MIGRATORY GAME BIRD HUNTING - IN VIRGINIA July 2019-June 2020
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MIGRATORY GAME BIRD HUNTING IN VIRGINIA July 2019-June 2020 INCLUDING • Dove • Woodcock • Snipe • Rail • Gallinule/Moorhen • All Waterfowl Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries www.dgif.virginia.gov www.gooutdoorsvirginia.com
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MIGRATORY GAME BIRD HUNTING IN VIRGINIA Meghan Marchetti / DGIF July 2019-June 2020 WHAT’S NEW FOR 2019-2020...................................................................4 GENERAL INFORMATION SHOOTING HOURS ....................................................................................4 POSSESSION LIMITS.................................................................................4 NON-TOXIC SHOT......................................................................................4 BLAZE COLORED REQUIREMENT .............................................................4 YOUTH & VETERANS WATERFOWL HUNTING DAYS.................................4 LICENSE FEES .............................................................................................6 REGULATIONS BY SPECIES Commonwealth of Virginia DOVE .......................................................................................................10 Ralph S. Northam, Governor RAILS, GALLINULE, AND MOORHEN ......................................................10 Secretary of Natural Resources WOODCOCK AND SNIPE .........................................................................11 Matthew J. Strickler SEPTEMBER TEAL ..................................................................................12 Department of Game and Inland Fisheries DUCKS.....................................................................................................12 Gary Martel, Acting Executive Director SEA DUCKS .............................................................................................13 Members of the Board MERGANSERS.........................................................................................13 Mamie A. Parker, Ph.D., Chair, Dulles COOTS ....................................................................................................14 John W. Daniel II, Vice-chair, Richmond Leon Boyd, Vansant CANADA GOOSE .....................................................................................14 Ryan J. Brown, Goochland SEPT. CANADA GOOSE AND LIGHT GOOSE............................................15 Nicole S. Butterworth, Vinton ATLANTIC BRANT ...................................................................................16 H. S. Caudill, North Tazewell Catherine H. Claiborne, Richmond TUNDRA SWAN .......................................................................................16 Douglas Dear, Chair, Syria Karen Terwilliger, Locustville WHAT TERMS DO I NEED TO UNDERSTAND? ........................................17 Brian Vincent, Farmville G. K. Washington, Dillwyn WATERFOWL HUNTING SAFETY TIPS ....................................................18 WATERFOWL QUOTA/MANAGED HUNTS ...............................................19 Mission Statement Conserve and manage wildlife populations and habitat LAWFUL HUNTING METHODS ................................................................ 22 for the benefit of present and future generations. Connect people to Virginia’s outdoors through boating, UNLAWFUL HUNTING METHODS ........................................................... 23 education, fishing, hunting, trapping, wildlife viewing and other wildlife-related activities. Protect people and WATERFOWL BLIND LAWS ..................................................................... 24 property by promoting safe outdoor experiences and managing human-wildlife conflicts. AREAS CLOSED TO WATERFOWL HUNTING ......................................... 27 The Department of Game and Inland Fisheries shall PERMISSION TO HUNT ............................................................................ 27 afford to all persons an equal access to Department programs and facilities without regard to race, color, SUNRISE-SUNSET TIMETABLE............................................................... 29 religion, disability, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, political affiliation, or veteran’s status. If you believe that you have been discriminated against in any program, activity, or facility, please write This publication is to be used as a supplement to Hunting and Trapping in Virginia, 2019-2020 booklet and is for general to: Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, use and contains information regarding programs, policies, regulations, rules, or fees of the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (DGIF) current at the time of printing. Information may change after printing and any Attn: Executive Director’s Office, 7870 Villa Park Dr, changes will supersede the information in this publication. DGIF’s programs, policies, regulations, rules, or fees can be Suite 400, P.O. Box 90778, Henrico, VA 23228. found at www.dgif.virginia.gov. Specific laws are found in the Code of Virginia (http://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode) or the Game Department Regulation Manual (http://law.lis.virginia.gov/admincode/title4/agency15). For answers to specific questions about On the Cover: hunting and fishing, contact the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries office nearest you or visit www.dgif.virginia.gov. Black ducks, photo © John Ford Caution: More restrictive regulations may apply to National Wildlife Refuges open to public hunting. For additional information on federal regulations, contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement, 5721 South Laburnum Ave., Inside illustrations © Spike Knuth Richmond, VA 23231; phone (804) 771-2883, 771-2280; FAX (804) 222-8421. The sale of advertising paid a large portion of the cost of this publication. The Department of Game and Inland Fisheries neither endorses the products or services offered in the advertising, nor accepts any liability from the use of such products or services.
DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE Few activities harbor the coming of fall more than the Labor Day weekend and a dove field in the heat of the day. We com- ment on how much better the birds will fly when it cools off while a drop of sweat stings our dominant eye as we scan the horizon. Some may also choose to split the day up with early goose hunting with their waterfowl partners of the upcoming season. While about 90% of our hunters identify Meghan Marchetti / DGIF themselves at least in part as deer hunters few are more pas- sionate than those seeking migratory birds. Remember that there are few better opportunities to introduce and nurture new hunters and outdoor enthusiasts than in a dove field or Williamstown, MA | Birmingham, AL a waterfowl blind. Fifteen years ago Virginia’s Migratory Waterfowl Con- servation Stamp was created to protect, restore and enhance waterfowl habitats. The revenue is divided 50/50 between non-profit organizations and DGIF for these purposes. Res- toration projects at Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, About This Guide False Cape State Park and numerous private lands have been completed. Parcels of property containing significant wetlands have been purchased including the Mattaponi, Doe Creek and Ware Creek Wildlife Management Areas. Virginia was the first state to combine state waterfowl This high-quality guide is offered to you funds and non-game funds in support of breeding habitat development in Canada. by the Virginia Department of Game and Regardless of your age it is important to remember that safety always comes first. Frigid Inland Fisheries through its unique part- waters, navigation hazards, darkness, and frequent fog make boating for waterfowlers especially nership with J.F. Griffin Publishing, LLC. dangerous. Always wear PFD’s when not in a stationary blind or on shore. Close proximity of The revenue generated through ad sales hunters in blinds, restricted areas and boats makes gun safety a must. In short we are working with our conservation partners to be good stewards and repre- significantly lowers production costs and sentatives of you our constituents. We thank you for your support and for being the true leaders generates savings. These savings translate of conservation through your actions and support. I hope you have a enjoyable and safe season. into additional funds for other important agency programs. Gary Martel If you have any feedback or are inter- Acting Executive Director, DGIF ested in advertising, please contact us at 413.884.1001 or at www.JFGriffin.com Graphic Design: VIRGINIA’S WILDLIFE Jon Gulley, Dane Fay, John Corey, Evelyn Haddad, Chris Sobolowski RESTORATION PROGRAM AND YOU Hunters and trappers create many opportunities for Virginians to enjoy excep- tional hunting, trapping, and wildlife watching. Through the Federal Assistance in Wildlife Restoration program, you help the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries make wildlife-oriented outdoor recreation even better each time you buy a firearm, ammunition, or a hunting or trapping license. When you buy hunting-related equipment, a portion of the excise tax levied on the manufacturer goes to the Federal Assistance in Wildlife Restoration pro- gram. Virginia currently receives approximately $12 million each year from this program, which funds a large portion of the Department’s habitat management and wildlife population research projects. This guide is also available online at Photo by Meghan Marchetti / DGIF 2 2019–2020 VIRGINIA MIGRATORY GAME BIRD HUNTING WWW.DGIF.VIRGINIA.GOV
CONTACT INFORMATION Headquarters Regional Offices 7870 Villa Park Drive, Suite 400 Region 1 Region 4 Henrico, VA 23228-0778 3801 John Tyler Memorial Hwy. P.O. Box 996, 517 Lee Highway (804) 367-1000; (804) 367-1278 V/TDD Charles City, VA 23030 Verona, VA 24482 Mailing Address: (804) 829-6580 (540) 248-9360 P. O. Box 90778 Henrico, VA 23228-0778 Region 2 1320 Belman Road 1132 Thomas Jefferson Road Fredericksburg, VA 22401 Note: The Headquarters Office is the only Forest, VA 24551-9223 (540) 899-4169 Department location where public visitors may (434) 525-7522 purchase licenses and title/register a boat. These services are not available at the Regional Offices. Region 3 1796 Highway Sixteen Marion, VA 24354 (276) 783-4860 Additional Contacts Report Wildlife Violations Only Virginia Department of Forestry USDA Wildlife Services (800) 237-5712 or wildcrime@dgif.virginia.gov Headquarters: (434) 977-6555 (804) 739-7739 State Forests: (804) 492-4121 Boating Registration/ www.dof.virginia.gov/stateforest/recreation/ U. S. Forest Service Supervisor License Fees hunting.htm George Washington and (804) 367-1000 Jefferson Forest Department of Conservation and www.fs.usda.gov/gwj Quota Hunts Recreation Reservation Center (540) 265-5100 or (888) 265-0019 www.gooutdoorsvirginia.com www.dcr.virginia.gov (800) 933-7275 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Federal wildlife inquiries only) (804) 771-2883; (804) 771-2280 REFER A FRIEND TO JOIN YOU IN THE OUTDOORS 1. Generate your referral code at License.GoOutdoorsVirginia.com 2. Your friend uses your code at checkout when buying their first fishing, hunting or wildlife license or permit 3. We mail you BOTH a gift Visit License.GoOutdoorsVA.com > WWW.DGIF.VIRGINIA.GOV 2019 –2020 VIRGINIA MIGRATORY GAME BIRD HUNTING 3
WHAT’S NEW FOR 2019-2020? • Duck Bag limits: the daily bag limit for Mal- • Veterans Waterfowl hunting days have been 50 days, 2 geese per day, to 30 days with 1 lards has been reduced from 4 birds (only 2 added and will be held on the same days goose per day (page 14). hens), to 2 birds (only 1 hen), and the pintail as Youth Waterfowl hunting days (page 4). • The Atlantic Brant hunting season has been bag limit has been reduced from 2 to 1 bird • The Canada goose season in the Atlantic reduced from 60 days, 2 brant per day, to 30 daily (page 12). Population (AP) Zone has been reduced from days and 2 brant per day (page 16). Non-toxic Shot General Information • Hunters using an enclosed ground (pop-up, Non-toxic shot approved by the Department chair, box, etc.) that conceals them from [steel, bismuth-tin, Iron-tungsten, Iron-tung- view shall display at least 100 square inches Migratory Game Birds sten-nickel (HEVISHOT), copper-clad iron, of solid blaze colored material, visible from Migratory game birds means species of water- tungsten-bronze, tungsten-iron-copper-nickel, 360 degrees attached to or immediately above fowl (ducks, geese, brant, swans, and mergan- tungsten matrix, tungsten-polymer, tungsten- the blind. This blaze color is in addition to sers) and webless species (coots, doves, gal- tin-iron, tungsten-tin-bismuth, tungsten-tin- any worn on the hunter’s person. linules, moorhens, rails, snipe, and woodcock). iron-nickel, and tungsten-iron-polymer] is required for hunting all waterfowl, mergansers, Exceptions Shooting Hours coots, moorhens, gallinules, snipe, and rails. • Blaze colored clothing is not required of No person shall take migratory game birds Lead shot is not allowed for hunting these spe- waterfowl hunters, dove hunters, individuals except during the hours open to shooting as cies and cannot be in possession in the field participating in hunting dog field trials, and prescribed. Shooting hours for all waterfowl, while hunting these species. Shot size should fox hunters on horseback without firearms. all seasons is one-half hour before sunrise until be no larger than “T”. • Hunters hunting with archery tackle during sunset, (except when otherwise permitted in an open firearms deer season in areas where the September Canada Goose season and the Blaze Colored Requirement the discharge of firearms is prohibited by Light Goose Conservation Order season). See The term “blaze colored” in reference to clothing state law or local ordinance, are exempt from sunrise-sunset timetable on page 29. Non-toxic or other items required for specific safe hunting the blaze color requirement. shot is required for all waterfowl hunting and practices shall be one of two colors: 1) traditional • Other than muzzleloader deer hunters, blaze for rail and snipe hunting. blaze orange or 2) bright pink or fluorescent