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))