It is my understanding that this interprtation of the law is true. I am not sure of the county regulations for specified rules i.e Va Beach, Back Bay, etc. if anyone tells you different they are full of
[email protected] The law is specific and deliberate. "Floating Blind" means a floating device, whether in motion or anchored, that can be occupied by and conceal one or more hunters, uses a means of concealment other than the device's paint or coloration, and is used in the public waters for the purpose of hunting and shooting waterfowl.
The definition of public waters is water that flows from more than one property or from public lands or rights-of-way.
This means that any tidal water is public water.
The only floating blind exceptions are for specific counties or waterways as mention in the regs if it does not mention it is legal.
If you have any problems call the game warden before you hunt and tell them where you are going and ask them if its ok.
I had an instance where someone told me that I could not hunt an area because the marsh was owned by a retired judge and that he also owned the water and all access to that marsh. The only way in VA that you can own the water is if you own the land around it like a pond or the water is not tidal. So I called them and told them they were full of
[email protected] and to bring the judge down so we could dicuss this with the game warden. Needless to say the judge never showed up.
I do try to be very respectful of peoples property and rights on my own level. Which means a 500 yrd distance from any house or dock. If I see porch lights I am too close. Sometimes I will ask the nearest property owner if it OK and explain where and when I will be hunting. and stay at least 700 yrds from any blind. Blind take a long time to build so don't be a jerk and respect them. Go and hunt there for an afternoon so you get a good layout of the land and your sure your not near any blinds.
If you have any question call the game warden and talk to the higest rank person you can talk too and get there name.
Eastduck