pink colored clothing is not required of any hunters which will be known as blaze pink. hunting during the muzzleloader deer seasons. Possession Limits When hunting any species during a firearms The possession limit for migratory game birds deer season and on youth apprentice deer hunt- is 3 times the daily bag limit (except for light ing weekend: geese and tundra swans), but no one is allowed • Every hunter (see exceptions below), or per- to have more than one daily bag limit of game sons accompanying a hunter, shall wear a in his possession while in the forests, fields, or solid blaze colored (blaze orange or blaze waters of this state. Wounded birds reduced pink) hat or solid blaze colored upper body to possession shall be immediately killed and clothing that is visible from 360 degrees or included in the daily bag limit. display at least 100 square inches of solid blaze colored material at shoulder level within body Sunday Hunting reach and visible from 360 degrees. Hunting for waterfowl (ducks, coot, geese, brant, • Hats may have a bill or brim color or design and swan) and rails (including gallinules and other than solid blaze color. Hats shall not moorhens) is allowed on Sundays (on private be in “camo” style, since the latter is designed lands and on public lands as permitted by the to prevent visibility. A logo, which does not landowner) subject to geographical limitations detract from visibility, may be worn on a established by the Director of the Department blaze colored hat. and except within 200 yards of a house of wor- ship or any accessory structure thereof. YOUTH & VETERANS WATERFOWL HUNTING DAYS October 26, 2019 and February 8, 2020 Statewide. Open to Youth 15 years of age and under, Military Veterans (as defined in section 101 of title 38, United States Code) and members of the Armed Forces on active duty, including members of the National Guard and Reserves on active duty (other than for training). Participants may harvest the allowed daily bag limit of ducks (see above), sea ducks (including in the Special Sea Duck Zone), and other waterfowl, including Atlantic brant, coots, mergansers, gallinules, moorhens, light geese, 1 Canada goose in the Atlantic Population Zone, 5 Canada geese in the Southern James Bay Population and Resident Popula- tion zones, and 1 tundra swan (if in possession of a tundra swan permit) on the designated days. Resident youth aged 12–15, nonresident youth age 15 or under, and Veterans need a valid Virginia hunting license, unless license exempt. All hunters partici- pating must be Virginia HIP registered (www.gooutdoorsvirginia.com). All youth must be accompanied and directly supervised by an adult at least 18 years of age or older who has a valid Virginia hunting license (unless license exempt). The accompanying adult cannot hunt ducks (unless they are a Veteran), but may hunt for those species for which there is an open season. 4 2019–2020 VIRGINIA MIGRATORY GAME BIRD HUNTING WWW.DGIF.VIRGINIA.GOV
DON’T FORGET FEDERAL ELECTRONIC TO REGISTER OR “E-STAMP” DUCK WITH HIP STAMP PROGRAM All hunters (whether licensed or A Federal Duck Stamp is license-exempt) who plan to hunt required for all persons 16 migratory game birds including years and older in order to dove, waterfowl, rail, woodcock, hunt waterfowl. A convenient snipe, coots, gallinules, or moor- online option is available hens, must be registered with the whereby hunters can obtain Virginia Harvest Information Pro- an E-stamp for $27.50. The gram (HIP). A new HIP registration E-stamp is valid immediately is required each year. Hunters are following the purchase and no longer given a separate HIP for up to 45 days. The actual number, but confirmation of your Federal Duck Stamp will be HIP registration will be printed on mailed to the customer within your license, or issued separately 45 days and must be signed for license-exempt hunters. Infor- and carried thereafter while mation obtained from HIP is vital hunting waterfowl. Waterfowl 2019-2020 Federal Duck Stamp for the management of migratory hunters can still purchase Artwork by Scot Storm birds in Virginia. Register for HIP their Federal Duck Stamp at ©All rights reserved by USFWS online at www.gooutdoorsvirginia. some U.S. Post Offices at a com or call 888-788-9772. cost of $25.00. If you DO NOT hunt the migratory To obtain the E-stamp Federal Duck Stamp go to the Department’s website birds noted above, you DO NOT (www.gooutdoorsvirginia.com) and click on hunting and fishing licenses or visit need to register for HIP. one of over 800 license agents throughout the Commonwealth. du events making the off-season endurable since 1937 DU hosts over 4,000 events across the country each year. By attending your local event, you can have a great time while helping us fill the skies with waterfowl. To find an event near you, visit ducks.org/events. 5
LICENSE FEES (Issuance fee is included in all prices.) Resident and nonresident licenses are valid for one year from the date of purchase except the bear license, deer/turkey license, and the Virginia migratory water- fowl conservation stamp (which are valid July 1-June 30 only), the apprentice hunting license (valid for 2 years from date of purchase), and lifetime licenses. The bear license and deer/turkey license that are part of a package (e.g. Sportsman’s License or combo licenses) are also only valid July 1–June 30. For information on Hunter Education requirements see page 7 in the hunting and trapping digest or go to www.dgif.virginia.gov/hunting/education. It is unlawful to alter, change, borrow, or lend a hunting license or permit. For Legacy, Lifetime, and Veterans Lifetime Licenses and information please see page 8. Resident Hunting Licenses Nonresident Hunting Licenses LICENSES FEE LICENSES FEE Resident Sportsman’s License (age 16 and older) $100.00 Nonresident Hunting License* (age 16 and older) $111.00 Includes hunting license, bear license, deer/turkey license, archery li- Nonresident 3-Day Hunt License* (age 16 and older) $60.00 cense, muzzleloading license, freshwater fishing license, and trout license. Must be 3 consecutive days Resident Hunting License* (age 16 and older) Nonresident Apprentice Hunting License* $21.00 1-year license $23.00 Valid for 2 years from date of purchase. 