Local Firearms Ordinances, Laws, and Regulations: All Localities

Accomack County

The following local ordinances apply in Accomack County:

• Sec. 10-1. - Hunting near primary or secondary highway. (reference)

  • (a) It shall be unlawful to hunt or attempt to hunt with a firearm any game bird or game animal while the hunting or attempting to hunt with a firearm is on or within 50 feet of the center of any primary or secondary highway in the county.

    (b) Any person violating the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a class 3 misdemeanor.

    (Ord. of 1-15-2003)

    Cross reference— Roads and bridges, ch. 66.

    State Law reference— Authority for above section, Code of Virginia, § 29.1-526.

• Sec. 58-11. - Loitering in public places or hunting in vicinity of public school or county or town park prohibited. (reference)

  • (a) Loitering in, upon, or around any public place, public school, or county or town park is prohibited.

    (b) Shooting or hunting with a firearm within 100 yards of any property line of a public school or county or town park is prohibited. For purposes of this section, “hunting with a firearm” expressly includes, but is not limited to; traverse of such designated area by a hunter while in possession of a loaded firearm.

    (c) Any violation of this section shall be a Class 4 misdemeanor.

    (Ord. of 3-19-2008; Ord. of 8-15-2012(4))

    Editor's note— An ordinance adopted Aug. 15, 2012, changed the title of § 58-11 from "Loitering" to "Loitering in public places or hunting in vicinity of public school or county or town park prohibited."

    State Law reference— Code of Virginia, §§ 29.1-527; 15.2-926.

Albemarle County

The following local ordinances apply in Albemarle County:

• Sec. 10-107 - Firearms - Discharging within residential districts (reference)

  • A. It shall be unlawful for any person to discharge any firearm within the boundaries of any residential district within the county. The provisions of this section shall not apply to:
    1. A law-enforcement officer, as defined by Virginia Code § 9.1-101, in the performance of his official duties, or an animal control officer, as defined by Virginia Code § 3.2-6555, in the performance of his official duties;

    2. Any person whose discharge of a firearm is justifiable or excusable at law in the protection of life or as otherwise permitted by law;3.Any person discharging a firearm or starter gun with a blank cartridge or other ammunition not resulting in the expulsion of a projectile or projectiles.

    B. Any person violating this section shall be liable for a penalty of not less than $25.00 nor more than $1,000.00 for each such violation.

    C. For purposes of this section, "residential district" shall mean any district described as Village Residential - VR, Residential R-1, Residential R-2, Residential R-4, Residential R-6, Residential R-10, Residential R-15, Neighborhood Model - NMD, Planned Unit Development - PUD or Planned Residential Development - PRD on the official zoning map of the county.

    (9-19-74; 6-10-81; Code 1988, § 13-9; Ord. 98-A(1), 8-5-98; Ord. 10-10(1), 11-3-10)

    State Law reference— For state law as to authority of county to adopt this section, see Va. Code § 15.2-1209.

• Sec. 10-108 - Transporting loaded rifle or shotgun in vehicle (reference)

  • A. It shall be unlawful for any person to transport, possess or carry a loaded shotgun or loaded rifle in any vehicle on any public street, road or highway within the county; provided, however, that the foregoing shall not apply to duly authorized law-enforcement officers or military personnel in the performance of their lawful duties nor to any person who reasonably believes that a loaded rifle or shotgun is necessary for his personal safety in the course of his employment or business.

    B. Any person violating this section shall be liable to a fine not to exceed $100.00 for each such violation.

    C. All law-enforcement officers authorized to act as such within the county shall have the power to enforce this section, including but not limited to all duly appointed and acting game wardens.

    D. "Loaded rifle or shotgun," as used in this section, is defined as a rifle or shotgun with ammunition within the action chamber, magazine or clip which is within or on the rifle or shotgun.

    (10-20-76; Code 1988, § 13-9.1; Ord. 98-A(1), 8-5-98)

    State Law reference— State law as to authority of county to adopt this section, Va. Code § 15.2-915.2.

• Sec. 10-109 - Standing or walking with loaded firearm (reference)

  • A. It shall be unlawful for any person to carry or have in his possession, for the purpose of hunting, while on any part of a public highway within the county a loaded firearm when such person is not authorized to hunt on the private property on both sides of the highway along which he is standing or walking.

    B. Any person violating this section shall be liable to a fine not to exceed $100.00 for each such violation.

    C. All law-enforcement officers authorized to act as such within the county shall have the power to enforce this section, including but not limited to all duly appointed and acting game wardens.

    D. "Loaded firearm," as used in this section, is defined as a firearm with ammunition within the action chamber, magazine or clip which is within or on the firearm. "Firearm" means any weapon that will or is designed to or may readily be converted to expel single or multiple projectiles by the action of an explosion of a combustible material; or the frame or receiver of any such weapon.

    E. The provisions of this section shall not apply to persons carrying loaded firearms in moving vehicles or for purposes other than hunting, or to persons acting at the time in defense of persons or property.

    (3-11-81; Ord. of 9-15-93; Code 1988, § 13-9.2; Ord. 98-A(1), 8-5-98; Ord. 10-10(1), 11-3-10)

    State Law reference— State law as to authority of county to adopt this section, Va. Code § 15.2-1209.

• Sec. 10-110 Hunting; prohibited with firearms near highways generally (reference)

  • It shall be unlawful for any person to be engaged in the hunting or attempting to hunt with a firearm of any game bird or game animal within 100 feet of any primary or secondary highway in the county. Any person violating the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a class 3 misdemeanor. For the purpose of this section, the term "hunt" shall not include the necessary crossing of highways for the bona fide purpose of going into or leaving a lawful hunting area.

    (Code 1967, § 13-10; Code 1988, § 13-11; Ord. 98-A(1), 8-5-98; Ord. 10-10(1), 11-3-10)

    State Law reference— State law authorizing county prohibit hunting with firearms within one hundred yards of highways and defining the term "hunt," see Va. Code § 29.1-526.

Alexandria City

The following local ordinances apply in Alexandria City:

• Sec. 6-1-1.1 - Same—hunting prohibited in adjacent area. (reference)

  • It shall be unlawful for any person, within 100 yards of any property line of any public park or playground in the city, to discharge or to hunt with any firearm. Any person violating this section shall be guilty of a class 4 misdemeanor.

    (Ord. No. 3323, 9/24/88, Sec. 1; Ord. No. 4615, 9/12/09, Sec. 1)

• Sec. 13-2-3 - Discharge of firearms. (reference)

  • Any person who willfully discharges or causes to be discharged any firearm in the city shall be guilty of a class 1 misdemeanor; provided that this section shall not apply to any law enforcement officer in the performance of his official duties, or to any other person whose said willful act is otherwise justifiable or excusable at law in the protection of his life or property or is otherwise specifically authorized by law.

    (Code 1963, Sec. 41-3; Ord. No. 2826, 6/28/83, Sec. 29; Ord. No. 3333, 10/15/88, Sec. 1)

    Charter Reference: Power of city as to discharge of firearms, Sec. 2.04(o).

    State Law Reference: Shooting in street or place of public resort, Code of Va., Secs. 18.2-280, 33-287.

• Sec. 13-2-6 - Transporting loaded weapons. (reference)

  • It shall be unlawful for any person to transport, possess or carry a loaded shotgun or loaded rifle in any vehicle on any public street, road or highway in the city. The provisions of this section shall not apply to duly authorized law enforcement officers or military personnel in the performance of their lawful duties, or to any person who reasonably believes that a loaded rifle or shotgun is necessary for his personal safety in the course of his employment or business. Any person violating this section shall be punished by a fine not to exceed $100.

    (Ord. No. 3432, 1/20/90, Sec. 1)

• Sec. 13-2-7 - Prohibiting shooting of compound bows, crossbows, longbows and recurve bows. (reference)

  • It shall be unlawful for any person to shoot an arrow from a bow in a manner that can be reasonably expected to result in the impact of the arrow upon the property of another without permission from the owner or tenant of such property. Any person violating this section shall be guilty of a class 4 misdemeanor.

    (Ord. No. 4613, 9/12/09, Sec. 2)

Amherst County

The following local ordinances apply in Amherst County:

• Sec. 3-76 - Hunting near highways (reference)

  • (a) It shall be unlawful to hunt or attempt to hunt with a firearm, muzzleloader, arrowgun, or archery tackle any game bird or game animal while the hunting or attempting to hunt is in or across or within the right-of-way of any primary or secondary highway in Amherst County, Virginia.

    (b) The term "hunt" or "attempt to hunt" as used in this section shall not include the necessary crossing of such highways for the bona fide purpose of going into or leaving a lawful hunting area.

    (Ord. of 8-3-64; Ord. of 4-7-92; Ord. No. 2021-0013, § 1, 12-21-21)

    Cross reference— Motor vehicles and traffic, Ch. 9.

• Sec. 12-26 (B) & (C) Prohibited use of parks (reference)

  • B. Fishing and hunting.

    (1) The purchase or sale of fish caught in any park waters is prohibited.

    (2) Park visitors may fish in any park waters if they hold a valid state fishing license. Any person fishing within a park
    (i) shall conform to the rules and regulations published by the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries and the posted rules and regulations of the park and
    (ii) shall carry on his person his valid state fishing license and shall show the same immediately upon demand of any law enforcement officer. Failure to exhibit such license upon demand of any law enforcement officer shall be prima facie
    evidence that such person is fishing without a license.

    (3) Park visitors shall not hunt, trap, or pursue wildlife while within the park. The director may authorize hunting and trapping of wildlife in writing prior to the hunting or trapping if the director determines that to be in the best interest of public health, safety or welfare.

    C. Weapons. Due to the presence of children and in light of the expectation of safety that county citizens and others have upon entering parks for entertainment and recreational activities, the use or carrying of weapons in county parks is limited as follows:

    (1) Only law enforcement officers engaged in professional duties may discharge in any park any pistol, revolver, shotgun, BB gun, air gun, slingshot, bow and arrow, dart device, or other weapon in which the propelling force is gunpowder, a spring, or air.

    (2) No person while in a park shall use, carry or have in his possession any knife with a blade of more than three (3) inches except where such knife is necessary for preparation of food within the park or is being used in connection with any other lawful purpose in the park.

    (3) Any person who has a permit to carry a concealed handgun which is valid in the Commonwealth, and who has on his person that valid permit, may carry a concealed handgun in a park.

    (4) Shooting into park areas from beyond park property boundaries is prohibited.

    (5) The director may authorize in writing the use of a firearm or other potentially dangerous instrument within a county park.

Arlington County

The following local ordinances apply in Arlington County:

• Sec. 13-9. Discharging across Highways, Sidewalks, Etc. (reference)

  • It shall be unlawful for any person to discharge any air gun across any street, sidewalk, alley or public road or within one hundred (100) yards of any such street, alley, sidewalk or public road, or public building, private residence or property of another, or on or across any public land except as provided in § 17-5 of this Code.
    (6-27-51)

• Sec. 17-5. Firearms, Missiles, Etc. (reference)

  • A. It shall be unlawful for any person to discharge or shoot off a firearm in the County.

    B. It shall be unlawful for any person to discharge or shoot or throw any dangerous missiles by mechanical, explosive, air-or gas-propelled means, or similar method or device onto or across any public sidewalk, path, or roadway, at any public structure or building, or at or onto the property of another.

    C. It shall be unlawful for any person to shoot a compound bow, crossbow, longbow, or recurve bow at or upon the property of another without permission. It shall be unlawful to discharge a projectile from any of the aforementioned bows within one hundred (100) yards of any public road, public building or structure, private
    residence or structure, or property of another.

    Any violation of subsection A, B, or C shall constitute a Class 2 misdemeanor.

    D. Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit the use of firearms or other instruments or missiles or compound bows, crossbows, longbows, or recurve bows in lawful self defense or in the lawful defense of property, or to prohibit the use of firearms or other missiles or compound bows, crossbows, longbows, or recurve bows in supervised sport, recreation, or training conducted on safety-inspected and approved ranges and courses, provided the same is not contrary to existing law, or to prohibit the discharge of firearms in County supervised deer management activities.
    (7-14-24; Ord. No. 91-26, 7-30-91; Ord. No. 92-40, 8-8-92; Ord. No. 93-10, 7-1-93; Ord. No. 24-15, 11-16-2024;)
    Cross References: Missiles generally, Ch. 13.

    § 17-5.1. Reserved
    (Ord. No. 97-19, 7-19-97; Ord. No. 21-10, 6-12-21)

• Sec. 2-21. Trapping and/or Poisoning of Animals Prohibited. (reference)

  • It shall be unlawful for any person to set or bait any trap or other contrivance for the catching of game or tame animals, or to knowingly permit any such trap to be set or baited on his premises or property or to set out any poisoned bait with the intent of poisoning any game or tame animal except by the consent of the Animal Control Officer or Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries. Only box traps may be used for the purposes of trapping a game or domestic animal.
    (11-14-81; Ord. No. 17-12, 9-19-17)

Ashland City

The following local ordinances apply in Ashland City:

• Sec 12-5 Pneumatic Guns (reference)

  • (a) As used in this section, pneumatic gun means any implement, designed as a gun, that will expel a BB or a pellet by action of pneumatic pressure. Pneumatic gun includes a paintball gun that expels by action of pneumatic pressure plastic balls filled with paint for the purpose of marking the point of impact.

    (b) It shall be unlawful for any person to shoot a pneumatic gun in the town, except at facilities approved for shooting ranges or, on other property where firearms may be lawfully discharged, or on or within private property with permission of the owner or legal possessor thereof when conducted with reasonable care to prevent a projectile from crossing the bounds of the property.

    (c) Training of minors in the use of pneumatic guns shall be done only under direct supervision of a parent, guardian, Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps instructor, or a certified instructor. Training of minors above the age of 16 may also be done without direct supervision if approved by the minor's instructor, with the permission of and under the responsibility of a parent or guardian, and in compliance with all requirements of this section. Ranges and instructors may be certified by the National Rifle Association, a state or federal agency that has developed a certification program, any service of the Department of Defense, or any person authorized by these authorities to certify ranges and instructors.

    (d) Commercial or private areas designated for use of pneumatic paintball guns may be established and operated for recreational use. Equipment designed to protect the face and ears shall be provided to participants at such recreational areas, and signs must be posted to warn against entry into the paintball area by persons who are unprotected or unaware that paintball guns are in use.

    (e) There shall be supervision by a parent, guardian, or other adult supervisor approved by a parent or guardian of any minor below the age of 16 in all uses of pneumatic guns on private or public property. Minors above the age of 16 may, with the written consent of a parent or guardian, use a pneumatic gun at any place designated for such use by the Ashland Town Council or on private property with the consent of the owner. Any minor, whether permitted by a parent or guardian to use a pneumatic gun or not, shall be responsible for obeying all laws, regulations and restrictions governing such use.

    (f) Any person violating this section shall be guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor.

• Sec 12-27 Weapons - Discharging Firearms (reference)

  • Except as provided for in ATC section 12-11.1, any person who willfully discharges or causes to be discharged any gun, pistol, rifle or firearm of any type of description in the town, shall be guilty of a class 1 misdemeanor, provided that this section shall not apply to any law enforcement officer in the performance of his official duties nor to any other person whose said willful act is otherwise justifiable or excusable at law in the protection of his life or property, or is otherwise specifically authorized by law. Any firearms used in violation of this section may, upon conviction of such person or persons so using the same, be forfeited to the commonwealth by order of the court trying the case, which shall make such disbursement of such firearm as it deems proper.

• Sec 12-28 Permit For Hunting With Shotguns In Certain Areas (reference)

  • (a) Definitions. The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this section, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this subsection, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:
    (1) Parcel means any lot or lots, or other contiguous areas of land in one ownership, or for which all of the owners of the land have joined in written acknowledgment of the rights of all of them to hunt on all of such land, and which land, in either event, totals in area not less than fifty (50) acres.
    (2) Shotgun means a weapon designed, made and intended to be fired from the shoulder and designed and made to use the energy of an explosive in a shotgun shell to fire through a smooth bore one or a number of ball shot for each pull of the trigger.

    (b) Activities authorized by permit. It shall be lawful for any person to hunt or attempt to hunt any game animal or game bird with a shotgun, when such shotgun is loaded with ammunition consisting of multiple ball shot, on land for which there has been issued to the fee owner or tenant thereof a permit pursuant to this section and when such hunting is carried out in accordance with the terms and conditions of such permit.

    (c) Issuance of permit.
    (1) Upon application from the fee owner (or tenant) of any parcel of land as defined by this section and upon compliance with the provisions of this section, the chief of police or his designee shall issue a permit to allow hunting on such parcel.
    (2) Prior to issuing such a permit, the chief of police or his designee shall receive a report from the state game warden. No permit shall be issued unless, in the judgment of the chief of police or his designee, the discharge of a shotgun on any such parcel will not endanger the safety of any person, property or livestock on adjoining land. The permit issued shall describe any provisions deemed necessary by the chief of police or his designee to insure such conditions.

    (d) Revocation of permit. Any such permit shall be revocable by the chief of police or his designee upon a finding by him or the state game warden that a shooting in any manner other than in accordance with such permit or other provisions of this Code has occurred, or upon finding that changed circumstances in the area necessitate revocation for the interest of the safety of persons or property in the area.

    (e) Posted with signs giving notice. Any parcel upon which a permit to hunt has been issued shall be posted with signs giving reasonable notice that guns are in use on that parcel of land and that no trespassing is allowed. Such signs shall be placed where they can reasonably be seen. Such signs shall be at least eleven inches by seventeen inches (11" x 17") in size, and contain the language "HUNTING IN PROGRESS—NO TRESPASSING". These signs shall be placed approximately every one hundred (100) yards around the perimeter of the parcel being hunted.

    (f) Written permission from owner or tenant required. Any person hunting on such parcel shall have written permission from the fee simple owner or tenant of such parcel.

    (g) Hunting or discharge of weapon near public road or adjacent land. No permit shall allow hunting or discharging of a shotgun within two hundred (200) yards of any structure or public school grounds, public park, public roadway or private road serving two (2) or more residences.

    (h) Appeals. Any action taken under this section by the chief of police or his designee in granting, refusing to grant or revoking a permit may be appealed to the town council by the applicant or by any persons owning property immediately adjacent to the property subject to the permit by the filing of a written notice with the chief of police within fifteen (15) days of the action appealed from. The filing of the appeal shall stay all proceedings in furtherance of the action appealed from. Unless the person filing the appeal agrees to an extension of time, the council shall render its decision on the appeal within forty-five (45) days of the appeal. In considering the appeal, the council may base its decision on the record or on any new evidence which may be presented to the council.

Bedford County

The following local ordinances apply in Bedford County:

• Sec. 4-111. - Feeding of migratory and non-migratory waterfowl. (reference)

  • (a) The feeding of migratory and nonmigratory waterfowl is hereby prohibited in Bedford County in accordance with subsection (c) of this section and subsection 4-50(c).

    (b) For the purpose of this article, migratory and nonmigratory waterfowl shall be those species defined by the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries as any and all waterfowl in the family Anatidae (ducks, geese and swans), including native, nonnative, and domestic ducks and geese, and any crossbreeds or hybrids of these birds.

    (c) The prohibition of feeding of migratory and nonmigratory waterfowl shall apply within those portions of Bedford County that the Board of Supervisors determines are so heavily populated as to make the feeding of such waterfowl a threat to the public health or environment.

    (Ord. No. O-0709-128(R), 7-13-2009)

Bristol City

The following local ordinances apply in Bristol City:

• Sec. 62-36. - Dangerous missiles. (reference)

  • It shall be unlawful for any person to discharge within the city any bow, or crossbow, loaded with arrow, or dart. This section shall not be construed to prohibit the use of any bow on an archery range which has been inspected and approved by the police chief.

    It shall also be unlawful for any person to discharge within the city any slingshot, blowgun, bean shooter or pneumatic gun including but not limited to an air gun, air pistol, gas gun or gas pistol loaded with rock, shot, bullet, or other object. This section shall not be construed to prohibit the use of any gun or pistol on a rifle or pistol range which has been inspected and approved by the police chief. Additionally, this section shall not be construed to prohibit the use of any slingshot, blowgun, bean shooter or pneumatic gun on or within private property with permission of the owner or legal possessor of the property when conducted with reasonable care to prevent a projectile from crossing the bounds of the property.

    (Code 1966, § 29-1; Ord. No. 12.01, 1-10-12)

• Sec. 62-37. - Discharging firearms. (reference)

  • If any person fires off any pistol, gun or other firearm in the city for sport or diversion and not in defense of person, property or home, he shall be guilty of a class 1 misdemeanor.

    This section shall not be construed to prohibit use of any gun or pistol on a rifle or pistol range which has been inspected and approved by the police chief.

    Additionally, this section shall not be construed to prohibit the use of any pneumatic gun on or within private property with permission of the owner or legal possessor of the property when conducted with reasonable care to prevent a projectile from crossing the bounds of the property.

    (Code 1966, § 29-2; Ord. No. 12.01, 1-10-12)

    State Law reference— Willfully discharging firearms in public places, Code of Virginia, § 18.2-280; shooting in or along road or in street, Code of Virginia, § 18.2-286.

Buchanan County

The following local ordinances apply in Buchanan County:

• 22-28 Use of firearms or bows to kill elk prohibited. (reference)

  • The killing of elk in Buchanan County, Virginia is prohibited by the use of any type of firearms, including muzzle-loaded weapons, bows, compound bows, arrows, or crossbows as set forth in Sections 29.1-528, 29.1-519 and 15.2-916 of the Code of Virginia.

• 90-9 Regulation of Jewell Valley ATV Trail. (reference)

  • A. Any person operating or riding in an ATV on the Jewell Valley ATV Trail must obtain a permit. Permits shall be issued for a period of one year and can be renewed by paying the permit renewal fee. The annual permit fee and annual renewal fee will be set by the Buchanan County, Virginia, Board of Supervisors by a separate resolution.

    B. Any person operating an ATV on the Jewell Valley ATV Trail shall obey all signage on said trails and operate their ATV in a safe manner, complying with any speed limits posted on said Jewell Valley ATV Trail.

    C. All persons operating an ATV or riding in an ATV on the Jewell Valley ATV Trail must wear helmets. Children under the age of 16 years shall not be permitted to operate an ATV on the Jewell Valley ATV Trail.

    D. No use or possession of alcohol or illegal drugs shall be permitted upon the Jewell Valley ATV Trail.

    E. No person shall be permitted on the Jewell Valley ATV Trail during any time other than the operational hours for the trail. The operational hours for the Jewell Valley ATV Trail shall be from dawn to dusk (daylight hours).

    F. The use of firearms or possession of firearms on the Jewell Valley ATV Trail is strictly prohibited.

    G. No littering shall be permitted on the Jewell Valley ATV Trail.

    H. The Jewell Valley ATV Trail is patrolled by uniformed Special Conservators of the Peace. All users of the Jewell Valley ATV Trail shall obey the lawful orders and instructions of the uniformed Special Conservators of the Peace.

    I. Penalties. Violations of this section shall be treated as Class One misdemeanors, resulting in fines up to $2,500 and/or confinement in jail up to 12 months, within the discretion of the Court.

• 22-14 Displaying receipts; attaching tag to dog. (reference)

  • Dog license receipts shall be carefully preserved by the licensee and exhibited promptly on request for inspection by any Animal Control Officer. Dog license tags shall be securely fastened to a substantial collar by the owner or custodian and worn by such dog, and it shall be unlawful for the owner to permit any licensed dog four months old or over to run or roam at large at any time without a license tag, except that when engaged in lawful hunting, in the open season and accompanied by the owner or custodian, the collar and tag may be temporarily removed

• 22-15 Regulating kennel dogs. (reference)

  • The owner of a kennel shall securely fasten the license tag to the kennel enclosure in full view and keep one of the identification plates provided therewith attached to the collar of each dog authorized to be kept enclosed in the kennel. Any identification plates not so in use must be kept by the owner or custodian and promptly shown to any Animal Control Officer or other officer upon request. A kennel dog shall not be permitted to stray beyond the limits of the enclosure except while under the control of the owner or custodian for the purpose of exercising, hunting, breeding, trial or show. A kennel shall not be operated in such manner as to defraud the County of the license tax applying to dogs or in any manner violate other provisions of this article.

Buckingham County

The following local ordinances apply in Buckingham County:

• Sec. 2 (B) - 10 ft Stands (reference)

  • When the season is open on such species or when taking of such species is allowed under the regulations or laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia or the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, it shall be lawful:

    B. to hunt deer and bear from a stand elevated at least 10 feet from the ground or within a ten (10) foot perimeter from a stationary, pre-identified and marked point, such point having been established by an easily visible fixed marker, (such as but not limited to a ribbon around a tree or a pin placed in the ground with a ribbon or flag attached), with .23 or larger caliber . However, such rifles can only be loaded while the hunter is in the elevated tree stand, within the 10 feet of the stationary pre-identified and marked point, if ground hunting, or while attempting to recover wounded game within a 300 yard perimeter of the elevated stand or the pre-identified and marked point from which the game was shot.

• Sec. 3 - Muzzleloading (reference)

  • That muzzle loading gun hunting be permitted within the jurisdictional boundaries of Buckingham County in accordance with all laws, rules, and regulations of the Commonwealth of Virginia and the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries or its successor pertaining thereto;

Buena Vista City

The following local ordinances apply in Buena Vista City:

• Sec. 6-131. - Trapping, hunting, molesting, etc., birds or wild fowl. (reference)

  • (a) It shall be unlawful for any person in the city to trap, hunt, wound, shoot, or molest in any manner or attempt to trap, hunt, wound, shoot or molest in any manner any bird or wild foul; provided, however, that if starlings, sparrows, pigeons or similar birds or wild animals become a nuisance or menace to health or property, then the city council may, at a regular meeting, upon a recommendation of the chief of police and the health department or the Buena Vista Council of Garden Clubs, after reasonable notice of not less than three days to the health department and the president of the Buena Vista Council of Garden Clubs of the time and place of such meeting, order such birds to be destroyed, if no other satisfactory alternative is found to abate such nuisance. Any such destruction ordered by the city council shall be carried out under the supervision of the chief of police.

    (b) The following shall be unlawful except as exempted in subsection (a) of this section:
    (1) To hunt or kill any wild bird or wild fowl, including any nuisance species, with a fun, firearm, or other weapon in the city limits;
    (2) To set a trap within the city limits where it would be likely to injure persons, dogs, cats or fowl;
    (3) To set a body-gripping trap or any steel leg trap with teeth set upon its jaws, baited with any lure or scent likely to attract a dog, cat or fowl.

    (c) A violation of this section shall be punishable as a Class 3 misdemeanor.

    (Ord. of 12-14-2000, § 5-78)

• Sec. 22-64. - Discharging firearms. (reference)

  • If any person shall willfully discharge or cause to be discharged any firearm in any street in the city, or in any place of public business or place of public gathering, or anywhere within the city and such conduct is not otherwise punishable pursuant to Code of Virginia, § 18.2-280, he shall be guilty of a Class I misdemeanor. This section shall not apply to any law enforcement officer in the performance of his official duties nor to any other person whose said willful act is otherwise justifiable or excusable at law in the protection of his life or property, or is otherwise specifically authorized by law, or on public or private property which consists of a single parcel consisting of nine acres or more, and is undertaken in designated, approved and supervised areas by the owner or his designated responsible agent, area designated by the city manager, and is at least 250 feet from any residential lot.

    (Code 1967, § 32-3; Code 1981, § 30-3; Ord. of 9-27-1990)

    State Law reference— Discharge of firearms, Code of Virginia, § 18.2-280; authority of city to regulate or prohibit the discharge of firearms, Code of Virginia, § 15.2-1113.

• Sec. 22-65. - Discharging air gun, bow, etc. (reference)

  • (a) No person shall, anywhere within the city, discharge an arrow, shot, stone, gravel shooter or any other similar instrument.

    (b) Such activities shall not be prohibited if undertaken on public properties such as Glen Maury Park or school grounds and private educational institutions if undertaken in designated, approved and supervised areas designated in writing by the city manager.

    (c) Such activities shall not be prohibited on private property if the applicant for such permit is seeking permit for single parcel which consists of nine acres or more and the designated, approved and supervised area designated in writing by the city manager is at least 250 feet from a residential lot.

    (Code 1967, § 32-4; Code 1981, § 30-4; Ord. of 9-13-1990; Ord. of 2-17-1994)

Campbell County

The following local ordinances apply in Campbell County:

• Sec. 16-13.2 - Hunting on or within the ditchlines of highways (reference)

  • It shall be unlawful to hunt, with a firearm, on or within the ditchlines of any primary or secondary highway in Campbell County.

    For the purposes of this section, the term “hunt” shall not include the necessary crossing of highways for the bona fide purpose of going into or leaving a lawful hunting area.

    For state law authority, see Va. Code §29.1-526. See also Va. Code §15.2-1209.1.

    Cross references: For state law prohibiting shooting of firearm, crossbow, slingbow, arrowgun, or bow and arrow in or across road or in street, see Va. Code §18.2-286. For state law prohibiting shooting from vehicles so as to endanger persons, see Va. Code §18.2-286.1. For state law authorizing counties to prohibit the outdoor shooting of firearms or arrows from bows in certain more heavily populated areas, see Va. Code §15.2-1209. For state law authorizing localities to regulate the use of pneumatic guns, see Va. Code §15.2-915.4. For state law authorizing counties to prohibit shooting of compound bows, crossbows, slingbows, arrowguns, longbows, and recurve bows in a manner that can reasonably be expected to result in the impact of the arrow upon the property of another without permission from the owner, tenant or feeholder of the property, see Va. Code §15.2-916. For state law authorizing counties to prohibit hunting near public schools and/or public parks, see Va. Code §29.1-527.

Caroline County

The following local ordinances apply in Caroline County:

• Sec. 56-1. - Hunting; discharge of firearms; exemptions. (reference)

  • It shall be unlawful for any person to hunt in the County with a rifle or pistol of a caliber higher than .22 rimfire except as provided hereafter.

    (1) Rifles and pistols using centerfire ammunition .23 caliber or greater (pistols must generate at least 350 foot pounds of energy or greater) may be used for the hunting and killing of deer during the prescribed open season exclusively when hunting from an elevated hunting platform at least eight feet above ground level, except that such weapon may also be discharged on the ground when it is necessary to do so in order to dispatch deer wounded from the elevated hunting platform.

    (2) Muzzle-loading rifles may be used for the hunting and killing of deer during the prescribed open season.

    (3) Turkey shall not be hunted with a rifle greater than .22 caliber.(4)Rifles with caliber larger than .22 rimfire may be used for hunting of groundhogs, coyotes, and feral hogs during any respective season as permitted by state law and/or permitted under state law for the control of destructive animals.

    Any person hunting in the county pursuant to the provisions of this section shall also comply with all safety and other regulations of this Code and the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources.

    (Amended by Ord. of 4-13-2021; Ord. of 10-12-2021)

Charles City County

The following local ordinances apply in Charles City County:

• Sec. 32-11 - Use of rifles for hunting (reference)

  • (a) During the prescribed open seasons for the hunting of deer, rifles which are muzzle-loading may be used to hunt and kill deer, provided that such use shall comply with all applicable state and local laws and regulations. The hunting of deer with any other rifle is expressly prohibited.

    (b) Other than as set out above, the use of a rifle of a caliber larger than .22 rimfire is prohibited, except that larger caliber rifles may be used between March 1 and August 31 to hunt and kill groundhogs.

    (c) Anyone who violates this section will be guilty of a class 3 misdemeanor and may be fined as provided in section 1-13

    (Ord. of 8-14-1990(2), §§ 16-1, 16-2; Ord. of 1-24-2006; Ord. of 4-22-2008)

    State law reference— Authority to adopt this section on limitation on use of rifles, Code of Virginia, § 29.1-528.

Charlottesville City

The following local ordinances apply in Charlottesville City:

• Sec. 33-6. - Discharge of firearms. (reference)

  • No person shall willfully discharge or cause to be discharged any firearm within the city; provided, that this section shall not apply to any law enforcement officer in the performance of their official duties, nor to any other person whose willful act is otherwise justifiable or excusable at law in the protection of their life or property, or is otherwise specifically authorized by law; provided further, that this section shall not apply to any person shooting in licensed shooting galleries or shooting inside a building on a shooting range so constructed as to prevent the shot, projectile or other missile which has been fired from escaping or ricocheting.

    (Code 1976, § 17-32; 9-7-21(1), § 2)

    State Law reference— Authority of city to regulate or prohibit discharge of firearms, Code of Virginia, § 15.1-865.

• Sec. 33-7. - Discharge of pneumatic guns, etc. (reference)

  • (a) No person shall discharge anywhere within the city shot, gravel, bullets or other similar substances from a sling shot or similar implement.

    (b) Pneumatic guns.
    (1) As used in this section, "pneumatic gun" means any implement, designed as a gun, that will expel a BB or a pellet by action of pneumatic pressure. "Pneumatic gun" includes a paintball gun that expels by action of pneumatic pressure plastic balls filled with paint for the purpose of marking the point of impact.
    (2) Pneumatic guns may be discharged only at facilities approved for shooting ranges, or on or within private property with permission of the owner or legal possessor. Use thereof must be conducted with reasonable care to prevent a projectile from crossing the bounds of the property. "Reasonable care" means that the gun is being discharged so that the projectile will be contained on the property by a backstop, earthen embankment, fence or other physical barrier. The discharge of projectiles across or over the bounds of the property shall create the rebuttable presumption that the use of the pneumatic gun was not conducted with reasonable care. Minors may use such implements only under the following conditions:
    (i) Minors under the age of sixteen (16) must be supervised by a parent, guardian, or other adult supervisor approved by a parent or guardian and shall be responsible for obeying all laws, regulations, and restrictions governing the use thereof.
    (ii) Minors sixteen (16) years of age and older must have the written consent of a parent or guardian and shall be responsible for obeying all laws, regulations and restrictions governing the use thereof.
    (iii) Training of minors in the use of pneumatic guns shall be done only under direct supervision of a parent, guardian, junior reserve officers training corps instructor, or a certified instructor. Training of minors above the age of sixteen (16) may also be done without direct supervision if approved by the minor's instructor, with the permission of and under the responsibility of a parent or guardian, and in compliance with all requirements of this section. Ranges and instructors may be certified by the National Rifle Association, a state or federal agency that has developed a certification program, any service of the Department of Defense, or any person authorized by these authorities to certify ranges and instructors.
    (3) Commercial or private areas designated for use of pneumatic paintball guns may be established and operated for recreational use in areas where such facilities are permitted by the city's zoning ordinance. Equipment designed to protect the face and ears shall be provided to participants at such recreational areas, and signs must be posted to warn against entry into the paintball area by persons who are unprotected or unaware that paintball guns are in use.

    (c) A violation of this section shall constitute a class 3 misdemeanor.

    (8-21-17)

    Editor's note— An ordinance adopted Aug. 21, 2017, amended § 33-7 to read as herein set out. Former § 33-7 pertained to discharge of bows and arrows, pneumatic guns, etc., and derived from Code 1976, § 17-34; and an ordinance adopted Nov. 7, 2011.

    State Law reference— Code of Virginia, § 15.2-915.4.

• Sec. 33-9. - Discharge of bows and arrows; urban archery hunting. (reference)

  • (a) For the purposes of this section, "bow" includes all compound bows, crossbows, slingbows, longbows, and recurve bows having a peak draw weight of ten (10) pounds or more. The term "bow" does not include bows that have a peak draw weight of less than ten (10) pounds or that are designed or intended to be used principally as toys. The term "arrow" means a shaft-like projectile intended to be shot from a bow.

    (b) No person shall discharge an arrow from a bow in a manner that can be reasonably expected to result in the impact of the arrow upon the property of another without permission from the owner or tenant of such property. The discharge of an arrow across or over the boundaries of a property for which no permission has been given by the property owner shall create a rebuttable presumption that the use of the bow was not conducted with reasonable care.

    (c) No person shall discharge an arrow from a bow from, over, across or into any street, sidewalk, alley, roadway, public land or public place, or towards any building or dwelling in such a manner that the arrow may strike it.

    (d) No person shall hunt with a bow within the city except as authorized in this section.(e)Deer may be hunted with bows within the city in accordance with this subsection. Any such hunting activity shall be subject to the following conditions:
    (1) All hunting and compliance with the provisions of this subsection shall be subject to the supervision of the chief of police;
    (2) Hunting is permitted only during applicable hunting seasons designated by the state department of game and inland fisheries.
    (3) Hunters must abide by all applicable provisions of state law and state hunting regulations, including but not limited to licensing requirements.
    (4) Hunting with bows is permitted only on residential parcels which consist of one-half (0.5) acre or more. Hunting with bows is prohibited in all other areas within the city.
    (5) It is unlawful to hunt except from a stand elevated a minimum of ten (10) feet above the ground.
    (6) The property owner must obtain an annual urban archery permit from the police department. The police department shall issue the annual urban archery permit at no cost to the property owner upon application by the property owner meeting all requirements of this section. The property owner shall provide written notice to all occupants of the property before obtaining the permit.
    (7) The hunter must obtain written permission from the property owner before hunting and shall carry a copy of the written permission and a copy of the urban archery hunting permit issued to the property owner at all times while hunting.
    (8) No person shall discharge an arrow from a bow within one hundred fifty (150) feet of the property line of any school or city park.
    (9) The hunter is responsible for the appropriate disposition of the deer carcass.
    (10) If a deer which has been shot with an arrow leaves the property on which the hunter has permission to hunt, the hunter shall obtain permission from any property owner over which they must travel to pursue or retrieve the deer.
    (11) No person shall hunt deer in the city by use of a dog or dogs.

    (f) Any person who violates the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor.

    (8-21-17; 9-7-21(1), § 2)

    State Law reference— Code of Virginia § 15.2-916, defining the terms "bow" and "arrow" and authorizing local ordinances prohibition on certain uses thereof; Code of Virginia § 18.2-286, prohibiting the discharge of bows in the road or right-of-way; Code of Virginia § 29.1-528.1, authorizing urban archery hunting.

• Sec. 33-10. - Prohibition of firearms on city property. (reference)

  • (a) The possession, carrying or transportation of firearms, ammunition, or components or combination thereof
    (1) in any buildings, or parts thereof, owned or used, by the city, or by any authority or local governmental entity created or controlled by the city, for governmental purposes; or
    (2) in parks owned or operated by the city, or by any authority or local governmental entity created or controlled by the city; or
    (3) in any recreational or community center facility operated by the city, or by any authority or local governmental entity created or controlled by the city; or
    (4) in any public street, road, alley, sidewalk, public right-of-way, or any other place of whatever nature that is open to the public and is being used by or is adjacent to a permitted event or event that would otherwise require a permit, is prohibited. For purposes of this section, governmental purposes shall not include housing provided by the Charlottesville Redevelopment and Housing Authority nor shall it include the provision of parking provided by the city.

    (b) The possession, carrying, storage or transportation of firearms by city employees, agents or volunteers in workplaces owned, operated or managed by the city is prohibited.

    (c) Pursuant to this section, the city may implement security measures that are designed to reasonably prevent the unauthorized access of such buildings, parks, recreation or community center facilities, or public streets, roads, alleys, or sidewalks or public rights-of-way or any other place of whatever nature that is open to the public and is being used by or is adjacent to a permitted event or an event that would otherwise require a permit by a person with any firearms, ammunition, or components or combination thereof, such as the use of metal detectors and increased use of security personnel.

    (d) This section shall not apply to:
    (1) Military personnel when acting within the scope of their official duties; or
    (2) Sworn law enforcement officers engaged in the performance of their public duties or providing security to a special event pursuant to a permit issued by the Charlottesville city manager for the duration of the permitted special event; or
    (3) A Senior Reserve Officers' Training Corps program operated at a public or private institution of higher education in accordance with the provisions of 10 U.S.C. § 2101 et seq.;
    (4) Any intercollegiate athletics program operated by a public or private institution of higher education and governed by the National Collegiate Athletic Association or any club sports team recognized by a public or private institution of higher education where the sport engaged in by such program or team involves the use of a firearm. Such activities shall follow strict guidelines developed by such institutions for these activities and shall be conducted under the supervision of staff officials of such institutions;
    (5) An armed security officer licensed by the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services providing security to a special event pursuant to a permit issued by the Charlottesville city manager for the duration of the permitted special event; or
    (6) Historical re-enactors and any other persons who possess firearms that are inoperative or otherwise incapable of discharging a projectile, and are not loaded with inoperable ammunition, when such persons are participating in, or traveling to or from special events that involve the display or demonstration of such firearms.
    Before the use of an inoperative firearm in a special event, the individual who will be possessing the firearm shall allow a city official designated on the special event permit to inspect the firearm to ensure its inoperability and the absence of ammunition.

