Section 270. Sale of unclaimed taxidermy specimens by licensed taxidermists

Unclaimed mounted native wildlife specimens or their processed hides, when taken in accordance with the provisions of law and regulations, may be sold by a Virginia licensed taxidermist with the exception of black bears, migratory waterfowl, migratory birds and state and federally listed threatened and endangered species.

A mount or processed hide shall be considered unclaimed if it has been left in a taxidermy place of business for more than 30 days beyond the period the mount was to remain on the premises pursuant to a contract. This contract must inform the owner of the possibility of such sale. After the 30-day period a notice by registered or certified mail with a return receipt requested must be mailed to the owner of record therein, instructing him to reclaim the mount within 15 days of the notice. This notice shall identify the species and the date it was received, set forth the location of the taxidermist facility where it is held, and inform the owner of his rights to reclaim the mount with 15 days of this notice after payment of the specified costs. This notice shall state that the failure of the owner to reclaim the mount or hide within this 15-day time frame may result in the sale of the unclaimed mount or hide.

If a mount or hide is not claimed after the return of a signed certified receipt and within the 15-day period, then the taxidermist may sell the mount for an amount not to exceed the remainder of the amount of the original invoice plus reasonable administrative and storage costs. Within seven days of the sale of any unclaimed mount the taxidermist shall notify the department in writing of the name and address of the purchaser, invoice price, species sold, taxidermist, and previous owners' name and address.

Historical Notes

Derived from VR325-02-1 § 26, eff. February 22, 1995.

Statutory Authority

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