RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — A new proposal is making its way through the General Assembly that could introduce permitting to hound hunting — or hunting with dogs that help find game.
The budget amendment would require the Department of Wildlife Resources to create a permit process no later than Oct. 31 of this year.
The hope is that this permitting process would help preserve the rights of private property owners while keeping the legacy and tradition of hound hunting.
This proposal comes as controversy surrounding the topic has come up in recent weeks after three hunting dogs were killed in King and Queen County and as the Department of Wildlife Resources continues to review the findings from a recent study from members of the University of Virginia.
However, there is still concern from hound hunters that this legislation, if passed, would have negative consequences for them.
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“In years to come, this is a starting point that could lead to devastation for the sport,” said Robbie Shackleford, a local hound hunter.