MIGRATORY GAME BIRD HUNTING - IN VIRGINIA July 2018-June 2019 - Virginia Department of Game and Inland ...
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MIGRATORY GAME BIRD HUNTING IN VIRGINIA July 2018-June 2019 INCLUDING • Dove • Woodcock • Snipe • Rail • Gallinule/Moorhen • All Waterfowl Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries www.dgif.virginia.gov www.gooutdoorsvirginia.com
GEAR UP | GET OUT
• We love the outdoors as much as you •
BROWNING A5
SWEET SIXTEEN SHOTGUN
10150 Lakeridge Pkwy, Ashland, VA 23005 | (804) 550-2188 | www.greentophuntfish.com
M-F: 9AM-9PM Sa: 8AM-6PM Su: 9AM-5PM
MIGRATORY
GAME BIRD
HUNTING
IN VIRGINIA Meghan Marchetti / DGIF
July 2018-June 2019 WHAT’S NEW FOR 2018-2019�������������������������������������������������������������������4
GENERAL INFORMATION
SHOOTING HOURS������������������������������������������������������������������������������������4
POSSESSION LIMITS���������������������������������������������������������������������������������4
NON-TOXIC SHOT��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������4
BLAZE COLORED REQUIREMENT�������������������������������������������������������������4
LICENSE FEES���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������6
REGULATIONS BY SPECIES
DOVE�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������10
Commonwealth of Virginia RAILS, GALLINULE, AND MOORHEN������������������������������������������������������10
Ralph S. Northam, Governor WOODCOCK AND SNIPE�������������������������������������������������������������������������11
Secretary of Natural Resources SEPTEMBER TEAL����������������������������������������������������������������������������������12
Matthew J. Strickler DUCKS����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������12
Department of Game and Inland Fisheries YOUTH WATERFOWL HUNTING DAYS�����������������������������������������������������12
Bob Duncan, Executive Director SEA DUCKS���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������13
Members of the Board
MERGANSERS����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������13
Douglas Dear, Chair, Great Falls COOTS����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������14
Mamie A. Parker, Ph.D., Vice-chair, Dulles
Watkins M. Abbitt, Jr., Appomattox
CANADA GOOSE�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������14
Leon Boyd, Vansant SEPT. CANADA GOOSE AND LIGHT GOOSE��������������������������������������������15
Ryan J. Brown, Fork Union ATLANTIC BRANT�����������������������������������������������������������������������������������16
Nicole S. Butterworth, Vinton
H. S. Caudill, North Tazewell TUNDRA SWAN���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������16
Catherine H. Claiborne, Richmond
Clayton L. Spruill, Virginia Beach
WHAT TERMS DO I NEED TO UNDERSTAND?����������������������������������������17
Brian Vincent, Farmville WATERFOWL HUNTING SAFETY TIPS����������������������������������������������������18
Mission Statement DOVE/WATERFOWL QUOTA/MANAGED HUNTS������������������������������������19
Conserve and manage wildlife populations and habitat
for the benefit of present and future generations. LAWFUL HUNTING METHODS���������������������������������������������������������������� 22
Connect people to Virginia’s outdoors through boating,
education, fishing, hunting, trapping, wildlife viewing UNLAWFUL HUNTING METHODS����������������������������������������������������������� 23
and other wildlife-related activities. Protect people and
property by promoting safe outdoor experiences and WATERFOWL BLIND LAWS��������������������������������������������������������������������� 24
managing human-wildlife conflicts.
AREAS CLOSED TO WATERFOWL HUNTING����������������������������������������� 27
The Department of Game and Inland Fisheries shall
afford to all persons an equal access to Department PERMISSION TO HUNT���������������������������������������������������������������������������� 27
programs and facilities without regard to race, color,
religion, disability, national origin, sexual orientation, SUNRISE-SUNSET TIMETABLE��������������������������������������������������������������� 29
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
to: Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, This publication is to be used as a supplement to Hunting and Trapping in Virginia, 2018-2019 booklet and is for general
Attn: Executive Director’s Office, 7870 Villa Park Dr, 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
Suite 400, P.O. Box 90778, Henrico, VA 23228. changes will supersede the information in this publication. DGIF’s programs, policies, regulations, rules, or fees can be
found at www.dgif.virginia.gov. Specific laws are found in the Code of Virginia (http://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode) or the Game
On the Cover: Department Regulation Manual (http://law.lis.virginia.gov/admincode/title4/agency15). For answers to specific questions about
Mourning dove © Ralph Hensley hunting and fishing, contact the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries office nearest you or visit www.dgif.virginia.gov.
