SWM Rules and Regulations are designed to ensure the safety of residents in areas being hunted and maximize the projected harvests. Failure to comply with any such rule or regulation will result in the immediate suspension of hunting privileges. Following is a summary of Rules and Regulations contained within the Member Handbook.
Section 1: Required Papers. Permits and Identification
When hunting, each member archer shall carry a SWM-generated permit, permission form, a valid photo I.D., a SWM membership card, kill permit copy, and a current Virginia hunting license.
Section 2: Parking
- Only vehicles registered with SWM shall be used when at a client property.
- When scouting or hunting on a client property, each member’s vehicle shall display an SWM 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 SWM. A SWM-client agreement may waive some – or impose additional – restrictions. The individualized agreement will be provided to each member assigned to the property.
Each member shall:
- Obey Virginia Game Laws and Regulations.
- Abide by provisions of the SWM-client agreement.
- Donate at least every third deer harvested to charity, such as Hunters for the Hungry.
- Act courteously and respectfully while on a client property. 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 servicing a client’s 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.
- 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.
- No shots over 20 yards are to be taken.
- Wear a safety harness at all times while hunting from a tree stand, including ascent and descent.
- Use only temporary, removable tree stands. Climbing stands should be of a type that will not damage the tree.
- Use screw-in tree steps only when authorized by the SWM-client within the written agreement.
- Relocate a stand only with the consent of the client.
- Use an indelible marker to identify each arrow used during a hunt with your SWM identification member number. 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.
- 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 maintain your form and confidence.
- Unless otherwise directed, field dress animals in the woods, well away from trails, or other places where non-hunters travel frequently.
- Cover harvested animals during transport to your vehicle and to the ultimate destination.
- 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.
- Using the SWM website, keep accurate and timely hunt and harvest logs of time spent in the field. During the regular hunting season, check the deer in on the day of harvest.
- Report to the appropriate Team Leader, District Leader, County Coordinator or GovCom member any violation of game laws or SWM rules and regulations, including trespassing by anyone not a SWM 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 SWM to any media outlet in any manner.
If you meet the requirements listed herein, including having completed the required safety courses, and you would like to apply for membership with SWM, you must agree to the Rules and Regulations. Upon completing an online application, the 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 five big game harvest by either photos or check cards) to membershipofficer@deerdamage.org
If you agree to abide by these Rules and Regulations, complete the online membership application.