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Virginia Department of Game and Inland FisheriesVirginiaMigratory Waterfowl2013-2014Seasons and Bag Limitswww.HuntFishVA.com

Commonwealth ofVirginiaBob McDonnellGovernorSecretary of Natural ResourcesDouglas W. DomenechDepartment of Gameand Inland FisheriesBob DuncanExecutive DirectorMembers of the BoardCurtis D. Colgate, Chairman,Virginia BeachBen Davenport, Vice-chairman,ChathamDavid Bernhardt, ArlingtonLisa Caruso, Church RoadCharles H.Cunningham, FairfaxGarry L. Gray, Bowling GreenVaughn R. Groves, AbingdonHugh Palmer, Highland SpringsF. Scott Reed, Jr., Manakin-SabotLeon O. Turner, FincastleMark A. Winkler, DDS, Fairfax Sta.The sale of advertising paid a large portionof the cost of this publication. TheDepartment of Game and Inland Fisheriesneither endorses the products orservices offered in the advertising, noraccepts any liability from the use of suchproducts or services.The Department of Game and InlandFisheries prohibits discrimination onthe basis of gender, race, color, nationalorigin, age, religion, or disability. Send allinquiries to Human Resources, Dept. ofGame and Inland Fisheries, P. O. Box11104, Richmond, VA 23230.Cover: 2013 Virginia MigratoryWaterfowl Conservation Stamp,artwork by Janet Hong.All inside illustrations by©Spike Knuth.ContentsWhat’s New For 2013-2014...........................5General InformationShooting Hours ..........................................5Possession Limits .......................................5License Fees...............................................7Waterfowl SeasonsDucks .......................................................10Youth Waterfowl Hunting Days...............10Waterfowl Hunting on WMAs .................10Sea Ducks.................................................11Coots and Mergansers,............................11Light (Snow) Goose..................................13Canada Goose..........................................14Atlantic Brant...........................................15Tundra Swan ............................................15What Terms Do I Need to Understand?......16Lawful Hunting Methods ............................18Unlawful Hunting Methods .........................19Waterfowl Blind Laws..................................20Areas Closed to Waterfowl Hunting............25Waterfowl Hunting Safety Tips....................26Sunrise-Sunset Timetable ............................28This publication is to be used as a supplement to Huntingand Trapping in Virginia, 2013-2014 Regulations and is forgeneral use and contains information regarding programs,policies, regulations, rules, or fees of the Virginia Departmentof Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGIF) current at thetime of printing. Information may change after printing andany changes will supersede the information in this publication.VDGIF’s programs, policies, regulations, rules, or feescan be found at www.dgif.virginia.gov. Specific laws arefound in the Code of Virginia (http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?000+cod+TOC2901000) or the GameDepartment Regulation Manual (http://leg1state.va.us/000/reg/TOC04015.htm). For answers to specific questionsabout hunting and fishing, contact a Department officenearest you or visit our website.Caution: More restrictive regulations may apply toNational Wildlife Refuges open to public hunting. Foradditional information on federal regulations, contact theU.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement,5721 South Laburnum Ave., Richmond, VA 23231; phone(804) 771-2883, 771-2280; FAX (804) 222-8421.

If you have questions or need assistance, contact the office nearest you.Richmond Headquarters4010 W. Broad St., P.O. Box 11104, Richmond, VA 23230-1104(804) 367-1000; (804) 367-1278 TTYRegional OfficesRegion 13801 John Tyler Memorial Hwy.Charles City, VA 23030(804) 829-6580Region 21132 Thomas Jefferson RoadForest, VA 24551-9223(434) 525-7522Region 31796 Highway SixteenMarion, VA 24354(276) 783-4860LEEWISESCOTTDICKENSONAMHERSTGILESBEDFORD2BUCKINGHAM POWHATANCHESTERFIELDAMELIAPRINCECAMPBELL EDWARDTAZEWELL BLANDRUSSELLFRANKLINWYTHE FLOYD3DINWIDDIECHARLOTTELUNENBURGSUSSEXSMYTHHALIFAXCARROLLWASHINGTONMECKLENBURGGRAYSONPATRICKGREENSVILLEHENRYBUCHANANPULASKIRegion 4P.O. Box 96, 517 Lee HighwayVerona, VA 24482(540) 248-93601320 Belman RoadFredericksburg, VA 22401(540) 899-4169CRAIGMONTGOMERYALLEGHANYROANOKEBATHBOTETOURTHIGHLANDROCKBRIDGEAUGUSTAPITTSYLVANIAROCKINGHAMNELSONAPPOMATTOXSHENANDOAHPAGEGREENEFREDERICKWARRENCLARKERAPPAHANNOCKMADISONALBEMARLEFLUVANNACUMBERLANDLOUDOUN4CULPEPERORANGEFAUQUIERLOUISAGOOCHLANDNOTTOWAYFAIRFAXPRINCE WILLIAMSTAFFORDSPOTSYLVANIABRUNSWICKKINGGEORGECAROLINEHANOVERHENRICOKING WILLIAMCHARLESCITYPRINCEGEORGEARLINGTONWESTMORELANDESSEXKING AND QUEENNEWKENTSOUTHAMPTONRICHMOND1SURRYISLE OFWIGHTJAMESCITYLANCASTERMIDDLESEXGLOUCESTERYORKSUFFOLKNORTHUMBERLANDMATHEWSNEWPORTNEWSVIRGINIABEACHCHESAPEAKENORTHAMPTONHAMPTONPORTSMOUTHNORFOLKACCOMACKHunters Don’t Forget: HIP and Migratory Duck Stamps!All hunters (whether licensed or exempt from being licensed) who plan to huntdoves, waterfowl, rails, woodcock, snipe, coots, gallinules, or moorhens in Virginia mustbe registered with the Virginia Harvest Information Program (HIP). A new HIP number isrequired each year and is valid from July 1 to the following June 30. You can register online atwww.HuntFishVA.com or call 1-888-788-9772. Note: If you travel out of state to huntmigratory game birds you are required to obtain a HIP number for each state you hunt in.Contact each state for their HIP registration process.Also, Virginia waterfowl hunters must obtain a Federal Migratory Bird Hunting andConservation Stamp and the Virginia Migratory Waterfowl Conservation Stamp (unlesslicense exempt) to hunt waterfowl in Virginia. The annual Virginia Migratory WaterfowlConservation Stamp can be purchased for $10.00 (resident or nonresident) at VDGIFlicense agents or clerks that sell Virginia hunting licenses or from the Department’s website.4

