Section 32.65 - [Effective until 9/1/2026] VirginiaThe following refuge units are open for hunting and/or fishing as governed by applicable Federal and State regulations, and are listed in alphabetical order with additional refuge-specific regulations.
(a)Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge.(3)Big game hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and feral hog on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions: (i) We allow scouting on designated days prior to the start of each refuge hunt period. Hunters may enter the hunt zones on foot, on bicycle, or through transportation provided by the refuge only.(ii) Hunters may go to Hunt Zone 1 (Long Island) only by hand-launched watercraft (canoe, punt, rowboat, and similar watercraft) from the canoe launch at refuge headquarters. We prohibit use of trailers.(iii) We prohibit retrieval of wounded game from a "No Hunting Area" or "Safety Zone" without the consent of the refuge employee on duty at the check station.(iv) We prohibit the use of tree stands, except on Long Island (Hunt Zone 1).(v) We prohibit the use of pursuit dogs while hunting white-tailed deer.(4)Sport fishing. We allow sport fishing, noncommercial crabbing, and clamming on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions: (i) We close all areas within the hunting zones, as well as the oceanfront, to fishing, crabbing, and clamming during the annual refuge white-tailed deer and feral hog hunt.(ii) You may surf fish, crab, and clam south of the refuge's beach access ramp. We allow night surf fishing by permit (FWS Form 3-2358) in this area on dates and at times designated on the permit.(iii) For sport fishing in D Pool:(A) We only allow fishing from the docks or banks in D Pool. We prohibit boats, canoes, and kayaks on D Pool.(B) You must catch and release all freshwater game fish. The daily creel limit for D Pool for other species is a maximum combination of any 10 nongame fish.(C) Parking for non-ambulatory anglers is available adjacent to the dock at D Pool. All other anglers must enter the area by foot or bicycle.(b)Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge -(1)Migratory game bird hunting. We allow hunting of waterfowl, coot, snipe, gallinule, dove, woodcock, crow, and rail on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:(i) Hunters must obtain and possess a signed refuge hunt brochure while hunting on the refuge.(ii) Hunters may only access hunting areas by boat. We allow hunters to access the refuge from 2 hours before legal sunrise until 2 hours after legal sunset.(iii) We allow hunting during State seasons from September 16 to March 14.(iv) We allow the use of dogs while hunting consistent with State regulations.(v) We prohibit the use of permanent blinds and pit blinds. You must remove portable blinds and decoys at the end of each day's hunt.(2)Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of raccoon, opossum, fox, and coyote on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions: (i) The condition set forth at paragraph (b)(1)(i) of this section applies. All occupants of a vehicle or hunt party must possess a signed refuge hunt brochure and be actively engaged in hunting unless aiding a disabled person who possesses a valid State disabled hunting license.(ii) Hunters must sign in at the hunter check station prior to hunting and sign out prior to exiting the refuge.(iii) We prohibit the hunting of upland game at night. Hunters may access the refuge from 2 hours before legal sunrise until 2 hours after legal sunset.(iv) We prohibit the use of dogs while hunting upland game.(v) We prohibit firearms in designated archery-only areas.(vi) You may not hunt, discharge a firearm, or nock an arrow or crossbow bolt within 100 feet (30.5 meters) of any building, road, or trail.(vii) Hunting is allowed only during the regular State deer season.(viii) We prohibit hunting on Sundays.(3)Big game hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer, sika, and wild turkey on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions: (i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (b)(2)(i), (ii), (v), and (vi) of this section apply.(ii) Hunters may access the refuge from 2 hours before legal sunrise until 2 hours after legal sunset.(iii) We prohibit organized deer drives. We define a "deer drive" as an organized or planned effort to pursue, drive, chase, or otherwise frighten or cause deer to move in the direction of any person(s) who is part of the organized or planned hunt and known to be waiting for the deer.(iv) We prohibit the use of pursuit dogs while hunting white-tailed deer and sika.(v) We allow the use of portable tree stands, but you must remove them at the end of each day's hunt.(vi) We allow limited hunting of wild turkey during designated State spring and fall seasons only when in the possession of a valid refuge turkey quota hunt permit.