4VAC15-90-294. Game: Deer. Rehabilitation of cervids.
Summary
The recommendation is to change the allowable date of release of rehabilitated deer fawns from December 31st to January 15th, which would allow fawns to remain in rehabilitation until the close of the regular deer hunting seasons.
Proposed Language
Note: In the “Proposed Language” document, underlined text denotes proposed new language, while text with a strikethrough denotes language that is proposed to be deleted.
Rationale
There is interest among permitted fawn rehabilitators to extend the time period for release of rehabilitated fawns until after the conclusion of the regular deer seasons (1st Saturday in January). This time extension may allow rehabilitated fawns additional time to acclimate without ongoing, elevated deer hunting pressure typically noted at the end of the regular deer seasons. There should be limited additional risk of habituation from this extension, provided that it only extends through January 15th. This recommendation does not allow the extension of rehabilitation beyond January 15th, even in localities which have late antlerless only deer seasons, unless the provisions of subsection C are met (written authorization from the Department).