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)
DWR NOTE: As of 5/1/2026, Lancaster County's ordinances webpage was not yet updated to reflect this official change. This ordinance change was adopted on 8/28/2025 by the Lancaster County Board of Supervisors to become effective on 5/1/2026. Please contact Lancaster County Administration for more information.
***NEW ORDINANCE BELOW***
a) Rifles and pistols .23 caliber or larger with a maximum capacity of five (5) rounds for rifles and six (6) rounds for pistols may be used to hunt deer during the general firearms deer season provided the hunter is in an elevated stand to be 10 feet above the ground level to the centerline of the rifle's barrel. 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 a deer wounded from an elevated platform.
b) Rifles larger than .22 caliber may be used for the hunting of groundhogs between March 1 and August 31, and for the hunting of coyotes outside of the general firearms deer season.
c) Rifle hunting is only permitted with written permission from the landowner.
d) Rifle hunting is not permitted during any organized drives.
e) Any person who violates the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a class 3 misdemeanor.(Ord. of 3-26-64; Ord. of 4-28-88; Ord. of 8-28-2025)
State law reference — Similar provisions, Code of Virginia, § 29.1-528.