{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/29.1-301.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/29.1-301.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/29.1-301.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/29.1-301.html"}],"law_id":64316,"edition_id":1,"section_id":64316,"structure_id":12936,"section_number":"29.1-301","catch_line":"Exemptions from license requirements","history":"Code 1950, \u00a7 29-52; 1950, pp. 619, 627; 1954, c. 623; 1962, c. 526; 1964, c. 445; 1968, c. 673; 1974, c. 363; 1977, c. 392; 1980, cc. 494, 500; 1981, c. 16; 1985, c. 154; 1987, cc. 126, 488, 507; 1988, cc. 180, 488; 1992, c. 262; 1996, cc. 118, 151; 1997, c. 267; 2000, cc. 110, 142; 2001, cc. 49, 597; 2002, c. 67; 2004, c. 846; 2008, c. 279; 2010, c. 345; 2016, c. 63; 2018, cc. 116, 507.","full_text":"A\n\nNo license shall be required of landowners, their spouses, their children and grandchildren and the spouses of such children and grandchildren, or the landowner’s parents, resident or nonresident, to hunt, trap and fish within the boundaries of their own lands and inland waters or while within such boundaries or upon any private permanent extension therefrom, to fish in any abutting public waters.B\n\nNo license shall be required of any stockholder owning 50 percent or more of the stock of any domestic corporation owning land in this Commonwealth, his or her spouse and children and minor grandchildren, resident or nonresident, to hunt, trap and fish within the boundaries of lands and inland waters owned by the domestic corporation.C\n\nNo license shall be required of bona fide tenants, renters or lessees to hunt, trap or fish within the boundaries of the lands or waters on which they reside or while within such boundaries or upon any private permanent extension therefrom, to fish in any abutting public waters if such individuals have the written consent of the landlord upon their person. A guest of the owner of a private fish pond shall not be required to have a fishing license to fish in such pond.D\n\nNo license shall be required of resident or nonresident persons under 16 years of age to fish.D1\n\nNo license shall be required of resident persons under 12 years of age to hunt, provided such person is accompanied and directly supervised by an adult who has, on his person, a valid Virginia hunting license as described in subsection B of § 29.1-300.1.E\n\nNo license shall be required of a resident person 65 years of age or over to hunt or trap on private property in the county or city in which he resides. An annual license at a fee of $1 shall be required of a resident person 65 years of age or older to fish in any inland waters of the Commonwealth, which shall be in addition to a license to fish for trout as specified in subsection B of § 29.1-310 or a special lifetime trout fishing license as specified in § 29.1-302.4. A resident 65 years of age or older may, upon proof of age satisfactory to the Department and the payment of a $1 fee, apply for and receive from any authorized agent of the Department a nontransferable annual license permitting such person to hunt or an annual license permitting such person to trap in all cities and counties of the Commonwealth. Any lifetime license issued pursuant to this article prior to July 1, 1988, shall remain valid for the lifetime of the person to whom it was issued. Any license issued pursuant to this section includes any damage stamp required pursuant to Article 3 (§ 29.1-352 et seq.) of this chapter.F\n\nNo license to fish shall be required of nonresident persons under 16 years of age when accompanied by a person possessing a valid license to fish in Virginia.G\n\nNo license shall be required to trap rabbits with box traps.H\n\nNo license shall be required of resident persons under 16 years of age to trap when accompanied by any person 18 years of age or older who possesses a valid state license to trap in this Commonwealth.I\n\nNo license to hunt, trap or fish shall be required of any Indian who habitually resides on an Indian reservation or of a member of the Virginia recognized tribes who resides in the Commonwealth; however, such Indian must have on his person an identification card or paper signed by the chief of his tribe, a valid tribal identification card, written confirmation through a central tribal registry, or certification from a tribal office. Such card, paper, confirmation, or certification shall set forth that the person named is an actual resident upon such reservation or member of the recognized tribes in the Commonwealth, and such card, paper, confirmation or certification shall create a presumption of residence, which may be rebutted by proof of actual residence elsewhere.J\n\nNo license to fish shall be required of legally blind persons.K\n\nNo fishing license shall be required in any inland waters of the Commonwealth on free fishing days. The Board shall designate