DWR opens public comment period over hunting hounds on May 22

RICHMOND, Va. (WFXR)– The Board of Wildlife Resources’ public comment period for regulations in connection to hunting hounds will open on Wednesday, May 22.

On March 20, the Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) presented proposals to reconcile the growing issue of hunting hounds and property owners, with the main concern being the presence of hunting hounds in areas where they are not wanted.

There are two proposals that the DWR is asking the public to voice their opinion on. The first is a proposal to require hunters to use a GPS collar for any doge used in deer or bear hunting if the animal is not restrained. This is an effort to ensure that dog owners can keep track of their animals and have their location at all times.

RELATED STORY: DWR proposes regulations on hunting hounds in Virginia

Another proposal would require a hunter to exercise ‘reasonable efforts’ to prevent their dog from entering a landowner’s property if they are told the dog is not welcome there.

DWR welcomes all hunters, landowners, and any other interested individuals to review the proposed regulations and offer comments. Comments can be sent online, by email to regcomments@dwr.virginia.gov, or through mail to the department at: Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, Attn: Policy Analyst and Regulatory Coordinator, P.O. Box 90778, Henrico, Virginia, 23228.

When submitting a comment, it must accompanied by your name, address, and telephone number. Comments submitted in any way other than over the DWR’s online comment portal must be received no later than July 5 at 4 p.m.

For additional information from the Hound-Hunters and Private Landowners Stakeholder Advisory Committee including their final report, please visit the department’s website.

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