Permit required. A special permit is required and may be issued by the department, if consistent with the department's fish and wildlife management program, to import, possess, or sell those nonnative (exotic) animals listed below in the following table and in 4VAC15-20-210 that the board finds and declares to be predatory or undesirable within the meaning and intent of § 29.1-542 of the Code of Virginia, in that their introduction into the Commonwealth will be detrimental to the native fish and wildlife resources of Virginia.

AMPHIBIANS

Order

Family

Genus/Species

Common Name

Anura

Bufonidae

Rhinella marina

Cane toad*

Pipidae

Hymenochirus spp. Pseudohymenochiris merlini

African dwarf frog

Xenopus spp.

Tongueless or African clawed frog

Caudata

Ambystomatidae

All species

All mole salamanders

BIRDS

Order

Family

Genus/Species

Common Name

Psittaciformes

Psittacidae

Myiopsitta monachus

Monk parakeet*

Anseriformes

Anatidae

Cygnus olor

Mute swan

FISH

Order

Family

Genus/Species

Common Name

Cypriniformes

Catostomidae

Catostomus microps

Modoc sucker

Catostomus santaanae

Santa Ana sucker

Catostomus warnerensis

Warner sucker

Ictiobus bubalus

Smallmouth* buffalo

I. cyprinellus

Bigmouth* buffalo

I. niger

Black buffalo*

Characidae

Pygopristis spp.
Pygocentrus spp.
Rooseveltiella spp.
Serrasalmo spp.
Serrasalmus spp.
Taddyella spp.

Piranhas

Cobitidae

Misgurnus anguillicaudatus

Oriental weatherfish

Cyprinidae

Aristichyhys nobilis

Bighead carp*

Chrosomus saylori

Laurel dace

Ctenopharyngodon idella

Grass carp or white amur

Cyprinella caerulea

Blue shiner

Cyprinella formosa

Beautiful shiner

Cyprinella lutrensis

Red shiner

Hypophthalmichthys molitrix

Silver carp*

Mylopharyngodom piceus

Black carp*

Notropis albizonatus

Palezone shiner

Notropis cahabae

Cahaba shiner

Notropis girardi

Arkansas River shiner

Notropis mekistocholas

Cape Fear shiner

Notropis simus pecosensis

Pecos bluntnose shiner

Notropis topeka (= tristis)

Topeka shiner

Phoxinus cumberlandensis

Blackside dace

Rhinichthys osculus lethoporus

Independence Valley speckled dace

Rhinichthys osculus nevadensis

Ash Meadows speckled dace

Rhinichthys osculus oligoporus

Clover Valley speckled dace

Rhinichthys osculus ssp.

Foskett speckled dace

Rhinichthys osculus thermalis

Kendall Warm Springs dace

Scardinius erythrophthalmus

Rudd

Tinca tinca

Tench*

Cyprinodontiformes

Poeciliidae

Gambusia gaigei

Big Bend gambusia

Gambusia georgei

San Marcos gambusia

Gambusia heterochir

Clear Creek gambusia

Gambusia nobilis

Pecos gambusia

Peociliopsis occidentalis

Gila topminnow

Gasterosteiformes

Gasterosteidae

Gasterosteus aculeatus williamsoni

Unarmored threespine stickleback

Gobiesociformes

Gobiidae

Proterorhinus marmoratus

Tubenose goby

Neogobius melanostomus

Round goby

Perciformes

Channidae

Channa spp.
Parachanna spp.

Snakeheads

Cichlidae

Tilapia spp.

Tilapia

Gymnocephalus cernuum

Ruffe*

Elassomatidae

Elassoma alabamae

Spring pygmy sunfish

Percidae

Crystallaria cincotta

Diamond darter

Etheostoma chermocki

Vermilion darter

Etheostoma boschungi

Slackwater darter

Etheostoma chienense

Relict darter

Etheostoma etowahae

Etowah darter

Etheostoma fonticola

Fountain darter

Etheostoma moorei

Yellowcheek darter

Etheostoma nianguae

Niangua darter

Etheostoma nuchale

Watercress darter

Etheostoma okaloosae

Okaloosa darter

Etheostoma phytophilum

Rush darter

Etheostoma rubrum

Bayou darter

Etheostoma scotti

Cherokee darter

Etheostoma sp.

Bluemask (= jewel) darter

Etheostoma susanae

Cumberland darter

Etheostoma wapiti

Boulder darter

Percina antesella

Amber darter

Percina aurolineata

Goldline darter

Percina jenkinsi

Conasauga logperch

Percina pantherina

Leopard darter

Percina tanasi

Snail darter

Scorpaeniformes

Cottidae

Cottus sp.

