{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/29.1-525.1.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/29.1-525.1.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/29.1-525.1.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/29.1-525.1.html"}],"law_id":63880,"edition_id":1,"section_id":63880,"structure_id":13514,"section_number":"29.1-525.1","catch_line":"Deer enclosures prohibited; exceptions; penalty","history":"2001, c. 856; 2010, c. 183.","full_text":"A\n\nIt is unlawful to erect a fence that prevents or impedes the free egress of deer from the enclosed area with the intent to confine deer.B\n\nIt is unlawful to hunt deer inside a fenced area that prevents or impedes the free egress of deer.C\n\nThe provisions of subsection A shall not apply to:1\n\nLocal, state or federal public lands on which fences are erected to protect public health or safety;2\n\nEnclosures permitted by the Department as fallow deer farms or permitted exhibitors holding native deer for educational purposes;3\n\nEnclosures permitted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture as exhibitors, breeders, or dealers; or4\n\nZoos accredited by the American Zoological Association.D\n\nThe provisions of subsection B shall not apply to (i) local, state or federal public lands on which fences are erected to protect public health or safety, or (ii) any person hunting in an enclosure or facility that (a) was constructed prior to July 1, 2001, (b) has been registered with the Department not later than August 1, 2001, and annually thereafter, and (c) has been modified not later than 90 days following registration in a manner approved by the Director or his designee to allow the free egress of deer. Such registration shall not be transferable. The Department shall place information of the initial registration requirement in newspapers of general circulation throughout the Commonwealth. Such enclosures or facilities shall operate using acceptable hunting and wildlife management practices determined by the Director or his designee, including, but not limited to, methods of take, use of dogs, and supplemental feeding. The Director or his designee shall provide the owner of the enclosure or facility with information on what constitutes acceptable hunting and wildlife management practices.E\n\nAny registered enclosure or facility within which the owners or persons hunting have not followed acceptable hunting wildlife management practices shall have its registration revoked by the Department. Upon revocation of the registration, any person hunting within the enclosure or facility shall be subject to the provisions of subsection B and the penalties imposed under subsection F.F\n\nAny person who violates this section is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. Any person who is convicted of violating this section shall have his hunting license and privileges suspended by the court for a period of one to five years. In addition, the court may order compensation for replacement for any deer killed be paid to the Department as provided for in § 29.1-551, and may order the owner of the fence to modify the fence to allow the free egress by deer.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":232667,"text":"It is unlawful to erect a fence that prevents or impedes the free egress of deer from the enclosed area with the intent to confine deer.","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"B"},"1":{"id":232668,"text":"It is unlawful to hunt deer inside a fenced area that prevents or impedes the free egress of deer.","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"C"},"2":{"id":232669,"text":"The provisions of subsection A shall not apply to:","type":"section","prefixes":["C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"C","prefix_anchor":"C","level":1,"prior_prefix":"B","next_prefix":"C1"},"3":{"id":232670,"text":"Local, state or federal public lands on which fences are erected to protect public health or safety;","type":"section","prefixes":["C","1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"C1","prefix_anchor":"C1","level":2,"prior_prefix":"C","next_prefix":"C2"},"4":{"id":232671,"text":"Enclosures permitted by the Department as fallow deer farms or permitted exhibitors holding native deer for educational purposes;","type":"section","prefixes":["C","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"C2","prefix_anchor":"C2","level":2,"prior_prefix":"C1","next_prefix":"C3"},"5":{"id":232672,"text":"Enclosures permitted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture as exhibitors, breeders, or dealers; or","type":"section","prefixes":["C","3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"C3","prefix_anchor":"C3","level":2,"prior_prefix":"C2","next_prefix":"C4"},"6":{"id":232673,"text":"Zoos accredited by the American Zoological Association.","type":"section","prefixes":["C","4"],"prefix":"4","entire_prefix":"C4","prefix_anchor":"C4","level":2,"prior_prefix":"C3","next_prefix":"D"},"7":{"id":232674,"text":"The provisions of subsection B shall not apply to (i) local, state or federal public lands on which fences are erected to protect public health or safety, or (ii) any person hunting in an enclosure or facility that (a) was constructed prior to July 1, 2001, (b) has been registered with the Department not later than August 1, 2001, and annually thereafter, and (c) has been modified not later than 90 days following registration in a manner approved by the Director or his designee to allow the free egress of deer. Such registration shall not be transferable. The Department shall place information of the initial registration requirement in newspapers of general circulation throughout the Commonwealth. Such enclosures or facilities shall operate using acceptable hunting and wildlife management practices determined by the Director or his designee, including, but not limited to, methods of take, use of dogs, and supplemental feeding. The Director or his designee shall provide the owner of the enclosure or facility with information on what constitutes acceptable hunting and wildlife management practices.","type":"section","prefixes":["D"],"prefix":"D","entire_prefix":"D","prefix_anchor":"D","level":1,"prior_prefix":"C4","next_prefix":"E"},"8":{"id":232675,"text":"Any registered enclosure or facility within which the owners or persons hunting have not followed acceptable hunting wildlife management practices shall have its registration revoked by the Department. Upon revocation of the registration, any person hunting within the enclosure or facility shall be subject to the provisions of subsection B and the penalties imposed under subsection F.","type":"section","prefixes":["E"],"prefix":"E","entire_prefix":"E","prefix_anchor":"E","level":1,"prior_prefix":"D","next_prefix":"F"},"9":{"id":232676,"text":"Any person who violates this section is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. Any person who is convicted of violating this section shall have his hunting license and privileges suspended by the court for a period of one to five years. In addition, the court may order compensation for replacement for any deer killed be paid to the Department as provided for in § 29.1-551, and may order the owner of the fence to modify the fence to allow the free egress by deer.","type":"section","prefixes":["F"],"prefix":"F","entire_prefix":"F","prefix_anchor":"F","level":1,"prior_prefix":"E"}},"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":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},"next_section":{"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},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/29.1-525.1\/","history_text":"

