PRESENT:
Charles G. McDaniel, Chairman, Richard L. Corrigan,
Vice Chairman, Dan Hoffler, Richard E. Railey, Jr., Will McNeely,
Sherry S. Crumley, Dan R. McCoy (left at noon), Cecil Campbell,
Chuck Cunningham, ABSENT:
Jimmy Dean, Jack T. Shoosmith, personal illness.
LEGAL COUNSEL: Roger
Chaffe, DIRECTOR:
William L. Woodfin, Jr.; SENIOR
STAFF: Ray Davis, Bob Duncan, Herb Foster, Gary Martel, Charlie
Sledd, Jeff Uerz
Chairman McDaniel called the meeting to order
at 9:00 a.m., welcomed the public, and Jeff Uerz was requested to
lead the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
To accommodate the public in attendance, a
video feed was installed for the conference room in the 4010 West
Broad Street building, and an audio feed was placed in the parking
lot to allow individuals unable to get into the buildings to
listen to the proceedings.
Recognition
of Special Guests and Others: Bob
Duncan was recognized. The
Virginia State Chapter of the Wildlife Society, at its recent
meeting, recognized The Honorable Charles R. Hawkins, Senator of
Virginia, Chairman of the Agriculture, Conservation and Natural
Resources Committee, by awarding him the A. Willis Robertson
Citizen Conservation Award for his outstanding work on natural
resources and wildlife issues, and for championing legislation on
high fence deer enclosures. At
the request of the Virginia State Chapter of The Wildlife Society,
Senator Hawkins attended this Board meeting to accept the A.
Willis Robertson Citizen Conservation Award from the Society’s
President, Marc Puckett. Senator
Hawkins thanked the Society for the honor, and urged everyone to
practice ethics while hunting.
Jeffrey C. Southard, Chief, Planning and
Environmental Affairs for the Virginia Department of
Transportation was introduced.
Upon joining the Virginia Department of Transportation, Mr.
Southard contacted Director Woodfin to discuss opportunities for
partnering with the agency to enhance the environment and meet
some identified mitigation needs.
As a result of that effort, several projects have resulted,
i.e., a peregrine falcon program, a $1 million contribution to the
Virginia Birding and Wildlife Trail, and funding for research on
wildlife movement to assist in the placement of animal crossings
on roadways. At
this meeting, Mr. Southard presented a deed to the Board and the
Department for 750 plus acres adjacent to the Great Dismal Swamp,
along Route 17. This
property was donated to the Department as part of the Route 17
mitigation package for the relocation and widening of Route 17.
The property will be managed by the Department as a
wildlife management area and known as the Great Dismal Swamp
Wildlife Management Area. The
old Route 17 will be converted to a hiking and biking trail and
will provide citizen access to this new wildlife management area.
Mr. Woodfin presented a plaque to Mr.
Southern expressing the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries’
appreciation for the Virginia Department of Transportations’
outstanding work and partnership efforts with this agency.
Charlie Sledd was recognized. Mr. Sledd recognized Mr. Ron Louque and his wife Ann, from
Charlottesville, and announced that Mr. Louque, has won the
competition for the new federal duck stamp.
Mr. Louque has offered to donate a portion of the proceeds
from the sale of this stamp to the Department of Game and Inland
Fisheries. He has
requested individuals purchasing the stamp to notify him that they
had read the information in the Virginia
Wildlife magazine so that the donation can be made to the
Department. Mr.
Louque was the artist that painted Virginia’s first voluntary
waterfowl stamp in 1988.
Mr. Louque was introduced.
He indicated that he was honored to have his artwork
selected and he thanked the Fish and Wildlife Service for its work
to preserve waterfowl and its habitat.
The print was on display.
Denise Doetzer, State Conservationist with
the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) was introduced. She indicated that at the National Biologists’ recent
meeting, Marc Puckett received the NRCS Partnering Award for work
in the community and with NRCS’ Wildlife Habitat Incentive
Program.
Director Woodfin, at the request of the
American Fisheries Society (AFS), asked Gary Martel, Director of
the Fisheries Division, to come forward to receive an award from
AFS in appreciation of his outstanding work as President of the
Fisheries Administrators Section of the American Fisheries
Society.
Closed
Session: In open
session at 9:25 a.m., Ms.
Crumley moved, seconded by Mr.
Cunningham, passed unanimously, that the Board go into a
closed session pursuant to § 2.2-3711.A.1 of the Code of Virginia
for discussion or consideration of employment, assignment,
appointment, promotion, performance, demotion, salaries,
disciplining, or resignation of specific public officers,
appointees or employees of the Department of Game and Inland
Fisheries, specifically regarding the Board’s annual evaluation
of the performance of the Director.
At 9:55 a.m., Ms.
Crumley certified, seconded by Mr. Railey, passed unanimously that
whereas the Board of Game and Inland Fisheries had convened a
closed meeting on this date pursuant to an affirmative recorded
vote and in accordance with the provisions of the Virginia Freedom
of Information Act, and whereas § 2.2-3712.D of the Code requires
a certification by this Board that such closed meeting was
conducted in conformity with Virginia law, now, therefore, be it
resolved that the Board of Game and Inland Fisheries hereby
certifies that (i) to the best of each member’s knowledge, only
public business matters lawfully exempted from open meeting
requirements by Virginia law were discussed in the closed meeting
to which this certification resolution applies, and (ii) only such
public business matters as were identified in the motion convening
the closed meeting were heard, discussed or considered by the
Board.
PUBLIC
COMMENTS: NON-AGENDA
ITEMS: Chairman McDaniel, to accommodate all individuals
desiring to comment to the Board, requested individuals to limit
their comments to three minutes.
Individuals representing groups were requested to limit
comments to five minutes.
Betty
Ostergren, Hanover, VA representing the Virginia Watchdog,
requested the Board to exercise the authority granted it by State
Code to take action to disallow VIPNet to sell personal
information pertaining to those individuals purchasing hunting and
fishing licenses or registering boats.
Dale
Taylor, Beaverdam, VA asked the Board to exercise the
authority granted it by State Code, not to release personal
information being collected without the personal consent of the
affected individual. She also requested the Board to assist her in
finding out what is going on with personal information being
collected and requested that the release of personal information
be discontinued. She
also presented concerns pertaining to the legality of Virginia
Interactive, the parent organization for VIPNet.
MINUTES
OF MEETING: The
minutes of the March 6, 2003 Board meeting were distributed to
members with the briefing materials.
The Chairman called for additions or corrections to the
minutes. Mr.
Cunningham requested that the minutes be amended on page 19 to
provide more detail. He
requested the addition of the phrase, “ and he pointed out that
appointment of a nominations committee, not the election of a
Chairman, was on the meeting agenda.”