no more than three free fishing days in any calendar year. In the event that a free day is canceled as a result of an inclement weather event, the Board may designate another free fishing day in its place.L\n\nNo license to fish, except for trout as provided in § 29.1-302.4 or subsection B of § 29.1-310, in Laurel Lake and Beaver Pond at Breaks Interstate Park shall be required of a resident of the State of Kentucky who (i) possesses a valid license to fish in Kentucky or (ii) is exempt under Kentucky law from the requirement of possessing a valid fishing license.M\n\nNo license to fish, except for trout as provided in subsection B of § 29.1-310, shall be required of a member of the armed forces of the United States, on active duty, who is a resident of the Commonwealth while such person is on official leave, provided that person presents a copy of his leave papers upon request.N\n\nNo license to hunt or fish shall be required of any person who is not hunting or fishing but is aiding a disabled person to hunt or fish when such disabled person possesses a valid Virginia hunting or fishing license under § 29.1-302, 29.1-302.1, or 29.1-302.2.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":234082,"text":"No license shall be required of landowners, their spouses, their children and grandchildren and the spouses of such children and grandchildren, or the landowner’s parents, resident or nonresident, to hunt, trap and fish within the boundaries of their own lands and inland waters or while within such boundaries or upon any private permanent extension therefrom, to fish in any abutting public waters.","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"B"},"1":{"id":234083,"text":"No license shall be required of any stockholder owning 50 percent or more of the stock of any domestic corporation owning land in this Commonwealth, his or her spouse and children and minor grandchildren, resident or nonresident, to hunt, trap and fish within the boundaries of lands and inland waters owned by the domestic corporation.","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"C"},"2":{"id":234084,"text":"No license shall be required of bona fide tenants, renters or lessees to hunt, trap or fish within the boundaries of the lands or waters on which they reside or while within such boundaries or upon any private permanent extension therefrom, to fish in any abutting public waters if such individuals have the written consent of the landlord upon their person. A guest of the owner of a private fish pond shall not be required to have a fishing license to fish in such pond.","type":"section","prefixes":["C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"C","prefix_anchor":"C","level":1,"prior_prefix":"B","next_prefix":"D"},"3":{"id":234085,"text":"No license shall be required of resident or nonresident persons under 16 years of age to fish.","type":"section","prefixes":["D"],"prefix":"D","entire_prefix":"D","prefix_anchor":"D","level":1,"prior_prefix":"C","next_prefix":"D1"},"4":{"id":234086,"text":"No license shall be required of resident persons under 12 years of age to hunt, provided such person is accompanied and directly supervised by an adult who has, on his person, a valid Virginia hunting license as described in subsection B of § 29.1-300.1.","type":"section","prefixes":["D1"],"prefix":"D1","entire_prefix":"D1","prefix_anchor":"D1","level":1,"prior_prefix":"D","next_prefix":"E"},"5":{"id":234087,"text":"No license shall be required of a resident person 65 years of age or over to hunt or trap on private property in the county or city in which he resides. An annual license at a fee of $1 shall be required of a resident person 65 years of age or older to fish in any inland waters of the Commonwealth, which shall be in addition to a license to fish for trout as specified in subsection B of § 29.1-310 or a special lifetime trout fishing license as specified in § 29.1-302.4. A resident 65 years of age or older may, upon proof of age satisfactory to the Department and the payment of a $1 fee, apply for and receive from any authorized agent of the Department a nontransferable annual license permitting such person to hunt or an annual license permitting such person to trap in all cities and counties of the Commonwealth. Any lifetime license issued pursuant to this article prior to July 1, 1988, shall remain valid for the lifetime of the person to whom it was issued. Any license issued pursuant to this section includes any damage stamp required pursuant to Article 3 (§ 29.1-352 et seq.) of this chapter.","type":"section","prefixes":["E"],"prefix":"E","entire_prefix":"E","prefix_anchor":"E","level":1,"prior_prefix":"D1","next_prefix":"F"},"6":{"id":234088,"text":"No license to fish shall be required of nonresident persons under 16 years of age when accompanied by a person possessing a valid license to fish in