This law was first created in 2001. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapter 856<\/a> of that year\u2019s edition of \u201cActs of Assembly,\u201d the annual state publication listing all changes made to the Code of Virginia in that year. It has been modified 1 time. 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. That modification is as follows: in 2010, chapter 183<\/a>.<\/p>","references":[{"id":71853,"section_number":"29.1-551","catch_line":"Assessment of value of game or fish unlawfully taken","order_by":null,"url":"\/29.1-551\/"}],"refers_to":[{"id":71853,"section_number":"29.1-551","catch_line":"Assessment of value of game or fish unlawfully taken","order_by":null,"url":"\/29.1-551\/"}],"permalink":{"id":193109,"object_type":"law","relational_id":63880,"identifier":"29.1-525.1","token":"29.1\/5\/2\/29.1-525.1","url":"\/29.1-525.1\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/29.1-525.1\/","token":"29.1\/5\/2\/29.1-525.1","dublin_core":{"Title":"Deer enclosures prohibited; exceptions; penalty","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 29.1-525.1","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> It is unlawful to erect a fence that prevents or impedes the free egress of deer from the enclosed area with the intent<\/span> to confine deer. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> It is unlawful to hunt deer inside a fenced area that prevents or impedes the free egress of deer. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

C.<\/span> The provisions of subsection A shall not apply to: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> Local, state or federal public lands on which fences are erected to protect public health or safety; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> Enclosures permitted by the Department<\/span> as fallow deer farms or permitted exhibitors holding native deer for educational purposes; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> Enclosures permitted by the U.S. Department<\/span> of Agriculture as exhibitors, breeders, or dealers; or <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

4.<\/span> Zoos accredited by the American Zoological Association. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