(4)Sport fishing. We allow sport fishing, crabbing, and clamming from the shoreline of the refuge in designated areas subject to the following conditions: (i) You must attend minnow traps, crab traps, crab pots, and handlines at all times.(ii) We prohibit the use of seine nets and pneumatic (compressed air or otherwise) bait launchers.(iii) The State regulates certain species of finfish, shellfish, and crustacean (crab) using size or possession limits. You may not alter these species, to include cleaning or filleting, in such a way that we cannot determine its species or total length.(iv) In order to fish after the refuge closes for the day, anglers must obtain an overnight fishing pass (name/address/phone) issued by the National Park Service. Anglers can obtain a pass in person at the National Park Service Tom's Cove Visitor Center.(v) We allow the possession or use of only three surf fishing poles per licensed angler, and those poles must be attended at all times. This includes persons age 65 or older who are license-exempt in Virginia.(c)Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge - (1)Migratory game bird hunting. We allow hunting of waterfowl, rail, snipe, gallinule, coot, woodcock, dove, and crow on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:(i) We allow holders of a signed refuge hunt brochure (signed brochure) to access areas of the refuge typically closed to the non-hunting public. All occupants of a vehicle or hunt party must possess a signed brochure and be actively engaged in hunting. We allow an exception for those persons aiding a disabled person who possesses a valid State-issued Commonwealth of Virginia Disabled Resident Lifetime License or Commonwealth of Virginia Resident Disabled Veteran's Lifetime License.(ii) Hunters may enter the refuge no earlier than 2 hours prior to legal sunrise and must exit the refuge no later than 2 hours after legal sunset.(iii) We allow the use of dogs while hunting consistent with State and Northampton County regulations on designated areas of the refuge.(iv) We allow hunting on the refuge only from September 1 until February 28. Hunting will follow State seasons during that period.(v) You may not hunt, discharge a firearm, or nock an arrow or crossbow bolt outside of designated hunt areas or within 100 feet (30.5 meters) of a building, road or improved trail.(vi) We prohibit the use of permanent blinds and pit blinds. You must remove portable blinds and decoys at the end of each day's hunt.(2)Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of rabbit, squirrel, quail, raccoon, opossum, fox, and coyote on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions: (i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (c)(1)(i) through (v) of this section apply.(ii) We prohibit the hunting of upland game at night.(iii) We prohibit hunting on Sundays.(3)Big game hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and wild turkey on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:(i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (c)(1)(i), (ii), (iv), and (v) and (c)(2)(iii) of this section apply.(ii) We allow turkey hunting during the spring season only for a mentor-led hunt.(iii) We prohibit the possession or use of lead ammunition when hunting turkey.(iv) We prohibit organized deer drives. We define a "deer drive" as an organized or planned effort to pursue, drive, chase, or otherwise frighten or cause deer to move in the direction of any person(s) who is part of the organized or planned hunt and known to be waiting for the deer.(v) We allow the use of portable tree stands. We require removal of the stands after each day's hunt (see § 27.93 of this chapter).(4)Sport fishing. We allow sport fishing on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions: (i) Anglers may access the refuge to fish from designated shore areas 1/2 hour before legal sunrise to 1/2 hour after legal sunset.(ii) Anglers may access State waters via the Wise Point Boat Ramp on the refuge from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.(d)Elizabeth Hartwell Mason Neck National Wildlife Refuge.(3)Big game hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:(i) You must possess and carry a signed refuge permit (FWS Form 3-2439, Hunt Application-National Wildlife Refuge System).(ii) We only allow shotguns with slugs during the firearm season.(iii) We prohibit organized deer drives. We define a "deer drive" as an organized or planned effort to pursue, drive, chase, or otherwise frighten or cause deer to move in the direction of any person(s) who is part of the organized or planned hunt and known to be waiting for the deer.(iv) We prohibit the use of pursuit dogs while hunting deer.