There were no objections to this request.
Mr. Cunningham moved approval of the amended minutes, seconded by Mr.
Corrigan, passed unanimously.
Mr.
Cunningham moved, seconded by Mr. McCoy, failed 6:3, that Richard
Corrigan be re-elected to serve as Vice Chairman of the Board of
Game and Inland Fisheries. Ayes:
Cunningham, McCoy and Corrigan.
Nays: Crumley,
McNeely, Hoffler, Campbell, McDaniel and Railey.
WILDLIFE
REGULATION PROPOSALS: Using
Power Point, Bob Duncan presented the following staff
recommendations for wildlife regulation proposals . Since March 6,
2003, these proposals have been advertised for public comment.
In addition, public comments have been heard at 11 public
input meetings that were held around the state, in writing, and
via email. Director
Woodfin reviewed the Board’s regulatory review process and
indicated that public comments are reviewed by Department staff to
see where, with amendment, regulation proposals may be improved. Members of the Board were also requested, prior to the
Board’s vote, to declare any private comments they may have
received on the advertised regulation proposals.
The Board confirmed that written comments received from
interested individuals had been shared with each Board member.
TURKEY:
Amend 4 VAC 15-240-31 to increase the fall turkey
hunting season by six hunting days in the counties of Charles
City, Gloucester, James City, King George, Lancaster, Middlesex,
New Kent, Northumberland, Richmond, Westmoreland, and York (except
on Camp Peary) and include Mathews County which was previously
closed.
Amend
4 VAC 15-240-50 to remove Mathews County from the counties
that are closed to fall turkey hunting.
Amend
4 VAC 15-240-40 to add youth hunting opportunities with a
special youth spring gobbler season day on the first Saturday in
April and to allow the hunting of turkeys from one-half hour
before sunrise to sunset during the last 12 days of the spring
season. In its final
action, the Board amended this advertised proposed to allow
hunting from one-half hour before sunrise to sunset.
DEER:
Amend 4 VAC 15-90-10 to change the opening day of the
general firearms deer season from the third Monday in November to
the Saturday prior to the third Monday in November.
Amend
4 VAC 15-90-20 to (i) establish the opening date for general
firearms deer season as the Saturday prior to the third Monday in
November and add one more hunting day at the end of the season,
(ii) add towns as localities that will have the firearms deer
season and, (iii) remove the counties of Franklin, Henry,
Pittsylvania (west of Norfolk Southern Railroad) and the
Fairystone Farms Wildlife Management Area, Fairystone State Park
and Philpott Reservoir from the two-week general firearms deer
season. This proposal
was amended from the advertised proposal resulting in no change in
the deer season for the counties of Amherst, Campbell and Nelson.
Amend
4 VAC 15-90-21 to (i) establish the opening date of the
general firearms deer season as the Saturday prior to the third
Monday in November and add one more hunting day at the end of the
season, (ii) add towns as localities that will have the firearms
deer season, and (iii) add the counties of Floyd, Franklin, Henry
and Pittsylvania (west of the Norfolk Southern Railroad) to the
four-week general firearms deer season.
This regulation proposal was amended, based upon comments
heard, to include Floyd County in the four-week season.
Amend
4 VAC 15-90-70 to (i) end the early archery season on the
Friday prior to the third Monday in November, (ii) add towns as
localities that will have the archery seasons, (iii) establish a
late special archery season on the Chester F. Phelps Wildlife
Management Area, (iv) extend the time frame for the special urban
archery season to include the Monday following the first Saturday
in January through the last Saturday in March, both dates
inclusive, to those cities, towns and counties participating in
the urban archery program, (v) allow for a one-time notification
of intent to participate or not to participate in the urban deer
archery season, and (vi) remove the sunrise clause since the
season is now in effect. The
approved proposal was amended from the advertised proposal, to
reflect public comments heard.
Amend
4 VAC 15-90-80 to (i) establish the opening date of the early
muzzleloading gun season as the Saturday prior to the first Monday
in November and the ending date as the Friday prior to the third
Monday in November east of the Blue Ridge Mountains except on
national forest lands in Amherst, Bedford and Nelson counties and
in the cities of Chesapeake, Suffolk (east of the Dismal Swamp
line) and Virginia Beach, (ii) add towns as localities that will
have the muzzleloading seasons, (iii) allow deer of either sex to
be taken during the entire early special muzzleloading season on
Occoneechee State Park in Mecklenburg County, (iv) establish the
opening date of the early muzzleloading gun season as the Saturday
prior to the second Monday in November and the ending date as the
Friday prior to the third Monday in November west of the Blue
Ridge Mountains and on national forest lands in Amherst, Bedford,
and Nelson counties, (v) add the City of Virginia Beach to the
late special muzzleloading season, (vi) establish full season
either-sex deer hunting during the early and late special
muzzleloading seasons in Floyd County and on private lands in
Roanoke County, (vii) re-establish an either-sex deer hunting day
on national forest lands in Frederick, Page, Rockingham,
Shenandoah, and Warren counties during the early special
muzzleloading season, and (viii) establish full season either sex
muzzleloading deer seasons within the incorporated limits of any
city or town in the Commonwealth that allows deer hunting except
in the cities and towns in Buchanan, Dickenson, and Wise counties
and the cities of Chesapeake, Suffolk, and Virginia Beach.
Amend
4 VAC 15-90-90 to (i) increase the bag limit on deer east of
the Blue Ridge Mountains effective July 1, 2004 from four a
license year to six and increase the number of antlerless only
tags from one to three, (ii) increase the bag limit on deer west
of the Blue Ridge Mountains and on national forest lands in
Amherst, Bedford, and Nelson counties effective July 1, 2004 from
three to five a license year and increase the number of antlerless
tags from one to three, (iii) clarify that all youth hunters 15
years of age and under, whether exempt or non-exempt from license
requirements, resident or non-resident, can take one antlerless
deer per license year on days other than designated either sex
deer hunting days and further removes the reference to the use of
a specific tag.
Amend
4 VAC 15-90-100 to (i) strike the wording “including cities
within” from this section, (ii) remove Alleghany, Augusta, Bath,
Bland, Carroll, Craig, Giles, Highland, Pulaski, Rockbridge, and
Wythe counties from this section and add them to 4 VAC 15-90-190,
which will increase the number of either-sex deer hunting days on
private lands in these counties from three days to seven days,
(iii) add Lee, Russell, Scott, Smyth, Tazewell, and Washington
counties to this section which will increase the number of
either-sex deer hunting days on private lands in these counties
from two days to three days, and (iv) add national forest and
department-owned lands in Alleghany, Augusta, Bath, Bland,
Botetourt, Carroll, Craig, Giles, Highland, Montgomery, Pulaski,
Roanoke, Rockbridge, and Wythe counties to this section which will
increase either-sex deer hunting days on these public lands from
one or two days to three days.
