Raccoons prefer a habitat with lots of water bodies and woods. Raccoons are also spotted in upper hardwoods and pine areas. To obtain food from urban areas, they cause inconvenience to locals. Considering their irritating presence, is it legal to trap and kill raccoons in Virginia?
Yes, it is legal to kill or trap raccoons in Virginia, granted we have proper permission to do so. Ethical and law-making institutes issue trapping and killing licenses to people. These licenses are only offered to those who go through formal training. It is also to follow the rules after getting a permit.
In this article, reasons for trapping and killing raccoons will be discussed. In addition to the reasons, we will shed light on rules and regulations about hunting raccoons. Possible limitations to the legal rights of killing will also be explained in detail.
Is It Legal To Trap And Relocate Raccoons In Virginia?
Trapping of animals, including raccoons, is allowed only by professionals. Professionals are those individuals who have obtained licenses from the Virginia Department of the game. These people can also help others by trapping disturbing raccoons.
Raccoons, while finding food, can stumble into cities, where they can find food in garbage cans. They can also eat some pet food or even small pets. They can eat your crops and fruits. While finding food, they can be a nuisance to humans in that area. That’s why it is a must to trap them.
We can release trapped raccoons back to their den or relocate them to another place. Places safe for relocation are marked by authorities already. Some online services can be contacted 24/7 by the general public. These trapping services can help people protect themselves from annoying raccoons.
Is It Legal To Hunt Raccoons In Virginia?
Yes, raccoon hunting is allowed in Virginia. This permission is only given to license holders. People without a license cannot harm any animal in any place. Even if people are annoyed or irritated by raccoons, they are only allowed to be fierce and scare them away.
According to Virginia’s laws, hunting or harming animals like raccoons is illegal. Despite all laws and regulations, hunting raccoons is still practiced. Local and state authorities are trying their best to stop this unnecessary killing of raccoons.
Raccoons can be damaging to properties and buildings in cities. They can stay sheltered in attics or in chimneys. Farms and crop fields can also be severely damaged. They are attacking crops to find food. These unkind situations lead to the unlikely hunting and killing of raccoons.
Laws Governing About Raccoon Trapping In Virginia
Raccoon trapping is within the legal code of Virginia, provided trappers are licensed bearers. Trapping must be followed according to instructions given by authorities. People breaching these laws are heavily fined or taken under custody. Individuals under 16 can trap raccoons if accompanied by someone above 18 with a license.
Trapping raccoons comes with a list of precautions. One of them is healthy distance maintenance. Diseases can spread by raccoons.com.com. Thus, we should avoid first-hand contact with them. Trappers should maintain their distance; in this way, they won’t get infected and will be unable to spread it further to other humans.
Trapping mechanisms or ways should be humane. Electric fences and sharp objects should not be included while designing traps. They should not be trapped for more extended periods of time, as it can damage their health badly.
Laws Governing About Raccoons Shooting In Virginia
Raccoons shooting can be done in Virginia. Like any other country or state, Virginia allows only shooting and killing license holders to kill raccoons. These shooters are trained and go through proper channels to gain these licenses. Time and place should also be considered while shooting raccoons.
Shooting without a license can land you in trouble. Shooting raccoons becomes necessary when you are on your property, creating havoc. Raccoons can be harmful to humans when they become aggressive.
Anyhow, shooters should try to kill raccoons humanely. It is preferred to kill them with a single shot to the head. They should not be tortured for their pleasure. Unnecessary injured and physical damage in any other way is also not encouraged by authorities.
How Can You Trap Raccoons In Virginia?
Raccoon trapping is legit. There are many people who want to do it. There are certain conditions regarding this. People with authority have to follow methods of restriction or trapping:
1. Cages can be installed with size according to invaders.
2. Traps can be added with extra food or small animals to entice raccoons.
3. Cages installed with doors can also be used. The doors are usually one-way doors.
4. We can use a small number of chemicals available in the market to catch raccoons.
All these practices are used to catch raccoons when they can’t be controlled by normal methods like fire, lights, and loud music. You can use one method solely or use a combination of them so that you may get the best results.
How Can You Shoot And Hunt Raccoons In Virginia?
The Department of game and fisheries in Virginia has a clear list of things to do and not do while shooting raccoons. The ways have been listed below and you can go through them to know more.
1. Shooting for the purpose of entertainment is banned in closed seasons.
2. Only license holders can shoot raccoons
3. Open seasons are available for hunters to shoot raccoons.
4. Shooting on Sundays is prohibited.
5. Shooting in particular areas is allowed, including Arlington and James City.
6. Shooting with arrow guns and muzzle-loading firearms is permitted.
People avoiding these points can get jailed and fined. Their license can also be canceled.
Wrapping It Up
Raccoons are intelligent creatures. They can learn to act around in human society. They can learn to save themselves from traps. They can grow unfearful of humans with time. At first, we should take precautions against them.
If still unable to avoid them, we can trap, hunt and kill raccoons in Virginia. All these practices can only be done by the license holder or someone else under his supervision. Hunting should be done in defined areas. If protocols are not followed correctly, it can lead to punishments and heavy fines.
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