Grotto sculpin

Cottus paulus (= pygmaeus)

Pygmy sculpin

Siluriformes

Clariidae

All species

Air-breathing catfish

Ictaluridae

Noturus baileyi

Smoky madtom

Noturus crypticus

Chucky madtom

Noturus placidus

Neosho madtom

Noturus stanauli

Pygmy madtom

Noturus trautmani

Scioto madtom

Synbranchiformes

Synbranchidae

Monopterus albus

Swamp eel

MAMMALS

Order

Family

Genus/Species

Common Name

Artiodactyla

Suidae

All Species

Pigs or Hogs*

Cervidae

All Species

Deer*

Carnivora

Canidae

All Species

Wild Dogs,* Wolves, Coyotes or Coyote hybrids, Jackals and Foxes

Ursidae

All Species

Bears*

Procyonidae

All Species

Raccoons and* Relatives

Mustelidae

All Species

Weasels, Badgers,* Skunks and Otters

(except Mustela putorius furo)

Ferret

Viverridae

All Species

Civets, Genets,* Lingsangs, Mongooses, and Fossas

Herpestidae

All Species

Mongooses*

Hyaenidae

All Species

Hyenas and Aardwolves*

Felidae

All Species

Cats*

Chiroptera

 

All Species

Bats*

Lagomorpha

Lepridae

Brachylagus idahoensis

Pygmy rabbit

Lepus europeaeous

European hare

Oryctolagus cuniculus

European rabbit

Sylvilagus bachmani riparius

Riparian brush rabbit

Sylvilagus palustris hefneri

Lower Keys marsh rabbit

Rodentia

 

All species native to Africa

All species native to Africa

Dipodidae

Zapus hudsonius preblei

Preble's meadow jumping mouse

Muridae

Microtus californicus scirpensis

Amargosa vole

Microtus mexicanus hualpaiensis

Hualapai Mexican vole

Microtus pennsylvanicus dukecampbelli

Florida salt marsh vole

Neotoma floridana smalli

Key Largo woodrat

Neotoma fuscipes riparia

Riparian (= San Joaquin Valley) woodrat

Oryzomys palustris natator

Rice rat

Peromyscus gossypinus allapaticola

Key Largo cotton mouse

Peromyscus polionotus allophrys

Choctawhatchee beach mouse

Peromyscus polionotus ammobates

Alabama beach mouse

Peromyscus polionotus niveiventris

Southeastern beach mouse

Peromyscus polionotus peninsularis

St. Andrew beach mouse

Peromyscus polionotus phasma

Anastasia Island beach mouse

Peromyscus polionotus trissyllepsis

Perdido Key beach mouse

Reithrodontomys raviventris

Salt marsh harvest mouse

Heteromyidae

Dipodomys heermanni morroensis

Morro Bay kangaroo rat

Dipodomys ingens

Giant kangaroo rat

Dipodomys merriami parvus

San Bernadino Merriam's kangaroo rat

Dipodomys nitratoides exilis

Fresno kangaroo rat

Dipodomys nitratoides nitratoides

Tipton kangaroo rat

Dipodomys stephensi (including D. cascus)

Stephens' kangaroo rat

Perognathus longimembris pacificus

Pacific pocket mouse

Sciuridae

Cynomys spp.

Prairie dogs

Spermophilus brunneus brunneus

Northern Idaho ground squirrel

Tamiasciurus hudsonicus grahamensis

Mount Graham red squirrel

Soricomorpha

Soricidae

Sorex ornatus relictus

Buena Vista Lake ornate shrew

MOLLUSKS

Order

Family

Genus/Species

Common Name

Neotaenioglossa

Hydrobiidae

Potamopyrgus antipodarum

New Zealand mudsnail

Veneroida

Dreissenidae

Dreissena bugensis

Quagga mussel

Dreissena polymorpha

Zebra mussel

REPTILES

Order

Family

Genus/Species

Common Name

Crocodilia

Alligatoridae

All species

Alligators, caimans*

Crocodylidae

All species

Crocodiles*

Gavialidae

All species

Gavials*

Squamata

Colubridae

Boiga irregularis

Brown tree snake*

CRUSTACEANS

Order

Family

Genus/Species

Common Name

Decapoda

Cambaridae

Cambarus aculabrum

Cave crayfish

Cambarus zophonastes

Cave crayfish

Orconectes rusticus

Rusty crayfish

Orconectes shoupi

Nashville crayfish

Pacifastacus fortis

Shasta crayfish

Procambarus sp.

Marbled crayfish

Parastacidae

Cherax spp.

Australian crayfish

Varunidea

Eriocheir sinensis

Chinese mitten crab

B. Temporary possession permit for certain animals. Notwithstanding the permitting requirements of subsection A of this section, a person, company, or corporation possessing any nonnative (exotic) animal, designated with an asterisk (*) in subsection A of this section, prior to July 1, 1992, must declare such possession in writing to the department by January 1, 1993. This written declaration shall serve as a permit for possession only, is not transferable, and must be renewed every five years. This written declaration must include species name, common name, number of individuals, date or dates acquired, sex (if possible), estimated age, height or length, and other characteristics such as bands and band numbers, tattoos, registration numbers, coloration, and specific markings. Possession transfer will require a new permit according to the requirements of this subsection.

C. Exception for certain monk parakeets. A permit is not required for monk parakeets (quakers) that have been captive bred and are closed-banded with a seamless band.

