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All About Right To Retrieve

§ 18.2-136. Right of certain hunters to go on lands of another; carrying firearms or bows and arrows prohibited.

Fox hunters and coon hunters, when the chase begins on other lands, may follow their dogs on prohibited lands, and hunters of all other game, when the chase begins on other lands, may go upon prohibited lands to retrieve their dogs, falcons, hawks, or owls but may not carry firearms or bows and arrows on their persons or hunt any game while thereon. The use of vehicles to retrieve dogs, falcons, hawks, or owls on prohibited lands shall be allowed only with the permission of the landowner or his agent. Any person who goes on prohibited lands to retrieve his dogs, falcons, hawks, or owls pursuant to this section and who willfully refuses to identify himself when requested by the landowner or his agent to do so is guilty of a Class 4 misdemeanor.

What does this mean

 

1. Hunting animals don’t know property lines

Dogs, falcons, hawks, or owls can chase game across boundaries despite a hunter’s best efforts. The law recognizes that this is unavoidable. Without the “right to retrieve,” a hunter could be charged with trespassing every time an animal crossed onto someone else’s land.

2. It protects dogs, falcons, hawks, and owls

The law ensures that hunters can safely and quickly recover their animals.

3. It reduces conflict between hunters and landowners

The statute places  limits on what a hunter can do:

  • A hunter may enter only to retrieve.

  • A hunter may not carry a firearm or bow.

  • A hunter may not chase or pursue game.

  • A hunter may not damage property.

  • A hunter must leave immediately after retrieving.

Because of these limits, the law strikes a balance:
Landowners retain control of their land, while hunters avoid criminal liability for an unintentional trespass.

4. It promotes ethical hunting

Letting a dog, falcon, hawk, or owl remain stranded on private land can lead to:

  • Injured or lost animals

  • Increased chance of disturbing livestock

  • More property damage over time

Quick recovery of animals reduces these problems and keeps both hunting and land stewardship more responsible.

5. It supports Virginia’s long tradition of hunting with dogs, falcons, hawks, or owls

Hunting culture—especially for deer and bear—is part of Virginia’s rural history.
Without §18.2-136, it would be nearly impossible to continue these hunting traditions without constant legal risk.

What the law does not allow

People sometimes misunderstand this section. It does NOT give hunters the right to:

  • Hunt on private land without permission

  • Track game onto private land

  • Bring weapons while retrieving

  • Ignore posted signs

  • Enter dwellings, outbuildings, or fenced yards

It is for a specific situation: retrieving dogs, falcons, hawks, or owls

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