The Virginia Waterfowlers

Hurricane damage to waterfowl hunting blinds requires action by hunters to retain their locations

The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGIF) mailed a letter today alerting waterfowl blind license holders that in light of the recent hurricane, they should be aware that Virginia Code 29.1-347 states that if a stationary blind or blind stake (either riparian or non-riparian) has been destroyed in any manner beyond the control of the owner, it may be replaced within thirty days of the event to avoid losing the position which it formerly occupied. Since Hurricane Irene impacted Virginia on August 27, 2011, the 30-day period began that day and runs through September 25, 2011.

Hunters looking to license a new blind starting September 1 may see a location for a waterfowl hunting blind that appears available when in fact that location may have been previously licensed. VDGIF wants to let waterfowl hunters know that in the event of a conflict, the original license will be honored within the 30-day period.  Beyond the 30 days (September 26, 2011) the position becomes available to anyone through October 15, 2011.

To retain their stationary blind or blind stake, waterfowl hunters need to take appropriate action. They must have their plates with current decal affixed to the stake or blind. If hunters need a replacement decal or plate, they are asked to please contact VDGIF Customer Service at 1-866-721-6911. The same information provided to license agents to purchase the original license will be required to provide a new decal / plate for that site.

A replacement decal and or plate will be provided free of charge. The blind plate, if requested, and a decal for the plate will be mailed within three to five business days.

For all stationary blinds, if a stake has been erected on the site of a stationary blind, such stake must be replaced by a blind by November 1 pursuant to the provisions of Code of Virginia § 29.1-341. Such stationary blinds shall conform to the standards prescribed in § 29.1-341.

For information about waterfowl blind licenses visit www.dgif.virginia.gov/.

The Virginia Waterfowl Hunting Workshop
September 30 - October 2, 2011

This year the Virginia Waterfowlers’ Association , 4H Holiday Lake Educational Center and the Virginia Department of Game & Inland Fisheries will host the Virginia Waterfowl Hunting Workshop in Appomattox, VA. This event will take place September 30 - October 2 at the 4H Holiday Lake Educational Center.

The Virginia Waterfowl Hunting Workshop will provide 80 participants of all ages, the opportunity to 22 hands- on classes. The cost is only $130.00. This covers lodging, meals Friday Dinner-Sunday Lunch and all courses.

Online Registration and information is available at http://www.holidaylake4h.com/waterfowl.php A list of CLASS DESCRIPTIONS may be obtained by clicking on the event’s title above. For more details, visit the Holiday Lake 4-H Educational Center’s website at www.holidaylake4h.com or call (434) 248-5444.

VDGIF's Public meetings on Webless and Waterfowl Seasons

The Virginia Department of Game & Inland Fisheries (VDGIF) has a series of public meetings coming up this summer to discuss and take public comments on the 2011-2012 Webless and Waterfowl hunting regulations.   These meetings will be held at the VDGIF Headquarters at 4010 West Broad St., Richmond, VA 23230. The first two meetings are in regards to setting hunting seasons for the webless or early season migratory game birds, and include:

Monday June 27, 7:00 - 9:00 pm.
Public Meeting to discuss the Federal Frameworks and potential hunting regulations for 2011-2012 for the Webless Migratory Game birds (Dove, woodcock, snipe, rail) and for the September Canada Goose and Teal Seasons.

Although the Federal Frameworks (which are the general guidelines and outside dates within which VDGIF can set our seasons) have not yet been set for these seasons, the VDGIF does not expect many changes to the frameworks from last year. VDGIF does, however, expect one change, that is an increase in the number of days we are allowed to hunt woodcock.   This would be an increase from 30 up to 45 days of hunting for woodcock. The Atlantic Flyway Council has been working with the USFWS to develop an updated Woodcock Harvest Strategy to guide woodcock harvest management in the U.S. That harvest strategy was completed in the past year and has standardized the woodcock season in the Eastern and Central Management Regions. At current populations’ levels, the strategy calls for a 45-day woodcock season this year.

