Virginia DWR seeks comments on proposed fee increases and rule changes

The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources wants to hear from the public on a wide range of proposed fee increases and regulation changes affecting hunters, anglers, boaters, and outdoor enthusiasts across the Commonwealth.

The agency has opened a 30-day public comment period on proposals that would increase the cost of many hunting, fishing, and trapping licenses for the first time since 2012. Motorboat registration fees would also increase for the first time since 2019. The department is also proposing a new ten-dollar fee to camp on department-owned lands where free permits are currently required.

On the wildlife side, proposed changes include updating Virginia’s list of federally threatened and endangered species, modifying the start of bear hound training season, changing rules for the release of rehabilitated deer fawns, and making adjustments to the state’s elk conservation license program.

For anglers, the department is proposing to prohibit the stocking of flathead catfish and rock bass, while also revising trout regulations in some areas.

The agency is also asking for public input on its Stocked Trout Management Plan, which would guide trout stocking through the year 2035. The plan includes announcing all trout stocking schedules in advance and outlines options that could reduce trout stocking by 25, 35, or even 50 percent.

Boating proposals include adopting federal requirements for children under 13 to wear life jackets while a boat is underway, requiring the use of engine cut-off switches, and clarifying rules related to vessel operation and waterway markers.

The public comment period begins today, July seventh, and runs through five p.m. on August fifth. Residents can submit comments online, by email, or by mail to the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources.

The public comment period opens July 7. The 30-day comment period will close at 5 p.m. on Aug. 5. Comments can be made online here. Feedback can also be emailed to regcomments@dwr.virginia.gov or mailed to the department at the address below.