DWR proposes regulations on hunting hounds in Virginia
RICHMOND, Va. (WFXR) — VCU Capital News Service reports state wildlife officials recently voted to open a comment period for two proposed regulations that could manage how hunting dogs are allowed to enter private property.
According to VCU, this past hunting season the Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) followed up on hound hunting complaints in what they considered ‘hot spot’ areas. They report making 2,744 hunter contacts, found 128 violations, and presented 34 summons.
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The DWR has attempted to balance the state’s long history of dog hunting with the rights of property owners as tensions have reportedly escalated over the years. The main concern has been the presence of hunting dogs on land where they are not wanted, something that has happened more often as demographics have changed, and more residential developments have been built due to the state’s increased population.
On March 20, DWR presented several proposals drawn from the work of the Hound-Hunters & Private Landowners Stakeholder Advisory Committee, which began conversations in March of 2023. However, only two will have a 45-day public comment period.
The Board wants to hear from the public about a proposal to require the use of GPS collars costing around $250-$300 for any dog used in deer or bear hunting if the animal is not restrained.
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The other proposal up for debate would require a hunter to exercise ‘reasonable efforts’ to prevent their dog from entering a landowner’s property if either the landowner or a conservation police officer stated that the dogs are not welcome there.
Members of the public will be able to comment on these two proposed hunting regulations once the forum is open, and the DWR says they will notify the public about the process.
Once the comment period ends, the Board will meet to decide if they adopt the hunting regulations.
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