Comment Period Open for Proposed Elk Hunting Moratorium Regulatory Amendment

The Board of Game and Inland Fisheries requested a moratorium be placed on hunting of elk in Virginia at the August 17, 2010 meeting in Richmond. The proposal is to (i) designate that the term elk refers specifically to Rocky Mountain elk and (ii) prohibit the hunting of Rocky Mountain elk in Virginia. The Department will be embarking on a pilot program to restore elk in southwest Virginia and until a viable herd is established the hunting of elk will be prohibited. Currently, hunters are allowed to kill elk that wonder across the Kentucky border during deer season.

This is a big step forward for those who have wanted to see an elk herd reestablished in the Commonwealth. It is a sensitive subject in the western part of Virginia as some land owners are concerned about the damage that could be caused by the large animals. For those who would love the opportunity to one day be able to hunt the majestic animals without incurring the cost of traveling to the west and paying large fees associated with outfitters and travel, this is an opportunity that could pay dividends.

DGIF, pursuant to §§ 29.1-103, 29.1-501, and 29.1-502 of the Code of Virginia, proposed the amendment 4VAC15-90-85 (PDF). A public comment period on the regulatory proposal opened August 20 and closes September 20, 2010. The Board will hold a public hearing on the proposal at its meeting 9:00 AM October 5, at 4000 West Broad Street, Richmond, and will consider the proposal for possible adoption as a final regulation amendment at that time. Written comments on the proposed regulation amendment should be submitted online, or may be emailed to regcomments@dgif.virginia.gov or postal mailed to the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, Attn. Policy Analyst and Regulatory Coordinator, 4016 West Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia 23230, and received no later than September 20, 2010. Below are links to background information that will be helpful to those wishing to comment on the proposal.

Elk Management and Restoration Plan »

Elk Plan Public Input Summary (PDF)

DGIF Proposal Related to Elk in Virginia

The Board of the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (DGIF) has published for public comment a regulation that would prohibit the hunting of Rocky Mountain Elk within the Commonwealth. From time to time, elk that have been reintroduced in neighboring states cross the border and Virginia has allowed them to be hunted like deer during deer season because the state did not want an established population to take hold. Part of the reason for this was a fear that animals from the west where chronic wasting disease has been a problem, would lead to the disease being introduced in Virginia. Another reason is some landowners in southwest Virginia have not been happy about the prospect of such a large animal traversing their property. But CWD has not materialized in these re-introduced populations and have they have thrived to the point that controlled hunts are now being established in some of the areas to help manage the herd.

This appears to have led to a change of heart, at least at DGIF and the Board has tasked the Director of DGIF to develop a plan of action for the potential restoration of elk in Southwest Virginia. With this in mind, the Board has proposed a regulation that would prohibit the hunting of Rocky Mountain elk within the Commonwealth. There is a current comment period underway that will last until October 1 (it began August 27th). If you have in interest in this issue and would like to submit a comment to support or oppose the regulation, you can do so online.

Just click here to read the proposed regulation and to submit your comment.

The Board will hold a public hearing on the proposal at its meeting 9:00 a.m. October 22, 2009, at 4000 West Broad Street, Richmond, and will consider the proposal for possible adoption as a final regulation amendment at that time.