Federal Frameworks for other webless species should remain the same as last year.

Tuesday July 12, Starts at 9:00 am
VDGIF Board Meeting (this is also a public meeting) to consider staff proposals and additional public comments, and to adopt the Webless and September Goose and Teal hunting season regulations.

2011 Goose Bandings

The VDGIF has put together a schedule. They are going to be banding geese this year during the third and fourth week of June.

Monday, June 20, 2011 Amelia, Cumberland and surrounding counties

Wednesday, June 22, 2011 Surry, Sussex & Isle of Wight

Thursday, June 23, 2011 Northampton County (Eastern Shore)

Wednesday, June 29, 2011 Culpepper, Rappahannock, & Fauquier

Thursday, June 30, 2011 Culpepper & Madison

If you wish to volunteer to help band geese for a day, send an email to Gary.Costanzo@dgif.virginia.gov or call 757 592-7946

28^th. Annual 2011 Virginia Outdoor Sportsman Show

August 12-14, 2011

The VIRGINIA WATERFOWLERS‘ ASSOCIATION is excited to be at the 28^th. Annual 2011 Virginia Outdoor Sportsman Show this year.

The show will be held at a NEW LOCATION, the Richmond Raceway Compex, located at 600 E. Laburnum Ave. Richmond, Virginia. This year, our booth will be

Number 158. We invite you to stop by our booth.

Annual FREE Youth Fishing Day Event

June 4, 2011

On Saturday June 4, 2011, the annual Harrison Lake National Fish Hatchery youth fishing event was held in Charles City, VA. The event provided a unique opportunity for kids to learn how to fish and discover just how much fun it can be! Every year volunteers teach youth how to bait and cast, and help kids "reel in" their catch.

The event was co-sponsored by a variety of agencies, groups, businesses and local volunteers. Volunteers and staff from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Virginia Department of Game & Inland Fisheries, Henrico Police Animal Control, Virginia Waterfowlers’ Association, AmeriCorps, Burrowville Volunteer Fire Department and WalMart gave their time, talents and resources to support the event. Free bait, loaner rods and reels were available on a first-come-first-served basis.

Over 200 people from surrounding counties and cities attended the annual event. Prizes were awarded to winners of ten categories. A free lunch was served to attendees and door prizes were given out. Contributions were provided by Brook Road WalMart, Adams Sports Mart, Virginia Waterfowlers’ Association, Aubarnlea Farms and Roma Ristorante Italiano.

2011 Waterfowl Predator Management & Trapping Programs

April 30 & May 22, 2011

For the second year in the row, the VDGIF Outdoor Education Program, Virginia Waterfowlers ' Association (VAWFA) and Virginia Trappers Association (VTA) partnered to provide the general public educational component workshops on waterfowl predator management. This year, 210 constituents participated in four workshops held throughout the state. These educational workshops were FREE to participants. The locations were hosted by Bass Pro Shops and Gander Mountain stores. These workshops benefited the sportsmen and landowners who wanted to know more about managing wildlife and controlling predators.

The workshops included three education levels, novice, basic and hands-on with traps provided by the Virginia Trappers Assoc. Many participants were landowners with coyote, fox and raccoon problems. Non-hunting participants, members of home owner associations, addressed their issues and concerns with beavers, raccoons and foxes.

Second annual Pig Pickin'

The VAWFA will have our Pig Pickin’ & membership meeting on Sunday, October 3, 2010. Starting at 3pm and ending at dark. The event will be at the Osborne Park - James River Pavilion, 9530 Osborne Tnpk., in Eastern Henrico, VA, 23231

Come by highway or water GPS N 37.40209 W 77.38614

We will have door prizes, raffles and silent auctions. The event is a membership meeting and fund raiser. NO alcohol will be allowed.

We want to make sure we have enough food for everyone. So, we are requesting that members let us know if you are coming and how many people you are bringing. This event is for the members and their family & friends. If you have any questions, please feel free to email Todd Cocker GOOSESMACKER@AOL.COM or Les McGhee at MAC0311@aol.com.

