Full Statute Name: West's Annotated Code of Virginia. Title 29.1. Game, Inland Fisheries and Boating. Chapter 5. Wildlife and Fish Laws. Article 4. Possession, Transportation, and Sale of Game and Fish. § 29.1-539. Keeping deer or bear struck by motor vehicle; procedure to be followed by driver
Primary Citation: VA Code Ann. § 29.1-539Country of Origin: United StatesLast Checked: February, 2024Alternate Citation: VA ST § 29.1-539Date Adopted: 1987Historical:
Summary:
Any person driving a motor vehicle who collides with a deer or bear may, upon compliance with relevant provisions, keep the deer or bear for his or her own use. The person shall immediately report the accident to a conservation police officer or other law-enforcement officer. If the officer believes that the deer or bear was killed by the collision, he shall award the animal to the person claiming the deer or bear, and shall give the person a certificate to that effect.
Any person driving a motor vehicle who collides with a deer or bear may, upon compliance with the provisions of this section, keep the deer or bear for his own use as if the animal had been killed by that person during hunting season for the animal.
Any person so killing any deer or bear shall immediately report the accident to the conservation police officer or other law-enforcement officer of the county or city where the accident occurred. The conservation police officer or other law-enforcement officer shall view the deer or bear and if he believes that the deer or bear was killed by the collision with the motor vehicle or injured to such an extent as to require its death, he shall award the animal to the person claiming the deer or bear, and shall give the person a certificate to that effect on forms furnished by the Department.
