Hunting And Outdoor Sports
Hunting not allowed from roadways
Hunting not allowed from roadways
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✍️By ZRIntel Editorial Team📍Lunenburg County, Virginia
An ordinance prohibiting hunting from public highways in Lunenburg County will be enforced for the first time this fall when hunting season begins, despite having been approved years ago. Earlier this year, the Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) discovered Lunenburg County had this local ordinance on its books. The enforcement of such laws is crucial to ensure safety during the hunting season, which traditionally sees a rise in activity across the state. When DWR officials reached out to the county, they were told it should be enforced. Conservation Police Officer Cooper Price explained that for him to enforce local ordinances, localities must provide them to DWR so they can be added to the book of hunting laws. It appears that somewhere along the way when the Lunenburg County Board of Supervisors adopted the ordinance, it simply didn't get forwarded to DWR for Price, who is the game warden in the county, to begin enforcing. Price wanted to ensure hunters know about it before hunting season begins this fall, as ignorance of the law can lead to significant legal consequences. He provided K-V Dispatch with a copy of the ordinance, Section 58-52, which specifically states that it is unlawful to hunt with a firearm any game bird or game animal while hunting on or within 10 feet of any primary or secondary highway in Lunenburg County. This careful delineation aims to enhance safety for both hunters and motorists. For the purpose of this section, the 10 feet within which hunting is prohibited shall be measured from the water line of the ditches on either side of such primary or secondary highway. Under the Lunenburg County ordinance, this restriction does not apply to hunters on their way into or out of a lawful hunting area. Price highlighted the dangers that can occur when hunters shoot from adjacent roadways, such as the risk of hitting a passing vehicle or pedestrian, particularly near sharp curves with limited visibility. Additionally, the ordinance states that having a loaded firearm in proximity to the roadway will be considered prima facie evidence of hunting. This stipulation seeks to clarify the interpretation of what constitutes hunting in the eyes of law enforcement. Violating this ordinance will lead to charges of a class 3 misdemeanor, which can result in fines reaching up to $500. The local ordinance is authorized through state code section 29.1-526. As the new hunting season approaches, the DWR has also outlined what is new for the 2025-2026 hunting and trapping season in Virginia, with various adjustments aimed at encouraging responsible hunting practices while also expanding hunting opportunities. Notably, the firearms deer season on private land has been increased to a four-week season in several counties, coupled with a seven-week season in western areas. In certain counties, additional days for either-sex deer hunting have been allocated, further diversifying hunting strategies available to licensed hunters. For example, Deer of either sex may be taken during the entire early muzzleloader season in Craig and Giles counties. Furthermore, new regulations have been introduced concerning bear hunting seasons and the handling of furbearers, reflecting a responsive approach to wildlife management based on feedback from the hunting community. Beyond the orchestrated changes to season lengths and prohibited hunting practices, the DWR has continuously strived to increase awareness and education around hunting regulations, making it essential for all hunters to stay informed. The critical takeaway is that understanding and complying with local ordinances is paramount for a successful and lawful hunting season.