    (e) Notice of the restrictions imposed by this section shall be posted:
    (1) At all entrances of any building, or part thereof, owned or used by the city, or by any authority or local governmental entity created or controlled by the city, for governmental purposes;
    (2) At all entrances of any public park owned or operated by the city, or by any authority or local governmental entity created or controlled by the city;
    (3) At all entrances of any recreation or community center facilities operated by the city, or by any authority or local governmental entity created or controlled by the city; and
    (4) At all entrances or other appropriate places of ingress and egress to any public street, road, alley, or sidewalk or public right-of-way or any other place of whatever nature that is open to the public and is being used by or is adjacent to a permitted event or an event that would otherwise require a permit.

    (f) For purposes of this section, the term "firearm" means any handgun, shotgun, or rifle that will or is designed to or may readily be converted to expel single or multiple projectiles by action of an explosion of a combustible material.

    (g) Any violation of section 33-10 is unlawful and shall be punished as a Class 1 misdemeanor.

    (Ord. No. O-20-118, 9-8-20)

Chesapeake City

The following local ordinances apply in Chesapeake City:

• Sec. 50-14. - Hunting. (reference)

  • No person shall hunt, trap or pursue wildlife at any time. No person shall use in any way firearms of any description, or air rifles, spring-guns, bow and arrows, slings or any other form of weapons potentially inimical to wildlife and dangerous to human safety, or any instrument that can be loaded with and fire blank cartridges, or any kind of trapping device. Shooting into park areas from beyond park boundaries is forbidden.

    (Code 1970, § 17B-13; Ord. of 10-12-76; Ord. No. 92-O-149, § 17B-13, 10-13-92; Ord. No. 04-O-090, 6-8-04)

    Cross reference— Animals, ch. 10.

• Sec. 46-42. - Discharging firearms. (reference)

  • (a) It shall be unlawful to discharge any firearm, spring-propelled rifle or pistol, or air-propelled rifle or pistol from or across any land or water in the northern part of the city beginning at the Chesapeake/Virginia Beach city line at its intersection with Centerville Turnpike, continuing on Centerville Turnpike in a southerly direction to its intersection with Mount Pleasant Road, continuing on Mount Pleasant Road in a westerly direction to its intersection with the railroad tracks, continuing along the railroad tracks extending northward to its intersection with the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, continuing along the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway extending westward to its intersection with the Southern Branch of the Elizabeth River, continuing westward to its intersection with Interstate Route 64 and continuing along such road to its intersection with Interstate Route 664, continuing to its intersection with the Suffolk city line; except, that this prohibition shall not apply to shotguns discharging pellets under the following conditions:
    (1) On land that is 50 acres or more of contiguous area; and
    (2) Under one ownership and/or lease; and
    (3) Used primarily for agricultural or conservation purposes; and
    (4) The landowner or lessee has applied for a permit from the chief of police to use the property for this purpose. The permit shall be granted by the chief of police if the application meets the requirements of this section; and(5)Any person discharging a shotgun as set forth above shall, at all times while engaged in such activity have in his or her possession written permission from the landowner or lessee to discharge such weapon on the premises.

    (b) It shall be permissible to discharge firearms, etc., outside the area described in subsection (a) of this section.

    (c) Any discharge of firearms on any land or water enumerated in subsections (a) or (b) of this section shall be further subject to the provisions that it is unlawful to discharge any firearm, spring-propelled rifle or pistol, or air-propelled rifle or pistol from, on, across or within 150 yards of any building, dwelling, street, sidewalk, alley, roadway or public land or public place within the city limits.

    (d) This section shall not apply to the operation of a shooting event that is sponsored by an organized group, provided the written approval of the chief of police as to the safety and location of the event is obtained prior to the event.

    (e) Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit the firing of firearms, rifles and submachine guns and like weapons by law enforcement agencies and military forces in the city as part of authorized training or in the performance of their duties or to any other person whose willful act is otherwise justifiable or excusable at law in the protection of life or property or is otherwise specifically authorized by law including, but not limited to, permits issued by the state department of game and inland fisheries to kill certain animals as authorized by state law.

    (f) This section shall not apply to the killing of deer pursuant to Code of Virginia, § 29.1-529 (1950, as amended) on land of at least five acres that is zoned for agricultural use.

    (g) It shall be permissible to discharge a firearm pursuant to Code of Virginia, § 29.1-519 (1950, as amended) within the area described in subsection (a) of this section where shotguns discharging pellets may be discharged.

    (h) Notwithstanding any other provision in this section, it shall be permissible to discharge pneumatic guns (air-propelled rifles and pistols) at facilities approved for shooting ranges, on other property where firearms may be lawfully discharged, or on or within private property with permission of the owner or legal possessor thereof when conducted with reasonable care to prevent a projectile from crossing the bounds of the property in accordance with Virginia Code § 15.2-915.4.B.

    (Ord. of 11-12-63; Ord. of 6-9-64; Code 1970, § 17-59; Ord. of 11-11-75; Ord. of 10-14-80; Ord. No. 93-O-097, § 17-59, 7-20-93; Ord. No. 93-O-171, § 17-59, 10-19-93; Ord. No. 00-O-088, 7-11-00; Ord. No. 02-O-139, 11-26-02; Ord. No. 04-O-051, 4-13-04; Ord. No. 04-O-169, 12-14-04; Ord. No. 12-O-030, 3-27-12)

    State Law reference— Discharge of firearms, Code of Virginia, §§ 15.2-1113, 18.2-280.

• Sec. 46-49. - Use of bows and arrows restricted. (reference)

  • (a) No person shall shoot an arrow from a bow in a manner that can be reasonably expected to result in the arrow impacting or crossing property of another without permission from the owner or tenant of such property. For the purposes of this section, "bow" includes all compound bows, crossbows, longbows and recurve bows having a peak draw weight of ten pounds or more. The term "bow" does not include bows which have a peak draw of less than ten pounds or which are designed or intended to be used principally as toys. The term "arrow" means a shaft-like projectile intended to be shot from a bow.

    (b) A violation of this section shall constitute a class 2 misdemeanor.

    (Ord. No. 04-O-170, 12-14-04)

Chesterfield County

The following local ordinances apply in Chesterfield County:

• Sec. 14-7.- Firearms, etc. - Hunting with firearms on secondary and primary highways prohibited (reference)

  • (a) No person shall hunt or attempt to hunt with a firearm any game bird or game animal while the hunting or attempt to hunt is on any primary or secondary highway in the county.

    (b) For the purpose of this section the terms "hunt" or "attempt to hunt" shall not include the necessary crossing of highways for the bona fide purpose of going into or leaving a lawful hunting area.

    (c) Any person violating the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not more than $100.00.

    (Code 1978, § 15.1-22)

    State Law reference— Authority of county to adopt this section, Code of Virginia, § 29.1-526.

• Sec. 14-8. - Same—Transporting loaded rifle or shotgun. (reference)

  • (a) No person shall transport, possess or carry a loaded shotgun or loaded rifle in any vehicle on any primary or secondary highway within the county.

    (b) The provisions of this section shall not apply to duly authorized law enforcement officers or military personnel in the performance of their lawful duties, or to any person who reasonably believes that a loaded rifle or shotgun is necessary for his personal safety in the course of his employment or business.

    (c) Any person violating the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not more than $100.00.

    (Code 1978, § 15.1-22.1)

    State Law reference— Authority of county to adopt this section, Code of Virginia, § 15.2-915.2.

• Sec. 14-9. - Same—Carrying loaded firearms on public highways. (reference)

  • (a) No person shall carry or have a loaded firearm in his possession, for the purpose of hunting, while standing or walking on any part of a public highway within the county when such person is not authorized to hunt on the private property on both sides of the highway along which he is standing or walking. The provisions of this section shall not apply to (i) persons carrying loaded firearms in moving vehicles; (ii) persons acting at the time in defense of persons or property; or (iii) persons carrying loaded firearms for purposes other than hunting.

    (b)Any person violating the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not more than $100.00.

    (Code 1978, § 15.1-22.2; Ord. of 9-21-05(1), § 1; Ord. No. 8-22-07, § 1)

    State Law reference— Authority of county to adopt this section, Code of Virginia, § 15.2-1209.1.

• Sec. 14-10. - Same—Discharging firearms or shooting arrows from bows. (reference)

  • (a) No person shall discharge any firearm within the county within 600 feet of a (i) dwelling of another; (ii) business establishment; (iii) public building; (iv) public gathering; or (v) public meeting place.

    (b) In addition to the limitations set forth in subsection (a) above, any person target shooting with a firearm shall only discharge such firearm into a natural or man-made berm or backstop so that it prevents projectiles from entering the property of another. A backstop is defined as a device to stop, redirect, and or contain bullets fired on a range. A berm is defined as an embankment used for restricting bullets to a given area, or as a protective or dividing wall between ranges.

    (c) As to firearms, this section shall not apply to a (i) law-enforcement officer in the performance of his official duties; (ii) any person whose discharge of a firearm is justifiable or excusable at law in the protection of life or property; (iii) the discharge, on land of at least five acres that is zoned for agricultural use, of a firearm for the killing of deer pursuant to Code of Virginia, § 29.1-529; (iv) the discharge of a firearm that is otherwise specifically authorized by law; (v) the discharge of black powder firearms using blanks as part of historical re-enactments, historical living history programs and historical demonstrations; (vi) the discharge of starter blank weapons to initiate athletic competitions; or (vii) ceremonial and patriotic displays.

    (d) Except for target shooting, no person shall shoot an arrow from any bow within the county within 150 feet of a (i) business establishment; (ii) public building; (iii) public gathering; (iv) public meeting place; or (v) dwelling of another, except that the 150-foot limitation shall not apply if the dwelling owner or occupant has given permission.

    (e) As to shooting arrows from bows, this section shall not apply to shooting an arrow from a bow for the killing of deer pursuant to Code of Virginia § 29.1-529 on land of at least two acres that is zoned for agricultural use.

    (f) For purposes of this section, bow includes all compound bows, crossbows, longbows and recurve bows having a peak draw weight of ten pounds or more. The term bow does not include bows that have a peak draw of less than ten pounds or that are designed or intended to be used principally as toys. The term "arrow" means a shaft-like projectile intended to be shot from a bow.

    (g) Any person violating the provisions of this section shall be punishable by a fine of not more than $1,000.00.

    (Code 1978, § 15.1-22.3; Ord. of 9-21-05(1), § 1; Ord. of 12-13-06(2), § 1; Ord. of 2-24-10(2), § 1; Ord. of 12-16-20(2), § 1)

    State Law reference— Authority of county to adopt this section, Code of Virginia, § 15.2-1209.

    Editor's note— Ord. of 2-24-10(2), § 1, amended § 14-10 title to read as herein set out. Former § 14-10 title pertained to similar subject matter.

• Sec. 14-11. - Same—Hunting or carrying a loaded firearm near public schools or parks. (reference)

  • (a) No person shall shoot, hunt or attempt to hunt with a firearm within 100 yards of any property line of any county public school or county park.

    (b) Except for handguns carried lawfully pursuant to Code of Virginia, § 18.2-308(B)(6), no person while hunting shall transport, possess or carry a loaded firearm within 100 yards of any property line of any county public school or county park.

    (c) This section shall not apply to lands within a national or state park, state forest or wildlife management area.

    (d) The provisions of this section shall not apply to the discharge of a firearm for the killing of deer pursuant to Code of Virginia, § 29.1-529. This exemption shall apply on land of at least five acres that is zoned for agricultural use.

    (e) Any person violating the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a class 4 misdemeanor.

    (Code 1978, § 15.1-22.4; Ord. of 9-21-05(1), § 1; Ord. of 10-24-12, § (1))

    State Law reference— Authority to regulate, Code of Virginia, § 15.2-1209; authority to prohibit activity, Code of Virginia, § 29.1-527.

• Sec. 14-12. - Same—Hunting with rifles or handguns. (reference)

  • (a) No person shall hunt deer or turkey with a rifle in Chesterfield County, except as provided in subsection (c) herein.

    (b) Small game animals may be hunted only with a rifle or handgun that has a caliber no larger than .22 and only during the prescribed open seasons, unless prohibited by the Code of Virginia, Virginia Administrative Code, or federal law or regulations.

    (c) It shall be lawful to hunt game animals with a muzzle-loading rifle during the prescribed open seasons. For the purpose of this section a muzzle-loading rifle is any rifle as defined by Title 29 of the Code of Virginia or Virginia Administrative Code Section VAC15-90-80.

    (d) For the purpose of this section, game animals shall be those animals as defined by the Code of Virginia or the Virginia Administrative Code.

    (e) Any person violating the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a class 3 misdemeanor.

    (Code 1978, § 15.1-22.5; Ord. of 4-10-02, § 1; Ord. of 5-22-02, § 1)

    Editor's note— This section formerly pertained to muzzle-loading rifles; § 1 of an ordinance adopted April 10, 2002 amended § 14-12 to pertain to hunting with rifles or handguns, generally.

    State Law reference— Authority of the county to adopt this section, Code of Virginia, § 29.1-528.

• Sec. 14-15. - Same—Discharging pneumatic guns across highways, etc. (reference)

  • (a) No person shall discharge any pneumatic gun on or across any street, sidewalk, alley, public road or public land of the county except on a properly constructed shooting range or on other property where firearms may be discharged. Nothing in this subsection shall prohibit the use of pneumatic guns on or within private property with permission of the owner or legal possessor of the property when conducted with reasonable care to prevent a projectile from crossing the bounds of the property.

    (b) Commercial or private areas designated for use a pneumatic paintball guns may be established and operated for recreational use if in compliance with all other applicable laws or regulations. Equipment designed to protect the face and ears shall be provided to participants at such recreational areas, and signs must be posted to warn against entry into the paintball area by persons who are unprotected or unaware that paintball guns are in use.

    (c) Any person violating the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not more than $500.00.

    (Code 1978, § 15.1-23.1; Ord. of 9-21-05(2), § 1; Ord. of 8-24-11(3), § (1))

    State Law reference— Authority to regulate shooting of firearms, Code of Virginia, § 15.2-1209; shooting along streets generally, Code of Virginia, § 18.2-286.

• Sec. 14-16. - Same—Discharge of pneumatic guns by minors. (reference)

  • (a) No minor shall discharge any pneumatic gun outdoors within 300 feet of the dwelling of another, a business establishment, private building, public gathering or public meeting place, unless the minor is accompanied by his parent or guardian, or otherwise supervised in accordance with this section.

    (b) Any minor below the age of 16 who uses pneumatic guns on private or public property shall be supervised by a parent, guardian, or other adult supervisor approved by a parent or guardian.

    (c) Minors the age of 16 or older may, with the written consent of a parent or guardian, use a pneumatic gun at any place designated for such use by the county or on private property with the consent of the owner.

    (d) Any minor, whether permitted by a parent or guardian to use a pneumatic gun or not, shall be responsible for obeying all laws, regulations and restrictions governing such use.

    (e) Training of minors in the use of pneumatic guns shall be done only under direct supervision of a parent, guardian, Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps instructor, or a certified instructor. Training of minors above the age of 16 may also be done without direct supervision if approved by the minor's instructor, with the permission of and under the responsibility of a parent or guardian, and in compliance with all requirements of this section. Ranges and instructors may be certified by the National Rifle Association, a state or federal agency that has developed a certification program, any service of the department of defense, or any person authorized by these authorities to certify ranges and instructors.

    (f) Nothing in this section shall prohibit the use of pneumatic guns at facilities approved for shooting ranges, on other property where firearms may be discharged, or on or within private property with permission of the owner or legal possessor of the property when conducted with reasonable care to prevent a projectile from crossing the bounds of the property.

    (g )Any person violating the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not more than $500.00.

    (Code 1978, § 15.1-23.3; Ord. of 9-21-05(2), § 1; Ord. of 8-24-11(3), § (1))

    State Law reference— Authority to regulate shooting of firearms, Code of Virginia, § 15.2-1209; shooting along streets generally, Code of Virginia, § 18.2-286.

• Sec. 14-17. - Same—Minors possessing loaded firearms or carrying firearms in certain cases. (reference)

  • (a) No person under 18 years of age shall carry any firearm on the streets, alleys, public roads or public lands of the county unless accompanied by his parent or guardian.

    (b) No person under the age of 18 years shall carry or have in his possession while in any public place or upon any public highway a loaded firearm. This subsection (b) shall not apply to a minor (i) in his own home or the curtilage of his home, (ii) while lawfully defending persons or property, (iii) engaged in lawful hunting, or (iv) engaged in marksmanship practice at lawfully established ranges.

    (c) Any person violating the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not more than $100.00 and the firearm shall be subject to forfeiture to the commonwealth, pursuant to the provisions of Code of Virginia, § 18.2-310, as amended.

    (Code 1978, § 15.1-23.5)

• Sec. 14-18. - Same—Shooting of a compound bow, crossbow, longbow or recurve bow prohibited. (reference)

  • No person shall shoot a compound bow, crossbow, longbow or recurve bow, having a peak draw weight of ten pounds or more, at or upon the property of another without the permission of the owner of the property.

    (Code 1978, § 15.1-23.2)

    State Law reference— Authority, Code of Virginia, § 15.2-916.

Clarke County

The following local ordinances apply in Clarke County:

• § 106-1. Prohibited areas for hunting and trapping. (reference)

  • A. It shall be unlawful for any person to hunt or attempt to hunt with a firearm any game bird or game animal while the hunting or attempting to hunt is on or within 100 yards of any primary or secondary highway in the county.

    B. It shall be unlawful to trap or attempt to trap any game animal or fur bearer within 50 feet of the shoulder of any primary or secondary highway in the county without the written permission of the landowner.

    C. For the purpose of this section, the terms "hunt," "attempt to hunt," or "trap" shall not include the necessary crossing of such highways for the bona fide purpose of going into or leaving a lawful hunting or trapping area.

• § 106-2. Use of artificial light; exception. (reference)

  • A. It shall be unlawful for any person to throw or cast the rays of a flashlight, spotlight, headlight or other artificial light in any manner so as to shine directly upon or illuminate any field, forest, woodland, poultry range or building for the purpose of hunting game; and the doing of any such act by any person then in possession of a firearm or other weapon for the discharge of missiles, without good cause, shall raise a presumption of an attempt to hunt game in violation of this section.

    B. The provisions of Subsection A of this section shall not apply to the headlights of any motor vehicle being operated on a public roadway in the usual and ordinary manner of travel; nor shall they apply to landowners upon their own land, their agents or persons in their employ or under their control.

• § 106-4. Transporting loaded rifle or shotgun. (reference)

  • A. It shall be unlawful for any person to transport, possess or carry a loaded shotgun or loaded rifle in any vehicle on any public street, road or highway within the county; provided, however, that the foregoing shall not apply to duly authorized law enforcement officers nor military personnel in the performance of their lawful duties nor to any person who reasonably believes that a loaded rifle or shotgun is necessary for his personal safety in the course of his employment or business.

    B. All law enforcement officers authorized to act as such within the county shall have the power to enforce this section, including but not limited to all duly appointed and Acting Game Wardens.

    C. A "loaded rifle or shotgun," as used in this section, is defined as a rifle or shotgun with ammunition within the action chamber, magazine or clip.

• § 106-5. Carrying loaded firearm on highway. (reference)

  • A. It shall be unlawful for any person to carry or have in his possession while on any part of a public highway within this county for the purpose of hunting a loaded rifle or shotgun when such person is not authorized to hunt on the private property on both sides of the highway along which he is standing or walking.

    B. All law enforcement officers authorized to act as such within the county shall have the power to enforce this section, including but not limited to all duly appointed and Acting Game Wardens.

    C. A "loaded rifle or shotgun," as used in this section, is defined as a rifle or shotgun with ammunition within the action chamber, magazine or clip.

    D. The provisions of this section shall not apply to persons carrying loaded firearms in moving vehicles nor to persons acting at the time in defense of persons or property or for purpose other than hunting.

Culpeper County

The following local ordinances apply in Culpeper County:

• Sec. 15-2. - Carrying loaded shotgun or rifle in vehicle. (reference)

  • (a) It shall be unlawful for any person to transport, possess or carry a loaded shotgun or a loaded rifle in any vehicle on any public street, road or highway within the County.

    (b) Any person violating the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a Class 4 misdemeanor.

    (c) This section shall not apply to duly authorized law-enforcement officers or military personnel in the performance of their lawful duties, nor to any person who reasonably believes that a loaded rifle or shotgun is necessary for his personal safety in the course of his employment or business.

    (Ord. of 11-16-76)

    Cross reference— Penalty for Class 4 misdemeanor, § 1-10.

    State Law reference— Authority for above section, Code of Virginia, § 18.2-287.1.

• Sec. 15-3. - Hunting with firearm on or near public highway; prohibited. (reference)

  • Under the authority of section 29.1-526 of the Code of Virginia (1950, as amended), hunting or attempting to hunt, with a firearm, any game bird or game animal, while the hunting or attempting to hunt is on or within one hundred (100) yards of any primary or secondary highway in Culpeper County, is prohibited. The violation of this section shall be a misdemeanor and shall be punished by a fine of not more than two hundred fifty dollars ($250.00) and by imprisonment in jail not exceeding thirty (30) days, either or both. The term "hunt" or "attempt to hunt" shall not include the necessary crossing of such highways for the bona fide purpose of going into or leaving a lawful hunting area.

    However, there shall be an exception to this provision in situations wherein the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources have issued a permit under section 29.1-529 of the Code of Virginia (1950, as amended). When such permit for hunting or attempting to hunt, with a firearm, any game bird or game animal, while the hunting or attempting to hunt is on or near any primary or secondary highway in Culpeper County on property owned by Culpeper County, such hunting is allowed regardless of the distance to any primary or secondary highway in Culpeper County.

    (Ords. of 6-1-82; Ord. of 10-8-1996; 12-5-2023, Att. A)

    Editor's note— Ord. of June 1, 1982, did not expressly amend this Code; hence, codification as § 15-3 was at the discretion of the editor.

Cumberland County

The following local ordinances apply in Cumberland County:

• Sec. 46-111. - Rifle size. (reference)

  • It shall be unlawful to hunt deer during the regular hunting season with a rifle of .23 caliber or larger either (i) on public lands or (ii) in the area of the county bordered to the north by the James River, to the west by Route 602 from the Willis River, and to the south by Route 45 and Route 684 to the county line except from a tree stand elevated at least ten feet above the ground.

    (Code 1990, § 10-11; Ord. of 3-13-2002(1); Ord. of 4-10-2007, § 1)

    State Law reference— Authority for above section, Code of Virginia, § 29.1-528.

• Sec. 46-114. - Muzzleloading; groundhog hunting. (reference)

  • (a) It shall be lawful to hunt deer in the county with muzzleloading rifles during any state-authorized special firearm season for such primitive weapons and during any state-authorized regular deer season for the county.

    (b) It shall be unlawful to have in one's immediate possession any firearm other than a muzzleloading rifle while hunting during any special firearm season for such primitive weapons.

    (c) "Muzzleloading rifle," for the purposes of this section, shall mean a single-shot flintlock or percussion weapon, excluding muzzleloading pistols, .45 caliber or larger, firing a single lead projectile or sabot (with a .38 caliber or larger nonjacketed lead projectile) of the same caliber loaded from the muzzle of the weapon and propelled by at least 50 grains of black powder (or black powder equivalent).

    (d) It shall be lawful to use telescopic sights in conjunction with muzzleloading rifles. It shall be lawful to hunt with a muzzleloading rifle from the ground or from a tree stand elevated to any height.

    (e) It shall be lawful to hunt groundhogs with rifles of a caliber larger than .22 rimfire during the season between March 1 and August 31 in the county.(f)Any person convicted of violating this section shall be guilty of a class 3 misdemeanor.

    (Code 1990, § 10-13A; Ord. of 3-10-1999; Ord. of 3-13-2002(1); Ord. of 4-10-2007, § 2)

    State Law reference— Authority for above section, Code of Virginia, § 29.1-528.

• Sec. 46-115. - Hunting with firearm on or near public highway. (reference)

  • (a) Under the authority of Code of Virginia, § 29.1-526, hunting or attempting to hunt with a firearm, any game bird or game animal, while the hunting or attempting to hunt is on or within the ditch line of any primary or secondary highway in the county, is prohibited.

    (b) A violation of this section shall be a class 3 misdemeanor.

    (c) The term "hunt" or "attempt to hunt" shall not include the necessary crossing of highways for the bona fide purpose of going into or leaving a lawful hunting area.

    (Code 1990, § 10-13C; Ord. of 8-2-1991)

Danville City

The following local ordinances apply in Danville City:

• Sec. 40-5. - Archery hunting seasons. (reference)

  • Archery deer hunting is permitted within the city limits by licensed hunters during an approved Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Urban Archery Season. In addition to the urban archery season, archery deer hunting is also allowed during the early archery deer season, the general firearms deer season, and the late archery deer season. Licensed archery deer hunters must abide by all applicable sections of the Virginia State Code and Virginia Hunting Regulations (including bag limits and tagging/checking requirements). It shall be unlawful and a Class 1 misdemeanor for any person, while hunting deer during the City of Danville's Archery Season, to violate any of the following additional city restrictions:

    (a) Any person discharging a bow shall, at all times, while engaged in such activity, have in his possession written permission from the landowner(s) to discharge such a weapon on his premises;
    (b) No person shall discharge a bow from, over, or across any street, sidewalk, alley, roadway, or public land or public place within the city limits or toward any building or dwelling in such a manner that an arrow may strike it;
    (c) No person may discharge a bow unless from an elevated position of at least ten feet above the ground.

    (Ord. No. 2006-04.09, 4-4-06; Ord. No. 2007-10.01, 10-2-07)

• Sec. 40-7. - Transporting a loaded rifle or shotgun. (reference)

  • (a) It shall be unlawful for any person to transport, possess or carry a loaded shotgun or loaded rifle in any vehicle on any public street, road, or highway within the City. Any violation of this section shall be punishable by a fine of not more than one hundred dollars ($100.00).

    (b) The Director of the Police Division shall notify the Director of the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries by registered mail prior to May 1, 1993, of the provisions of sections 40-5 through 40-7 [Ordinance No. 92-10.2].

    (c) The provisions of this section shall not apply to duly authorized law enforcement officers or military personnel in the performance of their lawful duties, nor to any person who reasonably believes that a loaded rifle or shotgun is necessary for his personal safety in the course of his employment or business.

    (Ord. No. 92-10.2, 10-6-92)

• Sec. 40-17. - Discharge of air gun, blow gun, gravel shooter, etc. (reference)

  • No person shall shoot any air gun, blow gun, gravel shooter, slingshot or any other type of missile-throwing device, which is capable of doing injury to persons or property, at any place within the City. A violation of this section shall constitute a Class 1 misdemeanor. This section shall not apply to the following:

    (1) Any ROTC student who is required to shoot an air gun or pellet gun as part of his training; provided, this is done in the presence of, and under the supervision of, the ROTC instructor and/or his assistant at a site designated for this purpose by said instructor and approved by the Chief of Police.

    (2) Any person who shoots any missile-throwing device, such as the air gun, pellet gun or archery equipment, in the presence of, and under the supervision of, the operator, owner or designee of a facility designed for such use and approved by the Chief of Police.

    (3) Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, any person may shoot a BB gun, commonly referred to as the Classic Daisy or similar BB gun, which is designed and manufactured to permit only one (1) pump per shot; provided, however, that it shall be unlawful for any person to discharge such a BB gun from or across any street, sidewalk, alley or public road within the limits of the City or on or across any public land. The projectile from any such gun cannot leave the private property on which it was discharged.

    (Code 1962, § 17-5.2; Ord. No. 93-1.7, 1-5-93)

Dinwiddie County

The following local ordinances apply in Dinwiddie County:

• Sec. 15-3. - Hunting; discharge of firearms; exceptions. (reference)

  • (a) It shall be unlawful and a Class 3 misdemeanor for any person to hunt with a rifle of a caliber larger than .22 in the county, except
    (1) In the hunting of groundhogs (woodchucks) between March 1 and August 31; and
    (2) In the hunting of coyotes for the entire calendar year; and
    (3) In the hunting of game species with a muzzle-loading rifle during the prescribed open seasons for the hunting of game species as established by the
    Commission of Game and Inland Fisheries; provided, however, (i) the use of such muzzle-loading rifle in the hunting of deer may only be from a stand located
    at least ten feet in elevation above the ground; and (ii) "accelerator" cartridges are strictly prohibited from use in conjunction with said muzzle-loading
    weapons; and
    (4) Rifles of a larger caliber may be used to hunt from a stand elevated at least ten feet from the ground.

    (b) It shall be unlawful and a Class 4 misdemeanor to discharge a firearm within 100 yards of any public school.

    (Code 1970, § 12-2; Ord. of 3-6-91; Ord. of 9-4-96; Ord. of 5-4-04; Ord. of 1-18-11, § 1; Ord. of 4-18-17 [A-17-2], § (1))

    Editor's note— For special act authorizing county to adopt above section, see Acts, 1964, Ch. 59.

    Cross reference— Penalty for Class 1 misdemeanor, § 1-11; animals and fowl, Ch. 4.

Emporia City

The following local ordinances apply in Emporia City:

• Sec. 50-61. - Discharging firearms. (reference)

  • (a) It shall be unlawful for any person to shoot any gun, pistol or other firearm within the city without the approval of the city manager or his designee.

    (b) This section shall not apply to any law enforcement officer in the performance of his official duties nor to any other person whose willful act is otherwise justifiable or excusable at law in the protection of his life or property, or is otherwise specifically authorized by law.

    (Code 1972, § 14-72)

    State Law reference— Discharging firearm in public place, Code of Virginia, § 18.2-280.

Essex County

The following local ordinances apply in Essex County:

• Sec. 22-4. - Hunting with rifles and pistols. (reference)

  • It shall be unlawful for any person to hunt in the county with a rifle or pistol of a caliber higher than .22 rimfire except as provided hereafter.

    (1) Rifles and pistols greater than 0.23 caliber shall be permitted for hunting of deer when hunting from an elevated platform at least eight feet above ground level.

    (2) Turkey shall not be hunted with a rifle greater than .22 caliber.

    (3) Muzzle loading rifles may be used during the prescribed open season.

    (4) Rifles with caliber larger than .22 rimfire may be used for hunting of groundhogs, coyotes, bears, bobcats, feral hogs and beavers during any respective season as permitted by state law and/or permitted under state law for the control of destructive animals.

    (5) The person complies with all safety and other regulations of this Code and the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fishers.(6)Any person who violates the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor.

    (Ord. of 5-8-2012, § 12-4; Ord. No. 16-004, 6-14-2016; Ord. No. 18-02, 4-10-2018; Ord. No. 18-05, 11-14-2018)

• Sec. 22-5. - Prohibit discharge of firearms in certain high density areas of the county. (reference)

  • It shall be unlawful to shoot or discharge any firearm, compound bow, cross-bow, air-operated weapon or gas-operated weapon in the following high density areas of the county, except for the protection of one's life or property:

    (1) R-2 Limited Residential.
    (2) Gwynnfield Subdivision.
    (3) Maryfield Subdivision.
    (4) Daingerfield Subdivision.
    (5) Shellfield Beach.
    (6) Richmond Beach.
    (7) Riverdale.
    (8) Tuscorora.
    (9) South Hill Banks.
    (10) River Oaks.
    (11) Fort Lowery Beach.
    (12) Grandview Subdivision.
    (13) Millers Square.
    (14) Wilson Acres.
    (15) Rappahannock Beach.
    (16) Kaighn Subdivision.
    (17) Old Howetons Road Subdivision.

    (Ord. of 10-9-2012, § 12-6)

Fairfax City

The following local ordinances apply in Fairfax City:

• Sec. 54-172. - Discharge of firearms. (reference)

  • It shall be unlawful for any person to fire or discharge any gun, pistol, or other firearm within the city, except:

    (1) By special permit issued by the city manager containing reasonable conditions or restrictions, upon written application showing good cause for the requested firing or discharge, and limited to guns, pistols, and other firearms loaded with a blank cartridge, or other ammunition, not resulting in the expulsion of a projectile;(2) On a shooting gallery or range authorized by the city;
    (3) By any law enforcement officer in discharging his duties; or
    (4) For the lawful protection of person or property; or
    (5) As otherwise permitted by applicable law.

    (Code 1978, § 25-2; Ord. No. 2012-02, § (2), 1-10-2012)

    State Law reference— Authority of city to regulate or prohibit the discharge of firearms, Code of Virginia, § 15.2-1113.

• Sec. 54-173. - Use of pneumatic guns, slingshots. (reference)

  • No person shall use within the city any instrument, including, but not limited to, a pneumatic gun, slingshot or other similar instrument, for projecting missiles liable to do any injury to persons, property or wildlife. The provisions of this section shall not apply to any law enforcement officer or animal control officer in discharging his duties. The provisions of this section shall not apply to any person using pneumatic guns on or within private property with permission of the owner or legal possessor thereof when conducted with reasonable care to prevent a projectile from crossing the bounds of the property. If any person violates the provisions of this section relating to pneumatic guns, such person shall be guilty of a class 3 misdemeanor.

    As used in this section, "pneumatic gun" means any implement, designed as a gun, that will expel a BB or a pellet by action of pneumatic pressure. "Pneumatic gun" includes a paintball gun that expels by action of pneumatic pressure plastic balls filled with paint for the purpose of marking the point of impact.

    (Code 1978, § 25-3; Ord. No. 2012-02, § (3), 1-10-2012)

    State Law reference— Similar provisions, Code of Virginia, § 15.2-915.4.

• Sec. 54-175. - Unlawful hunting. (reference)

  • It shall be unlawful for any person to hunt with a firearm or other weapon within the municipal boundaries of the city, except as authorized by the city council or as otherwise permitted by applicable law. For the purposes of this section, the term "hunt" shall include the killing of any game or other wildlife, for any reason, through the use of any firearm, pneumatic gun, bow or crossbow, slingshot or other instrument for projecting missiles liable to do any injury to persons, property or wildlife. The provisions of this section shall not apply to any law enforcement officer or animal control officer lawfully discharging his or her duties.

    (Ord. No. 2013-19, 9-24-2013; Ord. No. 2014-02, 1-14-2014)

Fairfax County

The following local ordinances apply in Fairfax County:

• Section 6-1-2. - Hunting or discharge of firearms in certain places prohibited; exceptions. (reference)

  • (a) It shall be unlawful for any person to shoot any firearm in any areas of the County that are so heavily populated as to make such conduct dangerous to the inhabitants thereof, which areas are designated in Appendix J to the Fairfax County Code. Firearms may lawfully be discharged in those areas that are exempted in Appendix J to the Fairfax County Code so long as the firearms are discharged on a Parcel of Land that is posted with signs giving reasonable notice that firearms are in use on that Parcel of Land and that no trespassing is allowed. Such signs shall be placed where they can reasonably be seen. However, if firearms are in use on only a portion of any Parcel of Land which meets the acreage and other requirements of the term "Parcel of Land," as defined by Section 6-1-1, then only that portion of that Parcel of Land on which firearms are used shall be posted with signs.

    (b) It shall be unlawful for any person to hunt with a firearm any bird or game animal on or within 100 yards from any primary or secondary highway. A violation of this Subsection shall be punishable as a Class 3 misdemeanor.

    (c) It shall be unlawful for any person to shoot or hunt with a firearm on any public school ground or any public park or on any area within 100 yards of any public school ground or public park. It shall be unlawful for any person who is hunting with a loaded firearm to traverse any public school ground or public park or to be within 100 yards from any such school ground or park. A violation of this Subsection shall be punishable as a Class 4 misdemeanor. This Subsection shall not prohibit either (i) the lawful possession of a firearm when such firearm is carried for purposes of personal safety or (ii) the lawful possession of a firearm on a public highway within 100 yards of any public school ground or public park. Nothing in this Subsection shall apply to: (i) recreational shooting on gun ranges at any public school operated by or with the approval of that school; (ii) recreational shooting on gun ranges at any public park operated by or with the approval of the owner of the park; (iii) shooting of a starting pistol at an athletic event on any public school grounds or public park and which is conducted with the approval granted by the owner of that school or park property; or (iv) lands within a national or state park or forest, or wildlife management area.

    (d) It shall be unlawful for any person to hunt with a shotgun loaded with slugs. A violation of this Subsection shall be punishable as a Class 3 misdemeanor.

    (e) Except for those persons who are on a Parcel of Land that is exempted in Appendix J and who hunt with shotguns loaded with multiple ball shot, it shall be unlawful for any person to hunt with a firearm which has a barrel caliber larger than a nominal 0.224 inches or to hunt with a firearm and ammunition combination having a muzzle energy greater than a .22 caliber rimfire cartridge. A violation of this Subsection shall be punishable as a Class 3 misdemeanor.

    (f) It shall be unlawful for any person to discharge any firearm from or across any highway, sidewalk or any public land except on a properly constructed target range.

    (g) Notwithstanding the provisions of Subsections (a) through (f) of this Section, the following acts shall not be violations of this Section:
    (1) (Reserved.)
    (2) (Reserved.)
    (3) (Reserved.)
    (4) Shooting or discharge of any firearm by any law enforcement officer acting in the performance of the duties of a law enforcement agency. For the purposes
    of this Section the term "law enforcement officer" includes any person defined as a law enforcement officer pursuant to Virginia Code § 9.1-101 and any
    animal control officer acting in the performance of his or her duty.
    (5) Discharge of any firearm in an entirely indoor target range, provided that adequate provisions are made to retain within the structure all projectiles
    discharged.
    (6) Discharge of any firearm for the purpose of protecting any person from death or great bodily harm.
    (7) Discharge of any firearm or starting pistol loaded with a blank cartridge, or other ammunition, not resulting in the expulsion of a projectile or projectiles
    (8) Discharge of any firearm (i) pursuant to a permit issued in accordance with Virginia Code § 29.1-529, if the discharge is on land that contains at least five acres
    and is zoned for agricultural use; or (ii) pursuant to authorization issued in accordance with 4 VAC 15-40-240 by the Director of the Department of Game and
    Inland Fisheries.
    (9) Shooting or discharge of a firearm by any representative of the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries in the performance of duty for scientific
    collection or wildlife management purposes. (5-19-60, § 2; 9-14-60; 9-5-62; 9-7-66; 10-26-66; 6-25-69; 8-4-71; 1961 Code, § 28-2; 2-74-28; 8-83-6; 43-93-6, § 1; 21-94-6; 39-96-6, § 1; 24-04-6; 20-11-6.)

• Section 6-1-2.1. - Discharge of pneumatic guns in certain places prohibited; exceptions. (reference)

  • (a) It shall be unlawful for any person to shoot a pneumatic gun in any areas of the County that are so heavily populated as to make such conduct dangerous to the inhabitants thereof, which areas are designated in Appendix J to the Fairfax County Code. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the following acts are not prohibited by this Section:
    (1) Use of pneumatic guns at facilities approved for shooting ranges;
    (2) Use of pneumatic guns on other property where firearms may be discharged;
    (3) Use of pneumatic guns on or within private property with the permission of the owner or legal possessor thereof when conducted with reasonable care to
    prevent a projectile from crossing the bounds of the property;
    (4) Shooting or discharge of a pneumatic gun by any law enforcement officer acting in the performance of the duties of a law enforcement agency. For the
    purposes of this Section the term "law enforcement officer" includes any person defined as a law enforcement officer pursuant to Virginia Code § 9.1-101 and
    any animal control officer acting in the performance of his or her duty; and
    (5) Shooting or discharge of a pneumatic gun by any representative of the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries in the performance of duty for
    scientific collection or wildlife management purposes.

    (b) Whenever any minor below the age of 16 uses any pneumatic gun, the minor must be supervised by a parent, guardian, or other adult supervisor approved by the minor's parent or guardian. Any minor using any pneumatic gun shall be responsible for obeying all laws, regulations and restrictions governing such use at all times. Violation of this Section shall constitute a Class 3 misdemeanor. (21-94-6; 39-96-6, § 1; 24-04-6; 20-11-6; 31-11-6.)

• Section 6-1-2.2. - Transporting loaded rifle or shotgun. (reference)

  • (a) No person shall transport, possess or carry a loaded shotgun or loaded rifle in any vehicle on any public street, road or highway within the county. Any violation of this section shall be punishable by a fine of not more than $100.