2-year license $44.00 Nonresident Annual Hunting License for 70% or Greater Service-Connect- ed Partially Disabled Veterans and Service-Connected Totally and Perma- 3-year license $65.00 nently Disabled Veterans 4-year license $86.00 Nonresident Veterans rated 70% or greater or as Total and Permanent Resident County or City Hunting License* (age 16 and older) $16.00 Service-Connected by the U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs Administrative Office may apply for a discounted annual hunting license by application For county or city of residence only. only. Please note this license does not include bear, deer/turkey, archery, Resident Apprentice Hunting License* $11.00 muzzleloading or other applicable licenses, stamp, and/or permits. Valid for 2 years from date of purchase. *Special Annual Basic Freshwater Fishing & Hunting Licenses for Partially Disabled Veterans Resident Senior Citizen Hunting License* (age 65 and over) $9.00 *Special Annual Basic Freshwater Fishing & Hunting License for Nonresi- Resident Annual Hunting License for 70 Percent or Greater Service- dent Totally and Permanently Connected Partially Disabled Veterans Please visit www.dgif.virginia.gov for applications listed above, instruc- Resident Veterans rated 70% or greater service-connected by the U.S. tions, and prices. Applications may be mailed or brought into our Henrico Dept. of Veterans Affairs Administrative Office may apply for a discount- office location only. ed annual hunting license,. Please note this license does not include bear, Nonresident Junior Hunting License* (under age 12) $13.00 deer/turkey, archery, muzzleloading or other applicable licenses, stamp, Nonresident Junior Hunting License* (age 12 to 15) $16.00 and/or permits. Please visit www.dgif.virginia.gov for application, instruc- Nonresident Youth Combination Hunting License (under age 16) $31.00 tions, and prices. Applications may be mailed or brought into our Henrico office location only. Includes hunting license, bear license, deer/turkey license, archery license, and muzzleloading license. Resident Junior Hunting License* * Annual bear license, deer/turkey license and all applicable licenses, stamps, $8.50 (age 12 to 15; optional for under 12 years old) or permits are required in addition to this license. Resident Youth Combination Hunting License (age 12 to 15) $16.00 Includes hunting license, bear license, deer/turkey license, archery license, and muzzleloading license. WHERE TO OBTAIN A LICENSE Online * Annual bear license, deer/turkey license and all applicable licenses, stamps, www.gooutdoorsvirginia.com. or permits are required in addition to this license. • Create Your Customer Account: The new Go Out- doors Virginia site allows you to create a unique cus- tomer account to access licenses and products that apply to you based on age and residency. • Existing Customers: Log in using your date of birth and either your DGIF Customer ID or your previous year’s DGIF license number and license year. Select WHAT LICENSES DO I NEED? the license(s) you want, pay with your credit card and print your license if needed. To Hunt Dove, Woodcock, Snipe, or Rail A hunting license (unless license exempt), and a HIP In Person registration is required. A National Forest Permit or State Sold by some clerks of the Circuit Court and hundreds Forest Use Permit may also be required. of license agents around the state. Not sold at Depart- ment regional offices. To find a license agent visit: To Hunt Waterfowl https://license.gooutdoorsvirginia.com/Licensing/Lo- A hunting license (unless license exempt), a HIP registra- cateAgent.Aspx tion, a Federal Duck stamp (16 years and older), and a Virginia Duck Stamp (16 years and older, unless license By Phone /Mobile Phone exempt) are required. A National Forest Permit or State (804) 367-1000 during regular business hours, or use Forest Use Permit may also be required. your GoOutdoors Virginia mobile app. 6 2019–2020 VIRGINIA MIGRATORY GAME BIRD HUNTING WWW.DGIF.VIRGINIA.GOV
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LICENSE FEES For Legacy, Lifetime, and Veterans Lifetime Licenses and information please see below. Miscellaneous Licenses, Permits, and Stamps One or more of the following may be required in addition to a resident or nonresident hunting license. LICENSES FEE PERMITS FEE All blind licenses are available for purchase online at www.gooutdoorsvirginia. National Forest Permit $4.00 com or through any number of DGIF license agents throughout the state. To hunt and trap within National Forest. Not required of residents under There is an option to select if a metal plate is needed (new or replacement). If the age of 16 to trap; residents who have an annual senior citizen hunting purchased online or through a license agent you will receive a license showing license ($9.00) or a lifetime license issued before 7/1/88. your blind information; the decal and metal plate (if requested) will be mailed Virginia State Forest Use Permit (age 16 or older) $16.00 separately within 5 to 7 business days. Allows hunting, trapping, fishing, mountain biking, and horse riding. No Stationary Blind $23.50 motorized vehicles on gated roads/trails (open or closed). Sold in coopera- When purchasing a stationary blind license, you must provide GPS tion with the Virginia Department of Forestry. coordinates along with a description of where the blind is located. These $4.00 coordinates are needed to help evaluate whether blinds are within the Access Permit per day required distances, and they will help in future improvements of the blind licensing process. Coordinates should be reported as latitude and lon- • The permit fee is $4 for a daily permit or $23 for an annual permit. The gitude and can be entered in one of three formats: 1) Degrees, minutes, access permit may be purchased online or at any license agent. seconds (35° 45’ 52”), 2) Degrees and decimal minutes (35° 45.87’), or • An access permit is not required of any person, 17 years of age or 3) Decimal degrees (35.76°). older, accessing a wildlife management area or DGIF fishing lake, if Floating Blind $41.00 they have in their possession a valid hunting, freshwater fishing, or Offshore Blind Stake (limit 4 per licensee) $6.00 trapping license or current boat registration. Nonresident Hunting Preserve $23.00 • The access permit requirement does not apply to Department-owned To hunt within the boundaries of a licensed shooting preserve, in lieu of boat ramps or segments of the Appalachian Trail on Department- other required licenses. owned land. • Daily group rates are available. For more information go to www.dgif.virginia.gov/access permit/. STAMPS FEE Federal Migratory Duck E-Stamp $27.50 To take migratory waterfowl; required of persons 16 years of age and over in addition to hunting license. Valid July 1 through June 30. See page 5. Virginia Migratory Waterfowl Conservation Stamp $10.00 Required of persons 16 years of age and older, unless license exempt. Valid July 1 through June 30. LIFETIME AND SPECIAL ANNUAL LICENSES Legacy Lifetime • Resident Junior Lifetime Hunting license is available to Virginia residents under the age of 12. This license will ex- • Available to Virginia residents and non-residents under pire on their 12th birthday, and is transferable when they the age of 2 years upon date of application receipt to De- complete and submit the Youth Hunter Education Compli- partment of Game and Inland Fisheries. ance form and a copy of their Hunter Safety or equivalent • The legacy hunting lifetime license is valid until the indi- completed certificate. vidual’s 12th birthday at which time they must complete an approved hunter education course or equivalent, then Veteran Total and Permanent transfer the legacy to a regular hunting lifetime at no ad- Service-Connected Lifetime ditional charge. • Virginia residents who are rated as total and permanently service-connected disabled by the U.S. Veterans Admin- Lifetime istration office may apply for this lifetime license(s). • Virginia resident and non-residents lifetime licenses available. • The Veteran lifetime hunting license includes small game • Virginia residents may purchase their lifetime licenses online state hunting, bear, deer/turkey, archery, muzzleloading. through www.gooutdoorsvirginia.com provided their Vir- All other applicable licenses, stamps, or permits are re- ginia residency status can be verified through Virginia DMV. quired in addition to this license. • The lifetime hunting license equals the state hunting li- • Please visit www.dgif.virginia.gov for applications, prices, censes; all other applicable licenses, stamps, or permits and further instructions when applying for a lifetime license. are required in addition to this license. 8 2019–2020 VIRGINIA MIGRATORY GAME BIRD HUNTING WWW.DGIF.VIRGINIA.GOV
