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Virginia regulations · Through 2026 Regular Session (effective July 1, 2026)

4VAC15-270-90: Model ordinances related to hunting with firearms for counties and cities

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Where this section sits in the code
  1. Title 4. Conservation And Natural Resources
  2. Agency 15. Department of Wildlife Resources
  3. Chapter 270. Game: Firearms

Per the provisions of § 29.1-528 A of the Code of Virginia, the following model ordinances related to hunting with firearms may be adopted by counties and cities. In accordance with § 29.1-528 B of the Code of Virginia, no such ordinance shall be enforceable unless the governing body of the locality notifies the director by registered mail prior to May 1 of the year in which the ordinance is to take effect.

Model Ordinance 1:

It shall be unlawful to hunt with a rifle larger than .22 caliber rim fire.

Any person who violates the provisions of this ordinance shall be guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor.

Model Ordinance 2:

It shall be unlawful to hunt with a rifle larger than .22 caliber rim fire, except rifles of a larger caliber may be used for hunting groundhogs and coyotes between March 1 - August 31. Any person who violates the provisions of this ordinance shall be guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor.

Model Ordinance 3:

It shall be unlawful to hunt with a rifle larger than .22 caliber rim fire, except rifles of a larger caliber may be used to hunt from a stand elevated at least 10 feet from the ground. Any person who violates the provisions of this ordinance shall be guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor.

Model Ordinance 4:

Muzzleloading rifles may only be used to hunt from a stand elevated at least 10 feet from the ground. Any person who violates the provisions of this ordinance shall be guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor.

Model Ordinance 5:

Muzzleloading rifles firing a single projectile may not be used to hunt between April 1 - May 31. Any person who violates the provisions of this ordinance shall be guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor.

Model Ordinance 6:

It shall be unlawful to hunt with shotguns loaded with slugs. Any person who violates the provisions of this ordinance shall be guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor.

Model Ordinance 7:

It shall be unlawful to engage in hunting with a firearm within the right-of-way of any primary or secondary highway. Any person who violates the provisions of this ordinance shall be guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor.

Model Ordinance 8:

It shall be unlawful to engage in hunting with a firearm within 100 yards of any primary or secondary highway. Any person who violates the provisions of this ordinance shall be guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor.

Collected 2026-09-14T04:45:24Z. Source file · JSON

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