License FeesLicenses are valid for one year from the dateof purchase, except the bear, deer, turkeylicense (only valid July 1–June 30), theVirginia migratory waterfowl conservationstamp (only valid July 1–June 30), theapprentice hunting license (valid for 2 yearsfrom date of purchase), and lifetimelicenses.RESIDENT HUNTING LICENSESSportsman’s License(age 16 and older) ..................$133.00Includes hunting license, bear, deer, turkeylicense, archery license, crossbow license,muzzleloading license, freshwater fishinglicense, and trout licenseHunting License (age 16 and older)1-year license ......................$23.002-year license...............................$44.003-year license...............................$65.004-year license...............................$86.00County or City Hunting License(age 16 and older)........................... $16.00For county or city of residence onlyApprentice Hunting License............ $11.00Annual bear, deer, turkey license and allapplicable licenses, stamps, or permits arerequired in addition to this license.Valid for 2 years from date of purchase.Senior Citizen Hunting License(age 65 and over) ............................. $9.00Annual bear, deer, turkey license and allapplicable licenses, stamps or permits arerequired in addition to this license.Special Resident Annual Hunting Licensefor Partially Disabled Veterans........$12.00Resident veterans rated and certified bythe U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs ashaving at least 70 percent service-connecteddisability upon certification. Annual bear,deer, turkey license and all applicablelicenses, stamps or permits are required inaddition to this license. Can be purchased inperson at the Richmond office or via a mailinapplication. Application available online.Junior Hunting License ..................... $8.50(age 12 to 15; optional for under 12 yearsold)Youth Combination Hunting License(age 12 to 15).................................. $16.00Includes hunting license, bear, deer, turkeylicense, archery license, crossbow license,and muzzleloading license.Junior Lifetime Hunting License(under age 12) .............................. $255.00No annual bear, deer, turkey licenserequired until age 12. National Forest Stamp,State Forest Use Permit, and Bonus DeerPermits, if applicable, are required inaddition to this license. Upon proof ofcompletion of a hunter education course orequivalent, the license is transferable to alifetime hunting license at no additional fee.Available through the Richmond office orby mail.Legacy Hunting License ................ $125.00Must be purchased before age 2. Availablethrough the Richmond office or by mail.Where to Obtain a License✦ Online: At www.HuntFishVA.com. Select the license(s) you want, pay with your VISAor MasterCard, and print your license(s) after you pay.✦ In Person: Sold by some clerks of the Circuit Court and hundreds of license agentsaround the state.✦ By Phone: Call 1-866-721-6911 during regular business hours.7

Lifetime Hunting LicenseAnnual bear, deer, turkey license and allapplicable licenses, stamps, or permits arerequired in addition to this license. Availablethrough the Richmond office or by mail.Age 12-44................................. $260.00(hunter education course requiredunder age 16)Age 45-50................................. $210.00Age 51-55................................. $160.00Age 56-60................................. $110.00Age 61-64................................... $60.00Age 65 and over.......................... $20.00Totally and Permanently DisabledResident Special Hunting LifetimeLicense............................................$15.00Annual bear, deer, turkey license and allapplicable licenses, stamps, or permits arerequired in addition to this hunting license.Can be purchased in person at theRichmond office or via a mail-in application.Application available online.Service-Connected Totally andPermanently Disabled ResidentVeteran Lifetime License .......................$0For qualified resident disabled veterans.Includes hunting license, bear, deer, turkeylicense, archery license, crossbow license,muzzleloading license, and freshwaterfishing license. All other applicable licenses,stamps, or permits are required in additionto this license. Can be obtained in personat the Richmond office or via a mail-inapplication. Application available online.Service-Connected Totally andPermanently Disabled ResidentVeteran Hunting Lifetime License ..........$0For qualified resident disabled veterans.Includes hunting license, bear, deer, turkeylicense, archery license, crossbow license,and muzzleloading license. All other applicablelicenses, stamps, or permits are requiredin addition to this license. Can be obtained inperson at the Richmond office or via a mailinapplication. Application available online.NONRESIDENT HUNTING LICENSESNonresident Hunting License(age 16 and older)......................... $111.00Nonresident 3-Day Trip License(age 16 and older) .......................... $60.00Must be 3 consecutive hunting days;no Sunday hunting.Nonresident Apprentice HuntingLicense........................................... $21.00Annual bear, deer, turkey license and allapplicable licenses, stamps, or permitsmay be required in addition to this license.Valid for 2 years from date of purchase.Special Nonresident Annual HuntingLicense for Partially DisabledVeterans.........................................$56.00Nonresident veterans rated and certified bythe U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs ashaving at least 70 percent service-connecteddisability. Annual bear, deer, turkey licenseand all applicable licenses, stamps or permitsare required in addition to this license.Can be purchased in person at the Richmondoffice or via a mail-in application.Application available online.Nonresident Youth Hunting License (underage 12)........................................... $13.00Nonresident Youth Hunting License(age 12 to 15) ................................. $16.00Nonresident Youth CombinationHunting License (under age 16) ...... $31.00Includes hunting license, bear, deer, turkeylicense, archery license, crossbow license,and muzzleloading license.Nonresident Legacy HuntingLicense ......................................... $250.00Must be purchased before age 2. Availablethrough the Richmond office or by mail.Nonresident Lifetime HuntingLicense......................................... $555.00Annual bear, deer, turkey license and allapplicable licenses, stamps or permits are8

equired in addition to this license. Availablethrough the Richmond office or by mail.MISCELLANEOUS LICENSES, STAMPS,AND PERMITSOne or more of the following may berequired in addition to a hunting license.Licenses:Stationary Blind ............................. $23.50When purchasing a stationary blind license,you must provide GPS coordinates alongwith a description of where the blind islocated. These coordinates are needed tohelp evaluate whether blinds are within therequired distances, and they will help infuture improvements of the blind licensingprocess. Coordinates should be reported aslatitude and longitude and can be enteredin one of three formats:1) Degrees, minutes, seconds(35° 45’ 52”, 75° 30’ 15”),2) Degrees and decimal minutes(35° 45.87’, 75° 30.25’), or3) decimal degrees (35.76°, 75.50°).Floating Blind ................................ $41.00Offshore Blind Stake .........................$6.00(limit 4 per licensee)All blind licenses are available through theDepartment’s point of sale system. Huntershave the option of requesting a blind platebe sent to them if they do not have one. Theblind plate, if requested, and a decal for theplate will be mailed within 3 to 5 businessdays. Hunters who purchase a blind licenseonline will be able to print out a copy of theirapplication information. A license for theirblind will be emailed immediately after thesale is complete.Hunting (Shooting) Preserve .......... $23.00To hunt within the boundaries of a licensedshooting preserve, in lieu of other requiredlicenses.Stamps:Federal Migratory Bird Stamp ........ $15.00Required of persons 16 years of age andolder to take migratory waterfowl, in additionto hunting license and sold at U.S. PostOffices or online at www.duckstamp.com.Stamp must be signed in ink across the faceand in possession during hunting.Valid July 1–June 30.Virginia Migratory WaterfowlConservation Stamp ..................... $10.00Required of persons 16 years of age andolder, unless license exempt. Sold throughthe point of sale system or online.Valid July 1–June 30.Permits:National Forest Permit .................... $4.00To hunt and trap within National Forests.Not required of residents under the age of16 to trap; residents 65 and older who possessa valid license to hunt or trap.Virginia State Forest Use Permit(age 16 or older) ............................. $16.00Allows hunting, trapping, fishing, mountainbiking, and horse riding. No motorizedvehicles on gated roads/trails (open orclosed). Sold in cooperation with theVirginia Department of Forestry.Access Permit .......................$4.00 per dayor $23.00 per yearSubscribe Free Onlinewww.HuntFishVA.com/subscribe9