D. Exception for parts or products. A permit is not required for parts or products of those nonnative (exotic) animals listed in subsection A of this section that may be used for personal use, in the manufacture of products, or used in scientific research, provided that such parts or products be packaged outside the Commonwealth by any person, company, or corporation duly licensed by the state in which the parts originate. Such packages may be transported into the Commonwealth, consistent with other state laws and regulations, so long as the original package remains unbroken, unopened and intact until its point of destination is reached. Documentation concerning the type and cost of the animal parts ordered, the purpose and date of the order, point and date of shipping, and date of receiving shall be kept by the person, business, or institution ordering such nonnative (exotic) animal parts. Such documentation shall be open to inspection by a representative of the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Wildlife Resources.

E. Exception for prairie dogs. The effective date of listing of prairie dogs under subsection A of this section shall be January 1, 1998. Prairie dogs possessed in captivity in Virginia on December 31, 1997, may be maintained in captivity until the animals' deaths, but they may not be sold on or after January 1, 1998, without a permit.

F. Exception for snakehead fish. Anglers may legally harvest snakehead fish of the family Channidae, provided that they immediately kill such fish and that they notify the department, as soon as practicable, of such actions.

G. Exception for feral hogs. Anyone may legally trap feral hogs with written permission of the landowner, provided that any trapped hogs are not removed from the trap site alive and are killed immediately.

H. Exception for grass carp. Anglers may legally harvest grass carp of the family Cyprinidae from public waters of the Commonwealth, except from department-owned or department-controlled lakes, provided that anglers ensure that harvested grass carp are dead.

I. All other nonnative (exotic) animals. All other nonnative (exotic) animals not listed in subsection A of this section may be possessed, purchased, and sold; provided, that such animals shall be subject to all applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations, including those that apply to threatened/endangered species, and further provided, that such animals shall not be liberated within the Commonwealth.

4VAC15-40-60. Hunting with dogs or possession of weapons in certain locations during closed season.

A. Department-owned and national forest lands statewide. It shall be unlawful to have in possession a firearm or any hunting weapon that is not unloaded and cased or dismantled on all national forest lands statewide and on department-owned lands and on other lands managed by the department under cooperative agreement except during the period when it is lawful to take bear, deer, grouse, pheasant, quail, rabbit, raccoon, squirrel, turkey, waterfowl, or migratory gamebirds on these lands.

B. Certain counties. Except as otherwise provided in 4VAC15-40-70, it shall be unlawful to have either a shotgun or a rifle in one's possession when accompanied by a dog in the daytime in the fields, forests or waters of the Counties of Augusta, Clarke, Frederick, Page, Shenandoah, and Warren, and in the counties east of the Blue Ridge Mountains, except Patrick, at any time except the periods prescribed by law to hunt game birds and animals.

C. Shooting ranges and authorized activities. The provisions of this section shall not prohibit the conduct of any activities authorized by the board or the establishment and operation of archery and shooting ranges on the lands described in subsections A and B of this section. The use of firearms or any hunting weapon in such ranges during the closed season period will be restricted to the area within the established range boundaries. Such weapons shall be required to be unloaded and cased or dismantled in all areas other than the range boundaries. The use of firearms or any hunting weapon during the closed hunting period in such ranges shall be restricted to target shooting only, and no birds or animals shall be molested.

D. It shall be unlawful to chase with a dog or train dogs on national forest lands or department-owned lands except during authorized hunting, chase, or training seasons that specifically permit these activities on these lands or during raccoon hound field trials on these lands between September 1 and March 31, both dates inclusive, that are sanctioned by bona fide national kennel clubs and authorized by permits issued by the department or the U.S. Forest Service.

E. It shall be unlawful to possess or transport any loaded firearm or loaded hunting weapon in or on any vehicle at any time on national forest lands or department-owned lands.

F. The provisions of this section shall not prohibit the possession, transport, and use of loaded firearms by employees of the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Wildlife Resources while engaged in the performance of their authorized and official duties, nor shall it prohibit possession and transport of loaded concealed handguns where the individual possesses a concealed handgun permit as defined in § 18.2-308 of the Code of Virginia.

G. Meaning of "possession" of any hunting weapon and definition of "loaded crossbow," "loaded arrowgun," "loaded muzzleloader," and "loaded firearm." For the purpose of this section, the word "possession" shall include having any firearm or weapon used for hunting in or on one's person, vehicle, or conveyance. For the purpose of this section, a "loaded firearm" means a firearm in which ammunition is chambered or loaded in the magazine or clip when such magazine or clip is engaged or partially engaged in a firearm. The definition of a "loaded muzzleloader" will include a muzzleloading rifle, pistol, or shotgun that is capped, has a charged pan, or has a primer or battery installed in the muzzleloader. A "loaded crossbow" means a crossbow that is cocked and has either a bolt or arrow engaged or partially engaged on the shooting rail or track of the crossbow, or with a "trackless crossbow" when the crossbow is cocked and a bolt or arrow is nocked. "Loaded arrowgun" means an arrowgun that has an arrow or bolt inserted on the arrow rest or in the barrel. "Hunting weapon" means any weapon allowable for hunting as defined in § 29.1-519 of the Code of Virginia.

4VAC15-40-281. Unauthorized feeding of bear, deer, or turkey on national forest lands and department-owned lands.