The approved proposal was amended from the advertised
proposal regarding doe days in Scott County.
Amend
4 VAC 15-90-110 to (i) strike the wording “including cities
within” from the section, (ii) remove Lee, Russell, Smyth,
Tazewell, and Washington counties from this section and add them
to 4 VAC 15-90-100, which will increase the number of either-sex
deer hunting days on private lands in these counties from two days
to three days, (iii) remove Scott County from this section and add
it to 4 VAC 15-90-190 which will increase the number of either-sex
deer hunting days on private lands in the county from two days to
seven days, (iv) remove national forest lands and department-owned
lands in Alleghany, Augusta, Bath, Bland, Botetourt, Carroll,
Giles, Highland, Montgomery, Pulaski, Roanoke, Rockbridge, and
Wythe counties from this section and add them to 4 VAC 15-90-100,
which will increase the number of either-sex deer hunting days on
these public lands in these counties from two days to three days,
and (v) add national forest lands in Frederick, Grayson, Page,
Rockingham, Shenandoah, Smyth, Tazewell, Washington, and Warren
counties and the Clinch Mountain Wildlife Management Area and
Hidden Valley Wildlife Management Area and portions of
Grayson-Highlands State Park open to hunting to this section which
will increase the number of either-sex deer hunting days on these
public lands from one day to two days.
Amend
4 VAC 15-90-120 to remove the City of Suffolk east of the
Dismal Swamp line (except on the Dismal Swamp National Wildlife
Refuge) from this section and add it to a new section 4 VAC
15-90-121 which will increase the number of either-sex deer
hunting days from six days to eight days.
It will not affect the either-sex deer hunting days on the
Dismal Swamp NWR.
Add 4
VAC 15-90-121 to increase the number of either-sex deer
hunting days in the City of Suffolk east of the Dismal swamp line
(except on the Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge) from the
last six days either-sex to the first two Saturdays and last six
days by creating this new section.
It will not affect the either-sex deer hunting days on the
Dismal Swamp NWR.
Amend
4 VAC 15-90-141 to (i) strike the wording “including cities
within” from the section, and (ii) remove Chesterfield County
from this section and add it to 4 VAC 15-90-195 which will
increase the number of either-sex deer hunting days in the county
from four days to eight days.
Amend
4 VAC 15-90-160 to (i) add Botetourt and Grayson counties to
this section which will increase the number of either-sex deer
hunting days on private land in these counties from seven days to
full season, (ii) add Clarke County, and private land in Frederick
County to this section which will increase the number of
either-sex deer hunting days in these counties from 27 days to
full season, (iii) add Fauquier County to this section which will
increase the number of either sex deer hunting days on private
land in the county from 14 days to full season, (iv) remove
Greensville and Southampton counties from this section and add
them to 4 VAC 15-90-200 which will decrease the number of
either-sex days in these counties from full season to 27 days, (v)
add Montgomery County to this section which will increase the
number of either-sex deer hunting days on private land from seven
days to full season, (vi) add Northampton County to this section
which will increase the number of either-sex deer hunting days in
the county from 27 days to full season, (vii) establish full
season either-sex deer hunting in the City of Richmond, and (viii)
establish a full season, either-sex general firearms deer season
within all incorporated cities and towns in the Commonwealth,
where deer hunting is allowed.
Amend
4 VAC 15-90-170 to (i) remove national forest land in
Frederick, Grayson, Page, Shenandoah, Smyth, Rockingham, Tazewell,
Washington, and Warren counties and the Clinch Mountain and Hidden
Valley WMA’s and portions of Grayson-Highlands State Park open
to hunting from this section and add them to 4 VAC 15-90-110 which
will increase the number of either-sex deer hunting days on these
public lands from one day to two days, and (ii) remove national
forest land in Craig County from this section and add it to 4 VAC
15-90-100 which will increase the number of either-sex deer
hunting days on public land in the county from one day to three
days.
Amend
4 VAC 15-90-190 to (i) strike the wording “including cities
within” from the section; (ii) remove Botetourt and Grayson
counties from this section and add them to 4 VAC 15-90-160 which
will increase the number of either-sex deer hunting days on
private land in these counties from seven days to full season,
(iii) remove Mathews and Middlesex counties from this section and
add them to 4 VAC 15-90-195, which will increase the number of
either-sex deer hunting days in these counties from seven days to
eight days, (iv) add Alleghany, Augusta, Bath, Bland, Carroll,
Craig, Giles, Highland, Pulaski, Rockbridge, and Wythe counties to
this section which will increase the number of either-sex deer
hunting days on private lands in these counties from three days to
seven days.
Amend
4 VAC 15-90-195 to (i) strike the wording “including cities
within” from the section, (ii) add Chesterfield County to this
section which will increase the number of either-sex deer hunting
days in these counties from four days to eight days, (iii) remove
Richmond County from this section and add it to 4 VAC 15-90-210
which will increase the number of either-sex deer hunting days in
this county from eight days to 14 days, and (iv) add Mathews and
Middlesex counties to this section which will increase the number
of either-sex deer hunting days in these counties from seven days
to eight days.
Amend
4 VAC 15-90-200 to (i) strike the wording “including cities
within” from the section, (ii) remove Clarke and Frederick
counties from this section and add them to 4 VAC 15-90-160 which
will increase the number of either-sex deer hunting days from 27
days to full season, (iii) add Albemarle County to this section
which will increase the number of either-sex deer hunting days in
the county from 14 days to 27 days, (iv) add Greensville and
Southampton counties to this section which will decrease the
number of either-sex deer hunting days in the counties from full
season to 27 days, (v) remove Northampton County from this section
and add it to 4 VAC 15-90-160 which will increase the number of
either-sex deer hunting days in the county from 27 to full season
either sex.
Amend
4 VAC 15-90-210 to (i) strike the wording “including cities
within” from the section, (ii) remove Albemarle County from this
section and add it to 4 VAC 15-90-200 which will increase the
number of either-sex deer hunting days in the county from 14 days
to 27 days, (iii) remove Fauquier County from this section and add
it to 4 VAC 15-90-160 which will increase the number of either-sex
deer hunting days in the county from 14 days to full season, and
(iv) add Richmond county to this section which will increase the
number of either-sex deer hunting days in this county from eight
days to 14 days.