VIRGINIA WILDLIFE GRANT PROGRAM Your hunting license purchase supports conservation; your merchandise purchase supports the hunting heritage and other outdoor activities through the Virginia Wildlife Grant Program which awarded $80,000 in 2018 to connect youth to the outdoors. To make a purchase go to GoOutdoorsVirginia.com Grant submission date opens on August 1, 2019. See more at: virginiawildlife.gov/grant-program THE VIRGINIA CONSERVATION POLICE OFFICER Protectors of Virginia’s Wildlife and Natural Resources The badge of the Conservation Police Officer (CPO) represents those who have dedicated their lives to the protection of wildlife and natural resources, as well as promoting a safe environment for anglers, hunters, boaters, and other outdoor enthusiasts. To earn it requires comprehensive training and highly specialized skills, along with a passion for the outdoors and its wildlife. Conservation Police Officers are fully certified sworn officers through the Department of Criminal Justice Services, with the authority to enforce all of the laws of Virginia. However, due to the unique nature of this profession, those who wear the badge of the CPO are unlike any other police officer. CITIZEN Each CPO must be able to take on many different roles — from educator and FEEDBACK: ambassador to outdoor enthusiast; from evidence technician to boat collision reconstructionist; Your feedback, whether and from crime analyst to wildlife crime detective responsible for managing informants. positive or negative, is important. CPOs also provide public safety and emergency response, sometimes during severe weather Visit dgif.virginia.gov/ops to conditions, requiring that they put their lives on the line to rescue others. see how you can file an Officer CPOs frequently conduct patrols in remote areas on foot, ATV, and boat — usually without Commendation or Complaint, back-up and often under the cover of darkness. In these types of stressful situations, CPOs must or express a Law Enforcement “…maintain calm in the face of danger, scorn or ridicule; demonstrate self-restraint; and be constantly Division Praise or Dissatisfaction. mindful of the welfare of others.” (CONSERVATION POLICE OFFICER’S CODE OF ETHICS) 9
REGULATIONS BY SPECIES Statewide Dove Hunting Seasons Dove First Segment Second Segment September 2-October 27 November 27-December 4 Hours: Third Segment September 2 December 24-January 18 • 12:00 noon until sunset. Hours for Second and Third Segments: September 3-October 27 One-half hour before sunrise until sunset. • One-half hour before sunrise until sunset. Bag Limit No Sunday hunting of dove on public waters 15 per day, 45 in possession. Composed of or on public lands. mourning doves and white-winged doves, singly or in combination. Dove Hunting On Wildlife Management Areas Dove hunting is permitted within the boundaries of the following wildlife management areas: Amelia, Big Survey, Briery Creek, Cavalier, Chickahominy, Clinch Mountain, Crooked Creek, Dick Cross, Fairystone, Featherfin, Gathright, Goshen, Hardware River, Hidden Valley, High- land, Horsepen, James River, Little North Mountain, Mattaponi, Oakley Forest, Pettigrew, C.F. Phelps, Powhatan, Rapidan, Stewarts Creek, Thompson, Ware Creek, and White Oak Moun- tain. Additional information on specific Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) can be found at (https://www.dgif.virginia.gov/wma/), and the Managed Dove Fields section of our website (https://www.dgif.virginia.gov/wildlife/dove/) provides a summary of WMAs that have actively managed dove fields for this year. First Segment Second Segment September 2-October 27 November 27-December 4 Hours: Third Segment September 2 December 24-January 18 • 12:00 noon until sunset. Hours for Second and Third Segments: September 3-October 27 One-half hour before sunrise until sunset. • One-half hour before sunrise until sunset. Hunting permitted daily except Sundays. • Hunting permitted on Wednesdays and Sat- urdays only. Bag Limit 15 per day, 45 in possession. Composed of mourning doves and white-winged doves, singly or in combination. Rails Season Attention Rail and Snipe Hunters September 7-November 15 In Virginia, non-toxic shot is required for hunt- ing rails, gallinules, moorhens, and snipe, in Hours addition to all waterfowl, mergansers, and coots. One-half hour before sunrise until sunset. Sunday hunting for rails, gallinule, and Bag Limit moorhens is allowed on private lands and Clapper/King 15 — counted together daily, public lands as permitted by the landowner. 45 in possession. Sora/Virginia 25 — counted together daily, 75 in possession. Gallinule and Gallinule/Moorhen — 15 per day, 45 in posses- sion. (singly or in combination) Moorhen 10 2019–2020 VIRGINIA MIGRATORY GAME BIRD HUNTING WWW.DGIF.VIRGINIA.GOV
Woodcock Season Bag Limit November 20-December 8 3 per day, 9 in possession. December 21-January 15 No Sunday hunting of woodcock on public Hours waters or on public lands. One-half hour before sunrise until sunset. Snipe Season Attention Rail and Snipe Hunters October 11-14 In Virginia, non-toxic shot is required for hunt- October 21-January 31 ing rails, gallinules, moorhens, and snipe, in addition to all waterfowl, mergansers, and coots. Hours One-half hour before sunrise until sunset. No Sunday hunting of snipe on public waters or on public lands. Bag Limit 8 per day, 24 in possession. DON’T LET BUGS BE THE REASON YOU MISS This season, be the hunter not the prey with Ben’s® field-tested formula, trusted by hunters for over 30 years. Learn more at: Bens30.com POWERFUL PROTECTS AGAINST FRAGRANCE MADE IN FORMULA DISEASE-CARRYING INSECTS FREE THE USA 11