It shall be unlawful to place or direct the placement of, deposit, distribute, or scatter food or salt capable of attracting or being eaten by bear, deer, or turkey on national forest lands or on department-owned lands without the written authorization of the Director of the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Wildlife Resources or his the director's designee. The provisions of this section shall not prohibit the disposal of food in trash receptacles provided by the U.S. Forest Service on national forest lands or by the department on department-owned lands.

4VAC15-40-287. Model ordinances related to feeding of deer in cities and towns.

Per the provisions of § 29.1-527.2 of the Code of Virginia, the following model ordinance related to the feeding of deer may be adopted by a city or town. Any city or town must notify the director of the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Wildlife Resources of the adoption of such an ordinance by registered mail.

Model ordinance:

A. Pursuant to § 29.1-527.2 of the Code of Virginia, it shall be unlawful for any person to place, distribute, or allow the placement of food, salt, minerals, or similar substances to feed or attract deer at any time.

B. No person shall continue to place, distribute, or allow the placement of food, salt, minerals, or similar substances for any purpose if the placement of these materials results in the presence of deer.

C. No part of this ordinance shall be construed to restrict agricultural, commercial, noncommercial, or residential plantings (including wildlife food plots); bona fide distribution of food to livestock; or wildlife management activities conducted or authorized by the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Wildlife Resources.

4VAC15-90-290. Special quality deer management areas.

A. The board hereby designates the following areas posted by the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Wildlife Resources as special quality deer management areas with special antlered buck harvest.

B. Special Fairystone quality deer management area. It shall be unlawful to kill an antlered deer on the special Fairystone quality deer management area unless the deer has at least four antler points, each greater than one inch in length, on either the right or left antler.

4VAC15-270-60. Use of firearms loaded with slugs and discharge of firearms near boardwalk or nature trail on Ragged Island Wildlife Management Area.

A. It shall be unlawful to possess outside of a vehicle, or shoot or hunt with a rifle, muzzleloader, pistol, or shotgun loaded with slugs, or to possess shotgun slugs, on Ragged Island Wildlife Management Area in Isle of Wight County. In addition, it shall be unlawful to discharge any firearm within 100 yards of the boardwalk or nature trail on Ragged Island Wildlife Management Area.

B. The provisions of this section shall not prohibit the possession, transport, and use of loaded firearms by employees of the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Wildlife Resources while engaged in the performance of their duties, nor shall it prohibit the possession and transport of loaded concealed handguns where the individual possesses a concealed handgun permit as defined in § 18.2-308 of the Code of Virginia.

4VAC15-270-95. Model ordinances related to archery deer hunting.

Pursuant to § 29.1-528.1 A of the Code of Virginia, the following model ordinances related to hunting deer with bow and arrow (including crossbows) may be adopted by those counties and cities where there is an overabundance of the deer population, which is creating conflicts between humans and deer, including safety hazards to motorists. In accordance with § 29.1-528.1 B of the Code of Virginia, no such ordinance shall be enforceable unless the governing body of the locality notifies the director by registered mail prior to May 1 of the year in which the ordinance is to take effect.

Model Ordinance 1:

The times at which hunting shall commence and end each day shall be in accordance with the provisions of § 29.1-520 of the Code of Virginia.

Model Ordinance 2:

The number of deer that can be taken shall be in accordance with bag limits established by the Board of Game and Inland Fisheries Wildlife Resources pursuant to §§ 29.1-501 and 29.1-502 of the Code of Virginia.

Model Ordinance 3:

No person shall discharge a bow and arrow from, over, or across any street, sidewalk, alley, roadway, or toward any building or dwelling in such a manner that an arrow may strike it. Any person who violates the provisions of this ordinance shall be guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor.

Model Ordinance 4:

It shall be unlawful to discharge a bow and arrow in a manner that can be reasonably expected to result in the impact of the arrow upon the property of another without permission from the owner or tenant of such property. Any person who violates the provisions of this ordinance shall be guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor.

4VAC15-275-10. Application.

This chapter applies to any person who has never obtained a license to hunt in any state or country or any person who is under the age of younger than 16 years of age, unless such a person presents to the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Wildlife Resources or one of its authorized license vendors a certificate of completion in hunter education issued or authorized by the director or his the director's representative under the hunter education program or proof that he holds the equivalent certificate obtained from an authorized agency or association of another state or country.

4VAC15-275-20. Definitions.

The following words and terms when used in this chapter shall have the following meanings unless the context clearly requires a different meaning:

"Accompanied and directly supervised" means, in the case of an apprentice hunter, that a licensed person over older than 18 years of age maintains a close visual and verbal contact with, provides adequate direction to, and can immediately assume control of the firearm from the apprentice hunter. In the case of a hunter age 12 years of age or under younger, the term means that the licensed adult is within sight of the person under the age of younger than 12 years of age.

"Adult" means the parent or legal guardian of the person under age younger than 12 years of age, or such person over the age of older than 18 years of age designated by the parent or legal guardian.

"Approved course provider" is any individual, business, or organization that makes available to the hunting public a hunter education course that is approved by the International Hunter Education Association – United States (IHEA-USA) and is accepted by the department. An approved course provider shall have executed and have on file a valid cooperative agreement with the department. The department will make information regarding such approved courses and providers readily available for public access.

"Board" means the Board of Game and Inland Fisheries Wildlife Resources.

