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News Release

Floating Blind Licenses Now to be Available from License Agents and Online

Richmond, VA — In an effort to streamline the purchase of Waterfowl Floating Blind licenses, the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGIF) will be selling the permits through the same point of sale system used to sell hunting and fishing licenses. Previously, waterfowl hunters who wished to purchase a floating blind permit had to buy one from specific license agents who handled duck blind licenses. Now, waterfowl hunters can purchase this license at any license agent or online by going to www.dgif.virginia.gov.

A floating blind license is required if hunting waterfowl from a floating device that uses a means of concealment other than the device's paint or coloration and is used in the public waters of Virginia for the purpose of hunting east of Interstate 95, except in Accomack and Northampton counties where a float blind license is not required.

The float blind license includes a plate with an annual decal that must be attached to the floating blind. The decal and plate (if needed) will be mailed after the point-of-sale purchase. Most waterfowl hunters who have purchased a floating blind license in the past only need the current year decal to place in the center of their existing plate. If a hunter needs a new plate or is a first-time floating blind hunter, they can request one be sent to them during the purchase at a license agent or online. The plate (a new size and weight) will be mailed to the address on the license application. Because delivery of the plate and/or decal can take some time, hunters are strongly encouraged to purchase their floating blind licenses well in advance of their planned hunt.

For more information about waterfowl hunting, about hunting licenses and hunting regulations in Virginia, visit the Department's website at www.dgif.virginia.gov.

It is the mission of the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries to manage Virginia's wildlife and inland fish to maintain optimum populations of all species to serve the needs of the Commonwealth; to provide opportunity for all to enjoy wildlife, inland fish, boating and related outdoor recreation and to work diligently to safeguard the rights of the people to hunt, fish and harvest game as provided for in the Constitution of Virginia; to promote safety for persons and property in connection with boating, hunting and fishing ; to provide educational outreach programs and materials that foster an awareness of and appreciation for Virginia's fish and wildlife resources, their habitats, and hunting, fishing and boating opportunities.