Is this true? JW can you advise?

This was posted by a FB friend of mine who works in ITIS at the the Smithsonian. It does not ring true to me but I do not argue on line with pros in the field. He does do a lot of work in NOVA and Southern MD with mole kings ane eastern milks. I just think he may be wrong on the VDGIF permits here. Otherwise myself and lots of others that I know are in violation lots a times every year.

Direct from VDGIF regulations. Basically you just need a fishing license.

Nongame Fish, Reptile, Amphibian and Aquatic Invertebrate Regulations
General
It shall be unlawful to take, possess, import, cause to be imported, export, cause to be exported, buy, sell, offer for sale or liberate within the Commonwealth any wild animal unless otherwise specifically permitted by law or regulation. Albino reptiles and amphibians and domestic animals may be imported, possessed, and sold. A list of domestic animals and the Department's official listing of "Native and Naturalized Fauna of Virginia" is available from this website and Department offices.

Native and Naturalized Species
Possession Limits (Personal Use & Not for Sale):
Species Type Possession Limit
Amphibians and Reptiles 5
Nongame Fish and Aquatic Invertebrates 20
Exceptions:
No possession allowed Threatened and endangered species, freshwater mussels, candy darter, eastern hellbender, diamondback terrapin, and spotted turtle.
No possession limits - can be possessed in unlimited numbers. Carp, bowfin, longnose gar, mullet, yellow bullhead, brown bullhead, black bullhead, snail bullhead, white sucker, northern hogsucker, gizzard shad, threadfin shad, white perch, yellow perch (10 fish limit in Lake Moomaw), alewife and blueback herring [see limits under Anadromous (coastal) in table)], stoneroller (hornyhead), fathead minnow, golden shiner, goldfish, and Asian clams.
See creel and length limits table for catfish, anadromous (coastal) shad, and herring limits.
Fish bait: minnows and chubs (Cyprinidae), salamanders (less than 6 inches), crayfish, and hellgrammites- 50 in aggregate (all species combined) unless said person has purchased fish bait and has a receipt specifying the number of individuals purchased by species. Note:Madtoms, crayfish, and salamanders cannot be bought or sold.
Bullfrogs - 15 per day. Snapping turtles - 5 per day, only from June 1 to September 30. Cannot be taken from the banks or waters of designated stocked trout waters.
Native amphibians and reptiles that are captured within the Commonwealth and possessed live for private use and not for sale may be liberated under the following conditions:
Period of captivity does not exceed 30 days;
Animals must be liberated at the site of capture;
Animals must have been housed separately from other wild-caught and domestic animal; and
Animals that demonstrate symptoms of disease or illness or that have sustained injury during their captivity may not be released.

Where does it state that you need a fishing license?

I apologize for not being more clear.
It goes on to state that if using a hook and line to catch turtles then a fishing license is required.
I have spoken directly to the lead agent in charge of native Reptiles and Amphibians regarding this subject and was told catching and keeping up to 5 specimens per species is within the law.
As far as turning rocks, logs, stumps, etc., I honestly cannot say for certain because I never broached that subject with the agent.

Thank you. That is exactly what I thought as well and scoured all the regulations and permitting requirements that I could find. Thanks again!

If you're herping for scientific purposes, then you technically need a Scientific Collection Permit. However if you're just herping for fun, no permit is required.

Thank you!

You're welcome.

Also, in Virginia a SC permit is minimal requirement. If you want to use your SC permit in a VA State Park you'll also need a permit from the VA DCR. For federal land you'll need an additional permit from the controlling government agency. For VA threatened and endangered species you'll need a T&E Permit.