Caution: More restrictive regulations may apply to National Wildlife Refuges open to public hunting. For additional information
Inside illustrations © Spike Knuth on federal regulations, contact the U.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.
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
This year marks the centennial of the Migratory Bird Treaty
Act of 1918, the federal law that laid the groundwork for man-
agement of migratory bird populations in North America.
Our agency works cooperatively with other conservation
agencies and organizations to develop scientifically sound
management practices that uphold the principles of this
landmark legislation.
We are fortunate in Virginia to have a diversity of habi-
tats, from the coast to the mountains, which support an
abundance of migratory game birds. By working cooperatively
with public and private landowners to manage these habitats Williamstown, MA | Birmingham, AL
effectively, we have been able to maintain healthy bird popu-
lations and provide a variety of recreational opportunities
for migratory bird hunters. These begin with the opening of
dove and Canada goose seasons in early September, continue
through the fall and winter with duck, woodcock, rail and
snipe seasons, and conclude with Canada goose and snow goose seasons in February and March.
About This Guide
We enjoy an abundance of wildlife in Virginia thanks to sportsmen and women like you
who are passionate about hunting. The outlook for this year’s bird hunting seasons is promising.
Duck and goose populations have been above average for the past several years, dove numbers This high-quality guide is offered to you
remain high, and most other bird populations are doing well. With a little help from Mother by the Virginia Department of Game and
Nature, birds should arrive in Virginia in good numbers this fall. We look forward to work- Inland Fisheries through its unique part-
ing with our landowners and migratory bird hunters in Virginia for another hundred years of nership with J.F. Griffin Publishing, LLC.
successful migratory bird management.
The revenue generated through ad sales
I hope you can make it afield with friends or family this year to enjoy Virginia’s migratory
game bird hunting opportunities. Remember to please take someone new hunting with you significantly lowers production costs and
this year and help keep the hunting heritage alive and well in Virginia. generates savings. These savings translate
into additional funds for other important
agency programs.
Bob Duncan If you have any feedback or are inter-
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 over $12 million each year from this program,
which funds a large portion of the Department’s habitat management and wild-
life population research projects.
This guide is also
available online at
Photo by Meghan Marchetti / DGIF
2 2018–2019 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 2018 –2019 VIRGINIA MIGRATORY GAME BIRD HUNTING 3
WHAT’S NEW
FOR 2018-2019?
• Dove season shooting hours have been the remainder of the season, shooting hours • The daily bag limit for pintails has been
expanded. Shooting hours for opening day are now open from ½ hour before sunrise to increased from 1 to 2 per day. See page 12.
(Sept. 1) remain from noon to sunset, but for sunset (see page 10).
General Information moorhens) is allowed on Sundays (on private solid blaze colored (blaze orange or blaze
lands and on public lands as permitted by the pink) hat or solid blaze colored upper body
Migratory Game Birds landowner) subject to geographical limitations clothing that is visible from 360 degrees or
Migratory game birds means species of water- established by the Director of the Department display at least 100 square inches of solid blaze
fowl (ducks, geese, brant, swans, and mergan- and except within 200 yards of a house of wor- colored material at shoulder level within body
sers) and webless species (coots, doves, gal- ship or any accessory structure thereof. reach and visible from 360 degrees.
linules, moorhens, rails, snipe, and woodcock). • Hats may have a bill or brim color or design
Non-toxic Shot other than solid blaze color. Hats shall not
Shooting Hours Non-toxic shot approved by the Department be in “camo” style, since the latter is designed
No person shall take migratory game birds [steel, bismuth-tin, Iron-tungsten, Iron-tung- to prevent visibility. A logo, which does not
except during the hours open to shooting as sten-nickel (HEVISHOT), copper-clad iron, detract from visibility, may be worn on a
prescribed. Shooting hours for all waterfowl, tungsten-bronze, tungsten-iron-copper-nickel, blaze colored hat.
