river hunting

VA relicman · Apr 24, 2020

Does anyone know EXACTLY what permit I need to hunt a tidal river in Virginia? I'm hoping to do some this summer and trying to find an exact answer online is frustrating.

Rebel - KGC · Apr 27, 2020

Best to look at specific areas... some are different.

Peyton Manning · Apr 27, 2020

Best to do it and act like you didn’t know ( which you won’t if you don’t ask)

madmantrapper · May 6, 2020

Peyton Manning said:
Best to do it and act like you didn’t know ( which you won’t if you don’t ask)

I second this!

Toecutter · May 6, 2020

You need a permit to "detect" a river ? Or does " hunt " mean something else, never herd of needing a permit to detect in water...

xr7ator · May 6, 2020

Permit? We don't need no stinkin' permit.....

Get out there and good luck!

VA relicman · May 9, 2020

The permit was $25. A lot cheaper than the fine would be. The cops in VA dont care if you "dont know", they enjoy giving citations.

Rebel - KGC · May 10, 2020

WHERE do you get permits...?

VA relicman · May 10, 2020

From Va marine resources. If you're interested in getting one, email this guy. tony.watkinson@mrc.virginia.gov
Its quick and easy. I did everything through email

VA relicman · May 10, 2020

Virginia says they own the land that is on the bottom of public waters, so they charge you to use a metal detector to remove anything that may be in said "state" property.

Rebel - KGC · May 10, 2020

THANKS!

Shorewalker · Jun 18, 2020

Maryland owns the Potomac - just in case any Virginia cops voice concern about you being in the Potomac. They sometimes "forget" where their jurisdiction ends.

vinnywop · Mar 3, 2021

Just emailed them today and they're working on my permit. Very easy.

Rebel - KGC · May 19, 2021

WHERE ya gonna go...?

vinnywop · May 25, 2021

I went to a section of the Rappahannock River this past weekend with my permit. I didn't turn on my detector until I was in the water, in case there was any law around watching. I found some old fishing lures and an unfired/dropped civil war bullet in about 1.5 feet of water about 8-10" in the mud. I'd really like to hunt some of the banks of the river but the underwater exploration and recovery permit doesn't cover that.