REGULATIONS BY SPECIES *Note: Hunters are reminded to positively September Teal Season: East of I-95 September 17-September 30 identify their ducks before shooting, since other species, such as wood ducks, may be in the area. Season: West of I-95 September 21-September 30 Special Requirements In addition to a HIP registration, a federal Hours migratory duck stamp and a Virginia Migra- One-half hour before sunrise until sunset. tory Waterfowl Conservation Stamp (unless license exempt) are also required to hunt teal Bag Limit during this season. 6 per day, 18 in possession.* (any combination of blue-winged and green- winged teal only) Ducks Seasons October 11-14 (Black duck closed) Hours One-half hour before sunrise until sunset. November 20-December 1 December 19-January 31 Closed season on harlequin ducks. Bag Limit The possession limit is three times the daily Daily Bag Limit: 6 ducks of any species except bag limit. No person may take more than one for the following restrictions: can include no daily bag limit in any one day. more than 2 mallards (only 1 hen mallards), 4 scoters, 4 long-tailed ducks, 4 eiders, 3 wood ducks, 2 redheads, 2 scaup, 1 pintail, 2 black ducks (except closed during Oct. 11–14), 2 canvasbacks, 1 mottled duck, and 1 fulvous whistling duck. Waterfowl Hunting On Wildlife Management Areas For information about quota or managed hunts for by 1:00 p.m. Hunting on Friday and Saturday of general waterfowl season. Hunters may hunt waterfowl and dove on Department WMAs, see the October segment (Oct. 11 & 12) and on the until 1:00 p.m. and must have all decoys up and page 19 or go online at www.dgif.virginia.gov. opening day of the November-December segment be away from the impoundments by 2:00 p.m. Waterfowl hunting on the James River WMA is (Nov. 20) and the December–January segment The area is open on Sundays for scouting and permitted only on the opening day, Wednesdays, (Dec. 19) will be by Quota hunt only—see page wildlife viewing. and Saturdays of the duck and goose seasons. 20. Outside of the duck season segments listed Waterfowl hunting on the Robert W. Duncan Waterfowl hunting on the Mattaponi Wildlife above, waterfowl hunting on Game Farm Marsh WMA is permitted only on October 11, 12, 13, Management Area is permitted only on October is open with no restrictions on hunt days, times, 14, and on Thursdays and Sundays of the duck 11, 12, 13, and 14,, and on Mondays, Wednesdays, or hunter numbers. and goose seasons. and Saturdays of the duck and goose seasons. Waterfowl hunting on and within 500 yards of Waterfowl hunting on Mattaponi Bluffs WMA Game Farm Marsh WMA is open for hunting the Ware Creek WMA is permitted (except por- is permitted only on October 11, 12, 13, 14, at any on Friday, Saturday, and Monday of the October tions of Philbates Creek) on Tuesdays, Thursdays, time during the multi-species quota hunt period segment of the duck season (11, 12 and 14), and and Saturdays of the duck and goose seasons. by the selected individuals and guests, and on on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays during Hunters may not occupy their hunting location Wednesdays and Saturdays after the quota hunt the November-December (Nov. 20-Dec. 1), and until 5 a.m. and hunting must end by 1 p.m. period (Jan 5 - end of waterfowl season). December–January (Dec. 19-Jan. 31) segments Waterfowl hunting at Doe Creek WMA is For information about waterfowl hunting on of the duck season. Hunters may not occupy the open to walk-in hunting on Saturdays only for other WMAs see our website at https://www. area before 5:00 a.m. and must vacate the area half days during the last two segments of the dgif.virginia.gov/wma. DGIF’S MOBILE APP Sync & Download Licenses Go Outdoors VA Always have your licenses ready for you & your family. Buy Your License on the Go Be prepared for your next outdoor adventure. Access Upcoming Events & More DOWNLOAD IT FOR FREE! Find local events, weather, tides & feeding times. Game Check Record & confirm your harvest wherever you are. 12
Outside the Special Special Season November 9-January 7 Sea Duck Zone Sea Duck Season Sea ducks cannot be taken in the Sea Duck Bag Limit Zone after January 7. Sea ducks can, however, in the *Special 5 per day (15 in possession), but may include no more than 4 scoters, 4 eiders or 4 long-tailed ducks. be taken during the regular duck season (Oct. 11-14, Nov. 20-Dec. 1 and Dec. 19–Jan. 31) in Sea Duck Zone all other areas outside of the sea duck zone *Special Sea Duck Zone Boundary (i.e.: within 800 yards of any shore, island or Those waters at a distance greater than 800 emergent vegetation…), since they are included Sea duck species are scoter, long-tailed duck yards from any shore, island, or emergent vege- in the regular season duck bag. No more than 4 (formerly oldsquaw), and eider. tation in the following areas: the ocean waters of scoters, 4 eiders or 4 long-tails can be included Virginia, the tidal waters of Northampton and in the regular season daily limit of 6 ducks. Accomack counties, and the Chesapeake Bay and each of its tributaries up to the first high- way bridge. Back Bay and its tributaries are not included in the special sea duck hunting area. Mergansers Seasons Bag Limit October 11-14 5 birds daily, of which only 2 birds may be a November 20-December 1 hooded merganser (15 in possession, only 6 of December 19-January 31 which may be hooded mergansers). NEW 209-712-9858 GAME PROCESSING TIPS & TRICKS sponsored by The most up-to-date WHY DON’T DUCKS FLY OVER YOU? Showcase regulations online. your business! YOU SEE THE DUCKS AND THEY DON’T SEE YOU! • Portable or permanent • Complete coverage from above • Sets up in seconds • Frame lengths: 2,3,4,5 & 6 feet • Lightweight welded steel • Powder coated finish For advertising inquiries, please call • Available as frame only or with Gibby Grass pre-installed • Blind Covers, Blind Ladders, and Leaker Decoys Stands (413) 884-1001 SEE US AT: basspro.com • cabelas.com Missed the printed edition? Powered by gibsonduckblindcoversinc.com Ask about year-round digital opportunities. email: duckblindcovers@sbcglobal.net 13
REGULATIONS BY SPECIES Coots Seasons Bag Limit October 11-14 15 per day, 45 in possession. November 20-December 1 December 19-January 31 Canada Goose Atlantic Population Zone (AP) Seasons Southern James Bay Population December 21-29 Zone (SJBP) Seasons January 11-31 November 20-December 1 (Includes White-fronted Geese) December 19-January 14 Bag Limit January 15-February 15 1 goose per day (3 in possession). Bag Limit Resident Population Zone (RP) Seasons 3 geese per day: Nov. 20-Dec. 1 and November 20-December 1 Dec. 19-Jan. 14. (9 in possession) December 19-February 24 5 geese per day: Jan. 15-Feb. 15. (15 in possession) Bag Limit Shooting Hours - All Zones 5 geese per day (15 in possession). One-half hour before sunrise to sunset. Canada Goose Zones The dividing lines between the hunting zones are as follows: Atlantic Population (AP) Hunt Zone line) at the West Virginia-Virginia border, south The area east of the Stafford/King George to Interstate 64 (the Blue Ridge line follows County line from the Potomac River south to county borders along the western edge of the Rappahannock River, then west along the Loudoun-Fauquier-Rappahannock-Madison- Stafford County line to Interstate 95, then south Green-Albemarle and into Nelson counties), along Interstate 95 to Route 460 in Petersburg, then east along Interstate 64 to Route 15, then then southeast along Route 460 to Route 32 in south along Route 15 to the North Carolina line. the city of Suffolk, then south along Route 32 to the North Carolina border. Resident Population (RP) Hunt Zone The portion of the state west of the SJBP Southern James Bay Population Hunt Zone. (SJBP) Hunt Zone The area to the west of the AP Hunt Zone boundary and east of the following line: the “Blue Ridge” (Loudoun County-Clarke County FR ED ER ICK RKE LOUDOUN CLA H DOA N ARLINGTON E PR AN RR FA IN FAIR EN WA UQ CE FAX SH UI WIL LIA NOCK ER M AHAN RAPP