Rules for Submitting Comments and Posting Them On This Web Site
During this DGIF Proposed Regulations Public Comment Period anyone may submit and post on this site, in accordance with the rules of this forum, comments on the regulations or regulation amendments proposed by the Virginia Board of Game and Inland Fisheries ("the Board").
Rules for Submitting Comments on this Forum
Please restrict your comments to the issues addressed by the proposed regulation amendments. Please note that this forum is intended and structured for receiving and displaying citizens' comments made on the regulation amendments recently proposed by the Board. Unlike the open forum offered on this site during the Spring 2007 Preliminary Recommendations Public Discussion Period, this proposed regulations comment forum is not designed to solicit or receive additional recommendations or proposals, or receive comment on other matters.
Please restrict your comments to issues governed or governable by regulation. The Board regulates matters pertaining to game wildlife, hunting, trapping, inland fisheries and fishing, wildlife diversity, and boating in Virginia. However, within these subject areas many aspects are governed by the Virginia General Assembly through laws, and not by regulation. See the current regulations controlled by the Board and administered by DGIF here. See the current state law, Title 29.1 of the Code of Virginia, "Game, Inland Fisheries, and Boating." here
Do not attack others who submit comments. Taking issue with the substance of some of the comments submitted by others is normal, expected, and of course acceptable. Verbally attacking, gratuitously insulting, or in any way demeaning a party who posted another comment is inappropriate and not acceptable. Threats, whether implied or overt, are also not acceptable. All of these types of comments will be removed from view.
Don't take negative comments personally. Assume that the substance of your comment may receive criticism or opposition from others and don't take personal offense if it does. You are welcome to defend your comments if you choose to, but do so appropriately and civilly and do not engage in personal "message board wars."
Do not use inappropriate language. This forum is open to being read by people of all ages. Comments containing inappropriate language will be removed from view.
Consider your comment carefully, and proof it carefully, before submitting it. This site does not offer an "edit" function for comments once they are submitted. If you would like to withdraw your comment after you have submitted it, contact the DGIF webmaster or the DGIF regulatory coordinator.
Do not post in "all-caps." Subject lines, in particular, should not be submitted in all capital letters.
Write informative subject lines. The subject line you write should summarize your comment as accurately and succinctly as possible. Subject lines that do not accurately reflect the comment's content, in some cases, will be revised to better do so.
If you violate certain of these rules, expect your comment to be removed from view. This forum is moderated after a time-delay following submissions. Your freedom as a citizen to participate in the regulatory process is a right. Having your comment posted for all to read in this online forum, however, is a privilege being offered to you by DGIF, and the privilege will be withdrawn from those who violate certain of the rules described on this page.
If your submission is removed from view on this forum due to violation of the rules, you are still welcome to submit your views through one of the other channels that are available: postal mail, email, or at a public meeting.
If you have any questions or complaints regarding this public discussion forum, please contact the DGIF webmaster or DGIF regulatory coordinator.
Click here to indicate you have read and agree to these rules as a condition of posting on this site.