"Department" means the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Wildlife Resources.

"Hunter education course" means a course offered in the classroom, through the Internet, or through an electronic format that provides course content and test questions that at a minimum meet the International Hunter Education Association-USA Education Standards, May 2, 2014, set forth by the International Hunter Education Association-USA (IHEA-USA) and are accepted by the department. A hunter education course shall include no less than 50 test questions, which shall include at least eight test questions specific to Virginia hunting laws.

"IHEA-USA" means the International Hunter Education Association-USA.

"Virginia Hunter Education Card" means a card authorized for issuance by the department to a person who has met the minimum standard of hunter education course competency. This card may be issued as an original or a replacement hunter education course card.

4VAC15-275-80. Instructor certification.

A. The department may designate as a hunter instructor any person found by it to be competent to give instruction in the courses required.

B. Volunteer instructors are designated to work on a voluntary basis and at the pleasure of the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Wildlife Resources.

C. To be certified as a hunter education course instructor for the department's hunter education program, a person shall (i) have successfully completed a hunter education course and (ii) be certified as an instructor by the department or by a certification program accepted by the department.

D. Applicants for certified instructor shall submit an application to the department on a form and in a manner determined by the hunter education program manager. At a minimum, the application shall include:

1. The applicant's name;

2. The applicant's street address;

3. The applicant's telephone number;

4. The applicant's email address, if any;

5. Information describing the applicant's experience and training in hunter and hunting and proof of completion of a hunter education course that is accepted by the department; and

6. Any other information deemed necessary after review of the initial application.

E. Applicants may be required to submit written consent for a criminal history background check in a manner determined by the department or an interview in a manner determined by the department and in accordance with state policy.

4VAC15-290-130. Duty to comply with permit conditions.

A permit holder shall comply with all terms and conditions of any permit issued by the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Wildlife Resources pursuant to Title 29.1 of the Code of Virginia and the regulations of the board pertaining to hunting, fishing, trapping, taking, attempting to take, possession, sale, offering for sale, transporting or causing to be transported, importing or exporting, propagating, exhibiting, and rehabilitating of any wild bird, wild animal, or fish. The penalty for violation of this section is prescribed by § 29.1-505 of the Code of Virginia.

4VAC15-340-80. Eel pots for taking American eels for sale.

A. The director may issue, deny, modify, suspend, or revoke annual eel pot permits designated for the sale of American eels. Such permits shall authorize the taking of American eels for sale, as specified, with eel pots from waters designated in this section. Such permits shall be valid so long as the harvest of American eels in the Commonwealth is not prohibited by other state or federal law or regulation. To be eligible, applicants must document harvest of at least one pound of American eels from Back Bay or North Landing River or their tributaries via reports submitted through the Virginia Marine Resources Commission Mandatory Harvest Reporting Program during the period January 1, 2007, to December 31, 2012, both dates inclusive. Applicants must document the reported harvest occurred while the applicant held a valid commercial fish pot or eel pot license issued by the Virginia Marine Resources Commission.

B. It shall be unlawful for permit holders to possess any American eel less than nine inches in total length.

C. It shall be unlawful for permit holders fishing eel pots to take any species other than American eels.

D. It shall be unlawful to place, set, or fish any eel pot that has a mesh less than 1/2-inch by 1/2-inch and does not contain at least one unrestricted 4-inch by 4-inch escape panel consisting of 1/2-inch by 1-inch mesh.

E. The permit holder's last name and Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Wildlife Resources American eel pot number must be permanently attached to buoys of all eel pots set. The maximum number of pots authorized per permit holder under this permit shall be 300.

F. American eels may be taken with eel pots in Back Bay and its natural tributaries (not including Lake Tecumseh and Red Wing Lake) and in North Landing River and its natural tributaries from the North Carolina line to the Great Bridge locks.

G. It shall be unlawful for any person to ship or otherwise transport any package, box, or other receptacle containing fish taken under an eel pot permit unless the same bears the permit holder's name and address.

H. Failure to comply with the daily harvest and sales reporting requirements as detailed in conditions of the permit shall be unlawful and may result in immediate permit revocation. It shall be the permit holder's responsibility to report "No Activity" when no activity occurs during a monthly reporting period.

4VAC15-410-20. Definitions.

As used in this chapter, unless the context clearly requires a different meaning, the following words and terms shall have the following meanings:

"Approved course provider" is any individual, business, or organization that makes available to the boating public a boating safety education course approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators and accepted by the department. An approved course provider shall have executed and have on file a valid cooperative agreement with the department. Persons who simply provide classroom instruction for an approved course provider shall not be considered an approved course provider. The department will make information regarding such approved courses and providers readily available for public access.

"Board" means the Board of Game and Inland Fisheries Wildlife Resources.

"Boating safety education course" means a course offered in the classroom, through the Internet, or through an electronic format such as CD-ROM that provides a course content and test questions that have been reviewed and approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators in accordance with the National Boating Education Standards, updated January 1, 2008, and accepted by the department. A boating safety education course shall include no less than 50 test questions, which shall include at least 10 test questions specific about Virginia boating laws.

"Department" means the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Wildlife Resources.