all seasons is one-half hour before sunrise until tungsten matrix, tungsten-polymer, tungsten- • Hunters using an enclosed ground (pop-up,
sunset, (except when otherwise permitted in tin-iron, tungsten-tin-bismuth, tungsten-tin- chair, box, etc.) that conceals them from
the September Canada Goose season and the iron-nickel, and tungsten-iron-polymer] is view shall display at least 100 square inches
Light Goose Conservation Order season). See required for hunting all waterfowl, mergansers, of solid blaze colored material, visible from
sunrise-sunset timetable on page 29. Non-toxic coots, moorhens, gallinules, snipe, and rails. 360 degrees attached to or immediately above
shot is required for all waterfowl hunting and Lead shot is not allowed for hunting these spe- the blind. This blaze color is in addition to
for rail and snipe hunting. cies and cannot be in possession in the field any worn on the hunter’s person.
while hunting these species. Shot size should
Possession Limits be no larger than “T”. Exceptions
The possession limit for migratory game birds • Blaze colored clothing is not required of
is 3 times the daily bag limit (except for light Blaze Colored Requirement waterfowl hunters, dove hunters, individuals
geese and tundra swans), but no one is allowed The term “blaze colored” in reference to clothing participating in hunting dog field trials, and
to have more than one daily bag limit of game or other items required for specific safe hunting fox hunters on horseback without firearms.
in his possession while in the forests, fields, or practices shall be one of two colors: 1) traditional • Hunters hunting with archery tackle during
waters of this state. Wounded birds reduced blaze orange or 2) bright pink or fluorescent pink an open firearms deer season in areas where
to possession shall be immediately killed and which will be known as blaze pink. the discharge of firearms is prohibited by
included in the daily bag limit. When hunting any species during a firearms state law or local ordinance, are exempt from
deer season and on youth apprentice deer hunt- the blaze color requirement.
Sunday Hunting ing weekend: • Other than muzzleloader deer hunters, blaze
Hunting for waterfowl (ducks, coot, geese, brant, • Every hunter (see exceptions below), or per- colored clothing is not required of any hunters
and swan) and rails (including gallinules and sons accompanying a hunter, shall wear a hunting during the muzzleloader deer seasons.
AVIAN INFLUENZA 1. Do not handle birds that are obviously sick or birds
found dead.
Should hunters be concerned? 2. Keep your game birds cool, clean, and dry.
Avian influenza viruses (AI, also called bird flu) can be found in 3. Do not eat, drink, or smoke while cleaning your birds.
a variety of wild bird species, including waterfowl. The viruses 4. Use rubber gloves when cleaning game.
usually do not cause sickness or mortality in waterfowl, but wa-
5. Wash your hands with soap and water or alcohol wipes
terfowl can be carriers and pass the disease to other bird spe-
after dressing birds.
cies that may be more susceptible. Some viruses may cause
significant mortality in poultry, and recent outbreaks of highly 6. Clean all tools and surfaces immediately afterward;
pathogenic AI have resulted in significant mortality in commer- use hot soapy water, then disinfect with a 10% chlorine
cial poultry flocks in the U.S. The AI viruses involved in these bleach solution.
mortality events are not easily transmitted to animals other than
7. Cook game meat thoroughly (165°F) to kill disease organisms.
birds, and no human infections have occurred. Although no
highly pathogenic AI has been detected in the Atlantic flyway,
surveillance in wild birds will be continued nationwide this fall. DGIF staff will be visiting boat ramps and public hunting lo-
Hunters should take basic precautionary measures, if they do cations this season to sample hunter-harvested waterfowl for
not already, when handling harvested waterfowl by following disease monitoring. We ask for your cooperation in this effort
the guidelines listed to the right: as the sampling procedure will only take a minute or two.
