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Adaptive Wildlife Management:
Merging the Then with the Now
By VDGIF Acting Director Mike Bise
Click Here For Complete Article
Merging the Then with the Now
By VDGIF Acting Director Mike Bise
Click Here For Complete Article
For Immediate Release
March 10, 2008
March 10, 2008
Contact: Julia Dixon
Telephone: 804-367-0991
Telephone: 804-
A New Way to Get Involved in Hunting!
Virginia establishes a new apprentice hunting license that will let people "test drive" hunting
Virginia establishes a new apprentice hunting license that will let people "test drive" hunting
Richmond, VA - Virginians interested in learning how to hunt, and Virginia hunters eager to share their sport with friends and family, now have a program that will make it easier for people new to hunting to give the sport a "test drive." The General Assembly has passed and Governor Tim Kaine has signed into law the companion bills that establish an apprentice hunting license. This new license will benefit people, regardless of age, who have not hunted before, but are interested in learning about hunting.
The license would be issued in lieu of the current state resident or nonresident basic hunting license. Individuals who have previously held a hunting license will not be eligible to purchase the apprentice license. The fee for the license will be $10 for residents and $20 for nonresidents; the one-time, nonrenewable license will be valid for two years from the date of purchase, thus affording the apprentice hunter two full years of opportunity to go afield with a mentor hunter to learn about the sport before having to complete the requirement for hunter education.
An important safety feature of the new license is that the apprentice hunter must be accompanied and directly supervised by a hunter possessing a valid Virginia hunting license who is an adult over age 18 (the mentor hunter). "Directly supervised" is defined in the new legislation as "when a person over 18 maintains a close visual and verbal contact with, provides adequate direction to, and can immediately assume control of the firearm from the apprentice hunter." This "direct supervision" requirement is in place because the apprentice hunter will not have had to meet the hunter education requirement as a condition of purchasing the apprentice license.
While the apprentice license can be purchased by a new hunter without having to successfully complete the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries' hunter education course, apprentice hunters are reminded that they will still have to comply with the hunter education requirement before they can legally purchase a state resident or nonresident basic hunting license. Completion of that requirement can be done at any time so that once the apprentice hunter has finished their hunting "test drive" and decided that hunting is something they will continue to participate in, they will be able to provide the necessary proof of passing the course in order to purchase the basic resident or nonresident hunting license.
Since the apprentice license serves only in lieu of a basic hunting license, apprentice hunters will still need to purchase the special licenses to hunt deer, bear and turkeys or to use muzzleloader firearms, archery equipment and crossbows or to trap.
Senator Kenneth W. Stolle introduced the Senate version of the bill and Delegate L. Scott Lingamfelter introduced the House version. The bills moved through the legislative process of the General Assembly with unanimous approval.
Said Bob Duncan, Director of the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, "The apprentice hunting license will be a great tool in our efforts to recruit new hunters and we're really pleased that folks will have a chance to try the sport and become more involved in our hunting heritage. Hunting is a critical wildlife management tool and we need hunters to help us effectively manage our wildlife resources. And we must not forget that we have programs, such as Hunters for the Hungry, which rely on hunters to provide hundreds of thousands of pounds of meat to food banks, shelters, and other feeding programs for needy Virginians."
Game Department Board Chairman Jimmy Hazel commented, "You used to learn to hunt from your father or grandfather, but as Virginia has become more urban and suburban, the tradition has been slipping away. Many young people, men and women, have missed the opportunity to learn to hunt. This program will allow hunters to pass that heritage on, not only to their own children and grandchildren, but also to their adult friends, their neighbors, and others who want to experience hunting."
A number of national organizations, including the National Wild Turkey Federation, the U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance, the National Rifle Association and the National Assembly of Sportsmen's Caucuses, expressed support for the apprentice hunting license as a positive step in the recruitment of new hunters.
The legislation establishing the apprentice hunting license has an effective date of July 1, 2008 and the Department will have the new license available for purchase as of that date. Virginia hunting and fishing licenses can be purchased online at www.dgif.virginia.gov; purchased by telephone Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. except holidays by calling toll free 1-866-721-6911; or purchased in person by visiting any of the more than 500 license agents located around the Commonwealth, typically anywhere that hunting and fishing equipment is sold.