Virginia.","type":"section","prefixes":["F"],"prefix":"F","entire_prefix":"F","prefix_anchor":"F","level":1,"prior_prefix":"E","next_prefix":"G"},"7":{"id":234089,"text":"No license shall be required to trap rabbits with box traps.","type":"section","prefixes":["G"],"prefix":"G","entire_prefix":"G","prefix_anchor":"G","level":1,"prior_prefix":"F","next_prefix":"H"},"8":{"id":234090,"text":"No license shall be required of resident persons under 16 years of age to trap when accompanied by any person 18 years of age or older who possesses a valid state license to trap in this Commonwealth.","type":"section","prefixes":["H"],"prefix":"H","entire_prefix":"H","prefix_anchor":"H","level":1,"prior_prefix":"G","next_prefix":"I"},"9":{"id":234091,"text":"No license to hunt, trap or fish shall be required of any Indian who habitually resides on an Indian reservation or of a member of the Virginia recognized tribes who resides in the Commonwealth; however, such Indian must have on his person an identification card or paper signed by the chief of his tribe, a valid tribal identification card, written confirmation through a central tribal registry, or certification from a tribal office. Such card, paper, confirmation, or certification shall set forth that the person named is an actual resident upon such reservation or member of the recognized tribes in the Commonwealth, and such card, paper, confirmation or certification shall create a presumption of residence, which may be rebutted by proof of actual residence elsewhere.","type":"section","prefixes":["I"],"prefix":"I","entire_prefix":"I","prefix_anchor":"I","level":1,"prior_prefix":"H","next_prefix":"J"},"10":{"id":234092,"text":"No license to fish shall be required of legally blind persons.","type":"section","prefixes":["J"],"prefix":"J","entire_prefix":"J","prefix_anchor":"J","level":1,"prior_prefix":"I","next_prefix":"K"},"11":{"id":234093,"text":"No fishing license shall be required in any inland waters of the Commonwealth on free fishing days. The Board shall designate no more than three free fishing days in any calendar year. In the event that a free day is canceled as a result of an inclement weather event, the Board may designate another free fishing day in its place.","type":"section","prefixes":["K"],"prefix":"K","entire_prefix":"K","prefix_anchor":"K","level":1,"prior_prefix":"J","next_prefix":"L"},"12":{"id":234094,"text":"No license to fish, except for trout as provided in § 29.1-302.4 or subsection B of § 29.1-310, in Laurel Lake and Beaver Pond at Breaks Interstate Park shall be required of a resident of the State of Kentucky who (i) possesses a valid license to fish in Kentucky or (ii) is exempt under Kentucky law from the requirement of possessing a valid fishing license.","type":"section","prefixes":["L"],"prefix":"L","entire_prefix":"L","prefix_anchor":"L","level":1,"prior_prefix":"K","next_prefix":"M"},"13":{"id":234095,"text":"No license to fish, except for trout as provided in subsection B of § 29.1-310, shall be required of a member of the armed forces of the United States, on active duty, who is a resident of the Commonwealth while such person is on official leave, provided that person presents a copy of his leave papers upon request.","type":"section","prefixes":["M"],"prefix":"M","entire_prefix":"M","prefix_anchor":"M","level":1,"prior_prefix":"L","next_prefix":"N"},"14":{"id":234096,"text":"No license to hunt or fish shall be required of any person who is not hunting or fishing but is aiding a disabled person to hunt or fish when such disabled person possesses a valid Virginia hunting or fishing license under § 29.1-302, 29.1-302.1, or 29.1-302.2.","type":"section","prefixes":["N"],"prefix":"N","entire_prefix":"N","prefix_anchor":"N","level":1,"prior_prefix":"M"}},"ancestry":[{"id":12936,"edition_id":1,"name":"Hunting, Trapping and Fishing Licenses","identifier":"1","label":"article","depth":3,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12935,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:03","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:03","permalink":{"id":192477,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12936,"identifier":"1","token":"29.1\/3\/1","url":"\/29.1\/3\/1\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12935,"edition_id":1,"name":"Licenses","identifier":"3","label":"chapter","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12934,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:03","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:03","permalink":{"id":192475,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12935,"identifier":"3","token":"29.1\/3","url":"\/29.1\/3\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12934,"edition_id":1,"name":"Wildlife, Inland Fisheries and