    (b) The provisions of this section shall not apply to duly authorized law enforcement officers or military personnel in the performance of their lawful duties, to any person who reasonably believes that a loaded rifle or shotgun is necessary for his personal safety in the course of his employment or business, nor to any person transporting a malfunctioning rifle or shotgun for the purpose of having it repaired or otherwise rendered safe. (31-18-6.)

• Section 6-1-2.3. - Carrying of loaded firearms on public highways. (reference)

  • (a) No person shall carry or have a loaded firearm in his possession, for the purpose of hunting, while standing or walking on any part of a public highway within the county when such person is not authorized to hunt on the private property on both sides of the highway along which he is standing or walking. Any violation of this section shall be punishable by a fine of not more than $100.

    (b) The provisions of this section shall not apply to persons carrying loaded firearms in moving vehicles or for purposes other than hunting, or to persons acting at the time in defense of persons or property. (31-18-6.)

• Section 6-2-1. - Firearms, ammunition, or components or combination thereof prohibited in certain areas. (reference)

  • A. The possession, carrying, or transportation of any firearms, ammunition, or components or combination thereof is prohibited in the following areas:
    1. In any building, or part thereof, owned or used by the County, or by any authority or local government entity created or controlled by the County, for
    governmental purposes.
    2. In any public park owned or operated by the County, or by any authority or local government entity created or controlled by the County.
    3. In any recreation or community center facility operated by the County, or by any authority or local government entity created or controlled by the County.
    4. In any public street, road, alley, or sidewalk or public right-of-way or any other place of whatever nature that is open to the public and is being used by or is
    adjacent to a County-permitted event or an event that would otherwise require a County permit. For the purposes of this Section, County-permitted event and
    event that would otherwise require a County permit include events permitted by an authority or local government entity created or controlled by the County in
    whole or in part.
    5. In buildings not owned by the County, or by any authority or local government entity created or controlled by the County, this Section shall apply only to the
    part of the building used for a governmental purpose and when such building, or part thereof, is being used for a governmental purpose.
    6. In parks located in the County that are owned or operated by a park authority that was created or is controlled by the County in conjunction with one or more
    other localities, provided that all participating localities enact an ordinance containing a prohibition substantially similar to that imposed by Paragraph A(2)
    above and the governing body of the park authority passes a resolution or other measure agreeing to the application of each such ordinance within the parks
    located in each such locality.

    B. Pursuant to this Section, the County may implement security measures that are designed to reasonably prevent the unauthorized access of such buildings, parks, recreation or community center facilities, or public streets, roads, alleys, or sidewalks or public rights-of-way or any other place of whatever nature that is open to the public and is being used by or is adjacent to a permitted event or an event that would otherwise require a permit by a person with any firearms, ammunition, or components or combination thereof, such as the use of metal detectors and increased use of security personnel.

    C. The provisions of this Section shall not apply to the following:
    1. The activities of (i) a Senior Reserve Officers' Training Corps program operated at a public or private institution of higher education in accordance with the
    provisions of 10 U.S.C. § 2101 et seq., or (ii) any intercollegiate athletics program operated by a public or private institution of higher education and governed
    by the National Collegiate Athletic Association or any club sports team recognized by a public or private institution of higher education where the sport
    engaged in by such program or team involves the use of a firearm. Such activities shall follow strict guidelines developed by such institutions for these
    activities and shall be conducted under the supervision of staff officials of such institutions.
    2. Sworn law enforcement personnel.
    3. Security personnel hired as employees or contracted by the County, or an authority or other local government entity created or controlled by the County in
    whole or in part, when such personnel are present and working in any building or other location set forth in Paragraph A and who are authorized to carry
    firearms as part of their duties.
    4. The activities of educational programs and events, including static displays and historical reenactments, conducted or permitted by the County or any
    authority or local government entity created or controlled by the County, when such educational programs and events involve the use or display of firearms
    that are not loaded with projectiles.
    5. The activities of the County's Deer Management Program and other wildlife management events conducted by the County, by any authority or local
    government entity created or controlled by the County in whole or in part, by the Commonwealth of Virginia, or by the federal government.
    6. The Bull Run Public Shooting Center.
    7. Individuals who are authorized to carry a concealed firearm pursuant to the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act, 18 U.S.C. §§ 926B and 926C, as amended.
    8. Active duty military personnel acting within the scope of their official duties.
    9. The possession and carrying of weapons in the courthouse shall be governed by the provisions of Virginia Code § 18.2-283.1, as amended.
    10. An otherwise lawfully possessed firearm, ammunition, components or combination thereof that is stored out of sight in a locked private motor vehicle that is
    lawfully parked on County property or a public street.
    11. Private security officers licensed by the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services providing security for a County-permitted event.

    D. Notice of ordinance.
    1. Notice of this ordinance shall be posted (i) at all entrances of any building, or part thereof, owned or used by the County, or by any authority or local
    governmental entity created or controlled by the County, for governmental purposes; (ii) at all entrances of any public park owned or operated by the County,
    or by any authority or local governmental entity created or controlled by the County; (iii) at all entrances of any recreation or community center facilities
    operated by the County, or by any authority or local governmental entity created or controlled by the County; and (iv) at all entrances or other appropriate
    places of ingress and egress to any public street, road, alley, or sidewalk or public right-of-way or any other place of whatever nature that is open to the public
    and is being used by or is adjacent to a permitted event or an event that would otherwise require a permit.
    2. Notice of this ordinance shall be posted at all entrances of any public park owned or operated by a park authority that was created or is controlled by the
    County in conjunction with one or more other localities, provided that all participating localities have enacted an ordinance containing a prohibition
    substantially similar to that imposed by Paragraph A(2) above and the governing body of the park authority has passed a resolution or other measure
    agreeing to the application of each such ordinance within the parks located in each such locality.

    E. Violations of Section 6-2-1(A) shall constitute a Class 1 misdemeanor. (23-20-6)

Falls Church City

The following local ordinances apply in Falls Church City:

• Sec. 28-190.1. - Transporting loaded weapons. (reference)

  • It shall be unlawful for any person to transport, possess or carry a loaded shotgun or loaded rifle in any vehicle on any public street, road or highway in the city. The provisions of this section shall not apply to duly authorized law enforcement officers or military personnel in the performance of their lawful duties, or to any person who reasonably believes that a loaded rifle or shotgun is necessary for his personal safety in the course of his employment or business. Any person violating this section shall be punished by a fine not to exceed $100.00.

    (Ord. No. 1993, 1-28-2019)

    State Law reference— Regulation of transportation of a loaded rifle or shotgun, Code of Virginia, § 15.2-915.2.

• Sec. 28-202. - Discharge of pneumatic guns in certain places prohibited; exceptions. (reference)

  • (a) It shall be unlawful for any person to shoot a pneumatic gun in any areas of the city. Pneumatic gun means any implement, designed as a gun, that will expel a BB or a pellet by action of pneumatic pressure; it includes a paintball gun that expels by action of pneumatic pressure plastic balls filled with paint for the purpose of marking the point of impact. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the following acts are not prohibited by this section:
    (1) Use of pneumatic guns at facilities approved for shooting ranges;
    (2) Use of pneumatic guns on other property where firearms may be discharged;
    (3) Use of pneumatic guns on or within private property with the permission of the owner or legal possessor thereof when conducted with reasonable care to prevent a projectile from crossing the bounds of the property;
    (4) Shooting or discharge of a pneumatic gun by any law enforcement officer acting in the performance of the duties of a law enforcement agency. For the purposes of this section the term "law enforcement officer" includes any person defined as a law enforcement officer pursuant to Code of Virginia, § 9.1-101 and any animal control officer acting in the performance of his or her duty; and
    (5) Shooting or discharge of a pneumatic gun by any representative of the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries in the performance of duty for scientific collection or wildlife management purposes.

    (b) Whenever any minor below the age of 16 uses any pneumatic gun, the minor must be supervised by a parent, guardian, or other adult supervisor approved by the minor's parent or guardian. Any minor using any pneumatic gun shall be responsible for obeying all laws, regulations and restrictions governing such use at all times. Violation of this section shall constitute a Class 3 misdemeanor.

    (Ord. No. 1896, 4-22-2013)

• Sec. 28-212. - Hunting is unlawful. (reference)

  • It shall be unlawful for any person to hunt within the municipal boundaries of the city.

    This prohibition does not apply to law enforcement officers or animal control officers lawfully discharging their duties.

    (Ord. No. 2086, § 1, 2-24-2025)

Fauquier County

The following local ordinances apply in Fauquier County:

• Sec. 15-14. - Discharge of firearm near occupied structures. (reference)

  • (a) Within the portion of the New Baltimore Service District bounded by Route 29/15 (Lee Highway) to the north, Route 605 (Dumfries Road) to the west, Route 602 (Rogues Road) to the south and bounded on the west by Riley Road, Broad Run Church Road, Vint Hill Road, then along the Fauquier and Prince William County line to Route 602 (Rogues Road), it shall be unlawful to discharge any firearm within two hundred (200) yards of any regularly occupied structure without advance permission of the owner or occupant.

    (b) For all other areas of the county, it shall be unlawful to discharge any firearm within one hundred (100) yards of any regularly occupied structure without advance permission of the owner or occupant.

    (Ord. No. 91-10, 12-17-91; Ord. No. 11-7, 11-10-11; Ord. No. 15-2, 7-9-14)

• Sec. 15-17. - Carrying of loaded firearms on public highways. (reference)

  • It shall be unlawful for any person to carry or have in his possession while on any part of a public highway within the county a loaded firearm when such person is not authorized to hunt on the private property on both sides of the highway along which he is standing or walking. The penalty for violation of this section shall not exceed a fine of one hundred dollars ($100.00). The provisions of this section shall not apply to persons carrying loaded firearms in moving vehicles, nor for purposes other than hunting, nor to persons acting at the time in defense of persons or property.

    (Ord. No. 91-10, 12-17-91; Ord. No. 15-8, 11-12-15)

• Sec. 15-18. - Hunting, trapping or attempting to hunt along county roads. (reference)

  • (a) It shall be unlawful to hunt or attempt to hunt with any firearm, any wild bird or wild animal while the person hunting or attempting to hunt is on or within one hundred (100) yards of any primary or secondary highway in this county. It shall also be unlawful to trap or attempt to trap any game animal or furbearer within fifty (50) feet of the shoulder of any primary or secondary highway in the county without the expressed written permission of the landowner.

    (b) The terms "hunt or attempt to hunt" and "trap or attempt to trap" shall not include the necessary crossing of such restricted area for the bona fide purpose of going into or leaving a hunting or trapping area.

    (c) The possession of or immediate control by any person while within the restricted area, whether in or upon a motor vehicle or not, of a loaded rifle or shotgun shall be prima facie evidence of attempting to hunt. In addition, the possession of or immediate control by any person, while within fifty (50) feet of the shoulder of any primary or secondary highway in the county, or set, baited or staked, traps, or similar devices used to trap any game animal or furbearer shall be prima facie evidence of attempting to trap.

    (d) The violation of this section shall be a misdemeanor and punished by a fine not exceeding one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) or imprisonment for a term not exceeding thirty (30) days, or by both such fine and imprisonment.

    (Ord. No. 91-10, 12-17-91)

• Sec. 15-19. - Transporting a loaded rifle or shotgun. (reference)

  • It shall be unlawful for any person to transport, possess or carry a loaded shotgun or loaded rifle in any vehicle on any public street, road or highway within Fauquier County.

    Any violation of this section shall be punishable by a fine of not more than one hundred dollars ($100.00). Game wardens, sheriffs and all other law enforcement officers shall enforce the provisions of this section.

    The provision of this section shall not apply to duly authorized law enforcement officers or military personnel in the performance of their lawful duties, nor to any person who reasonably believes that a loaded rifle or shotgun is necessary for his personal safety in the course of his employment or business.

    (Ord. No. 91-10, 12-17-91)

Floyd County

The following local ordinances apply in Floyd County:

• Sec. 10-111. - Hunting near highways prohibited. (reference)

  • (a) Generally. It shall be unlawful for any person to hunt or attempt to hunt with a firearm any game bird or game animal while the hunting or attempting to hunt is on or within 100 yards of any primary or secondary highway in the county. It is unlawful to trap any game animal or furbearer within 50 feet of the shoulder of any primary or secondary highway in the county unless such trapping is with the written permission of the landowner.

    (b) Exceptions. For the purpose of this section, the term "hunt or trap" or "attempt to hunt or trap" shall not include the necessary crossing of such highways for the bona fide purpose of going into or leaving a lawful hunting area or trapping area.

    (c) Penalty. Any and each violation of this section shall constitute and be a class 3 misdemeanor, and shall be punished as prescribed for misdemeanors in section 1-15.

    (Ord. of 11-13-1973, §§ 1—3)

    State law reference— Authority to prohibit hunting in certain areas, Code of Virginia, §§ 15.2-1210, 29.1-526

Fluvanna County

The following local ordinances apply in Fluvanna County:

• Sec. 14-2. - Hunting near public schools; possession of loaded firearm. (reference)

  • It shall be unlawful for any person to shoot or hunt with a firearm within one hundred (100) yards of any property line of a public school. It shall likewise be unlawful for any person to traverse an area while in possession of a loaded firearm within one hundred (100) yards of any property line of a public school. Any violation of this section shall be a Class 4 misdemeanor.

    (Ord. 7-19-95)

    State Law reference— Authority of County to prohibit hunting, etc., with a firearm near public schools, see Code of Va., § 29.1-527.

Franklin City

The following local ordinances apply in Franklin City:

• § 31-4 Discharging firearms. (reference)

  • (a) No person shall discharge any firearms within the City; provided that this prohibition shall not apply to
    (1) a law enforcement officer in the discharge of official duties;
    (2) a person whose actions are justifiable or excusable in law in the protection of life or property;
    (3) a person discharging a weapon at a licensed shooting range or shooting gallery;
    (4) a person firing blanks at a theatrical or sporting event;
    (5) (A) person legally hunting in that portion of the City north of Armory Drive and Second Avenue; (B) a person legally hunting deer in that portion of the City south of Armory Drive and Second Avenue on no more of two of three days chosen from the third Tuesday in December and the following Wednesday and Thursday between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.; or (C) a person still hunting deer during deer hunting season in that portion of the City south of Armory Drive and Second Avenue with access being limited to private gate-accessed road off South Street or to Amber Street and with the limitation that landowners may grant permits (which must be in writing) to no more than six persons per day to still hunt on their property in that area of the City, any such hunting under (5)(A), (B) or (C) above being with the permission of the land owner using a shotgun, a pistol or a rifle no more than .22 caliber at least a distance of 150 yards from any building or from the property line of a school or park.

    (b) The City Manager have a notice of the dates for deer hunting under Subsection (a)(5)(B) above published annually in a newspaper having general circulation in the City two times in the week prior to the week in which deer hunting may occur thereunder and shall mail or deliver a copy of such notice to the Chief of Police and the local game warden.

    (c) Still hunting as used in this section shall mean hunting without the use of dogs.

Franklin County

The following local ordinances apply in Franklin County:

• Sec. 4-4. - Hunting on primary or secondary highways. (reference)

  • (a) It shall be unlawful for any person to hunt or attempt to hunt, with a firearm, any game bird or game animal while the hunting or attempting to hunt is on a primary or secondary highway, or the right-of-way thereof, in the county.

    (b) For the purpose of this section, the term "hunt" or "attempt to hunt" shall not include the necessary crossing of such highways or rights-of-way for the bona fide purpose of going into or leaving a lawful hunting area.

    (c) Any person violating this section shall be guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor.

    (Ord. of 10-21-97)

    Cross reference— Penalty for Class 2 Misdemeanor, § 1-11.

    State Law reference— Authority for above section, Code of Virginia, § 29-144.5.

Fredericksburg City

The following local ordinances apply in Fredericksburg City:

• § 54-7.1 Hunting. (reference)

  • A. The regulations contained herein shall apply to hunting within the City limits. Any person violating the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor, except that a person violating Subsection E shall be guilty of a Class 4 misdemeanor.

    B. It shall be unlawful for any person to hunt any bird or game animal using a rifle of a caliber larger than 0.22 rimfire.

    C. It shall be unlawful for any person to hunt any bird or game animal using a muzzle loading rifle or a shotgun loaded with slugs, except from a stand elevated at least 10 feet above the ground.

    D. It shall be unlawful to hunt with a firearm any bird or game animal within 100 yards of any primary or secondary highway in the City. For the purpose of this subsection, the term "hunt" shall not include the necessary crossing of highways for the bona fide purpose of going into or leaving a lawful hunting area.

    E. It shall be unlawful to shoot or hunt with a firearm, to traverse an area while in possession of a loaded firearm, within 100 yards of any property line of a public school or City or regional park.

    [Ord. No. 09-14, 4-28-2009]

• § 54-7 Discharge of firearms prohibited. (reference)

  • A. The discharge of a firearm is prohibited within the City limits.

    B. This prohibition shall not apply to:
    (1) Any person hunting within the City limits in compliance with Virginia laws and regulations, with the permission of the property owner, in possession of a permit issued for the activity by the City Manager or his designee, and in compliance with the terms of City Code § 54-7.1 and the permit;
    (2) Any law-enforcement officer in the performance of his official duties nor to any other person whose said willful act is otherwise justifiable or excusable at law in the protection of his life or property, or is otherwise specifically authorized by law;
    (3) Any person firing a firearm while participating in an historic re-enactment event approved by the City Manager or designee, provided that any such firearm contains no projectile;
    (4) The discharge of a firearm which contains no projectile or which is loaded with blank ammunition by an honor guard composed of members of the United States armed forces while participating in a ceremony, by an actor in a dramatic performance, or for the purpose of starting a race.

    C. The City Manager shall have authority to issue permits allowing the discharge of firearms within the City by persons hunting as set forth below, or for historic re-enactment events, or by persons not exempted herein, provided that such firearms shall fire blank ammunition or contain no projectile, and further provided that the City Manager is satisfied that the firing of such firearm will not constitute a disturbance of the peace, a nuisance, or in any way endanger the life or well-being of any person or constitute a hazard to any property.

    D. Any person violating the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor.

    [Code 1991, § 13-10; Ord. No. 09-14, 4-28-2009]

• § 54-7.2 Use of archery equipment. (reference)

  • It shall be unlawful to shoot an arrow from a bow in a manner that can be reasonably expected to result in the impact of the arrow upon the property of another without permission from the owner or tenant of such property. For the purposes of this section, "bow" includes all compound bows, crossbows, longbows and recurve bows having a peak draw weight of 10 pounds or more. The term "bow" does not include bows which have a peak draw of less than 10 pounds or which are designed or intended to be used principally as toys. The term "arrow" means a shaft-like projectile intended to be shot from a bow. Any person violating the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor.

    [Ord. No. 09-14, 4-28-2009]

• § 54-7.3 Transportation of a loaded rifle or shotgun. (reference)

  • It shall be unlawful for any person to transport, possess or carry a loaded shotgun or loaded rifle in any vehicle on any public street, road, or highway within the City. Any violation of this chapter shall be punishable by a fine of not more than $100. The provisions of this section shall not apply to duly authorized law-enforcement officers or military personnel in the performance of their lawful duties, nor to any person who reasonably believes that a loaded rifle or shotgun is necessary for his personal safety in the course of his employment or business.

    [Ord. No. 09-14, 4-28-2009]

Galax City

The following local ordinances apply in Galax City:

• § 107-59 Discharge of firearms. (reference)

  • It shall be unlawful for any person to willfully discharge or cause to be discharged any firearm in any street or in any place of public business or place of public gathering or elsewhere in the City other than a licensed shooting gallery or authorized range, provided that this section shall not apply to any law enforcement officer in the performance of his official duties nor to any other person whose said willful act is otherwise justifiable or excusable at law in the protection of life or property or is otherwise specifically authorized by law.

Gate City

The following local ordinances apply in Gate City:

• Sec. 16-4. - Weapons; discharging firearms. (reference)

  • (a) No person shall fire or discharge any gun, pistol, or other firearm within the town or on town-owned property. This section shall not apply to:
    (1) Any law enforcement officer in the discharge of his duty or to any person exercising a legal right to defend his person or property or;
    (2) By special permit issued by the town containing reasonable conditions or restrictions, upon written application showing good cause for the requested firing or discharge.

    (Comp. Ords., § 15.27; Code 1950, § 10-19; Ord. of 12-10-2013 )

    State Law reference— Similar law, Code of Virginia, § 18.2-280.

• Sec. 16-1. - Air guns, slingshots, etc. (reference)

  • No person shall fire or discharge any gun, pistol, or other firearm within the town or on town-owned property. This section shall not apply to:

    (1) Any law enforcement officer in the discharge of his duty or to any person exercising a legal right to defend his person or property; or
    (2) By special permit issued by the town containing reasonable conditions or restrictions, upon written application showing good cause for the requested firing or discharge.

    (Comp. Ords., § 15.3)

Gloucester County

The following local ordinances apply in Gloucester County:

• Sec. 13-14. - Firearms—Not to be discharged within areas known as Wicomico and Hayes. (reference)

  • It shall be unlawful to shoot or discharge any firearms, including any and all weapons which propel a projectile by pneumatic means, as pellet guns or B-B guns, except for the protection of one's life or property, in the following described area of the county: Commencing at State Route 1301 and the mean high water mark of Timberneck Creek at a public landing commonly called "Field's Landing," thence running in an easterly direction along the center of State Route 1301 to U.S. Route 17, thence running in a southerly direction along the center of U.S. Route 17 to Gloucester Point sanitary district, thence in a westerly direction along the Gloucester Point sanitary district line to the mean high water mark of York River, thence along the mean high water mark of York River in a northwesterly direction to the mouth of Timberneck Creek, thence in a northerly direction along the mean high water mark of Timberneck Creek to the point of beginning.

    This section shall not apply to police officers or to personnel of the armed forces of the United States or this state when acting in the line of duty, nor shall it be construed to apply to the use of blank ammunition at military funerals or at sport events or other events authorized by the county.

    (5-17-72, § 1.1; Ord. of 6-18-91)

• Sec. 13-15. - Same—Not to be discharged in Gloucester Point sanitary district. (reference)

  • It shall be unlawful for any person to fire or discharge any pistol, rifle, shotgun, or any other firearms within the Gloucester Point sanitary district, including any and all weapons which propel a projectile by pneumatic means, as pellet guns or B-B guns, unless said firearm is being fired or discharged while a person is protecting life or property. Violations are punishable as set out in Chapter 19, Article IV, Division 1.

    This section shall not apply to police officers or to personnel of the armed forces of the United States or this state when acting in the line of duty, nor shall it be construed to apply to the use of blank ammunition at military funerals or at sport events or other events authorized by the county.

    (12-20-68, § 6-3; 2-28-69, § 6-3; Ord. of 6-23-81, § 6-3; Ord. of 6-18-91)

    Editor's note— By order of the circuit court of Gloucester County, dated January 6, 1967, recorded in Common Law Order Book 17 at page 95 and in Deed Book 145 at page 105, Gloucester Point sanitary district was created pursuant to a plat of survey made by R. Stuart Royer and Associates dated "Dec. 1966" and "Rev. 1/67 " recorded in clerk's Plat Book 4 at page 35 in the clerk's office of the circuit court of Gloucester County. By order of the circuit court of Gloucester County, dated June 26, 1973, recorded in Common Law Order Book 19 at page 277 and in Deed Book 174 at page 190 in the clerk's office of the circuit court of Gloucester County, Gloucester Point sanitary district was enlarged. Sec § 19-56 et seq. hereof.

• Sec. 13-16. - Same—Use prohibited for hunting on primary and secondary highways. (reference)

  • The hunting or attempting to hunt, with a firearm, of any game bird or game animal while the hunting or attempting to hunt is on any primary or secondary highway in this county is prohibited.

    For the purpose of this section, the term "hunt" or "attempt to hunt" shall not include the necessary crossing of such highways for the bona fide purpose of going into or leaving lawful hunting area.

    (12-27-71)

Goochland County

The following local ordinances apply in Goochland County:

• Sec. 10-8. - Hunting with certain weapons regulated. (reference)

  • (a) Hunting shall be permitted in the county pursuant to and in compliance with state law, with the following exceptions and conditions:
    (1) It shall be unlawful for any person to hunt in the county with a rifle, pistol, or revolver of a caliber larger
    than 0.22 caliber, except that rifles of a larger caliber and pistols or revolvers firing cartridges rated in
    manufacturers' tables at 350-foot pounds of energy or greater may be used to hunt from a stand elevated
    at least ten feet from the ground, provided that no cartridge shall be used with a bullet of less than 0.23
    caliber; however, the elevation requirement shall be expressly inapplicable to all persons who are unable to
    hunt from an elevated stand due to a medically documented physical disability.
    (2) It shall be lawful to hunt deer in the county with muzzleloading guns during the "Early Muzzleloader"
    season prescribed by the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries and during any state authorized
    deer season for the county.
    (3) It shall be unlawful to hunt with any firearm other than a muzzleloading rifle during the aforementioned
    "Early Muzzleloader" season.
    (4) It shall be unlawful to engage in hunting with a firearm within the right-of-way of any primary or secondary
    highway.
    (5) It shall be lawful to use a shotgun loaded with slugs to hunt from a stand elevated at least ten feet above
    the ground; however, the elevation requirement shall be expressly inapplicable to all persons who are
    unable to hunt from an elevated stand due to a medically documented physical disability.

    (b) Any person who violates any provision of this section shall be guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor.

    (Ord. No. A88-1, 1-5-88; Ord. of 3-5-91; Ord. of 6-20-95(2); Ord. of 10-17-95; Ord. of 11-21-95(3); Ord. of 2-1-11(3), § 1; Ord. of 5-3-11(3); Ord. of 10-2-12, § 1, eff. 5-1-13; Ord. of 11-7-12(1), § 1, eff. 5-1-13; Ord. No. 1773, § 1, 3-2-16)

    Editor's note— Ord. No. 1773, § 1, adopted March 2, 2016, changed the title of § 10-8 from "Hunting with certain weapons prohibited" to read as herein set out.

    State Law reference— Authority for above section, Code of Virginia, § 29.1-528.

• Sec. 10-9. - Transport of loaded rifle or shotgun. (reference)

  • (a) It shall be unlawful for any person to transport, possess or carry a loaded shotgun or loaded rifle in any vehicle on any public street, road or highway within the county during the time between sunset and sunrise.

    (b) A violation of the provisions of this section shall be punishable by a fine of not more than one hundred dollars ($100.00).

    (c) The provisions of this section shall not apply to duly authorized law enforcement officers or military personnel in the performance of their lawful duties, nor to any person who reasonably believes that a loaded rifle or shotgun is necessary for his personal safety in the course of his employment or business.

    (Ord. No. 081-1, 2-3-81; Ord. of 3-5-91; Ord. of 2-1-11(3), § 1)

    Editor's note— Section 1 of an ordinance adopted Feb. 1, 2011, changed the title of § 10-9 from "Transport of loaded rifle, shotgun or muzzle-loading rifle" to "Transport of loaded rifle or shotgun."

    State Law reference— Authority for above section, Code of Virginia, § 15.2-915.2.

Greene County

The following local ordinances apply in Greene County:

• Sec. 54-1. - Discharge of firearms. (reference)

  • (a) Prohibited areas. The discharge of firearms, air-operated or gas-operated weapons of any nature whatsoever shall be prohibited in the following areas: Locust Lane Subdivision and the adjoining R-2 zoning district in Midway Acres Subdivision, more fully described in an exhibit filed with a copy of the ordinance from which this section derives in the office of the county administrator.

    (b) Exceptions.
    (1) No law enforcement officer in the discharge of his lawful duties nor any other person discharging a firearm within the areas described in subsection (a) of this
    section, in defense of persons or property as otherwise permitted by law, shall be deemed to have violated this section.
    (2) No person shall be deemed to have violated this section when discharging a firearm on or within private property with permission of the owner or legal
    possessor thereof when conducted with reasonable care to prevent a projectile from crossing the bounds of the property.

    (c) Penalty for violation of section. Any person violating this section shall be guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor.

    (d) Enforcement. All law enforcement officers authorized to act as such within the county shall have the power to enforce this section including, but not limited to, all duly appointed and acting game wardens.

    (Ord. of 3-13-90, §§ 2—5; Ord. of 7-24-12)

    State Law reference— Authority for above section, Code of Virginia, § 15.2-915.4.

Greensville County

The following local ordinances apply in Greensville County:

• Sec. 20-1. - Possession of loaded firearm on public highway generally. (reference)

  • (a) It shall be unlawful for any person to carry or have in his possession, while on any part of a public highway within the county, a loaded firearm, when such person is not authorized to hunt on the private property on both sides of the highway along which he is standing or walking.

    (b) The provisions of this section shall not apply to persons carrying loaded firearms in moving vehicles nor to persons acting, at the time, in defense of persons or property.

    (c) Any person who violates this section shall be fined not more than one hundred dollars ($100.00).

    (Amd. of 1-18-00)

    State Law reference— Authority for above section, Code of Virginia, § 18.2-287.

• Sec. 20-3. - Hunting with firearms prohibited near ditches of certain highways. (reference)

  • (a) It shall be unlawful to hunt or attempt to hunt with a firearm any game bird or game animal while the person so hunting or attempting to hunt is on any primary or secondary state maintained highway and within ten (10) feet beyond the outside banks of the ditches on either side of such highway in Greensville County.

    (b) For the purpose of this section, the terms "hunt" or "attempt to hunt" shall not include the necessary crossing of such highways for the bona fide purpose of going into or leaving a lawful hunting area.

    (c) A violation of this section shall constitute a Class 3 misdemeanor.

    (Ord. No. 83-06, 6-21-83; Amd. of 1-18-00)

    Cross reference— Penalty for Class 3 misdemeanor, § 1-10.

    State Law reference— Authority for above section, Code of Virginia, § 29.1-526.

• Sec. 20-4. - Use of firearms for hunting on Emporia Water Reservoir property prohibited. (reference)

  • (a) It shall be unlawful for any person to hunt while on any portion of the Meherrin River which lies closer to the Emporia Hydroelectric Project Dam than four thousand eight hundred (4,800) feet, which is a point generally south of the terminus of Riverview Road. The property on which hunting is hereby prohibited constitutes impounded water of the Meherrin River and real property resulting from the geologic process of accretion which is commonly known as the Emporia Water Reservoir.

    (b) A violation of this section shall constitute a Class 2 misdemeanor.

    (Amd. of 8-2-99)

    Editor's note— An amendment of Aug. 2, 1999, did not specifically amend this Code; hence, inclusion of its provisions as § 20-4 herein was at the discretion of the editor.

    Cross reference— Penalty for Class 3 misdemeanor, § 1-10.

    State Law reference— Authority for above section, Code of Virginia, § 15.2-1210.

Halifax County

The following local ordinances apply in Halifax County:

• Sec. 5-136. - Use of firearms for hunting on or near certain highways. (reference)

  • (a) It shall be unlawful to hunt or attempt to hunt with a firearm, archery tackle or crossbow any game bird or game animal while the person so hunting or attempting to hunt is on any primary or secondary state-maintained highway, and within the side ditches of such highway.

    (b) For the purposes of this section, the term "hunt" or "attempt to hunt" shall not include the necessary crossing of such highways for the bona fide purpose of going into or leaving a lawful hunting area.

    (c) Any person violating this provision shall be guilty of a class 3 misdemeanor.

    (Code 2000, § 4.39; Ord. No. 2012-5, § 1, 4-2-2012)

    Editor's note— Ord. No. 2012-5 shall be effective July 1, 2012.

    State Law reference— Authority to adopt prohibition on hunting, Code of Virginia, § 29.1-526.

• Sec. 5-137. - Rifles used for hunting. (reference)

  • (a) No person shall hunt using a rifle larger than .22 caliber rimfire within 100 yards of any residence or occupied building without the written approval of the owner or lessee of the property.

    (b) It shall be unlawful:
    (1) To discharge a rifle larger than .22 caliber rim fire from an elevated stand within 100 yards of an adjoining
    property line without first obtaining the written permission of the owner or, if different than the owner, the
    occupant of the adjoining property; or
    (2) To discharge a rifle larger than .22 caliber rim fire from an elevated stand within 100 yards of any public
    street or any primary or secondary state-maintained highway.

    (c) It shall be unlawful to knowingly discharge a firearm over or across any adjoining property owned by another person without first obtaining the written permission of the owner or, if different than the owner, the occupant of the adjoining property.

    (d) Any person violating this provision shall be guilty of a class 3 misdemeanor.

    (Code 2000, § 4.40; Ord. No. 2009-1, § 1, 3-9-2009; Ord. No. 2012-5, § 1, 4-2-2012)

    Editor's note— Ord. No. 2012-5 shall be effective July 1, 2012.

    State Law reference— Code of Virginia, § 29.1-528.

• 2025-11 Ordinance Rifle Restrictions for Turkey Spring Hunting Season - Adopted (reference)

  • Section 1. Purpose and Authority.
    This ordinance is adopted pursuant to the authority granted by Virginia Code§ 29.1-528, which permits localities to restrict or prohibit hunting with certain types of firearms within their jurisdiction.

    Section 2. Definitions.
    For purposes of this ordinance:
    (a) "Rifle" means a weapon designed or redesigned, made or remade, and intended to be fired from thes houlder, and designed or redesigned and made or remade to use the energy of the explosive in afixed metallic cartridge to fire only a single projectile through a rifled bore for each single pull of the trigger.
    (b) "Spring turkey season" means the season established by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources for the taking of wild turkeys during the spring portion of the statewide turkey hunting season.

    Section 3. Prohibition.
    During the spring turkey season, it shall be unlawful for any person to hunt or attempt to hunt turkey using a rifle within the geographic boundaries of Halifax County.

    Section 4. Permissible Methods of Take.
    Hunters may hunt spring turkey using the following lawful methods as permitted by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources:
    (a) Shotguns;
    (b) Archery equipment;
    (c) Muzzleloading shotguns or other lawful equipment except rifles.

    Section 5. Exceptions.
    This ordinance shall not apply to:
    (a) Law enforcement officers or other government officials acting in their official capacity;
    (b} Landowners or their agents engaging in lawful nuisance wildlife control activities expressly authorized under a permit issued by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources or other applicable agency;
    (c) The use of rifles outside of spring turkey season or for game not subject to this ordinance.

    Section 6. Enforcement and Penalties.
    Violation of this ordinance shall constitute a Class 3 misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not more than $500. Each unlawful act shall constitute a separate offense.

    Section 7. Severability.
    If any provision of this ordinance is found to be invalid or unconstitutional by a court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of the ordinance as a whole or any remaining provision.

    Section 8. Effective Date.
    This ordinance shall take effect immediately upon adoption and shall be applicable to the spring turkey season beginning in the year 2026 and all subsequent years unless amended or repealed .

Hampton City

The following local ordinances apply in Hampton City:

• Sec. 40-16.1. - Discharge of rifle, pistol or shotgun loaded with slugs. (reference)

  • (a) The discharge or use of a rifle, pistol or shotgun loaded with slugs is hereby prohibited within the city limits.

    (b) A violation of this section shall constitute a Class 1 misdemeanor.

    (Code 1964, § 27.1-59; Ord. No. 601, 12-13-78; Ord. No. 731, 9-8-82; Ord. No. 1467, 3-28-07)

    Cross reference— Penalty for Class 1 misdemeanor, § 1-11.

    State Law reference— Authority of city to prohibit discharge of firearms, Code of Virginia, § 15.2-1113.

• Sec. 40-17. - Discharge near dwelling, occupied structure or street. (reference)

  • It shall be unlawful for any person to discharge shots, bullets, pellets or any similar thing from a firearm or pneumatic gun within five hundred (500) feet of any dwelling or occupied structure or any street, alley or other public way in the city. Any violation of this section involving a firearm shall constitute a Class 1 misdemeanor. Any violation of this section involving a pneumatic gun shall constitute a Class 4 misdemeanor.

    (Code 1964, § 27.1-57; Ord. No. 601, 12-13-78; Ord. No. 1467, 3-28-07; Ord. No. 16-0001, 1-13-16)

• Sec. 40-18. - Discharge or hunting prohibited. (reference)

  • (a) The discharge or use of a firearm or pneumatic gun within the city limits is hereby prohibited, except as provided in subsections 40-18(b) and (c), 40-20 and 40-22.

    (b) Hunting within the city limits is hereby prohibited, except as provided in section 40-20 or when such hunting takes place pursuant to a permit for controlled wildlife reduction issued by the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries. Such hunting may also be subject to review by the city manager. Such review may include but not be limited to, the area in which weapons may be discharged, the caliber of the weapons to be used and the days and hours such hunting shall occur.

    (c) Discharge or use of a firearm or pneumatic gun within the city limits may be permitted by designated persons for animal control purposes where the chief of police has found that such is necessary for the health, safety and welfare of the citizens and the action has been reviewed and approved in writing by the chief of police.

    (d )Any violation of this section involving a firearm shall constitute a Class 1 misdemeanor. Any violation of this section involving a pneumatic gun shall constitute a Class 4 misdemeanor.

    (Code 1964, § 27.1-59; Ord. No. 601, 12-13-78; Ord. No. 731, 9-8-82; Ord. No. 924, 1-25-89; Ord. No. 1200, 12-10-97; Ord. No. 1271, 2-23-00; Ord. No. 1283, 7-19-00; Ord. No. 1467, 3-28-07; Ord. No. 16-0001, 1-13-16)

    Cross reference— Penalty for Class 1 misdemeanor, § 1-11.

    State Law reference— Authority to prohibit hunting, Code of Virginia, § 15.2-1113.1.

• Sec. 40-19. - Carrying loaded rifle or shotgun prohibited. (reference)

  • It shall be unlawful for any person to transport, possess or carry a loaded shotgun or loaded rifle in any vehicle, on any public street, road or highway within the City of Hampton. Any violation of this section shall be a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of not more than $100.

    This section shall become effective on May 1, 2016.

    (Ord. No. 16-0001, 1-13-16)

• Sec. 40-20. - Discharge over bodies of water. (reference)

  • (a) The discharge or use of a firearm, air gun, spring gun, pellet gun or similar implement over bodies of water within the jurisdiction of the city is prohibited, except from blinds licensed by the Commonwealth. The discharge or use of a rifle or pistol or a shotgun while loaded with slugs from such licensed blinds is prohibited. Further, no firearm, other than a shotgun loaded with shot not heavier than double ought buckshot, shall be discharged from such blind and no shot shall be discharged landward within five hundred (500) feet of the shoreline.

    (b)A violation of this section shall constitute a Class 1 misdemeanor.

    (Code 1964, § 27.1-59; Ord. No. 601, 12-13-78; Ord. No. 731, 9-8-82; Ord. No. 1467, 3-28-07; Ord. No. 18-0004, 4-25-18)

    Cross reference— Penalty for Class 1 misdemeanor, § 1-11.

Hanover County

The following local ordinances apply in Hanover County:

• Sec. 24-4. - Discharging weapons in or along roads, etc. (reference)

  • If any person discharges or shoots any firearm or other weapon in or along any public road or street or within one hundred (100) yards thereof or within one hundred (100) yards of any building occupied or used as a dwelling or place where the public gathers, not his own dwelling or residence, except in the lawful defense of his own person or property or that of a member of his family, he shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

• Sec. 24-8. - Hunting with rifles. (reference)

  • (a) A person may hunt deer with a rifle only as follows:
    (1) For hunting deer with a muzzle-loading rifle during (i) the special
    muzzle-loading deer season and (ii) the general firearms deer season,
    the person shall use only the type of muzzle-loading rifles and
    ammunition authorized by the Virginia Department of Game and
    Inland Fisheries and in a manner permitted by this Code.
    (2) A person may use a rifle other than a muzzle loading rifle to hunt deer
    during the regular hunting season only as follows:
    a. The rifle shall be a 0.23 caliber or larger;
    b. The person shall hunt only from an elevated stand at least ten (10)
    feet above ground level;
    c. The rifle may have a round in its chamber only when it is on the
    elevated stand; and
    d. The person complies with all safety and other regulations of this
    Code and the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries.

    (b) Any person hunting deer in violation of the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a class 3 misdemeanor.

Harrisonburg City

The following local ordinances apply in Harrisonburg City:

• Sec. 16-6-35. - Shooting in or along road or in street. (reference)

  • (a) If any person discharge a firearm in or along any road, or within one hundred (100) yards thereof, or in a street of the city, he shall, for each offense, be guilty of a Class 4 misdemeanor.