It is the mission of the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries to maintain optimum populations of all species to serve the needs of the Commonwealth; to provide opportunity for all to enjoy wildlife, inland fish, boating and related outdoor recreation; and to promote safety for persons and property in connection with these outdoor activities.
For Immediate Release
October 16, 2008
Contact: Julia Dixon
Telephone: 804-367-0991
Video and photographs of hunting in Virginia available
Fall Hunting Underway, Benefits All Virginians
Five things that hunting has been doing, and can do, for you
Richmond, VA - Recent economic downturns have many people thinking about how to simplify their lives, how to stretch their dollars, put food on the table, let go of stress, and still somehow give to others. Reports on obesity, concerns about what food quality and the footprint we are leaving on the planet, has people wondering what to do. An activity that addresses all that and more is hunting.
In the Commonwealth of Virginia, hundreds of thousands of sportsmen and women are gearing up for the hunting season. Many are already afield archery hunting. The general firearms season for deer opens on November 15. What benefits do all those hunters enjoy and what benefits do we all get from their activity? What benefits can you expect when you take up the tradition of hunting?
TOP 5 BENEFITS OF HUNTING
1. Boost the Economy
Affordable for the Hunter- One deer can yield approximately 50 pounds of nutritious venison. Virginia's abundant wildlife provides opportunities for hunters to dine on venison, duck, goose, rabbit, turkey and more - the ultimate in organic, free-range food. For a small fee of $18, a Virginia resident can purchase a Hunting License good for one year from the day of purchase (or the ultimate investment, purchase a lifetime license with the cost depending on the age of the purchaser). This allows the individual to hunt a variety of small game such as rabbits and squirrels. For another $18, that resident can purchase a Bear, Deer and Turkey License, good from July 1 through June 30, and good for cutting the food bill.
Putting dollars into Virginia's Economy - Each year in Virginia, hunters spend more than $480 million in trip-related and equipment expenditures, according to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service 2006 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation. It is estimated that hunting and fishing generate $128 million in state and local taxes and directly support more than 24,000 jobs in the Commonwealth. Hunters contribute to the Virginia economy in the form of food, lodging, gasoline, dog food, kennel supplies, veterinarian care for hunting dogs, and equipment purchases. Hunting attracts visitors from out-of-state eager to experience the great hunting the Old Dominion has to offer and those visitors spend a lot of money here in that pursuit.
2) Contribute to Conservation
Hunters are proud of their conservation heritage - More than 50 years ago, the Pittman-Robertson Act designated federal funding for wildlife conservation by establishing a special excise tax on firearms and ammunition, and hunters were all for it. By purchasing hunting licenses and paying special taxes on equipment, hunters have largely funded wildlife conservation in North America. Hunters are acutely aware that their dollars fund wildlife conservation in Virginia and they pride themselves on supporting valuable habitat and population management work. Contributions to and membership in sportsmen's groups like Ducks Unlimited, Quail Unlimited, the National Wild Turkey Federation, and others provide hunters another opportunity to support states' wildlife management efforts.
We all gain from conserved land - Hunting license dollars contributed significantly to funding the acquisition of thousands of acres of land for hunting and habitat. Over the years, the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries has acquired more than 200,000 acres of land available to the public for hunting, fishing, wildlife watching, hiking and other recreation. The Department manages habitat on its property not only to support game species such as bear, deer, turkey, rabbits, and waterfowl, but also to support a variety of non-game species such as eagles, songbirds, butterflies, snakes, and turtles that benefit from the same habitat improvements. Ultimately, conservation of land due to hunting license dollars is protecting precious habitat and watersheds and giving everyone a cleaner environment.
3) Wildlife Population Management
Abundant population equals ample opportunity - Hunting is an important wildlife management tool. This time of year in Virginia the deer population is up around one million animals. Hunters harvest about 250,000 each year, but deer are a renewable resource and the population rebounds. Hunters enjoy liberal seasons and abundant game here in the Commonwealth: archery, muzzleloader, general firearms seasons, fall turkey hunting, waterfowl hunting, hound hunting, mounted fox hunting, special late seasons and urban programs. There's good hunting in Virginia!
When deer are not dear - Farmers, landowners, drivers, and outdoor recreationists all benefit from hunters harvesting the white-tailed deer population in Virginia. Hunting reduces pressure on crops, protects expensive landscaping, cuts down on deer in the roadways, and prevents deer overgrazing an area and destroying habitat needed by other wildlife such as songbirds. Hunters help maintain that balance for Virginians.