Boating","identifier":"29.1","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":1,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:03","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:03","permalink":{"id":192277,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12934,"identifier":"29.1","token":"29.1","url":"\/29.1\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":66338,"structure_id":12936,"section_number":"29.1-300","catch_line":"Unlawful to hunt, trap or fish without license","url":"\/29.1-300\/","token":"29.1\/3\/1\/29.1-300","metadata":false},{"id":63068,"structure_id":12936,"section_number":"29.1-300.1","catch_line":"Certification of competence in hunter education; incentives","url":"\/29.1-300.1\/","token":"29.1\/3\/1\/29.1-300.1","metadata":false},{"id":75650,"structure_id":12936,"section_number":"29.1-300.2","catch_line":"Hunter education program","url":"\/29.1-300.2\/","token":"29.1\/3\/1\/29.1-300.2","metadata":false},{"id":80889,"structure_id":12936,"section_number":"29.1-300.3","catch_line":"Program fees","url":"\/29.1-300.3\/","token":"29.1\/3\/1\/29.1-300.3","metadata":false},{"id":79162,"structure_id":12936,"section_number":"29.1-300.4","catch_line":"Apprentice hunting license; deferral of hunter education","url":"\/29.1-300.4\/","token":"29.1\/3\/1\/29.1-300.4","metadata":false},{"id":64316,"structure_id":12936,"section_number":"29.1-301","catch_line":"Exemptions from license requirements","url":"\/29.1-301\/","token":"29.1\/3\/1\/29.1-301","metadata":false},{"id":72212,"structure_id":12936,"section_number":"29.1-302","catch_line":"Special license for certain resident disabled veterans","url":"\/29.1-302\/","token":"29.1\/3\/1\/29.1-302","metadata":false},{"id":84843,"structure_id":12936,"section_number":"29.1-302.01","catch_line":"Special fishing license for disabled active duty military personnel","url":"\/29.1-302.01\/","token":"29.1\/3\/1\/29.1-302.01","metadata":false},{"id":78750,"structure_id":12936,"section_number":"29.1-302.02","catch_line":"Special resident and nonresident hunting and fishing licenses for partially disabled veterans","url":"\/29.1-302.02\/","token":"29.1\/3\/1\/29.1-302.02","metadata":false},{"id":60665,"structure_id":12936,"section_number":"29.1-302.03","catch_line":"Special licenses for certain nonresident disabled veterans","url":"\/29.1-302.03\/","token":"29.1\/3\/1\/29.1-302.03","metadata":false},{"id":69598,"structure_id":12936,"section_number":"29.1-302.1","catch_line":"Special lifetime hunting and fishing licenses for residents and nonresidents","url":"\/29.1-302.1\/","token":"29.1\/3\/1\/29.1-302.1","metadata":false},{"id":67871,"structure_id":12936,"section_number":"29.1-302.2","catch_line":"Special lifetime fishing license; 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trout stocked waters","url":"\/29.1-311\/","token":"29.1\/3\/1\/29.1-311","metadata":false},{"id":76804,"structure_id":12936,"section_number":"29.1-312","catch_line":"Special fishing or hunting permits for certain veterans","url":"\/29.1-312\/","token":"29.1\/3\/1\/29.1-312","metadata":false},{"id":78446,"structure_id":12936,"section_number":"29.1-313","catch_line":"Issuance of licenses for use of individuals in certain state facilities","url":"\/29.1-313\/","token":"29.1\/3\/1\/29.1-313","metadata":false},{"id":82097,"structure_id":12936,"section_number":"29.1-314","catch_line":"Special fishing permits for certain individuals with disabilities","url":"\/29.1-314\/","token":"29.1\/3\/1\/29.1-314","metadata":false},{"id":64106,"structure_id":12936,"section_number":"29.1-315","catch_line":"Special fishing permits for certain school classes","url":"\/29.1-315\/","token":"29.1\/3\/1\/29.1-315","metadata":false},{"id":79907,"structure_id":12936,"section_number":"29.1-315.1","catch_line":"Special permit to hunt and fish by youth during fish and wildlife education events","url":"\/29.1-315.1\/","token":"29.1\/3\/1\/29.1-315.1","metadata":false},{"id":73139,"structure_id":12936,"section_number":"29.1-316","catch_line":"Special fishing permits for certain youth camps","url":"\/29.1-316\/","token":"29.1\/3\/1\/29.1-316","metadata":false},{"id":62191,"structure_id":12936,"section_number":"29.1-317","catch_line":"Special fishing permits for certain juveniles","url":"\/29.1-317\/","token":"29.1\/3\/1\/29.1-317","metadata":false},{"id":57378,"structure_id":12936,"section_number":"29.1-318","catch_line":"Board may charge use fees for fishing in certain waters","url":"\/29.1-318\/","token":"29.1\/3\/1\/29.1-318","metadata":false},{"id":86881,"structure_id":12936,"section_number":"29.1-319","catch_line":"Persons entitled to county, city, or state resident licenses","url":"\/29.1-319\/","token":"29.1\/3\/1\/29.1-319","metadata":false},{"id":69019,"structure_id":12936,"section_number":"29.1-320","catch_line":"Reserved","url":"\/29.1-320\/","token":"29.1\/3\/1\/29.1-320","metadata":false},{"id":81794,"structure_id":12936,"section_number":"29.1-321","catch_line":"Nonresident required to buy nonresident license","url":"\/29.1-321\/","token":"29.1\/3\/1\/29.1-321","metadata":false},{"id":54040,"structure_id":12936,"section_number":"29.1-322","catch_line":"Residents