In Virginia, the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (“VDGIF”) is the state agency that provides public, informational and educational services related to wildlife and natural resources.  Simultaneously, the VDGIF employs scientific principles and procedures, as developed, researched, recognized and accepted within the bounds of comprehensive professional wildlife resource management.  The VDGIF is also responsible for the management of inland fisheries, wildlife, and recreational boating for the Commonwealth of Virginia.

• The VDGIF consists of a Board of Game and Inland Fisheries (“Board”), wherein the members of the Board represent each of the eleven Congressional Districts in Virginia. The Board also appoints a director, subject to confirmation and reconfirmation every four years by the General Assembly, to head the VDGIF[i].  The director acts as a principal administrative officer.  The following are some of the powers entrusted to the director:
• To enforce or cause to be enforced all laws for the protection, propagation and preservation of game birds and game animals of the Commonwealth and all fish in the inland waters thereof;
• To initiate prosecution of all persons who violate such laws, and seize and confiscate wild birds, wild animals and fish that have been illegally killed, caught, transported or shipped;
• To employ persons necessary for the administrative requirements of the Board and to designate the official position and duties of each;
• To perform such acts as may be necessary to the conduct and establishment of cooperative fish and wildlife projects with the federal government;
• To make and enter into all contracts and agreements necessary or incidental to the performance of his/her duties and the execution of his/her powers, including, but not limited to, contracts with the U.S., other state agencies and governmental subdivisions of the Commonwealth.

The following are some of the objectives of the VDGIF:

• To manage Virginia’s wildlife and inland fish 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 fosters an awareness of and appreciation for Virginia’s fish and wildlife resources, their habitats, and hunting, fishing, and boating opportunities.

The disbursements of the VDGIF and the Board will be limited to the amount appropriated by the General Assembly from the game protection fund to expenditures from the Lifetime Hunting and Fishing Endowment Fund. In no event, the Commonwealth pays obligations that may be incurred by the VDGIF or Board or be liable in any manner for such obligations except to the extent of the game protection fund and the Lifetime Hunting and Fishing Endowment Fund[ii].

Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries

[i] Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-103.

[ii] Va. Code Ann. § 29.1-110.