Most citizens at Appomattox hearing shoot down changes in hunting laws

By Sarah Watson

Published: September 3, 2008

APPOMATTOX — Most citizens who spoke at a public hearing Wednesday in Appomattox oppose any changes to laws regulating hound hunting in the state and said existing regulations should be better-enforced.

The hearing, held by the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, is part of a state study examining issues relating to hound hunting and landowner rights. Almost 400 citizens from throughout the state attended the hearing and 43 spoke.

The study’s goal is to preserve the practice, which is a tradition dating back to the nation’s founding, said Virginia Tech wildlife professor Steven McMullin, who is working with the study.

“A lot of folks are under the impression that this all started from some complaints with some landowners,” he said. “The main reason this project was started by the DGIF was they could see what was happening in other states” where hound hunting was banned or severely restricted.

Current law permits owners to go onto private property to retrieve their hunting dogs, a practice that some said is crucial to animal health and welfare. But some landowners say the law infringes on their private property rights.

Chase City attorney Catherine Keel said most problems stem from complaints by property owners who aren’t aware of the practice and a hunter’s right to retrieve their animal. Additionally the state should focus on educating realtors to inform new residents.

“The right to retrieve has always been an animal welfare law,” Keel said. “It simply ensures the safety and welfare of the dog.” The advisory committee will not recommend changing that law, McMullin said.

The committee is made up of 16 stakeholders, half are hound hunters and the other half represent landowners. Comments from Wednesday’s hearing will help shape the committee’s recommendation to DGIF, which is expected in October.

The final public hearing in Central Virginia is at 7 p.m. Tuesday at Gretna High School. The deadline to submit comments is Sept. 12.

“From the landowner’s point of view, I resent the fact that the government is trying to restrict what I can do on my own property,” said Appomattox County resident Matt Lair. “Deep down, most of us don’t care about downing a deer as much as listening to a great chase.”

Mecklenburg County resident Phil Clark said the complaints come from those moving into rural areas from out of state.

“They want us to change our way of living to do what they want to do” Clark said. “No more new laws. Just enforce the ones on the book.”

Some of the recommendations under consideration include establishing a minimum statewide public road setback, increase funding for law enforcement and improve communication between DGIF enforcement officers and local police.

Appomattox County resident Roy Shaw said he allows anyone to hunt on his land as long as they ask permission and don’t use dogs. “Hunting is a privilege. I also believe that private property is a right,” said Shaw, who is also a hunter. “You either believe in private property or so-called tradition.”