of counties bordering on streams","url":"\/29.1-322\/","token":"29.1\/3\/1\/29.1-322","metadata":false},{"id":64115,"structure_id":12936,"section_number":"29.1-323","catch_line":"By whom licenses issued","url":"\/29.1-323\/","token":"29.1\/3\/1\/29.1-323","metadata":false},{"id":60425,"structure_id":12936,"section_number":"29.1-324","catch_line":"Reserved","url":"\/29.1-324\/","token":"29.1\/3\/1\/29.1-324","metadata":false},{"id":80317,"structure_id":12936,"section_number":"29.1-325","catch_line":"Evidence that applicant entitled to license","url":"\/29.1-325\/","token":"29.1\/3\/1\/29.1-325","metadata":false},{"id":81361,"structure_id":12936,"section_number":"29.1-326","catch_line":"Reserved","url":"\/29.1-326\/","token":"29.1\/3\/1\/29.1-326","metadata":false},{"id":79016,"structure_id":12936,"section_number":"29.1-327","catch_line":"Agents for sale of licenses and permits; sales by telephone and electronic media","url":"\/29.1-327\/","token":"29.1\/3\/1\/29.1-327","metadata":false},{"id":63837,"structure_id":12936,"section_number":"29.1-328","catch_line":"Term of licenses and permits; multiple-year license","url":"\/29.1-328\/","token":"29.1\/3\/1\/29.1-328","metadata":false},{"id":61771,"structure_id":12936,"section_number":"29.1-329","catch_line":"Reserved","url":"\/29.1-329\/","token":"29.1\/3\/1\/29.1-329","metadata":false},{"id":85014,"structure_id":12936,"section_number":"29.1-330","catch_line":"Delivery to clerk or agent; return of unused annually expiring materials and unsold licenses; voluntary contributions","url":"\/29.1-330\/","token":"29.1\/3\/1\/29.1-330","metadata":false},{"id":57344,"structure_id":12936,"section_number":"29.1-331","catch_line":"Licenses to be dated, numbered and authenticated","url":"\/29.1-331\/","token":"29.1\/3\/1\/29.1-331","metadata":false},{"id":77898,"structure_id":12936,"section_number":"29.1-332","catch_line":"License and permit receipts; compensation for issuing; sums to be credited to game protection fund","url":"\/29.1-332\/","token":"29.1\/3\/1\/29.1-332","metadata":false},{"id":82528,"structure_id":12936,"section_number":"29.1-333","catch_line":"Reports to Director as to sale of licenses","url":"\/29.1-333\/","token":"29.1\/3\/1\/29.1-333","metadata":false},{"id":81886,"structure_id":12936,"section_number":"29.1-334","catch_line":"Certificate when license lost or destroyed","url":"\/29.1-334\/","token":"29.1\/3\/1\/29.1-334","metadata":false},{"id":83721,"structure_id":12936,"section_number":"29.1-335","catch_line":"Hunting, trapping or fishing without a license","url":"\/29.1-335\/","token":"29.1\/3\/1\/29.1-335","metadata":false},{"id":77417,"structure_id":12936,"section_number":"29.1-336","catch_line":"Carrying licenses and certificates; penalty","url":"\/29.1-336\/","token":"29.1\/3\/1\/29.1-336","metadata":false},{"id":84189,"structure_id":12936,"section_number":"29.1-337","catch_line":"Displaying license upon request","url":"\/29.1-337\/","token":"29.1\/3\/1\/29.1-337","metadata":false},{"id":73948,"structure_id":12936,"section_number":"29.1-337.1","catch_line":"Penalty for false statements; altering, borrowing or lending license","url":"\/29.1-337.1\/","token":"29.1\/3\/1\/29.1-337.1","metadata":false},{"id":58224,"structure_id":12936,"section_number":"29.1-338","catch_line":"Revocation of license and privileges; penalties","url":"\/29.1-338\/","token":"29.1\/3\/1\/29.1-338","metadata":false},{"id":79087,"structure_id":12936,"section_number":"29.1-339","catch_line":"Complimentary licenses","url":"\/29.1-339\/","token":"29.1\/3\/1\/29.1-339","metadata":false},{"id":74029,"structure_id":12936,"section_number":"29.1-339.1","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/29.1-339.1\/","token":"29.1\/3\/1\/29.1-339.1","metadata":false},{"id":75047,"structure_id":12936,"section_number":"29.1-339.2","catch_line":"Establishment of Virginia Migratory Waterfowl Conservation Stamp; required","url":"\/29.1-339.2\/","token":"29.1\/3\/1\/29.1-339.2","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":79162,"structure_id":12936,"section_number":"29.1-300.4","catch_line":"Apprentice hunting license; deferral of hunter education","url":"\/29.1-300.4\/","token":"29.1\/3\/1\/29.1-300.4","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":72212,"structure_id":12936,"section_number":"29.1-302","catch_line":"Special license for certain resident disabled veterans","url":"\/29.1-302\/","token":"29.1\/3\/1\/29.1-302","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/29.1-301\/","history_text":"

