Section 12. Youth and apprentice hunter bear hunting weekend

It shall be lawful for hunters 15 years of age and under and holders of a valid apprentice hunting license, when in compliance with all applicable laws and license requirements, to hunt bears on the second Saturday in October and the following calendar day when accompanied and directly supervised by an adult who has a valid Virginia hunting license on his person or is exempt from purchasing a hunting license. Adult hunters accompanying youth or apprentice bear hunters on this weekend may not carry or discharge weapons. Bear bag limit, weight limits, and all other take restrictions specifically provided in the sections appearing in this chapter apply to this youth weekend. Bear hunting with dogs is prohibited in the counties of Accomack, Campbell (west of Norfolk Southern Railroad), Fairfax, Grayson (east of Route 16), Henry, Loudoun, Northampton, Patrick, Pittsylvania (west of Norfolk Southern Railroad), Roanoke (south of Interstate 81), Smyth (south of Interstate 81 and east of Route 16), Washington (south of Interstate 81), and in the city of Lynchburg; and on Amelia, Chester F. Phelps, G. Richard Thompson, and Pettigrew Wildlife Management Areas. Tracking dogs as described in § 29.1-516.1 of the Code of Virginia may be used.

Historical Notes

Derived from Volume 29, Issue 25, eff. August 15, 2013; amended, Virginia Register Volume 31, Issue 25, eff. August 1, 2015.

Statutory Authority

§ 29.1-501 of the Code of Virginia.