For more information on avian influenza:
U.S. Geological Survey U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service World Health Organization
www.nwhc.usgs.gov/disease_ www.fws.gov/home/avianflu www.who.int/csr/disease/avian_
information/avian_influenza/index.jsp influenza/en/
4
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
migratory game birds including 16 years and older in order
dove, waterfowl, rail, woodcock, to hunt waterfowl. Waterfowl
snipe, coots, gallinules, or moor- hunters can still purchase
hens, must be registered with the their Federal Duck Stamp at
Virginia Harvest Information Pro- U.S. Post Offices at a cost of
gram (HIP). A new HIP registration $25.00, but a new program
is required each year. Hunters are provides a convenient online
no longer given a separate HIP option whereby hunters can
number, but confirmation of your obtain an E-stamp for $27.50.
HIP registration will be printed on The E-stamp is valid immedi-
your license, or issued separately ately following the purchase
for license-exempt hunters. Infor- and for up to 45 days. The
mation obtained from HIP is vital actual Federal Duck Stamp 2018-2019 Federal Duck Stamp
for the management of migratory will be mailed to the custom- Artwork by Robert Hautman
birds in Virginia. Register for HIP er within 45 days and must ©All rights reserved by USFWS
online at www.gooutdoorsvirginia. be signed and carried there-
com or call 888-788-9772. after while hunting waterfowl.
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.
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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.
Resident Hunting Licenses
LICENSES FEE LICENSES FEE
Resident Sportsman’s License (age 16 and older) $133.00 Resident Junior Lifetime Hunting License (under age 12) $255.00
No annual bear license, deer/turkey license required until age 12. Na-
Includes hunting license, bear license, deer/turkey license, archery li- tional Forest Stamp, State Forest Use Permit, and Bonus Deer Permits, if
cense, muzzleloading license, freshwater fishing license, and trout license. applicable, are required in addition to this license. Upon proof of comple-
tion of a hunter education course or equivalent, the license is transferable
Resident Hunting License* (age 16 and older) to a lifetime hunting license at no additional fee. Available through the
headquarters office or by mail.
1-year license $23.00
Resident Legacy Lifetime Hunting License $125.00
2-year license $44.00
Must be purchased before age 2. Available through the headquarters
3-year license $65.00 office or by mail.
Resident Lifetime Hunting License
4-year license $86.00
Annual bear license, deer/turkey license and all applicable licenses,
stamps, or permits are required in addition to this license. Available
Resident County or City Hunting License* (age 16 and older) $16.00
through the headquarters office or by mail.
For county or city of residence only. Age 12-44 (hunter education course required under age 16) $260.00
Age 45-50 $210.00
Resident Apprentice Hunting License* $11.00
Age 51-55 $160.00
Valid for 2 years from date of purchase. Age 56-60 $110.00
Resident Senior Citizen Hunting License* (age 65 and over) $9.00 Age 61-64 $60.00
Age 65 and over $20.00
Resident Annual Hunting License for 70 Percent Partially
$12.00 Totally and Permanently Disabled Resident Special Hunting
Disabled Veterans $15.00
Lifetime License
Resident veterans rated and certified by the U.S. Department of Veterans Annual bear license, deer/turkey license and all applicable licenses,
Affairs as having at least 70 percent service-connected disability upon stamps, or permits are required in addition to this license. Can be
certification. Annual bear license, deer/turkey license and all applicable obtained in person at the headquarters office or via a mail-in application.
licenses, stamps, or permits are required in addition to this license. Can be Application available online.
purchased in person at the headquarters office or via a mail-in application.
Service-Connected Totally and Permanently Disabled
Application available online. no charge
Veteran Resident Lifetime Hunting License
Resident Junior Hunting License* For qualified resident disabled veterans. Includes hunting license, bear li-
$8.50 cense, deer/turkey license, archery license, and muzzleloading license. All
(age 12 to 15; optional for under 12 years old)
other applicable licenses, stamps, or permits are required in addition to
Resident Youth Combination Hunting License (age 12 to 15) $16.00 this license. Can be purchased in person at the headquarters office or via
a mail-in application. Application available online. A license for freshwater
fishing is also available.
Includes hunting license, bear license, deer/turkey license, archery
license, and muzzleloading license. * Annual bear license, deer/turkey license and all applicable licenses, stamps,
or permits are required in addition to this license.