4) Healthy Minds, Spirits and Bodies
Hunters get huge rewards from time spent in the outdoors - Spending a day afield, whether still hunting alone or following a pack of hounds in pursuit of their quarry, releases hunters from their day-to-day stress. Being outdoors and active builds strength and improves your overall health. Nothing clears the mind and brings on a better sense of feeling alive and part of the environment than a day in the woods. Hunting builds self-esteem as you gain outdoor skills and the satisfaction of being able to participate in the age-old need to pursue and to provide food.
Anyone can learn -- The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries offers outdoor skills training for beginners to learn safe firearms handling, game identification, hunting techniques and more. The Department also offers special hunts designed for youth, women, and people with disabilities. The Apprentice Hunting License allows someone who has never had a hunting license before to "test drive" hunting. The apprentice license holder can go afield with a licensed hunter age 18 or older immediately upon purchasing their license and has up to two years to complete the Hunter Education requirement. To learn more about hunting licenses, license requirements, seasons, game species, etc., visit www.HuntFishVA.com or call 1-866-721-6911 (Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.).
5) Sharing the Bounty
A tradition of stewardship - Hunting is a tradition that is often passed on from one generation to the next creating a special bond between family members and friends. Many hunters enjoy mentoring others in the pleasure of and importance of being good stewards of our natural resources. For most hunters it's not the killing of game that's key to hunting, but the experiences and life lessons they gain. People who hunt have a special connection with the outdoors and an awareness of the relationships between wildlife, habitat, and humans. With that awareness comes an understanding of the role humans play in being caretakers of the environment.
Helping others by putting food on their tables - Food banks need donations now more than ever. Hunters are providing much needed protein to Virginia's needy families by donating a deer or a portion of it to Hunters for the Hungry (www.h4hungry.org). Last hunting season, more than 363,000 pounds of venison was distributed in the Commonwealth through this program. Since Hunters for the Hungry was founded in 1991, more than 3.5 million pounds, equal to 13.5 million servings, of venison have been distributed in Virginia. In tough times, hunters continue to share the wealth of their harvest. Hunters can also contribute by donating $2 to Hunters for the Hungry when they purchase their hunting licenses. The non-hunting public can donate money to Hunters for the Hungry to off-set the cost of processing that donated meat.
October 16, 2008
Contact: Julia Dixon
Telephone: 804-
Video and photographs of hunting in Virginia available
Fall Hunting Underway, Benefits All Virginians
Five things that hunting has been doing, and can do, for you
Richmond, VA -
In the Commonwealth of Virginia, hundreds of thousands of sportsmen and women are gearing up for the hunting season. Many are already afield archery hunting. The general firearms season for deer opens on November 15. What benefits do all those hunters enjoy and what benefits do we all get from their activity? What benefits can you expect when you take up the tradition of hunting?
TOP 5 BENEFITS OF HUNTING
1. Boost the Economy
Affordable for the Hunter-
Putting dollars into Virginia's Economy -
2) Contribute to Conservation
Hunters are proud of their conservation heritage -
We all gain from conserved land -
3) Wildlife Population Management
Abundant population equals ample opportunity -
When deer are not dear -
4) Healthy Minds, Spirits and Bodies
Hunters get huge rewards from time spent in the outdoors -
Anyone can learn -
5) Sharing the Bounty
A tradition of stewardship -
Helping others by putting food on their tables -
For Immediate Release
July 14, 2009
Contact: Captain Bobby Mawyer
Telephone:
Sgt. David Dodson Wins Prestigious Award
International Hunter Education Association Names Dodson Professional of the Year
Richmond, VA – Sergeant David Dodson, statewide Hunter Education coordinator with the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGIF), has been named Professional of the Year by the International Hunter Education Association (IHEA). The award is presented to the full-time employee of a state, province or jurisdiction who has performed an outstanding service to the agency, state, province or jurisdiction in Hunter Education or any facet of hunting.
Dodson was recognized for his contributions to Hunter Education over his 24-year career with VDGIF. He has been a Hunter Education instructor since he was a field officer and has continued to teach Hunter Education despite moving up the ranks to his current administrative position of statewide Hunter Education Coordinator. In 1998, he became a Master Instructor and has taught more than 1,800 students and worked more than 23,000 hours in his Hunter Education efforts.