Waterfowl SeasonsDucksOctober 10–14(Black duck closed)November 16–30December 7–January 25Daily Bag Limit: 6 ducks, any species exceptfor the following restrictions: can include nomore than 4 mallards (only 2 can be henmallards), 4 scoters, 3 wood ducks, 2 redheads,2 scaup, 2 pintails, 1 black duck(except closed during Oct. 10–14), 2 canvasback,1 mottled duck, and 1 fulvous whistlingduck.Closed season on harlequin ducks.The possession limit is three times the dailybag limit. No person may take more than onedaily bag limit in any one day.Youth WaterfowlHunting DaysOctober 26, 2013 andFebruary 1, 2014Statewide. Resident and nonresidentyouth hunters 15 years of age and undermay harvest the allowed daily bag limit ofducks (see left), and other waterfowl, including1 tundra swan (if the youthpossesses a tundra swan permit) on thedesignated youth days. Resident youthage 12–15, and nonresident youth age 15or under, need a valid Virginia huntinglicense, unless license exempt. All participatingyouth must be Virginia HIP registered.All youth must be accompaniedand directly supervised by an adult atleast 18 years of age or older who hasa valid Virginia hunting license (unlesslicense exempt). The accompanying adultcannot hunt ducks, but may hunt forthose species for which there is an openseason.Waterfowl Hunting On WildlifeManagement AreasFor information about quota or managedhunts for waterfowl on DepartmentWildlife Management Areas, refer to the“2013–2014 Hunting & Trapping in Virginia,Regulations and Information Digest” oronline at www.HuntFishVA.com.Note: Waterfowl hunting on the Amelia,Briery Creek, and James River WildlifeManagement Areas is permitted only on theopening day, Wednesdays, and Saturdays ofthe duck and goose seasons.Waterfowl hunting on the MattaponiWildlife Management Area, is permittedonly on October 10, 11, 12, and 14 and onMondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays ofthe duck and goose seasons.Waterfowl InformationThe web is a wonderful tool for waterfowlers.Information on season datesand bag limits can be found along withinformation on waterfowl populationstatus, habitat conditions, as well ascurrent waterfowl research beingconducted in Virginia. Sites werecommend include:Virginia Department of Game &Inland Fisheries Waterfowl Homepage:www.dgif.virginia.gov/wildlife/waterfowl/USFWS and Flyway Council website:www.flyways.usFederal Register Documents:www.fws.gov/policy/10

Special Sea Duck Season inthe *Special Sea Duck ZoneSea duck species are scoter, long-tailed duck(formerly oldsquaw), and eider.October 10–January 31Bag limit: 7 per day (21 in possession),but may include no more than 4 scoters(12 in possession).*Special Sea Duck Zone BoundaryThose waters at a distance greater than 800yards from any shore, island, or emergentvegetation in the following areas: the oceanwaters of Virginia, the tidal waters ofNorthampton and Accomack counties,and the Chesapeake Bay and each of itstributaries up to the first highway bridge.Back Bay and its tributaries are not includedin the special sea duck hunting area.Outside the Special Sea Duck ZoneSea ducks may be taken during the regularduck season outside the Special Sea DuckZone but must be counted as part of theregular duck season daily bag limit.White-winged scoterillustration ©Spike KnuthCootsOctober 10–14November 16–30December 7–January 25Bag limit: 15 per day, 45 in possession.MergansersOctober 10–14November 16–30December 7–January 25Bag limit: 5 birds daily, of which only 2 birdsmay be a hooded merganser (15 inpossession, only 6 of which may be hoodedmergansers).Hooded merganserillustration ©Spike KnuthSportsmen:Boat Smart,Wear Your LifeJacket11

Waterfowl Research ProjectsThe VDGIF has worked cooperatively with other organizationsin the Atlantic Flyway on a number of research projects thathave helped identify movements and migration routes of anumber of different waterfowl species. New technology, suchas satellite telemetry, has helped provide detailed informationon the timing of migration, specific migration routes used duringspring and fall movements, important staging or stop-over areas,and breeding areas used by birds that winter in Virginia. This work hashelped highlight the importance of high quality habitat areas alongmigration routes, and is being used to help target areas where more conservationefforts are needed. Some examples include identifying: migration routes of tundraswans traveling from Virginia to Alaska and the Canadian arctic, nesting areas ofAtlantic brant in the Fox Basin of the eastern Canadian arctic, pintail staging areasalong the Delaware Bay and St. Lawrence River in eastern Canada, and the timing,duration and habitats used by black ducks migrating from wintering areas in Virginia tonesting areas in eastern Canada. VDGIF is also cooperating in a new project along withthe Sea Duck Joint Venture and several other state agencies, to identify sea duckmovements and migration patterns along the East Coast. To learn more about thesestudies and track the migrations of some of the tundra swans, pintails, and black ducksthat were monitored, visit our website at www.dgif.virginia.gov/wildlife/waterfowl/.Pintails, illustration ©Spike KnuthAttention Hunters: Migratory Bird Banding ProjectsThe Department captures and leg-bands a number of migratory game bird species,including mourning doves, ducks, geese, brant and swans, as part of our annualmonitoring programs. Hunters recovering a banded bird can keep the band, butremember to report the recovery information by either calling the toll-free number1-800-327-BAND (this number is also written on the band), or reporting it online atthe USGS website, www.reportband.gov. After reporting the band you can request a“Certificate of Appreciation” that includes information about where and when the birdwas banded. For more information on Department migratory bird projects, visit ourwebsite at www.HuntFishVA.com.Please help us help you manage migratory game birds in Virginia.1-800-327-BAND (2263) orwww.reportband.govThis number is ONLY for reporting USFWS bands.Private bands cannot be reported on this number.12

Light Goose (Greater and LesserSnow Geese and Ross’s Geese)Regular SeasonOctober 10–January 31: statewideBag limit: 25 per day, no possession limit.Conservation Order Season(see hunt zone below)February 3–March 29Bag limit: No daily or possession limit.Special Hunting Methods: Electronic callsand unplugged shotguns are allowed.Shooting Hours: 1/2 hour before sunriseand extended to 1/2 hour after sunset.All hunters who plan to participate duringthis season must register either online(www.HuntFishVa.com/lightgoose) or byphone (866-721-6911), and obtain a HunterActivity Report prior to hunting. The HunterActivity Report must be submitted to theDepartment within two weeks followingthe close of the season, either through theagency website (above) or by mail (LightGoose Conser vation Order, 3801 JohnTyler Memorial Highway, Charles City,VA 23030). Registration will beginDecember 2, 2013.Conservation Order Season Zone:Same as the AP Canada Goose Zone—The area east of the Stafford/King GeorgeCounty line from the Potomac River south tothe Rappahannock River, then west alongthe Stafford County line to Interstate 95,then south along Interstate 95 to Route 460in Petersburg, then southeast along Route460 to Route 32 in the City of Suffolk, thensouth along Route 32 to the North Carolinaborder.Conservation Order Season Hunt ZoneROCKINGHAMSHENANDOAHPAGEFREDERICKWARRENCLARKERAPPAHANNOCKCULPEPERLOUDOUNFAUQUIERPRINCE WILLIAMSTAFFORDFAIRFAXARLINGTONLEEWISESCOTTDICKENSONBUCHANANTAZEWELLBLANDGILESPULASKICRAIGMONTGOMERYALLEGHANYROANOKEBATHBOTETOURTRUSSELLFRANKLINWYTHE FLOYDSMYTHCARROLLWASHINGTONGRAYSONPATRICKHENRYHIGHLANDROCKBRIDGEAUGUSTAAMHERSTBEDFORDCAMPBELLPITTSYLVANIANELSONAPPOMATTOXHALIFAXGREENEMADISONALBEMARLEBUCKINGHAMPRINCEEDWARDCHARLOTTEFLUVANNACUMBERLANDORANGELUNENBURGMECKLENBURGLOUISAGOOCHLANDAMELIANOTTOWAYSPOTSYLVANIAPOWHATANKINGGEORGECAROLINEHANOVERCHESTERFIELDDINWIDDIEBRUNSWICKHENRICOGREENSVILLEKING WILLIAMPRINCEGEORGESUSSEXWESTMORELANDESSEXKING AND QUEENNEWKENTCHARLESCITYJAMESCITYSURRYSOUTHAMPTONRICHMONDMIDDLESEXGLOUCESTERYORKISLE OFWIGHTLANCASTERSUFFOLKNORTHUMBERLANDMATHEWSNEWPORTNEWSVIRGINIABEACHCHESAPEAKENORTHAMPTONHAMPTONPORTSMOUTHNORFOLKACCOMACK13