    (b) The provisions of this section shall not apply to firing ranges or shooting matches maintained and supervised or approved by law enforcement officers and military personnel in performance of their lawful duties.

    State Law reference— Similar provisions, Va. Code, § 18.2-286.

• Sec. 16-6-41. - Discharge of firearms within city. (reference)

  • It shall be unlawful for any person to discharge or cause to be discharged any firearm within the city; or to hunt with other weapons, specifically to include, but not limited to, bows and arrows, crossbows, or similar devices, except as provided in section 16-6-42; provided, that this section shall not apply to any law enforcement officer in the performance of his or her official duties, nor to any other person whose willful act is otherwise justifiable or excusable at law in the protection of his or her life or property, or that of another, or as otherwise specifically authorized by law; provided further, that this section shall not apply to any person shooting in licensed shooting galleries or shooting inside a building on a shooting range so constructed as to prevent the shot, projectile or other missile which has been fired from escaping or ricocheting; provided further, that this section shall not apply to any citizen who, having obtained permission and a permit from the chief of police, may shoot at rats, birds or other nuisance species as defined in § 29.1-100 of the Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended, upon his or her premises; and in addition shall not apply to any person, who in compliance with § 29.1-529 of the Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended, is granted permission by the Director of the Department of Wildlife Resources to kill deer, elk, or bear.

    (Ord. of 3-24-87; Ord. of 8-9-05; Ord. of 8-22-17(21); Ord. of 4-9-24(1))

    Editor's note— Authority of city to regulate or prohibit discharge of firearms, Va. Code, § 15.1-865.

• Sec. 16-6-42. - Archery season to hunt. (reference)

  • (a) The regulations of the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources pertaining to archery hunting, as they may be amended from time to time, are hereby adopted, subject to the following rules, regulations, specification and limitations:
    (1) Geographic areas. Hunting with archery equipment inside the city boundaries may occur on parcels of private property with the written permission from the property owner. The discharge of archery equipment shall not occur on school property or church property. The discharge of archery equipment shall occur on city property only with the written permission of the city manager or designee of the city manager.
    (2) License. At all times while hunting under this section, all hunters shall have on their person, the applicable Virginia licenses and the written permission of the landowner.
    (3) Elevated stands. Hunting with archery equipment shall be from platforms or stands elevated not less than ten (10) feet above the level of surrounding land. Otherwise, the discharge of archery equipment shall be prohibited.
    (4) Proximity to structures and streets. No person shall discharge a bow from, over or across any street, sidewalk, alley, roadway or public land or public place within the city limits or toward any building or dwelling in such a manner that an arrow may strike it.
    (5) Firearms. Firearms of any type, caliber or description, shall not be used.

    (b) It is the intent of this section to permit hunting with archery equipment during the hunting seasons declared by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, including the full general firearms season and any early, late, or special urban archery season.

    (c) No pursuit of injured or wounded game shall be permitted upon the land of neighboring landowners unless the hunter has first obtained permission from that landowner. No field dressing shall be permitted without the permission of the landowner. A hunter with permission to hunt or to enter property must remove all game harvested from the property.

    (d) All persons violating this section shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

    (e) Except as otherwise specifically provided by this section, the prohibitions contained in section 16-6-41 of this Code, as amended, shall remain in full force and effect.(f)Conservation Police Officers appointed pursuant to § 29.1-200 of the Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended, shall be vested with authority to enforce the regulations of this section.

    (Ord. of 1-26-10; Ord. of 4-9-24(1))

Henrico County

The following local ordinances apply in Henrico County:

• Sec. 13-57. - Discharging pneumatic guns. (reference)

  • (a) For purposes of this section, the term "pneumatic gun" means any implement, designed as a gun, that will expel a BB or a pellet by action of pneumatic pressure. "Pneumatic gun" includes a paintball gun that expels by action of pneumatic pressure plastic balls filled with paint for the purpose of marking the point of impact.

    (b) It shall be unlawful for any person to discharge any pneumatic gun from or across any public street, public sidewalk, public alley or public land or public place in the county.

    (c) Nothing in this section is designed to prevent organized groups from erecting, maintaining and using properly constructed rifle or pistol ranges which meet the requirements of chapter 24 and are approved by the chief of police as to safety. Commercial or private areas designated for use of pneumatic paintball guns may be established and operated for recreational use. Equipment designed to protect the face and ears shall be provided to participants at such recreational areas, and signs must be posted to warn against entry into the paintball area by persons who are unprotected or unaware that paintball guns are in use.

    (d) Nothing in this section is designed to prohibit the use of pneumatic guns on or within private property with permission of the owner or legal possessor thereof when conducted with reasonable care to prevent a projectile from crossing the bounds of the property.

    (e) It shall be unlawful and constitute a class 4 misdemeanor for any person to violate any of the provisions of this section.

    (Code 1980, § 15-13; Code 1995, § 13-61; Ord. No. 1160, § 1, 8-9-2011)

    State Law reference— Authority to regulate discharge of pneumatic guns, Code of Virginia, § 15.2-915.4; discharging pneumatic guns across street or road, Code of Virginia, § 18.2-286.

• Sec. 13-58. - Discharging weapons near school property. (reference)

  • (a) As used in this section, the term "school property" includes real property owned by, used by or held for any public or private school.

    (b) No person shall discharge any rifle, shotgun, pistol, revolver, pellet gun or other firearm within 100 yards of school property, or use BB guns, crossbows, spearguns or bows and arrows within 300 feet of school property.

    (c) No person shall discharge any rifle, shotgun, pistol, revolver, pellet gun, BB gun or other firearm, crossbow, speargun or bow and arrow on school property; except that bows and arrows may be used when part of an organized program under the supervision of an employee of the school or the county.

    (d) This section shall not be applicable to law enforcement officials engaged in the discharge of their duties. This section shall not apply in any national or state park or forest, or wildlife management area.

    (e) The violation of this section is a class 4 misdemeanor.

    (Code 1980, § 15-14.1; Code 1995, § 13-62)

    State Law reference— Authority to prohibit such discharge of firearm near school, Code of Virginia, § 29.1-527; authority to regulate discharge of pneumatic guns, Code of Virginia, § 15.2-915.4; penalty for class 4 misdemeanor, Code of Virginia, § 18.2-11.

• Sec. 13-59. - Discharging firearms. (reference)

  • (a) it shall be unlawful for any person to discharge any firearm from, on or across any street, sidewalk, alley, roadway or public land or public place in the county or upon, from or across any land located within the boundaries of any residential or industrial district as so classified and defined by chapter 24 or any commercial district. This section shall not apply to any law enforcement officer in the performance of his official duties or to any other person whose such willful act is otherwise justifiable or excusable at law in the protection of his life or property, or is otherwise specifically authorized by law. Nothing in this section is designed to prevent organized groups from erecting, maintaining and using properly constructed rifle or pistol ranges which meet the requirements of chapter 24 and are approved by the chief of police as to safety.

    (b) This section shall not apply to the killing of deer pursuant to Code of Virginia, § 29.1-529 with firearms. Such exemption shall apply on land of at least five acres that is zoned for agricultural use.

    (c) Violation of this section shall constitute a class 4 misdemeanor.

    (Code 1980, § 15-14; Code 1995, § 13-63)

    State Law reference— Authority to regulate discharge of firearms, etc., Code of Virginia, § 15.2-1209; discharging firearms across street or road, Code of Virginia, § 18.2-286.

• Sec. 13-60. - Hunting with firearms near primary or secondary highway. (reference)

  • (a) No person shall hunt or attempt to hunt with a firearm any game bird or game animal while such hunting or attempting to hunt is on or within 100 yards of any primary or secondary highway in the county.

    (b) For the purpose of this section, the terms "hunt" and "attempt to hunt" shall not include the necessary crossing of such highways for the bona fide purpose of going into or leaving a lawful hunting area.

    (c) Violation of this section shall be a class 3 misdemeanor.

    (Code 1980, § 15-14.4; Code 1995, § 13-65)

    State Law reference— Authority to so provide, Code of Virginia, § 29.1-526.

• Sec. 13-61. - Shooting arrows from bows. (reference)

  • (a) The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this section, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:

    Arrow means a shaft-like projectile intended to be shot from a bow.

    Bow includes all compound bows, crossbows, longbows and recurve bows having a peak draw weight of ten pounds or more. The term "bow" does not include bows having a peak draw weight of less than ten pounds or that are designed or intended to be used principally as toys.

    (b) Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, it shall be unlawful for any person to shoot an arrow from a bow from, on or across any street, sidewalk, alley, roadway or public land or public place in the county or outdoors upon, from or across any land located within the boundaries of any residential or industrial district as so classified and defined by chapter 24 or any commercial district.

    (c) The following activities shall be permitted:
    (1) The shooting of arrows from bows on school property when part of an organized program under the supervision of an employee of the school or the county. As used in this subsection, the term "school" includes real property owned by, used by, or held for any public or private school.
    (2) The shooting of arrows from bows in county parks as permitted by section 14-29.
    (3) The shooting of arrows from bows at archery ranges which meet the requirements of chapter 24.

    (d) The exemption in this subsection does not authorize the shooting of an arrow in or across any road, or within the right-of-way thereof. Subsection (b) of this section does not apply to the killing of deer pursuant to Code of Virginia, § 29.1-529 on land of at least two acres that is zoned for agricultural use.

    (e) Violation of this section shall constitute a class 4 misdemeanor.

    (Code 1995, § 13-67; Ord. No. 1081, § 1, 11-8-2005)

    State Law reference— Shooting arrow across road, Code of Virginia, § 18.2-286; authority to prohibit shooting of arrows in certain locations, Code of Virginia, § 15.2-1209; penalty for class 4 misdemeanor, Code of Virginia, § 15.2-11.

Hopewell City

The following local ordinances apply in Hopewell City:

• Sec. 37-4. - Discharging firearms. (reference)

  • It shall be unlawful and a Class 1 misdemeanor for any person, without necessity, to fire or discharge, within the city, any firearm of any kind.

    (Code 1963, § 41-4; Ord. No. 2010-23, 9-14-10; Ord. No. 2012-06, 8-14-12)

    Cross reference— Shooting firearms from watercraft within certain area of port, § 29-22.

Isle of Wight County

The following local ordinances apply in Isle of Wight County:

• Sec. 12-10. - Hunting with firearms. (reference)

  • (a) Hunting in the county, with a rifle of .22 caliber or larger, of groundhogs, between March 1 and August 31 of each year, and of all other game, bird and nuisance species shall be permitted as allowed by state law and regulations.

    (b) Hunting in the county, with muzzle-loading rifles, is permitted during the prescribed open seasons for the hunting of game species as allowed by state law and regulations.

    (c) Notwithstanding the above, deer and bear hunting with a rifle of a .23 caliber or larger during the prescribed open seasons, as allowed by state law and regulations, shall be allowed in the county only as follows:
    (1) The person shall hunt only from an elevated stand located at least ten feet above the ground, except that such weapon may also be discharged on the ground when it is necessary to do so in order to dispatch the animal wounded from the elevated hunting platform.
    (2) The rifle may have a round in its chamber only when it is on the elevated stand.
    (3) The person first obtains written permission from the landowner.
    (4) The provisions of Section 29.1-528.2 of the Code of Virginia shall exempt a permanently disabled hunter, as defined in Section 58.1-3217 of the Code of Virginia, from the requirements of this section regarding hunting from an elevated stand located at least ten feet above the ground.

    (d) Nothing in this section shall prohibit a landowner or lessee from killing a deer or bear that is damaging fruit trees, crops, livestock or personal property utilized for commercial agricultural production in accordance with Section 29.1-529 of the Code of Virginia and other applicable laws.

    (e) The clerk of this board is ordered to notify the director of the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources by registered mail of the adoption of the ordinance codified in this section which is to take effect as soon thereafter as allowed by law.

    (f) Any person who violates the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor. (4-21-22(1).)

    Editor's note—An ordinance adopted April 21, 2022(1), repealed the former § 12-10, and enacted a new § 12-10 as set out herein. The former § 12-10 pertained to hunting with muzzle-loading rifles and derived from an ordinance adopted Jan. 3, 1991.

• Sec. 12-11. - Hunting near public schools or parks prohibited. (reference)

  • (a) No person shall shoot, hunt or attempt to hunt with a firearm within one hundred yards of any property line of any county public school or county park within the Newport Development Service District and the Hardy Magisterial District.

    (b) No person shall transport, possess or carry a loaded firearm within one hundred yards of any property line of any county public school or county park within the Newport Development Service District and the Hardy Magisterial District, except as otherwise permitted by state law.

    (c) The provisions of this section shall not apply to the discharge of a firearm for the killing of deer pursuant to Section 29.1-529 of the Code of Virginia (1950, as amended). This exemption shall apply on land of at least five acres that is zoned for rural agricultural use.

    (d) Any person violating the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a Class 4 misdemeanor. (4-16-92; 2-21-08; 10-2-08; 11-20-08.)

• Sec. 12-11.1 - Discharging firearms. (reference)

  • It shall be unlawful for any person to discharge a firearm:

    (1) In such a way as will, or is likely to, result in the load thereof leaving the boundaries of the property or parcel upon which upon which the firearm is lawfully discharged, unless permission to do so has been granted by the adjacent landowner. A projectile leaving the boundaries of the property or parcel shall be prima facie evidence of a violation of this section.
    (2) Within one hundred yards a (i) dwelling of another; (ii) business establishment; (iii) public building; (iv) public gathering; or (v) public meeting place, except that the one hundred yard limitation shall not apply if the dwelling owner or occupant has given permission.
    (3) In addition to the limitations set forth in subsection (b) above, any person target shooting with a firearm shall (i) only discharge such firearm into a natural or man-made berm or backstop so that it prevents projectiles from entering the property of another. A backstop is defined as a device to stop, redirect, and .....or contain bullets fired on a range. A berm is defined as an embankment used for restricting bullets to a given area, or as a protective or dividing wall between ranges; (ii) shall not target shoot between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m.
    (4) Any person violating the provisions of this section shall be punishable as a Class 1 misdemeanor.
    (5) This section shall not apply to a (i) law-enforcement officer in the performance of his official duties; (ii) any person whose discharge of a firearm is justifiable or excusable at law in the protection of life or property; (iii) the discharge, on land zoned for agricultural use, of a firearm for the killing of deer pursuant to Section 29.1-529 of the Code of Virginia (1950, as amended); (iv) the discharge of a firearm that is otherwise specifically authorized by law; (v) the discharge of black powder firearms using blanks as part of historical re-enactments, historical living history programs and historical demonstrations; (vi) the discharge of starter blank weapons to initiate athletic competitions; or (vii) ceremonial and patriotic displays using blanks. (10-2-08; 2-15-24.)

    For state law as to authority of the county to regulate the discharge of firearms, see Code of Va., §§ 15.2-1209, 18.2-280 and 29.1-527.

James City County

The following local ordinances apply in James City County:

• Sec. 15-34. - Weapons—Firearms not to be carried, or in vehicle, when loaded; enforcement provisions. (reference)

  • (a) It shall be unlawful for any person to carry or have in his possession, for the purpose of hunting, while on any part of a public highway within the county a loaded firearm when such person is not authorized to hunt on the private property on both sides of the highway along which he is standing or walking. The provisions of this subsection shall not apply to persons carrying loaded firearms in moving vehicles, or for purposes other than hunting, or to persons acting at the time in defense of persons or property.

    (b) It shall be unlawful for any person to transport, possess or carry a loaded shotgun or loaded rifle in any vehicle on any public street, road or highway within the county. Conservation police officers, sheriffs and all other law enforcement officers shall enforce the provisions of this subsection.

    The provisions of this subsection shall not apply to duly authorized law enforcement officers or military personnel in the performance of their lawful duties, nor to any person who reasonably believes that a loaded rifle or shotgun is necessary for his personal safety in the course of his employment or business.

    (c) Any violation of this section shall be punishable by a fine of not more than $100.00.

    (Ord. No. 56A-14, 9-11-07; Ord. No. 56A-20, 10-9-12)

    State Law reference— Power of county to regulate the carrying of loaded firearms on public highways, Code of Va., § 15.2-1209.1; transporting a loaded rifle or shotgun, Code of Va., § 15.2-915.2.

• Sec. 15-36. - Discharge of firearms, etc. in certain areas; exceptions. (reference)

  • (a) It shall be unlawful for any person to discharge any firearms or pneumatic gun in the county in or within 300 feet of any dwelling, commercial building or shelter for animals, except with the prior written permission of owner or tenant, in or within 50 feet of the boundaries of any recorded subdivision, in or within 800 feet of any dwelling in the Colonial Heritage subdivision, the boundaries of which subdivision are shown on the map titled Colonial Heritage subdivision boundary and dated June 13, 2017, or in a manner which causes ammunition to cross such areas.

    (b) For purposes of this section, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings respectively ascribed to them below:
    - Ammunition. A cartridge, pellet, ball, missile or projectile adapted for use in a firearm.
    - Commercial building. Any structure which requires the issuance of a certificate of occupancy under the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code and is used or is intended to be used for commerce.
    - Dwelling. Any structure which is designed for use for residential purposes, including, but not limited to, a mobile home.
    - Firearm. Any weapon in which ammunition may be used or discharged by explosion or pneumatic pressure.
    Owner. One or more persons, jointly or severally, in whom is vested all or part of the legal title to the property or all or part of the beneficial ownership and a right to present use and enjoyment of the premises.
    - Pneumatic gun. Any implement, designed as a gun, that will expel a BB or a pellet by action of pneumatic pressure. Pneumatic gun includes a paintball gun that expels by action of pneumatic pressure plastic balls filled with paint for the purpose of marking the point of impact.
    - Recorded subdivision.
    a. Any subdivision of property into two or more lots (i) which occurred after August 31, 1964; (ii) has a plat recorded in the county's circuit court clerk's office; and (iii) where the new lots created are to be used for residential or commercial purposes.
    b. The following subdivisions divided prior to August 31, 1964, as shown on the map titled James City County Pre-August 1964 Subdivisions Prohibited from Discharging Firearms, dated September 20, 2011:
    Belen Heights, Benel Corp, Birchwood Park, Boughsprings, Bozarth & Mahone/Mahone & Bozarth, Canterberry Hills, Chickahominy Haven, Colonial Park, Colonial Terrace, Cypress Point, D. Warren Marston, Dandridge Davenport & Piggott, Druid Hill, Eustis Terrace, Farmville Estates, First Colony, Frank Anderson, Frank Armistead, Haley & Whitehall, Harwood, Holly Brook, Holly Hill, Indigo Park, Indigo Terrace, James Terrace, James Wesley Jones (Estate), Jamestown Farms, John Henry Lee, Kingswood, Levi & Lettie Wallace, Magruder Heights, Magruder View, Marl Hills (Lakewood), Neck-O-Land Hundred, Norge, Norvalia, Poplar Hall Plantation, Powhatan Springs, Rado Banks, Raleigh Square, Riverview Plantation, Sadie Taylor, Schuyler & Troy Smith, Signor Bradby, Shellbank, Solomon Orange, Steers (Hickory Signpost), Steers (Jamestown Road), Stephens, Sycamore Landing, Temple Hall Estates, The Colony, Thomas & Hattie Kearney, Toano Terrace, Washington Jones (Estate), Winston Terrace, and Yearda Lee Smith.
    c. Any subdivision where two thirds of the lot owners have petitioned the board of supervisors to be included within the boundaries of the prohibition on the discharge of firearms, and such petition has been approved by resolution.
    d. Recorded subdivision shall not include property divided pursuant to family subdivision, condemnation, or other board of supervisors' approved subdivision of property.
    Shelter for animals. Any building designed or intended for the shelter, housing or enclosure of any animals, livestock or poultry.
    - Tenant. A person entitled under a rental agreement to occupy a dwelling to the exclusion of others.

    (c) It shall be unlawful for any person to discharge a rifle, shotgun rifled slug or muzzle-loading rifle (except a rifle .22 caliber or smaller, a muzzle-loading rifle .36 caliber or smaller, or a shotgun) anywhere in the county unless such person is on a stand elevated at least ten feet above the ground. This paragraph shall not apply to any person discharging a rifle in a permitted area to hunt groundhogs on land zoned A-1, General Agricultural District, between March 1 and September 1.

    (d) The prohibition contained in this section shall not apply to the following:
    (1) The discharge of firearms in a private basement, cellar, or target range, provided that such target range has sufficient background or backstop to ensure that ammunition will not travel more than 300 feet beyond the target range and further provided that such target range is not located in or in or within 800 feet of any dwelling in the Colonial Heritage subdivision, the boundaries of which subdivision are shown on the map titled Colonial Heritage subdivision boundary and dated June 13, 2017.
    (2) The discharge of weapons in defense of one's life or to kill any dangerous animal.
    (3) The discharge of weapons by any duly authorized peace officer, law enforcement official or military personnel acting in the performance of his duties.
    (4) The discharge of a weapon by any person participating in a hunt for which a permit or management plan for controlled wildlife reduction has been issued or developed by the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries; such hunt shall also be approved by the James City County Chief of Police, who shall review the action plan for such a hunt to provide for the health, safety and welfare of residents and participants. Such review shall include, but not be limited to, the area in which the weapons may be discharged; the caliber of the weapons to be used; measures to be implemented to keep nonparticipants in the hunt from entering the area; the number of participants; and the days and hours of such a hunt.
    (5) The use of pneumatic guns (i) at facilities approved for shooting ranges; (ii) on property where firearms may be discharged; and (iii) on or within private property with permission of the owner or legal possessor thereof when conducted with reasonable care to prevent a projectile from crossing the bounds of the property.

    (e) It shall be unlawful for any minor under the age of 16 to use a pneumatic gun on private or public property unless such minor is under the supervision of a parent, guardian, or other adult supervisor approved by a parent or guardian of such minor. Minors above the age of 16 may, with the written consent of a parent or guardian, use a pneumatic gun on private property with the consent of the owner. Any minor, whether permitted by a parent or guardian to use a pneumatic gun or not, shall be responsible for obeying all laws, regulations, and restrictions governing such use.

    (f) Pneumatic gun offenses shall be punishable as a Class 3 misdemeanor.

    (Ord. No. 79, 5-13-74; Ord. No. 56A-6, 3-4-91; Ord. No. 56A-7, 12-6-93; Ord. No. 56A-8, 8-1-94; Ord. No. 56A-14, 9-11-07; Ord. No. 56A-18, 9-27-11; Ord. No. 56A-23, 6-13-17)

    State Law reference— General powers of counties, Code of Va., § 15.2-1200; shooting of firearms, or arrows from bows, in certain areas prohibited, Code of Va., § 15.2-1209; hunting in certain areas prohibited, Code of Va., § 15.2-1210; regulation of pneumatic guns, Code of Va., § 15.2-915.4; regulation of compound bows, crossbows, longbows, and recurve bows, Code of Va., § 15.2-916.

King and Queen County

The following local ordinances apply in King and Queen County:

• Sec. 6-5. - Hunting. (reference)

  • (a) It shall be unlawful to hunt with a rifle larger than .22 caliber, except that rifles of larger caliber may be used for hunting groundhogs and coyotes outside the general firearms season, and that muzzle loading rifles are permitted during any authorized firearms season for the hunting of game animals except for the hunting of turkeys during the spring gobbler season.

    (b) Any person convicted of a violation of this section shall be guilty of a class 2 misdemeanor.

    (Ord. of 7-1-1989, arts. 1, 2; Ord. of 6-13-2005; Amend. of 5-11-2015(2))

    State Law reference— Authority to prohibit hunting in certain areas, Code of Virginia, § 15.2-1210.

King George County

The following local ordinances apply in King George County:

• Sec. 10-3. - Carrying loaded firearms on public highways.[1] (reference)

  • (a) This article is adopted in accordance with the legislative authority contained in the Code of Virginia, § 15.2-1209.1.

    (b) The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this section, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context indicates a different meaning:
    (1) Ammunition means any cartridge, pellet, ball, missile or projectile designed or adapted for use in a firearm.
    (2) Firearm means any weapon in which ammunition may be used or discharged, by explosion or pneumatic pressure.
    (3) Loaded firearm means any firearm having ammunition in its firing chamber or in its magazine or other storage compartment attached therein or thereon which allows the ammunition to be fed into the firearm's firing chamber.(c)It shall be unlawful for any person to carry or have in his possession, while on any part of a public highway within the county, a loaded firearm when such person is not authorized to hunt on the private property on both sides of the highway along which he is standing or walking. The provisions of this section shall not apply to persons carrying loaded firearms in moving vehicles, to persons acting at the time in defense of persons or property, nor to duly authorized law-enforcement officers or military personnel in the performance of their lawful duties.

    (d) A violation of this section shall constitute a Class 4 misdemeanor and a maximum fine of $100.00.
    (Min. of 9-2-2008)

    Footnotes:
    --- (1) ---
    State Law reference— Counties may regulate carrying loaded firearms on public highways, Code of Virginia, § 15.2-1209.1.

• Sec. 10-4. - Transporting loaded rifles or shotguns in vehicles on public highways. (reference)

  • (a) This section is adopted in accordance with the legislative authority contained in the Code of Virginia, § 15.2-915.2.

    (b) The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this section, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:
    (1) Ammunition means any cartridge, pellet, ball, missile or projectile adapted for use in a firearm.
    (2) Loaded rifle and loaded shotgun mean any rifle or shotgun containing ammunition in its firing chamber or in its magazine or other storage compartment attached therein or thereon which allows the ammunition to be fed into the firing chamber of the rifle or shotgun.
    (3) Rifle means any weapon, designed as a shoulder weapon which utilizes as ammunition a self-contained cartridge from which a missile, ballshot pellets or projectile may be fired from a rifled bore by a single function of the firing device.
    (4) Shotgun means any weapon designed as a shoulder weapon which utilizes as ammunition a self-contained cartridge from which a number of ballshot pellets or projectiles may be fired simultaneously from a smooth bore by a single function of the firing device.

    (c) It shall be unlawful for any person to transport, possess or carry a loaded shotgun or loaded rifle in any vehicle on any public street, road or highway within the county. However, the provisions of this section shall not apply to duly authorized law-enforcement officers or military personnel in the performance of their lawful duties, nor shall the provisions of this section apply to any person who reasonably believes that a loaded rifle or loaded shotgun is necessary for his personal safety in the course of his employment or business.

    (d) The sheriff of the county, game wardens, and all other law-enforcement officers shall enforce the provisions of this section.

    (e) A violation of this section shall constitute a Class 4 misdemeanor and a maximum fine of $100.00.

    (Min. of 9-2-2008)

• Sec. 10-7. - Hunting with rifles of .23 caliber or larger. (reference)

  • (a) Notwithstanding any other provision of local ordinances to the contrary, a person may use a rifle other than a muzzle-loading rifle to hunt deer during the prescribed open season as follows: (i) the rifle shall be a 0.23 caliber or larger; (ii) the person shall only hunt from an elevated stand at least ten feet above ground level, unless they obtain the disabled hunter exemption as provided by Code of Virginia, § 29.1-528.2 or other applicable state law; (iii) the rifle shall have a round in its chamber only when it is on the top of the elevated stand; and (iv) the person complies with all other applicable state and local laws and regulations.

    (b) A landowner or lessee may use a rifle of .23 caliber or larger to hunt the following as allowed by applicable state and local laws and regulations: (i) groundhogs between March 1 and August 31; (ii) coyotes, and (iii) deer, elk, or bear that is damaging fruit trees, crops, livestock, or personal property utilized for commercial agricultural production as prescribed by Code of Virginia, § 29.1-529.

    (c) Any person violating any provision of this section shall be guilty of Class 3 misdemeanor, and as allowed by other applicable law shall forfeit the unlawful weapon to the commonwealth.

    (Ord. of 10-15-2002; Min. of 9-2-2008; Ord. of 4-5-2022)

    State Law reference— Counties or cities may prohibit hunting with certain fire arms, Code of Virginia, § 29.1-528.

    Editor's note— An ordinance adopted April 5, 2022, changed the title of § 10-7 from "Hunting with muzzle-loading rifles" to read as herein set out.

King William County

The following local ordinances apply in King William County:

• NOTE: In 2024, King William County repealed the restrictions on hunting within 100 yards of a highway and the use of rifles larger than .22 caliber. (reference)

  • Please consult county Municode site linked above or with county officials for details.

Lancaster County

The following local ordinances apply in Lancaster County:

• Sec. 10-66. - Hunting, attempting to hunt on county right-of-way. (reference)

  • The hunting or attempting to hunt with a firearm of any game bird or game animal while such hunting or attempting to hunt is on any primary or secondary highway (right-of-way) of the county is prohibited and any violation hereof shall be a class 3 misdemeanor. The term "hunt" or "attempt to hunt" shall not include the necessary crossing of such highways for the bona fide purpose of going into or leaving a lawful hunting area.

    (Ord. of 10-26-70)

    State Law reference— Similar provisions, Code of Virginia, § 29.1-526.

• Sec. 10-67. - Use of muzzle-loading rifles. (reference)

  • The use of muzzle-loading rifles shall be permitted during the special muzzle-loading hunting season and general firearms season as established by the regulations of the State Department of Game and Inland Fisheries. Any person who violates the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a class 3 misdemeanor.

    (Ord. of 3-28-91; Ord. of 3-30-95)

    State Law reference— Similar provisions, Code of Virginia, § 29.1-528.

• Sec. 10-68. - Restriction on caliber size. (reference)

  • If anyone shall use any rifle of a caliber larger than .22 rimfire while hunting, he shall be guilty of a class 2 misdemeanor, and shall be punished by confinement in jail for not more than six months and a fine of not more than $500.00, either or both. No hunting with a high-powered rifle is permitted except for groundhogs outside of firearms season for deer.

    (Ord. of 3-26-64; Ord. of 4-28-88)

    State Law reference— Similar provisions, Code of Virginia, § 29.1-528.

Loudoun County

The following local ordinances apply in Loudoun County:

• 684.01 SHOTGUNS OR RIFLES IN VEHICLES. (reference)

  • (a) No person shall transport, possess or carry a loaded shotgun or loaded rifle in any vehicle on any public street, road or highway within the County.

    (b) Subsection (a) hereof shall not apply to duly authorized law enforcement officers or military personnel in the performance of their lawful duties, or to any person who reasonably believes that a loaded rifle or loaded shotgun is necessary for his personal safety in the course of his employment or business.

    (c) The penalty for a violation of this section shall not exceed a fine of one hundred dollars ($100.00).

    (Ord. 87-02. Passed 4-20-87; Ord. 05-04. Passed 5-10-05; Ord. 06-05. Passed 3-14-06; Ord. 09-12. Passed 6-16-09.)

• 684.03 DISCHARGE OF FIREARMS. (reference)

  • (a) (1) The Board of Supervisors prohibits the discharge of firearms, except for certain hunting activities provided herein, in the following area of the County: The area within a line following State Route 620 (Braddock Road) from the boundary with Fairfax County west to its intersection with State Route 659, then along State Route 659 north to its terminus at State Route 7, then following State Route 7 west to the corporate limits of the Town of Leesburg, then following the corporate limit line of the Town of Leesburg north and west to the Potomac River, then east along the Potomac River boundary with Maryland to the Fairfax County line, then southwest along the Fairfax County line to its intersection with State Route 620.
    (2) Nothing herein shall prohibit the following hunting activities with firearms, subject to other applicable laws and regulations: A. Deer hunting with handguns, shotguns or muzzle-loading rifles using a single projectile; or B. All other hunting with rifles of .22 caliber rimfire or less, handguns, shotguns and muzzle-loading rifles using single or multiple projectiles.
    (3) Nothing herein shall prohibit the outdoor shooting of sporting clays, subject to other applicable laws and regulations.

    (b) The discharge of firearms is prohibited within 50 yards of a highway in the primary or secondary system of State roads.

    (c) The discharge of firearms is prohibited within 100 yards of any public park or school. Nothing in this section shall be enforced within a national or State park or forest or wildlife management area.

    (d) The discharge of firearms is prohibited within 100 yards of a building with a current occupancy permit and/or regularly occupied structure unless the owner or authorized agent has given permission.

    (e) The discharge of firearms for recreational or target shooting purposes shall be conducted in such a manner as to ensure that projectiles do not leave the boundaries of the property or parcel upon which the shooting is occurring, unless permission to do so has been granted by the adjacent landowner. A projectile leaving the boundaries of the property or parcel shall be prima facie evidence of a violation of this section.

    (f) This section does not apply to the following actions:
    (1) Any shooting or discharge of firearms upon a lawfully established target, trap or skeet range;
    (2) The discharge of firearms by any duly authorized peace officer or law enforcement official acting in the proper performance of his or her duties;
    (3) Any shooting or discharge of firearms upon a target range operated by any police department or other law enforcement agency;
    (4) Any discharge of firearms in defense of one's life or to kill a dangerous or destructive wild animal;
    (5) The discharge of blank cartridges in theatrical performances or sporting events or at military funerals or other military affairs; and
    (6) A managed hunt to control the deer population under the supervision of the Federal, State, or local law enforcement or game management officials.

    (Ord. 01-02. Passed 4-16-01; Ord. 05-04. Passed 5-10-05; Ord. 06-05. Passed 3-14-06; Ord. 13-01. Passed 3-6-13; Ord. 19-18. Passed 12-11-19.)

• 684.04 POSSESSION OF FIREARMS ON COUNTY PROPERTY. (reference)

  • (a) The possession, carrying, or transportation of any firearms or ammunition is prohibited in:
    (1) Any building, or part thereof, owned or used by the County, or by any authority or local governmental entity created or controlled by the County, for governmental purposes;
    (2) Any public park owned or operated by the County, or by any authority or local governmental entity created or controlled by the County;
    (3) Any recreation or community center operated by the County, or by any authority or local governmental entity created or controlled by the County; and
    (4) Those parts of any building, not owned by the County or by any authority or local governmental entity created or controlled by the locality, being used for a governmental purpose; this section shall apply only to that part of such building actually being used for a governmental purpose.

    (b) Pursuant to this section, the County may implement security measures that are designed to reasonably prevent the unauthorized access of such buildings, parks, recreation or community centers by a person with any firearms or ammunition, such as the use of metal detectors and increased use of security personnel.

    (c) Notice of the prohibitions contained in this section shall be posted: (i) at all entrances of any building, or part thereof, owned or used by the County, or by any authority or local governmental entity created or controlled by the County, for governmental purposes; (ii) at all entrances of any public park owned or operated by the locality, or by any authority or local governmental entity created or controlled by the County; and (iii) at all entrances of any recreation or community center facilities operated by the County, or by any authority or local governmental entity created or controlled by the County.

    (d) The prohibitions listed in this section shall not apply to:
    (1) Sworn law enforcement personnel;
    (2) Private security personnel employed or contracted by the County, or an authority or other governmental entity created or controlled by the County, when such personnel are working in or at any location listed in subparagraph (a) above, and who are authorized to carry firearms as part of their duties;
    (3) Security personnel at permitted special events engaged by private entities conducting the special event and approved by the County through the special event permit application process;
    (4) Active duty military personnel acting within the scope of their official duties;
    (5) Activities of (i) a Senior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps program operated at a public or private institution of higher education in accordance with the provisions of 10 U.S.C. § 2101 et seq. or (ii) any intercollegiate athletics program operated by a public or private institution of higher education and governed by the National Collegiate Athletic Association or any club sports team recognized by a public or private institution of higher education where the sport engaged in by such program or team involves the use of a firearm. Such activities shall follow strict guidelines developed by such institutions for these activities and shall be conducted under the supervision of staff officials of such institutions;
    (6) Educational programs and events, including historical reenactments, which are conducted or permitted by the County or any authority or local governmental entity created or controlled by the County, when such educational programs or events involve the use or display of firearms that are incapable of discharging a projectile;
    (7) Individuals participating in managed deer hunts and other wildlife management events conducted by the County, or by any authority or local governmental entity created or controlled by the County, the Commonwealth of Virginia or the United States government;
    (8) Individuals who are authorized to carry a concealed weapon pursuant to the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act, 18 U.S.C. §§ 926B and 926C, as amended; or
    (9) An otherwise lawfully possessed firearm or ammunition that is stored out of sight in a locked private vehicle lawfully parked on County property.

    (e) In public parks owned or operated by the County, or by any authority or local governmental entity created or controlled by the County, individuals who possess a valid concealed handgun permit may conceal carry firearms pursuant to such permit, but in no case may they carry a semiautomatic center-fire rifle or pistol that expels single or multiple projectiles by action of an explosion of a combustible material with a magazine that will hold more than 20 rounds of ammunition or is designed by the manufacturer to accommodate a silencer or equipped with a folding stock, or a shotgun with a magazine that will hold more than seven rounds of the longest ammunition for which it is chambered.

    (Ord. 21-02. Passed 3-12-21)

Louisa County

The following local ordinances apply in Louisa County:

• Sec. 54-6. - Hunting—In residential subdivision prohibited. (reference)

  • (a) It shall be unlawful for any person to illegally discharge firearms within the boundaries of any subdivision in which there are two or more dwellings and which is located within an area zoned residential, provided that clearly visible signs stating that hunting is prohibited in such subdivision have been posted to designate the boundaries of such subdivision.

    (b) For any subdivision in which there are two or more occupied dwellings and which is located in an area zoned residential, clearly visible signs stating that hunting is prohibited in such subdivision and clearly designating the boundaries of such subdivision shall be posted by each owner of a lot on the boundary of the subdivision in such a way as to designate the boundaries of the subdivision.

    (c) Any person who violates subsection (a) or (b) shall be guilty of a class 3 misdemeanor.

    (Ord. of 12-17-90)

    Cross reference— Animals, ch. 14; zoning, ch. 86.

• Sec. 54-7. - Hunting—On public highways prohibited. (reference)

  • (a) It shall be unlawful for any person to hunt any game bird or game animal on a public highway with any type of loaded weapon. For the purpose of this section, a "public highway" shall be defined as the entire width between the outer ditch lines of every primary or secondary highway in this county which any member of the public has a lawful right to use for vehicular travel.

    (b) Any person who violates subsection (a) shall be guilty of a class 3 misdemeanor.

    (Code 1971, § 9-2)

    State Law reference— Power of county to prohibit hunting near primary and secondary highways, Code of Virginia, § 29.1-526.

• Sec. 54-8. - Hunting. (reference)

  • (a) Rifles shall be permitted for hunting as authorized by the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries.

    (b) Muzzleloading rifles and muzzleloading pistols are permitted during any authorized deer season where firearms are permitted.

    (Res. of 8-1-16(2016-1))

    Editor's note— A resolution adopted August 1, 2016 repealed the former § 54-8, and enacted a new section as set out herein. The former § 54-8 pertained to hunting—with rifles larger than .22 caliber and derived from the Code of 1971, § 9-1; a resolution of April 15, 1991(3); a resolution of Dec. 7, 2009(09.296); a resolution of May 2, 2011(2011-117); and a resolution of June 2, 2014(2014-144).

• Sec. 54-11. - Hunting prohibited on game preserves on Sunday. (reference)

  • (a) It shall be unlawful for anyone to hunt or shoot any game, wild or pen-raised, on any game preserve as defined in Code of Virginia, title 29.1, on Sunday.

    (b) Any person violating subsection (a) shall be guilty of a class 3 misdemeanor.

    (Ord. of 9-7-93)

Lunenburg County

The following local ordinances apply in Lunenburg County:

• Sec. 58-52. - Hunting with firearm on or near primary or secondary highway. (reference)

  • (a) Statutory authorization. This section is enacted pursuant to the authority granted by the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Virginia as recited in Code of Virginia, § 29.1-526.

    (b) Definitions. The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this section, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this subsection, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:
    Hunting or hunt shall not include the necessary crossing of highways for the bona fide purpose of going into or leaving a lawful hunting area.

    (c) Prohibited. It shall be unlawful to hunt with a firearm any game bird or game animal while the hunting is on or within ten feet of any primary or secondary highway in the county.

    (d) Measuring distance. For the purpose of this section, the ten feet within which hunting is prohibited shall be measured from the water line of the ditches on either side of such primary or secondary highway.

    (e) Evidence of hunting. It shall be prima facie evidence that a person is hunting when the firearm carried by such person is loaded. For the purpose of this section, the term "loaded" shall mean a shell or bullet in the chamber of a shotgun or rifle.

    (f) Penalties for violation of section. Any person violating this section shall be guilty of a class 3 misdemeanor.