Innovations he has overseen include implementation of the internet aspect of the Alternative Delivery course, an internet-based class with on-site, hands-on testing, which is now taught in every region of the state. He has worked on the development of a contemporary class manual to keep pace with today’s changing demographics and conservation-related activities. Sgt. Dodson has developed a specialized cadre of expert instructors to train Hunter Education instructors on treestand safety.
In addition, Sgt. Dodson promoted public hunting events such as youth rabbit and youth deer hunts. He is active in the Cedar Mountain shooting sports team in Culpeper, where he instructs young people in firearm safety, ethical hunting practices, and hunting laws.
When the Virginia Hunter Education Volunteer Instructors Association was founded in 2007, Sgt. Dodson was instrumental in working with the charter members advising them on legal issues, their mission statement, goals, and objectives.
In 2008, Dodson requested, coordinated and managed the on-site visit of a team of hunter education professionals from the federal, state and private sectors for the purpose of evaluating our program in Virginia. After this review, which included interviews with some of VDGIF’s almost 900 volunteer instructors, the agency was provided a very positive report. Under his direction, some of the recommendations of this team are currently being implemented.
Sgt. David Dodson is known to be an officer of unquestionable integrity. He is a police officer as well as an educator who had dedicated his professional life to hunter safety and hunter education. For that reason, the International Hunter Education Association has selected him to be their Professional of the Year.
July 14, 2009
Contact: Captain Bobby Mawyer
Telephone:
Sgt. David Dodson Wins Prestigious Award
International Hunter Education Association Names Dodson Professional of the Year
Richmond, VA – Sergeant David Dodson, statewide Hunter Education coordinator with the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGIF), has been named Professional of the Year by the International Hunter Education Association (IHEA). The award is presented to the full-
Dodson was recognized for his contributions to Hunter Education over his 24-
Innovations he has overseen include implementation of the internet aspect of the Alternative Delivery course, an internet-
In addition, Sgt. Dodson promoted public hunting events such as youth rabbit and youth deer hunts. He is active in the Cedar Mountain shooting sports team in Culpeper, where he instructs young people in firearm safety, ethical hunting practices, and hunting laws.
When the Virginia Hunter Education Volunteer Instructors Association was founded in 2007, Sgt. Dodson was instrumental in working with the charter members advising them on legal issues, their mission statement, goals, and objectives.
In 2008, Dodson requested, coordinated and managed the on-
Sgt. David Dodson is known to be an officer of unquestionable integrity. He is a police officer as well as an educator who had dedicated his professional life to hunter safety and hunter education. For that reason, the International Hunter Education Association has selected him to be their Professional of the Year.
For Immediate Release
August 18, 2009
Contact: Bobby Mawyer
Telephone: 804-367-9274
VDGIF DIRECTOR'S VOLUNTEER AWARD
Volunteers Recognized for their Tremendous Dedication
Richmond, VA - The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGIF) relies heavily on a volunteer force to deliver its free Hunter Education course to roughly 14,000 people each year across the Commonwealth. These dedicated individuals give selflessly to a program that helps teach hunting safety, principles of conservation and sportsmanship.
In 2009, two volunteer Hunter Education instructors received the Director's Volunteer Award for contributing more than 5,000 hours each to the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries. Those individuals are Lester "Danny" Bartee of Dry Fork and Franklin L. "Frank" Taylor of Millboro. These men were honored for their work at the Department's Board meeting held today in Richmond.
Captain Bobby Mawyer, whose responsibilities include overseeing the Hunter Education program, commented on the award, "5,000 hours is roughly the equivalent of two and one-half years of full-time work. These Hunter Education instructors have altogether trained more than 25,000 students to be safe, responsible, and knowledgeable hunters. Each has given of their time and talent to assist the Department in its mandate to provide Hunter Education to the public."
Lester D. (Danny) Bartee became a Hunter Education instructor in 1995. Since that time, Danny has given 5,113 hours to the Hunter Education Program. In 2001, he received the William Dixon Morgan Memorial Award, for the instructor considered to have contributed the most to Hunter Education that year. In addition to teaching the basic Hunter Education course, Danny has used his knowledge and experience to teach advanced shotgun courses to other instructors.
