{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/29.1-519.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/29.1-519.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/29.1-519.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/29.1-519.html"}],"law_id":54547,"edition_id":1,"section_id":54547,"structure_id":13514,"section_number":"29.1-519","catch_line":"Guns, pistols, revolvers, etc., which may be used; penalty","history":"Code 1950, \u00a7 29-140; 1962, c. 469; 1964, c. 441; 1974, cc. 108, 302; 1977, c. 377; 1983, c. 166; 1987, c. 488; 1988, c. 162; 1989, c. 421; 1993, c. 684; 1998, c. 144; 2002, c. 157; 2005, c. 8; 2007, c. 643; 2014, cc. 117, 136; 2016, c. 486; 2017, c. 530; 2018, cc. 557, 558.","full_text":"A\n\nAll wild birds and wild animals may be hunted with the following weapons unless shooting is expressly prohibited:1\n\nA shotgun or muzzleloading shotgun not larger than 10 gauge;2\n\nAn automatic-loading or hand-operated repeating shotgun capable of holding not more than three shells the magazine of which has been cut off or plugged with a one-piece filler incapable of removal through the loading end, so as to reduce the capacity of the gun to not more than three shells at one time in the magazine and chamber combined, unless otherwise allowed by Board regulations;3\n\nA rifle, a muzzleloading rifle, or an air rifle;4\n\nA bow and arrow;5\n\n[Expired.]6\n\nA crossbow, which is a type of bow and arrow, in accordance with the provisions of § 29.1-306;7\n\nA slingshot, except when hunting deer, bear, elk, or turkey;8\n\nAn arrowgun, which is a pneumatic-powered air gun that fires an arrow; and9\n\nA slingbow, which is a type of bow and arrow, in accordance with the provisions of § 29.1-306 except when hunting bear or elk.B\n\nA pistol, muzzleloading pistol, or revolver may be used to hunt nuisance species of birds and animals.C\n\nIn the counties west of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and counties east of the Blue Ridge where rifles of a caliber larger than .22 caliber may be used for hunting wild birds and animals, game birds and animals may be hunted with pistols or revolvers firing cartridges rated in manufacturers’ tables at 350 foot pounds of energy or greater and under the same restrictions and conditions as apply to rifles, provided that no cartridge shall be used with a bullet of less than .23 caliber. In no event shall pistols or revolvers firing cartridges rated in manufacturers’ tables at 350 foot pounds of energy or greater be used if rifles of a caliber larger than .22 caliber are not authorized for hunting purposes.D\n\nThe use of muzzleloading pistols and .22 caliber rimfire handguns is permitted for hunting small game where .22 caliber rifles are permitted.E\n\nThe use of muzzleloading pistols of .45 caliber or larger is permitted for hunting big game where and in those seasons when the use of muzzleloading rifles is permitted. The Board may adopt regulations that specify the types of muzzleloading pistols and the projectiles and propellants that shall be permitted.F\n\nThe hunting of wild birds and wild animals with fully automatic firearms, defined as a machine gun in § 18.2-288, is prohibited.G\n\nThe hunting of wild birds or wild animals with (i) weapons other than those authorized by this section or (ii) weapons that have been prohibited by this section is punishable as a Class 3 misdemeanor.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":200285,"text":"All wild birds and wild animals may be hunted with the following weapons unless shooting is expressly prohibited:","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"A1"},"1":{"id":200286,"text":"A shotgun or muzzleloading shotgun not larger than 10 gauge;","type":"section","prefixes":["A","1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"A1","prefix_anchor":"A1","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"A2"},"2":{"id":200287,"text":"An automatic-loading or hand-operated repeating shotgun capable of holding not more than three shells the magazine of which has been cut off or plugged with a one-piece filler incapable of removal through the loading end, so as to reduce the capacity of the gun to not more than three shells at one time in the magazine and chamber combined, unless otherwise allowed by Board regulations;","type":"section","prefixes":["A","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"A2","prefix_anchor":"A2","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A1","next_prefix":"A3"},"3":{"id":200288,"text":"A rifle, a muzzleloading rifle, or an air rifle;","type":"section","prefixes":["A","3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"A3","prefix_anchor":"A3","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A2","next_prefix":"A4"},"4":{"id":200289,"text":"A bow and arrow;","type":"section","prefixes":["A","4"],"prefix":"4","entire_prefix":"A4","prefix_anchor":"A4","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A3","next_prefix":"A5"},"5":{"id":200290,"text":"[Expired.]","type":"section","prefixes":["A","5"],"prefix":"5","entire_prefix":"A5","prefix_anchor":"A5","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A4","next_prefix":"A6"},"6":{"id":200291,"text":"A crossbow, which is a type of bow and arrow, in accordance with the provisions of § 29.1-306;","type":"section","prefixes":["A","6"],"prefix":"6","entire_prefix":"A6","prefix_anchor":"A6","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A5","next_prefix":"A7"},"7":{"id":200292,"text":"A slingshot, except when hunting deer, bear, elk, or turkey;","type":"section","prefixes":["A","7"],"prefix":"7","entire_prefix":"A7","prefix_anchor":"A7","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A6","next_prefix":"A8"},"8":{"id":200293,"text":"An arrowgun, which is a pneumatic-powered air gun that fires an arrow; and","type":"section","prefixes":["A","8"],"prefix":"8","entire_prefix":"A8","prefix_anchor":"A8","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A7","next_prefix":"A9"},"9":{"id":200294,"text":"A