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Virginia statute

Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-285 — Hunting with firearms while under influence of intoxicant or narcotic drug; penalty

Current through 2026 Regular Session

Part of Article 4: Dangerous Use of Firearms or Other Weapons, Code of Virginia.

Criminal charges under this statute

Full text of Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-285

Statutory text current through the 2026 Regular Session. This publication reproduces the text of the Code of Virginia from the official Virginia Law Portal API published by the Virginia General Assembly's Division of Legislative Automated Systems; it is not the official Code of Virginia.

Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-285Primary source, current through the 2026 Regular Session
It shall be unlawful for any person to hunt wildlife with a firearm, bow and arrow, slingbow, arrowgun, or crossbow in the Commonwealth while he is (i) under the influence of alcohol; (ii) under the influence of any narcotic drug or any other self-administered intoxicant or drug of whatsoever nature, or any combination of such drugs, to a degree that impairs his ability to hunt with a firearm, bow and arrow, slingbow, arrowgun, or crossbow safely; or (iii) under the combined influence of alcohol and any drug or drugs to a degree that impairs his ability to hunt with a firearm, bow and arrow, slingbow, arrowgun, or crossbow safely. Any person who violates the provisions of this section is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. Conservation police officers, sheriffs, and all other law-enforcement officers shall enforce the provisions of this section.

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Legal terms used in this section

Questions this section answers

Is hunting with firearms while under influence of intoxicant or narcotic drug a felony or a misdemeanor in Virginia?

Hunting with firearms while under influence of intoxicant or narcotic drug is a class 1 misdemeanor in Virginia under Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-285.

Which Virginia statute covers hunting with firearms while under influence of intoxicant or narcotic drug?

Hunting with firearms while under influence of intoxicant or narcotic drug is governed by Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-285 (Hunting with firearms while under influence of intoxicant or narcotic drug; penalty).

This reference is informational and is not legal advice.