The record of this law\u2019s original creation isn\u2019t available online. It has been modified 22 times. Those modifications are cataloged by \u201cThe Acts of Assembly,\u201d a state publication, by year and chapter. Those modifications that can be read on the General Assembly\u2019s website will be linked accordingly. Those modifications are as follows: in 1954, chapter 623; in 1962, chapter 526; in 1964, chapter 445; in 1968, chapter 673; in 1974, chapter 363; in 1977, chapter 392; in 1980, chapters 494 and 500; in 1981, chapter 16; in 1985, chapter 154; in 1987, chapters 126, 488, and 507; in 1988, chapters 180 and 488; in 1992, chapter 262; in 1996, chapters 118<\/a> and 151<\/a>; in 1997, chapter 267<\/a>; in 2000, chapters 110<\/a> and 142<\/a>; in 2001, chapters 49<\/a> and 597<\/a>; in 2002, chapter 67<\/a>; in 2004, chapter 846<\/a>; in 2008, chapter 279<\/a>; in 2010, chapter 345<\/a>; in 2016, chapter 63<\/a>; in 2018, chapters 116<\/a> and 507<\/a>.<\/p>","references":[{"id":66338,"section_number":"29.1-300","catch_line":"Unlawful to hunt, trap or fish without license","order_by":null,"url":"\/29.1-300\/"},{"id":69598,"section_number":"29.1-302.1","catch_line":"Special lifetime hunting and fishing licenses for residents and nonresidents","order_by":null,"url":"\/29.1-302.1\/"},{"id":72197,"section_number":"29.1-408","catch_line":"Permit required; exceptions","order_by":null,"url":"\/29.1-408\/"}],"refers_to":[{"id":72212,"section_number":"29.1-302","catch_line":"Special license for certain resident disabled veterans","order_by":null,"url":"\/29.1-302\/"},{"id":69598,"section_number":"29.1-302.1","catch_line":"Special lifetime hunting and fishing licenses for residents and nonresidents","order_by":null,"url":"\/29.1-302.1\/"},{"id":67871,"section_number":"29.1-302.2","catch_line":"Special lifetime fishing license; permanently disabled persons","order_by":null,"url":"\/29.1-302.2\/"},{"id":86274,"section_number":"29.1-302.4","catch_line":"Special lifetime trout fishing licenses for residents and nonresidents","order_by":null,"url":"\/29.1-302.4\/"},{"id":57291,"section_number":"29.1-310","catch_line":"Fees to fish","order_by":null,"url":"\/29.1-310\/"},{"id":64683,"section_number":"29.1-352","catch_line":"Damage stamp program established; purpose; intent","order_by":null,"url":"\/29.1-352\/"}],"permalink":{"id":192499,"object_type":"law","relational_id":64316,"identifier":"29.1-301","token":"29.1\/3\/1\/29.1-301","url":"\/29.1-301\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/29.1-301\/","token":"29.1\/3\/1\/29.1-301","dublin_core":{"Title":"Exemptions from license requirements","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 29.1-301","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> No license shall be required of landowners, their spouses, their children and grandchildren and the spouses of such children and grandchildren, or the landowner’s parents, resident or nonresident, to hunt, trap and fish within the boundaries of their own lands and inland waters or while within such boundaries or upon any private permanent extension therefrom, to fish in any abutting public waters. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> No license shall be required of any stockholder owning 50 percent or more of the stock of any domestic corporation owning land in this Commonwealth, his or her spouse and children and minor<\/span> grandchildren, resident or nonresident, to hunt, trap and fish within the boundaries of lands and inland waters owned by the domestic corporation. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

C.<\/span> No license shall be required of bona fide tenants, renters or lessees to hunt, trap or fish within the boundaries of the lands or waters on which they reside or while within such boundaries or upon any private permanent extension therefrom, to fish in any abutting public waters if such individuals have the written consent of the landlord upon their person. A guest of the owner of a private fish pond shall not be required to have a fishing<\/span> license to fish in such pond. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

D.<\/span> No license shall be required of resident or nonresident persons under 16 years of age to fish. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

D1.<\/span> No license shall be required of resident persons under 12 years of age to hunt, provided such person is accompanied and directly supervised by an adult who has, on his person, a valid Virginia hunting license as described in subsection B of § 29.1-300.1<\/a>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

E.<\/span> No license shall be required of a resident person 65 years of age or over to hunt or trap on private property in the county or city in which he resides. An annual license at a fee of $1 shall be required of a resident person 65 years of age or older to fish in any inland waters of the Commonwealth, which shall be in addition to a license to fish for trout as specified in subsection B of § 29.1-310<\/a> or a special lifetime trout fishing<\/span> license as specified in § 29.1-302.4<\/a>. A resident 65 years of age or older may, upon proof of age satisfactory to the Department<\/span> and the payment of a $1 fee, apply for and receive from any authorized agent of the Department<\/span> a nontransferable annual license permitting such person to hunt or an annual license permitting such person to trap in all cities and counties of the Commonwealth. Any lifetime license issued pursuant to this article prior to July 1, 1988, shall remain valid for the lifetime of the person to whom it was issued. Any license issued pursuant to this section includes any damage stamp required pursuant to Article 3 (§ 29.1-352<\/a> et seq.) of this chapter. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

