NOTE: This news release was distributed on 12/20/2011. 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.

Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries announces new areas open to float blinds for waterfowl hunting

The waters around Michaels and Free School Marsh are now open to waterfowl hunting from floating blinds. The Free School Marsh that makes up the huntable portion of the Saxis Wildlife Management Area, as well as the designated waterfowl refuge of Michaels Marsh, had been closed to stationary blinds and floating blinds. A recent regulation change that went into effect on July 1, 2011 now allows hunters pursuing waterfowl to access these areas using floating blinds.

In the section known as Michaels Marsh, waterfowl hunting is prohibited in all marsh above mean high tide and in the creeks running into the marsh. There has been no change in the regulation in regards to prohibition of construction and hunting from stationary blinds in the areas of Free School and Michaels marsh.

A floating blind is defined as: A floating device, whether in motion or anchored, that can be occupied by and conceal one or more hunters, uses a means of concealment other than the device's paint or coloration, and is used in the public waters for the purpose of hunting and shooting waterfowl.

A stationary blind is defined as: A structure erected at a fixed location either on the shores or the public waters or in the public waters for the purpose of hunting and shooting waterfowl. A stationary blind shall be (i) of such size and strength that it can be occupied by and conceal one or more hunters or (ii)large enough to accommodate and conceal a boat or skiff from which one or more hunters intend to hunt or shoot waterfowl.

For more information about waterfowl hunting visit the Department's website at www.dgif.virginia.gov or call 1-804-829-6580.

The mission of the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries is 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.