Canada GooseAtlantic Population Zone (AP)November 16–30December 18–January 29Bag Limit: 2 geese per day(6 in possession).Southern James Bay PopulationZone (SJBP)November 16–30,December 14–January 14January 15–February 15Bag Limit:3 geese per day: Nov. 16–30 andDec. 14–Jan. 14.5 geese per day: Jan. 15–Feb. 15.Resident Population Zone (RP)November 16–30December 7–February 22Bag Limit: 5 geese per day(15 in possession).Canada Goose ZonesThe dividing lines between the hunting zonesare as follows:Atlantic Population (AP) Hunt Zone – Thearea east of the Stafford/King GeorgeCounty line from the Potomac River south tothe Rappahannock River, then west alongthe Stafford County line to Interstate 95,then south along Interstate 95 to Route 460in Petersburg, then southeast along Route460 to Route 32 in the City of Suffolk, thensouth along Route 32 to the North Carolinaborder.Southern James Bay Population (SJBP) HuntZone – The area to the west of the AP HuntZone boundary and east of the followingline: the “Blue Ridge” (Loudoun County-Clarke County line) at the West Virginia-Virginia border, south to Interstate 64 (theBlue Ridge line follows county borders alongthe western edge of Loudoun-Fauquier-Rappahannock-Madison-Green-Albemarleand into Nelson counties), then east alongInterstate 64 to Route 15, then south alongRoute 15 to the North Carolina line.Resident Population (RP) Hunt Zone –Theportion of the state west of the SJBP HuntZone.ROCKINGHAMSHENANDOAHPAGEFREDERICKWARRENCLARKERAPPAHANNOCKCULPEPERLOUDOUNFAUQUIERPRINCE WILLIAMSTAFFORDFAIRFAXARLINGTONLEEWISESCOTTDICKENSONBUCHANANTAZEWELLBLANDGILESPULASKICRAIGMONTGOMERYALLEGHANYROANOKEBATHBOTETOURTRUSSELLFRANKLINWYTHE FLOYDSMYTHCARROLLWASHINGTONGRAYSONPATRICKHENRYResident Population ZoneHIGHLANDROCKBRIDGEAUGUSTAAMHERSTBEDFORDCAMPBELLPITTSYLVANIA14NELSONAPPOMATTOXHALIFAXGREENEMADISONALBEMARLEBUCKINGHAMPRINCEEDWARDCHARLOTTEFLUVANNACUMBERLANDORANGELUNENBURGMECKLENBURGLOUISAGOOCHLANDAMELIANOTTOWAYSPOTSYLVANIAPOWHATANKINGGEORGECAROLINEHANOVERCHESTERFIELDDINWIDDIEBRUNSWICKHENRICOGREENSVILLEKING WILLIAMPRINCEGEORGESUSSEXWESTMORELANDESSEXKING AND QUEENNEWKENTCHARLESCITYJAMESCITYSURRYSOUTHAMPTONSouthern James BayPopulation ZoneRICHMONDMIDDLESEXGLOUCESTERYORKISLE OFWIGHTLANCASTERSUFFOLKNORTHUMBERLANDMATHEWSNEWPORTNEWSVIRGINIABEACHCHESAPEAKENORTHAMPTONHAMPTONPORTSMOUTHNORFOLKACCOMACKAtlanticPopulationZone

Atlantic BrantDecember 23–January 25Bag limit: 2 per day, 6 in possession.illustration ©Spike KnuthTundra SwanDecember 2–January 31Bag limit: 1 per permit.Tundra Swan Hunt AreaHunting will be permitted in all counties andportions of counties lying east of I-95 andsouth of the Prince William/Stafford Countyline in Chopawamsic Creek at QuanticoMarine Corps Base.Tundra Swan PermitBefore any person may hunt tundra swansin Virginia, he or she must first apply for andreceive a tundra swan hunt permit. Permitsare issued through a special drawing. Thedeadline to submit applications for thisdrawing is September 27, 2013. The Departmentwill issue no more than 600 swanhunting permits. The drawing is open onlyto holders of a valid Virginia hunting license.Hunters may apply for a swan permit bymail, online through the agency website(www.HuntFishVA.com), or by telephone at1-877-VAHUNTS (824-8687).Swan hunting permits are nontransferableand are valid for use only bythe person to whom issued. Permits must bein the immediate possession of the permitholder while swan hunting. Immediatelyat the time and place of kill successfulpermittees must cancel their swan huntingpermit by permanently recording the monthand day of kill and by attaching the permit tothe swan as instructed. The DGIF is requiredto obtain hunter participation and harvestinformation to offer this tundra swanhunting season. Hunters are required tocomplete the accompanying tundra swanhunt questionnaire and return it to theaddress listed on the questionnaire at theend of your hunt. Those who fail to return acompleted questionnaire by February 14,2014 are ineligible for future drawings.Report Wildlife Violations1-800-237-5712 or e-mail: wildcrime@dgif.virginia.gov15

What Terms Do I Need toUnderstand?Migratory Birds are birds protected byfederal law as a result of treaties signed withother countries. Protected migratory birdsare listed in Title 50 Code of Federal Regulations,Section. 10.13. This list includes almostall birds found in the United States with theexception of the house sparrow, feral pigeon(commonly called rock dove), Europeanstarling, Eurasian collared-dove, mute swan,and upland game birds (which are protectedby state laws).All migratory birds are protected. How -ever, a subset of migratory birds classifiedas migratory game birds may be hunted inaccordance with state and federal regulations.The list of migratory game birdsincludes species of ducks, geese (includingbrant), swans, mergansers, doves, rails,coots, gallinules and moorhens, woodcock,and snipe.Daily bag limit means the maximumnumber of migratory game birds of a singlespecies or combination (aggregate) ofspecies permitted to be taken by one personin any one day during the open season in anyone specified geographic area for which adaily bag limit is prescribed.Aggregate daily bag limit means the maximumnumber of migratory game birdspermitted to be taken by one person in anyone day during the open season when suchperson hunts in more than one specifiedgeographic area and/or for more than onespecies for which a combined daily bag limitis prescribed. The aggregate daily bag limit isequal to, but shall not exceed, the largestdaily bag limit prescribed for any one speciesor for any one specified geographic area inwhich taking occurs.Possession limit means the maximumnumber of migratory game birds of a singlespecies or a combination of species permittedto be possessed by any one person whenlawfully taken in the United States in any onespecified geographic area for which a possessionlimit is prescribed.Aggregate possession limit means themaximum number of migratory game birdsof a single species or combination of speciestaken in the United States permitted to bepossessed by any one person when takingand possession occurs in more than onespecified geographic area for which apossession limit is prescribed. The aggregatepossession limit is equal to, but shall notexceed, the largest possession limit prescribedfor any one of the species or specifiedgeographic areas in which taking and possessionoccurs.Personal abode means one’s principal orordinary home or dwelling place, as distinguishedfrom one’s temporary or transientplace of abode or dwelling such as a huntingclub, or any club house, cabin, tent, or trailerhouse used as a hunting club, or any hotel,motel, or rooming house used during ahunting, pleasure, or business trip.Widgeon, illustration ©Spike Knuth16