F.<\/span> No license to fish shall be required of nonresident persons under 16 years of age when accompanied by a person possessing a valid license to fish in Virginia. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

G.<\/span> No license shall be required to trap rabbits with box traps. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

H.<\/span> No license shall be required of resident persons under 16 years of age to trap when accompanied by any person 18 years of age or older who possesses a valid state license to trap in this Commonwealth. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

I.<\/span> No license to hunt, trap or fish shall be required of any Indian who habitually resides on an Indian reservation or of a member of the Virginia recognized tribes who resides in the Commonwealth; however, such Indian must have on his person an identification card or paper signed by the chief of his tribe, a valid tribal identification card, written confirmation through a central tribal registry, or certification from a tribal office. Such card, paper, confirmation, or certification shall set forth that the person named is an actual resident upon such reservation or member of the recognized tribes in the Commonwealth, and such card, paper, confirmation or certification shall create a presumption<\/span> of residence, which may be rebutted by proof of actual residence elsewhere. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

J.<\/span> No license to fish shall be required of legally blind persons. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

K.<\/span> No fishing<\/span> license shall be required in any inland waters of the Commonwealth on free fishing<\/span> days. The Board<\/span> shall designate no more than three free fishing<\/span> days in any calendar year. In the event that a free day is canceled as a result of an inclement weather event, the Board<\/span> may designate another free fishing<\/span> day in its place. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

L.<\/span> No license to fish, except for trout as provided in § 29.1-302.4<\/a> or subsection B of § 29.1-310<\/a>, in Laurel Lake and Beaver Pond at Breaks Interstate Park shall be required of a resident of the State of Kentucky who (i) possesses a valid license to fish in Kentucky or (ii) is exempt under Kentucky law<\/span> from the requirement of possessing a valid fishing<\/span> license. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

M.<\/span> No license to fish, except for trout as provided in subsection B of § 29.1-310<\/a>, shall be required of a member of the armed forces of the United States, on active duty, who is a resident of the Commonwealth while such person is on official leave, provided that person presents a copy of his leave papers upon request. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

N.<\/span> No license to hunt or fish shall be required of any person who is not hunting or fishing<\/span> but is aiding a disabled person to hunt or fish when such disabled person possesses a valid Virginia hunting or fishing<\/span> license under § 29.1-302<\/a>, 29.1-302.1<\/a>, or 29.1-302.2<\/a>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nEXEMPTIONS FROM LICENSE REQUIREMENTS (\u00a7 29.1-301)\n\nA. No license shall be required of landowners, their spouses, their children and\ngrandchildren and the spouses of such children and grandchildren, or the\nlandowner’s parents, resident or nonresident, to hunt, trap and fish\nwithin the boundaries of their own lands and inland waters or while within such\nboundaries or upon any private permanent extension therefrom, to fish in any\nabutting public waters.\n\nB. No license shall be required of any stockholder owning 50 percent or more of\nthe stock of any domestic corporation owning land in this Commonwealth, his or\nher spouse and children and minor grandchildren, resident or nonresident, to\nhunt, trap and fish within the boundaries of lands and inland waters owned by\nthe domestic corporation.\n\nC. No license shall be required of bona fide tenants, renters or lessees to\nhunt, trap or fish within the boundaries of the lands or waters on which they\nreside or while within such boundaries or upon any private permanent extension\ntherefrom, to fish in any abutting public waters if such individuals have the\nwritten consent of the landlord upon their person. A guest of the owner of a\nprivate fish pond shall not be required to have a fishing license to fish in\nsuch pond.