RO PAGE CKIN GH M CULPEPER AD STAFF AM ISO O RD D N KING LAN HIGH GREEN GEORGE E NIA WES AUGUSTA ORANGE YLVA TM SPOTS ORE LA ND ALBEMARLE RIC NORTHUMBERLAND BATH CAROLINE ES HM LOUISA SE ON KI X D GE NG NNA K LA NE HAN Y A KIN AC ID FLUV AN AN NC LSO OVE GW BR GOO M D MID AS GH R CO N CHL ILL Q CK TE AND IAM UEE DL R AC LE RO N ES AL EX ND T AMHERST BUCKINGHAM POWHATAN NEW HE UR LA GL MA NR O KENT ER OU N ET THE IC PTO CH MB O CRAIG BOT CE CITA JAMY APPO R CIT Y LES WS M MAT TO ST AMELIA CHESTERFIELD CU YO HA X E ER RK S BUC NEWPORT RT RO CE HAN GILES AN BEDFORD PRINORGE NEWS NO PRINCE AN MON OK E CAMPBELL EDWARD NOTTOWAY GE DIC TGO MER SURRY HAMPTON KEN SO TAZEWELL BLAND P Y DINWIDDIE PORTSMOUTH N UL CHARLOTTE ISLE OF NORFOLK AS WISE KI FRANKLIN LUNENBURG SUSSEX WIGHT RUSSELL IA VIREAC WYTHE FLOYD N B AN TO ICK GIN H SMYTH HALIFAX MP LV SW HA IA E CARROLL EAK UT SUFFOLK CHESAP SY UN SCOTT MECKLENBURG SO LEE WASHINGTON TT GRAYSON PATRICK BR GREENSVILLE PI HENRY Atlantic Resident Population Zone Southern James Bay Population Population Zone Zone 14 2019–2020 VIRGINIA MIGRATORY GAME BIRD HUNTING WWW.DGIF.VIRGINIA.GOV
September Season Bag Limit September 1-September 25 10 per day, 30 in possession. Canada Goose Hunt Zone September Canada goose hunting is not per- Statewide. mitted within the boundaries of the Amelia and Dick Cross Wildlife Management Areas. Hours: East of I-95 September 1-16 Special Requirements • One-half hour before sunrise to one-half In addition to a HIP registration, a federal hour after sunset. migratory duck stamp and a Virginia Migra- tory Waterfowl Conservation Stamp (unless September 17-25 license exempt) are also required to hunt geese • One-half hour before sunrise to sunset. during this season. Hours: West of I-95 Note: Electronic calls and unplugged shotguns September 1-20 are not allowed for hunting Canada geese. • One-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. September 21-25 • One-half hour before sunrise to sunset. Light Goose Regular Season by phone (866-721-6911), and obtain a Hunter October 17-January 31: statewide Activity Report prior to hunting. The Hunter (Greater and Lesser Snow Geese and Ross’s Geese) Activity Report must be submitted to the Bag Limit Department within two weeks following the 25 per day, no possession limit. close of the season, either through the agency website (above) or by mail (Light Goose Conser- Shooting Hours vation Order, 3801 John Tyler Memorial High- One-half hour before sunrise to sunset. way, Charles City, VA 23030). Registration will begin December 7, 2019. Conservation Order Season (See hunt zone in blue below.) Conservation Order Season Zone February 1-April 5 Same as the AP Canada Goose Zone — the area east of the Stafford/King George County Bag Limit line from the Potomac River south to the Rap- No daily or possession limit. pahannock River, then west along the Stafford County line to Interstate 95, then south along Special Hunting Methods: Electronic calls, Interstate 95 to Route 460 in Petersburg, then unplugged shotguns, and extended shooting southeast along Route 460 to Route 32 in the hours are allowed. city of Suffolk, then south along Route 32 to the North Carolina border. Shooting Hours: One-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. Conservation Order Season Hunt Zone All hunters who plan to participate in the Con- servation Order season must register either ED ER ICK FR online (www.dgif.virginia.gov/lightgoose) or H CLA RKE LOUDOUN OA ARLINGTON A ND R RE N FA PR IN FAIR EN WA UQ CE FAX SH UI WIL LIA NO CK ER M AHAN RAPP RO PAGE CKIN GH M CULPEPER AD STAFF AM ISO O RD N LAND KING HIGH GREEN GEORGE E NIA WES AUGUSTA ORANGE YLVA TM SPOTS ORE LA ND ALBEMARLE RIC NORTHUMBERLAND BATH CAROLINE ES H LOUISA SE MO KI X ND GE NG NNA K LA NE HAN Y KIN AC ID FLUVA AN AN NC LSO OVE GW BR GOO M D MID A GH R ST CO N CHL ILL Q CK AND IAM UEE DL ER AC LE RO N ES AL E ND X T AMHERST BUCKINGHAM POWHATAN NEW HE UR LA GL MA NR O KENT ER OU N ET THE IC TO CH MB O CRAIG BOT CE CITA JAMY APPO R MP CIT Y LES WS MAT TO ST AMELIA CHESTERFIELD CU YO HA X ES ER RK NEWPORT BUC RT RO CE HAN GILES AN BEDFORD PRINORGE NEWS NO PRINCE AN MON OK E CAMPBELL EDWARD NOTTOWAY GE DIC TGO MER SURRY HAMPTON KEN SO TAZEWELL BLAND P Y DINWIDDIE PORTSMOUTH N UL CHARLOTTE ISLE OF NORFOLK AS WISE KI FRANKLIN LUNENBURG SUSSEX WIGHT RUSSELL IA VIREAC WYTHE FLOYD N B AN TO ICK GIN H SMYTH HALIFAX MP LV SW HA IA E CARROLL EAK UT SUFFOLK CHESAP SY UN SCOTT MECKLENBURG SO LEE WASHINGTON TT GRAYSON PATRICK BR GREENSVILLE PI HENRY WWW.DGIF.VIRGINIA.GOV 2019 –2020 VIRGINIA MIGRATORY GAME BIRD HUNTING 15
REGULATIONS BY SPECIES Atlantic Seasons Bag limit December 21-29 2 per day, 6 in possession. Brant January 11-31 Virginia hunting license. A hunter may only Tundra Swan Seasons November 20-January 31 apply for a swan permit online through the Department’s website at www.gooutdoors- Bag limit virginia.com. 1 per permit. Swan hunting permits are non-transferable and are valid for use only by the person to whom Tundra Swan Hunt Area issued. Permits must be in the immediate pos- Hunting will be permitted in all counties and session of the permit holder while swan hunt- portions of counties lying east of I-95 and south ing. Immediately at the time and place of kill of the Prince William/Stafford County line successful permittees must cancel their swan in Chopawamsic Creek at Quantico Marine hunting permit by permanently recording the Corps Base. month and day of kill and by attaching the permit to the swan as instructed. The DGIF Tundra Swan Permit is required to obtain hunter participation and Before any person may hunt tundra swans in harvest information to offer this tundra swan Virginia, he or she must first apply for and hunting season. Hunters are required to com- receive a tundra swan hunt permit. Permits plete a tundra swan report online on our website are issued through a special drawing. The dead- (www.gooutdoorsvirginia.com) at the end of line to submit applications for this drawing their hunt. Those who fail to submit their hunt is September 27, 2019. The Department will report by February 15, 2020 are ineligible for issue no more than 801 swan hunting permits. future drawings. The drawing is open only to holders of a valid SPORTSMEN: BOAT SMART, WATERFOWL WEAR YOUR LIFE JACKET INFORMATION Wearing a life jacket may save your life. It is estimated that 80 percent of boat- The web is a wonderful tool for ing-related drownings could have been prevented had the victim been wearing waterfowlers. Information on a life jacket. season dates and bag limits can be found along with information The newest type of life jacket, the manual or automatic inflatable, is lightweight on waterfowl population status, and comfortable. They are versatile enough to be worn at any time of the year, habitat conditions, as well as and fit easily over a hunting coat or sweater. current waterfowl research being conducted in Virginia. Sites we Safety Tips recommend include: • Check the weather before leaving. Virginia Department of • Wear a life jacket or float coat. Game & Inland Fisheries Waterfowl Homepage • Remain seated and keep weight evenly distributed. www.dgif.virginia.gov/wildlife/ • Anchor from the bow, never from the stern. waterfowl/ • Properly load your boat. USFWS and Flyway Council website • Stay with your boat if it should capsize. www.flyways.us • Dress for the water temperature—guard against Federal Register Documents hypothermia. www.fws.gov/policy/ • Leave the alcohol at home. For more information, contact Boating Education at: BoatSafety@dgif.virginia.gov. 16 2019–2020 VIRGINIA MIGRATORY GAME BIRD HUNTING WWW.DGIF.VIRGINIA.GOV