slingbow, which is a type of bow and arrow, in accordance with the provisions of § 29.1-306 except when hunting bear or elk.","type":"section","prefixes":["A","9"],"prefix":"9","entire_prefix":"A9","prefix_anchor":"A9","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A8","next_prefix":"B"},"10":{"id":200295,"text":"A pistol, muzzleloading pistol, or revolver may be used to hunt nuisance species of birds and animals.","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A9","next_prefix":"C"},"11":{"id":200296,"text":"In the counties west of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and counties east of the Blue Ridge where rifles of a caliber larger than .22 caliber may be used for hunting wild birds and animals, game birds and animals may be hunted with pistols or revolvers firing cartridges rated in manufacturers’ tables at 350 foot pounds of energy or greater and under the same restrictions and conditions as apply to rifles, provided that no cartridge shall be used with a bullet of less than .23 caliber. In no event shall pistols or revolvers firing cartridges rated in manufacturers’ tables at 350 foot pounds of energy or greater be used if rifles of a caliber larger than .22 caliber are not authorized for hunting purposes.","type":"section","prefixes":["C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"C","prefix_anchor":"C","level":1,"prior_prefix":"B","next_prefix":"D"},"12":{"id":200297,"text":"The use of muzzleloading pistols and .22 caliber rimfire handguns is permitted for hunting small game where .22 caliber rifles are permitted.","type":"section","prefixes":["D"],"prefix":"D","entire_prefix":"D","prefix_anchor":"D","level":1,"prior_prefix":"C","next_prefix":"E"},"13":{"id":200298,"text":"The use of muzzleloading pistols of .45 caliber or larger is permitted for hunting big game where and in those seasons when the use of muzzleloading rifles is permitted. The Board may adopt regulations that specify the types of muzzleloading pistols and the projectiles and propellants that shall be permitted.","type":"section","prefixes":["E"],"prefix":"E","entire_prefix":"E","prefix_anchor":"E","level":1,"prior_prefix":"D","next_prefix":"F"},"14":{"id":200299,"text":"The hunting of wild birds and wild animals with fully automatic firearms, defined as a machine gun in § 18.2-288, is prohibited.","type":"section","prefixes":["F"],"prefix":"F","entire_prefix":"F","prefix_anchor":"F","level":1,"prior_prefix":"E","next_prefix":"G"},"15":{"id":200300,"text":"The hunting of wild birds or wild animals with (i) weapons other than those authorized by this section or (ii) weapons that have been prohibited by this section is punishable as a Class 3 misdemeanor.","type":"section","prefixes":["G"],"prefix":"G","entire_prefix":"G","prefix_anchor":"G","level":1,"prior_prefix":"F"}},"ancestry":[{"id":13514,"edition_id":1,"name":"Hunting and Trapping","identifier":"2","label":"article","depth":3,"order_by":1,"parent_id":13513,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:45:06","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:45:06","permalink":{"id":193019,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13514,"identifier":"2","token":"29.1\/5\/2","url":"\/29.1\/5\/2\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":13513,"edition_id":1,"name":"Wildlife and Fish Laws","identifier":"5","label":"chapter","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12934,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:45:06","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:45:06","permalink":{"id":192967,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13513,"identifier":"5","token":"29.1\/5","url":"\/29.1\/5\/","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":57566,"structure_id":13514,"section_number":"29.1-510","catch_line":"Big game; small game","url":"\/29.1-510\/","token":"29.1\/5\/2\/29.1-510","metadata":false},{"id":54765,"structure_id":13514,"section_number":"29.1-511","catch_line":"Open season on nuisance species","url":"\/29.1-511\/","token":"29.1\/5\/2\/29.1-511","metadata":false},{"id":57429,"structure_id":13514,"section_number":"29.1-512","catch_line":"Closed season on other species","url":"\/29.1-512\/","token":"29.1\/5\/2\/29.1-512","metadata":false},{"id":72077,"structure_id":13514,"section_number":"29.1-513","catch_line":"Daily and season bag limits as promulgated by Board regulations","url":"\/29.1-513\/","token":"29.1\/5\/2\/29.1-513","metadata":false},{"id":57989,"structure_id":13514,"section_number":"29.1-514","catch_line":"Nonmigratory game birds","url":"\/29.1-514\/","token":"29.1\/5\/2\/29.1-514","metadata":false},{"id":71454,"structure_id":13514,"section_number":"29.1-515","catch_line":"Migratory game birds","url":"\/29.1-515\/","token":"29.1\/5\/2\/29.1-515","metadata":false},{"id":81835,"structure_id":13514,"section_number":"29.1-516","catch_line":"Game animals","url":"\/29.1-516\/","token":"29.1\/5\/2\/29.1-516","metadata":false},{"id":61868,"structure_id":13514,"section_number":"29.1-516.1","catch_line":"Using tracking dogs to retrieve bear, deer, or turkey","url":"\/29.1-516.1\/","token":"29.1\/5\/2\/29.1-516.1","metadata":false},{"id":86513,"structure_id":13514,"section_number":"29.1-516.2","catch_line":"Hunting with dogs; dogs to wear tags","url":"\/29.1-516.2\/","token":"29.1\/5\/2\/29.1-516.2","metadata":false},{"id":83866,"structure_id":13514,"section_number":"29.1-517","catch_line":"Trapping and shooting of fur-bearing animals during closed season","url":"\/29.1-517\/","token":"29.1\/5\/2\/29.1-517","metadata":false},{"id":81824,"structure_id":13514,"section_number":"29.1-518","catch_line":"When killing of beaver permitted","url":"\/29.1-518\/","token":"29.1\/5\/2\/29.1-518","metadata":false},{"id":54547,"structure_id":13514,"section_number":"29.1-519","catch_line":"Guns, pistols, revolvers, etc., which may be