(v) Hunters must certify and qualify weapons and ammunition at a refuge-approved range and view the refuge orientation session online prior to issuance of a refuge permit (FWS Form 3-2439, Hunt Application-National Wildlife Refuge System).(4)Sport fishing. We allow freshwater fishing in designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:(i) We allow fishing from nonmotorized boats only.(ii) We prohibit the use of lead fishing tackle.(e)Featherstone National Wildlife Refuge -(1)Migratory game bird hunting. We allow hunting of waterfowl on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions: (i) We allow the use of dogs consistent with State regulations.(ii) We limit boat access to nonmotorized boats only in Farm Creek Unit. We allow motorized boat access in Neabsco Creek Unit.(4)Sport fishing. We allow sport fishing on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:(i) The condition set forth at paragraph (e)(1)(ii) of this section applies.(ii) We prohibit the use of lead fishing tackle.(f)Fisherman Island National Wildlife Refuge - (1)Migratory game bird hunting. We allow hunting of waterfowl, rail, snipe, gallinule/moorhen, coot, woodcock, dove, and crow on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions: (i) We allow the use of dogs consistent with State regulations.(ii) We allow holders of a signed refuge hunt brochure (signed brochure) to access areas of the refuge typically closed to the non-hunting public. All occupants of a vehicle, boat, or hunt party must possess a signed brochure and be actively engaged in hunting. We allow an exception for those persons aiding a disabled person who possesses a valid State-issued Commonwealth of Virginia Disabled Resident Lifetime License or Commonwealth of Virginia Resident Disabled Veteran's Lifetime License.(iii) We allow hunting and hunter access by boat only. We prohibit hunting from land. Retrieval dogs may retrieve fallen game on shore.(iv) We allow hunting on the refuge from September 1 until February 28. Hunting will follow State seasons during that period.(v) Hunters may enter the refuge 2 hours before legal sunrise and must exit the refuge no later than 2 hours after legal sunset.(vi) We prohibit the possession or use of lead ammunition while hunting.(g)Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge.(2)Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of gray squirrel and coyote on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:(i) We allow hunting on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays only.(ii) You must possess and carry a signed refuge permit (FWS Form 3-2439).(3)Big game hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and black bear on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions: (i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (g)(2)(i) and (ii) of this section apply.(ii) We require the use of nontoxic ammunition for hunting wild turkey.(4)Sport fishing. We allow sport fishing on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:(i) We allow fishing in Lake Drummond from a boat (maximum 25 horsepower) and from the piers at Washington Ditch Road and Interior Ditch Road.(ii) We prohibit fishing from the ditch banks on the refuge.(iii) We require a Special Use Permit (FWS Form 3-1383-G) for vehicular access to the boat ramp on Interior Ditch Road on the west side of Lake Drummond.(h)James River National Wildlife Refuge - (1)Migratory game bird hunting. We allow hunting of waterfowl on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions: (i) We allow waterfowl hunting only during the mentor-led hunts.(ii) We allow the use of dogs while hunting consistent with State regulations.(2)Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of rabbit, squirrel, and coyote on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions: (i) We only allow the hunting and take of coyote concurrently during the refuge deer hunting season.(ii) We allow rabbit and squirrel hunting only during the mentor-led hunt.(iii) We prohibit the use of pursuit dogs.(3)Big game hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and wild turkey on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions: (i) The condition set forth at paragraph (h)(2)(iii) of this section applies.(ii) We require spring turkey hunters to obtain a refuge hunting permit (FWS Form 3-2439) through a lottery administered by a designated third-party vendor.(iii) Hunters may enter the refuge no earlier than 1 hour prior to the start of legal shooting time and must exit the refuge no later than 1 hour after the end of legal shooting time.(iv) We prohibit the possession or use of lead ammunition when hunting spring wild turkey.(v) Hunters using a muzzleloader must hunt from a stand elevated 10 feet (3 meters) or more above the ground.(vi) We prohibit organized deer drives. We define a "deer drive" as an organized or planned effort to pursue, drive, chase, or otherwise frighten or cause deer to move in the direction of any person(s) who is part of the organized or planned hunt and known to be waiting for the deer.