DEFINITIONS & TERMS Aggregate possession limit means the maxi- What Terms that is conducted in accordance with official mum number of migratory game birds of a single recommendations of state Extension Specialists Do I Need to species or combination of species taken in the of the Cooperative Extension Service of the U.S. United States permitted to be possessed by any Department of Agriculture. Understand? one person when taking and possession occurs in more than one specified geographic area for Normal soil stabilization practice means a which a possession limit is prescribed. The aggre- planting for agricultural soil erosion control Migratory birds are birds protected by federal gate possession limit is equal to, but shall not or post-mining land reclamation conducted in law as a result of treaties signed with other exceed, the largest possession limit prescribed accordance with official recommendations of countries. Protected migratory birds are listed for any one of the species or specified geographic state Extension Specialists of the Cooperative in Title 50 Code of Federal Regulations, Sec- areas in which taking and possession occurs. Extension Service of the U.S. Department of tion. 10.13. This list includes almost all birds Agriculture for agricultural soil erosion control. found in the United States with the exception Personal abode means one’s principal or ordi- of the house sparrow, feral pigeon (commonly nary home or dwelling place, as distinguished Baited area means any area on which salt, grain, called rock dove), European starling, Eurasian from one’s temporary or transient place of abode or other feed has been placed, exposed, depos- collared-dove, mute swan, and upland game or dwelling such as a hunting club, or any club ited, distributed, or scattered, if that salt, grain, birds (which are protected by state laws). house, cabin, tent or trailer house used as a hunt- or other feed could serve as a lure or attraction All migratory birds are protected. However, ing club, or any hotel, motel, or rooming house for migratory game birds to, on, or over areas a subset of migratory birds classified as migra- used during a hunting, pleasure, or business trip. where hunters are attempting to take them. Any tory game birds may be hunted in accordance such area will remain a baited area for ten days with state and federal regulations. The list of Migratory bird preservation facility means: following the complete removal of all such salt, migratory game birds includes species of ducks, 1. Any person who, at their residence or place grain, or other feed. geese (including brant), swans, mergansers, of business and for hire or other consid- doves, rails, coots, gallinules and moorhens, eration; or Baiting means the direct or indirect placing, woodcock, and snipe. 2. Any taxidermist, cold-storage facility or exposing, depositing, distributing, or scattering locker plant which, for hire or other con- of salt, grain, or other feed that could serve as a Daily bag limit means the maximum number sideration; or lure or attraction for migratory game birds to, of migratory game birds of a single species or 3. Any hunting club which, in the normal on, or over any areas where hunters are attempt- combination (aggregate) of species permitted course of operations, receives, possesses, ing to take them. to be taken by one person in any one day during or has in custody any migratory game birds the open season in any one specified geographic belonging to another person for purposes Manipulation means the alteration of natural area for which a daily bag limit is prescribed. of picking, cleaning, freezing, processing, vegetation or agricultural crops by activities that storage, or shipment. include but are not limited to mowing, shred- Aggregate daily bag limit means the maxi- ding, dicing, rolling, chopping, trampling, flatten- mum number of migratory game birds per- Normal agricultural planting, harvesting, or ing, burning, or herbicide treatments. The term mitted to be taken by one person in any one post-harvest manipulation means a planting or manipulation does not include the distributing day during the open season when such person harvesting undertaken for the purpose of produc- or scattering of grain, seed, or other feed after hunts in more than one specified geographic ing and gathering a crop, or manipulation after removal from or storage on the field where grown. area and/or for more than one species for which such harvest and removal of grain. In Virginia, a combined daily bag limit is prescribed. The this also applies to food plots that are planted for Natural vegetation means any non-agricul- aggregate daily bag limit is equal to, but shall the purpose of hunting migratory game birds. tural, native, or naturalized plant species that not exceed, the largest daily bag limit prescribed Relevant factors include recommended planting grows at a site in response to planting or from for any one species or for any one specified dates, proper seed distribution, seed bed prepara- existing seeds or other propagules. The term geographic area in which taking occurs. tion, application rate, and seed viability. These natural vegetation does not include planted practices are to be conducted in accordance millet. However, planted millet that grows on Possession limit means the maximum number with official recommendations of State Exten- its own in subsequent years after the year of of migratory game birds of a single species or sion Specialists of the Cooperative Extension planting is considered natural vegetation. a combination of species permitted to be pos- Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. sessed by any one person when lawfully taken in For official recommendations visit https://pubs. the United States in any one specified geographic ext.vt.edu/424/424-100/424-100_pdf.pdf. area for which a possession limit is prescribed. • Official recommendations state the guide- lines for planting wheat in Virginia are one week before to one week after the first killing frost, October 15–November 15 in eastern Virginia; October 1–November 1 in the Pied- mont; October 1–October 25 west of the Blue Ridge. Plant 120–150 lbs. per acre (36 seeds per sq. ft. or 20 seeds per drill ft. in 7" rows). Plant in 6–8" rows or solid seeded. • Wheat planted or scattered outside of these guidelines does not satisfy the definition of normal agricultural planting. Therefore, it is unlawful to hunt migratory game birds over such areas. Normal agricultural operation means a nor- mal agricultural planting, harvesting, post- ©Spike Knuth harvest manipulation, or agricultural practice WWW.DGIF.VIRGINIA.GOV 17
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