Amend
4 VAC 15-90-220 to add towns as localities within the counties
of Buchanan, Dickenson and Wise that will have a buck only
firearms deer season.
BEAR:
Rescind 4 VAC 15-50-30 to expand bear hunting in the
Commonwealth.
Amend
4 VAC 15-50-70 to expand the bear archery season to a
statewide season from the second Saturday in October through the
Saturday prior to the second Monday in November.
Based on comments heard, the Board amended this regulation.
Add 4
VAC 15-50-71 to (i) establish a muzzleloading gun season on
black bear from the Tuesday prior to the third Monday in November
and for three consecutive hunting days following, except in the
counties of Amherst, Augusta (east of Interstate 81 and south of
Interstate 64), Bedford, Bland, Botetourt (east of Interstate 81),
Buchanan, Campbell (west of Norfolk Southern Railroad), Carroll,
Craig, Dickenson, Floyd, Franklin, Giles, Grayson, Henry, Lee,
Montgomery, Nelson, Patrick, Pittsylvania (west of Norfolk
Southern Railroad), Pulaski, Roanoke, Rockbridge (east of
Interstate 81), Russell, Scott, Smyth, Tazewell, Washington, Wise
and Wythe, (ii) prohibit the use of dogs during the bear
muzzleloading gun season, (iii) define a muzzleloading gun for the
purpose of this section, and (iv) prohibit the possession of other
firearms during the muzzleloading gun season.
The approved proposal was amended from the advertised
proposal, based on public comments heard.
Amend
4 VAC 15-50-10 to except out of the general firearms bear
season the identified 55 counties and three cities.
Amend
4 VAC 15-50-20 to establish an open hunting season on bear in
21 counties or portions of counties, as described, from the first
Monday in December and for 11 consecutive hunting days following
and to remove the unnecessary reference to the Clinch Mountain and
Hidden Valley Wildlife Management Areas.
The approved proposal was amended from the advertised
proposal based on public comments heard.
Amend
4 VAC 15-50-25 to include the City of Virginia Beach in the
open season for hunting bears as found in the cities of Chesapeake
and Suffolk.
Amend
4 VAC 15-50-110 to (i) remove Campbell and Pittsylvania
counties from subsection A and add them to subsection C that makes
it unlawful to use dogs for bear hunting at anytime in these
counties, (ii) makes it unlawful to hunt bear with dogs at any
time in the counties of Campbell (west of Norfolk Southern
Railroad), Carroll, Floyd, Franklin, Grayson (east of Route 21),
Henry, Montgomery (south of Interstate 81), Patrick, Pittsylvania
(west of Norfolk Southern Railroad), Pulaski (south of Interstate
81), and Wythe (that part east of Route 21 which is south of
Interstate 81). The
approved proposal was amended from the advertised proposal
pertaining to Roanoke County, based on public comments heard.
Amend
4 VAC 15-50-120 to delineate the counties and cities where
bear hound training season (chase) is prohibited.
Amended from advertised proposal to allow the bear hound
training season in Grayson (west of Route 21) Smyth, Washington
and Wythe (south of Interstate 81 and west of Route 21). Mount
Rogers Recreation Area to not allow bear hound training (amended
from advertised regulation).
TAGGING
AND CHECKING: Amend 4
VAC 15-50-80 to make this section not effective after June 30,
2004. Section 4 VAC 15-50-81 is being recommended to govern tagging
of bear commencing July 1, 2004.
Add 4
VAC 15-50-81 to (i) establish a new validation system for
tagging bear by notching the appropriate bear tag instead of
detaching the tag, (ii) provide for the checking of a bear carcass
using the validated notched tag, (iii) specify when check cards
need to be attached to the harvested bear, (iv) allow hunters to
dismember a bear carcass to pack it out from the place of kill
after properly validating the kill, (v) provide for mistakenly
validated tags, and (vi) delay the effective date of this new
section until July 1, 2004.
Amend
4 VAC 15-50-90 to make this section not effective after June
30, 2004. Section 4 VAC 15-50-91 is being recommended to govern tagging
of bear commencing July 1, 2004.
Add 4
VAC 15-50-91 to (i) establish the procedures for checking bear
by persons exempt from holding a license, (ii) prohibit the
destruction of the sex identification and allow dismemberment of a
bear carcass to pack it out from a place of kill, and (iii) delays
the effective date of this section until July 1, 2004.
Amend
4 VAC 15-90-230 to make this section not effective after June
30, 2004. Section 4
VAC 15-50-231 is being recommended to govern tagging of deer
commencing July 1, 2004.
Add 4
VAC 15-90-231 to (i) establish a new validation system for
tagging deer by notching the appropriate deer tag instead of
detaching the tag, (ii) establish a telecheck system to report the
harvest of deer and describes the procedures for properly checking
the deer through the telecheck system, (iii) specify when check
cards or other written documentation need to be attached to the
harvested deer, (iv) allow hunters to dismember a deer carcass to
pack it out from the place of kill after properly validating the
kill, (v) provide for mistakenly validated tags, and (vi) delay
the effective date of this new section until July 1, 2004.
Amend
4 VAC 15-90-240 to make this section not effective after June
30, 2004. Section 4
VAC 15-50-241 is being recommended to govern tagging of deer
commencing July 1, 2004.
Add 4
VAC 15-90-241 to (i) establish the provisions for a person
exempt from a hunting license or holding a license authorization
number issued by telephone to report a harvested deer through the
department’s telecheck system or at a check system, (ii)
prohibit the destruction of the sex identification and allows
dismemberment of a deer carcass to pack it out from the place of
kill, and (iii) delay the effective date of this new section until
July 1, 2004. Amended
from the advertised proposal to require individuals exempt from
license requirements, when using the telecheck system to report a
harvest, to create written documentation of the telecheck
confirmation number.
Amend
4 VAC 15-240-80 to make this section not effective after June
30, 2004. Section 4
VAC 15-240-81 is being recommended to govern tagging of bear
commencing July 1, 2004.
Add 4
VAC 15-240-81 to (i) establish a new validation system for
tagging turkey by notching the appropriate turkey tag instead of
detaching the tag on the bear, deer, turkey license, (ii)
establish a telecheck system to report the harvesting of a spring
turkey and describes the procedures for properly checking a spring
turkey through the telecheck system, (iii) specify when check
cards or other written documentation need to be attached to the
harvested turkey, (iv) provide for mistakenly validated tags, and
(v) delay the effective date of this new section until July 1,
2004.
Amend
4 VAC 15-240-90 to make this section not effective after June
30, 2004. Section 4
VAC 15-240-91 is being recommended to govern tagging of turkey
commencing July 1, 2004.
