Department of Wildlife Resources votes against proposals to restrict hound hunters

HARRISONBURG, Va. (WHSV) – On a 6-3 vote, the Department of Wildlife Resources has rejected two proposals requiring hound hunters to keep their dogs off private property while hunting.

One proposed idea was to require the use of GPS collars for the dogs to better track them; the other would ensure that hunters make a reasonable effort to keep their dogs off the property. Virginia Property Rights Alliance spokesman Chris Patton said he has had 35 different problems on his property with dog hunters this year, and if the changes are denied it could lead to even bigger problems in the future.

“The most reasonable action is for dog hunters to simply be responsible, take control of their animals and keep their hunting dogs on the land where they are allowed to hunt… You simply cannot use someone else’s property without their permission,” Patton said . “If we do not significantly regulate hound hunting in Virginia, this will ultimately put a complete end to hound hunting in Virginia because a cataclysmic event will eventually occur that will spur the state into action.”

Patton said the issue may not be resolved until it is taken to court; he doesn’t know when changes will happen.