    (Ord. of 10-10-88, §§ 24-1—24-4)

• Sec. 58-53. - Muzzle loading weapons. (reference)

  • (a) Definitions. The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this section, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this subsection, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:
    Muzzle loading weapons means single shot weapons (percussion or flintlock) firing a single projectile, loaded from the muzzle end, propelled by black powder or black powder equivalent. Weapons used for deer must be at least 0.45 caliber, propelled by a minimum of 50 grains of black powder or black powder equivalent.

    (b) Hunting season. Hunting for game animals shall be allowed with muzzle loading weapons for the special one-week season beginning the second Monday in November and for five consecutive hunting days following as set by the Code of Virginia and controlled by the state department of game and inland fisheries. In addition, hunting with muzzle loading weapons shall be permitted for game animals during firearms deer season as set by the Code of Virginia and controlled by the state department of game and inland fisheries.

    (c) Nonmuzzle loading firearms and/or dogs. It shall be unlawful to have in immediate possession any firearm other than a muzzle loading weapon while hunting with a muzzle loading weapon in the special muzzle loading season. It shall be unlawful to hunt deer with dogs during the special muzzle loading season.

    (d) Violation and penalty. Anyone who violates this section will be guilty of a class 3 misdemeanor.

    (Ord. of 3-14-91, §§ 24-6—24-9; Ord. No. 01-96, 2-8-96)

    Secs. 58-54—58-75. - Reserved.

Lynchburg City

The following local ordinances apply in Lynchburg City:

• Sec. 27-67. - Throwing missiles, shooting; use of bows and arrows—Generally. (reference)

  • (a) No person shall in any street or public place recklessly or intentionally throw any stone, ball, or missile of any character in such a manner as to cause bodily injury to any person or damage to the property of any person, or discharge anywhere within the city limits any firearm, or discharge an arrow from a bow, except upon a properly located and constructed gunnery or archery range, approved by the chief of police, as hereinafter provided. The above provision shall not apply to peace officials or members of the armed forces of this state or the United States while acting in performance of their duties as such.

    (b) No minor under the age of 18 shall shoot or discharge any firearm, or arrow from a bow, except upon a properly located, constructed and approved gunnery or archery range, and then only under the immediate supervision of an adult.

    (c) Nothing herein shall apply to the use of a bow ten pounds or less of draw weight with a blunt rubber-tipped arrow.

    (d) This section shall not apply to any law enforcement officer in the performance of his official duties nor to any other person who's said willful act is otherwise justifiable or excusable at law in the protection of his life or property, or is otherwise specifically authorized by law.

    (e) Any person violating the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a class 1 misdemeanor.

    (Code 1959, § 33-1; Ord. No. O-81-166, § 1, 8-11-81; Ord. No. O-92-056, 2-25-92; Ord. No. O-06-080, 6-27-06; Ord. No. O-11-077, 6-14-11, eff. 7-1-11)

• Sec. 27-67.01. - Pneumatic guns. (reference)

  • (a) As used in this section, "pneumatic gun" means any implement, designed as a gun, that will expel a BB or a pellet by action of pneumatic pressure. "Pneumatic gun" includes a paintball gun that expels by action of pneumatic pressure plastic balls filled with paint for the purpose of marking the point of impact.

    (b) Pneumatic guns may be used at facilities approved for shooting ranges, or on or within private property with permission of the owner or legal possessor. Use thereof must be conducted with reasonable care to prevent a projectile from crossing the bounds of the property. "Reasonable care" means that the gun is being discharged so that the projectile will be contained on the property by a backstop, earthen embankment, or fence. The discharge of projectiles across or over the bounds of the property shall create the rebuttable presumption that the use of the pneumatic gun was not conducted with reasonable care. Minors may use such implements only under the following conditions:
    (1) Minors under the age of 16 must be supervised by a parent, guardian, or other adult supervisor approved by a parent or guardian and shall be responsible for obeying all laws, regulations, and restrictions governing the use thereof.
    (2) Minors 16 years of age and older must have the written consent of a parent or guardian and shall be responsible for obeying all laws, regulations and restrictions governing the use thereof.
    (3) Training of minors in the use of pneumatic guns shall be done only under direct supervision of a parent, guardian, junior reserve officers training corps instructor, or a certified instructor. Training of minors above the age of 16 may also be done without direct supervision if approved by the minor's instructor, with the permission of and under the responsibility of a parent or guardian, and in compliance with all requirements of this section. Ranges and instructors may be certified by the National Rifle Association, a state or federal agency that has developed a certification program, any service of the department of defense, or any person authorized by these authorities to certify ranges and instructors.
    (4) Commercial or private areas designated for use of pneumatic paintball guns may be established and operated for recreational use in areas where such facilities are permitted by the city's zoning ordinance. Equipment designed to protect the face and ears shall be provided to participants at such recreational areas, and signs must be posted to warn against entry into the paintball area by persons who are unprotected or unaware that paintball guns are in use.

    (c) A violation of this section shall constitute class 3 misdemeanor.

    (Ord. of 6-14-11, No. O-11-077, eff. 7-1-11)

• Sec. 27-67.1. - Same—Exception. (reference)

  • (a) The provisions of section 27-67 shall not apply to shotguns discharging pellets using number 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 shot under the following conditions:
    (1) On land that is 25 acres or more of contiguous area, and
    (2) Used primarily for agricultural purposes, and
    (3) The landowner has applied for an annual permit from the chief of police to use his property for this purpose.
    The permit shall be granted by the chief of police or his designee if the application meets the requirements of this section, and
    (4) The landowner has agreed to allow the city's wildlife management specialists on his property to cull deer under the conditions set forth in a Memorandum of Understanding between the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries and the city. A copy of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries and the city shall be kept in the police department and shall be available for review upon request. It shall be the responsibility of any landowner applying for a permit to review the memorandum of understanding and become familiar with its requirements.
    (5) Any person or persons discharging a shotgun as set forth above shall, at all times, while engaged in such activity, have in his possession written permission from the landowner to discharge such weapon on the premises.
    (6) All hunting must be done in compliance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia and the rules and regulations of the Board of Game and Inland Fisheries.
    (7) 00 to #4 shot may be used in shotguns for the sole purpose of hunting deer.
    (8) No person or persons shall hunt deer in the city by the use of a dog or dogs.

    (b) No person shall discharge a shotgun within 100 yards of any building, dwelling, street, sidewalk, alley, roadway or public land or public place within the city limits.

    (c) Any person engaging in hunting must comply with any conditions or restrictions imposed by the chief of police as a part of the permit.

    (Code 1959, § 33-1; Ord. of 9-7-76; Ord. No. O-92-048, 2-11-92; Ord. No. O-92-372, 12-8-92; Ord. No. O-02-126, 7-9-02; Ord. No. O-02-157, 8-13-02; Ord. No. O-10-107, 9-14-10)

• Sec. 27-67.3. - Bow hunting. (reference)

  • (a) The provisions of section 27-67 shall not apply when discharging an arrow from a bow for the purposes of deer hunting within the city limits during the early special urban archery season, the early special archery season, the full general firearms deer season or the late special archery season, as designated in regulations promulgated by the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, under the following conditions:
    (1) The landowner has applied for an annual permit from the chief of police to use his property for this purpose. The permit shall be granted by the chief of police or his designee if the application meets the requirements of this section, and
    (2) The landowner has agreed to allow the city's wildlife management specialists on his property to cull deer under the conditions set forth in a Memorandum of Understanding with the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries. A copy of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries and the city shall be kept in the police department and shall be available for review upon request. It shall be the responsibility of any landowner applying for a permit to review the Memorandum of Understanding and become familiar with its requirements.
    (3) Any person discharging a bow as set forth above shall, at all times, while engaged in such activity, have in his possession written permission from the landowner to discharge such a weapon on his premises, and
    (4) All hunting must be done in compliance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia and the rules and regulations of the Board of Game and Inland Fisheries, and

    (b) Discharge of a bow will be from an elevated position located at least 12 feet above the ground.

    (c) No person shall discharge a bow from, over or across any street, sidewalk, alley, roadway or public land or public place within the city limits or toward any building or dwelling in such a manner that an arrow may strike it.

    (d) No person shall hunt deer in the city by use of dog or dogs.

    (e) Any person engaging in deer hunting must comply with any conditions and restrictions imposed by the chief of police as part of the permit.

    (Ord. No. O-02-124, 6-25-02; Ord. No. O-02-126, 7-9-02; Ord. No. O-02-157, 8-13-02; Ord. No. O-02-162, 9-10-02; Ord. No. O-10-107, 9-14-10)

Madison County

The following local ordinances apply in Madison County:

• Sec. 18-49. - Carrying loaded firearms on public highways. (reference)

  • (a) Under the authority of Code of Virginia, § 15.2-1209.1, as amended, it shall be unlawful for any person to carry or have in his possession while on any part of a public highway within the County a loaded firearm when such person is not authorized to hunt on the private property on both sides of the highway along which he is standing or walking; provided, however, that this section shall not apply to persons carrying loaded firearms in moving vehicles, nor to persons acting at the time in defense of persons or property.

    (b) Any person violating this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be subject to a fine not exceeding $100.00 for each violation.

    (Ord. of 4-12-1983, § 1)

• Sec. 18-50. - Transportation of loaded rifle or shotgun. (reference)

  • (a) Under the authority of Code of Virginia, § 15.2-915.2, as amended, it shall be unlawful for any person to transport, possess or carry a loaded shotgun or loaded rifle in any vehicle on any public street, road or highway within the County; provided, however, that this section shall not apply to duly authorized law enforcement officers or military personnel in the performance of their lawful duties, nor to any person who reasonably believes that a loaded shotgun or loaded rifle is necessary for his personal safety in the course of his employment or business.

    (b) Any person violating this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be subject to a fine not exceeding $100.00 for each such violation.

    (Ord. of 4-12-1983, § 2)

• Sec. 18-51. - Hunting prohibited near highways. (reference)

  • (a) Under the authority of Code of Virginia, § 29.1-526, as amended, it shall be unlawful to hunt or attempt to hunt with a firearm any game bird or game animal while the hunting or attempting to hunt is on or within 100 yards of any primary or secondary highway in the County. For the purpose of this section, the term "hunt" or "attempt to hunt" shall not include the necessary crossing of such highways for the bona fide purpose of going into or leaving a lawful hunting area.

    (b) Any person violating this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be subject to a fine not exceeding $100.00 for each such violation.

    (Ord. of 4-12-1983, § 3)

Manassas City

The following local ordinances apply in Manassas City:

• Sec. 78-181. - Discharge of firearms and other weapons generally. (reference)

  • (a) If any person willfully discharges or causes to be discharged any firearm in any street in the city, or in any place of public business or place of public gathering, and such conduct does not result in bodily injury to another person, he shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

    (b) If any person discharges a firearm, crossbow or bow and arrow in or across any road, or within the right-of-way thereof, or in a street of the city, he shall, for each offense, be guilty of a Class 4 misdemeanor. The provisions of this subsection shall not apply to firing ranges or shooting matches maintained, and supervised or approved, by law enforcement officers and military personnel in performance of their lawful duties.

    (c) If any person discharges any firearm in any manner, or under any circumstances, not referred to in this section, that is not a felony offense under the law of the Commonwealth, he shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

    (d) Nothing in this section shall preclude the city from electing to prosecute under any other applicable provision of law or ordinance instead of this section.

    (e) This section shall not apply to any law enforcement officer in the performance of his official duties or to any other person whose willful act is otherwise justifiable or excusable at law in the protection of his life or property, or is otherwise specifically authorized by law.

    (f) This section shall not apply to the killing of deer pursuant to Code of Virginia, § 29.1-529. Such exemption shall apply on land of at least five acres that is zoned for agricultural use.

    (Code 1978, § 33-3)

    Charter reference— Authority of council to prohibit discharge of firearms, § 18(L).

    State Law reference— Similar provisions and authority of city to regulate or prohibit discharge of firearms, Code of Virginia, §§ 15.2-1113, 18.2-280, 18.2-286.

• Sec. 78-182. - Discharging slingshot or airgun. (reference)

  • It shall be unlawful for any person to discharge or use any slingshot, sling, gravel shooter, airgun or similar implement within the city.

    (Code 1978, § 33-4)

• Sec. 78-183. - Shooting arrow onto property of another. (reference)

  • It shall be unlawful for any person to shoot an arrow from a bow in a manner that can be reasonably expected to result in the impact of the arrow upon the property of another, without permission from the owner or tenant of such property. For the purposes of this section, the term "bow" includes all compound bows, crossbows, longbows and recurve bows having a peak draw weight of ten pounds or more. The term "bow" does not include bows which have a peak draw of less than ten pounds or which are designed or intended to be used principally as toys. The term "arrow" means a shaft-like projectile intended to be shot from a bow.

    (Code 1978, § 33-4)

    State Law reference— Similar provisions, Code of Virginia, § 15.2-916.

Manassas Park City

The following local ordinances apply in Manassas Park City:

• Sec. 26-3. - Discharging of firearms. (reference)

  • (a) It shall be unlawful for any person in the city to discharge any firearm, except in a shooting gallery constructed and operated in accordance with the regulations of the National Rifle Association.

    (b) This section shall not apply to any law enforcement officer in the discharge of his duties nor to any other person whose discharge of a firearm is justifiable or excusable at law in the protection of his life or property or in otherwise specifically authorized by law.

    (c) For purposes of this chapter 26, the term "firearm" means any weapon that will or is designed to or may readily be converted to expel single or multiple projectiles by the action of an explosion of a combustible material; or the frame or receiver of any such weapon.

    (Code 1971, § 30-2; Ord. No. 12-1700-914, § 1, 11-1-11)

    Cross reference— License tax for shooting galleries, § 14-90.

    State Law reference— Authority of city to regulate or prohibit discharge of firearms, Code of Virginia, § 15.2-1113; discharging firearms in streets or public places, §§ 18.2-280, 18.2-286.

• Sec. 26-5. - Discharging of pneumatic guns, slingshots, grit shooters, bows and arrows, etc. (reference)

  • (a) No person shall discharge or use in the city any non-explosive weapon (i.e., not a firearm, as defined in section 26-3 above), where such discharge or use is likely to do or cause injury to any person or property. For purposes of this chapter 26, the term "non-explosive weapon" means a pneumatic gun (e.g., paintball gun, BB gun, pellet gun, etc.), slingshot, grit shooter, bow and arrow or other non-explosive device designed or intended to be used to launch or shoot projectiles.

    (b) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in subsection (a) above, the use of non-explosive weapons shall not be prohibited at facilities approved for shooting ranges, on other property where firearms may be lawfully discharged, or on or within private property with permission of the owner or legal possessor thereof when conducted with reasonable care to prevent a projectile from crossing the bounds of the property.

    (Code 1971, § 30-3; Ord. No. 12-1700-914, § 1, 11-1-11)

• Sec. 17-39.1. - Hunting of birds, mammals or relics on city and private property. (reference)

  • (a) The city council hereby declares that all land owned by the city, and all land under option to purchase by the city, located within the city and Prince William County, Virginia (specifically the Signal Hill Tract, the Bull Run Tract, the Bobby Tract, the Conner Tract and all other unnamed land owned by the city) shall be posted to all hunting of birds and mammals (game and nongame) and it shall be unlawful for any person to carry or have in his possession any weapons legal in Virginia for hunting purposes on such land.

    (b) The hunting of relics or the use or possession of metal detectors shall be unlawful on all of the land referred to in subsection (a) above, unless written permission, authorized by the city council and signed by the mayor, is granted.

    (c) Any title owner of real property within the corporate limits of the city may request, in writing, that the city enforce the prohibition on the hunting of relics or the use of metal detectors, set forth in subsection (b) above, on such private property. Following receipt of such request by the city, the city will thereafter enforce the prohibition on the hunting of relics or the use of metal detectors on such private property until such time as the title owner of such private property rescinds his request in writing or the governing body amends or revokes this subsection accordingly.

    (Ord. No. 78-1700-129, 10-3-78; Ord. No. 07-1700-831, § 5, 5-15-07)

    Cross reference— Animals and fowl, Ch. 5; weapons, Ch. 26.

Martinsville City

The following local ordinances apply in Martinsville City:

• Sec. 24-2. - Discharging firearms—Generally. (reference)

  • (a) No person shall fire or discharge any gun, cannon, pistol or other firearm at any place within the city. A violation of this section shall constitute a Class 1 misdemeanor.

    (b) This section shall not apply to:
    (1) Any law-enforcement officer in the performance of his official duties, including the killing of coyotes or any other vicious or nuisance animal, as defined by the Virginia Department of Game and Inland fisheries; said discharge shall be as directed in policies and procedures adopted by the chief of police;
    (2) Any other person whose willful act is otherwise justifiable or excusable at law in the protection of his life or property or is otherwise specifically authorized by section 24-3 or by state law;
    (3) Veterans' organizations, historical heritage organizations, honor guards and color guards discharging blank cartridges at funerals, burials, parades or other commemorative, celebratory or educational events, or during practice exercises prior to such events.

    (c) Pursuant to Code of Virginia, § 15.2-1113, this section shall not apply to any person discharging a firearm while killing a deer pursuant to Code of Virginia, § 29.1-529, on land of at least five (5) acres that is zoned for agricultural use.

    (Code 1971, § 11-42; Ord. No. 2016-1, 8-9-2016; Ord. No. 2020-5, 11-10-2020)

    Charter reference— Authority of city to prohibit discharge of firearms, Ch. 1, § 2(22).

    Cross reference— Penalty for Class 1 misdemeanor, § 1-11.

    State Law reference— Authority of city to regulate or prohibit discharge of firearms, Code of Virginia, § 15.1-865; discharging firearms in streets or other public places, §§ 18.2-280, 18.2-286.

• Sec. 24-5. - Discharge of air guns, gravel shooters, etc. (reference)

  • No person shall shoot any air gun, gravel shooter, slingshot or any other type of missile-throwing device, which is capable of doing injury to persons or property, at any place within the city. A violation of this section shall constitute a Class 1 misdemeanor. This section shall not apply to the following:

    (1) Any ROTC student who is required to shoot an air gun or pellet gun as part of his training; providing this is done in the presence of, and under the supervision of, the ROTC instructor and/or his assistant at a site designated for this purpose by said instructor and approved by the chief of police.
    (2) Any person who shoots any missile-throwing device, such as the air gun, pellet gun or archery equipment, in the presence of, and under the supervision of, the operator, owner or designee of a facility designed for such use and approved by the chief of police.

    (Code 1971, § 11-3; Ord. No. 86-7, 9-25-86; Ord. No. 90-11, 7-24-90)

    Cross reference— Penalty for Class 1 misdemeanor, § 1-11.

• Sec. 24-6. - Killing of deer. (reference)

  • (a) Notwithstanding the provisions of any other ordinance in the Code of the city, it shall be legal for persons to discharge an arrow from a compound, recurve or cross bow, for the purpose of taking deer, within the city.

    (b) It shall be legal for any landowner in the city, or his designated agent, to discharge an arrow from a compound, recurve or cross bow, for the purpose of taking deer, at any time within the city, upon such landowner's filing of a statement with the city police department that deer have caused damage upon his or her property, and upon the police department's investigation and determination that such damage has in fact occurred and an official kill permit has been issued.

    (c) Any such discharge shall be subject to the regulations established by the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries and subject also to the following:
    (1) The police department is empowered to adopt such regulations additional to this section as it deems necessary for the administration of this section and granting of the permits.
    (2) All applicants for such hunting permits shall have held a valid Virginia hunting license and big game license. All applicants shall obtain written permission, evidenced by a form approved by the police department, from the owner of property on which he or she wishes to hunt. All permits and any such permission obtained from a landowner shall include a clause wherein both hunter and landowner agree to indemnify the city from all claims or other litigation arising from hunting pursuant to this section.
    (3) At all times while hunting pursuing to this section, hunters shall have on their person, the applicable Virginia licenses and the written permission of the landowner. No firearms other than a bow and arrow may be in the hunter's possession.
    (4) No discharge of an arrow shall be made toward any person, any animal other than a deer, any structure or any vehicle in such a manner as the arrow may strike such person, animal, structure or vehicle, nor shall a discharge be made in such a manner that the arrow may strike in any roadway. An arrow striking any of the foregoing shall create a rebuttable presumption that it was discharged in violation of this section. Discharge of an arrow is permitted only in order to take a deer pursuant to this section.
    (5) All hunting shall be conducted from platforms elevated at least seven (7) feet above the ground; such platform may include hunting stands, porches and decks. Any hunting stands employed to hunt deer shall be temporary or ladder stands; permanent stands may not be installed. Any disabled hunter unable to hunt from such a platform must comply with all regulations established by the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries for the discharge of crossbows.
    (6) No pursuit of an injured or wounded deer shall be permitted upon the land of neighboring landowners unless the hunter has first obtained permission from that landowner. No field dressing of deer shall be permitted without the permission of the landowner. Any person hunting pursuant to this section must make a good faith effort to locate any such landowner and to obtain the required permission. In the event the landowner cannot be located and a deer carcass is left upon such property, a written note must be left by the hunter on any residence or, lacking a residence, upon the largest structure upon the property stating that a deer carcass has been left on the property. A hunter with permission to hunt or to enter property must remove all deer harvested from the property.
    (7) Violation of this section shall be punished as a Class 1 misdemeanor.

    (Ord. No. 2003-10, 7-8-2003; Ord. No. 2004-7, 3-23-2004; Ord. No. 2004-18, 10-26-2004; Ord. No. 2006-2, 4-25-2006)

Mecklenburg County

The following local ordinances apply in Mecklenburg County:

• Sec. 46-123. - Hunting with firearm on or near highway. (reference)

  • (a) It shall be unlawful to hunt, or attempt to hunt, with a firearm any game bird or game animal while such person is on any primary or secondary state maintained highway and within the side ditches of such highway in the county. For the purpose of this section, the term "hunt" or "attempt to hunt" shall not include the necessary crossing of such highways for the bona fide purpose of going into or leaving a lawful hunting area.

    (b) Any violation of this section shall be a class 3 misdemeanor.

    (Code 1977, § 16-11; Ord. of 4-13-1992)

    State Law reference— Authority for above section, Code of Virginia, § 29.1-526.

• Sec. 46-124. - Hunting in and around Merrifield Acres Subdivision. (reference)

  • (a) It shall be unlawful for any person to discharge, hunt or attempt to hunt with any gun, or to hunt or attempt to hunt any game animal or game bird with a firearm, or other weapon except bows, in the Merrifield Acres Subdivision, including lands immediately adjacent to such subdivision which are owned and under the control of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Hunting within the Merrifield Acres Subdivision using bows is not prohibited hereby.

    (b) All law enforcement officers in the state and county, and employees of the state board of game and inland fisheries who are vested with police powers shall enforce the provisions of this section, and are empowered to arrest, without warrant, persons violating any provision of this section. All such enforcement officers may serve and execute all warrants and other process issued by the courts in enforcing the provisions of this section.

    (c) Any violation of this section shall be a class 3 misdemeanor.

    (d) The Merrifield Acres Subdivision shall be responsible for posting property in and around such subdivision and for providing proper notice to the public.

    (Ord. of 9-10-1990(3), § 16-12; Ord. of 10-9-2007)

Middlesex County

The following local ordinances apply in Middlesex County:

• Sec. 22-22. - Hunting - General prohibition. (reference)

  • The hunting or attempting to hunt with a firearm of any game bird or game animal while the hunting or attempting to hunt is on the roadway or right-of-way of any primary or secondary highway in the county is prohibited. For the purpose of this article, the term "hunt" or "attempting to hunt" shall not include the necessary crossing of such highways for the bona fide purpose of going into or leaving a lawful hunting area.

    (Ord. of 4-26-1982, § 2)

• Sec. 22-51. - Unlawful discharge of a firearm in Piankatank Shores. (reference)

  • (a) It shall be unlawful to shoot or discharge any firearm in the following described area of the county: Piankatank Shores Subdivision. All those certain lots or parcels of land lying along each side and at the end of State Route 690, shown on Tax Map 37A, and recorded within the deed books of the circuit court clerk's office of the county, at the following pages: Section A-Book 80, page 294; Section B-Book 81, page 290; Section C-Book 81, page 301; Section D-Book 84, page 83; Section E-Book 85, page 442; Section G-Book 86, page 166; Section H-Book 86, page 171.
    (1) In addition, the prohibitions contained herein shall not apply to the killing of deer pursuant to Code of Virginia, § 29.1-529, pertaining to killing of deer or bear damaging fruit trees, crops, livestock, or personal property or creating a hazard to aircraft or motor vehicles. In addition, the exemption for the shooting of firearms shall apply only on land of at least five acres that is zoned for agricultural use.
    (2) This section shall not apply to police officers lawfully engaged in the pursuit of their duties or for the firearms being fired or discharged while protecting life.

    (b) Any violation of this section shall constitute a Class 1 misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and/or a $2,500.00 fine.

    (Ord. of 11-7-2006, §§ 1, 2)

Nelson County

The following local ordinances apply in Nelson County:

• Sec. 8-1. - Hunting near primary and secondary highways. (reference)

  • (a) It shall be unlawful for any person to carry or have in his possession while on any part of a public highway within the county a loaded rifle or shotgun when such person is not authorized to hunt on the private property on both sides of the highway along which he is standing or walking.

    (b) Any person violating this section shall be liable to a fine not to exceed one hundred dollars ($100.00) for each such violation.

    (c) All law enforcement officers authorized to act as such within the county shall have the power to enforce this section, including but not limited to all duly appointed and acting game wardens.

    (d) "Loaded rifle or shotgun" as used in this section is defined as a rifle or shotgun with ammunition within the action chamber, magazine or clip which is within or on the rifle or shotgun.

    (e) The provisions of this section shall not apply to persons carrying loaded firearms in moving vehicles nor to persons acting at the time in defense of persons or property.

    (Res. of 4-12-83)

    State Law reference— Shooting firearms or hunting in heavily populated areas, Code of Virginia, §§ 15.1-518, 15.1-518.1; carrying loaded firearms on public highways, Code of Virginia, § 18.2-287; hunting or trapping near primary and secondary highways, Code of Virginia, § 29.1-526.

New Kent County

The following local ordinances apply in New Kent County:

• Sec. 46-222. - Firearms not to be carried in vehicle, when loaded; enforcement. (reference)

  • (a) Except as otherwise provided by law, no person shall transport, possess or carry any loaded shotgun or rifle in any vehicle on any public street, road or highway in the county. This section shall be enforced by conservation police officers, sheriffs, and all other law enforcement officers.

    (b) The provisions of this section shall not apply to duly-authorized law enforcement officers or military personnel in the performance of their lawful duties, or to any person who reasonably believes that a loaded rifle or shotgun is necessary for his personal safety in the course of his employment or business.

    (c) Any person convicted of violating the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be punished by a fine not to exceed $100.00.

    (Code 1999, § 12-43; Ord. No. O-01-14, 1-13-2014)

    Cross reference— Traffic and vehicles, ch. 70.

    State Law reference— Enabling laws pertaining to carrying or transporting loaded firearms, Code of Virginia, § 15.2-915.2; Uniform Machine Gun Act, Code of Virginia, § 18.2-288 et seq.; Sawed-off Shotgun and Sawed-off Rifle Act, Code of Virginia, § 18.2-299 et seq.; other illegal weapons, Code of Virginia, § 18.2-308 et seq.

• Sec. 46-223. - Firearms not to be used for hunting on or near highways. (reference)

  • (a) The hunting with a firearm of any game bird or game animal while the hunting is on or within 100 yards of any primary or secondary highway in the county is hereby prohibited.

    (b) For the purpose of this section, the term "hunt" shall not include the necessary crossing of such highways for the bona fide purpose of going into or leaving a lawful hunting area.

    (c) Any person who violates this section shall be guilty of a class 3 misdemeanor.

    (Code 1999, § 12-44; Ord. No. O-01-14, 1-13-2014)

    State Law reference— Authority for above section, Code of Virginia, § 29.1-526.

• Sec. 46-225. - Hunting with muzzle loading rifle. (reference)

  • Any other provision of law notwithstanding, during the prescribed open season for the hunting and killing of big game, the hunting of big game with muzzle loading rifles is expressly permitted, provided that such use shall be subject to the same rules and regulations, whether state or local, which apply to the use of any other firearm. The hunting of big game with any other rifle is expressly prohibited. Any person who violates this section shall be guilty of a class 3 misdemeanor.

    (Code 1999, § 12-46; Ord. No. O-11-13, 10-15-2013)

    State Law reference— Hunting with certain firearms, Code of Virginia, § 29.1-528.

• Sec. 46-226. - Turkey shoots; operation. (reference)

  • (a) It shall be unlawful for any person to conduct a turkey shoot or any shooting match or similar activity involving the discharge of firearms at a target or targets with the object of such activity to determine a winner of a prize, such as a turkey or pork ham or other food stuff or other prize, unless the following conditions are met:
    (1) No firearm used in such event shall be discharged within 150 feet of any public or semipublic road or highway.
    (2) No such event shall be conducted after 10:00 p.m. and before 9:00 a.m. of the following day, except that on Friday and Saturday nights, events may continue until 11:00 p.m.
    (3) No such event shall be conducted within any residential subdivision, as defined by chapter 90.

    (b) Any person who violates this section shall be guilty of a class 2 misdemeanor.

    (Code 1999, § 12-41)

Newport News City

The following local ordinances apply in Newport News City:

• Sec. 43-3. - Prohibition on possession of firearms. (reference)

  • (a) No person shall possess, carry or transport any firearm, ammunition for a firearm, or any components or combination thereof in any of the following locations:
    (1) Any building, or part thereof, owned or used by the City of Newport News, or by any authority or local governmental entity created or controlled by the City of Newport News, for governmental purposes. In buildings not owned by the City of Newport News, or by any authority or local governmental entity created or controlled by the City of Newport News, this section shall apply only to the part of the building that is being used for a governmental purpose and when such building, or part thereof, is being used for a governmental purpose.
    (2) Any recreation or community center facility operated by the City of Newport News or by any authority or local governmental entity created or controlled by the City of Newport News.

    (b) Notice of this section shall be posted as required by § 15.2-915 of the Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended.

    (c) Pursuant to this section, the City may implement security measures that are designed to prevent the unauthorized access of such buildings or recreation or community center facilities by a person with any firearms, ammunition, or components or combination thereof, such as the use of metal detectors or other weapons detection systems and increased use of security personnel. Security personnel, law enforcement, and any other authorized government employee or agent may deny entry to any of the locations covered by this section to any person with any firearms, ammunition, or components or combination thereof, and may direct such person to leave said location. Failure to leave after being so directed may result in trespassing charges under applicable law.

    (d) Exceptions. The provisions of this section shall not apply to:
    (1) Sworn law enforcement officers;
    (2) Active-duty military personnel acting within the scope of their official duties;
    (3) City of Newport News park rangers acting within the scope of their official duties;
    (4) Duly authorized employees of the City of Newport News fire department assigned to the fire marshal's office or bomb team, acting within the scope of their official duties;
    (5) Authorized participants in city sponsored educational programs, such as battle re-enactments or living history demonstrations;
    (6) Security guards employed or contracted by the City of Newport News or by any authority or local governmental entity created or controlled by the City of Newport News, in the performance of their lawful duties;
    (7) The activities of (i) a Senior Reserve Officers' Training Corps program operated at a public or private institution of higher education in accordance with the provisions of 10 U.S.C. § 2101 et seq. or (ii) any intercollegiate athletics program operated by a public or private institution of higher education and governed by the National Collegiate Athletic Association or any club sports team recognized by a public or private institution of higher education where the sport engaged in by such program or team involves the use of a firearm. Such activities shall follow strict guidelines developed by such institutions for these activities and shall be conducted under the supervision of staff officials of such institutions;
    (8) Any individually authorized hunting or game reduction program expressly permitted by an official of a public or private institution of higher education;
    (9) An otherwise lawfully possessed firearm, ammunition, components or combination thereof, stored out of sight in a locked private motor vehicle lawfully parked on City property or on a public street;
    (10) Individuals who are authorized to carry a concealed firearm pursuant to the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act, 18 U.S.C. §§ 926B and 926C, as amended.
    (11) Other City of Newport News employees and officials authorized by the city manager to carry a firearm, acting within the scope of that authorization.

    (e)Violations of this section shall be punishable by a civil penalty of five hundred dollars ($500.00).

    (Ord. No. 7636-20, § 1; Ord. No. 8037-24, § 1)

• Sec. 43-9. - Discharge of firearms generally. (reference)

  • Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, it shall be unlawful for any person to discharge a firearm within the City of Newport News, Virginia.

    (Ord. No. 265, § 2; Ord. No. 955, § 1; Code 1961, § 42-5; Ord. No. 3284-85; Ord. No. 3906-89; Ord. No. 6882-12, § 2)

    Editor's note— Ord. No. 6882-12 shall be in effect on and after July 1, 2012.

    State Law reference— Authority of city to regulate or prohibit the discharge of firearms, Code of Virginia, § 15.2-1113; discharging firearms in city street or other public places, Code of Virginia, §§ 18.2-280, 18.2-286.

• Sec. 43-10. - Pneumatic guns. (reference)

  • (a) Pneumatic guns may be used at facilities approved for shooting ranges, on other property where firearms may be discharged, or on or within private property with the permission of the owner or legal possessor thereof. Such use must be conducted with reasonable care to prevent a projectile from crossing the bounds of the property.(b)Minors may use pneumatic guns under the following conditions:
    (1) Minors under the age of 16 must be supervised by a parent, guardian, or other adult supervisor approved by a parent or guardian in all uses of pneumatic guns.
    (2) Minors 16 years of age or older may use pneumatic guns with the written consent of a parent or guardian.
    (3) Any minor, whether permitted by a parent or guardian to use a pneumatic gun or not, shall be responsible for obeying all laws, regulations, and restrictions governing the use of pneumatic guns.
    (4) Training of minors in the use of pneumatic guns shall be done only under direct supervision of a parent, guardian, Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps instructor, or a certified instructor. Training of minors 16 years of age or older may also be done without direct supervision if approved by the minor's instructor, with the permission of and under the responsibility of a parent or guardian, and in compliance with all requirements of this section. Ranges and instructors may be certified by the National Rifle Association, a state or federal agency that has developed a certification program, any service of the Department of Defense, or any person authorized by these authorities to certify ranges and instructors.

    (c) Commercial or private areas designated for the use of pneumatic paintball guns may be established and operated for recreational use in areas where such facilities are permitted by the city's zoning ordinance. Equipment designed to protect the face and ears shall be provided to participants at such recreational areas, and signs must be posted to warn against entry into the paintball area by persons who are unprotected or unaware that paintball guns are in use.

    (d) A violation of this section shall constitute a Class 3 misdemeanor.

    (Ord. No. 265, § 6; Code 1961, § 42-6; Ord. No. 3284-85; Ord. No. 6882-12, § 2)

    Editor's note— Ord. No. 6882-12 shall be in effect on and after July 1, 2012.

• Sec. 43-46. - Bows and Arrows - Shooting or discharging generally. (reference)

  • It shall be unlawful for any person to shoot an arrow from a bow in a manner that can be reasonably expected to result in the impact of the arrow upon the property of another without permission from the owner or tenant of such property. For purposes of this article, "bow" includes all compound bows, crossbows, longbows and recurve bows having a peak draw weight of ten pounds or more. The term "bow" does not include bows which have a peak draw of less than ten pounds or which are designed or intended to be used principally as toys. The term "arrow" means a shaft-like projectile intended to be shot from a bow.

    (Ord. No. 1085, § 1; Code 1961, § 42-26; Ord. No. 6882-12, § 2)

    Editor's note— Ord. No. 6882-12 shall be in effect on and after July 1, 2012.

Norfolk City

The following local ordinances apply in Norfolk City:

• Sec. 12-34. - Hunting, shooting and fishing. (reference)

  • No person shall fish or hunt or shoot within the grounds of the cemeteries or to discharge any firearms or fireworks on or over the same.

    (Code 1958, § 10.1-24)

Northampton County

The following local ordinances apply in Northampton County:

• § 95.03 USE OF RIFLES OR DOGS TO HUNT DEER. (reference)

  • (A) This section is enacted pursuant to authority granted by VA Code §§ 29.1-528 and 15.2-1200, as amended.

    (B) It shall be unlawful for any person to hunt deer in the County of Northampton with a rifle; provided, however, that persons to whom a permit has been issued pursuant to VA Code § 29.1-529 may exercise their right under the permit with a rifle from an elevation of at least three feet or higher.

    (C) Notwithstanding the prohibition of division (B), it shall be lawful to hunt deer with muzzle-loading rifles (single flintlock or percussion weapons) during any special season for such hunting and during the general firearms deer season if such muzzle-loading rifle be of a caliber not less than .45 rim fire, that it fire a single lead projectile of the same caliber (no sabots), that it be loaded from the muzzle end and that the projectile be propelled by a minimum of 50 grains of black powder or black powder equivalent (Pyrodex). This exception to the provisions of division (B) of this section shall permit the use of telescopic sights but not muzzle-loading pistols.

    (D) It shall be unlawful for any person to have in his possession any telescopic sight, muzzle-loading pistol or any firearm other than a muzzle-loading rifle while hunting with a muzzle-loaded rifle in a special muzzle-loading season.

    (E) It shall be unlawful for any person to hunt deer with dogs in the County of Northampton.

    (F) The muzzle-loading season shall be that season designated as such by the Board of Game and Inland Fisheries and the general firearms deer season in Northampton County.

    (G) Hunting includes taking, hunting, pursuing, chasing or shooting and lesser acts, such as attempting to take, hunt, pursue, chase or shoot, and any act of assistance to any person who is hunting or attempting to do so whether the same results in taking or not.

    (H) Any person violating any provision of this section shall be guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by a fine of not more than $500.

    (Ord. passed 4-8-1991; Am. Ord. passed 6-14-1993; Am. Ord. passed 9-11-1995; Am. Ord. 5-13-2002)

Northumberland County

The following local ordinances apply in Northumberland County:

• § 83-1 - Hunting on Highways - Restrictions; violations and penalties. (reference)

  • Pursuant to § 29.1-526 of the Code of Virginia, the hunting or attempting to hunt with a firearm of any game bird or game animal while such hunting or attempting to hunt is on any primary or secondary highway (right-of-way) of Northumberland County, Virginia, is prohibited, and that any violation hereof shall be a Class 3 misdemeanor.

• § 83-3 Prohibited firearms. (reference)

  • Pursuant to § 29.1-528 of the Code of Virginia, it shall be unlawful to hunt in Northumberland County with a rifle of a caliber larger than .22 caliber rimfire except as hereinafter permitted.

• § 83-4 Hunting of groundhogs and coyotes. (reference)

  • This article permits the hunting of groundhogs with a rifle larger than .22 rimfire between March 1 and August 31 and the hunting of coyotes with a rifle of a caliber larger than .22 rimfire except during the general firearm season.

• § 83-5Muzzle-loading rifles. (reference)

  • A. This article further permits the use of muzzle-loading rifles during any special muzzle-loading season as prescribed by the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries.

    B. This article further permits the use of muzzle-loading rifles during the general season for deer, provided that the muzzle loading rifle:
    (1) (Reserved)[1]
    (2) Shall be a single shot flint lock or percussion ignition rifle.
    (3) Shall be a .45 caliber or larger.
    (4) (Reserved)[2]
    (5) Shall be loaded from the muzzle of the rifle.
    (6) Shall use at least 50 grains of black powder or black powder equivalent.

    [1] Editor's Note: Former Subsection B(1), regarding use of an elevated stand, was repealed 4-13-2000.
    [2] Editor's Note: Former Subsection B(4), regarding use of only single lead bullets or saboted nonjacketed lead projectiles, was repealed 6-10-1999.

• § 72-7 - Firearms on Public Highways - Unlawful possession. (reference)

  • Pursuant to § 15.2-1209.1 of the Code of Virginia, it shall be unlawful for any person to carry or have in his or her possession, while on any part of a public highway within Northumberland County, a loaded firearm when such person is not authorized to hunt on private property on both sides of the highway along which he or she is standing or walking.

Norton City

The following local ordinances apply in Norton City:

• Sec. 14-73. - Carrying axe, saw, etc., while hunting on land of another. (reference)

  • It shall be unlawful for any person, while hunting for game or wildlife on the property of another, to carry any axe, other than a belt axe with a handle less than twenty (20) inches, saw or other tool or instrument customarily used for the purpose of cutting, felling, mutilating or destroying trees without obtaining prior permission of the landowner. Any person violating the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor.