Osborne Park features bathrooms, sheltered picnic tables, grills, parking, playgrounds, an outdoor hearth, a handicap-accessible fishing pier, and three-quarters of a mile of paved trails. The 26-acre park is Henrico's first park on the James River and is adjacent to Osborne boat landing, on the Mighty James River.

SWAP MEET and VENDORS SHOWCASE added to the 2010 "Calling for the Cause" Event

Virginia Waterfowlers' Association and Dance's Sporting Goods in Colonial Heights,VA will be hosting the fourth annual "Calling for the Cause" charity benefit calling contest this year on Sunday, September 26, 2010. This year we have adding two additions to the event, a SWAP MEET and VENDORS SHOWCASE /exhibits & sales. There will be FREE spaces at the SWAP MEET for those who wish to participate. Due to ATF regulations, GUNS and AMMO sales will be PROHIBITED at the SWAP MEET.

We are asking people to register for spaces in advance to make sure we can accommodate. If you would like to reserve a space at the SWAP MEET, please register by sending an email to callinforthecause@yahoo.com.

Please see our event page for more details.

May 10, 2010:

Members & Sportsmen

The Friends of Rappahannock (FoR) will be briefing the Rappahannock River Draft Watershed Property Management Plan to the Fredericksburg’s City Council. The city council meeting scheduled for tomorrow, May 11^th. at 7:30 PM will be held in council chambers, 715 Princess Anne St. A public comment hearing is not included on the agenda.

Recently, we received the enclosed attachments. There will be public comment hearing scheduled later on next month. Representative of the VAWFA will be present at the May 11^th. Fredericksburg City Council Meeting.

If you wish to speak at the council meeting, you must pre-register for a 5-minute slot. To register to speak, you need to call the City Clerk at 540-372-1010.

We will continue to keep you informed.

Todd Cocker

VAWFA

President

A request from the President …… join me on June 5, 2010

In the past, VAWFA members have served as guides and volunteers, donating their time and their knowledge required to make the Youth Free Fishing Day events successful. There were as many as 300 kids last year participating in the free fishing event. The kids are treated to an morning of fishing on area ponds at the Harrison Lake National Fish Hatchery at no cost for kids and parents. Lunch is provided for everyone who attends. Awards and prizes are given to the children every year. The three hour event has continued to grow each year and more volunteers are needed.

Many children don’t have the opportunities to explore nature and the water. Kids, water and fishing just naturally go together, but a little experienced help and preplanning assure positive introductions to this fun-filled sport. Each volunteer at the event contribute their time and effort to help the children not only with fishing, but the overall experience strengthened the children’s sense of self-awareness, self-esteem, self-reliance, and confidence.

It’s the tug on the end of the line that matters and the memories and bonds that are created between the children, adults and parents. Fishing is a nondiscriminating sport. It knows no boundaries of age, sex or nationality. It’s feeling that telltale signal of a fish at the end of the line that gets both young and old anglers excited.

Fishing and the great outdoors offers kids an alternative to many influences they encounter in their busy lives today. A single fishing event could be the turning point in a young life and I encourage you to invest the time with the kids on June 5th. The rewards are endless and it takes so little effort.

I ask the members to join me as a volunteer, your help is needed and will be much appreciated by many. Those who can volunteer, please email me at goosesmacker@ aol.com or give me a call at (804) 317-8058.