used; penalty","url":"\/29.1-519\/","token":"29.1\/5\/2\/29.1-519","metadata":false},{"id":65461,"structure_id":13514,"section_number":"29.1-520","catch_line":"Times for hunting","url":"\/29.1-520\/","token":"29.1\/5\/2\/29.1-520","metadata":false},{"id":61787,"structure_id":13514,"section_number":"29.1-521","catch_line":"Unlawful to hunt, trap, possess, sell, or transport wild birds and wild animals except as permitted; exception; penalty","url":"\/29.1-521\/","token":"29.1\/5\/2\/29.1-521","metadata":false},{"id":59428,"structure_id":13514,"section_number":"29.1-521.1","catch_line":"Willfully impeding hunting or trapping; penalty","url":"\/29.1-521.1\/","token":"29.1\/5\/2\/29.1-521.1","metadata":false},{"id":54761,"structure_id":13514,"section_number":"29.1-521.2","catch_line":"Violation of \u00a7 18.2-286 while hunting; revocation of license and privileges","url":"\/29.1-521.2\/","token":"29.1\/5\/2\/29.1-521.2","metadata":false},{"id":73558,"structure_id":13514,"section_number":"29.1-521.3","catch_line":"Shooting wild birds and wild animals from stationary vehicles by disabled persons","url":"\/29.1-521.3\/","token":"29.1\/5\/2\/29.1-521.3","metadata":false},{"id":71465,"structure_id":13514,"section_number":"29.1-522","catch_line":"Unlawful to kill male deer unless antlers visible above hair","url":"\/29.1-522\/","token":"29.1\/5\/2\/29.1-522","metadata":false},{"id":76993,"structure_id":13514,"section_number":"29.1-523","catch_line":"Killing deer by use of certain lights; acts raising presumption of attempt to kill","url":"\/29.1-523\/","token":"29.1\/5\/2\/29.1-523","metadata":false},{"id":83109,"structure_id":13514,"section_number":"29.1-523.1","catch_line":"Hunting deer with sights after dark; forfeiture of weapon and sighting device","url":"\/29.1-523.1\/","token":"29.1\/5\/2\/29.1-523.1","metadata":false},{"id":82330,"structure_id":13514,"section_number":"29.1-524","catch_line":"Forfeiture of vehicles and weapons used for killing or attempt to kill","url":"\/29.1-524\/","token":"29.1\/5\/2\/29.1-524","metadata":false},{"id":68411,"structure_id":13514,"section_number":"29.1-525","catch_line":"Employment of lights under certain circumstances upon places used by deer","url":"\/29.1-525\/","token":"29.1\/5\/2\/29.1-525","metadata":false},{"id":63880,"structure_id":13514,"section_number":"29.1-525.1","catch_line":"Deer enclosures prohibited; exceptions; penalty","url":"\/29.1-525.1\/","token":"29.1\/5\/2\/29.1-525.1","metadata":false},{"id":73219,"structure_id":13514,"section_number":"29.1-525.2","catch_line":"Fox and coyote enclosures prohibited; penalty","url":"\/29.1-525.2\/","token":"29.1\/5\/2\/29.1-525.2","metadata":false},{"id":71449,"structure_id":13514,"section_number":"29.1-526","catch_line":"Counties and cities may prohibit hunting or trapping near primary and secondary highways","url":"\/29.1-526\/","token":"29.1\/5\/2\/29.1-526","metadata":false},{"id":60237,"structure_id":13514,"section_number":"29.1-527","catch_line":"Counties, cities or towns may prohibit hunting near public schools and county, city, town or regional parks","url":"\/29.1-527\/","token":"29.1\/5\/2\/29.1-527","metadata":false},{"id":76925,"structure_id":13514,"section_number":"29.1-527.1","catch_line":"Localities may prohibit feeding of migratory and nonmigratory waterfowl","url":"\/29.1-527.1\/","token":"29.1\/5\/2\/29.1-527.1","metadata":false},{"id":65690,"structure_id":13514,"section_number":"29.1-527.2","catch_line":"Localities may prohibit feeding of deer","url":"\/29.1-527.2\/","token":"29.1\/5\/2\/29.1-527.2","metadata":false},{"id":70115,"structure_id":13514,"section_number":"29.1-528","catch_line":"Board to develop model ordinances for hunting with firearms; counties or cities may adopt","url":"\/29.1-528\/","token":"29.1\/5\/2\/29.1-528","metadata":false},{"id":75511,"structure_id":13514,"section_number":"29.1-528.1","catch_line":"Board to develop model ordinances for hunting with bow and arrow; counties or cities may adopt","url":"\/29.1-528.1\/","token":"29.1\/5\/2\/29.1-528.1","metadata":false},{"id":65161,"structure_id":13514,"section_number":"29.1-528.2","catch_line":"Local tree stand ordinance; disabled hunter exempt","url":"\/29.1-528.2\/","token":"29.1\/5\/2\/29.1-528.2","metadata":false},{"id":76194,"structure_id":13514,"section_number":"29.1-529","catch_line":"Killing of deer, elk or bear damaging fruit trees, crops, livestock, or personal property; wildlife creating a hazard to aircraft or motor vehicles","url":"\/29.1-529\/","token":"29.1\/5\/2\/29.1-529","metadata":false},{"id":83517,"structure_id":13514,"section_number":"29.1-530","catch_line":"Open and closed season for trapping, bag limits, etc","url":"\/29.1-530\/","token":"29.1\/5\/2\/29.1-530","metadata":false},{"id":59296,"structure_id":13514,"section_number":"29.1-530.1","catch_line":"Solid blaze orange or solid blaze pink clothing required at certain times","url":"\/29.1-530.1\/","token":"29.1\/5\/2\/29.1-530.1","metadata":false},{"id":54480,"structure_id":13514,"section_number":"29.1-530.2","catch_line":"Unlawfully killing bear; penalty","url":"\/29.1-530.2\/","token":"29.1\/5\/2\/29.1-530.2","metadata":false},{"id":55295,"structure_id":13514,"section_number":"29.1-530.3","catch_line":"Remote hunting prohibited; penalty","url":"\/29.1-530.3\/","token":"29.1\/5\/2\/29.1-530.3","metadata":false},{"id":62967,"structure_id":13514,"section_number":"29.1-530.4","catch_line":"Duty of certain entities to report hunting incidents","url":"\/29.1-530.4\/","token":"29.1\/5\/2\/29.1-530.4","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":81824,"structure_id":13514,"section_number":"29.1-518","catch_line":"When killing of beaver permitted","url":"\/29.1-518\/","token":"29.1\/5\/2\/29.1-518","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":65461,"structure_id":13514,"section_number":"29.1-520","catch_line":"Times for hunting","url":"\/29.1-520\/","token":"29.1\/5\/2\/29.1-520","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/29.1-519\/","history_text":"