WHAT LICENSES WHERE TO OBTAIN
DO I NEED? A LICENSE
To Hunt Dove, Woodcock, Snipe, or Rail • Online: At www.gooutdoorsvirginia.com. Select the
license(s) you want, pay with your credit card, and
A hunting license (unless license exempt), and a HIP print (if needed) your license(s) after you pay.
registration is required. A National Forest Permit or State
Forest Use Permit may also be required. • In Person: Sold by some clerks of the Circuit Court
and hundreds of license agents around the state.
To Hunt Waterfowl
• By Phone /Mobile Phone:
A hunting license (unless license exempt), a HIP registra- 1-866-721-6911 during regular
tion, a Federal Duck stamp (16 years and older), and a business hours or use your GoOutdoors Virginia
Virginia Duck Stamp (16 years and older, unless license mobile app.
exempt) are required. A National Forest Permit or State
Forest Use Permit may also be required.
6 2018–2019 VIRGINIA MIGRATORY GAME BIRD HUNTING WWW.DGIF.VIRGINIA.GOV
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LICENSE
FEES
Nonresident Hunting Licenses Miscellaneous Licenses,
LICENSES FEE
Permits, and Stamps
One or more of the following may be required in addition to a resident or
Nonresident Hunting License* (age 16 and older) $111.00 nonresident hunting license.
LICENSES FEE
Nonresident 3-Day Hunt License* (age 16 and older) $60.00
All blind licenses are available for purchase online at www.gooutdoorsvirginia.
com or through any number of DGIF license agents throughout the state.
Must be 3 consecutive days There is an option to select if a metal plate is needed (new or replacement). If
purchased online or through a license agent you will receive a license showing
your blind information; the decal and metal plate (if requested) will be mailed
Nonresident Apprentice Hunting License* $21.00
separately within 5 to 7 business days.
Stationary Blind $23.50
Valid for 2 years from date of purchase.
When purchasing a stationary blind license, you must provide GPS
coordinates along with a description of where the blind is located. These
Nonresident Annual Hunting License for 70 Percent Partially coordinates are needed to help evaluate whether blinds are within the
$56.00
Disabled Veterans required distances, and they will help in future improvements of the blind
licensing process. Coordinates should be reported as latitude and lon-
gitude and can be entered in one of three formats: 1) Degrees, minutes,
Nonresident veterans rated and certified by the U.S. Department of
seconds (35° 45’ 52”), 2) Degrees and decimal minutes (35° 45.87’), or
Veterans Affairs as having at least 70 percent service-connected dis-
3) Decimal degrees (35.76°).
ability. Annual bear license, deer/turkey license and all applicable licenses,
stamps or permits are required in addition to this license. Can be pur- Floating Blind $41.00
chased in person at the headquarters office or via a mail-in application. Offshore Blind Stake (limit 4 per licensee) $6.00
Application available online.
Nonresident Hunting Preserve $23.00
Service-Connected Totally and Permanently Disabled
$28.50 To hunt within the boundaries of a licensed shooting preserve, in lieu of
Nonresident Veteran Annual Hunting License
other required licenses.
For nonresident veterans rated and certified by the U.S. Department of
Veterans Affairs as having a total and permanent disability that is service PERMITS FEE
connected. Annual bear license, deer/turkey license and all applicable li- National Forest Permit $4.00
censes, stamps, or permits are required in addition to this hunting license.
To hunt and trap within National Forest. Not required of residents under
Can be purchased in person at the headquarters office or via a mail-in
the age of 16 to trap; residents who have an annual senior citizen hunting
application. Application available online.
license ($9.00) or a lifetime license issued before 7/1/88.
Virginia State Forest Use Permit (age 16 or older) $16.00
Nonresident Junior Hunting License* (under age 12) $13.00
Allows hunting, trapping, fishing, mountain biking, and horse riding. No
motorized vehicles on gated roads/trails (open or closed). Sold in coopera-
Nonresident Junior Hunting License* (age 12 to 15) $16.00 tion with the Virginia Department of Forestry.
$4.00
Access Permit
Nonresident Youth Combination Hunting License per day
$31.00
(under age 16) • The permit fee is $4 for a daily permit or $23 for an annual permit. The
access permit may be purchased online or at any license agent.
Includes hunting license, bear license, deer/turkey license, archery • An access permit is not required of any person, 17 years of age or
license, and muzzleloading license. older, accessing a wildlife management area or DGIF fishing lake, if
they have in their possession a valid hunting, freshwater fishing, or
Nonresident Legacy Hunting License $250.00 trapping license or current boat registration.
