§ 6-6. Hunting with rifle of caliber larger than .22 rimfire; hunting of groundhogs with rifle larger than .22 rimfire; use of muzzle-loading rifles; legally handicapped hunting license.

(a)

Deer hunting with a rifle of a caliber larger than .22 rimfire is prohibited in the county. However, hunting of groundhogs with a rifle of a caliber larger than .22 rimfire between March 1 and August 31 of each year is permitted, and a rifle of a caliber larger than .22 rimfire may be used for hunting all other game, bird and varmint species as allowed by state law and regulations. Deer hunting with a shotgun loaded with slugs is permitted so long as such hunting is conducted from a stand located at least ten feet in elevation above the ground.

(b)

The use of muzzle-loading rifles during the prescribed open seasons for hunting of game species is permitted in the county. However, the use of such muzzle-loading rifle shall be only from a stand located at least ten feet in elevation above the ground; provided, however, that the requirement that the use of such muzzle-loading rifle be from a stand located at least ten feet in elevation above the ground shall be expressly inapplicable to all persons permanently and totally disabled, as defined in Code of Virginia, § 58.1-3217, and possessing a handicapped hunting license.

(c)

It shall be unlawful for any person in the county to hunt, shoot, or kill with a rifle larger than .22 rimfire any deer or bear pursuant to the provisions of Code of Virginia, § 29.2-528. However, the use of rifled slugs shall be allowed when such deer or bear is killed pursuant to the provisions of Code of Virginia, § 29.1-529 only.

(d)

Any person who violates the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a class 3 misdemeanor.

(Code 1988, § 3-6; Ord. No. O-00-002, 2-22-2000; Ord. No. O-11-04, § 1, 3-22-2011)

State Law reference— Hunting and trapping, Code of Virginia, § 29.1-510 et seq.

(Code 1988, § 3-6; Ord. No. O-00-002, 2-22-2000; Ord. No. O-11-04, § 1, 3-22-2011)

State law reference

Hunting and trapping, Code of Virginia, § 29.1-510 et seq.