Add 4
VAC 15-240-91 to (i) establish the provisions for a person
exempt from a hunting license or holding a license authorization
number issued by telephone to report a harvested spring turkey
through the department’s telecheck system, (ii) describe the
proper processing of a turkey carcass via telecheck or at a check
station, (iii) prohibit destruction of the turkey sex
identification prior to checking for these license-exempt hunters,
and (iv) delay the effective date of this new section until July
1, 2004. The Board
amended this regulation to require individuals exempt from license
requirements, when using the telecheck system to report a harvest,
to create written documentation of the telecheck confirmation
number.
RACCOON
and OPOSSUM: Amend 4
VAC 15-210-30 to provide for a uniform hunting season for
raccoon by rescinding the reference to east of the Blue Ridge
Mountains.
Rescind
4 VAC 15-210-40 to provide for a uniform hunting season for
raccoon by rescinding the open season west of the Blue Ridge
Mountains and on national forest lands east of the Blue Ridge
Mountains.
Amend
4 VAC 15-160-10 to provide for a uniform statewide hunting
season of opossum by rescinding the reference to east of the Blue
Ridge Mountains.
Rescind
4 VAC 15-160-20 to provide for a uniform statewide hunting
season for opossum by rescinding the open season west of the Blue
Ridge Mountains and on national forest lands east of the Blue
Ridge Mountains.
TRAPPING
SEASONS and METHODS: Amend
4 VAC 15-60-20 to establish a continuous open trapping season
for beaver within incorporated limits of any city or town in the
Commonwealth and in the counties of Arlington, Chesterfield,
Fairfax, Henrico, James City, Loudoun, Prince William,
Spotsylvania, Stafford, Roanoke and York.
Amend
4 VAC 15-140-20 to establish a continuous open trapping season
for muskrat within incorporated limits of any city or town in the
Commonwealth and in the counties of Arlington, Chesterfield,
Fairfax, Henrico, James City, Loudoun, Prince William,
Spotsylvania, Stafford, Roanoke and York.
Amend
4 VAC 15-160-31 to establish a continuous open trapping season
for opossum within incorporated limits of any city or town in the
Commonwealth and in the counties of Arlington, Chesterfield,
Fairfax, Henrico, James City, Loudoun, Prince William,
Spotsylvania, Stafford, Roanoke and York.
Amend
4 VAC 15-210-51 to establish a continuous open trapping season
for raccoon within incorporated limits of any city or town in the
Commonwealth and in the counties of Arlington, Chesterfield,
Fairfax, Henrico, James City, Loudoun, Prince William,
Spotsylvania, Stafford, Roanoke and York.
Amend
4 VAC 15-40-230 to clarify the ending date when traps may be
set in the waters of the Commonwealth and establishes a year-round
time period for setting traps in waters within the incorporated
limits of cities and towns in the Commonwealth and in the counties
of Arlington, Chesterfield, Fairfax, Henrico, James City, Loudoun,
Prince William, Spotsylvania, Stafford, Roanoke, and York, unless
prohibited by local ordinances.
Rescind
4 VAC 15-140-40 to rescind the regulation restricting the
setting of traps on a stob, float or floating device for capturing
muskrat.
SMALL
GAME: Amend 4 VAC
15-200-10 to extend the rabbit season by two weeks by changing
the closing date from January 31 to February 14.
Amend
4 VAC 15-230-20 to make the opening date of squirrel season
uniform statewide by changing the opening date from the second
Saturday in October to the first Saturday in September.
Rescind
4 VAC 15-230-30 since it is unnecessary with the establishment
of a statewide season opening date for squirrel season in 4 VAC
15-230-20.
Amend
4 VAC 15-230-60 to (i) add the counties of Alleghany, Augusta,
Bath, Clarke, Fauquier, Frederick, Highland, Loudoun, Page,
Rappahannock, Rockbridge, Rockingham, Shenandoah, and Warren to
this section which will change the opening date of the fox
squirrel hunting season in these counties to the first Saturday in
September, (ii) establish a fox squirrel hunting season in
Culpeper, Madison and Orange counties that were previously closed,
and (iii) to close fox squirrel hunting in Fairfax County.
Rescind
4 VAC 15-230-70 to provide for a uniform open season date on
fox squirrels by rescinding this section and adding the identified
counties, except Fairfax, to 4 VAC 15-230-60 which establishes an
opening date of the first Saturday in September.
GENERAL REGULATIONS:
Add 4 VAC 15-40-282 to
prohibit the unauthorized feeding of bear.
Add 4 VAC 15-40-283 to
prohibit chasing with dogs, hunting with dogs, and the training of
dogs on any wild animal from a baited place or to put out bait or
salt for the purpose of chasing, hunting, and training of dogs on
any wild animal. The
approved regulation was amended to reflect public comments heard
regarding food plots.
Add 4
VAC 15-40-284 to (i) prohibit the intentional crippling or
harming of non-migratory game birds or game animals for the intent
of continuing a hunt, chase or for the purpose of training dogs;
(ii) make it unlawful to dislodge an animal from a tree to further
a chase or to train dogs, and (iii) to prohibit the use of
telemetry equipment to aid in the chase, harvest or capture of
wildlife. The
approved regulation was amended from the advertised proposal,
based on public comments heard.
PERMITS:
Amend 4 VAC 15-30-50 to authorize persons operating
under conditions of a commercial nuisance animal permit to
capture, temporarily hold or possess, transport, release, and when
necessary, humanely euthanize wildlife, under the provisions and
conditions established by the department.
Amend
4 VAC 15-290-115 to allow the department to authorize
permitted foxhound field trials within foxhound training
enclosures and raccoon hound field trials to be issued at anytime.
WATERFOWL:
Amend 4 VAC 15-260-120 to (i) remove the reference to
old squaw ducks and replace it with long-tailed duck, (ii) open
the Pocomoke Sound during the special sea duck season, and (iii)
clarify that the hunting of waterfowl species other than sea ducks
is permitted within 800 yards of any shore, island or emergent
vegetation (during the special sea duck season) if a season for
such species is open, and (iv) clarify and simplify the sea duck
season area description.
Chairman McDaniel announced a break at 10:50
a.m. and the meeting was reconvened at 11:00 a.m.
An opportunity was provided for Board members
to discuss the proposed regulations that had been advertised for
public comment and to seek clarification from staff regarding any
concerns.
The Chairman opened the floor to public
comment on the regulation proposals as amended, based on comments
heard during the open public comment period.
John
Bellemore, Roanoke, VA, representing the U.S. Forest Service,
George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, spoke in support
of adopting final regulation amendments, which included staff's
final recommendations to the Board, which address concerns the
Forest Service had with some of the proposals. He
indicated that the Forest Service still had some concerns
regarding winter management issues for roads.
