All Virginia airgun hunters are asked to read this message and take action!
The VA Department of Game and Inland Fisheries currently allows airguns (.35 caliber and above) to be used for deer hunting during the two-week rifle season. The agency is currently proposing regulation changes for their four-week muzzle loader season (which does not include airguns).
The Airgun Sporting Association is asking Virginia airgun hunters to tell the agency of your interest in having airguns included in the muzzle loader season. You can do this by following these four simple steps:
1. Click here to get started – https://www.dgif.virginia.gov/regulations
2. Then click on the “Hunting Seasons, Methods, Bag Limits and License Fees” link.
3. Drop down under “Game Deer” and find “4VAC15-90-80 Muzzleloading Gun Hunting” – click on that link.
4. You will need to register to make an on-line comment – walk through that process
The ASA has provided an example of your message below. (But they suggest you use use your own words. Please be positive and polite!):
In the box for a positive comment – “While I support this regulation change as an improvement in your muzzleloader regulations, I do have a suggested addition for your consideration (see below).”
In the box for additional comments – “I would like to recommend that the Department consider adding airguns as legal equipment during the muzzleloader deer season. As you know, airguns (.35 caliber and larger) are currently legal for deer hunting. As you likely know, today’s large bore airguns are comparable in range and accuracy to the muzzleloaders of 30 years ago, the addition of airguns as legal equipment would not place a disadvantage on today’s muzzleloader hunters in the field. Further, such a change would allow VA airgun hunters more opportunity to pursue their passion and get outdoors.”
While you can mimic our example, the ASA suggests that use your own words – just be positive and remember, muzzleloaders don’t want to share the woods with high powered rifles – so it is important to emphasize the comparability of airguns to muzzleloaders. It may also be worth mentioning that the current regulations allow “arrowguns” during the muzzleloader season.
The Airgun Sporting Association can make comments on state regulations, but the most effective comments come from home-state hunters.
So – Virginia airgun hunters – MAKE YOURSELF HEARD – THE DEADLINE IS MAY 15.
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