"Dockside safety checklist" means a document provided by the department that consists of selected facts about Virginia boating laws and safe boat operation that a rental or livery agent or motorboat leasing business is required to present to those who rent or lease a motorboat or personal watercraft. The dockside safety checklist must be reviewed and initialed by the person operating the motorboat before the boat can be rented/leased rented or leased and operated.

"Equivalency exam" means a written examination that is developed by the department to test the knowledge of information included in the curriculum of a boating safety education course (may also be referred to as a challenge exam). The equivalency exam is intended to provide experienced and knowledgeable boaters with the opportunity to meet the boating safety education compliance requirement set forth in § 29.1-735.2 of the Code of Virginia without having to take and successfully complete a boating safety education course. The equivalency exam shall be comprised of no less than 75 or more than 100 test questions, shall include no less than 25 questions specific about Virginia boating laws, shall be proctored by an individual(s) individual specifically designated by the department, and shall be completed without the use of any reference material. A minimum score of at least 80% shall be considered passing.

"Motorboat" means any vessel propelled by machinery whether or not the machinery is the principal source of propulsion and for this chapter shall mean with a motor of 10 horsepower or greater.

"NASBLA" means the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators.

"NASBLA-approved course" means a boating safety education course that has been reviewed and approved by NASBLA.

"Onboard direct supervision" as referenced in § 29.1-735.2 B 6 and B 9 of the Code of Virginia occurs when a person maintains close visual and verbal contact with, provides adequate direction to, and can immediately assume control of a motorboat from the operator of a motorboat. A person who is water skiing, or is in the cabin of a motorboat and not at the helm/wheel is not considered to be in a position capable of providing direct supervision.

"Operate" means to navigate or otherwise control the movement of a motorboat or vessel.

"Optional Virginia Boater Education Card" means a card authorized for issuance by the department to persons who (i) can show they have met the minimum standard of boating safety education course competency, (ii) possess a valid license to operate a vessel issued to maritime personnel by the United States Coast Guard or a marine certificate issued by the Canadian government, (iii) possess a Canadian Pleasure Craft Operator's Card, or (iv) possess a valid commercial fisherman registration pursuant to § 28.2-241 of the Code of Virginia. For the purpose of this subsection a license is considered valid regardless of whether the license is current. This card may be issued as a replacement boating safety course card.

"Personal watercraft" means a motorboat less than 16 feet in length that uses an inboard motor powering a jet pump as its primary motive power and that is designed to be operated by a person sitting, standing, or kneeling on, rather than in the conventional manner of sitting or standing inside the vessel.

"Proctored" means that the written equivalency exam has been administered under the direct supervision of (i) a designated member of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary or the United States Power Squadrons®, (ii) a designated department employee or a department volunteer boating safety instructor, or (iii) an individual who has been approved for such purpose by the department.

"Temporary operator's certificate" means a nonrenewable document issued with the certificate of number for the motorboat or personal watercraft, if the boat is new or was sold with a transfer of ownership. A temporary operator's certificate shall be issued only by the department, by any person authorized by the director to act as an agent to issue a certificate of number pursuant to § 29.1-706 of the Code of Virginia, or by a license agent of the department authorized to issue a temporary registration certificate for a motorboat or personal watercraft. A temporary operator's certificate shall allow the owner(s) owner to operate a motorboat with a motor of 10 horsepower or greater or personal watercraft in Virginia for 90 days.

"Vessel" means every description of watercraft, other than a seaplane on the water, used or capable of being used as a means of transportation on water.

"Waters of the Commonwealth" means any public waters within the territorial limits of the Commonwealth.

VA.R. Doc. No. R21-5904; Filed September 29, 2020, 11:23 a.m.
TITLE 4. CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES
BOARD OF WILDLIFE RESOURCES
Final Regulation

REGISTRAR'S NOTICE: The Board of Wildlife Resources is claiming an exemption from Article 2 of the Administrative Process Act in accordance with § 2.2-4006 A 4 a of the Code of Virginia, which excludes regulations that are necessary to conform to changes in Virginia statutory law or the appropriation act where no agency discretion is involved. The State Board of Social Services will receive, consider, and respond to petitions by any interested person at any time with respect to reconsideration or revision.

Titles of Regulations: 4VAC15-20. Definitions and Miscellaneous: In General (amending 4VAC15-20-10, 4VAC15-20-75).

4VAC15-30. Definitions and Miscellaneous: Importation, Possession, Sale, etc., of Animals (amending 4VAC15-30-40).

4VAC15-40. Game: In General (amending 4VAC15-40-60, 4VAC15-40-281, 4VAC15-40-287).

4VAC15-90. Game: Deer (amending 4VAC15-90-290).

4VAC15-270. Game: Firearms (amending 4VAC15-270-60, 4VAC15-270-95).

4VAC15-275. Game: Hunter Education (amending 4VAC15-275-10, 4VAC15-275-20, 4VAC15-275-80).

4VAC15-290. Game: Permits (amending 4VAC15-290-130).

4VAC15-340. Fish: Seines and Nets (amending 4VAC15-340-80).

4VAC15-410. Watercraft: Boating Safety Education (amending 4VAC15-410-20).

