Complete fire ban
The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) has issued a complete ban on any open air burning, such as campfires and grills, on all DWR properties west of Interstate 95 effective immediately.
This ban will remain in effect until further notice due to the extremely dry conditions that began in October.
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DWR seeks public review of Virginia Bear Management Plan
The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources is seeking public review of the next Virginia Bear Management Plan through September 5, 2023.
Once finalized, the new Bear Plan will guide bear management in the Commonwealth through 2032.
This includes a mission statement and six goals that address the areas of populations, habitat, recreation, human-bear conflicts, health, and welfare.
The first Bear Plan was established in 2001 and has been revised twice through the years through the involvement of public stakeholders and managers of bears in Virginia.
It is important to continue to develop and improve the plan to incorporate current public values and biological considerations.
For more information on bears from the DWR, click here.
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CWD found in deer in Vienna
The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources has confirmed a case of chronic wasting disease in an adult male deer legally harvested in Vienna.
The deer was originally taken to a taxidermist in October of 2022 where the DWR obtained a sample as part of their regular surveillance efforts.
The deer originally showed no signs of disease and appeared in good condition. CWD is a progressive disease that affects the brain, spinal cord, and other tissues while causing drastic weight loss, lack of coordination, excessive thirst, and lack of fear of people.
No regulatory changes will be made until the end of hunting season but the DWR recommends to not transport carcasses out of Fairfax County and to double bag deer parts and place them in the landfill.
CWD testing is available as well with locations found here.
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Free Fishing Weekend in Virginia
It’s Free Fishing Weekend in Virginia through Sunday.
Grab a friend or your family and go drop a line in any state waters without the need for a fishing license.
If you are trying to find a location, head to the Department of Wildlife Resources website and check out their “Where to Fish” section.
The DWR is also hosting a few events around the state to teach anyone the basics of fishing.
The events are free and require no registration with the closest location at Burke Lake in Fairfax County.
For more information including instructional fishing videos or to purchase a fishing license once this weekend ends, click here.
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Gov. Youngkin signs Sunday Hunting legislation
An email from Governor Glenn Youngkin confirms that he signed a bill to allow Sunday hunting.
The law allows hunting on public land except within 200 yards from places of worship.
The legislation encourages Virginians to take full advantage of the many outdoor opportunities for hunters to enjoy their sport according to the Governor.
The Board of the Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) acknowledged that sportspeople are a significant economic force that spends more than $1.5 billion, support more than 39,000 jobs, generates more than $1.17 billion in salaries and wages and $242 million in state and local taxes.
Giving hunters an extra day to enjoy their sport ensures that the DWR will have funds to continue their conservation work across the state according to the email.
The newly signed legislation takes effect July 1, 2022.
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