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