Sincerely,
Todd Cocker
VAWFA - President

April 3, 2010
Hog Island and Princess Anne WMA's Quota Waterfowl Hunts & Information

The following data was provided by Phil West, Public Land Manager of VDGIF on April 2, 2010

Hog Island WMA:

DGIF will return to the previous system of hunting 9 blinds once a week, on Saturdays. Last season 5 blinds were hunted twice a week.
DGIF will run the hunts through 11:00 a.m. Last season hunting stopped at 10:00 a.m.
The stand-by hunter system was dropped last season in an effort for DGIF to cope with the retirements of two staff members. Meeting participants inquired about using volunteers to help administer the hunt and reviving the stand-by system. To date, no volunteers have signed up to help with the hunts. The final decision to have a stand-by program will have to be made before the quota hunt advertisements go to print in April. Volunteer information can be found at: http://www.dgif.virginia.gov/volunteer/
DGIF will continue to develop and offer alternate blind and hunting locations for different winds and tides as time, manpower, and situations permit.

Princess Anne WMA:

Replacing the wooden jetties and dredging the mouth of the canal are at the top of our regional maintenance budget. Our Richmond headquarters understands that these repairs are a priority. We are optimistic repairs will be completed during the 2011-12 fiscal year.
DGIF is obtaining an estimate to have a "street light" installed at the boat ramp
Our Conservation Police Officer Supervisor was present and heard your comments about hunting at the stakes when the program is closed.
Rules hunters receive will include a statement discouraging excessive spotlight use as per Back Bay tradition.
DGIF met with CyberData, the vendor that administers your hunt applications, on 3/18&19. CyberData understands many of our customers were dissatisfied. CyberData plans several improvements, including a system for applicants to retrieve lost confirmation numbers and a system for hunters to log in and check the status of their applications.
There is no longer a three man per boat rule at the stake hunts. The number of people per boat is dictated by the Coast Guard approved rating plate on the transom.
Impoundment hunts will be moved from Wednesdays to Saturdays.
Two hunters will be assigned to the Beasley impoundments and two hunters will be assigned to the Whitehurst impoundments. Hunters will furnish their decoys and use natural cover or temporary blinds. Boats, blinds, and decoys, will no longer be provided on the impoundment hunts.
Impoundment hunters will check-in at the draw on Saturday at 5:00. No show vacancies will be filled by a stand-by drawing conducted before the float blind drawings.
DGIF talked with the contract farmer to discuss alternating soybean and corn plantings. Corn is planted earlier in the year than soybeans. It has not been feasible in past years to plant corn due to wet soil conditions in early spring. This spring has again been wet. The farmer will plant a few strips of corn.

March 5, 2010
Dear Waterfowlers,

Listed below is a statement from the Virginia Department of Game & Inland Fisheries (VDGIF) website concerning the Rappahannock Watershed Management Plan. Also enclosed below, is the hyperlink of to the agency’s response letter to the Friends of Rappahannock.

Please take a moment to review the eight page letter addressed to the Friends of Rappahannock. VDGIF has expressed their position and recommendations regarding the draft plan. They have taken a stance to support the agency’s constituents. The VAWFA will continue keep the membership informed.

Sincerely,

Todd Cocker

VAWFA

President

The VDGIF is signatory to a Conservation Easement on 4,300 acres of riparian and upland property owned by the City of Fredericksburg spanning approximately 33 miles of the Rappahannock and Rapidan river corridors. Following release of a draft Watershed Management Plan for the property by the Friends of the Rappahannock on February 11 and a public meeting on February 17, VDGIF staff developed the posted comments regarding the Department's concerns with the draft plan. The comments were reviewed and endorsed by the Board of Game and Inland Fisheries on 2 March 2010, signed by Executive Director Duncan, and submitted to Friends of the Rappahannock. As a co-holder of the conservation easement, VDGIF is a partner with the City of Fredericksburg, The Nature Conservancy, and the Virginia Outdoors Foundation in developing the Watershed Management Plan, and is especially concerned with ensuring the long-term stewardship of the property, and with ensuring public access for the Department's constituents to pursue their constitutionally-guaranteed rights to hunt and fish in the Commonwealth.

VDGIF Comments on the Draft Rappahannock Watershed Management Plan

HYPERLINK:

http://www.dgif.virginia.gov/rappahannock-watershed-management-plan-comments/26395_RappRiverWatershedMgtPlan_CommentsToFOR030210.pdf