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

Effective Date: January 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 align regulations with Chapter 958 of the 2020 Acts of Assembly, which changes the name of the department to Department of Wildlife Resources and of the board to Board of Wildlife Resources.

4VAC15-20-10. Definitions; generally.

Words and phrases used in any regulations made by the board shall have the same meaning, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, as is given for such words and phrases in the Virginia Game and Inland Fisheries laws contained in Title 29.1 (§ 29.1-100 et seq.) of the Code of Virginia.

4VAC15-20-75. Wildlife Violator Compact.

A. This section is adopted pursuant to authority granted to the Board of Game and Inland Fisheries Wildlife Resources under §§ 29.1-103 and 29.1-530.5 of the Code of Virginia.

B. Definitions used herein in this section, unless the contrary is clearly indicated are those used in § 29.1-530.5 of the Code of Virginia, the Wildlife Violator Compact, herein referred to as the compact (compact).

C. In accordance with Article VII of the compact, the board hereby authorizes the Director of the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Wildlife Resources to appoint the Commonwealth's representative to the Board of Compact Administrators. Such appointment shall be consistent with and subject to the aforesaid provisions of the compact and such representative shall serve at the pleasure of the director.

D. In accordance with Article IV of the compact, upon receipt from a participating state of a report of the conviction in that state of a resident of the Commonwealth, the department shall enter such conviction in its records and such conviction shall be treated as though it had occurred in the Commonwealth and therefore as a violation of the board's applicable regulations for purposes of suspension of license privileges.

E. In accordance with Article IV of the compact, upon receipt from a participating state of a report of the failure of a resident of the Commonwealth to comply with the terms of a citation issued by that state, the department shall notify such person of that report in accordance with the procedures set forth in subsections G through J of this section and shall initiate a proceeding to suspend any applicable licenses issued to such person by the board until the department has received satisfactory evidence of compliance with the terms of such citation.

F. In accordance with Article V of the compact, upon receipt from a participating state of a report of the suspension of license privileges of a resident of the Commonwealth issued by that state that is in accordance with suspension of license pursuant to the Code of Virginia, the department shall notify such person of that report in accordance with the procedures set forth in subsections G through J of this section and shall initiate a proceeding to suspend any applicable licenses issued to such person by the board until the department has received satisfactory evidence that such suspension has been terminated.

G. Upon receipt of a report pursuant to subsections subsection D, E, or F of this section, the director or his the director's designee shall provide notice thereof to the resident of the Commonwealth who is the subject of such report. Such notice shall advise such person of the contents of the notice and of any action that the department proposes to take in response thereto.

H. The person who is the subject of such notice shall be provided an opportunity to request within 30 days from the date of such notice an opportunity to contest the department's proposed action by requesting an informal fact-finding conference to be conducted by a representative of the department designated by the director. Although such proceedings are exempt from the requirements of the Administrative Process Act (§ 2.2-4000 et seq. of the Code of Virginia) as provided by § 2.2-4002 A 3 thereof of the Code of Virginia, the department shall to the extent practicable afford such persons seeking an informal fact-finding conference the rights provided under § 2.2-4019 of the Code of Virginia. Those include but are not limited to the right to receive reasonable notice as described in subsection G of this section and the right to appear in person or by counsel before the designated representative of the department. However, no discovery shall be conducted and no subpoenas shall be issued as part of any such proceeding.

I. An informal fact-finding proceeding shall be completed within 60 days of receipt by the department of the request described in subsection H of this section. Upon such completion the designated representative of the department shall make a recommended decision to the director or to such person designated by the director to make such decision. The decision maker shall promptly issue a written decision to the person who requested the proceeding. If the affected party is not satisfied by this decision it may be appealed to a three member panel as appointed by the agency director.

J. Any decision upholding the suspension of licensing privileges as a result of the process described in subsections D through I of this section shall be entered by the department on its records and shall be treated as though it had occurred in the Commonwealth and therefore as a violation of the board's applicable regulations.

K. The director shall establish procedures for reporting to participating states convictions or failures to comply with citations in the Commonwealth by residents of those respective states. Such procedures shall comply with the reporting requirements established by and pursuant to the provisions of the compact.

4VAC15-30-40. Importation requirements, possession, and sale of nonnative (exotic) animals.

A. Permit required. A special permit is required and may be issued by the department, if consistent with the department's fish and wildlife management program, to import, possess, or sell those nonnative (exotic) animals listed below in the following table and in 4VAC15-20-210 that the board finds and declares to be predatory or undesirable within the meaning and intent of § 29.1-542 of the Code of Virginia, in that their introduction into the Commonwealth will be detrimental to the native fish and wildlife resources of Virginia.

AMPHIBIANS

Order

Family

Genus/Species

Common Name

Anura

Bufonidae

Rhinella marina

Cane toad*

Pipidae

Hymenochirus spp. Pseudohymenochiris merlini

African dwarf frog

Xenopus spp.