David
Burpee, Springfield, VA, representing the traditional bow
hunters of Virginia and the Virginia Sports Club, spoke in support
of the regulation proposals.
Kirby
Birch, Powhatan, VA, representing the Commonwealth
Sportsmen’s Alliance, spoke in support of recommendations to
encourage youth participation.
He suggested, if allowed, that full day turkey hunting
close at sunset instead of 6:00 p.m. He spoke in opposition to all bear regulation proposals.
Bear hunters felt that they were excluded from the
development of the recommendations and indicated they were unaware
of the identified enforcement issues relating to existing
regulations.
Tom
Evans, Richmond, VA representing the Virginia Foxhound Club
and Virginia Fox Hunters Association, supported staff’s final
recommendations regarding the use of telemetry to retrieve dogs.
He felt that the bear regulation proposals were too hasty
and could perhaps be viewed as anti-hunting efforts.
Anthony
Dillon, New Castle, VA spoke in opposition to the proposals
that would close any area to hunting with dogs and he opposed the
proposed prohibition on feeding bear.
Robert
Kane, Brightwood, VA representing the Virginia Hunting Dog
Owners’ Association and Sportsmen and Animal Owners’ Voting
Alliance expressed a concern for what he viewed as an overall
change in Virginia toward urbanization and an absence of
legislative support for hunting interests.
He felt that some of the proposals were slanted towards
animal rights interests. He
urged support for sportsmen interests.
He also suggested that the grouse season be extended to the
end of February.
Timothy
Griffith, Charlottesville, VA representing the Central
Virginia Citizens Cooperative Bear Management Association, spoke
in opposition to the proposed prohibition on bear feeding and any
reduction in the use of hounds. His membership allows bear chasing on their properties.
He stated that the two effective methods for hunting bear
are hunting from baited sites or hunting with hounds.
James
Massie, Madison Heights, VA, representing the United Eastern
Virginia Coonhunting Society and United Eastern Virginia Hunting
Dog Association spoke in opposition to the proposed closing of
Roanoke County and the Havens Wildlife Management to the bear
hound chase season.
Jennifer
Falls, Troutville, VA opposed the bear regulation proposals
regarding bear feeding, the expansion of any bear muzzleloading
and archery seasons and the Roanoke County proposed closure.
Harold
Horn, Salem, VA supported the Roanoke County proposed closure
to bear chase and hunting. As
a landowner, he felt that his rights are being violated when
individuals are allowed to come upon his lands to retrieve dogs.
David
Shelor, Salem, VA supported the Havens Wildlife Management
Area and Roanoke County proposed closure to bear chase and hunting
since surrounding landowners have had confrontations with bear
hunters pursuing their dogs and the problems that are caused by
bear hounds on their property.
Randell
Brillhart, Blacksburg, VA, representing the Virginia Bear
Hunters Association, opposed the bear hunting proposals, which he
felt supported the anti-hunting movement.
Carrie
Crawford spoke in opposition to the proposed regulations
regarding bear feeding and closing a portion of Roanoke to bear
hunting with dogs, based upon landowners’ complaints.
She urged enhanced enforcement of existing laws.
Tony
Hinkle, Harrisonburg, VA, representing the Feed Stone Hunt
Club, presented a petition to the Board Chairman prior to the
meeting, that opposed the proposed prohibition of bear feeding,
chasing or training from baited sites, or the prohibition of
intentionally crippling or harming animals for the purpose of
continuing the chase or hunt.
Mr. Hinkle spoke in opposition to all regulation proposals
concerning bear.
Matthew
Gray, Daleville, VA spoke in opposition to all bear regulation
proposals and tracking collars.
Christine Gray, Daleville, VA spoke
in opposition to all bear regulation proposals.
Jim
Gray, Daleville, VA opposed the Roanoke County proposed
closure and any restrictions on the use of tracking collars.
He asked for stronger enforcement on individuals who tamper
with tracking collars being used on dogs.
Cecil
Boggs, Waynesboro, VA representing several unidentified
groups, spoke in opposition to the advertised bear regulation
proposals.
Dale
Smith, Fulks Run, opposed the advertised bear regulation
proposals pertaining to bear feeding.
Warren
Radford, Radford, VA opposed banning the feeding of bear on
private land and the proposed closure of a section of Roanoke
County to bear hunting with hounds.
J. R.
Blankenbaker, Shenandoah, VA opposed all of the advertised
bear regulation proposals, including the added muzzleloading
season and any restrictions on the use of tracking collars.
Gary
Peery, Buchanan, VA opposed the proposed closure of a portion
of Roanoke County to bear hound hunting and the proposed
prohibition on feeding bear on private property.
Bob
Weaver, Standardsville, VA opposed all proposed bear
regulations, including the closure of a portion of Roanoke County
to dogs, the muzzleloading season unless it was limited to East of
U. S. Route 29, and a ban on feeding bear on private property.
He asked for an extended bear hound training season.
Jennifer
Cromwell, Amelia, VA, representing the Virginia Chapter of The
Wildlife Society, spoke in support of the proposed regulation to
ban the feeding of bear and the regulation proposal to establish a
permitting program for the nuisance control wildlife industry.
The meeting was recessed for lunch at 12:20
p.m. and reconvened by the Chairman at 1:00 p.m.
James
Steger, New Castle, VA opposed the proposed bear regulation
changes. He felt that
supplemental feeding of bear leads to increased bear reproduction.
Danny Thorn, Blacksburg,
VA, President of the Virginia
Bear Hunters Association, opposed the proposed bear regulations.
He indicated that he felt Department staff should have
discussed their recommendations with the Virginia Bear Hunters
Association before they were presented to the Board in March.
He asked the Board to instruct the Department, in future
regulation processes, to discuss recommendations on future
regulation proposals with the involved hunting
groups to allow them to participate in the crafting of language in
order to be fair to all. He asked for increase enforcement efforts to curtail unlawful
bear feeding. He felt
if wildlife feeding is to be prohibited, it should include all
species. He also
opposed the proposed muzzleloading season in any county with an
existing bear season or asked that the existing line be moved from
east of Interstate 81 to east of U. S. Route 29 or that action on
the proposal be delayed to provide an opportunity to develop a
fair regulation for all involved groups.
He also opposed the closure of a portion of Roanoke County
to bear hounds, and asked the National Forest Service to allow the
bear hound-training season south of Interstate 81 on private
lands.
Lance
Hutton, New Castle, VA opposed the proposed closure of a
portion of Roanoke County and bear hunting on Fort Lewis Mountain.
