Bill Text: VA HB995 | 2018 | Regular Session | Chaptered
Bill Title: Dogs; licensed hunter may track a wounded bear, turkey, or deer with certain weapon.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)
Status: (Passed) 2018-03-23 - Governor: Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0447) [HB995 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2018-HB995-Chaptered.html
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:
1. That §29.1-516.1 of the Code of Virginia is amended and reenacted as follows:
§29.1-516.1. Using tracking dogs to retrieve bear, deer, or turkey.
Tracking dogs maintained and controlled on a lead may be used
to find a wounded or dead bear, turkey, or deer statewide during any
archery, muzzleloader, or firearm bear, turkey, or deer hunting season,
or within 24 hours of the end of such season, provided that those who are
involved in the retrieval effort have permission to hunt on or to access the
land being searched and do not have any weapons in their possession.
A licensed hunter who is engaged in such tracking may have in his possession a
weapon permitted under this title and may use such weapon to humanely kill the
wounded bear, deer, or turkey being tracked, including after legal shooting
hours. Such weapon shall not be used to hunt, wound, or kill any animal other
than the animal that the hunter is tracking, except in self-defense.