\n\nD. No license shall be required of resident or nonresident persons under 16\nyears of age to fish.\n\nD1. No license shall be required of resident persons under 12 years of age to\nhunt, provided such person is accompanied and directly supervised by an adult\nwho has, on his person, a valid Virginia hunting license as described in\nsubsection B of § 29.1-300.1.\n\nE. No license shall be required of a resident person 65 years of age or over to\nhunt or trap on private property in the county or city in which he resides. An\nannual license at a fee of $1 shall be required of a resident person 65 years of\nage or older to fish in any inland waters of the Commonwealth, which shall be in\naddition to a license to fish for trout as specified in subsection B of §\n29.1-310 or a special lifetime trout fishing license as specified in §\n29.1-302.4. A resident 65 years of age or older may, upon proof of age\nsatisfactory to the Department and the payment of a $1 fee, apply for and\nreceive from any authorized agent of the Department a nontransferable annual\nlicense permitting such person to hunt or an annual license permitting such\nperson to trap in all cities and counties of the Commonwealth. Any lifetime\nlicense issued pursuant to this article prior to July 1, 1988, shall remain\nvalid for the lifetime of the person to whom it was issued. Any license issued\npursuant to this section includes any damage stamp required pursuant to Article\n3 (§ 29.1-352 et seq.) of this chapter.\n\nF. No license to fish shall be required of nonresident persons under 16 years of\nage when accompanied by a person possessing a valid license to fish in Virginia.\n\nG. No license shall be required to trap rabbits with box traps.\n\nH. No license shall be required of resident persons under 16 years of age to\ntrap when accompanied by any person 18 years of age or older who possesses a\nvalid state license to trap in this Commonwealth.\n\nI. No license to hunt, trap or fish shall be required of any Indian who\nhabitually resides on an Indian reservation or of a member of the Virginia\nrecognized tribes who resides in the Commonwealth; however, such Indian must\nhave on his person an identification card or paper signed by the chief of his\ntribe, a valid tribal identification card, written confirmation through a\ncentral tribal registry, or certification from a tribal office. Such card,\npaper, confirmation, or certification shall set forth that the person named is\nan actual resident upon such reservation or member of the recognized tribes in\nthe Commonwealth, and such card, paper, confirmation or certification shall\ncreate a presumption of residence, which may be rebutted by proof of actual\nresidence elsewhere.\n\nJ. No license to fish shall be required of legally blind persons.\n\nK. No fishing license shall be required in any inland waters of the Commonwealth\non free fishing days. The Board shall designate no more than three free fishing\ndays in any calendar year. In the event that a free day is canceled as a result\nof an inclement weather event, the Board may designate another free fishing day\nin its place.\n\nL. No license to fish, except for trout as provided in § 29.1-302.4 or\nsubsection B of § 29.1-310, in Laurel Lake and Beaver Pond at Breaks\nInterstate Park shall be required of a resident of the State of Kentucky who (i)\npossesses a valid license to fish in Kentucky or (ii) is exempt under Kentucky\nlaw from the requirement of possessing a valid fishing license.\n\nM. No license to fish, except for trout as provided in subsection B of §\n29.1-310, shall be required of a member of the armed forces of the United\nStates, on active duty, who is a resident of the Commonwealth while such person\nis on official leave, provided that person presents a copy of his leave papers\nupon request.\n\nN. No license to hunt or fish shall be required of any person who is not hunting\nor fishing but is aiding a disabled person to hunt or fish when such disabled\nperson possesses a valid Virginia hunting or fishing license under §\n29.1-302, 29.1-302.1, or 29.1-302.2.\n\nHISTORY: Code 1950, \u00a7 29-52; 1950, pp. 619, 627; 1954, c. 623; 1962, c. 526;\n1964, c. 445; 1968, c. 673; 1974, c. 363; 1977, c. 392; 1980, cc. 494, 500;\n1981, c. 16; 1985, c. 154; 1987, cc. 126, 488, 507; 1988, cc. 180, 488; 1992, c.\n262; 1996, cc. 118, 151; 1997, c. 267; 2000, cc. 110, 142; 2001, cc. 49, 597;\n2002, c. 67; 2004, c. 846; 2008, c. 279; 2010, c. 345; 2016, c. 63; 2018, cc.\n116, 507.","edition":{"id":1,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","date_created":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","date_modified":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","current":1,"order_by":1,"last_import":null}}