The record of this law\u2019s original creation isn\u2019t available online. It has been modified 17 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 1962, chapter 469; in 1964, chapter 441; in 1974, chapters 108 and 302; in 1977, chapter 377; in 1983, chapter 166; in 1987, chapter 488; in 1988, chapter 162; in 1989, chapter 421; in 1993, chapter 684; in 1998, chapter 144<\/a>; in 2002, chapter 157<\/a>; in 2005, chapter 8<\/a>; in 2007, chapter 643<\/a>; in 2014, chapters 117<\/a> and 136<\/a>; in 2016, chapter 486<\/a>; in 2017, chapter 530<\/a>; in 2018, chapters 557<\/a> and 558<\/a>.<\/p>","references":false,"refers_to":[{"id":66789,"section_number":"18.2-288","catch_line":"Definitions","order_by":null,"url":"\/18.2-288\/"},{"id":79524,"section_number":"29.1-306","catch_line":"Special archery license, slingbow license, and crossbow license","order_by":null,"url":"\/29.1-306\/"}],"permalink":{"id":193065,"object_type":"law","relational_id":54547,"identifier":"29.1-519","token":"29.1\/5\/2\/29.1-519","url":"\/29.1-519\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/29.1-519\/","token":"29.1\/5\/2\/29.1-519","dublin_core":{"Title":"Guns, pistols, revolvers, etc., which may be used; penalty","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 29.1-519","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> All wild birds and wild animals may be hunted with the following weapons unless shooting is expressly prohibited: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> A shotgun or muzzleloading shotgun<\/span> not larger than 10 gauge; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> An automatic-loading or hand-operated repeating shotgun capable of holding not more than three shells the magazine of which has been cut off or plugged with a one-piece filler incapable of removal through the loading end, so as to reduce the capacity of the gun to not more than three shells at one time in the magazine and chamber combined, unless otherwise allowed by Board<\/span> regulations<\/span>; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> A rifle, a muzzleloading rifle<\/span>, or an air rifle; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

