Virginia § 29.1-540 - Carriage and shipment
Full text of Virginia Code of Virginia § 29.1-540 — Carriage and shipment, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 29.1-540. Carriage and shipment
A. When taken in accordance with the provisions of this title, wild birds, wild animals, or fish may be transported as follows:
1. By any person properly licensed, for lawful use in or out of the county or city where taken to another county or city in the Commonwealth or to another state during the open season in the county or city where taken.
2. By any properly licensed person via freight, express, parcel post, or airplane mail, as a gift and not for market or sale, and so stating on the shipping tag. The wild bird, wild animal, or fish may be transported in or out of the county or city where taken to another county or city in the Commonwealth, or to another state, during the open season in the county or city where taken. Any package in which birds, animals, or fish are transported shall have the name and address of the shipper and consignee and a statement of the numbers and kinds of birds, animals, or fish being transported clearly and conspicuously marked on the outside of the container.
B. It is unlawful to transport for sale outside of the Commonwealth at any time or in any manner any river herring, alewife, threadfin shad, or gizzard shad collected from the inland waters for use as bait fish. A violation of the provisions of this subsection is a Class 1 misdemeanor.
C. Any such birds, animals, or fish in transit during the open season may continue in transit, not to exceed five days, in order to reach their destination.
D. For the purposes of this section, the terms "wild birds," "wild animals," and "fish" shall mean all or any part of the carcasses of any such birds, animals, or fish.
Code 1950, § 29-156; 1987, c. 488; 2020, c. 808.
Source: official Virginia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Virginia § 29.1-540
What does Code of Virginia § 29.1-540 cover?
Section 29.1-540 ("Carriage and shipment") 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 § 29.1-540?
A common citation format is "Code of Virginia § 29.1-540" (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 § 29.1-540 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.