    (Ord. of 11-16-82(3), § 38)

    Cross reference— Penalty for Class 3 misdemeanor, § 1-11.

    State Law reference— Similar provisions, Code of Virginia, § 18.2-141.

• Sec. 14-138. - Discharging firearm in or along road or in street. (reference)

  • (a) If any person discharges a firearm in or across any road, or within the right-of-way thereof, or in a street, he shall, for each offense, be guilty of a Class 4 misdemeanor.

    (b) The provisions of this section shall not apply to firing ranges or shooting matches maintained and supervised or approved, by law-enforcement officers and military personnel in the performance of their lawful duties.

    (Ord. of 11-16-82, § 61; Ord. of 10-17-95, § 18.2-286)

    Cross reference— Penalty for Class 4 misdemeanor, § 1-11.

    State Law reference— Similar provisions, Code of Virginia, § 18.2-286.

• Sec. 14-139. - Throwing stones, etc., or discharging bow, gravel shooter or air gun. (reference)

  • (a) No person shall throw stones, sticks or other dangerous missiles or discharge arrows, nails or bullets from a bow or crossbow in any street or anywhere within the city limits discharge shot, gravel, bullets or other similar substances from a gravel shooter, air gun or similar implement.

    (b) A violation of this section shall constitute a Class 4 misdemeanor.

    (Code 1975, § 13-12)

    Cross reference— Penalty for Class 4 misdemeanor, § 1-11.

• Sec. 14-144. - Prohibition against discharge of firearms. (reference)

  • (a) It shall be unlawful to discharge a firearm within the corporate limits of the City of Norton, except as provided herein.

    (b) Exceptions:
    (1) The provisions of this section shall not apply to firing ranges or shooting matches maintained and supervised or approved, by law enforcement officers and military personnel in the performance of their duties.
    (2) The provisions of this section shall not apply to law enforcement officers in the lawful performance of their duties.
    (3) The provisions of this section shall not apply to any person engaged in excusable or justifiable self-defense.

    (c) Any person in violation of this section shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

    (Ord. of 6-17-03; Res. of 9-5-17, § 1)

Orange County

The following local ordinances apply in Orange County:

• Sec 42-31 Possession Of Loaded Firearms Prohibited (reference)

  • (a) Pursuant to the authority of Code of Virginia, § 15.2-1209.1, it shall be unlawful for any person to carry or have in his possession, for the purpose of hunting, while on any part of a public highway within the county a loaded firearm when such person is not authorized to hunt on the private property on both sides of the highway along which he is standing or walking. This section shall not apply to persons carrying loaded firearms in moving vehicles, or for purposes other than hunting, or to persons acting at the time in defense of persons or property.

    (b) Any persons violating this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be subject to a fine not exceeding $100.00 for each such violation.

    (Ord. of 12-13-2011)

• Sec 42-32 Possession During Open Deer Season (reference)

  • (a) Pursuant to the authority of Code of Virginia, § 15.2-915.2, it shall, during open deer season in the county, be unlawful for any person to transport, possess or carry a loaded shotgun or loaded rifle in any vehicle on any public street, road or highway within the county. This section shall not apply to duly authorized law enforcement officers or military personnel in the performance of their lawful duties, nor to any person who reasonably believes that a loaded shotgun or loaded rifle is necessary for his personal safety in the course of his employment or business.

    (b) Any person violating this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be subject to a fine not exceeding $100.00 for each such violation.

    (Ord. of 4-14-1992, § 3)

• Sec 42-33 Hunting Game Birds Or Animals Near Highways (reference)

  • (a) Pursuant to the authority of Code of Virginia, § 29.1-526, it shall be unlawful to hunt with a firearm any game bird or game animal while the hunting is on or within 100 yards of any primary or secondary highway in the county. For the purpose of this section, the term “hunt” shall not include the necessary crossing of such highways for the bona fide purpose of going into or leaving a lawful hunting area.

    (b) Any person violating this section shall be guilty of a class 3 misdemeanor and shall be subject to punishment as provided in section 1-15.

    (Ord. of 4-14-1992, § 4)

Patrick County

The following local ordinances apply in Patrick County:

• No hunting within 25' of highway (reference)

  • It shall be unlawful in the County of Patrick to hunt or attempt to hunt with a firearm, any game bird or game animal while the hunting or attempting to hunt is on or withing twenty-five (25) feet of any primary or secondary highway in said County.

Petersburg City

The following local ordinances apply in Petersburg City:

• Sec. 74-209. - Hunting and trapping within the city limits. (reference)

  • It shall be lawful to trap and hunt, with shotgun using shotgun shells, wildlife, as defined in Code of Virginia, tit. 29.1, except freshwater fish, in those areas of the city zoned agricultural; except that it shall not be lawful to hunt or attempt to hunt in such areas on or within 100 yards of any public highway or public street.

    (Code 1981, §§ 6-10, 39-9)

    State Law reference— "Wildlife" defined, Code of Virginia, § 29.1-100.

• Sec. 74-208. - Discharging firearms generally. (reference)

  • Any person who shall shoot any gun or other firearm anywhere within the city limits, except when justifiable or excusable at law in the protection of life or property, shall be guilty of a class 1 misdemeanor. This section shall not apply to any person engaged in the repair of firearms who, in connection with such business, shall shoot such firearms, for the purpose of testing such firearms, at a place and under conditions specified in a permit obtained by such person from the chief of police. Upon the filing of an application for such a permit, the chief of police shall give the applicant ten days' notice of a hearing thereon and shall then proceed to investigate the character and reputation and the record of such applicant, the location of the place at which such testing is to be done and the suitability of the location from the standpoint of safety. At such hearing the applicant shall be given an opportunity to be heard on the matters required to be investigated and the chief of police shall grant or refuse the application on the basis of his finding relative to such matters. The chief of police may, in any case where such a permit has been granted, revoke the permit upon ten days' notice to the person holding such a permit of a hearing to be held thereon and, at such hearing, such person shall have an opportunity to be heard on the matters which are required to be investigated and the chief of police shall then revoke or continue the permit on the basis of his findings relative to such matters.

    (Code 1981, § 39-8)

    State Law reference— Authority of city to regulate or prohibit discharge of firearms, Code of Virginia, § 15.2-1113; discharging firearms in streets or other public places, Code of Virginia, §§ 18.2-280, 18.2-286.

• Sec. 74-210. - Pneumatic guns, paintball guns, grit shooters, air guns, etc. (reference)

  • (a) Discharging. Any person who shall, anywhere within the corporate limits of the city, discharge any shot, gravel, bullet, pellet, BB or other similar substance from a pneumatic gun, paintball gun, grit shooter, air gun, slingshot or similar implement shall be guilty of a class 3 misdemeanor.

    (b) Exceptions. This article shall not apply to the use of pneumatic guns, paintball guns, grit shooters, air guns, slingshots, or similar implements at facilities approved, on other property where firearms or similar implements may be discharged or within private property with the permission of the owner or legal possessor thereof when conducted with reasonable care to prevent a projectile from crossing the bounds of the property.

    (c) Carrying in public street. Any person who shall carry in the public streets any pneumatic gun, paintball gun, grit shooter, air gun, slingshot or anything of like kind, which is generally used for shooting, slinging grit, gravel, stone or any other things, shall be guilty of a class 3 misdemeanor.

    (d) Definitions. The following words, terms and phrases when used in this article, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this subsection, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:

    Paintball gun means any implement (i) designed to expel by action of pneumatic pressure plastic balls filled with paint, and (ii) used for the purpose of marking the point of impact.

    Pneumatic gun means any implement (i) designed as a gun, and (ii) designed to expel a BB, bullet, pellet or anything of like kind by action of pneumatic pressure.

    (Code 1981, §§ 39-10, 39-11; Ord. No. 13-62, 7-2-2013)

    Cross reference— Authority for above section, Code of Virginia, § 15.2-915.4.

• Sec. 74-211. - Throwing stones or other missiles (reference)

  • (a) In street. Any person who shall throw stones, sticks or other dangerous missiles in any street shall be guilty of a class 4 misdemeanor.

    (b) From bridge over highway, railway, etc. It shall be unlawful for any person to throw any stick, stone, missile or object of any character from any bridge of the city leading over a public highway, railway, road or street. Any person violating this section shall be guilty of a class 2 misdemeanor.

    (Code 1981, §§ 39-12, 39-13)

• Sec. 74-212. - Transporting a loaded rifle or shotgun. (reference)

  • (a) It shall be unlawful for any person to transport, possess or carry a loaded shotgun or loaded rifle in any vehicle on any public street, road or highway within the city. Any violation of this section shall be punishable by a fine of not more than $100.00.

    (b) The provisions of this section shall not apply to duly authorized law enforcement officers or military personnel in the performance of their lawful duties nor to any person who reasonably believes that a loaded rifle or shotgun is necessary for his personal safety in the course of his employment or business.

    (Code 1981, § 39-14)

    State Law reference— Authority for above section, Code of Virginia, § 18.2-287.1.

Pittsylvania County

The following local ordinances apply in Pittsylvania County:

• SEC. 12-6. HUNTING ON HIGHWAYS OR HIGHWAY RIGHT OF WAYS. (reference)

  • (a) Hunting or attempting to hunt, with a firearm of any game bird or game animal while the hunting or attempting to hunt is on the highway or right of way of the same in Pittsylvania County is prohibited.

    (b) Any violation of this ordinance shall be punishable as a Class 3 misdemeanor.

    (c) The term “hunt” or “attempt to hunt” shall not include the necessary crossing of such highways for the bona fide purpose of going into or leaving a lawful hunting area.

    Authority: Virginia Code Section 29.1-526 (B.S.M. 4-6-92)

Poquoson City

The following local ordinances apply in Poquoson City:

• Sec. 54-202. - Discharge of pneumatic guns and firearms generally. (reference)

  • (a) It shall be unlawful for any person to discharge a pneumatic gun or firearm from land or any boat, barge, skiff, or other similar vessel along, across or toward, or within 300 yards of any paved public street, highway or road or any building in the city except as provided for in Code of Virginia § 15.2-915.4(b).

    (b) The discharge or use of a rifle, except for a .22 caliber rim fire, is hereby prohibited within the city limits.

    (c) The use of muzzle-loading rifles during the prescribed open seasons for the hunting of game species is permitted in the city; provided, however, that 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 legally handicapped persons.

    (d) A violation of this section shall constitute a Class 3 misdemeanor.

    (Ord. No. 1475, § 1, 11-12-2013)

• Sec. 54-207. - Hunting with firearms. (reference)

  • It shall be unlawful to hunt in the City of Poquoson in violation of Code of Virginia § 29.1-526.

    (Ord. No. 1475, § 1, 11-12-2013)

Portsmouth City

The following local ordinances apply in Portsmouth City:

• Sec. 9-54. - Hunting or fishing. (reference)

  • It shall be unlawful for any person to hunt or fish within the grounds of any city cemetery.

    (Code 1973, § 7-46; Code 1988, § 9-58)

• Sec. 24-67. - Discharging firearm across or within streets. (reference)

  • (a) If any person discharges a firearm in or across any road, or within the right-of-way thereof, or in any street, he shall, for each offense, be guilty of a class 4 misdemeanor.

    (b) The provisions of this section shall not apply to firing ranges or shooting matches maintained, and supervised or approved, by law enforcement officers and military personnel in performance of their lawful duties.

    (Code 1973, § 21-37; Code 1988, § 24-70; Ord. No. 1993-51, § 1, 6-22-1993)

    Cross reference— Penalty for class 4 misdemeanor, § 1-11.

    State Law reference— Authority of city to adopt above section, Code of Virginia, § 15.2-113; discharging firearms in or across street, Code of Virginia, § 18.2-286.

• Sec. 24-68. - Discharging bows, crossbows, slingshots in public places. (reference)

  • If any person willfully discharges or causes to be discharged any arrows, nails or bullets from a bow or crossbow, or stones from a sling or any other similar implement in any public place or place of public gathering he shall be guilty of a class 1 misdemeanor.

    (Code 1973, § 21-32; Code 1988, § 24-71)

    Cross reference— Penalty for class 1 misdemeanor, § 1-11.

• Sec. 24-69. - Hunting with firearms while under influence of intoxicant or narcotic drug. (reference)

  • It shall be unlawful for any person to hunt with firearms in the city while under the influence of alcohol, or while under the influence of any narcotic drug or any other self-administered intoxicant or drug of whatsoever nature. Any person violating the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a class 2 misdemeanor. Game wardens, sheriffs and all other law enforcement officers shall enforce the provisions of this section.

    (Code 1973, § 21-36; Code 1988, § 24-73)

    Cross reference— Penalty for class 3 misdemeanor, § 1-11.

    State Law reference— Similar provisions, Code of Virginia, § 18.2-285.

Prince George County

The following local ordinances apply in Prince George County:

• Sec. 6-6. - Hunting with rifle of .23 caliber or larger; hunting of groundhogs with rifle of .22 caliber or larger; use of muzzle-loading rifles; legally handicapped hunting license. (reference)

  • (a) Deer and bear hunting with a rifle of a .23 caliber or larger during the prescribed open seasons is allowed in the county as follows:
    (1) The person shall hunt only from an elevated stand located at least ten feet above the ground.
    (2) The rifle may have a round in its chamber only when it is on the elevated stand.
    (3) The person complies with all safety and other regulations of this Code and the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources.

    (b) Hunting of groundhogs with a rifle of a .22 caliber or larger between March 1 and August 31 of each year is permitted, and a rifle of a .22 caliber or larger may be used for hunting all other game, bird and varmint species as allowed by state law and regulations.

    (c) Deer hunting with a shotgun loaded with slugs is permitted during the prescribed open seasons so long as such hunting is conducted from a stand located at least ten feet in elevation above the ground, and the person must comply with all safety and other regulations of this Code and the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources.

    (d) 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, and the person must comply with all safety and other regulations of this Code and the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources.

    (e) The provisions of Code of Virginia § 29.1-528.2 shall exempt a permanently disabled hunter, as defined in Virginia Code § 58.1-3217, from the requirements of this section regarding hunting from an elevated stand located at least ten feet above the ground.

    (f) Nothing in this section shall prohibit a landowner or lessee from killing a deer or bear that is damaging fruit trees, crops, livestock or personal property utilized for commercial agricultural production in accordance with Virginia Code § 29.1-529 and other applicable laws.(g)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; Ord. No. O-21-08, § 1, 4-27-2021)

    Editor's note— Ord. No. O-21-08, § 1, adopted April 27, 2021 amended § 6-6 and in doing so changed the title of said section from "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" to "Hunting with rifle of .23 caliber or larger; hunting of groundhogs with rifle of .22 caliber or larger; use of muzzle-loading rifles; legally handicapped hunting license," as set out herein.

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

• Sec. 6-9. - Restrictions on hunting and discharge of firearms. (reference)

  • (a) For the purpose of this section, the terms "hunt" and "attempt to hunt" shall not include the necessary crossing of primary or secondary highways in the county for the bona fide purpose of going into or leaving a lawful hunting area.

    (b) It shall be unlawful for any person to discharge or shoot any firearm or other weapon for the purpose of hunting or attempting to hunt in, along, toward, or within 50 feet of any primary or secondary highway in the county.

    (c) It shall be unlawful for any person to discharge or shoot any firearm or other weapon for the purpose of hunting or attempting to hunt within 100 yards of any building occupied or used as a dwelling or place where the public gathers, to include school property. This section shall not apply to a person's own dwelling or residence or location where they have received written approval from the property owner.

    (d) Provided, however, that nothing herein shall prohibit the discharge of black powder firearms using blanks as part of historical re-enactments, historical living history programs and historical demonstrations.(e)Any person violating the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a class 3 misdemeanor.

    (Code 1988, § 3-7; Ord. No. O-09-08, 10-13-2009; Ord. No. O-11-31, § 1, 12-13-2011)

    State Law reference— Hunting near highway, Code of Virginia, § 29.1-526.

Prince William County

The following local ordinances apply in Prince William County:

• Sec. 31-3. - Discharging firearms—Prohibited in street or other public place. (reference)

  • (a) If any person shall willfully discharge or cause to be discharged any firearm in any street in the county or in any place of public business or place of public gathering, he shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. If the firearm is discharged from a vehicle, then the operator of that vehicle shall also be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

    (b) This section shall not apply to any law enforcement officer in the performance of his official duties nor to any other person whose willful discharge of a firearm is otherwise justifiable or excusable at law in the protection of his life or property, or is otherwise specifically authorized by law.

    (Code 1965, § 13.1-63; Ord. No. 96-55, 6-25-96, effective 7-1-96)

    State Law reference— Similar provisions, Code of Virginia, § 18.2-280.

• Sec. 31-22. - Limitation on firearms used for hunting; exemption for muzzle-loading weapons used during prescribed season. (reference)

  • It shall be unlawful for any person to hunt any game or fowl anywhere within the county using any rifle of a caliber larger than 0.22. The use of muzzle-loading rifles for the hunting of game species is permissible only during the prescribed open seasons. Hunting with muzzleloaders requires a separate license, which shall be in addition to the license required to hunt small game.

    (Ord. No. 81-28-34, § 19A-5, 10-6-81; Ord. No. 91-52A, 5-7-91; Ord. No. 92-61, 6-23-92; Ord. No. 07-02, 1-23-07)

    State Law reference— Code of Virginia, § 29.1-528.

• Sec. 31-23. - One hundred-yard safety zone. (reference)

  • It shall be unlawful to shoot a firearm within 100 yards of any regularly occupied structure without advance permission of the owner or occupant, subject to the exceptions below.

    (Ord. No. 81-28-34, § 19A-9, 10-6-81; Ord. No. 12-27, Attch., 6-5-12, effective 7-1-12; Ord. No. 15-01, Attch., 1-13-15)

• Sec. 31-24. - Proscription against use of firearms—On or near public rights-of-way. (reference)

  • Notwithstanding any other provision of this article, it shall be unlawful for any person willfully to discharge a firearm on or within 100 yards of any public right-of- way, or any public street or highway, subject to the exceptions below.

    (Ord. No. 81-28-34, § 19A-3, 10-6-81; Ord. No. 92-61, 6-23-92; Ord. No. 12-27, Attch., 6-5-12, effective 7-1-12)

• Sec. 31-26. - Same—In restricted areas. (reference)

  • It shall be unlawful for any person willfully to discharge a firearm within any area designated in this article as a restricted area, subject to the exceptions below.

    (Ord. No. 81-28-34, § 19A-2, 10-6-81; Ord. No. 00-58, 8-1-00)

• Sec. 31-27. - Same—Exceptions. (reference)

  • Notwithstanding any other provision of this article, firearms may be used in any restricted area in the following circumstances, provided that nothing herein shall be deemed to permit hunting with a firearm other than one authorized by law:

    (1) The discharge of guns on any target, trap or skeet range or hunting preserve lawfully existing upon the date of adoption of this article or hereafter established in compliance with all other provisions of this Code or other county ordinances or state law;
    (2) The discharge of guns on any target or rifle established and operated by the police or law enforcement department;
    (3) The discharge of guns in a private basement or cellar target range;
    (4) The discharge of guns in defense of one's life or to kill any dangerous or destructive wild animal;
    (5) The discharge of guns by any duly authorized peace officer or law enforcement official acting in the proper performance of his duties;
    (6) The discharge of blank cartridges in theatrical performances, sporting events, or the firing of salutes at military funerals or other military affairs;
    (7) The discharge of legal firearms while hunting fowl, in the Potomac River or any tributary stream thereof; provided that in the Dumfries/Triangle prohibited area no such discharge shall be permitted in that portion of Quantico Creek which is included within the prohibited area;
    (8) The discharge of firearms by the owner, or any member of his immediate family, or any permittee of the owner, on one or more contiguous tracts of land, located within the prohibited area, having total area of five acres or more; and
    (9) The discharge of firearms for the killing of deer pursuant to Code of Virginia, § 29-529, provided that the discharge occurs on a parcel of land that is at least five acres in area, and which is zoned for agricultural use.
    (10) The provisions of §§ 31-23, 31-24 and 31-26 shall not be applicable to the use and discharge of pneumatic guns when used (1) on or within private property, with the permission of the owner or legal possessor; and (2) when conducted with reasonable care to prevent a projectile from crossing the bounds of the property.
    (Ord. No. 81-28-34, § 19A-6, 10-6-81; Ord. No. 00-42, 6-27-00, effective 7-1-00; Ord. No. 12-27, Attch., 6-5-12, effective 7-1-12)

• Sec. 31-28. - Restricted areas described. (reference)

  • The following areas constitute restricted areas subject to the provisions of this article:

    (1) (Dumfries/Triangle) Beginning at the location where Dewey Creek is crossed by Va. Rt. 234 (Dumfries Rd.), thence southerly along Rt. 234 to its junction with Interstate 95, thence southerly along I-95 to Rt. 619 (Joplin Rd.); thence easterly along Little Creek to the point where Little Creek meets the Marine Corps base boundary line; thence northerly along the Marine Corps base boundary line to a point in a line with the Virginia Power line pole approximately 100 yards off the south shore of Quantico Creek; thence westerly and subsequently easterly 100 yards from the shore line (at mean high tide) of Quantico Creek to the Virginia Power pole on the north side of Quantico Creek; thence inland to Rt. 633 (Possum Point Rd.); thence westerly along Rt. 633 to Dewey Creek; thence northwesterly along Dewey Creek to the place of beginning (excluding that area embraced within the corporate limits of the Town of Dumfries).
    (2) (Woodbridge/Lake Ridge/Dale City/Montclair) Beginning at a location known as Deephole point, the southern shore of the Occoquan River where it meets Occoquan Bay on the Potomac River; thence along the shoreline of Occoquan Bay to a location where it meets an imaginary line extended due east from the intersection of Rt. 636 (Featherstone Rd.) and the CSX Railroad right-of-way; thence westerly along said imaginary line to the intersection of Rt. 636 and the CSX Railroad right-of-way; thence south along the CSX Railroad right of way to Neabsco Creek; thence due west along an imaginary line drawn east from the terminus of Rt. 610 (Neabsco Rd.) to the terminus of Rt. 610; thence along Rt. 610 to an imaginary line 2,000 feet west of the CSX Railroad right-of-way; thence south along such imaginary line to Powells Creek; thence west along Powells Creek south to a point 2,500 feet east of U. S. Rt. 1 (Jefferson Davis Hwy.); thence southerly along an imaginary line drawn parallel to U. S. Rt. 1 to Rt. 635 (Cherry Hill Rd.); thence westerly along Rt. 635 to U. S. Rt. 1; thence south along U. S. Rt. 1 to Dewey Creek; thence westerly along Dewey Creek to Va. Rt. 234 (Dumfries Rd.); thence northerly along Rt. 234 to Rt. 643 (Spriggs Rd.); thence northeasterly along Rt. 643 to Rt. 640 (Minnieville Rd.); thence southwesterly along Rt. 640 to Rt. 234; thence northwesterly along Rt. 234 to Rt. 642 (Hoadly Rd.); thence northerly along Rt. 642 to Rt. 3000 (Prince William Pkwy.); thence northwesterly along Rt. 3000 to the intersection with Rt. 663 (Davis Ford Rd.); thence northeasterly along Rt. 663 to Rt. 896 (Bacon Race Rd.); thence northerly along Rt. 896 to its terminus; thence due north along an imaginary line extended to the Occoquan River; thence along the southern shore of the Occoquan River to the place of beginning (excluding that area embraced within the corporate limits of the Town of Occoquan).
    (3) (Lake Jackson) Beginning at the intersection of Va. Rt. 234 (Dumfries Rd.) and Rt. 649 (Brentsville Rd.); thence southerly along Rt. 649 to Broad Run; thence southeasterly in a straight imaginary line from Broad Run to the intersection of Rt. 746 (Smithfield Rd.) and Rt. 650 (Doves Ln.); thence southeasterly along the right of way of Rt. 650 to Lake Jackson(on the Occoquan River); thence easterly along Lake Jackson to and a point at the end of Cobb Rd.; thence easterly on Cobb Rd. to Rt. 234; thence along Rt. 234 to the place of beginning.
    (4) (Ridgewood Estates) Beginning at the north side of Rt. 646 (Aden Rd.) and following an imaginary line northeasterly along the boundary of the Ridgewood Estates subdivision 1,000 feet; thence in a westerly direction to Felkins Branch; thence in a westerly direction following Felkins Branch to the western boundary of the Ridgewood Estates subdivision; thence south to Rt. 646; thence easterly along the north side of Rt. 646 to the place of beginning.
    (5) (Woodbine Woods) Beginning at the intersection of Va. Rt. 234 (Dumfries Rd.) and Rt. 642 (Hoadly Rd.); thence northerly along Rt. 234 to the intersection with Rt. 766 (Stillbrooke Rd.); thence due west along an imaginary line to a distance of 2,500 feet; thence southward along an imaginary line parallel to Rt. 234 approximately 2,500 feet; thence northward along an imaginary line extended from the end of Rt. 642 at its terminus with Rt. 234 to the place of beginning.
    (6) (Occoquan Forest) Beginning at the intersection of Rt. 663 (Davis Ford Rd.) and Rt. 770 (Occoquan Forest Dr.); thence westerly along Rt. 663 to the Occoquan River; thence along the Occoquan River in its direction north, east, and south around the area known as the Occoquan Forest subdivision to the point where the Occoquan River and Bull Run meet; thence along an imaginary line southwesterly to the place of beginning.
    (7) (Manassas north area) Beginning at the point where Interstate 66 crosses Bull Run; thence westerly along I-66 to Business Rt. 234 (Sudley Rd.); thence along Business Rt. 234 to Rt. 621 (Balls Ford Rd.); thence along Rt. 621 to Rt. 821 (Bethlehem Rd.); thence along Rt. 821 to Rt. 674 (Wellington Rd.); thence along Rt. 674 to the corporate limits of Manassas; thence following the corporate limits of Manassas north and east to the corporate limits of Manassas Park; thence following the corporate limits of Manassas Park north, east, and south to the point where the Manassas Park corporate limits meet Bull Run near the mouth of Russia Branch; thence along Bull Run as it meanders northward to the place of beginning.
    (8) (Manassas south area) Beginning at the intersection of Rt. 661 (Godwin Dr.) and Clover Hill Road (at the corporate limits of Manassas); thence southeasterly along Rt. 661 to Business Rt. 234 (Dumfries Rd.); thence north along Rt. 234 to Rt. 720 (Old Dominion Dr.); thence along Rt. 720 to Rt. 702 (S. Grant Ave.); thence northward to the corporate limits of Manassas; thence following the corporate limits of Manassas west and north to the place of beginning.
    (9) (Osbourn Park/Parkside/Central Library Zone) That area embraced between Russia Branch to the east, the corporate limits of Manassas Park to the north, and the corporate limits of Manassas to the south and west.
    (10) (Courthouse complex) That portion of the County of Prince William situated wholly within the City of Manassas, known as the "Courthouse Complex", and generally bounded by Peabody Street, Center Street, Lee Avenue, and Grant Avenue.
    (11) (Gainesville area) Beginning at the intersection of Rt. 619 (Linton Hall Rd.) and Rt. 675 (Glenkirk Rd.); thence northeasterly along North Fork of Rocky Branch as it meanders to the junction of U. S. Rt. 29 (Lee Hwy.) and Interstate 66; thence westerly along an imaginary line to the intersection of Va. Rt. 55 (John Marshall Hwy.) and Rt. 676 (Catharpin Rd.); thence along Rt. 55 to the intersection with U. S. Rt. 29; thence southerly along U. S. Rt. 29 to the Norfolk-Southern Railroad right-of-way; thence westerly along the Norfolk-Southern Railroad right-of-way 18,401+/- feet to the point the railroad right-of-way crosses North Fork; thence south along North Fork as it meanders to the shoreline of Lake Manassas; thence easterly along an imaginary line to the place of beginning.
    (12) (Bull Run Mountain Estates) The area bounded on the west by the Prince William/Fauquier County line, on the east by Rt. 600 (Mountain Rd.), on the north by Warburton Street and an imaginary line drawn due west from the terminus of Warburton Street to the Prince William/Fauquier County line, and on the south by an imaginary line drawn due west from the intersection of Rt. 1732 (Hunton Ln.) and Rt. 600 to the Prince William/Fauquier County line.

    (Ord. No. 81-28-34, § 19A-8, 10-6-81; Ord. No. 84-613, 7-17-84; Ord. No. 00-58, 9-1-00)

• Sec. 31-41. - Limitations on use of bows. (reference)

  • (a) It shall be unlawful for any person to discharge an arrow from a bow across or which lands on the property of another without permission of the owner or occupant of such property.

    (b) It shall be unlawful for any person to discharge an arrow from a bow across or which may land upon any public right-of-way, or any public street or highway.

    (c) It shall be unlawful to discharge an arrow from a bow within 100 feet of any regularly occupied structure without advance permission of the owner or occupant.

    (d) A violation of this section shall be a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be punished by a fine of not more than $500.00.

    (Ord. No. 92-88, 12-8-92; Ord. No. 07-02, 1-23-07; Ord. No. 15-01, Attch., 1-13-15)

    State Law reference— Code of Virginia, § 29.1-528.

Radford City

The following local ordinances apply in Radford City:

• Sec. 70-47. - Deer hunting regulations. (reference)

  • (a) The rules, regulations and specifications set forth herein, and the Regulations of the Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries pertaining to hunting deer by bow and arrow, as they may be amended from time to time and/or from year to year, are hereby adopted, including but not limited to the adoption of the Special Urban Archery Deer Season identified therein, subject to the following rules, regulations, specifications and limitations:
    (1) Geographic areas.a.Private property: Deer hunting in the city may occur on parcels of private property individually consisting of at least six acres, or on a combination of no less than three individual contiguous properties, each measuring no less than one and one half acres, subject to obtaining the permission from the owner of said land as required by the regulations and other state hunting laws.b.Property owned by the city: Deer hunting in the city on land owned by the city may occur only upon and is limited to those specific geographic areas depicted on the attached map(s), subject to obtaining specific written permission from the city manager. All hunting outside the designated areas is strictly prohibited.
    (2) Elevated hunting stands. All hunting shall be conducted from stands elevated not less than ten feet above the level of surrounding acreage. Still hunting and/or stalking is not permitted.
    (3) Proximity to structures and trails. Hunting shall not be permitted closer than 100 feet from any highway, alley, roadway, sidewalk or officially designated trail within the city. Arrows may not be shot in the direction of any occupied dwelling, highway, alley, roadway, sidewalk or foot trail. All hunting shall be restricted to areas which are not less than 300 linear feet from any residence.
    (4) Guns. Guns of any type, caliber or description are not authorized to be used or carried during hunting hours.
    (5) Other laws. Hunters must abide by all other applicable local, state and federal laws and regulations relative to the hunting activity approved hereby, specifically including but not limited to any applicable section(s) of the Virginia Code and the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Regulations and/or Regulations Manual.

    (b) Intent. It is the intent of this article to adopt the Special Urban Archery Season in addition to the Early and Late Archery Seasons for deer as defined by the Regulations. These seasons shall be in effect beginning with the year 2004—2005 and shall continue in effect from year to year, as they may be amended.

    (c) Penalties. All persons violating this Ordinance shall be guilty of a Class I misdemeanor and shall be punished as provided in Virginia Code § 18.2-11, as it may, from time to time, be amended.

    (d) Except as otherwise specifically authorized hereby, the prohibitions contained in section 70-41 of the Radford City Code and the penalties associated with violation thereof shall remain in full force and effect.

    (Ord. No. 1426, §§ 1—4, 10-28-02; Ord. No. 1451, §§ 2—5, 8-25-03; Ord. No. 1491, §§ 1—5, 9-23-04)

Rappahannock County

The following local ordinances apply in Rappahannock County:

• § 117-1 Hunting near highways prohibited; violations and penalties. (reference)

  • The hunting with a firearm of any game bird or game animal on or within one hundred (100) yards of any primary or secondary highway in the County of Rappahannock, Virginia, is prohibited, and any violation hereof shall be punishable as a Class II misdemeanor.

Richmond City

The following local ordinances apply in Richmond City:

• Sec. 19-327. - Willfully discharging firearms. (reference)

  • If any person willfully discharges or causes to be discharged any firearm anywhere within the City limits, such person shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. However, this section shall not apply to the discharge of firearms:

    (1) By any law enforcement officer in the performance of official duties;
    (2) By any person whose willful act is otherwise justifiable or excusable at law in the protection of such person's life or is otherwise specifically authorized by law;
    (3) By any law enforcement officer or military personnel as part of authorized training, a funeral, a non-holiday salute or in commemoration of any State holiday;
    (4) When using blank cartridges as part of a theatrical performance or sporting event; or
    (5) For the killing of deer, pursuant to Code of Virginia, § 29.1-529, on land of at least five acres that is zoned for agricultural use.

    (Code 1993, § 20-147; Code 2004, § 66-342; Code 2015, § 19-327; Ord. No. 2012-55-39, § 1, 4-23-2012)

    State Law reference— Similar provisions, Code of Virginia, § 18.2-280; authority to prohibit discharge of firearms, Code of Virginia, § 15.2-1113.

• Sec. 19-328. - Discharge of bows and arrows; urban archery hunting. (reference)

  • (a) For the purposes of this section, "bow" includes all compound bows, crossbows, slingbows, longbows, and recurve bows having a peak draw weight of ten pounds or more. The term "bow" does not include bows that have a peak draw weight of less than ten pounds or that are designed or intended to be used principally as toys. The term "arrow" means a shaftlike projectile intended to be shot from a bow.

    (b) No person shall discharge an arrow from a bow in a manner that can be reasonably expected to result in the impact of the arrow upon the property of another without the written permission from the owner or tenant of such property. The discharge of an arrow across or over the boundaries of a property for which no permission has been given by the property owner shall create a rebuttable presumption that the use of the bow was not conducted with reasonable care.

    (c) No person shall discharge an arrow from a bow from, over, across or into any street, sidewalk, alley, roadway, public land or public place, or towards any building or dwelling in such a manner that the arrow may strike such building or dwelling.

    (d) No person shall hunt with a bow within the city, except deer may be hunted with bows within the city in accordance with this subsection. Any such hunting activity shall be subject to the following conditions:

    (1) Hunting is permitted only during applicable hunting seasons designated by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources.

    (2) Hunters shall abide by all applicable provisions of state law and state hunting regulations, including but not limited to licensing requirements.

    (3) Hunting with bows is permitted only on parcels which are three acres or more of contiguous area. Hunting with bows is prohibited in all other areas within the city.

    (4) Property owners must obtain an annual urban archery hunting permit from the Chief of Police. The Chief of Police shall issue annual urban archery hunting permits at no cost to property owners upon application by property owners meeting all requirements of this section.

    (5) Property owners shall identify urban archery hunting permit property with signs approved by the Chief of Police.

    (6) It is unlawful to hunt except from a stand elevated a minimum of ten feet above the ground.

    (7) A hunter must obtain written permission from the owner or tenant of the property on which hunting activity is to take place before hunting and shall carry a copy of the written permission and a copy of the urban archery hunting permit issued to the property owner at all times while hunting.

    (8) No person shall discharge an arrow from a bow within 100 yards of a building, dwelling, street, sidewalk, alley, roadway, public land, or public place.

    (9) Hunters are responsible for the appropriate disposition of deer carcasses.

    (10) If a deer which has been shot with an arrow leaves the property on which the hunter has permission to hunt, the hunter shall obtain permission from any property owner over which he or she must travel to pursue or retrieve the deer.

    (11) No person shall hunt deer in the city by use of a dog or dogs.(e)Any violation of this section shall be a Class 3 misdemeanor.

    (Ord. No. 2021-230, § 2, 11-8-2021)

    Editor's note— Ord. No. 2021-230, § 1, adopted November 8, 2021, repealed the former § 19-328, and § 2 of Ord. No. 2021-230 enacted a new § 19-328 as set out herein. The former § 19-328 pertained to discharging arrows and derived from the Code of 1993, § 20-148; the Code of 2004, § 66-343 and the Code of 2015, § 19-328.

• Sec. 19-334. - Transporting loaded shotgun or rifle. (reference)

  • (a) It shall be unlawful for any person to transport, possess or carry a loaded shotgun or a loaded rifle in any vehicle on any public street, road or highway. Violations of this section shall be punishable by a fine of not more than $100.00.

    (b) This section shall not apply to duly authorized law enforcement officers or to military personnel in the performance of their lawful duties nor to any person demonstrating a reasonable belief that a loaded rifle or shotgun is necessary for his or her personal safety in the course of employment or business.

    (Code 1993, § 20-160; Code 2004, § 66-353; Code 2015, § 19-334)

    State Law reference— Authority for above, Code of Virginia, § 15.2-915.2.

Richmond County

The following local ordinances apply in Richmond County:

• § 130.01 HUNTING WITH CERTAIN FIREARMS PROHIBITED/LIMITED.

  • (NOTE: This has been updated to reflect Richmond County allowing rifles larger than .22 caliber for hunting in 2023.)

    (A) The definitions used in this section shall be those which are contained in the VA Code.

    (B)
    (1) As provided for in VA Code § 29.1-528, during the special two-week season set aside for that purpose, rifles which are muzzle-loading may be used to hunt and kill deer, provided that such use shall comply with all applicable state and local laws and regulations. The hunting of deer with any other rifle is expressly prohibited. No rifles larger than .22 rimfire for hunting, except groundhogs, outside of the regular hunting season.
    (2) Rifles and pistols, .23 caliber or larger with a maximum magazine capacity of five (5) rounds for rifles and a six (6) round capacity for pistols, may be used to hunt deer during the firearms deer season provided the hunter is in an elevated stand at least 8 feet above ground level and has first obtained written permission from the landowner. The rifle may have a round in its chamber only when it is on the elevated stand, except such weapon may be discharged on the ground when necessary to dispatch deer wounded from the elevated platform.
    (23) Rifles larger than .22 will be allowed to hunt groundhogs and coyotes outside of the general firearms deer season.

    (C) Muzzleloaders shall be legal firearms during any firearms season.

    (Ord. passed 4-18-2001; Ord. passed 10- -2012): Updated 9-2023.
    Penalty, see § 130.99

Roanoke City

The following local ordinances apply in Roanoke City:

• Sec. 21-36. - Discharging firearms. (reference)

  • Discharging any firearm, in the City of Roanoke, shall be unlawful as it is prohibited by § 18.2-280 of the Code of Virginia (1950), as amended, the current version and any future versions of this section is hereby adopted as part of this City Code, except that any violation designated a felony in the Code of Virginia shall only constitute a Class 1 misdemeanor.

    (Ord. No. 42228, § 1, 12-6-21)

    Charter reference— Authority of city to prohibit discharge of firearms, § 2(18).

    Cross reference— Discharging firearms in Carvins Code Area, § 35-30.

    State Law reference— Authority of city to regulate or prohibit discharge of firearms, Code of Virginia, § 15.1-865; discharging firearms in streets or public places, Code of Virginia, § 18.2-280.

• Sec. 21-37. - Discharge of air gun, gravel shooter, pneumatic gun, etc. (reference)

  • As authorized by, and not inconsistent with, § 15.2-915.4 of the Code of Virginia (1950), as amended, the following is implemented within the City of Roanoke.

    (a) Any person who shall, anywhere within the city, discharge shot, stones, gravel, bullets or any similar thing from a gravel shooter, air gun, pneumatic gun or other similar implement shall be guilty of a Class 4 misdemeanor, unless otherwise permitted by this section.
    (b) Subsection (a) shall not prohibit the use of a pneumatic gun at a facility approved for shooting ranges, or on or within private property with permission of the owner or legal possessor thereof when conducted with reasonable care to prevent a projectile from crossing the bounds of the property.
    (c) Subsection (a) shall not prohibit the establishment of commercial or private areas designated for use of paintball guns for recreational use in accordance with all applicable requirements. Equipment designed to protect the face and ears shall be provided to participants at such recreational areas, and signs shall be posted to warn against entry into the paintball area by persons who are unprotected or unaware that paintball guns are in use.
    (d) As used in this section, the term, "pneumatic gun" means any implement, designed as a gun, that will expel a BB or a pellet by action of pneumatic pressure. The term "pneumatic gun" includes a paintball gun that expels by action of pneumatic pressure plastic balls filled with paint for the purpose of marking the point of impact.
    (e) All uses of a pneumatic gun otherwise allowed under this section by a minor below the age of sixteen (16) years shall be under the supervision of a parent, guardian, or other adult supervision approved by the minor's parent or guardian.
    (f) All minors, when permitted by a parent or guardian to use a pneumatic gun, shall be responsible for obeying all laws, regulations, and restrictions governing such use.
    (g) The training of minors in the use of pneumatic guns shall be done only under direct supervision of a parent, guardian, or a certified instructor. Training of minors above the age of sixteen (16) may also be done without direct supervision if approved by the minor's instructor, with the permission of and under the responsibility of a parent or guardian, and in compliance with all requirements of this section. Instructors may be certified by the National Rifle Association, a state or federal agency that has developed a certification program, any service of the Department of Defense, the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps, American Legion, 4-H, the Civilian Marksmanship Program, Boy or Girl Scouts, USA Shooting, and similar groups approved by the chief of police, or any person authorized by these entities to certify instructors.
    (h) All training and shooting shall take place either indoors at a range deemed safe for such use by the minor's certified instructor, or outdoors at a facility meeting the requirements of subsection (b) above.
    (i) All law enforcement, conservators of the peace, animal wardens, wildlife officials, and similar groups approved by the chief of police in writing shall be exempted from the restrictions of this section when performing their official duties.

