Section 240. Animal population control

Whenever biological evidence suggests that populations of game animals or fur-bearing animals may exceed or threaten to exceed the carrying capacity of a specified range, or whenever population reduction of a species is necessary to manage for another wildlife species, or whenever the health or general condition of a species indicates the need for population reduction, or whenever the threat of human public health and safety or significant economic loss indicates the need for population reduction, the director is authorized to issue special permits to obtain the desired reduction by licensed hunters or licensed trappers on areas prescribed by department wildlife biologists. Designated game species or fur-bearing species may be taken in excess of the general bag limits, during closed seasons, and with any type of lawful weapon, as defined in § 29.1-519 of the Code of Virginia and in board regulation, on special permits issued under this section under such conditions as may be prescribed by the director.

Historical Notes

Derived from VR325-02-1 § 23, eff. September 15, 1988; amended, Volume 10, Issue 23, eff. September 8, 1994; Volume 11, Issue 09, eff. February 22, 1995; Volume 13, Issue 18, eff. July 1, 1997; Volume 15, Issue 19, eff. July 7, 1999; Volume 29, Issue 25, eff. August 15, 2013.

Statutory Authority

§§ 29.1-103, 29.1-501, and 29.1-502 of the Code of Virginia.