Public Comment Period: July 7 – August 5, 2026
On May 21, 2026, the Virginia Board of Wildlife Resources, pursuant to §§ 29.1-103, 29.1-501, 29.1-502, 29.1-701, and 29.1-735 of the Code of Virginia, proposed amendments to the Commonwealth’s regulations governing wildlife, fisheries, and boating as well as fee increases related to hunting, fishing, trapping, and boat registrations. Comments on the proposals are solicited during a public comment period that closes at 5 PM on August 5, 2026. This online comment system is the most efficient and effective way to submit your views and have them seen the fastest.
Comments also may be: made during the August 19, 2026 Wildlife & Boat Committee meeting or the August 20, 2026 meeting of the Board; postal-mailed to the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, Attn: Policy Analyst and Regulatory Coordinator, P.O. Box 90778, Henrico, Virginia 23228; or emailed to RegComments@dwr.virginia.gov. Comments must be in writing and accompanied by the name, address and telephone number of the party offering them. Comments submitted other than at the August 19, 2026 Wildlife & Boat Committee meeting or the August 20, 2026 Board meeting must be received no later than 5 PM on August 5, 2026.
After hearing public comment on the proposed amendments at the August 20, 2026 Board meeting, the Board will deliberate and, as desired, vote to adopt regulation amendments.
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Freshwater Fisheries | |
| VAC | Title |
|---|---|
| 4VAC15-320-25 | Creel and length limits. |
| 4VAC15-320-60 | Approval required to stock fish into inland waters |
| 4VAC15-330-150 | Special provision applicable to trout fishing using artificial lures with single hook. |
| 4VAC15-350-60 | Trotlines, juglines, limblines, or set poles. |
Game Wildlife | |
| VAC | Title |
| 4VAC15-90-294 | Game: Deer. Rehabilitation of cervids. |
| 4VAC15-90-550 | Game: Deer. Special elk hunting license, Conservation License Program. |
Hunting | |
| VAC | Title |
| 4VAC15-50-120 | Game: Bear. Bear hound training season. |
Hunting, Trapping, and Fishing License and Permit Fees | |
| VAC | Title |
| 4VAC15-20-65 | Definitions and Miscellaneous: In General. Hunting, Trapping, and Fishing License and Permit Fees |
| 4VAC15-20-155 | Definitions and Miscellaneous: In General. Camping on Wildlife Management Areas and other department-owned or department-managed lands. |
Non-Game and Endangered Species | |
| VAC | Title |
| 4VAC15-20-50 | Definitions and Miscellaneous: In General. Definitions; "wild animal," "native animal," "naturalized animal," "nonnative (exotic) animal," and "domestic animal." |
| 4VAC15-20-130 | Definitions and Miscellaneous: In General. Endangered and threatened species; adoption of federal list; additional species enumerated. |
| 4VAC15-340-60 | Seines, traps, and nets prohibited in certain areas |
| 4VAC15-360-10 | Fish: Aquatic Invertebrates, Amphibians, Reptiles, and Nongame Fish. Taking aquatic invertebrates, amphibians, reptiles, and nongame fish for private use. |
Recreational Boating | |
| VAC | Title |
| 4VAC15-370-50 | Watercraft: In General. Regulatory markers and aids to navigation. |
| 4VAC15-370-51 | Watercraft: In General. Regulatory markers and aids to navigation maintenance. |
| 4VAC15-390-10 | Watercraft: Safe and Reasonable Operation of Vessels. Applicability. |
| 4VAC15-430-30 | Watercraft: Safety Equipment Requirements. Personal flotation devices required. |
| 4VAC15-430-211 | Watercraft: Safety Equipment Requirements. Engine cut-off. (NEW) |
Watercraft Registration and Titling Fees | |
| VAC | Title |
| 4VAC15-380-120 | Watercraft. Motorboat Numbering; Certificate of Registration and Titling Fees. |