    (Ord. No. 42228, § 1, 12-6-21; Ord. No. 42401, § 1, 7-18-22)

• Sec. 21-41. - Transporting a loaded rifle or shotgun. (reference)

  • It shall be unlawful for any person to transport, possess or carry a loaded shotgun or loaded rifle in any vehicle on any public street, road or highway within the corporate limits of the city. The provisions of this section shall not apply to duly authorized law enforcement officers or military personnel in the performance of their lawful duties, nor to any person who reasonably believes that a loaded rifle or shotgun is necessary for his personal safety in the course of his employment or business. Any violation of this section shall be punishable by a fine of not more than one hundred dollars ($100.00).

    (Ord. No. 42228, § 1, 12-6-21)

Roanoke County

The following local ordinances apply in Roanoke County:

• Sec. 13-5.2. - Prohibiting hunting or trapping near primary and secondary highways. (reference)

  • (a) It shall be unlawful to hunt, with a firearm, any game bird or game animal while the hunting is on or within one hundred (100) yards of any primary or secondary highway in the county.

    (b) It shall be unlawful to trap any game animal or furbearing animal within fifty (50) feet of the shoulder of any primary or secondary highway in the county. This shall not prohibit such trapping where the written permission of the landowner is obtained.

    (c) Any violation of this section shall be punished as a Class 3 misdemeanor.

    (d) For purposes of this section, the terms "hunt" and "trap" shall not include the necessary crossing of highways for the bona fide purpose of going into or leaving a lawful hunting or trapping area.

    (Ord. No. 42892-8, § 1, 4-28-92; Ord. No. 092419-6, § 1, 9-24-19)

    Cross reference— Penalty for Class 3 misdemeanor, § 1-10.

    State Law reference— Authority, Code of Virginia, § 29.1-526.

• Sec. 13-5.3. - Prohibiting hunting near public schools and county, town or regional parks. (reference)

  • (a) It shall be unlawful to shoot or hunt, or to traverse an area while in possession of a loaded firearm, within one hundred (100) yards of any property line of any public school or of a county, town or regional park.

    (b) Any violation of this section shall be punished as a Class 4 misdemeanor.

    (c) This section shall not be enforced on lands within a national or state park or forest, or wildlife management area.

    (Ord. No. 42892-8, § 1, 4-28-92; Ord. No. 092419-6, § 1, 9-24-19)

    Cross reference— Penalty for Class 4 misdemeanor, § 1-10.

    State Law reference— Authority, Code of Virginia, § 29.1-527.

• Sec. 13-5.5. - Urban archery hunting season. (reference)

  • Archery deer hunting is permitted within the county limits by licensed hunters during an approved state department of wildlife resources urban archery season. In addition to the urban archery season, archery deer hunting is also allowed during the early archery deer season, the general firearms deer season, and the late archery deer season. Licensed archery deer hunters must abide by all applicable sections of the state code and state hunting regulations (including bag limits and tagging/checking requirements). It shall be unlawful and a Class 4 misdemeanor for any person, while hunting deer during the county's archery season, to violate any of the following additional county restrictions:

    (1) Any person discharging a bow shall, at all times, while engaged in such activity, have in his possession written permission from the landowner(s) to discharge such a weapon on his premises.
    (2) No person shall discharge a bow from, over or across any street, sidewalk, alley, near primary or secondary highways, roadway, or public land or public place or near a public school and county/town/regional parks within the county limits or toward any building or dwelling in such a manner that an arrow may strike it.
    (3 )No person may discharge a bow unless from an elevated position of at least ten (10) feet above the ground.
    (4) It shall be unlawful for any person to engage in hunting with a bow or to discharge arrows from bows within one hundred (100) yards of a dwelling house or occupied building not his or her own. A "bow" includes all compound bows, crossbows, slingbows, longbows and recurve bows having a peak draw weight of ten (10) pounds or more. The term "bow" does not include bows that have a peak draw weight of less than ten (10) pounds or that are designed or intended to be used principally as toys. The term "arrow" means a shaft-like projectile intended to be shot from a bow.

    (Ord. No. 121311-6, § 1, 12-13-11; Ord. No. 092419-6, § 1, 9-24-19; Ord. No. 092822-6, § 1, 9-28-22)

    Cross reference— Penalty for Class 4 misdemeanor, § 1-10.

• Sec. 13-5.1. - Transporting a loaded rifle or shotgun. (reference)

  • (a) It shall be unlawful for any person to transport, possess or carry a loaded shotgun or loaded rifle in any vehicle on any public street, road or highway in the county.

    (b) Any violation of this section shall be punished by a fine of not more than one hundred dollars ($100.00).

    (c) This section shall not apply to duly authorized law enforcement officers or military personnel in the performance of their lawful duties, nor to any person who reasonably believes that a loaded rifle or shotgun is necessary for his personal safety in the course of his employment or business.

    (Ord. No. 42892-8, § 1, 4-28-92; Ord. No. 092419-6, § 1, 9-24-19)

    State Law reference— Authority, Code of Virginia, § 15.2-915.2

• Sec. 15-7. - Prohibited uses of parks. (reference)

  • (5) Hunting and firearms. No person in a park shall hunt, trap or pursue wildlife. Trapping may be authorized, by permit, when it is deemed by the director that said activity is in the best interest of public health, safety and/or welfare. No person shall within a park use, brandish or discharge any firearm, air rifle, spring gun, pellet gun, paintball gun, bow and arrow, sling or any other form of weapon potentially dangerous to wildlife or to human safety or any instrument that can be loaded with and fire blank cartridges. Shooting into park areas from beyond park property boundaries is forbidden. The director may permit authorization for the use of a firearm or other potentially dangerous instrument to be used in a park for a special event or county managed activity.

Rocky Mount City

The following local ordinances apply in Rocky Mount City:

• Sec. 42-17. - Discharge of firearms. (reference)

  • It shall be unlawful for any person to discharge any rifle, shotgun or firearm of any description, except upon urgent necessity.

    (Code 1979, § 12-56)

    State Law reference— Authority of town to regulate the discharge of firearms, Code of Virginia, § 15.2-1113.

• Sec. 42-21. - Archery season to hunt deer. (reference)

  • (a) The Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries "Hunting and Trapping in Virginia July 2003 through June 2004 Regulations" (the "regulations") solely as they pertain to the taking of deer with archery equipment, and as the regulations may be amended from time to time, including the Special Urban Archery Season, are hereby adopted, subject to the rules, regulations and specifications as follows:
    (1) Geographic areas. The discharge of archery equipment for the taking of deer inside the town boundaries may occur on parcels of private property with written permission from the property owner, subject to the requirements of the regulations and other state hunting laws. The discharge of archery equipment shall not occur on school property or church property.
    (2) Elevated stands. The discharge of archery equipment for the taking of deer shall be from stands elevated not less than ten feet above the level of surrounding land. Otherwise, the discharge of archery equipment shall be prohibited.
    (3) Proximity to structures and trails. The discharge of archery equipment shall not occur closer than 300 linear feet from any residence. The discharge of archery equipment shall not occur closer than 100 feet from any highway, street, alley, roadway, sidewalk, or officially designated foot trail. Arrows shall not be shot in the direction of any residence, highway, street, alley, roadway, sidewalk, or officially designated foot trail.
    (4) Firearms. Firearms of any type, caliber or description, shall not be used or carried during deer hunting.
    (5) Other laws. Persons using archery equipment for the taking of deer shall abide by all other applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to the taking of deer with archery equipment as provided by this ordinance, specifically including but not limited to any applicable part of the Virginia Code and the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Regulations and Regulations Manual (including bag limits and tagging/checking requirements).

    (b) Any person engaged in the taking of deer with archery equipment inside the town boundaries shall register with the Town of Rocky Mount Police Department. The person shall have obtained written permission from the property owner before registering and provide the town with a copy of that permission. The person shall carry a police department registration form with them at all times while engaged in the taking of deer with archery equipment. The person shall provide the police department with information regarding any deer taken, attempts to take deer (missed shots), and deer wounded but not found.

    (c) It is the intent of this ordinance to permit the taking of deer with archery equipment according to the regulations during the early and late special urban archery seasons as well as any other time the regulations permit the taking of deer with archery equipment. These seasons shall be in effect beginning with the year 2003-2004 and shall continue in effect from year to year according to the dates and terms of the regulations as they are published from time to time.

    (d) Any person violating this ordinance shall be guilty of a class I misdemeanor.

    (e) Except as otherwise specifically provided by this ordinance, the prohibitions contained in the section 42-18 of this Code, as amended, shall remain in full force and effect.

    (Ord. of 9-8-03; Ord. of 8-17-04)

• Sec. 42-18. - Discharging, etc., slingshots, air guns, etc. (reference)

  • It shall be unlawful for any person to discharge or use any slingshot, sling, gravel shooter, air gun, bow, crossbow or similar implement.

    (Code 1979, § 12-58)

Salem City

The following local ordinances apply in Salem City:

• Sec. 14-4. - Hunting deer during urban archery season. (reference)

  • No person shall hunt with a bow within the city, except deer may be hunted with bows within the city in accordance with this subsection. Any such hunting activity shall be subject to the following conditions:

    1. Archery deer hunting is permitted within the city limits by licensed hunters during an approved state department of game and inland fisheries urban archery season. In addition to the urban archery season, archery deer hunting is also allowed during the early archery deer season, the general firearms deer season, and the late archery deer season. Licensed archery deer hunters must abide by all applicable sections of the state code and state hunting regulations (including bag limits and tagging/checking requirements). It shall be unlawful and a Class 4 misdemeanor for any person, while hunting deer during the city's archery season, to violate any of the following additional city restrictions:
    2. For the purposes of this section, "bow" includes all compound bows, crossbows, slingbows, longbows, and recurve bows having a peak draw weight of ten pounds or more. The term "bow" does not include bows that have a peak draw weight of less than ten pounds or that are designed or intended to be used principally as toys. The term "arrow" means a shaftlike projectile intended to be shot from a bow. "Bolt" means shaftlike projectile intended to be shot from a crossbow.
    3. No person shall discharge an arrow from a bow in a manner that can be reasonably expected to result in the impact of the arrow upon the property of another without the written permission from the owner or tenant of such property. The discharge of an arrow across or over the boundaries of a property for which no permission has been given by the property owner shall create a rebuttable presumption that the use of the bow was not conducted with reasonable care.
    4. Discharge of an arrow is permitted only in order to take a deer. No discharge of an arrow shall be made toward any person, any animal other than a deer, and structure or any vehicle in such a manner as the arrow may strike such person, animal, structure, or vehicle.
    5. No person shall discharge an arrow from a bow from, over, across or into any street, sidewalk, alley, roadway, public land or public place, or towards any building or dwelling in such a manner that the arrow may strike such building or dwelling.
    6. Hunters shall abide by all applicable provisions of state law and state hunting regulations, including but not limited to licensing requirements.7.Hunting with bows is permitted only in areas within the city in accordance with the provisions of this section.8.It is unlawful to hunt except from an elevated position at a minimum of ten feet above the ground.
    9. A hunter must obtain written permission from the owner or tenant of the property on which hunting activity is to take place before hunting and shall carry a copy of the written permission and a copy of the hunting permit issued to the hunter at all times while hunting.
    10. No person shall discharge an arrow from a bow within 100 feet of a building, dwelling, street, sidewalk, alley, roadway, public land, or public place.
    11. No person shall discharge an arrow from a bow within 500 yards of the property line of a public school, church property, hospital, or registered daycare.
    12. Hunters are responsible for the appropriate disposition of deer carcasses.
    13. If a deer which has been shot with an arrow leaves the property on which the hunter has permission to hunt, the hunter shall obtain permission from any property owner over which he or she must travel to pursue or retrieve the deer. No field dressing of deer shall be permitted without permission of the landowner.
    14. No person shall hunt deer in the city by use of a dog or dogs.
    15. No person shall hunt on city owned or leased property. Law enforcement agencies are exempt from this section while in the performance of their work-related duties.

    (Ord. of 8-28-2023(3))

• Sec. 58-141. - Discharging firearms. (reference)

  • It shall be unlawful for any person to fire any gun, pistol or other firearm in the city unless such firing is justified by law.

    (Code 1969, § 31-1)

    Charter reference— Power to regulate discharge of firearms (Code of Virginia, § 15.2-865) adopted, § 2.2.

    State Law reference— Willfully discharging firearms in public places, Code of Virginia, § 18.2-280; shooting in or along road or in street, Code of Virginia, § 18.2-286.

• Sec. 58-142. - Discharge of air gun, gravel shooter, pneumatic gun, etc. (reference)

  • (a) Any person who shall, anywhere within the city, discharge shot, stones, gravel, bullets or any similar thing from a gravel shooter, air gun, pneumatic gun or other similar implement shall be guilty of a class 4 misdemeanor, unless otherwise permitted by this section.

    (b) Subsection (a) shall not prohibit the use of pneumatic guns at facilities approved for shooting ranges, on other property where firearms may be discharged, or on or within private property with permission of the owner or legal possessor thereof when conducted with reasonable care to prevent a projectile from crossing the bounds of the property.

    (c) Subsection (a) shall not prohibit the establishment of commercial or private areas designated for use of pneumatic paintball guns for recreational use in accordance with all applicable requirements. Equipment designated to protect the face and ears shall be provided to participants at such recreational areas, and signs must be posted to warn against entry into the paintball area by persons who are unprotected or unaware that paintball guns are in use.

    (d) As used in this section, "pneumatic gun" means any implement, designed as a gun, that will expel a BB or a pellet by action of pneumatic pressure. "Pneumatic gun" includes a paintball gun that expels by action of pneumatic pressure plastic balls filled with paint for the purpose of marking the point of impact.

    (e) All uses of a pneumatic gun otherwise allowed under this section by a minor below the age of 16 years shall be under the supervision of a parent, guardian, or other adult supervision approved by the minor's parent or guardian.

    (f) All minors, when permitted by a parent or guardian to use a pneumatic gun, shall be responsible for obeying all laws, regulations and restrictions governing such use.

    (g) The training of minors in the use of pneumatic guns shall be done only under direct supervision of a parent, guardian, Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps instructor or a certified instructor. Training of minors above the age of 16 may also be done without direct supervision if approved by the minor's instructor, with the permission of and under the responsibility of a parent or guardian, and in compliance with all requirements of this section. Ranges and instructors may be certified by the National Rifle Association, a state or federal agency that has developed a certification program, any service of the Department of Defense, or any person authorized by these authorities to certify ranges and instructors.

    (h) All training and shooting shall take place either indoors at a range deemed safe for such use by the minor's certified instructor or outdoors at a facility meeting the requirements of subsection (b) above.

    (Code 1969, § 31-2; Ord. of 5-28-2019(1))

    Editor's note— An ordinance adopted May 28, 2019 changed the title of § 58-142 from "discharging air rifles, gravel shooters, bows, etc."

    State Law reference— Similar provisions, Code of Virginia, § 15.2-915.4.

Smyth County

The following local ordinances apply in Smyth County:

• Sec. 20-179.4 - Specific prohibitions. - Explosives, weapons, fireworks, and similar devices. (reference)

  • (4) Explosives, weapons, fireworks, and similar devices. Using or firing any explosives, weapons (except for lawful hunting activities and in the defense of one's self, the defense of another person, or the defense of property), fireworks or similar devices which creates impulsive sound in such a manner as to permit sound to be heard across a residential real property boundary, or through partitions common to two dwelling units within a building or on any public right-of-way or public property, in either case between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.

• Sec. 8-128. - Dogs running at large; dogs and cats to be inoculated or vaccinated. (reference)

  • (a) It shall be unlawful for any person in the county to permit a dog owned by him, or by his minor children, or a stray dog not actually owned by such person but permitted to stay principally on his premises, to run at large in the county, or to be off the premises of such owner or permittee, unless under leash.

    (b) The owners or custodians of all dogs and domesticated cats four months old or more shall have such dogs and cats currently inoculated or vaccinated against rabies in accordance with Commonwealth law.

    (c) It shall be unlawful for any person to permit a dog or cat which is not currently inoculated or vaccinated against rabies to run at large in the county or to be off the premises of such person.

    (Ord. of 11-20-2009)

    Editor's note— An ordinance adopted Nov. 20, 2009, amended § 8-128 in its entirety. The former § 8-128 pertained to similar subject matter and derived from the Code of 1978, § 4-15 and the Code of 1995, § 10-57.

    State Law reference— Prohibiting dogs from running at large, Code of Virginia, § 3.1-796.93; rabies inoculation of dogs and domesticated cats, Code of Virginia, § 3.1-796.97:1; rabid animals, Code of Virginia, § 3.1-796.98; running at large of vicious dogs, Code of Virginia, § 3.1-796.100.

• Sec. 8-128.1. - Animal nuisance. (reference)

  • (a) Except as provided in subsection (b), it shall be unlawful to create an animal nuisance in the county. An animal nuisance is created when any companion animal, dog, cat or other domestic animal unreasonably annoys humans, endangers the life or health of other animals or persons, or substantially interferes with the rights of citizens, other than their owners, to the enjoyment of life or property. Such acts of animal nuisance include, but are not limited to, the following:
    (1) Damages property other than that of the animal's owner;
    (2) Attacks or disturbs other animals, persons or vehicles by chasing, barking or biting;
    (3) Makes excessive noises including, but not limited to, barking whining, howling, caterwauling, or crying;
    (4) Creates noxious or offensive odors;
    (5) Defecates upon any public place or upon premises not owned or controlled by the owner, unless promptly removed by the animal's owner or custodian; or
    (6) Creates an unsanitary condition or insect breeding site due to an accumulation of excreta or filth.

    (b) This section shall not apply to a companion animal engaged in lawful hunting in open season, including coon and bear hunting, or when being trained or exercised and generally accompanied by its owner or custodian, or (1) when participating in organized or specific obedience training, training classes, field trials or shows sponsored by recognized clubs or organizations in animal uses and events; (2) dogs that are participating in search and rescue operations carried out by any public or private safety agent or group; dogs participating in pet therapy programs sponsored by any hospital, clinic hospice nursing home, elderly facility or similar institutional facility; (3) dogs that are being trained as service dogs by a qualified service dog trainer; or any trained seeing eye dog; and (4) dogs which are being employed by law enforcement agencies in law enforcement operations.

    (Ord. of 11-20-2009)

Southampton County

The following local ordinances apply in Southampton County:

• Sec. 10-26. - Hunting weapons restricted. (reference)

  • (a) It shall be unlawful to hunt with a rifle larger than twenty-two one hundredths of an inch (.22) caliber rim fire except rifles of a larger caliber may be used for hunting groundhogs and coyotes between March 1 and August 31;

    (b) It shall be unlawful to hunt with a muzzle-loading rifle at anytime;

    (c) It shall be unlawful to hunt with a muzzle-loading shotgun loaded with slugs or sabit slugs; and

    (d) Any person violating the provisions of this section, upon conviction, shall be guilty of a Class 3 Misdemeanor and shall be punished accordingly.

    (Code 1976, § 11-36.1; Ord. of 3-24-03(2); Ord. of 3-25-13(1))

    State Law reference— Authority for above section, Code of Virginia, §§ 29.1-100, 29.1-519, and 29.1-528; prohibiting hunting with certain firearms, Code of Virginia, § 29.1-528.

• Sec. 10-25. - Hunting near public schools prohibited. (reference)

  • It shall be unlawful for any person to shoot or hunt with a firearm or for hunters to traverse an area while in possession of a loaded firearm within one hundred (100) yards of any property line of a public school.

    Any person violating the provisions of this section shall be of a Class IV misdemeanor and punished accordingly.

    (Ord. of 9-24-01)

Spotsylvania County

The following local ordinances apply in Spotsylvania County:

• Sec. 22-241. -NI RIVER AND HUNTING RUN RESERVOIRS - Hunting. (reference)

  • Hunting is prohibited on the premises.

    (Code 1980, § 17-62(o))

Stafford County

The following local ordinances apply in Stafford County:

• Sec. 26-2. - Transporting loaded rifle or shotgun on public way. (reference)

  • (a) It shall be unlawful for any person to transport, possess or carry a loaded shotgun or loaded rifle in any vehicle on any public street, road or highway within county.

    (b) Game wardens, sheriffs and all other law-enforcement officers shall enforce the provisions of this section.

    (c) The provisions of this section shall not apply to duly authorized law-enforcement officers or military personnel in the performance of their lawful duties, nor to any person who reasonably believes that a loaded rifle or shotgun is necessary for his personal safety in the course of his employment or business.(d)A violation of this section shall constitute a class 4 misdemeanor.

    (Code 1979, § 27-7)

    Cross reference— Penalty for class 4 misdemeanor, § 1-11.

    State Law reference— Authority for above section, Code of Virginia, § 18.2-287.1.

• Sec. 26-3. - Discharge of firearms in public places. (reference)

  • (a) No person shall willfully discharge or cause to be discharged any firearm in any street or highway in the county or in any place of public business or place of public gathering in the county.

    (b) This section shall not apply to any law-enforcement officer in the performance of his official duties nor to any other person whose willful act is otherwise justifiable or excusable at law in the protection of his life or property, or is otherwise specifically authorized by law.

    (c) A violation of any provision of this section shall constitute a class 1 misdemeanor.

    (Code 1979, § 27-4)

    Cross reference— Penalty for class 1 misdemeanor, § 1-11; discharge of firearms at terminal reservoirs, § 17-28.

    State Law reference— Similar provisions, Code of Virginia, § 18.2-280.

• Sec. 26-4. - Discharging pneumatic guns. (reference)

  • (a) For purposes of this section, "pneumatic gun" means any implement, designed as a gun, that will expel a BB or a pellet by action of pneumatic pressure. "Pneumatic gun" includes, but is not limited to, a paintball gun that expels by action of pneumatic pressure plastic balls filled with paint for the purpose of marking the point of impact.

    (b) In the opinion of the board, certain areas of the county are so heavily populated as to make shooting pneumatic guns dangerous to the inhabitants of the areas. It shall be unlawful to shoot pneumatic guns in the areas set forth in County Code section 26-18, except as provided below:(1)At facilities approved for shooting ranges;(2)On property where firearms maybe lawfully discharged; and(3)On private property with permission of the owner or legal possessor thereof when conducted with reasonable care to prevent a projectile from crossing the bounds of the property.

    (c) It shall be unlawful in the areas set forth in County Code section 26-18, for any minor below the age of sixteen (16) to use pneumatic guns on private or public property without supervision by a parent, guardian, or other adult supervisor approved by a parent or guardian of any minor. Minors, whether permitted by a parent or guardian to use a pneumatic gun or not, shall be responsible for obeying all laws, regulations and restrictions governing such use.

    (d) A violation of this section shall be a class 3 misdemeanor.

    (Code 1979, § 27-5; Ord. No. O15-12, 6-2-15)

    Cross reference— Penalty for class 2 misdemeanor, § 1-11.

    State Law reference— Virginia Code, § 15.2-915.4.

• Sec. 26-5. - Discharging arrows. (reference)

  • (a) No person shall discharge an arrow from any bow in a manner that can be reasonably expected to result in the impact of the arrow upon the property of another without permission from the owner or tenant of such property.

    (b) A violation of this section shall constitute a class 2 misdemeanor.

    (Code 1979, § 27-6; Ord. No. O15-12, 6-2-15)

    Cross reference— Penalty for class 2 misdemeanor, § 1-11.

    State Law reference— Virginia Code, § 15.2-916.

• Sec. 26-7. - Hunting prohibited near primary and secondary highways. (reference)

  • It shall be unlawful to hunt or attempt to hunt with a firearm any game bird or game animal while the hunting or attempting to hunt is on or within one hundred (100) yards of any primary or secondary highway within Stafford County, Virginia. Any violation of this section shall be a misdemeanor. For the purpose of this section, the term "hunt" or "attempt to hunt" shall not include the necessary crossing of such highways for the bona fide purpose of going into or leaving a lawful hunting area.

    (Ord. No. 087-103, 12-15-87; Ord. No. 092-24, 4-21-92)

    Editor's note— Ord. No. 087-103, adopted Dec. 15, 1987, added provisions to this chapter which have been designated as § 26-7 by the editor.

• Sec. 26-8. - Limitations on firearms. (reference)

  • It shall be unlawful to shoot within one hundred (100) yards of any regularly occupied structure, which is not the shooters'/hunters' own residence or structure, without written permission of its owner or occupant. The written permission shall contain the following information:

    (1)The name of the person granting permission;
    (2)The date the permission was granted;
    (3)The daytime phone number of the person granting permission;
    (4)The name of the person given permission to shoot;
    (5)The expiration date of the permission; and
    (6)The permission shall be signed by the grantor.

    (Ord. No. 089-36(R), 8-1-89; Ord. No. O15-12, 6-2-15)

• Sec. 26-9. - One-hundred-yard safety zone, private roads. (reference)

  • It shall be unlawful to shoot within one hundred (100) yards of any private road located in a subdivision where lots are ten (10) acres or less in size without written permission of the owner or occupant.

    (Ord. No. 089-36(R), 8-1-89; Ord. No. O15-12, 6-2-15)

• Sec. 26-10. - Public property. (reference)

  • It shall be unlawful to shoot or hunt on any public property including, but not limited to, schools, parks, pools, the courthouse and other county offices.

    (Ord. No. 089-36(R), 8-1-89)

• Sec. 26-17. - Prohibited shooting. (reference)

  • In the opinion of the board, certain areas of the county are so heavily populated as to make outdoor shooting with firearms so dangerous to the inhabitants of these areas of the county, that it shall be unlawful for any person willfully to shoot or discharge any firearm within or into any of the shooting-prohibited areas of Stafford County, designated as such in section 26-18, following.

    (Ord. No. 085-18, § 27-10, 5-7-85; Ord. No. O15-12, 6-2-15)

    State Law reference— Virginia Code, § 15.2-1209.

• Sec. 26-18. - Designation of shooting-prohibited areas. (reference)

  • (a) Generally. The following areas in Stafford County shall be designated as shooting-prohibited areas, subject to the prohibitions contained in section 26-17:
    (1) Lake Arrowhead: Beginning at the intersection of Garrisonville Road (State Route 610) and Lake Arrowhead Drive; thence southerly along Lake Arrowhead Drive to its intersection with Hillcrest Drive; thence southerly along Hillcrest Drive to its intersection with Van Horn Lane; thence easterly along Van Horn Lane to its intersection with Forest Drive; thence southerly along Forest Drive to Beech Drive; thence westerly along Beech Drive to its intersection with Boundry Drive; thence westerly along Boundry Drive to its intersection with Lake View Drive; thence northeasterly along Lake View Drive to its intersection with Arrowhead Drive. This zone includes all roads which are interior to Lake Arrowhead Subdivision.
    (2) Garrisonville: Beginning at the intersection of Austin Run and I-95; thence northerly along I-95 to Aquia Creek; thence westerly along Aquia Creek to its intersection with Joshua Road (State Route 643); thence southerly along Joshua Road to its intersection with Garrisonville Road (State Route 610); thence westerly along Garrisonville Road to its intersection with Joshua Road; thence southerly along Joshua Road to its intersection with Saint George's Drive; thence southwesterly along Saint George's Drive crossing an unnamed creek to Choptank Road; thence southerly along Choptank Road to Mountain View Road (State Route 627); thence southeasterly along Mountain View Road to Shelton Shop Road (State Route 648); thence northeasterly to Winding Creek Road (State Route 628); thence southeasterly along Winding Creek Road to Austin Run; thence easterly along Austin Run to I-95.
    (3) Aquia: Beginning at I-95 and Aquia Creek; thence easterly along Aquia Creek to its intersection with Jefferson Davis Highway (U.S. Route 1); thence northeasterly along Jefferson Davis Highway to its intersection with Telegraph Road (S.R. 637); thence northeasterly along Telegraph Road until its intersection with an unnamed tributary to Aquia Creek; thence easterly along unnamed tributary to its intersection with a straight line extending in a northwesterly direction from Bosun Cove; then southeasterly along said line and Bosun Cove until its intersection with Harpoon Drive; thence southeasterly along Harpoon Drive to Beacon Cove; thence southerly along Beacon Cove back to its intersection with Harpoon Drive; thence southerly along Harpoon Drive to its intersection with Lighthouse Cove and Bulkhead Cove back to their intersection with Harpoon Drive; thence southwesterly along Harpoon Drive to its intersection with Titanic Drive; thence southeasterly along Titanic Drive to Aquia Creek; thence easterly along Aquia Creek to the RF&P Railroad track; thence southeasterly along the RF&P Railroad track to Courthouse Road (S.R. 630); thence westerly along Courthouse Road to I-95; thence northerly along I-95 to Aquia Creek. This shooting-prohibited area includes all roads interior to Aquia Harbour Subdivision.
    (4) South Stafford: Beginning at I-95 and Warrenton Road (State Route 17); thence easterly along Warrenton Road to Musselman Road; thence southerly along Musselman Road to Steely Lane; thence easterly along Steely Lane to Old Forge Drive; thence northerly along Old Forge Drive to Warrenton Road; thence easterly along Warrenton Road to its intersection with Lendall Lane; thence southerly along Lendall Lane to its intersection with Ingleside Drive; thence westerly and easterly along Ingleside Drive; thence easterly along Ingleside Drive to its intersection with Washington Street; thence easterly along Washington Street to River Road; thence easterly along River Road to Kings Highway (State Route 3); thence easterly along Kings Highway to Leonard Street; thence southerly along Leonard Street to Mimosa Street; thence easterly along Mimosa Street to Rumford Road; thence northerly along Rumford Road to Kings Highway; thence easterly along Kings Highway to a stream leading from Lake Carroll; thence northerly along said stream to Lake Shore Drive; thence northerly along Lake Shore Drive to Carroll Circle; thence easterly from Carroll Circle to Ashbury Drive (inclusive of all the streets within Briarwood Estates Subdivision); thence easterly along Ashbury Drive to its intersection with Colebrook Road (State Route 682); thence westerly along Colebrook Road to its intersection with Ferry Road (State Route 606); thence westerly along the south side of Ferry Road to its intersection with Braddock Drive; thence northerly along Braddock Drive to Claiborne Run; thence northeasterly along Claiborne Run to its intersection with Town and Country Drive; thence northerly along Town and Country Drive to its intersection with White Oak Road (State Route 218); thence easterly along White Oak Road to Kendallwood Drive; thence northerly along Kendallwood Drive to its intersection with Karen Terrace; thence westerly along Karen Terrace to its intersection with Sebastian Road; thence northerly and southerly along Sebastian Road (all inclusive of Sebastian Road) to its intersection with Matthew Lane; thence easterly along Matthew Lane to its intersection with Kendallwood Drive; thence southerly along Kendallwood Drive to its intersection with White Oak Road; thence westerly along White Oak Road to its intersection with Little Whim Road (State Route 669); thence northerly along Little Whim Road to its intersection with Roger Street; thence westerly along Roger Street to its intersection with Edwards Drive; thence northerly along Edwards Drive to its intersection with Deacon Road; thence westerly along Deacon Road to its intersection with Leeland Road (State Route 626); thence northerly along Leeland Road to its intersection with Morton Road (State Route 624); thence westerly along Morton Road to its intersection with Forbes Street (State Route 627); thence southerly along Forbes Street to its intersection with Manning Drive (State Route 1005); thence westerly along Manning Drive to its intersection with Jefferson Davis Highway (U.S. Route 1); thence southerly along Jefferson Davis Highway to Warrenton Road; thence westerly along Warrenton Road to its intersection with I-95.
    (5) Widewater: Beginning at Aquia Creek and the RF&P Railway; thence northeasterly along the RF&P Railway to railroad Mile Marker 73; thence in an easterly direction to the Potomac River; thence south along the bank of the Potomac River to Brent Point; thence westerly along the bank of the Potomac River to Simms Point; thence north and northwesterly along the bank of Aquia Creek to the RF&P Railway.

    (b) Contiguous areas. Upon an individual request by the owner(s) of a parcel contiguous to any shooting-prohibited area, or upon a joint request by the owner(s) of all of the parcels which taken as a whole would be contiguous to any shooting-prohibited area, the board of supervisors shall consider the expansion of the shooting-prohibited area to include such land. Such land shall not be included until a public hearing is held.

    (c) Neighboring but not contiguous property. Upon petition by the owner or owners of fifty (50) or more parcels of neighboring but not necessarily adjoining land, the board of supervisors shall annually consider the establishment of additional shooting-prohibited areas if the following criteria are met:
    (1) The new shooting-prohibited area is favored by fifty-five (55) percent or more of the owners of the individual parcels to be incorporated;
    (2) The shooting-prohibited area is favored by the owners of fifty-five (55) percent of more of the total acreage in such area;
    (3) The proposed shooting-prohibited area is sufficiently defined by name or boundaries to be identifiable by the public; and
    (4) The failure to create a shooting-prohibited area would permit conduct that is dangerous to the inhabitants of the area.

    No area shall be designated as a shooting-prohibited area under this subsection until a public hearing is held.

    (Ord. No. 085-18, § 27-11, 5-7-85; Ord. No. 089-36(R), 8-1-89; Ord. No. 091-77(R), 12-10-91; Ord. No. 095-13, 3-7-95; Ord. No. O04-09, 5-4-04)

Staunton City

The following local ordinances apply in Staunton City:

• 6.05.070 Shooting at or killing birds or animals. (reference)

  • (1) It shall be unlawful for any person within the corporate limits of the city to shoot at or kill, by use of a firearm, any bird or animal.

    (2) In case of a nuisance from birds or animals, they may be shot under the supervision of the police department, upon permission of the city manager or designee.

    (3) The provisions of this section shall not prohibit authorized wildlife management activities or hunting, fishing or trapping as regulated under other titles of the Code of Virginia, including, but not limited to, Title 29.1, or to farming activities as provided under the Code of Virginia, ordinances adopted pursuant to the Code of Virginia, or regulations promulgated thereto.

    (4) Urban archery hunting with an arrow from a bow for the purposes of deer hunting within the city limits shall be permitted during the urban archery season, the early archery season, the late archery season, and the general firearms deer season, as designated in regulations set forth or authorization otherwise by the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, under the following strict conditions:
    (a) Any person discharging a bow shall, at all times, while engaged in such activity, have in his possession a copy of valid written permission from the landowner(s) or designee to discharge such a weapon on their property;
    (b) Agreement shall have been made in writing, in advance as part of the permission, between the participant and landowner(s) in reference to field dress, with immediate disposition of deer carcasses in such a way that removes all aspects of the carcass from the land and away from any street, sidewalk, alley, roadway, or public land or place within city limits;
    (c) All participants must strictly comply with all applicable provisions of the Virginia State Code and Virginia Hunting Regulations and the following conditions:
    (i) All hunting shall be done internally to the property for which prior written permission has been granted.
    (ii) A person shall neither discharge a bow from, over or across any city-owned property without prior written permission of the city manager or designee, or over or across any street, sidewalk, alley, roadway, or public land or public place within city limits or toward any building or dwelling in such a manner that an arrow may strike it nor shall a person discharge a bow over or across the private property of another without prior written permission.
    (iii) No person shall hunt deer within the city limits by use of dog or dogs.

    (d) Any person violating any provision of this section shall be guilty of a Class 4 misdemeanor for each such offense.

    (Ord. 2011-25; Ord. 2011-24; Ord. 2008-03. Code 1964, § 6-4; Code 1985, § 6-7; Ord. 11-11-93).

    Charter reference – Authority of council to prohibit abuse of animals, § 11(15).

    State law reference – § 3.2-6544 of the Code of Virginia.

Suffolk City

The following local ordinances apply in Suffolk City:

• Sec. 22-86. - Injuring or defacing enclosures, trees or plants; shooting firearms. (reference)

  • Any person who shall injure, deface or remove any part of any cemetery enclosure or any enclosure of a burial lot or grave or any monument, tombstone, slab, urn or other appurtenance, or any inscription or device thereon, shall be guilty of a class 6 felony. Anyone who shall destroy or injure any tree, shrub, vine, plant or flower in a cemetery shall be guilty of a class 1 misdemeanor. Anyone who shall hunt with a gun, dog or otherwise in any cemetery, or shall shoot any gun, pistol or other firearms in any cemetery, for each offense shall be fined not more than $500.00; however, this provision shall not apply to the firing of the military salute over the grave of any soldier, sailor or marine, nor to the firing of the salute on Memorial Day.

    (Code 1976, § 6-8)

• Sec. 54-122. - Discharge. (reference)

  • (a) Definitions. The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this article, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:
    Densely populated area means an area extending 200 yards from the exterior boundaries of any five or more parcels or tracts, each one of which is adjacent to at least one other, each parcel or tract being one acre or less in area, and which parcels or tracts each contain a structure designed for human use.

    Pneumatic gun means any implement, designed as a gun, that will expel a BB or a pellet by action of pneumatic pressure. "Pneumatic gun" includes a paintball gun that expels by action of pneumatic pressure plastic balls filled with paint for the purpose of marking the point of impact.

    (b) Prohibited. It shall be unlawful and constitute a class 3 misdemeanor, punishable as provided in subsection 1-14(3), for any person to:
    (1 )Discharge a firearm or pneumatic gun:
    a. Within any densely populated area;
    b. Within 200 yards from any structure owned by another and used for human occupancy or for business purposes, or for the storage of personal property, including but not limited to, structures used for the housing of livestock or for other agricultural accessory storage uses, without permission of the owner;
    c. Within 100 yards from any public street, secondary road or highway within the city, except on a permitted firing range; or
    d. At or upon the property of another without permission.
    (2) Shoot a longbow, compound bow or crossbow at or upon the property of another without permission.
    (3) Use of a rifle to hunt bear or deer except from a stand located at least 15 feet in elevation above the ground; provided, however, that the requirement that the use of a rifle be from a stand located at least 15 feet in elevation above the ground shall be expressly inapplicable to all legally handicapped persons.
    (4) All uses of pneumatic guns on public or private property by minors below the age of 16 without supervision of parent, guardian or other adult supervisor approved by the parent or guardian.(5)All uses of pneumatic guns by minors above the age of 16 without the written consent of a parent or guardian at any place designated for such use by the local governing body or on private property with the consent of the owner.

    (c) Exceptions. The provisions of this section shall not be applicable to:

    (1) Law enforcement officers engaged in the lawful performance of their duties as such, nor shall they be applicable in any situation in which the discharge of a weapon is necessary for the preservation or protection of human life or property.
    (2) The use of muzzle-loading rifles during the prescribed open seasons for the hunting of game species as permitted in the city; provided, however, that 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 legally handicapped persons.
    (3) The killing of deer pursuant to Code of Virginia, § 29.1-529, on parcels of five acres or more in the agricultural zoning district.
    (4) The use of pneumatic guns at facilities approved for shooting ranges, on other property where firearms may be discharged, or on or within private property with permission of the owner or legal possessor thereof when conducted with reasonable care to prevent a projectile from crossing the bounds of the property. For the purpose of this subsection "reasonable care" means that the pneumatic gun is discharged in a manner so the projectile is contained on the property by a backstop, earthen embankment or fence. The discharge of projectiles across or over the bounds of the property shall create the rebuttable presumption that the use of the pneumatic gun was not conducted with reasonable care and shall constitute a class 3 misdemeanor.

    (Ord. No. 64-93, § 18-15, 9-1-1993; Ord. No. 86-01, 7-18-2001; Ord. No. 09-O-046, 9-2-2009; Ord. No. 10-O-33, 4-21-2010; Ord. No. 13-O-051, 6-19-2013)

    State Law reference— Authority to adopt, Code of Virginia, § 15.2-1113.