Migratory bird preservation facility means:1. Any person who, at their residence orplace of business and for hire or otherconsideration; or2. Any taxidermist, cold-storage facilityor locker plant which, for hire or otherconsideration; or3. Any hunting club which, in the normalcourse of operation, receives, possesses,or has in custody any migra -tory game birds belonging to anotherperson for purposes of picking, cleaning,freezing, processing, storing, orshipment.Normal agricultural planting, harvesting, orpost-harvest manipulation means a plantingor harvesting undertaken for the purpose ofproducing and gathering a crop, or manipulationafter such harvest and removal of grain,that is conducted in accordance with officialrecommendations of state Extension Specialistsof the Cooperative Extension Service ofthe U.S. Department of Agriculture.Normal agricultural operation means a normalagricultural planting, harvesting, postharvestmanipulation, or agricultural practicethat is conducted in accordance with officialrecommendations of state Extension Specialistsof the Cooperative Extension Service ofthe U.S. Department of Agriculture.Normal soil stabilization practice means aplanting for agricultural soil erosion controlor post-mining land reclamation conductedin accordance with official recommendationsof state Extension Specialists of the CooperativeExtension Service of the U.S. Departmentof Agriculture for agricultural soil erosioncontrol.Baited area means any area on which salt,grain, or other feed has been placed,exposed, deposited, distributed, or scattered,if that salt, grain, or other feed couldserve as a lure or attraction for migratorygame birds to, on, or over areas wherehunters are attempting to take them. Anysuch area will remain a baited area for tendays following the complete removal of allsuch salt, grain, or other feed.Baiting means the direct or indirectplacing, exposing, depositing, distributing,or scattering of salt, grain, or other feedthat could serve as a lure or attraction formigratory game birds to, on, or over anyareas where hunters are attempting totake them.Manipulation means the alteration ofnatural vegetation or agricultural crops byactivities that include but are not limitedto mowing, shredding, discing, rolling,chopping, trampling, flattening, burning,or herbicide treatments. The term mani -pulation does not include the distributing orscattering of grain, seed, or other feed afterremoval from or storage on the field wheregrown.Natural vegetation means any nonagricultural,native, or naturalized plantspecies that grows at a site in response toplanting or from existing seeds or otherpropagules. The term natural vegetationdoes not include planted millet. However,planted millet that grows on its own insubsequent years after the year of plantingis considered natural vegetation.17

Lawful Hunting MethodsIt is legal to take migratory game birdsincluding waterfowl and coots, on or overthe following lands or areas that are nototherwise baited areas:• Standing crops or flooded standing crops(including aquatics);• Standing, flooded, or manipulatednatural vegetation; flooded harvestedcroplands; or lands or areas where seedsor grains have been scattered solely asthe result of a normal agricultural planting,harvesting, post-harvest manipulation,or normal soil stabilization practice;• From a blind or other place of concealmentcamouflaged with naturalvegetation;• From a blind or other place of concealmentcamouflaged with vegetation fromagricultural crops, as long as such camouflagingdoes not result in the exposing,depositing, distributing, or scattering ofgrain or other feed; or• Standing or flooded standing agriculturalcrops where grain is inadvertently scatteredsolely as a result of a hunter enteringor exiting a hunting area, placingdecoys, or retrieving downed birds.It is legal to take migratory game birds,except waterfowl and coots, on or overlands or areas that are not otherwise baitedareas, and where grain or other feed hasbeen distributed or scattered solely as theresult of manipulation of an agricul tural cropor other feed on the land where grown, orsolely as the result of a normal agriculturaloperation.Wanton waste of migratory game birds: Noperson shall kill or cripple any migratorygame bird without making a reasonableeffort to retrieve the bird, and retain it in hisactual custody, at the place where taken orbetween that place and either (a) his automobileor principal means of land transportation;or (b) his personal abode or temporary ortransient place of lodging; or (c) a migratorybird preservation facility; or (d) a post office;or (e) a common carrier facility.Non-toxic Shot: No person may take ducks,geese (including brant), swans, coots,mergansers, moorhens, gallinules, rails orsnipe while possessing shot (either in shotshellsor as loose shot for muzzleloading)other than approved non-toxic shot. For alist of approved non-toxic shot, see page 5or www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/CurrentBirdissues/nontoxic.htm.Opening Day of a Season: No person on theopening day of the season shall possess anyfreshly killed migratory game birds in excessof the daily bag limit, or aggregate daily baglimit, whichever applies.Field Possession Limit: No person shall possess,have in custody, or transport more thanthe daily bag limit or aggregate daily bag limit,whichever applies, of migratory game birds,tagged or not tagged, at or between the placewhere taken and either (a) his automobile orprincipal means of land transportation; or (b)his personal abode or temporary or transientplace of lodging; or (c) a migratory birdpreservation facility; or (d) a post office; or(e) a common carrier facility.Tagging requirement: No person shall put orleave any migratory game birds at any place(other than at his personal abode), or in thecustody of another person for picking, cleaning,processing, shipping, transportation, orstorage (including temporary storage), or forthe purpose of having taxidermy servicesperformed, unless such birds have a tag attached,signed by the hunter, stating his address,the total number and species of birds,and the date such birds were killed. Migratorygame birds being transported in any vehicleas the personal baggage of the possessor18

shall not be considered as being in storage ortemporary storage.Custody of birds of another: No person shallreceive or have in custody any migra torygame birds belonging to another personunless such birds are properly tagged.Termination of possession: Subject to allother requirements of this part, the possessionof birds taken by any hunter shall bedeemed to have ceased when such birdshave been delivered by him to another personas a gift; or have been delivered by himto a post office, a common carrier, or a migratorybird preservation facility and consignedfor transport by the Postal Service or a commoncarrier to some person other than thehunter.Gift of migratory game birds: No person mayreceive, possess, or give to another anyfreshly killed migratory game birds as a gift,except at the personal abodes of the donoror donee, unless such birds have a tag attached,signed by the hunter who took thebirds, stating such hunter’s address, the totalnumber and species of birds, and the datesuch birds were taken.Transportation of birds of another: Noperson shall transport migratory game birdsbelonging to another person unless suchbirds are properly tagged.Species identification requirement: No personshall transport within the United Statesany migratory game birds, except doves andband-tailed pigeons, unless the head or onefully feathered wing remains attached toeach such bird at all times while being transportedfrom the place where taken until theyhave arrived at the personal abode of thepossessor or a migratory bird preservationfacility.Marking package or container: No personshall transport by the Postal Service or a commoncarrier migratory game birds unless thepackage or container in which such birds aretransported has the name and address of theshipper and the consignee and an accuratestatement of the numbers of each species ofbirds therein contained clearly and conspicuouslymarked on the outside thereof.More restrictive regulations may apply toNational Wildlife Refuges opened to publichunting. For additional information onrefuge-specific regulations seewww.fws.gov/refuges/.Unlawful HuntingMethodsNo persons shall take migratory gamebirds:• With a trap, snare, net, rifle, pistol,swivel gun, shotgun larger than 10gauge, punt gun, battery gun, machinegun, fish hook, poison, drug, explosive,or stupefying substance;• With a shotgun of any description capableof holding more than three shells,unless it is plugged with a one-piecefiller, incapable of removal withoutdisassembling the gun, so its total capacitydoes not exceed three shells. Thisrestriction does not apply to crows andduring dates states have selected underthe Conservation Order for light geese(i.e., greater and lesser snow and Ross’sgeese);• From or by means, aid, or use of asinkbox or any other type of low floatingdevice, having a depression affordingthe hunter a means of concealmentbeneath the surface of the water;• From or by means, aid, or use of anymotor vehicle, motor-driven land conveyance,or aircraft of any kind, exceptthat paraplegics and persons missingone or both legs may take from any19