4.<\/span> A bow and arrow; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

5.<\/span> [Expired.] <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

6.<\/span> A crossbow, which is a type of bow and arrow, in accordance with the provisions of § 29.1-306<\/a>; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

7.<\/span> A slingshot, except when hunting deer, bear, elk, or turkey; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

8.<\/span> An arrowgun, which is a pneumatic-powered air gun that fires an arrow; and <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

9.<\/span> A slingbow, which is a type of bow and arrow, in accordance with the provisions of § 29.1-306<\/a> except when hunting bear or elk. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> A pistol, muzzleloading pistol<\/span>, or revolver<\/span> may be used to hunt nuisance species<\/span> of birds and animals. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

C.<\/span> In the counties west of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and counties east of the Blue Ridge where rifles<\/span> of a caliber larger than .22 caliber may be used for hunting wild birds and animals, game<\/span> birds and animals may be hunted with pistols<\/span> or revolvers<\/span> firing cartridges rated in manufacturers’ tables at 350 foot pounds of energy or greater and under the same restrictions and conditions as apply to rifles<\/span>, provided that no cartridge shall be used with a bullet of less than .23 caliber. In no event shall pistols<\/span> or revolvers<\/span> firing cartridges rated in manufacturers’ tables at 350 foot pounds of energy or greater be used if rifles<\/span> of a caliber larger than .22 caliber are not authorized for hunting purposes. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

