NOTE: This news release was distributed on 9/1/2011. The information below may no longer be the most up-to-date information available, or may pertain solely to events that occurred in the past. Please contact the person listed as the contact person for this release for the most current information.

Labor Day recreation may be impacted by Hurricane Irene

Your favorite boat ramp or dove field may be closed due to damage

While many Virginians are still reeling from the recent storm, many others are ready to enjoy the last long weekend of the summer. With the opening of goose season today and the dove season opening on Saturday, a number of hunters will be afield for these popular seasons. Boaters typically enjoy Labor Day weekend as the last big boating weekend of the year and many are expected to be on the water. But boaters and hunters looking to hit the water or the dove field this Labor Day weekend may find their destination inaccessible due to damage from Hurricane Irene.

The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGIF) wants to remind boaters that Hurricane Irene has impacted access to boat landings. Boat ramps have been damaged and others are still under flood waters in southeastern Virginia. Some water may have debris left from the storm and boaters should be alert to changes in the waterways.

Dove fields on VDGIF Wildlife Management Areas in the Tidewater area are open. For the status of VDGIF sites across the state, hunters and boaters should check www.HuntFishVA.com for the latest information on access.

VDGIF Executive Director Bob Duncan noted, "Our crews have been clearing boat ramps and access roads to our wildlife management areas and have done an excellent job of restoring many of our sites. However, we still have some locations that remain closed and it could take a while for those facilities to be safe for use by boaters and hunters."

Duncan added, "Getting outside can really restore the spirit after a tough time. We recognize how important this weekend is for many people to share their family traditions and to build good memories and we want to remind people to please be safe out there on the water and afield."

For information on hunting, fishing, and boating regulations, seasons, bag limits, and more visit www.HuntFishVA.com.