• The access permit requirement does not apply to Department-owned
Must be purchased before age 2. Available through the headquarters office boat ramps or segments of the Appalachian Trail on Department-
or by mail. owned land.
• Daily group rates are available. For more information go to
Nonresident Lifetime Hunting License $555.00 www.dgif.virginia.gov/access permit/.
Annual bear license, deer/turkey license and all applicable licenses, STAMPS FEE
stamps or permits are required in addition to this license. Available
through the headquarters office or by mail. Federal Migratory Duck E-Stamp $27.50
To take migratory waterfowl; required of persons 16 years of age and over
* Annual bear license, deer/turkey license and all applicable licenses, stamps, in addition to hunting license. Valid July 1 through June 30. See page 5.
or permits are required in addition to this license.
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.
8 2018–2019 VIRGINIA MIGRATORY GAME BIRD HUNTING WWW.DGIF.VIRGINIA.GOVWILDLIFE VIEWING, HUNTING, FISHING,
ARCHERY. Outdoor activities like these are
great opportunities for kids to put down their
phones, learn, make new friends, and create
a connection with nature that can last a lifetime.
That’s why the Virginia Wildlife Grant Program
was created – to provide funding to non-profits,
schools, and local government with a focus on
connecting youth to the outdoors.
Your Support Will Have A Huge Impact.
We want to do everything in our power to ensure that youth all across
Virginia have the opportunity to explore and learn about everything the
outdoors has to offer. That’s where you come in. If you feel a connection
with our mission and want to contribute, we hope you will join us.
Visit virginiawildlife.gov/grant-program or email Tom Wilcox at
tom.wilcox@dgif.virginia.gov for more details. Thank you!
Don’t Let Coming 1
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Address
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or return form with check payable to
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Sorry, no foreign delivery V W Calendars, P.O. Box 90778, Henrico, VA 23228
9REGULATIONS
BY SPECIES
Statewide Dove Hunting Seasons
Dove First Segment Second Segment
September 1-October 28 November 21-28
Hours: Third Segment
September 1 December 22-January 14
• 12:00 noon until sunset.
Hours for Second and Third Segments:
September 2-October 28 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 Third Segment
September 1-October 28 December 22-January 14
Hours: Hours for Second and Third Segments:
September 1 One-half hour before sunrise until sunset.
• 12:00 noon until sunset. Hunting permitted daily except Sundays.
September 2-October 28 Bag Limit
• One-half hour before sunrise until sunset. 15 per day, 45 in possession. Composed of
• Hunting permitted on Labor Day, Wednes- mourning doves and white-winged doves, singly
days and Saturdays only. or in combination.
Second Segment
November 21-28
Rails Season Attention Rail and Snipe Hunters
September 8-November 16 Virginia requires the use of non-toxic shot
for hunting rails and snipe. Non-toxic shot is
Hours required for hunting all waterfowl, mergansers,
One-half hour before sunrise until sunset. coots, rails, snipe, moorhens, and gallinules.
Bag Limit Sunday hunting for rails, gallinule, and
Clapper/King 15 — counted together daily, moorhens is allowed on private lands and
45 in possession. public lands as permitted by the landowner.
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 2018–2019 VIRGINIA MIGRATORY GAME BIRD HUNTING WWW.DGIF.VIRGINIA.GOVWoodcock
Season Bag Limit
October 27-November 2 3 per day, 9 in possession.
December 8-January 14
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 5-8 Virginia requires the use of non-toxic shot
October 21-January 31 for hunting rails and snipe. Non-toxic shot is
required for hunting all waterfowl, mergansers,
Hours coots, rails, snipe, moorhens, and gallinules.
One-half hour before sunrise until sunset.
No Sunday hunting of snipe on public waters
Bag Limit or on public lands.
8 per day, 24 in possession.
du events
making the off-season
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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.
11REGULATIONS
BY SPECIES
*Note: Hunters are cautioned 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 5-8 (Black duck closed)
Hours
One-half hour before sunrise until sunset.