is licensed for the purpose of hunting andshooting waterfowl from a licensed floatingblind. Valid only in the counties of Caroline,King George, Essex, Westmoreland, andRichmond.Waterfowl Blind License: Stationary, floatingblind, and offshore blind stake licenses areavailable during the time periods listedbelow from any license agent through theDepartment’s point of sale system, or onlineon our website (www.HuntFishVA.com).Hunters have the option of requesting a blindplate be sent to them if they do not have one.The blind plate, if requested, and a decal forthe plate will be mailed within 3 to 5 businessdays. Hunters who purchase a blind licenseonline will be able to print out a copy of theirapplication information. A license for theirblind will be emailed immediately after thesale is complete. The license plate furnishedmust be affixed to the blind at a locationwhere it can be easily seen.Spacing of Blinds Generally: Except foradjacent landowners, licensed stationaryblinds may be placed no closer than 500yards to each other, except they may beplaced closer together with the mutualconsent of the licensees involved. Except forcounty exceptions, listed on page 23, floatingblinds may be positioned no closer than 500yards to any licensed stationary blind,whether it is occupied or not, withoutconsent of the owner of the neighboringblind. Stationary blinds cannot be located inany water having a depth of more than eightfeet at mean high water.Rights of Riparian Landowner: The ownersof riparian rights or their invitees shall not berequired to obtain a stationary blind licenseWhen Blind Licenses Are Sold:Riparian owners, their lessees or permittees: May 1 through June 15; plates withcurrent decal must be affixed to a stake or blind by June 30.Nonriparian license for a stationary blind in the public waters previously licensed as anonriparian blind the year before: July 1 through August 15; plates with current decalmust be affixed to a stake or blind by August 31.Nonriparian license for a stationary blind in the public waters not previously licensedas a nonriparian blind the year before: September 1 through October 15; plates withcurrent decal must be affixed to a stake or blind by November 1.Floating Blind licenses: on or after July 1.Offshore Blind Stake Site license for nonriparian owner who has not already licensedand erected a stationary blind in counties where floating blinds are prohibited(see page 23): November 1–10.Offshore Blind Stake Site license for riparian owner who has already licensed anderected a stationary blind in counties where floating blinds are prohibited (seepage 23): November 11–15.NOTE: New time periods for purchase of riparian blind licenses go into effect in January2014 for the 2014-2015 hunting season. Latitude and Longitude coordinates will also berequired. More information will be available after January 1, 2014 on the Department’swebsite: www.HuntFish VA.com.21

when hunting waterfowl from such a blindlocated on the riparian owner’s property.However, a stationary blind license shall berequired in order to afford the riparian ownersthe protections provided by Virginialaw. The owner of riparian rights, his lesseeor permittee has exclusive privileges oflicensing blinds on his shoreline and priorrights of licensing and erecting blinds in thepublic waters in front of such shoreline.These blinds shall not be located in waterdeeper than eight feet at mean high tide, norshall they be farther than halfway across thebody of water from the riparian owner’sshoreline, except on the shores and watersof Back Bay in the City of Virginia Beachwhere such blinds are limited to (i) the riparianowner's shoreline at the mean low watermark or (ii) blinds erected and licensed by theriparian owner in 2011. The exercise of theseprior rights is valid when a license has beenobtained between May 1 and June 15 anddisplayed on a stake or blind by June 30. Noother blind may be located within 500 yardsof this stake or blind without consent of theowner, permittee, or lessee. The stake mustbe replaced by an erected stationary blindas specified by Code by November 1 to be alicensed blind under the law. Where thelands of two property owners adjoin, eachmay place blinds on his property or in thepublic waters in front of his property withoutregard to the placement of blinds on hisneighbor’s property.Rights of Nonriparian Owner: Although thelaw states that a riparian owner who doesnot license a blind on his shore by June 30forfeits the privilege for that season, it doesnot mean a nonriparian owner can erect orlicense a blind on the property of anotherwithout permission. If a landowner has notlicensed a stake or a blind by June 30, a non -riparian owner may license a location in thepublic waters in front of such land, providingno other location within 500 yards has beenso licensed. Again, such blind cannot belocated in water in excess of eight feet indepth at mean high tide (see exception forBack Bay in Rights of Riparian Landowner).A nonriparian license for a blind that waslicensed the previous year as a nonriparianblind can be purchased from July 1 throughAugust 15, and a plate with current decalmust be affixed to a stake or blind by August31. A nonriparian license for a blind or blindsite not previously licensed the year beforecan be purchased from September 1 throughOctober 15, and a plate and current decalmust be affixed to it by November 1.Of course, if a location is secured throughagreement with a riparian landowner havingcontrol of the near shoreline, the site may belicensed as applies to a permittee or lessee ofa land owner. A nonriparian owner, havinglicensed a blind in a given location, has firstoption to license such blind each year unlessthe riparian landowner having claim to thatlocation exercises his right to license it.Riparian Owner’s Rights RenewedAnnually: If a riparian owner fails to exercisehis options, he may elect to do so the followingyear, thus preempting any rights of non -riparian owners who have erected blinds inthe public waters in front of his shoreline.Blue-winged teal, illustration ©Spike Knuth22

Penalty for Violations: Any person whohunts or shoots migratory waterfowl in thepublic waters of this Commonwealth froma boat, float, raft or other buoyant craft ordevice within 500 yards of any legallylicensed erected stationary blind of anotherwithout the consent of the licensee shall beguilty of a criminal offense that is punishableas a Class 2 misdemeanor. This provisionshall not apply to any person when in activepursuit of a visible crippled waterfowl whichwas legally shot by the person.Additionally, any person who erects astationary blind within 500 yards of anotherlicensed blind without permission of thelicensee is guilty of a trespass, and the ownerof the blind so encroached upon may maintainan action for damages. It should benoted that this is a criminal offense. It shouldalso be noted that by November 1 a stationaryblind must be erected; therefore, a stakewith a stationary license affixed theretocannot be considered to be a stationary blindafter November 1.Loss of Blind License: The violation of any ofthe provisions of law or regulations as tohunting migratory waterfowl from licensedblinds shall constitute a Class 2 misdemeanorand, in addition to other authorized penalties,the trial court shall immediately revokethe license of the blind owner who will havethe same privileges as a new applicant toapply for a blind license the following year.Any blind for which the license has beenrevoked shall be destroyed by the formerlicensee or a conservation police officer.Accidental Destruction of Blind: If a blind isdestroyed in any manner beyond the controlof the owner, it may be replaced within 30days without losing the position it formerlyoccupied.Number of Stationary Blinds Permitted:Clubs or individuals who do not own riparianrights shall be permitted to license no morethan two stationary blinds in the publicwaters in any one season.Floating Blinds, Where Prohibited: The useof floating blinds is prohibited in the countiesof Caroline, King George, Essex, Westmoreland,and Richmond in any of the publicmarshes, guts, streams, branches, creeks, orbays, including among others, Green Bay andPort Tobago Bay, flowing into the RappahannockRiver or in any of its tributaries, or inBuckner’s Creek, Nomini Creek and NominiBay, flowing into the Potomac River or anyof its tributaries, except from a licensedOffshore Blind Stake Site. (See below fordetails.)Offshore Blind Stake Sites: Offshore blindstakes shall be removed from the publicwaters within 15 days of the close of thewaterfowl season.Nonriparian Owner:A nonriparian owner who has not alreadylicensed and erected a stationary blindfor the year in the 5-county area identifiedabove and who holds a valid huntinglicense, may apply for a license for offshoreblind stake sites. The license for anoffshore blind stake site may be obtainedfrom November 1 through November 10of each year. Up to 4 offshore blind stakesite licenses may be purchased per licensee.Once obtained, a stake shall be erectedon the site and a license plate suppliedwith the license for that season shall beaffixed thereto by November 10.Riparian Owner:From November 11 through November15 of each year, any riparian ownerand any other person who has alreadylicensed and erected a stationary blindfor the year in the areas noted above,and who holds a valid hunting license,may apply for a license for any remainingoffshore blind stake sites. Up to 4 off-23