D.<\/span> The provisions of subsection B shall not apply to (i) local, state or federal public lands on which fences are erected to protect public health or safety, or (ii) any person hunting in an enclosure or facility that (a) was constructed prior to July 1, 2001, (b) has been registered with the Department<\/span> not later than August 1, 2001, and annually thereafter, and (c) has been modified not later than 90 days following registration in a manner approved by the Director<\/span> or his designee to allow the free egress of deer. Such registration shall not be transferable. The Department<\/span> shall place information of the initial registration requirement in newspapers of general circulation throughout the Commonwealth. Such enclosures or facilities shall operate using acceptable hunting and wildlife<\/span> management practices determined by the Director<\/span> or his designee, including, but not limited to, methods of take, use of dogs, and supplemental feeding. The Director<\/span> or his designee shall provide the owner of the enclosure or facility with information on what constitutes acceptable hunting and wildlife<\/span> management practices. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

E.<\/span> Any registered enclosure or facility within which the owners or persons hunting have not followed acceptable hunting wildlife<\/span> management practices shall have its registration revoked by the Department<\/span>. Upon revocation<\/span> of the registration, any person hunting within the enclosure or facility shall be subject to the provisions of subsection B and the penalties imposed under subsection F. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

F.<\/span> Any person who violates this section is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor<\/span>. Any person who is convicted of violating this section shall have his hunting license and privileges<\/span> suspended by the court<\/span> for a period of one to five years. In addition, the court<\/span> may order<\/span> compensation for replacement for any deer killed be paid to the Department<\/span> as provided for in § 29.1-551<\/a>, and may order<\/span> the owner of the fence to modify the fence to allow the free egress by deer. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nDEER ENCLOSURES PROHIBITED; EXCEPTIONS; PENALTY (\u00a7 29.1-525.1)\n\nA. It is unlawful to erect a fence that prevents or impedes the free egress of\ndeer from the enclosed area with the intent to confine deer.\n\nB. It is unlawful to hunt deer inside a fenced area that prevents or impedes the\nfree egress of deer.\n\nC. The provisions of subsection A shall not apply to:\n\n 1. Local, state or federal public lands on which fences are erected to protect\n public health or safety;\n\n 2. Enclosures permitted by the Department as fallow deer farms or permitted\n exhibitors holding native deer for educational purposes;\n\n 3. Enclosures permitted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture as exhibitors,\n breeders, or dealers; or\n\n 4. Zoos accredited by the American Zoological Association.\n\nD. The provisions of subsection B shall not apply to (i) local, state or federal\npublic lands on which fences are erected to protect public health or safety, or\n(ii) any person hunting in an enclosure or facility that (a) was constructed\nprior to July 1, 2001, (b) has been registered with the Department not later\nthan August 1, 2001, and annually thereafter, and (c) has been modified not\nlater than 90 days following registration in a manner approved by the Director\nor his designee to allow the free egress of deer. Such registration shall not be\ntransferable. The Department shall place information of the initial registration\nrequirement in newspapers of general circulation throughout the Commonwealth.\nSuch enclosures or facilities shall operate using acceptable hunting and\nwildlife management practices determined by the Director or his designee,\nincluding, but not limited to, methods of take, use of dogs, and supplemental\nfeeding. The Director or his designee shall provide the owner of the enclosure\nor facility with information on what constitutes acceptable hunting and wildlife\nmanagement practices.\n\nE. Any registered enclosure or facility within which the owners or persons\nhunting have not followed acceptable hunting wildlife management practices shall\nhave its registration revoked by the Department. Upon revocation of the\nregistration, any person hunting within the enclosure or facility shall be\nsubject to the provisions of subsection B and the penalties imposed under\nsubsection F.\n\nF. Any person who violates this section is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. Any\nperson who is convicted of violating this section shall have his hunting license\nand privileges suspended by the court for a period of one to five years. In\naddition, the court may order compensation for replacement for any deer killed\nbe paid to the Department as provided for in § 29.1-551, and may order the\nowner of the fence to modify the fence to allow the free egress by deer.\n\nHISTORY: 2001, c. 856; 2010, c. 183.","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}}