November 21-December 2
December 15-January 27 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 4 mallards (only 2 can be hen mal-
lards), 4 scoters, 4 long-tailed ducks, 4 eiders,
3 wood ducks, 2 redheads, 2 scaup, 2 pintail,
2 black ducks (except closed during Oct. 5–8),
2 canvasbacks, 1 mottled duck, and 1 fulvous
whistling duck.
Waterfowl Hunting On Wildlife Management Areas
For information about quota or managed hunts for (Nov. 21-Dec. 2), and December–January portions of Philbates Creek) on Tuesdays, Thurs-
waterfowl and dove on Department WMAs, see (Dec. 15-Jan. 27) segments of the duck season. days, and Saturdays of the duck and goose sea-
page 19 or go online at www.dgif.virginia.gov. Hunters may not occupy the area before 5:00 sons. Hunters may not occupy their hunting loca-
Waterfowl hunting on the James River WMA is a.m. and must vacate the area by 1:00 p.m. tion until 5 a.m. and hunting must end by 1 p.m.
permitted only on the opening day, Wednesdays, Hunting on Friday and Saturday of the October Waterfowl hunting at Doe Creek WMA is
and Saturdays of the duck and goose seasons. segment (Oct. 5 & 6) and on the opening day open to walk-in hunting on Saturdays only for
Waterfowl hunting on the Mattaponi Wildlife of the November-December segment (Nov. 21) half days during the last two segments of the
Management Area is permitted only on October and the December–January segment (Dec. 15) general waterfowl season. Hunters may hunt
5, 6, 7, and 8, and on Mondays, Wednesdays, will be by Quota hunt only—see page 20. until 1:00 p.m. and must have all decoys up and
and Saturdays of the duck and goose seasons. Outside of the duck season segments listed be away from the impoundments by 2:00 p.m.
Game Farm Marsh WMA is open for hunt- above, waterfowl hunting on Game Farm Marsh The area is open on Sundays for scouting and
ing on Friday, Saturday, and Monday of the is open with no restrictions on hunt days, times, wildlife viewing.
October segment of the duck season (Oct. 5, or hunter numbers. For information about waterfowl hunting on
6 and 8), and on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Waterfowl hunting on and within 500 yards other WMAs see our website at https://www.
Saturdays during the November-December of the Ware Creek WMA is permitted (except dgif.virginia.gov/wma.
YOUTH WATERFOWL HUNTING DAYS
October 20, 2018 and February 2, 2019
Statewide. Resident and nonresident youth hunters 15 years of age and under 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, mergan-
sers, gallinules, moorhens, light geese, 2 Canada geese in the Atlantic Population Zone, 5 Canada geese in the Southern James
Bay Population and Resident Population zones, 1 tundra swan (if the youth possesses a tundra swan permit) on the designated
youth days. Resident youth aged 12–15, and nonresident youth age 15 or under, need a valid Virginia hunting license, unless
license exempt. All participating youth must be Virginia HIP registered (www.gooutdoorsvirginia.com). All youth must be ac-
companied 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, but may hunt for those species for which there is an open season.
12 2018–2019 VIRGINIA MIGRATORY GAME BIRD HUNTING WWW.DGIF.VIRGINIA.GOVOutside the Special
Special Season
November 10-January 8 Sea Duck Zone
Sea Duck Season In addition to the “Special Season in the Special
Bag Limit Sea Duck Zone,” scoters, long-tails and eiders
in the *Special 5 per day (15 in possession), but may include no can also be taken during the regular duck season
more than 4 scoters, 4 eiders or 4 long-tailed ducks. (Oct. 5-8, Nov. 21-Dec. 2, and Dec. 15-Jan. 27)
in areas outside the Special Sea Duck Zone
Sea Duck Zone *Special Sea Duck Zone Boundary since these species are included as part of the
Those waters at a distance greater than 800 regular duck season bag limit (6 ducks total
Sea duck species are scoter, long-tailed duck yards from any shore, island, or emergent vege- which can include no more than 4 scoters, 4
(formerly oldsquaw), and eider. tation in the following areas: the ocean waters of long-tails or 4 eiders—see regular duck season
Virginia, the tidal waters of Northampton and bag limit on page 12).
