Virginia § 29.1-539 - Claiming deer, bear, turkey, or elk struck by motor vehicle
Full text of Virginia Code of Virginia § 29.1-539 — Claiming deer, bear, turkey, or elk struck by motor vehicle, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 29.1-539. Claiming deer, bear, turkey, or elk struck by motor vehicle
A. Any person driving a motor vehicle who collides with a deer, bear, turkey, or elk or who discovers a deer, bear, turkey, or elk that has been killed in a collision with a motor vehicle may, upon compliance with the provisions of this section and at any time of year, claim such animal for his own use as if the animal had been killed by that person during hunting season for the animal.
B. Any person so killing any deer, bear, turkey, or elk or who discovers a deer, bear, turkey, or elk that has been killed in a collision with a motor vehicle shall immediately report the accident to a conservation police officer or other law-enforcement officer of the county or city where the accident occurred. The conservation police officer or other law-enforcement officer shall view such animal and if he believes that such animal was killed by a collision with a motor vehicle or injured to such an extent as to require its death, he shall award the animal to the person claiming it and shall give the person a call for service number or a report number.
C. If any person driving a motor vehicle who collides with a deer, bear, turkey, or elk, or person who discovers a deer, bear, turkey, or elk that has been killed in a collision with a motor vehicle, does not claim such animal, a conservation police officer or other law-enforcement officer may award such animal to any other person who wishes to claim it pursuant to this section.
1950, pp. 441, 442, §§ 29-155.2 to 29-155.4; 1980, c. 271; 1987, c. 488; 2007, c. 87; 2024, c. 83.
Source: official Virginia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Virginia § 29.1-539
What does Code of Virginia § 29.1-539 cover?
Section 29.1-539 ("Claiming deer, bear, turkey, or elk struck by motor vehicle") is part of the Code of Virginia, the codified statutory law of Virginia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Virginia § 29.1-539?
A common citation format is "Code of Virginia § 29.1-539" (Virginia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Virginia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Virginia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Virginia attorney.
How does Virginia § 29.1-539 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Virginia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Virginia.