shore blind stake site licenses may bepurchased per licensee. Once obtained,a stake shall be erected on the site, and alicense plate supplied with the license forthat season shall be affixed thereto byNovember 15.Placement of Blinds in Fairfax, PrinceWilliam, and Stafford Counties: No stationaryblind shall be more than 300 yards fromshore, except in waters less than 600 yardswide, in which case the blind may be nomore than half the width of the water fromshore. This distance is measured from thelow water mark.No license shall be issued for stationarywaterfowl blinds on the Potomac River inFairfax County adjacent to National ParkService lands in the Great Hunting Creek andDyke Marsh areas.Floating Blinds in Fairfax, Prince William,and Stafford Counties: Floating blinds mustbe anchored and located no closer to another’sblind than 400 yards unless person haswritten permission of blind owner. Suchblinds must be taken in at a half hour aftersunset.In the area adjacent to the National ParkService lands in the Great Hunting Creek andDyke Marsh areas floating blinds must be attachedto a Game Department-placed postor buoy. Only one floating blind per post.These are on a first-come, first-served basis,sites to be occupied no earlier than 4:00 A.M.or later than one half hour after sunset, andblinds removed each day. Hunters in licensedfloating blinds can hunt from designatedlocations during legal shooting hours onThanksgiving Day and on Mondays, Wednesdays,and Fridays during the open season.Placement of Blinds Adjacent to CertainWildlife Management Areas: No stationaryblinds shall be licensed in the waters adjacentto the Chickahominy Wildlife ManagementArea (WMA) in Charles City County,the Game Farm Marsh WMA in New KentCounty, and the Ragged Island WMA in Isleof Wight County.Occupied or Unoccupied Blinds: No personshall hunt or shoot migratory waterfowl inthe public waters of this Commonwealthfrom a boat, float, raft or other buoyant craftor device within 500 yards of any legallylicensed erected stationary blind of another,whether occupied or not, without theconsent of the licensee, except when inactive pursuit of a visible crippled waterfowlwhich was legally shot by the person.Crippled Waterfowl: When in activepursuit of a visible waterfowl which waslegally shot, the hunter may pursue suchwaterfowl without regard to the 500 yardprohibition protecting licensed waterfowlblinds.Jump Shooting from Boats: Permittedwhere appropriate landowner permissionhas been secured or where generally permittedon public waters. Consult with the localconservation police officer to learn localrestrictions. Not permitted within 500 yardsof a licensed stationary blind, except withconsent of blind owner. If a boat is usedfor jump shooting and is modified for thepurpose of concealing the hunter, it is afloating blind and must be licensed as such.Jump shooting is not permitted from a boathaving a motor attached or any sailboatunless the motor has been completely shutoff and/or the sails furled and its progresstherefrom has ceased.Abandoned Blinds: Those licensing stationaryblinds in the public waters shall removesame when licenses are allowed to expire orwhen they no longer intend to use them,whichever comes first.Waterfowl Blind Cleanup: Hunters areasked to remove unnatural materials, suchas netting, camouflage cloth, wire, or twine24

from stationary blinds after the waterfowlhunting season. Birds such as ospreys,eagles, and owls often use blind structuresfor perching and/or nesting. Such materials,if left after the hunting season, can causeinjury and even death to these birds if theybecome entangled in the material.Areas Closed toWaterfowl HuntingThe discharge of firearms is prohibited within750 yards of a wildlife sanctuary in any city inVirginia.Taking, attempting to take, pursuing, ordisturbing waterfowl is prohibited in thefollowing areas:✦ In Virginia Beach on the waters and fromthe shores of Crystal Lake, Linkhorn andBroad Bay, and Long Creek and theirtributaries.✦ Hog Island Wildlife Management Area inSurry County and all of the waters of theJames River within a radius of 1,000 yardsaround that island, with the exception ofblinds erected by the Department ofGame and Inland Fisheries.✦ The waters of the James River aroundPresquile National Wildlife Refuge(except for the Turkey Island Cutoffnavigational channel) to the mean lowwater mark on the opposite shore.✦ Gaston Reservoir (Roanoke River) from apoint beginning at High Rock and extendingto the John H. Kerr Dam.✦ The public waters extending 1,000 yardsout from the marked shoreline of theLands End WMA on the RappahannockRiver in King George County, with theexception that adjacent landowners maystill exercise their riparian rights. Additionalinformation, including a map ofthis area, can be found on our VDGIFwebsite at www.dgif.virginia.gov.✦ The waters of the Great Hunting Creekembayment within the City of Alexandria,and the waters of the Potomac Riverin Fairfax County north of Dyke Marshand south of the City of Alexandria andbetween the shore and a line 1,000 feetfrom the Maryland State Line, althoughwaterfowl that have been woundedelsewhere may be pursued into this area.✦ The waters of Kane Creek WaterfowlRefuge within the boundaries of MasonNeck State Park in Fairfax County.✦ The waters of the Potomac River inFairfax County adjacent to the MasonNeck National Wildlife Refuge extendingfrom Sycamore Point northeasterly toHallowing Point including all tributarycreeks, guts, and inlets along theshoreline.✦ The portion of the New River that liesentirely within the boundaries of theRadford Army Ammunition Plant in thecounties of Montgomery and Pulaski.Redheads, illustration ©Spike Knuth25

courtesy of the U.S. Coast GuardWaterfowl Hunting Safety TipsCold water combined with foul weather can create hazardous conditions for waterfowlhunters. Because these conditions can be dangerous, some safety tips areprovided (below) so hunters can be better prepared before heading out on the water.WeatherTo stay warm and avoid the risks of hypothermia or cold water immersion:• Control wind and wetness by using waterproof jackets, waders, and boots.• Wear a belt around your waders to prevent water from entering.• Wear wool clothing or clothing that stays warm when wet, like some fleeceproducts. Bring extras in a waterproof bag.• Wear a hat. Most warmth escapes through your head.• Bring a variety of high energy/sugar content food bars for quick energy andcalories.• Your extremities are very important. It’s no fun to hunt with cold feet, hands, orhead. Bring waterproof gloves and footwear, and chemical hand and foot warmersthat you can put inside your gloves or boots.• If you fall in—go home! Or, take a break and change into warm, dry clothes.26

Duck Boat SafetyWhen planning a hunt, check to be sure the boat is in good working condition andincludes enough gas for the trip, all necessary safety gear, and boat lights and flashlights ingood working order. Hunters must follow all boating rules, and everyone on board shouldwear a properly fitted U.S.C.G. approved life jacket, vest, or flotation coat anytime while onthe water. Cell phones and radios are important communication devices and should beproperly charged and kept in a waterproof bag. A GPS unit is helpful in finding your way butdon’t depend solely on it as a means of navigation, as reception varies and units can fail.• Check the weather before leaving.• Choose a route close to shore and avoid crossing large expanses of open water,especially in bad weather.• Anchor from the bow, never from the stern.• Don’t overload your boat. Check the capacity plate and keep the amount of gear,dogs, and people within your weight limits. Also, be sure the load is properlybalanced and try to keep movements and weight shifts (dogs and people) to aminimum. Overloading, sudden shifts in weight, or excessive weather conditionsare the most common causes of boats capsizing or swamping.• If your boat does capsize or swamp, stay with it. Even when filled with water it willprovide some floatation and is easier to see by potential rescuers.• Firearms should be unloaded and properly secured in a case while being trans -ported in a boat. Floating gun cases earn their keep if one happens to go overboard.• Be extra careful when shooting from a boat. Small boats often have little room toswing a shotgun, so be aware of where dogs and other partners are, and only shootwhen all is clear. Never stand in an unsecured boat to shoot.• Leave a float plan with a responsible person that includes the names of all personsin your party, type and registration number of your boat, time and location of yourhunt, and when you expect to return.Waterfowl hunting can be safer and more enjoyable if you plan ahead and make safepractices part of your water-based hunt. Safety is always the first and most importantmeasure of a successful hunt.Safety Tips contributed by the Virginia Waterfowlers Associationwww.vawfa.orgBoating Safety Courses Are Requiredwww.HuntFishVA.comMotorboat 10 hp or GreaterAge 40 or younger, July 1, 2013Age 45 or younger, July 1, 2014Age 50 or younger, July 1, 2015All ages by July 1, 201627

