Where VA. is concerned, both residents and non-resident hunters would do well to pay close attention to the various reg's. wording. It's a common misconception that there aren't any or many areas east of blue ridge where rifles may be used. VA.'s reg.'s seem weird for many reasons. First, there are state ordinances and county specific ordinances. (and other types I won't mention) Laws vary based on a # of reasons: weapon range capability, population density, topography, species hunted and disability. VA. has a lot to offer the hunter. The laws can vary so widely that even residents miss out for lack of knowledge or deep study. As a quick example of species hunted: One of the regulations state that cf rifles may not be used in the county for deer. Yet, in that same county, cf rifles .22 and larger may be used to hunt groundhog or other wild species. I won't complain about the reg., but one has to wonder if that bullet knows the difference between a white tail, a turkey or a groundhog. Go figure!