He asked for enhanced law enforcement efforts and
prosecution of violations.
David
Steger, Catawba, VA, representing the Magnum Hunt Club,
opposed the proposed bear regulation changes pertaining to the
feeding of bear, prohibiting chasing or hunting from a baited
site, the 30-day provision disallowing hunting or chasing from a
baited site, and the proposed closure of a portion of Roanoke
County to bear hounds. He
welcomed the staff's final recommendation regarding the telemetry
proposal, which was developed as a result of the public
comments received. He
suggested that the passage of the Constitutional Amendment
guaranteeing the rights of citizens to hunt, fish and harvest game
has impacted the Department and Board’s authority to regulate
hunting.
Gary
Crawford, New Castle, VA opposed the bear regulation proposals
pertaining to bear feeding on private property and the proposed
closure of a portion of Roanoke County.
Brian
Wright, Roanoke, VA representing the Low Moor Bear Club,
opposed the bear regulation proposals (282, 283 and 284) and the
proposed closure of Roanoke County to bear hound hunting.
David
Dye, Clifton, VA, representing Suburban Whitetail Management
of Northern Virginia, Appalachian Bowhunters Association, and Cub
Run Archers, supported the bear regulation proposals and efforts
to address and control urban deer populations.
David
McGann, Nelson County, VA supported staff's final
recommendations regarding the proposed regulation governing the
use of telemetry collars and its final recommendation regarding
the deer season for the County.
He opposed changes to regulations governing bear chase and
bear feeding and baiting.
Ronald
Hurd, Fort Lewis Mountain, opposed the proposed closure of a
portion of Roanoke County (Fort Lewis Mountain) to bear hound
hunting.
Charles
Montgomery, Buchanan, VA opposed the proposed changes to bear
regulations, including the ban on bear feeding and a closure of a
portion of Roanoke County to bear hound hunting.
Este
Fisher, Mt. Crawford, VA opposed the proposed bear regulation
proposals, particularly the proposed four-day muzzleloading season
for bear in any area where bear hound hunting is allowed.
If allowed, he asked that the muzzleloading line be moved
to east of U. S. Route 29. He
also opposed the proposed closure of a portion of Roanoke County
to bear hound hunting and the proposed ban on bear feeding on
private property. He
asked for an open line of communication among all hunting groups
to provide for a review of all staff recommendations for
regulations with all interested parties prior to the March meeting
of the Board.
Wayne
Hensley, Bedford, VA speaking for
Milford Shifflett, Wolftown, VA supported the feeding of bear.
He asked for additional work with the Virginia Bear Hunters
Association and law enforcement before approving the ban on bear
feeding.
Leri
Thomas, Wolftown, VA opposed regulation proposals to restrict
the use of telemetry and the ban on feeding bear on private
property.
Gerald
Keith, Buchanan, VA opposed the proposed closure of a portion
of Roanoke County to bear hound hunting.
Larry
Baker, Farmville, VA, representing Troublesome Creek Hunt
Club, supported the proposed bear hunting muzzleloading and
archery seasons in eastern counties.
Onnie
Roach, Dyke, VA representing the Eastern Region of the
Virginia Bear Hunters Association, opposed the bear regulation
proposals pertaining to the feeding of bear, use of telemetry,
intentional crippling or harming of wildlife to continue a chase
or hunt, and prohibiting chasing or hunting from a baited site,
and muzzleloading and archery seasons.
Rex
Dooley, Salem, VA opposed the proposed regulation changes
regarding bear baiting and the proposed closure of a portion of
Roanoke County to bear hound hunting.
R. W.
Truxell, West Augusta, VA, representing the Virginia Houndsman
and Sporting Dog Association, opposed the bear regulation changes,
particularly the proposed ban on bear feeding.
He urged increased enforcement efforts to address wildlife
violations and problems in Roanoke County.
He suggested that the proposed four-day muzzleloading
season be moved to east of Interstate 81, with no change in the
muzzleloading season for bear.
Kevin
Reedy, Woodlawn, VA representing the Virginia Bowhunters
Association, spoke in support of the proposed wildlife
regulations, particularly efforts that promote youth hunting, the
Saturday opening, the youth Turkey hunting day, and the bear
regulation proposals.
Steve
Fritton, Hanover, VA expressed concern for the proposed full
day to turkey hunting during the last 12 days of the spring
gobbler season because of its potential negative future impact on
fall hunting and turkey reproduction.
He also suggested that buckshot not be allowed during the
spring gobbler season.
David
Sexton, Oakwood, VA representing the Southwest Virginia Coon
Hunters Association, encouraged the Board to approve the raccoon
regulation proposals.
Based on concerns heard from Southampton
Country sportsmen regarding the potential for increased illegal
hunting activities from the road if full day turkey hunting is
allowed during the last 12 days of the spring gobbler season, Mr.
Railey moved to eliminate the provision for full day turkey
hunting during the last 12 days of the spring gobbler season,
seconded by Mr. McNeely, failed 8:2 after additional discussion by
the Board. Nays
Railey and McNeely.
Mr. Corrigan moved approval of the
advertised turkey regulation proposals, as amended to allow the
hunting of turkey from one-half hour before sunrise to sunset
during the last 12 days of the spring gobbler season, seconded by
Mr. Hoffler, passed unanimously. (4 VAC 15-240-31, 4 VAC 15-20-50
and 4 VAC 15-240-40)
Mr.
Railey moved that 4 VAC 15-50-110 be amended to reject the
reference to closing Roanoke County to bear hound hunting,
seconded by Mr. Cunningham, passed unanimously after additional
discussions (results in no change from the area’s previous
season). Board
members urged bear hunters to police themselves and to report
known violations to avoid any future movements that could result
in having to close some or all of this area to bear hunting with
hounds.
Mr. Cunningham moved approval of the
remaining bear regulations, rescinding 4 VAC 15-50-30 and amending
4 VAC 15-50-110, seconded by Mr. Corrigan, passed unanimously.
Mr. Cunningham moved the approval of 4 VAC
15-25-25 to allow bear hunting in the City of Virginia Beach,
Chesapeake and Suffolk, seconded by Mr. Hoffler, passed
unanimously.
Mr.
Railey moved approval of 4 VAC 15-50-120, as amended to establish
bear hound training season in the counties and cities identified,
seconded by Mr. Cunningham, passed unanimously.
Ms. Crumley moved that 4 VAC 15-50-120 be
amended to reject the proposed closure of Roanoke County to the
bear hound training season and to allow for the continuation of
the six-week bear hound training season in all of Grayson and
portions of Roanoke, Smyth, Washington and Wythe Counties,
seconded by Mr. Railey, passed unanimously.
