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Board directs staff to draft changes to hunt ordinance to allow rifle deer hunting from elevated stands
Summary
Supervisors voted to have staff draft ordinance language that would allow rifles larger than .22 caliber for deer hunting during the regular deer season, subject to safety and equipment limits.
The Board of Supervisors directed staff to draft revisions to the county hunting ordinance to permit rifle hunting for deer under controlled conditions, the board said after hearing a staff briefing and discussion comparing neighboring counties’ rules.
Lede: Supervisors voted to have staff draft ordinance language that would allow rifles larger than .22 caliber for deer hunting during the regular deer season, subject to safety and equipment limits similar to nearby counties.
Nut graf: Presenters and supervisors emphasized safety requirements drawn from peer counties: elevated hunting platforms at least 8 feet above the ground, stands that are stationary, limits on magazine capacity, prohibition on using rifles for turkey hunting, and setbacks from roads and residences. Staff told the board that any ordinance amendment must be submitted for the Department of Wildlife Resources’ digest by May 1 to appear in the hunting digest for the season.
What the board asked staff to draft
Supervisors discussed a suggested package of rules that a board member proposed during the meeting: require rifles to be .23 caliber or larger for deer hunting; maximum magazine of five rounds; no rifle use for turkey hunting; stands must be at least 8 feet above ground and stationary; a set distance (board discussion referenced 150 feet) from roads and dwellings; and a rule that firearms be loaded only while the hunter is in the elevated stand except when finishing a wounded animal.
Peer‑county context and timing
Staff noted that nearby counties (Richmond, Northumberland, King George and Essex were cited) have adopted similar language allowing elevated‑stand rifle deer hunting with 8–10 foot stand minimums. The county registrar and staff also reminded the board of the May 1 deadline for submission to the hunt‑digest process if the board wishes the change to appear in the official digest.
Board action and next steps
The board directed staff to draft ordinance language and to advertise a public hearing. No final ordinance was adopted at the meeting; supervisors said they would review draft language and consider public comment before taking final action.
Sources: Staff presentation and comments from multiple supervisors during the meeting.