Tongueless or African clawed frog

Caudata

Ambystomatidae

All species

All mole salamanders

BIRDS

Order

Family

Genus/Species

Common Name

Psittaciformes

Psittacidae

Myiopsitta monachus

Monk parakeet*

Anseriformes

Anatidae

Cygnus olor

Mute swan

FISH

Order

Family

Genus/Species

Common Name

Cypriniformes

Catostomidae

Catostomus microps

Modoc sucker

Catostomus santaanae

Santa Ana sucker

Catostomus warnerensis

Warner sucker

Ictiobus bubalus

Smallmouth* buffalo

I. cyprinellus

Bigmouth* buffalo

I. niger

Black buffalo*

Characidae

Pygopristis spp.
Pygocentrus spp.
Rooseveltiella spp.
Serrasalmo spp.
Serrasalmus spp.
Taddyella spp.

Piranhas

Cobitidae

Misgurnus anguillicaudatus

Oriental weatherfish

Cyprinidae

Aristichyhys nobilis

Bighead carp*

Chrosomus saylori

Laurel dace

Ctenopharyngodon idella

Grass carp or white amur

Cyprinella caerulea

Blue shiner

Cyprinella formosa

Beautiful shiner

Cyprinella lutrensis

Red shiner

Hypophthalmichthys molitrix

Silver carp*

Mylopharyngodom piceus

Black carp*

Notropis albizonatus

Palezone shiner

Notropis cahabae

Cahaba shiner

Notropis girardi

Arkansas River shiner

Notropis mekistocholas

Cape Fear shiner

Notropis simus pecosensis

Pecos bluntnose shiner

Notropis topeka (= tristis)

Topeka shiner

Phoxinus cumberlandensis

Blackside dace

Rhinichthys osculus lethoporus

Independence Valley speckled dace

Rhinichthys osculus nevadensis

Ash Meadows speckled dace

Rhinichthys osculus oligoporus

Clover Valley speckled dace

Rhinichthys osculus ssp.

Foskett speckled dace

Rhinichthys osculus thermalis

Kendall Warm Springs dace

Scardinius erythrophthalmus

Rudd

Tinca tinca

Tench*

Cyprinodontiformes

Poeciliidae

Gambusia gaigei

Big Bend gambusia

Gambusia georgei

San Marcos gambusia

Gambusia heterochir

Clear Creek gambusia

Gambusia nobilis

Pecos gambusia

Peociliopsis occidentalis

Gila topminnow

Gasterosteiformes

Gasterosteidae

Gasterosteus aculeatus williamsoni

Unarmored threespine stickleback

Gobiesociformes

Gobiidae

Proterorhinus marmoratus

Tubenose goby

Neogobius melanostomus

Round goby

Perciformes

Channidae

Channa spp.
Parachanna spp.

Snakeheads

Cichlidae

Tilapia spp.

Tilapia

Gymnocephalus cernuum

Ruffe*

Elassomatidae

Elassoma alabamae

Spring pygmy sunfish

Percidae

Crystallaria cincotta

Diamond darter

Etheostoma chermocki

Vermilion darter

Etheostoma boschungi

Slackwater darter

Etheostoma chienense

Relict darter

Etheostoma etowahae

Etowah darter

Etheostoma fonticola

Fountain darter

Etheostoma moorei

Yellowcheek darter

Etheostoma nianguae

Niangua darter

Etheostoma nuchale

Watercress darter

Etheostoma okaloosae

Okaloosa darter

Etheostoma phytophilum

Rush darter

Etheostoma rubrum

Bayou darter

Etheostoma scotti

Cherokee darter

Etheostoma sp.

Bluemask (= jewel) darter

Etheostoma susanae

Cumberland darter

Etheostoma wapiti

Boulder darter

Percina antesella

Amber darter

Percina aurolineata

Goldline darter

Percina jenkinsi

Conasauga logperch

Percina pantherina

Leopard darter

Percina tanasi

Snail darter

Scorpaeniformes

Cottidae

Cottus sp.

Grotto sculpin

Cottus paulus (= pygmaeus)

Pygmy sculpin

Siluriformes

Clariidae

All species

Air-breathing catfish

Ictaluridae

Noturus baileyi

Smoky madtom

Noturus crypticus

Chucky madtom

Noturus placidus

Neosho madtom

Noturus stanauli

Pygmy madtom

Noturus trautmani

Scioto madtom

Synbranchiformes

Synbranchidae

Monopterus albus

Swamp eel

MAMMALS

Order

Family

Genus/Species

Common Name

Artiodactyla

Suidae

All Species

Pigs or Hogs*

Cervidae

All Species

Deer*

Carnivora

Canidae

All Species

Wild Dogs,* Wolves, Coyotes or Coyote hybrids, Jackals and Foxes

Ursidae

All Species

Bears*

Procyonidae

All Species

Raccoons and* Relatives

Mustelidae

All Species

Weasels, Badgers,* Skunks and Otters

(except Mustela putorius furo)

Ferret

Viverridae

All Species

Civets, Genets,* Lingsangs, Mongooses, and Fossas

Herpestidae

All Species

Mongooses*

Hyaenidae

All Species

Hyenas and Aardwolves*

Felidae

All Species

Cats*

Chiroptera

 

All Species

Bats*

Lagomorpha

Lepridae

Brachylagus idahoensis

Pygmy rabbit

Lepus europeaeous

European hare

Oryctolagus cuniculus

European rabbit

Sylvilagus bachmani riparius

Ripa