Franklin L. (Frank) Taylor has been an instructor since 1980. He has contributed 5,009 hours to the Virginia Hunter Education Program. Frank has instructed over 20,000 students in the Augusta, Bath and Highland county school systems. He is also the 1989 recipient of the William Dixon Morgan Memorial Award, and was this award's fifth honoree.
As part of the presentation, the Virginia Hunter Education Association (VHEA) presented each of the recipients with a Henry Golden Boy .22 rifle to commemorate the award. The VHEA was formed two years ago as a non-profit group composed of volunteer instructors who wished to provide a greater level of assistance to the Department with its Hunter Education efforts. VHEA member Ken Carter made the presentation. "These instructors have been mentors to the rest of us," said Carter of the recipients of the award.
To learn more about Virginia's Hunter Education program visit the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries website at www.dgif.virginia.gov .
It is the mission of the VDGIF to maintain optimum populations of all species to serve the needs of the Commonwealth; to provide opportunity for all to enjoy wildlife, inland fish, boating and related outdoor recreation and to work diligently to safeguard the rights of the people to hunt, fish and harvest game as provided for in the Constitution of Virginia; to promote safety for persons and property in connection with boating, hunting and fishing; to provide educational outreach programs and materials that foster an awareness of and appreciation for Virginia's fish and wildlife resources, their habitats, and hunting, fishing, and boating opportunities.
August 18, 2009
Contact: Bobby Mawyer
Telephone: 804-
VDGIF DIRECTOR'S VOLUNTEER AWARD
Volunteers Recognized for their Tremendous Dedication
Richmond, VA -
In 2009, two volunteer Hunter Education instructors received the Director's Volunteer Award for contributing more than 5,000 hours each to the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries. Those individuals are Lester "Danny" Bartee of Dry Fork and Franklin L. "Frank" Taylor of Millboro. These men were honored for their work at the Department's Board meeting held today in Richmond.
Captain Bobby Mawyer, whose responsibilities include overseeing the Hunter Education program, commented on the award, "5,000 hours is roughly the equivalent of two and one-
Lester D. (Danny) Bartee became a Hunter Education instructor in 1995. Since that time, Danny has given 5,113 hours to the Hunter Education Program. In 2001, he received the William Dixon Morgan Memorial Award, for the instructor considered to have contributed the most to Hunter Education that year. In addition to teaching the basic Hunter Education course, Danny has used his knowledge and experience to teach advanced shotgun courses to other instructors.
Franklin L. (Frank) Taylor has been an instructor since 1980. He has contributed 5,009 hours to the Virginia Hunter Education Program. Frank has instructed over 20,000 students in the Augusta, Bath and Highland county school systems. He is also the 1989 recipient of the William Dixon Morgan Memorial Award, and was this award's fifth honoree.
As part of the presentation, the Virginia Hunter Education Association (VHEA) presented each of the recipients with a Henry Golden Boy .22 rifle to commemorate the award. The VHEA was formed two years ago as a non-
To learn more about Virginia's Hunter Education program visit the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries website at www.dgif.virginia.gov .
It is the mission of the VDGIF to maintain optimum populations of all species to serve the needs of the Commonwealth; to provide opportunity for all to enjoy wildlife, inland fish, boating and related outdoor recreation and to work diligently to safeguard the rights of the people to hunt, fish and harvest game as provided for in the Constitution of Virginia; to promote safety for persons and property in connection with boating, hunting and fishing; to provide educational outreach programs and materials that foster an awareness of and appreciation for Virginia's fish and wildlife resources, their habitats, and hunting, fishing, and boating opportunities.
News Release December 2008
Youth Rabbit Hunt Workshop
News Release November 25, 2008
Local Deer Hunting Workshop a Huge Success
Click Here For More Details
News Release for December 18, 2008
VDGIF DIRECTOR'S VOLUNTEER AWARD
Click Here For More Details
Colonels earn their wings
The Board of Supervisors on Tuesday night presented the
Culpeper Colonel awards, recognizing six residents for their community service. About
60 people filled the board's meeting room for the annual ceremony.
"This board does not take these awards lightly," chairman Brad Rosenberger told the
group. "To receive one of these is quite an honor." The Star-
John W. Dodson: A hunter education instructor volunteer for 21 years, Dodson has
devoted his time to educating youth on safe and responsible hunting. A 10-