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 5-8 5 birds daily, of which only 2 birds may be a
November 21-December 2 hooded merganser (15 in possession, only 6 of
December 15-January 27 which may be hooded mergansers).
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13REGULATIONS
BY SPECIES
Coots Seasons Bag Limit
October 5-8 15 per day, 45 in possession.
November 21-December 2
December 15-January 27
Canada Goose
Atlantic Population Zone (AP) Seasons Southern James Bay Population
November 21-December 2 Zone (SJBP) Seasons
December 21-January 27 November 21-December 2
(Includes White-fronted Geese) December 18-January 14
Bag Limit January 15-February 15
2 geese per day (6 in possession).
Bag Limit
Resident Population Zone (RP) Seasons 3 geese per day: Nov. 21-Dec. 2 and
November 21-December 2 Dec. 18-Jan. 14.
December 15-February 20 5 geese per day: Jan. 15-Feb. 15.
Bag Limit
5 geese per day (15 in possession).
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
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14 2018–2019 VIRGINIA MIGRATORY GAME BIRD HUNTING WWW.DGIF.VIRGINIA.GOVSeptember
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 All hunters who plan to participate during this
October 17-January 31: statewide season must register either online (www.dgif.
(Greater and Lesser Snow Geese and Ross’s Geese) virginia.gov/lightgoose) or by phone (866-721-
Bag Limit 6911), and obtain a Hunter Activity Report prior
25 per day, no possession limit. to hunting. The Hunter Activity Report must be
submitted to the Department within two weeks
Shooting Hours following the close of the season, either through
One-half hour before sunrise to sunset. the agency website (above) or by mail (Light
Goose Conservation Order, 3801 John Tyler
Conservation Order Season Memorial Highway, Charles City, VA 23030).
(See hunt zone in blue below.) Registration will begin December 1, 2018.
February 1-April 5
Conservation Order Season Zone
Bag Limit Same as the AP Canada Goose Zone — the
No daily or possession limit. area east of the Stafford/King George County
line from the Potomac River south to the Rap-
Special Hunting Methods: Electronic calls, pahannock River, then west along the Stafford
unplugged shotguns, and extended shooting County line to Interstate 95, then south along
hours are allowed. Interstate 95 to Route 460 in Petersburg, then
southeast along Route 460 to Route 32 in the
Shooting Hours: One-half hour before sunrise city of Suffolk, then south along Route 32 to the
to one-half hour after sunset. North Carolina border.
Conservation Order Season Hunt Zone
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WWW.DGIF.VIRGINIA.GOV 2018 –2019 VIRGINIA MIGRATORY GAME BIRD HUNTING 15REGULATIONS
BY SPECIES
Atlantic
Seasons Bag limit
November 21-December 2 2 per day, 6 in possession.
Brant December 15-January 31
Virginia hunting license. A hunter may only
Tundra Swan Seasons
November 21-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 28, 2018. The Department will report by February 15, 2019 are ineligible for
issue no more than 750 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 2018–2019 VIRGINIA MIGRATORY GAME BIRD HUNTING WWW.DGIF.VIRGINIA.GOVDEFINITIONS
& 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,
called rock dove), European starling, Eurasian from one’s temporary or transient place of abode grain, or other feed has been placed, exposed,
collared-dove, mute swan, and upland game or dwelling such as a hunting club, or any club deposited, distributed, or scattered, if that salt,
birds (which are protected by state laws). house, cabin, tent or trailer house used as a hunt- grain, or other feed could serve as a lure or
All migratory birds are protected. However, ing club, or any hotel, motel, or rooming house attraction for migratory game birds to, on, or
a subset of migratory birds classified as migra- used during a hunting, pleasure, or business trip. over areas where hunters are attempting to take
tory game birds may be hunted in accordance them. Any such area will remain a baited area
with state and federal regulations. The list of Migratory bird preservation facility means: for ten days following the complete removal of
migratory game birds includes species of ducks, 1. Any person who, at their residence or place all such salt, 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
Daily bag limit means the maximum number sideration; or a lure or attraction for migratory game birds
of migratory game birds of a single species or 3. Any hunting club which, in the normal to, on, or over any areas where hunters are
combination (aggregate) of species permitted course of operations, receives, possesses, attempting 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
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