(4)Sport fishing. We allow fishing on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions: (i) We allow fishing access each day from legal sunrise to legal sunset.(ii) We allow fishing only by use of one or more attended poles with hook and line attached. We prohibit all other fishing methods and means.(iii) We prohibit the use of lead fishing tackle.(iv) We prohibit the use of minnows as bait.(i)Mackay Island National Wildlife Refuge. Refer to § 32.52(e) for regulations.(j)Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge.(2)Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of coyote and fox on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions: (i) We only allow the incidental take of coyote and fox during the refuge deer hunting season.(ii) We require the use of non-lead ammunition when hunting coyote and fox.(3)Big game hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and wild turkey on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions: (i) With the exception of mentored hunt participants, white-tailed deer hunters must possess and carry a signed refuge permit (FWS Form 3-2439) and be selected in the refuge lottery to hunt.(ii) We only allow shotguns with slugs during the firearm season.(iii) We prohibit organized deer drives. We define a "deer drive" as an organized or planned effort to pursue, drive, chase, or otherwise frighten or cause deer to move in the direction of any person(s) who is part of the organized or planned hunt and known to be waiting for the deer.(iv) We prohibit the use of pursuit dogs when hunting deer.(v) We require the use of non-lead ammunition when hunting wild turkey.(vi) Hunters must certify and qualify weapons and ammunition at a refuge-approved range and view the refuge orientation session online prior to issuance of a refuge permit (FWS Form 3-2439).(vii) Wild turkey hunting is a mentor-led hunt only.(4)Sport fishing. We allow sport fishing on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions: (i) We allow boat access by nonmotorized boats only.(ii) We prohibit the use of lead fishing tackle.(k)Plum Tree Island National Wildlife Refuge -(1)Migratory game bird hunting. We allow hunting of migratory waterfowl and coot on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:(i) You must hunt from a designated refuge blind.(ii) We allow the use of dogs consistent with State regulations.(4)Sport fishing. We allow fishing in designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions: (i) We allow fishing access April 1 through August 31, from legal sunrise to legal sunset.(ii) We prohibit shoreline fishing. We allow fishing only from boats untethered to refuge lands, or from designated blinds.(iii) We allow fishing only by use of one or more attended poles with hook and line attached. We prohibit all other fishing methods and means.(iv) We prohibit the use of lead fishing tackle.(l)Presquile National Wildlife Refuge.(2)Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of coyote on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:(i) Hunters may enter the refuge no earlier than 2 hours prior to the start of legal shooting time and must exit the refuge no later than 2 hours after the end of legal shooting time.(ii) We only allow the hunting and take of coyote concurrently during the refuge deer hunting season.(iii) We require hunters to dock their boats at designated locations on the refuge.(3)Big game hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:(i) The condition set forth at paragraph (l)(2)(iii) of this section applies.(ii) We prohibit the use of pursuit dogs when hunting white-tailed deer.(iii) We require big game hunters to obtain a permit through a lottery administered by a third-party contractor.(iv) We prohibit organized deer drives. We define a "deer drive" as an organized or planned effort to pursue, drive, chase, or otherwise frighten or cause deer to move in the direction of any person(s) who is part of the organized or planned hunt and known to be waiting for the deer.(4)Sport fishing. We allow fishing on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions: (i) We allow fishing access each day from legal sunrise to legal sunset.(ii) We prohibit bank fishing. We allow fishing only from boats untethered to refuge lands.(iii) We allow fishing only by use of one or more attended poles with hook and line attached. We prohibit all other fishing methods and means.(iv) We prohibit the use of minnows as bait.(v) We prohibit the use of lead fishing tackle.(m)Rappahannock River Valley National Wildlife Refuge -(1)Migratory game bird hunting. We allow hunting of waterfowl on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions: (i) Hunters may only hunt waterfowl during designated days and times. The refuge provides dates for the waterfowl hunting season in the annual refuge hunt brochure.