Sunrise and Sunset Timetable–Richmond, VirginiaTimes below are Eastern Standard Time and reflect Daylight Saving Time when in use.Days Oct. 2013 Nov. 2013 Dec. 2013 Jan. 2014 Feb. 2014 Mar. 2014of Sunrise/Sunset Sunrise/Sunset Sunrise/Sunset Sunrise/Sunset Sunrise/Sunset Sunrise/SunsetMonth (a.m.) (p.m.) (a.m.) (p.m.) (a.m.) (p.m.) (a.m.) (p.m.) (a.m.) (p.m.) (a.m.) (p.m.)1 7:06 6:53 7:35 6:11 7:06 4:52 7:25 5:03 7:13 5:34 6:41 6:042 7:06 6:51 7:36 6:10 7:07 4:52 7:25 5:03 7:13 5:35 6:40 6:053 7:07 6:50 6:37 5:09 7:08 4:52 7:25 5:04 7:12 5:36 6:38 6:064 7:08 6:48 6:38 5:08 7:09 4:52 7:25 5:05 7:11 5:37 6:37 6:075 7:09 6:47 6:39 5:07 7:10 4:51 7:25 5:06 7:10 5:38 6:36 6:086 7:10 6:45 6:40 5:06 7:11 4:51 7:25 5:07 7:09 5:40 6:34 6:097 7:11 6:44 6:41 5:05 7:11 4:51 7:25 5:08 7:08 5:41 6:33 6:108 7:12 6:42 6:42 5:04 7:12 4:52 7:25 5:09 7:07 5:42 6:31 6:119 7:13 6:41 6:43 5:04 7:13 4:52 7:25 5:10 7:06 5:43 7:30 7:1110 7:14 6:39 6:45 5:03 7:14 4:52 7:25 5:11 7:05 5:44 7:28 7:1211 7:15 6:38 6:46 5:02 7:15 4:52 7:24 5:11 7:04 5:45 7:27 7:1312 7:15 6:37 6:47 5:01 7:15 4:52 7:24 5:12 7:03 5:46 7:25 7:1413 7:16 6:35 6:48 5:00 7:16 4:52 7:24 5:13 7:01 5:47 7:24 7:1514 7:17 6:34 6:49 5:00 7:17 4:53 7:24 5:14 7:00 5:48 7:22 7:1615 7:18 6:32 6:50 4:59 7:17 4:53 7:23 5:16 6:59 5:49 7:21 7:1716 7:19 6:31 6:51 4:58 7:18 4:53 7:23 5:17 6:58 5:50 7:19 7:1817 7:20 6:30 6:52 4:58 7:19 4:54 7:23 5:18 6:57 5:51 7:18 7:1918 7:21 6:28 6:53 4:57 7:19 4:54 7:22 5:19 6:56 5:52 7:16 7:2019 7:22 6:27 6:54 4:56 7:20 4:54 7:22 5:20 6:54 5:54 7:15 7:2120 7:23 6:26 6:55 4:56 7:20 4:55 7:21 5:21 6:53 5:55 7:13 7:2221 7:24 6:24 6:56 4:55 7:21 4:55 7:21 5:22 6:52 5:56 7:12 7:2322 7:25 6:23 6:57 4:55 7:21 4:56 7:20 5:23 6:51 5:57 7:10 7:2423 7:26 6:22 6:58 4:54 7:22 4:56 7:20 5:24 6:49 5:58 7:09 7:2424 7:27 6:21 6:59 4:54 7:22 4:57 7:19 5:25 6:48 5:59 7:07 7:2525 7:28 6:19 7:00 4:54 7:23 4:58 7:19 5:26 6:47 6:00 7:06 7:2626 7:29 6:18 7:01 4:53 7:23 4:58 7:18 5:27 6:45 6:01 7:04 7:2727 7:30 6:17 7:02 4:53 7:23 4:59 7:17 5:28 6:44 6:02 7:03 7:2828 7:31 6:16 7:03 4:53 7:24 5:00 7:17 5:30 6:43 6:03 7:01 7:2929 7:32 6:15 7:04 4:52 7:24 5:00 7:16 5:31 7:00 7:3030 7:33 6:14 7:05 4:52 7:24 5:01 7:15 5:32 6:58 7:3131 7:34 6:12 7:24 5:02 7:14 5:33 6:57 7:32Apply corrections below toRichmond sunrise-sunsettimes to obtain official timesat other Virginia locations.Location CorrectionBristol +19 minutesCape Charles -6 minutesCharlottesville +4 minutesChincoteague -8 minutesDanville +8 minutesFredericksburg 0 minutesNewport News -5 minutesNorfolk -5 minutesRoanoke +10 minutesTazewell +16 minutesWilliamsburg -3 minutesWinchester +3 minutes28

Virginia MigratoryWaterfowl Conservation StampThe artwork for the 2013 VirginiaState Migratory Waterfowl ConservationStamp, painted by JanetHong, depicts a pair of drakehooded mergansers floating on apond with their reflections visiblein the calm waters while a henkeeps a watchful eye.The painting by Hong was selectedby a judging panel made upof VDGIF staff and representativesfrom Ducks Unlimited, the VirginiaWaterfowlers’ Association, theLOC Chapter of VA Waterfowl USA, and the Rappahannock River Chapter of Delta Waterfowl.All submitted entries were produced by Virginia artists.Hong is the first woman to win the annual duck stamp competition. Janet also placedsecond in the competition with her artwork depicting a pair of wood ducks.* * * *A Virginia Migratory Waterfowl Conservation Stamp is required of all persons,unless license exempt, 16 years of age and older hunting or taking any migratorywaterfowl (ducks, geese, brant and swans) within the commonwealth. The annual duckstamp can be purchased for a fee of $10 (resident or nonresident) at license agents orclerks who sell Virginia hunting licenses, or from the Department’s website.Stamp collectors who would like the 2013 Virginia Migratory WaterfowlConservation Collectors Stamp and/or print with artwork by Janet Hong canrequest it by sending an email to VAduckstamp@gmail.com.NameSubscribe to Virginia WildlifeSubscribe to Virginia Wildlifeannual subscription-$12.95 new renewalAddressCityStateZipMake check payable to: Treasurer of Virginia.Send to: Virginia Wildlife, P.O. Box 11104, Richmond, VA 23230-1104or call 1-800-710-9369 and mention code J13HF29

SAAVING PEOPLE MONEYon more than just car insurance.Call 1-800-442-9253 todayor visit your local office.Motorcycle and ATV coverages are underwritten by GEICO Indemnity Company. Homeowners, renters, boat and PWC coverages are written through non-affiliated insurance companies and are secured through the GEICO InsuranceAgency, Inc. Some discounts, coverages, payment plans and features are not available in all states or all GEICO companies. Government Employees Insurance Co. • GEICO General Insurance Co. • GEICO Indemnity Co. • GEICOCasualty Co. These companies are subsidiaries of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. GEICO: Washington, DC 20076. GEICO Gecko image © 1999-2012. © 2012 GEICO

Advertise in the onlymedia that MUST be readby VA duck hunters.Hunting is a $50 millionindustry in Virginia! You canreach each license holder in VAby placing an ad in the officialVGDIF Regulations.Contact info for a current media kit -Phone: 800-296-6402Email: ADS@statehuntandfishregs.com5Benefits ofhaving your adin this guide:• Wildlife sports = $121 millionper year in VA• You reach each license holder• Trusted publication• Required reading for lawfulhunters and anglers• Rules are read and re-read foran entire seasonAdvertise HERE!Call: 1-800-296-6402