RICHMOND, VA – The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) 2026 regulatory cycle public comment period will open at 8 a.m. on July 7. This 30-day public comment period will close at 5 p.m. on Aug. 5. As part of the regulatory process, DWR solicits comments from the public on proposed regulations and provides an analysis of those comments to the Board of Wildlife Resources before any final action is taken.

This year, regulations related to wildlife, fisheries, and boating were proposed to the Board as well as fee increases related to hunting, fishing, trapping, and boat registrations.

Fee Increases:
The Department is proposing fee increases to many of the hunting, fishing, and trapping licenses, which have not increased since 2012. Additionally, fee increases to motorboat registrations are being proposed for the first time since 2019. Lastly, the Department is proposing to assess a fee of $10 to camp on Department-owned lands where a free permit is currently required.

Wildlife:
Proposed changes include incorporating updated lists of federally threatened and endangered species as well as native and naturalized fauna species in Virginia, adjusting the start of bear hound training season, changing the release date for rehabilitated deer fawns via permittees, and adjustments to the elk special conservation license program.

Fisheries:
Fishing regulatory proposals include a prohibition on stocking flathead catfish and rock bass, as well as changes to some local trout regulations.

Though not a regulatory action, the Department is also soliciting comments on the Stocked Trout Management Plan, which will guide stocked trout management through 2035. Of note is a proposed change to how information on trout stocking is released, shifting to a system where all stocking plans will be announced in advance. Implementation of potential 25%, 35%, and 50% decreases to trout stocking is also outlined in the plan.

Boating:
Proposed boating regulations include clarifying language related to vessel operation and waterway markers, adoption of the federal requirement for children under the age of 13 to wear a life jacket when underway, and adoption of the federal requirement for the use of engine cut-off switches.

For more comprehensive information on all the proposed regulations, fee increases, and Stocked Trout Management Plan, please visit the DWR Public Comment page.

While the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources online comment system is the most efficient and effective way to submit your views, individuals may also submit comments by email at [email protected] or mail them to the department.

Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources
Attn: Regulatory Coordinator
P.O. Box 90778
Henrico, Virginia 23228

Comments must be in writing and accompanied by the name, address, and telephone number of the party offering them. Comments submitted by means other than the online comment system must be received no later than 4 p.m., Aug. 5, 2026.

Information from a release. Posted by Dan McDermott.