(ii) In designated areas, we require hunters to possess and carry a refuge hunting permit (FWS Form 3-2439) obtained from a designated third-party vendor.(iii) We allow the use of dogs while hunting consistent with State regulations.(2)Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of coyote, rabbit, and squirrel on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions: (i) We prohibit the use of pursuit dogs.(ii) We only allow the hunting and take of coyote concurrently during the refuge deer hunting season.(3)Big game hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and wild turkey on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions: (i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (m)(1)(ii) and (m)(2)(i) of this section apply.(ii) We prohibit the possession or use of lead ammunition when hunting spring wild turkey.(iii) Hunters may enter the refuge no earlier than 1 hour prior to the start of legal shooting time and must exit the refuge no later than 1 hour after the end of legal shooting time.(iv) We prohibit organized deer drives. We define a "deer drive" as an organized or planned effort to pursue, drive, chase, or otherwise frighten or cause deer to move in the direction of any person(s) who is part of the organized or planned hunt and known to be waiting for the deer.(4)Sport fishing. We allow sport fishing on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions: (i) We allow fishing access each day from legal sunrise to legal sunset.(ii) During the period when the refuge is open for hunting, we may close hunting areas to all other uses, including sport fishing.(iii) We allow fishing only by use of one or more attended poles with hook and line attached. We prohibit all other fishing methods and means.(iv) We prohibit the use of lead fishing tackle in freshwater ponds, including Wilna Pond and Laurel Grove Pond.(v) We require catch-and-release fishing for largemouth bass in freshwater ponds, including Wilna Pond and Laurel Grove Pond. Anglers may take other finfish species as governed by State regulations.(vi) We prohibit the use of minnows as bait.(vii) We prohibit the use of boats propelled by gasoline motors, sail, or mechanically operated paddle wheel while fishing.(n)Wallops Island National Wildlife Refuge - (1)Migratory game bird hunting. We allow hunting of waterfowl, rail, coot, snipe, gallinule, dove, woodcock, and crow on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:(i) You must obtain and possess a signed refuge hunt brochure while hunting on the refuge.(ii) You may access the refuge from 2 hours before legal sunrise until 2 hours after legal sunset.(iii) We allow hunting during State seasons from September 16 to March 14.(iv) We allow the use of dogs while hunting consistent with State regulations.(v) We prohibit the use of permanent blinds and pit blinds. You must remove portable blinds and decoys at the end of each day's hunt (see § 27.93 of this chapter).(2)Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of raccoon, opossum, fox, coyote, rabbit, and squirrel on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:(i) The conditions set forth in paragraphs (n)(1)(i) and (iii) of this section apply.(ii) We prohibit the hunting of upland game at night. You may access the refuge from 2 hours before legal sunrise until 2 hours after legal sunset.(iii) We prohibit the use of pursuit dogs while hunting upland game.(iv) You may not hunt, discharge a firearm, or nock an arrow or crossbow bolt within 100 feet (30.5 meters) of any building, road, or trail.(3)Big game hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and wild turkey on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions: (i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (n)(1)(i) and (n)(2)(iv) of this section apply.(ii) We prohibit organized deer drives. We define a "deer drive" as an organized or planned effort to pursue, drive, chase, or otherwise frighten or cause deer to move in the direction of any person(s) who is part of the organized or planned hunt and known to be waiting for the deer.(iii) We prohibit the use of pursuit dogs while hunting white-tailed deer and wild turkey.(iv) We allow the use of portable tree stands, but you must remove them at the end of each day's hunt (see § 27.93 of this chapter).(v) We allow limited hunting of turkey during designated State spring and fall seasons only when in the possession of a valid refuge turkey quota hunt permit.84 FR 47675, Sept. 10, 2019, as amended at 85 FR 54141, Aug. 31, 2020; 86 FR 48879, Aug. 31, 2021; 87 FR 57132, Sept. 16, 2022; 88 FR 74065, Oct. 30, 2023 82 FR 51959, 11/8/2017; 83 FR 45805, 9/10/2018; 84 FR 47675, 9/10/2019; as amended at 85 FR 54141, 8/31/2020; 86 FR 48879, 8/31/2021; 87 FR 57132, 9/16/2022; 88 FR 74065, 10/27/2023