Many of you may already be aware of at least 2 groups formed on Facebook, whose goal appears to be to outlaw deer hunting with dogs or failing that at least repeal or modify the “Right to Retrieve Law”. Whether they have a bill, we do not know yet. These groups are Virginia Landowners and Virginia Whitetail Deer Fair Chase Hunters. We have learned this group held a meeting with a high dollar/high influence lobbying firm on 1/3/15. The amount of money required to retain this firm should cause all of us alarm.

The reason for attacking hound hunters is the same; to make commercial hunting and deer farming practical in Virginia as they have done in Texas, Florida and South Carolina. The four steps necessary for them to make money in any order are:

1.) Make Sunday Hunting legal (This has been accomplished)
2.) Make baiting legal
3.) Outlaw deer hunting with dogs
4.) State Regulation of Commercial hunting outfitters and Guides

Remember they claim it’s about hunting, but it’s really about the MONEY. I am sure I won’t be the only one who finds it ironic that these people met on the last day of hunting season to formulate anti-hunting legislation.

Talk to your friends, get the word out. Next contact your legislator today and tell them to support:
• RTR law (18.2-136)
• Oppose commercial hunting
• Oppose legalizing hunting over bait.

VAHDA will continue to monitor this situation as it evolves.

John M. Morse, Jr., Chairman
Virginia Hunting Dog Alliance

Steve,
You may not be aware of the fact that the 2013-2014 Virginia legislative session directed DGIF to study the feasibly of baiting in Virginia. The study concluded with a recommendation that baiting was not appropriate for Virginia. Despite these results the chairman of the game commission requested the vote by the game commission be delayed until after the upcoming General Assembly. Thus, one can conclude that there is interest in initiating baiting in Virginia. Thanks for your interest.