Surry County

The following local ordinances apply in Surry County:

• Sec. 20-94. - Hunting prohibited near public roads. (reference)

  • (a) Definitions. The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this section, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this subsection, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:
    Hunt shall not include the necessary crossing of highways for the bona fide purpose of going into or leaving a lawful hunting area.

    (b) It is unlawful to hunt with a firearm in the county from the road and within 10 feet of the ditch bank.

    (Ord. of 4-?-2001, § 1)

    State Law reference— Authority to so provide, Code of Virginia, § 29.1-526.

• Sec. 20-95. - Hunting with rifles of caliber larger than .22 rimfire. (reference)

  • (a) Hunting in the county, with a rifle of .22 caliber or larger, of groundhogs, between March 1 and August 31 of each year, and of all other game, bird and nuisance species shall be permitted as allowed by state law and regulations.

    (b) Hunting in the county, with muzzle-loading rifles, is permitted during the prescribed open seasons for the hunting of game species as allowed by state law and regulations.

    (c) Notwithstanding the above, deer and bear hunting with a rifle of a .23 caliber or larger during the prescribed open seasons, as allowed by state law and regulations, shall be allowed in the county only as follows:
    (1) The person shall hunt only from an elevated stand located at least ten feet above the ground, except that such weapon may also be discharged on the ground when it is necessary to do so in order to dispatch the animal wounded from the elevated hunting platform.
    (2) The rifle may have a round in its chamber only when it is on the elevated stand or in route to a wounded animal as set forth in (c)(1).
    (3) The provisions of Section 29.1-528.2 of the Code of Virginia shall exempt a permanently disabled hunter, as defined in Code of Virginia, § 58.1-3217, from the requirements of this section regarding hunting from an elevated stand located at least ten feet above the ground.

    (d) Nothing in this section shall prohibit a landowner or lessee from killing a deer or bear that is damaging fruit trees, crops, livestock or personal property utilized for commercial agricultural production in accordance with Code of Virginia, § 29.1-529 and other applicable laws.

    (Ord. of 4-2001, § 2; Ord. No. 2024-03, 6-6-2024; Ord. No. 2024-05, 10-3-2024)

• Sec. 20-98. - Bow and arrow hunting; permitted when. (reference)

  • (a) Bow and arrow, slingbow, and crossbow hunting in the county shall be permitted as allowed by state law and regulations.

    (b) The times at which hunting shall commence and end each day shall be in accordance with the provision of Code of Virginia, § 29.1-520.

    (c) It is unlawful to discharge a bow and arrow in a manner that can be reasonably expected to result in the impact of the arrow upon the property of another without permission from the owner of such property.

    (Ord. of 4-2001, § 4; Ord. No. 2024-03, 6-6-2024; Ord. No. 2024-05, 10-3-2024)

• Sec. 20-99. - Hunting near dwellings prohibited. (reference)

  • (a) No person shall hunt with firearms or other weapons in the Surry Landing on the James subdivision, including future and developed lots, as recorded in the subdivision plat in Deed Book 120 Pages 785-793, and as amended by Plat Book 7, Page 267 in 2010 and as further amended by Plat Book 8, Page 23 in 2011.

    (b) Appropriate signs shall be erected designating the boundaries of such area.

    (Ord. of 4-?-2001, § 5; Ord. No. 2019-01, 5-2-2019)

    State Law reference— Code of Virginia, § 15.2-1210.

• Sec. 20-101. - Discharging a firearm near a school or park prohibited. (reference)

  • It is unlawful in the county for any person to shoot a firearm or to hunt within 100 yards of any property line of a public school or a county park. This section does not apply on lands within a national or state park or forest, or wildlife management area.

    (Ord. of 4-?-2001, § 7)

    State Law reference— Authority to so provide, Code of Virginia, § 15.2-915.

Sussex County

The following local ordinances apply in Sussex County:

• NOTE: Modern muzzleloaders with scopes ARE LEGAL for hunting. On 10/1/2025 Sussex County fixed their Municode webpage of local ordinances to reflect this and all other changes made from their 10/29/2020 special Board meeting. (reference)
• Sec. 4-157. - Taking game with muzzle loading weapons. (reference)

  • (a)The taking or hunting of deer with single-shot muzzle rifles of .45 caliber or larger is permitted during the season designated by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources for the muzzle loading season.

    (b)Muzzle loading pistols may be used to hunt nuisance species of birds and animals between sunrise and sunset except over inland water and raccoons during the legal hunting hours for such species.

    (c)The use of muzzle loading pistols is permitted for hunting small game where .22 caliber rifles are permitted.

    (d)The person first obtains written permission from the landowner.

    (Ord. of 10-29-2020(1))

• Sec. 4-158. - Permitted muzzle loading weapons. (reference)

  • Only single-shot muzzle loading guns, rifles and handguns using flintlocks or percussion caps without being equipped with telescopic sights or sabots may be used. Rifles shall be .45 caliber or larger, and handguns shall be .40 caliber or larger, and modern muzzle loading rifles, which may include telescopic sights.

    (Ord. of 10-29-2020(1))

• Sec. 4-159. - Prohibited acts. (reference)

  • (a)The hunting of deer with any other rifle not herein named is prohibited.

    (b)No rifle of any type may be used to hunt or take wild turkey.

    (Ord. of 10-29-2020(1))

• Sec. 4-160. - Hunting with muzzle-loading rifle and certain other caliber rifles. (reference)

  • (a)Notwithstanding any other provision of county code to the contrary, a person may use a rifle other than a muzzle-loading rifle to hunt deer during the regular hunting season only as follows:
    (1)The rifle shall be a 0.23 caliber or larger;
    (2)The person shall hunt only from an elevated stand at least ten feet above ground level, unless the hunter obtains the disabled hunter exemption as provided by Code of Virginia, § 29.1-528.2 or other applicable state law;
    (3)The rifle shall have a round in its chamber only when it is on the top of the elevated stand;
    (4)The person first obtains written permission from the landowner; and
    (5)The person complies with all safety and other regulations of this Code and the state department of wildlife resources.

    (b)Nothing in this section shall prohibit a landowner or lessee from killing a deer, elk or bear that is damaging fruit trees, crops, livestock or personal property utilized for commercial agricultural production, as long as the owner or lessee of the property complies with Code of Virginia, § 29.1-529 and other applicable state law.

    (c)Persons may also use slug guns pursuant to the provisions of this section. However, the elevated stand requirement in (a)(2) shall not apply to the use of slug guns.

    State Law reference— Hunting with certain firearms, Code of Virginia, § 29.1-528.

    (Ord. of 10-29-2020(1))

Tazewell County

The following local ordinances apply in Tazewell County:

• Sec. 3-101. - [Killing of coyotes permitted; bounty established; trapper compensation.] (reference)

  • Pursuant to Code of Virginia (1950) § 15.2-926.1, as amended, the killing of coyotes within the boundaries of the County of Tazewell shall be permitted. The board of supervisors shall pay a bounty in the amount and on the terms as hereinafter set forth:

    (1) The board of supervisors shall pay a bounty of fifty dollars ($50.00) per coyote killed on lands in the county dedicated to agricultural use, as identified on the tax records of the county, for the first one hundred (100) coyotes so killed, such that the aggregate bounty paid each calendar year shall not exceed five thousand dollars ($5,000.00).
    (2) The board of supervisors may, by resolution, authorize an increased bounty on female coyotes not to exceed seventy-five dollars ($75.00); limit to certain months of the year the time during which the increased bounty shall be paid; and designate the locations within the county, including nonagricultural lands, where the increased bounty shall be applicable. Such increased bounty shall remain in effect for a period not to exceed twelve (12) months unless reenacted by the board of supervisors. The increased bounty payments for females pursuant to this Code section shall not be included in the aggregate bounty limits set forth elsewhere in this section.
    (3) The board of supervisors may designate one (1) or more county coyote trappers and compensate him or her from such funds as the county may make available for such purpose. The board may limit said trapper's jurisdiction to such portions of the county as the board may deem appropriate. Any bounty paid to the designated county trapper shall not be included in the aggregate bounty limits set forth in this section.

    (Ord. of 1-3-00; Ord. of 3-1-05(1); Ord. of 8-7-12)

    Editor's note— The title of § 3-101 has been renamed from "Killing of coyotes permitted; bounty established; procedures for claims" to "Killing of coyotes permitted; bounty established; trapper compensation," at the discretion of the editor.

• Sec. 14-32. - Prohibited acts. (reference)

  • It is hereby declared to be unlawful for any person to do any of the acts set forth in this section within the limits of the facilities and lands located within any public park or parkway or lands used by the county for related purposes within the limits of the county;

    (1) To carry or discharge any firearms, firecrackers, rockets, torpedoes or fireworks of any kind without written consent of the administrator, with the exception of duly authorized law enforcement officials on official duty and with the exception of persons legally permitted to carry a firearm as a concealed weapon, pursuant to Code of Virginia, § 18.2-308 et seq. as amended, while in compliance with any laws or regulations appertaining to such permit.
    (2) To catch, injure, destroy or interfere in any way with rabbits, birds, squirrels or any other animal, reptile or amphibian located in the park without special consent of the administrator, who may give such special consent under the advisement of the district biologist of the Commonwealth Department of Game and Inland Fisheries.
    (3) To cut or remove any wood, turf, grass, soil, rock, sand, gravel or any other material.
    (4) To make or kindle a fire for any purpose except in places provided therefor.
    (5) To destroy or carry away any flag, sandbox, tool, implement, equipment, bridge or other property located in the park and related facilities.
    (6) To indulge in riotous, boisterous, threatening or indecent conduct; or abusive, threatening profane or indecent language.
    (7) To camp or lodge therein.
    (8) To sell or offer for sale any merchandise, article or thing whatsoever.
    (9) To drive any vehicle on any area except the park roads or parking areas.
    (10) To drive or operate any motor vehicle in excess of twenty (20) miles per hour, unless otherwise posted.
    (11) To park in other than any established or designated parking area.
    (12) To fail to comply with state motor vehicle laws in all park areas.
    (13) To fail to comply with state fishing license requirements and game and inland fisheries rules and regulations pertaining to size and reel limits deemed necessary by the district biologist and duly posted.
    (14) To use fishing methods other than rod and reel, which is the only allowable fishing method.
    (15) To repair or wash vehicles.
    (16) To ride a horse except on designated bridle trails.
    (17) To cut, break into, injure, deface or disturb any tree, shrub, plant, rock, building, wall, fence, bench, sign or other structure, apparatus or property; to pluck, pull up, cut, take or remove any shrub, bush, plant, flower, signs or artifact; to mark or write upon any building, fence, bench, sign or any other structure; to climb any tree or stand or sit upon monuments, fountains, railings, fences or any property not designated for such purposes; or to tie or hitch a horse or other animal to any tree or plant.
    (18) To distribute any handbills or circulars, or to post, place or erect any bill, notice, paper or advertising device or matter of any kind.
    (19) To poison animals or feed animals spoiled food, or allow any substance to pollute the land or streams within the park.
    (20) To practice, carry on, conduct or solicit for any trade, occupation, business or profession.
    (21) To construct or erect any building or structure or run or string any public service utility.
    (22) To throw or leave paper or other rubbish anywhere except in the receptacles provided for the purpose or to place any refuse brought from private property in such receptacles.
    (23) To use restrooms and washrooms designated for the opposite sex. No person over the age of six (6) years shall be permitted in restrooms other than the designated restrooms.
    (24) To picnic or lunch in a place other than designated for that purpose, or leave a picnic area before the fire is completely extinguished and before all trash in the nature of boxes, papers, cans, bottles, garbage and other refuse is placed in the disposal receptacles where provided.
    (25) To play games involving thrown or otherwise propelled objects, except in areas set apart for such forms of recreation.
    (26) To permit dogs to roam loose. Dogs shall be restrained at all times on adequate leashes not greater than five (5) feet in length.
    (27) To throw stones, sticks, cans or rubbish of any kind into the lakes, streams or ponds.
    (28) To park, loiter or assemble for any purpose whatsoever between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.
    (29) To solicit alms or contributions.
    (30) To use any facility or building for the following purposes without first obtaining a permit:
    a.Use of campsites.
    b.Use of recreational buildings.
    c.Use of pavilions.
    d.Special events when held on park property.
    e.Lectures, concerts, political rallies, speeches or plays.
    (31) To use any petroleum-powered boat or conveyance on the lake. Paddle boats will be permitted only during such dates as set by the county administrator. Department of game and inland fisheries personnel or law enforcement personnel on official duty are exempt from this regulation.
    (32) To enter or participate in or on those recreation facilities or programs which have a fee schedule established by the board of supervisors or fees established by a lessee, without payment of the required fee. All persons shall pay the designated fee.
    (32a) To supply false or misleading information on the fairgrounds rental/user application agreement or such other form as may be required for use and payment of a required fee for entrance on or participation in or on the county properties generally known as the Tazewell County Fairgrounds.
    (33) To drive vehicles in prohibited areas where signs are erected giving notice thereof. It shall be unlawful for any person to drive or cause to be driven any truck larger than one ton, whether loaded or unloaded.
    (34) To swim, bath or wade in any lake, pond or stream in the park unless a county-employed lifeguard is on duty. However, wading is permitted if done so in conjunction with permitted bona fide fishing activities as provided in this article.
    (35) To feed animals where signs have been posted forbidding such practice.
    (36) Stocking of fish by any group or individual except the department of game and inland fisheries, or releasing of wildlife such as geese, ducks and the like on the park premises.
    (37) To fail to observe carefully all traffic signs indicating speed, direction, caution, stopping or parking, and all others posted for proper control and to safeguard life and property.
    (38) To bring or consume alcoholic beverages of any kind on park property.
    (39) To enter into or trespass upon any enclosed areas of the park, whenever such facilities are closed to the public by locked gates, doors or barricades or where any enclosed area of the park is posted with a sign restricting use of the facility.

    (Ord. of 12-10-90(2), § 3; Ord. of 5-20-97, § 2; Ord. of 10-4-11(1); Ord. of 4-1-14)

Virginia Beach City

The following local ordinances apply in Virginia Beach City:

• Sec. 38-3. - Discharge of firearms, air guns, etc. (reference)

  • (a) It shall be unlawful for any person to discharge any firearm, spring-propelled rifle or pistol, from or across any land or water north or west of the trace of the line beginning at the intersection of North Landing Road and the Chesapeake-Virginia Beach city boundary line; thence northwardly along North Landing Road to Indian River Road; thence eastwardly along Indian River Road to New Bridge Road; thence northeastwardly along New Bridge Road to Sandbridge Road, thence eastwardly along Sandbridge Road to its intersection with the Atlantic Ocean, or across any land north of False Cape State Park and east of Shipps Bay and Point Creek. This prohibition shall not apply to shotguns discharging pellets under the following conditions:
    (1) On land that is fifty (50) acres or more of contiguous area, or less than fifty (50) acres of contiguous area south of the trace of the line beginning at the intersection of Elbow Road and the Chesapeake-Virginia Beach city boundary line; thence northeastwardly along Elbow Road to Salem Road; thence southeastwardly along Salem Road to North Landstown Road; thence northeastwardly along Landstown Road to Princess Anne Road; thence southeastwardly along Princess Anne Road to Sandbridge Road; thence eastwardly along Sandbridge Road to its intersection with the Atlantic Ocean; and
    (2) Under one (1) ownership; and
    (3) Used primarily for agricultural purposes; and
    (4) The landowner has applied for an annual permit from the city manager to use his property for this purpose, which permit shall be granted by the city manager if the applicant meets the requirements of this section; and
    (5) The person discharging a shotgun as herein set forth shall, at all times while engaged in such activity, have in his possession written permission from the landowner to discharge such weapon on the premises; and
    (6) All permits shall expire on the next June 30 after the date of issuance.

    (b) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (a)(4) above, no permit shall be issued to a landowner if it is determined by the city manager or his duly authorized agent that the issuance of such permit would be detrimental to the public safety, and any permit that has been issued and is in effect may be revoked by the city manager if it is determined by the city manager or his duly authorized agent that conditions have changed since the date of issuance of the permit that cause the continued use of the land for the permitted purpose to be detrimental to the public safety.

    (c) It shall be lawful to discharge firearms of .22-caliber or less south of the trace line enumerated in subsection (a) subject to the provisions of this section. It shall be unlawful to discharge any firearms greater than .22-caliber any place within the city; provided, however, that muzzleloading rifles using a charge of black powder or black powder equivalent may be used to hunt deer during the open season prescribed therefor by the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries south of the trace of the line described in subsection (a)(1). For purposes of this section, a muzzleloading rifle shall mean a single-shot flintlock or percussion rifle, .45 caliber or larger, firing a single lead projectile or sabot with a .38 caliber or larger nonjacketed lead projectile of the same caliber loaded from the muzzle of the weapon and propelled by at least fifty (50) grains of black powder or black powder equivalent.

    (d) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this section, it shall be unlawful for any person to discharge any firearm, spring-propelled rifle or pistol, from, on, across or within one hundred fifty (150) yards of any building, dwelling, street, sidewalk, alley, roadway or public land or public place within the city limits.

    (e) The prohibitions of this section shall not apply to the operation of a shooting event that is sponsored by an organized group, provided, the written approval of the chief of police as to the safety and location of the event is obtained prior to the event.

    (f) No person shall use a pneumatic gun in the area of the city described in (a) above except (i) at approved shooting ranges or (ii) on or within private property with permission of the owner or legal possessor thereof when conducted with reasonable care to prevent a projectile from crossing the bounds of the property. For purposes of this subsection, "pneumatic gun" means any implement designed as a gun that will expel a BB or a pellet by action of pneumatic pressure, including but not limited to paintball guns. Further, for the purpose of this subsection "reasonable care" means that the pneumatic gun is discharged in a manner so the projectile is contained on the property by a backstop, earthen embankment or fence. The discharge of projectiles across or over the bounds of the property shall create the rebuttable presumption that the use of the pneumatic gun was not conducted with reasonable care and shall constitute a Class 3 misdemeanor.

    (g) Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit the discharge of firearms and other weapons by (1) law enforcement officers; (2) military personnel; or (3) federal, state or local government animal or fowl management agency agents in the city as part of authorized training or in the performance of their duties.

    (h) The prohibitions set forth in this section shall not apply to the killing of deer pursuant to Code of Virginia § 29.1-529 on land of at least five (5) acres that is zoned for agricultural use.(i)A violation of any provision of this section unless otherwise specified shall constitute a Class 1 misdemeanor.

    (Code 1965, § 38-2; Ord. No. 1107, 10-20-80; Ord. No. 1220, 9-14-81; Ord. No. 1332, 9-27-82; Ord. No. 1622, 9-15-86; Ord. No. 1624, 9-29-86; Ord. No. 2525, 4-6-99; Ord. No. 3084, 5-26-09; Ord. No. 3188, 6-28-11; Ord. No. 3531, 1-9-18)

    State Law reference— Authority of city to regulate or prohibit discharge of firearms, Code of Virginia, § 15.1-865; discharging firearms in streets or public places, §§ 18.2-280, 18.2-286.

• Sec. 38-3.2. - Use of bow and arrow restricted. (reference)

  • (a) It shall be unlawful for any person to shoot with a bow and arrow within those limits of the city which are specified in section 38-3 to be unlawful for the discharge of any firearm, except within an archery range having clearly designated boundaries and a safe area of impact sufficient to prevent personal injury and property damage. The use of any such range located on public or school property shall be subject to the approval of the director of parks and recreation or the principal of the respective school. The shooting of arrows tipped with suction cups shall not constitute a violation of this section.

    (b) Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, it shall be unlawful for any person to shoot with a bow and arrow or crossbow (i) in or across any road, or within the right-of-way thereof, or in any street; or (ii) at or upon the property of another without permission of the owner or other person lawfully in charge thereof.(c)A violation of this section shall constitute a Class 4 misdemeanor.

    (Ord. No. 1865, 5-15-89; Ord. No. 2171, 8-11-92; Ord. No. 2278, 6-28-94)

    Cross reference— License tax for archery ranges, § 18-104.

• Sec. 38-6. - Hunting with firearms while under influence of intoxicant or narcotic drug; penalty. (reference)

  • It shall be unlawful for any person to hunt wildlife with a firearm, bow and arrow, or crossbow in the city while he is (i) under the influence of alcohol; (ii) under the influence of any narcotic drug or any other self-administered intoxicant or drug of whatsoever nature, or any combination of such drugs, to a degree that impairs his ability to hunt with a firearm, bow and arrow, or crossbow safely; or (iii) under the combined influence of alcohol and any drug or drugs to a degree that impairs his ability to hunt with a firearm, bow and arrow, or crossbow safely. Any person who violates the provisions of this section is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

    (Ord. No. 2882, 6-14-05)

    Editor's note— Ord. No. 2789, adopted Oct. 28, 2003, repealed former § 38-6 in its entirety, which pertained to permit prerequisite to purchase of certain weapons and derived from the 1965 Code, § 38-5; Ord. No. 1324, adopted Sept. 13, 1982; and Ord. No. 1429, adopted Jan. 23, 1984. Ord. No. 2882, adopted June 14, 2005, added new provisions as § 38-6.

• Sec. 38-8. - Transporting a loaded rifle or shotgun. (reference)

  • (a) No person shall transport, possess or carry a loaded shotgun or loaded rifle in any vehicle on any public street, road or highway.

    (b) The provisions of this section shall not apply to duly authorized law enforcement officers or military personnel in the performance of their lawful duties, nor to any person who reasonably believes that a loaded rifle or shotgun is necessary for his personal safety in the course of his employment or business.

    (c)Violation of this section shall be punishable by a fine of not more than one hundred dollars ($100.00).

    (Ord. No. 2050, 4-23-91)

Warren County

The following local ordinances apply in Warren County:

• § 177-1 Loaded shotguns or rifles in vehicles; penalty. (reference)

  • It shall be unlawful for any person to transport, possess or carry a loaded shotgun or loaded rifle in any vehicle on any public street, road or highway within Warren County, Virginia. Any violation of this article shall be punishable by a fine of not more than $100. Game wardens, Sheriffs and all other law enforcement officers shall enforce the provisions of this section.

• § 110-1 Hunting prohibited in designated locations. (reference)

  • Except as hereinafter provided, all hunting with firearms or other weapons, including bow and arrow, is prohibited in the following designated subdivisions or other areas of the County which, in the opinion of the Board of Supervisors, are so heavily populated as to make such hunting dangerous to the inhabitants thereof. There shall be erected appropriate signs where they may reasonably be seen, designating the boundaries of said subdivisions and areas in which hunting is prohibited. However, this chapter shall not prohibit hunting by bow and arrow by a property owner on such owner's own property in such subdivision, provided that such hunting is done at least 100 yards from residences and roads.

    A. Within the boundary lines of Skyland Estates Subdivision, as shown on Warren County Tax Map 23A Sheets 1 through 6.

    B. Within the boundary lines of Apple Mountain Lake Subdivision as shown on Warren County Tax Map 22B.
    [Added 5-20-1991]

    C. Within the boundary lines of all sections of Shenandoah Farms Subdivision and those adjacent parcels as shown on the following Warren County Tax Maps: 7A; 7A1; 15B; 15C; 15D, Sheets 1 and 2; 15E, Sheets 1 through 5; 15F; 15G; 15H; 23C, Sheets 1 through 9; and 24C.
    [Added 12-2-1991]

    D. Within the boundary lines of all sections of Shenandoah Shores Subdivision as shown on Warren County Tax Map 13C, Sheets 1 and 2.
    [Added 6-1-1992]

    E. Within or from the South Fork of the Shenandoah River from the upstream edge of the State Route 619 bridge to the confluence of the South Fork of the Shenandoah River with the North Fork of the Shenandoah River.
    [Added 4-20-2004]

    F. Within the boundary lines of all sections of Lake Front Royal Subdivision as shown on Warren County Tax Map 39C.
    [Added 5-18-2004]

    G. Within the boundary lines of all sections of Apple Mountain Lake South Subdivision as shown on Warren County Tax Map 31C.
    [Added 5-16-2006]

    H. Within the boundary lines of all sections of High Knob Subdivision as shown on Warren County Tax Maps 31B and 31B1.
    [Added 8-19-2008]

    I. Within the boundary lines of all sections of Stonewall Estates Subdivision as shown on Warren County Tax Map 11G.
    [Added 7-21-2009]

Washington County

The following local ordinances apply in Washington County:

• Sec. 10-60. - Kennel dogs. (reference)

  • Any person who seeks to operate a commercial dog kennel shall provide to the treasurer county zoning approval certification as a prerequisite to obtaining a kennel license. For commercial and non-commercial purposes, the following provisions apply. The owner of a kennel shall securely fasten the license tag to the kennel enclosure in full view and keep one of the identification plates provided therewith attached to the collar of each dog authorized to be kept enclosed in the kennel. Any identification plates not so in use must be kept by the owner or custodian and promptly shown to the animal control officer or other officer upon request. A kennel dog shall not be permitted to stray beyond the limits of the kennel enclosure; but this restriction shall not operate to prohibit dogs being temporarily removed from the kennel while under the control of the owner or custodian to exercise, hunt, breed, show, or engage in field trials. A kennel shall not be operated in any manner to defraud the county of the license tax payable on dogs which cannot be legally considered as kennel dogs or in any manner to violate other provisions of this division. If a kennel dog is found to be running at large in violation of section 10-32, in addition to other penalties provided by this chapter, the kennel license of the owner of such dog may be revoked if it appears to the court that the provisions of this section have been violated by reason of carelessness or negligence on the part of such owner, and such owner thereupon shall be required to pay an individual license tax on each dog.

    (Ord. No. 2010-005, 9-14-2010; Ord. No. 2020-03, § 3, 5-12-2020)

    State Law reference— Authority to regulate kennel licenses, Code of Virginia, § 3.2-6528.

• Sec. 66-272. - Permitted uses and accessory uses and structures. (reference)

  • (a) Permitted uses. In the CR district, structures to be erected or land to be used shall be for one or more of the following permitted uses:
    (1) Agriculture and forestry.
    (2) Agritourism subject, when applicable, to requirements for large agritourism events as set out in this article.
    (3) Antennas and towers that are located in the Signal Hill Communication Complex, which is an area of land owned by the state department of game and inland fisheries located on the Hidden Valley Wildlife Management Area consisting of 18 lots, a plat of which is of record in the office of the Clerk of Circuit Court of the county and on file in the office of the Administrator or his designee, shall be permitted as provided in section 66-274 and which are for the use of:
    a. Interstate carriers (interstate telephone and/or telegraph companies, etc.);
    b. Commercial television/radio;
    c. Telecommunication service providers;
    d. Private local users who do not make a direct profit from the facility;
    e. Government and educational television/radio.
    (4) Cafes and restaurants.
    (5) Churches and schools.
    (6) Country general store.
    (7) Directional signs.
    (8) Ecotourism, minor.
    (9) Home occupations.
    (10) Lodges, clubs and hunting preserves.
    (11) Manufactured homes, provided that no manufactured home shall be used for business purposes in the CR district except for home occupations as defined by this chapter and subject to the provisions of article XI, division 2 of this chapter.
    (12) Parks and playgrounds.
    (13) Riding stables, bridle trails.
    (14) Single-family dwellings.
    (15) Utilities and public services as follows:
    a. Poles, overhead and underground lines, distribution transformers, meters, street lighting and related appurtenances necessary for the transmission and distribution of electric and telecommunication services, with the exception of telecommunication towers; however, telecommunication towers and antennas used exclusively by public or private schools or educational institutions for the receipt and transmission of data solely for educational purposes shall be permitted by right subject to compliance with the provisions of article X of this chapter.
    b. Underground pipes and lines, manholes, pumping and booster stations, meters and related appurtenances necessary for the transmission and distribution of potable water, wastewater collection, and natural gas transmission and distribution.
    c. Solid waste disposal convenience station operated by the county after a public hearing shall have been held by the board of supervisors.

    (b) Accessory uses and structures. No accessory structure may be closer than five feet to any property line. The following accessory uses and structures are permitted in the CR district:
    (1) Business signs, only to advertise the sale or rent of the premises upon which erected.
    (2) Church bulletin boards.
    (3) Garages. However, garages or other accessory structures such as carports, porches and stoops attached to the main building shall be considered part of the main building.
    (4) Home occupation signs.
    (5) Identification signs, not to exceed eight square feet.
    (6) Off-street parking as required by this chapter.

    (Code 1997, § 66-302; Ord. No. 98-7, § 1(66-302), 7-27-1998; Ord. No. 99-4, § 1(66-302), 6-8-1999; Ord. No. 2000-01, § 1(66-302), 4-11-2000; Ord. No. 2015-003, § 4, 5-12-2015; Ord. No. 2022-08, § 4, 12-13-2022)

Waynesboro City

The following local ordinances apply in Waynesboro City:

• Sec. 50-3. - Weapons. (reference)

  • (a) Firearms, air rifles, pellet guns, etc. Except for law enforcement officers in the performance of their official duty, or any other person whose willful act is otherwise justifiable or excusable at law in the protection of his life or property, or is otherwise specifically authorized by law, no person within the city shall discharge shot, gravel, bullets, objects or other similar substances from a firearm, air rifle, pellet gun or other similar device. In addition to any other penalty for violation of this section, the court may order the confiscation of the device involved in the offense.

    (b) Bows, crossbows, slingshots, dangerous missiles, etc. Except for law enforcement officers in the performance of their official duty, no person shall, in a manner so as to endanger the life, limb or property of any person within the city, throw stones, sticks or other dangerous missiles or weapons, or discharge arrows, nails, objects or other similar substances from a bow or crossbow, or discharge any item mentioned in this subsection from a slingshot, gravel shooter or other similar device. In addition to any other penalty for violation of this section, the court may order the confiscation of the device involved in the offense.

    (c) Exemptions. The following are exempted from coverage under subsections (a) and (b):(1)Any firing range designated by the city manager for official training of law enforcement personnel while on or off official duty, provided that such exemption shall apply only to such use of such location by such personnel. Any use thereof by any other individual shall continue to constitute a violation of this section; and(2)Any firing range operated by any nonprofit educational institution, public or private, under their supervision.

    (Code 1964, § 16-7)

Westmoreland County

The following local ordinances apply in Westmoreland County:

• Sec. 30-2. - Hunting with certain firearms prohibited/limited. (reference)

  • (a) The definitions used in this section shall be those which are contained in the VA Code.

    (b) As provided for in VA Code § 29.1-528, the following activities are allowed:

    (1) During the special two-week season set aside for that purpose, rifles which are muzzle-loading may be used to hunt and kill deer, provided that such use shall comply with all applicable state and local laws and regulations.

    (2) Rifles of .23 caliber or larger with a maximum magazine capacity of five rounds may be used to hunt deer during the firearms deer season provided the hunter is in an elevated stand at least eight feet above ground level and has first obtained written permission from the landowner. The rifle may have a round in its chamber only when it is on the elevated stand, except such weapon may be discharged on the ground when necessary to dispatch deer wounded from the elevated platform.

    (3) Rifles larger than .22 will be allowed to hunt groundhogs and coyotes outside of the general firearms deer season.

    (4) Muzzleloaders shall be legal firearms during any firearms season.

    (Code 1988, § 11-2; Ord. of 4-12-1999; Ord. of 12-13-1999(1); Ord. of 3-12-2012; Ord. of, 5-12-2025)

    State Law reference— Authority to adopt weapons restrictions, Code of Virginia, § 29.1-528.

Williamsburg City

The following local ordinances apply in Williamsburg City:

• Sec. 4-10. - City designated as bird sanctuary; killing birds prohibited. (reference)

  • The area within the corporate limits of the city hereby is designated as a bird sanctuary. It shall be unlawful for any person to kill or attempt to kill any song bird or game bird within the corporate limits of the city with any gun, pistol or other firearm, air rifle, BB gun, gravel shooter, bow and arrow or sling shot. Any person violating this section shall be guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished in accordance with section 1-15 of this Code.

    (Ord. No. 15-26, 12-10-15)

• Sec. 10-123. - Discharging firearms. (reference)

  • (a) Any person who shall fire any gun, pistol or other firearm within the limits of the city, except in case of urgent necessity, shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished in accordance with section 1-15.

    (b) This section shall not preclude the firing of guns, pistols or other firearms: (1) within the bounds of the historic area as defined in the zoning regulations, provided that any such gun, pistol or firearm contains no projectile and is fired by a duly authorized agent or employee of the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation as part of such foundation's educational and cultural activities, or (2) when firing occurs on a firing range located in the Museum Support District and for which a special use permit has been approved, in which case only such gun, pistol or firearm may contain a projectile(s), provided the firing of such firearm is conducted by or supervised by an authorized agent or employee of the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. This section shall further not apply to an honor guard composed of members of the United States Armed Forces, provided that the rifles or other firearms used by such honor guard are loaded with blank ammunition. This section shall further not apply to the discharge of any gun, pistol or other firearm on the campus of the College of William and Mary, provided that such gun, pistol or other firearm is loaded with blank ammunition, or contains no projectile should such firearm not use cartridge ammunition, and further on the condition that the firing of such firearm has been approved in advance by the president or other duly authorized administrative official of the College of William and Mary. The city manager shall have authority to issue permits allowing discharge of firearms within the city by persons not exempted hereinabove, provided that such firearms shall fire blank ammunition or contain no projectile should such firearms not use cartridge ammunition, and further provided that the city manager is satisfied that the firing of such firearm will not constitute a disturbance of the peace, a nuisance, or in any way endanger the life or well-being of any person or constitute a hazard to any property.

    (c) This section shall further not preclude the hunting of deer on designated tracts within the city if authorized by the city manager on the recommendation of the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries in order to maintain the health of the deer herds and prevent their overpopulation. The city manager may impose such regulations and limitations on the hunting of deer as he deems necessary to preserve the public safety and welfare.

    (Code 1975, § 21-29; Ord. No. 20-93, 7-8-93; Ord. No. 15-18, 8-13-15)

    State Law reference— Authority of city to adopt this section, Code of Virginia, § 15.1-865.

• Sec. 10-126. - Transporting a loaded rifle or shotgun. (reference)

  • (a) No person shall transport, possess or carry a loaded shotgun or loaded rifle in any vehicle on any public street, road or highway within the city. Any person violating this section shall upon conviction be fined not more than $100.00.

    (b) The provisions of this section shall not apply to:
    (1) Duly authorized law enforcement officers or military personnel in the performance of their lawful duties; and
    (2) Any person who reasonably believes that a loaded rifle or loaded shotgun is necessary for his personal safety in the course of his employment or business.

    (Code 1975, § 21-33)

    State Law reference— Similar provisions, Code of Virginia, § 18.2-287.1.

Winchester City

The following local ordinances apply in Winchester City:

• Sec. 5-41. - MIGRATORY AND NONMIGRATORY WATERFOWL - Prohibition. (reference)

  • It shall be unlawful for any person upon public property in the City of Winchester in areas designated by appropriate signage erected at the discretion of the City Manager to:

    (a) Feed or bait any migratory or nonmigratory waterfowl.

    (b) Create any condition which results in a congregation of migratory or nonmigratory waterfowl on public property which:
    (1) Results in an accumulation of waterfowl feces or droppings;
    (2) Results in damage to flora, fauna or public property or safety or welfare;
    (3) Results in a threat or nuisance to the public health, safety or welfare; or
    (4) Results in a threat to the health, safety or welfare of said migratory or nonmigratory waterfowl.

    (c) This article shall not apply upon lands within a national or state park or forest or wildlife management area.

• Sec. 16-7. - Discharge of firearms. (reference)

  • It shall be unlawful and a Class 1 misdemeanor for any person to fire or discharge any gun, pistol or other firearm within the limits of the City. This section shall not apply to any law-enforcement officer in the discharge of his official duties nor to any other person whose discharge of a firearm is justifiable or excusable at law in the protection of his life or property or is otherwise specifically authorized by law. (Code 1959, § 16-11)

    Cross reference— Shooting birds, § 5-8.

    State Law reference— Authority of city to regulate or prohibit discharge of firearms, Code of Virginia, § 15.1-865; discharging firearms in streets or public places, Code of Virginia, §§ 18.2-280, 18.2-286.

• Sec. 16-8. - Discharge of air gun, gravel shooter or similar instrument. (reference)

  • Except as otherwise excluded under Code of Virginia, § 15.2-915.4, it shall be unlawful and a Class 3 misdemeanor for any person anywhere within the City to discharge any shot, bullet, gravel or any similar thing from an air gun, gravel shooter or other similar instrument. This shall not apply to anyone discharging an air powered paintball gun in a completely enclosed indoor activity center specifically designed and used for this purpose. This center must be inspected and approved by the Chief of Police, or his designee, and otherwise be in compliance with all applicable law including Code and Zoning requirements.

    (Code 1959, § 16-4; Ord. No. 2010-60, 12-14-10; Ord. No. 2011-48, 11-8-11)

• Sec. 16-9. - Use of bow and arrow restricted; permit required for archery range; urban archery hunting. (reference)

  • (a) The use of bow and arrows and establishment of an Archery Range within the City limits shall be subject to the following restrictions:
    (1) No person shall shoot or discharge an arrow from a bow within the City, except upon an archery range which has been approved as to safety of location and construction by the Chief of Police.
    (2) No minor shall shoot or discharge an arrow from a bow within the City, except upon an archery range approved as to safety of location and construction by the Chief of Police and then only when under the immediate supervision of an adult.
    (3) Nothing in this section shall apply to the discharge of an arrow, equipped with a blunt rubber tip or rubber suction cup from a bow with a "pull" or "draw weight" of less than ten pounds.
    (4) No person shall set up or operate an archery range in the City without first obtaining a permit from the Chief of Police. The Chief of Police shall issue a permit for the construction and operation of an archery range only after the location and construction of the same have been proven to his satisfaction to be consistent with the public safety.

    (b) Urban archery hunting. Section 16-9(a) shall not apply when discharging an arrow from a bow for the purposes of deer hunting within the City of Winchester limits during the Urban Archery Season, the Early Archery Season, the General Firearms Deer season, as designated in regulations set forth by the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, under the following conditions:
    (1) On land that is five acres or more of continuous area, approved by the City Manager and the Chief of Police;
    (2) The landowner or landowners have applied for an annual permit from the Chief of Police to use their property for the purpose of discharging archery equipment and have identified their properties as such by signage approved by the Chief of Police;
    (3) Any person discharging a bow shall, at all times, while engaged in such activity, have in his possession written permission from the landowner(s) to discharge such a weapon on his premises;
    (4) Agreement shall be made between the participant and landowner(s) in reference to field dress;
    (5) All participants must abide by all applicable sections of the Virginia State Code and Virginia Hunting Regulations. Further, the following restrictions apply:
    a. Discharge of a bow must be done from an elevated stand with a minimum height of ten feet.
    b. No person shall discharge a bow within 100 yards of any dwelling, building, street, sidewalk, alley, roadway, public land or public place within City limits. Further, all hunting shall be done internally to the property approved for hunting.
    c. A person shall neither discharge a bow from, over or across any street, sidewalk, alley, roadway, or public land or public place within City limits or toward any building or dwelling in such a manner that an arrow may strike it nor shall a person discharge a bow over or across the private property of another without permission.
    d. No person shall hunt deer within the City limits by use of dog or dogs.
    e. Urban Archery Season is restricted to hunting antlerless deer only.
    f. Any person engaging in deer hunting must dispose of deer carcasses appropriately.

    (c) Any person violating any provision of this section shall be guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor.

    (Code 1959, § 16-5.1; Ord. No. 006-2005, 3-8-05; Ord. No. 2011-21, 10-11-11)

York County

The following local ordinances apply in York County:

• Sec. 16-37. - Discharge of high-powered rifles prohibited. (reference)

  • (a) Prohibition; exceptions. No person shall discharge at any location in the county any rifle of a caliber larger than .22 rimfire, except for the following:
    (1) Law enforcement officers, animal wardens and game wardens in the line of duty;
    (2) Military personnel in the line of duty;
    (3) Persons discharging a rifle on firing ranges operating in conformance with the county's zoning regulations;
    (4) Persons discharging a rifle in conjunction with and as authorized by a permit to hunt to control the deer population pursuant to Code of Virginia section 29.1-529; and
    (5) Persons discharging a rifle in lawful defense of property or persons or to kill a dangerous or destructive animal.

    (b) Penalty for violation. Any person violating this section shall be guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor.

    (Ord. No. 09-8(R-3), 6-15-10)