Section 1: Required Papers. Permits and Identification

When hunting, each member archer shall carry a SWMNV-generated permit, permission form, a valid photo I.D., a SWMNV membership card, kill permit copy, and a current Virginia hunting license.

At the conclusion of a property management program or special hunt, each member archer shall return SWMNV-generated permits or authorization papers to the appropriate Coordinator.

Section 2: Parking

Only vehicles registered with SWMNV shall be used during a property management program or special hunt.

When scouting or hunting on a client property, each member’s vehicle shall display an SWMNV parking pass.

Parking on the property of a client shall be permitted only at areas designated by the client.

Section 3: Policies

The policies in this section represent standard practices of SWMNV.  A SWMNV-client agreement may waive some - or impose additional - restrictions. The individualized agreement will be provided to each team member assigned to the property.

Each team member shall:

• Obey Virginia Game Laws.
• During the regular hunting season, wear or display blaze orange, as required by Virginia Game Laws. Check the state regulations for the minimum amount required.
• Abide by provisions of the individualized Deer Management Program form (SWMNV-client agreement).
• Donate at least every third deer harvested to the Hunters-for-the-Hungry program.
• Act courteously and respectfully while on a client property.
• When servicing a client property, protect foliage, crops and plants from damage, alteration or destruction. Cut and or remove trees and shrubs only with the permission of the client.
• If verbally assaulted, avoid engaging in an argument or becoming abusive. Under such circumstances, leave the area immediately and, if deemed appropriate, call the police. As soon as practicable, report the incident to the appropriate Team Leader, District Leader, County Coordinator or GovCom member.
• When entering or exiting the woods in the dark, use a flashlight or other illuminating device.
• Hunt from an elevated tree stand placed a minimum of 12 feet above the base of the tree in which the stand is placed.
• Wear a safety harness at all times while hunting from a tree stand. This includes ascent and descent. Be smart, not a statistic!
• Use only temporary, removable tree stands.
• Use a climbing stand of a type that will not damage the tree.
• Use screw-in tree steps only when authorized by the SWMNV-client within the written agreement.
• Limit stand use to times designated in the SWMNV-client agreement.
• Remove climbing aids such as stick ladders and tie‑on tree steps from the tree after use when using portable "hang‑on" tree stands left in the woods to ensure that children and others are not able to climb into and possibly fall from the stand or steps.
• Relocate a stand only with the consent of the client.
• Stalk, still hunt or shoot from the ground only when authorized in the SWMNV-client agreement.
• Use an indelible marker to identify each arrow with your SWMNV identification member number, at least one vane of each arrow used during a hunt.
• Maintain your equipment in top condition at all times. Be sure your equipment is tuned and set up properly.
• Practice as often as possible to keep your form and confidence.
• Unless otherwise directed, field dress animals in the woods, well away from groves, trails, or other places where non‑hunters travel frequently. Place entrails, viscera, skin, etc., in a disposable garbage bag and under no circumstances leave “gut piles” or other remnants in the woods.
• During the regular hunting season, check the deer in on the day of harvest.
• Cover harvested animals during transport to your vehicle and to the ultimate destination.
• During a special hunt, remain in the assigned area at all times. Hunt another team member’s area and or tree stand only with permission of the team member concerned.
• Track a wounded animal until found. If the animal moves off the client’s property, attempt to obtain permission to trespass for tracking purposes. If unable to obtain permission, notify the game warden immediately. As soon as practicable, report the incident to the appropriate Team Leader, District Leader, County Coordinator or GovCom member.
• If unable to locate a wounded animal, notify the appropriate Team Leader, District Leader, County Coordinator or GovCom member immediately.
• If a wounded animal moves to or dies in a conspicuous area, such as a field, grove, or roadway, remove the animal from the area and if a problem arises, contact the appropriate Team Leader, District Leader, County Coordinator or GovCom member for instructions.
• Account for all arrows used. Report the circumstances of missing or unrecovered arrows to the appropriate Team Leader, District Leader, County Coordinator or GovCom member.
• Using the SWMNV website, keep accurate and timely hunt and harvest logs of time spent in the field to include: date, game harvested, and time of harvest.
• Report to the appropriate Team Leader, District Leader, County Coordinator or GovCom member any violation of game laws or SWMNV rules and regulations, including trespassing by anyone not a SWMNV member.
• Refer to the President or Public Relations Officer, any media person looking for comments or photo opportunities. Members are not authorized or permitted to represent SWMNV to any media outlet in any manner.
• Each member bowhunter is encouraged to identify properties that may benefit from SWMNV management, obtain maps of the areas proposed for such management and estimate the number of hunters required. Report the results of such findings directly to the appropriate District Leader or County Coordinator.

If you are not a member and you meet the requirements listed herein, including having completed the required safety courses, and you would like to apply for membership with SWMNV, you must agree to the Rules and Regulations listed on this page. Upon completing an online application, applicant must forward supporting documents (copy of state sponsored hunter education certificate or card, copy of state sponsored I.B.E.P card front and back, copy of driver’s license and proof of 5 big game harvest by either photos or check cards) to membershipofficer@deerdamage.org

If you agree to abide by these Rules and Regulations, click here to complete the online membership application.

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