Mr. Corrigan moved, seconded by Mr.
Cunningham, that 4 VAC 15-90-231 be amended to include a new
section E to require that no data collected by a vendor operating
the telecheck program may be used for any economic purposes or be
sold to others for that purpose unless the individuals whose
information being provided gives his or her consent.
Legal counsel advised that State Code
authorizes the collection and distribution of information.
After being reminded that the proposed regulation would not
become effective until July 2004,
and after consultation with legal counsel, the motion was
withdrawn to enable further study and research by staff and legal
counsel.
Mr. Corrigan moved approval of the
advertised regulation proposals dealing with tagging and checking
requirements (4 VAC 15-50-80, 4 VAC 15-50-81, 5 VAC 15-50-90, 4
VAC 15-50-91, 4 VAC 15-90-230, 4 VAC 15-90-231, 4 VAC 15-90-240, 4
VAC 15-90-241, 4 VAC 15-240-80 4 VAC 15-240-81 4 VAC 15-240-90,
and 4 VAC 15-240-91), seconded by Mr. Hoffler, passed unanimously.
Mr.
Cunningham moved approval of the advertised regulation proposals
dealing with raccoon and opossum (4 VAC 15-210-30, 4 VAC
15-210-40, 4 VAC 15-160-10 and 4 VAC 15-160-20), seconded by Ms.
Hoffler, passed unanimously.
Mr.
Cunningham moved approval of advertised regulation proposals
dealing with trapping seasons and methods (4 VAC 15-60-20, 4 VAC
15-140-20, 4 VAC 15-160-31, 4 VAC 15-210-51, 4 VAC 15-40-230, and
4 VAC 15-140-40), seconded by Mr. Campbell, passed unanimously.
Mr.
Cunningham moved approval of regulations dealing with changes to
small game seasons (4 VAC 15-200-10, 4 VAC 15-230-20, 4 VAC
15-230-30, 4 VAC 15-230-60 and 4 VAC 15-230-70), seconded by Mr.
Railey, passed unanimously, after issues regarding the grouse
season were discussed.
Staff was requested to bring recommendations
regarding possible changes to the grouse season to the Board at a
future meeting, once data has been analyzed from a recently
completed study, and when any Board action would conform with
public notification requirements and the printing of law digests.
Ms. Crumley moved approval of 4 VAC
15-40-282, seconded by Mr. Railey, passed 6:2 after additional
discussion, that the unauthorized feeding of bear be prohibited.
Ayes: Crumley,
McNeely, Railey, Hoffler, McDaniel and Campbell.
Nays: Corrigan
and Cunningham
Mr. Corrigan moved approval of 4 VAC
15-40-283 to make it illegal to chase, hunt or train from a baited
site and to define the length of time that a site is considered
baited, seconded by Mr. McNeely, passed unanimously.
Mr. McNeely moved approval of 4 VAC
15-40-284, seconded by Mr. Cunningham, passed unanimously, as
amended as a result of Mr. Corrigan’s approved motion referenced
below. Staff
was requested to add the language “or for the recovery or
tracking of dogs” at the end of the second sentence in Section C
of the advertised proposal as amended to address public comments
received. As there
were no objections heard from the Board, the revised language was
accepted by the chairman as an amendment to the regulation.
Upon
further discussion by the Board, staff was requested to delete
subsection D from the advertised regulation proposal (4 VAC
15-40-284).
Mr. Corrigan moved that “by the arresting
officer” be deleted from Section D of 4 VAC 15-40-284, seconded
by Mr. Railey, passed unanimously upon further discussion and
agreement to strike the language contained in Section D.
To provide an opportunity
for staff to discuss the impact of the requested amendment, the
Chairman called for a break at 3:00 p.m. and the meeting
reconvened at 3:10 p.m.
Mr. Railey moved approval of 4 VAC 15-30-50
and 4 VAC 15-290-115 dealing with permits as advertised, seconded
by Mr. Cunningham, passed unanimously.
Ms. Crumley moved approval of 4 VAC
15-260-120 as advertised, seconded by Mr. Corrigan, passed
unanimously.
Staff
requested the Chairman to revisit the regulations regarding the
chase season west of Route 21 (Mount Rogers Recreation Areas and
adjacent counties). Staff
asked and was granted permission to conform the final language to
comply with the Board’s action.
The Chairman requested that the minutes reflect that the
Board unanimously accepted staff’s request.
Mr. Corrigan proposed an amendment to 4 VAC
15-50-110 and 4 VAC 15-50-120 to encourage a bear hunter entering
the property of another to retrieve a dog or dogs to make a
reasonable effort to respectfully notify the landowners before
doing so. Further,
firearms or vehicles may not be brought onto the private property
of another while retrieving a dog or dogs without the permission
of the landowner. Seconded
by Ms. Crumley.
Upon advice received from staff and legal counsel, no
action was taken on this proposed motion.
Director’s
Report: Director
Woodfin recognized David Coffman with the Holiday Lake 4-H
Education Center. He
provided information to the Board on the weeklong Forestry Camp,
sponsored by the forestry industry and soil and water districts to
teach forestry management practices to approximately 90 youth.
Due to budget cuts, financial support for the camp has been
cut. Mr. Coffman
invited sportsmen groups and organizations to consider
contributing to an individual’s participation in this camp.
He thanked the Department and its staff for support of this
camp.
Director Woodfin advised the Board that
renovations to the recently acquired 4016 West Broad Street
building are near completion, and Board members were invited to
tour the facility. The Board asked that the June 6 meeting agenda include a tour
of the building by Board members.
The first Governor’s Natural Resources
Summit was held in April. Approximately
160 individuals participated.
This was an effort to attempt to improve spending for
natural resources. Mr. Woodfin informed Board members that funding issues for
the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries were at the forefront
during discussion at the Summit.
Board members were invited to attend a shad
stocking in the Rappahannock River that will be held May 6, 2003
on the Phelps Wildlife Management Area at the Kellys Ford Landing.
A retirement ceremony is being held to honor
A. Victor Thomas. The
Delegate has indicated that June 16, 2003 is the date that he
could be available. Board members were requested to reserve this date for that
event.
Information was provided to the Board on the
FLW “Jacobs Cup” Fishing Tournament. This event will be held
in Richmond September 10-13, 2003.
The Board was encouraged to participate in events
surrounding this tournament, as schedules allow.
The Board authorized staff to
administratively deal with three requests received from license
agent applicants for exemption from requirements of the Board
policy that deals with the appointment and removal of license
agents.
ADJOURNMENT:
As there was no further business, the Chairman
adjourned the meeting at 3:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Belle Harding
Secretary to the Director
