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This month, sportsmen interested in discussing hunting and trapping issues are having their first opportunities of many to influence the next round of changes to the regulations that govern their sports. Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGIF) Wildlife Division biologists are holding their first round of open meetings for the public as VDGIF commences the next regulatory cycle.
The VDGIF Hunting and Trapping regulation review and amendment process for the 2009-2010 and 2010-2011 Hunting and Trapping seasons begins this month with regulatory issue meetings being held throughout the state to discuss hunting and trapping issues and solicit the views of the public. The locations of the regulatory issue meetings are posted on the department's website at www.HuntFishVA.com and are listed below.
Following the current early meeting series, the Board of Game and Inland Fisheries will address hunting and trapping regulatory issues at the October 23, 2008 Board meeting, soliciting and receiving additional public comments at that time.
Next, a hunting and trapping regulatory issues public discussion period will follow from November 4, 2008 through January 5, 2009. During this period, written comments and discussion on regulatory issues will be solicited for citizen submission either via the VDGIF website, by mail, or by email.
At the February 26, 2009 meeting of the Board of Game and Inland Fisheries, the extensive regulatory review and amendment process will continue. At this meeting the Board will receive staff's first full recommendations for regulatory changes; the Board will again hear public comment; and the Board will propose regulation amendment.
This will be followed by another public input period: a public comment period on the proposals the Board makes on February 26, 2009. From March 10 - May 11, 2009, public comment will be solicited and received on the proposals through a range of channels, including another statewide meeting series, and written comment through multiple channels.
Finally, at its planned June 2, 2009 meeting, the Board will hear staff's final recommendations for regulatory changes; the Board will solicit and hear public comments again; and final regulation amendments will then be adopted for the 2009-2010 and 2011-2012 hunting and trapping seasons. Such amendments will take effect August 1, 2009.
There are numerous opportunities for the public to participate in the 2008-2009 regulatory process, and citizens are encouraged to take part at every stage.
For more information on the Hunting and Trapping Regulation Review Process go to www.HuntFishVA.com and click on "Board Meetings and Other Public Meetings" on the right-hand side of the page.
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