Virginia Mercury reports that hound hunting regs will not change, preserving the state’s right to retrieve law.
Charlie Paullin explains in Virginia board votes to reject changes to hound hunting regulations, writing,
One of the rejected proposals would have required deer and bear hunters to put GPS collars on the hounds they use. The other rejected proposal would’ve required hunters to make “reasonable efforts” to not let their dogs roam onto other property once property owners notified them they weren’t welcome.
The other five proposals included raising awareness about ways to avoid conflicts between the two groups, as well as pursuing funding for more conservation police officers to respond to issues. The other proposals were not regulatory and have already been acted upon.
But the issue is not settled. Paullin concludes, “Virginia has a process underway to solicit suggestions for next year’s deer and bear season regulations, but the rejection means the battle over the law could end up being fought in next year’s General Assembly session, which starts in January.”
To get involved, head over to Property Rights Coalition of Virginia or Virginia Hunting Dog Alliance.