D.<\/span> The use of muzzleloading pistols<\/span> and .22 caliber rimfire handguns is permitted for hunting small game<\/span> where .22 caliber rifles<\/span> are permitted. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

E.<\/span> The use of muzzleloading pistols<\/span> of .45 caliber or larger is permitted for hunting big game<\/span> where and in those seasons when the use of muzzleloading rifles<\/span> is permitted. The Board<\/span> may adopt regulations<\/span> that specify the types of muzzleloading pistols<\/span> and the projectiles and propellants that shall be permitted. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

F.<\/span> The hunting of wild birds and wild animals with fully automatic firearms<\/span>, defined as a machine gun in § 18.2-288<\/a>, is prohibited. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

G.<\/span> The hunting of wild birds or wild animals with (i) weapons other than those authorized by this section or (ii) weapons that have been prohibited by this section is punishable as a Class 3 misdemeanor<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nGUNS, PISTOLS, REVOLVERS, ETC., WHICH MAY BE USED; PENALTY (\u00a7 29.1-519)\n\nA. All wild birds and wild animals may be hunted with the following weapons\nunless shooting is expressly prohibited:\n\n 1. A shotgun or muzzleloading shotgun not larger than 10 gauge;\n\n 2. An automatic-loading or hand-operated repeating shotgun capable of holding\n not more than three shells the magazine of which has been cut off or plugged\n with a one-piece filler incapable of removal through the loading end, so as to\n reduce the capacity of the gun to not more than three shells at one time in\n the magazine and chamber combined, unless otherwise allowed by Board\n regulations;\n\n 3. A rifle, a muzzleloading rifle, or an air rifle;\n\n 4. A bow and arrow;\n\n 5. [Expired.]\n\n 6. A crossbow, which is a type of bow and arrow, in accordance with the\n provisions of § 29.1-306;\n\n 7. A slingshot, except when hunting deer, bear, elk, or turkey;\n\n 8. An arrowgun, which is a pneumatic-powered air gun that fires an arrow; and\n\n 9. A slingbow, which is a type of bow and arrow, in accordance with the\n provisions of § 29.1-306 except when hunting bear or elk.\n\nB. A pistol, muzzleloading pistol, or revolver may be used to hunt nuisance\nspecies of birds and animals.\n\nC. In the counties west of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and counties east of the\nBlue Ridge where rifles of a caliber larger than .22 caliber may be used for\nhunting wild birds and animals, game birds and animals may be hunted with\npistols or revolvers firing cartridges rated in manufacturers’ tables at\n350 foot pounds of energy or greater and under the same restrictions and\nconditions as apply to rifles, provided that no cartridge shall be used with a\nbullet of less than .23 caliber. In no event shall pistols or revolvers firing\ncartridges rated in manufacturers’ tables at 350 foot pounds of energy or\ngreater be used if rifles of a caliber larger than .22 caliber are not\nauthorized for hunting purposes.\n\nD. The use of muzzleloading pistols and .22 caliber rimfire handguns is\npermitted for hunting small game where .22 caliber rifles are permitted.\n\nE. The use of muzzleloading pistols of .45 caliber or larger is permitted for\nhunting big game where and in those seasons when the use of muzzleloading rifles\nis permitted. The Board may adopt regulations that specify the types of\nmuzzleloading pistols and the projectiles and propellants that shall be\npermitted.\n\nF. The hunting of wild birds and wild animals with fully automatic firearms,\ndefined as a machine gun in § 18.2-288, is prohibited.\n\nG. The hunting of wild birds or wild animals with (i) weapons other than those\nauthorized by this section or (ii) weapons that have been prohibited by this\nsection is punishable as a Class 3 misdemeanor.\n\nHISTORY: Code 1950, \u00a7 29-140; 1962, c. 469; 1964, c. 441; 1974, cc. 108, 302;\n1977, c. 377; 1983, c. 166; 1987, c. 488; 1988, c. 162; 1989, c. 421; 1993, c.\n684; 1998, c. 144; 2002, c. 157; 2005, c. 8; 2007, c. 643; 2014, cc. 117, 136;\n2016, c. 486; 2017, c. 530; 2018, cc. 557, 558.","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}}