HB1396 I’ve grown up hunting in southern Va counties that are traditionally popular areas for use of dogs during the firearms deer season. I have family and friends that enjoy dog hunting for deer, which I have no problem with them doing what they love to do. I was raised in those same southern Va counties just hunting a different way - without the use of deer dogs. What is concerning is that during the firearms deer season, my method of hunting is not ideal due to the amount of deer dog hunting surrounding the farms we hunt (which are hundreds of acres). Most days of which it eventually involves our farms because dogs don’t know property lines. This bill seems to bring attention to many of us who choose to “still hunt” not being able to enjoy our own property and time afield. Add in the right to retrieve laws and it’s permissible for people and dogs to be on your property at any time without your permission. I don’t have all of the answers when it comes to leveling the playing field between “still hunting vs. dog hunting” for deer. I just ask that we come to some common ground so that I can enjoy hunting my property while others enjoy theirs. All while neither of us disrupts or hinders each other from finding enjoyment and potential success. Again, let’s just make it fair for us all. A protection of one style of hunting should not be at the detriment of another; instead they should compliment one another. The time we get to spend outdoors is special for us all. Let’s ensure that we are protecting hunting both now and for future generations, no matter the lawful method we choose to enjoy. Thank you.

We do not want this bill.

I am writing as a resident of Virginia to express my full support for HB1396, introduced by Delegate Marty Martinez. This bill takes reasonable, common-sense steps to protect private landowners. Too often, landowners (including farmers, rural residents, and small property owners) face unwanted hunting dogs crossing boundaries, disturbing livestock, damaging property, or creating safety concerns. This is not an attack on hunting; it’s about basic property rights and neighborly responsibility. Similar systems have worked in other states, and Virginia should follow suit. I urge the committee to advance HB1396 and recommend its passage. Thank you for your consideration.

The protection and rights of homeowners from dogs trespassing on their land for the purpose of hunting cannot be ignored and must be safeguarded. It’s a matter of respect to our neighbors and community. Gaining prior permission to hunt on private land is a reasonable expectation. Owners of hunting dogs should have written permission before allowing their dogs on private property. I support this bill to addresses issues with dogs trespassing on private land, and holding dog owners accountable for their disregard to landowners. Respect should not need a law, but when rogue hunters resort to road hunting and other practices on land they don’t own something must be done. Virginia House Bill 1396 needs to be passed to ensure landowners rights are not infringed upon by disrespectful hound hunters.

I am writing to ask you to please approve HB1396. This bill is not prohibiting the use of dogs for hunting. This bill simply requires dog hunters to hunt only on property they have written permission to hunt. It will create a simple, responsible permit program for deer and bear hunters who use dogs. This bill will improve responsibility, accountability, and will help improve the major conflicts between landowners and the dog hunting community. I would love to be able to enjoy my property without a pack of dogs running through my propterty several times a week during hunting season. Please approve HB1396 and thank you for your time and consideration.

I oppose this bill

H.B. 1396 is long overdue! When I owned 111 acres in Faber (a few years ago) I made sure the borders were well marked to keep the hunters off my property. Of course every year I had to "accept" the fact that the dogs would come onto my land anyhow. Once, when I asked the hunters to retrieve their dogs, they laughed at me and said that the dogs can't read the signs. They did not attempt to get their dogs off my property. They had total disregard for my request. Another time when I denied a hunter access to my land to look for a deer, that night my mailbox was bashed. (I reported it to the police, and the hunt club) Hunting dogs should not be allowed on private property. In fact, they don't belong anywhere in a pack roaming the woods. The stories I have been told of dog packs viciously attacking wildlife have got to end. H.B. 1396 will surely help.

I oppose

Please support HD 1396. Accountability needs to be placed on hound hunters who constantly trespass into private lands they don’t have permission on. Our family land is constantly trespassed on and we our harassed by hound hunters. Please protect our personal property

In response to some concerns raised - I understand the importance of supporting small businesses in rural areas, and I agree that hunting season can bring valuable customers to local shops. However, HB1396 is not about curbing or banning hound hunting or hurting the hunting community—it’s about ensuring responsible and respectful hunting practices. Saying that businesses will suffer because hunters are required to stay only on property where they have permission confirms a troubling reality: that hound hunters often expect to trespass. HB1396 simply asks for respect of private property rights—something every hunter should honor. By requiring written landowner permission before dogs are released on private property, this bill promotes better relationships between hunters and landowners. When landowners feel their rights and property are respected, it fosters a more sustainable and positive hunting environment for everyone, including local businesses. Supporting HB1396 helps protect property owners from trespass and damage, which in turn supports a healthier and more cooperative community benefiting hunters, landowners, and small businesses alike. Please support this bill.

I am submitting this comment anonymously due to fear of retaliation from my local hound hunting clubs. HB 1396 addresses a serious problem for landowners like me. During dog hunting season, I am often unable to safely walk my family’s property with my own dog because of trespassing hounds and the risks they bring. This isn’t right. HB 1396 is a simple, commonsense solution that will help protect landowners and their families. I can’t believe I even have to say this, but PLEASE support HB 1396 so landowners can safely enjoy and use their own property. Thank you.

I am opposed to hb1396 . For multiple reason . First off it will hurt small business in the rural Areas that depend on these hunters and houndsmen to patronize their establishments. This is often one of the only times of the year they see that amount of customers . If you live in the country you have to expect to see country things sometimes livestock gets loose pets get loose hunting dogs get off course. No owner of these wants them where they aren’t supposed to be . It shouldn’t be a violation or an issue for someone to simply get their dog out of a road or on a piece of land . This is a rural history and tradition people moved in to places without doing proper research of the things that occur there . They move away from the city then try to complain about country things happening in the country . With the amount of people who have shot hunting dogs and removed collars buried or burned them etc in recent years I really don’t think making it harder for hound owners to retrieve a dog or making it a violation for doing so would be productive and in reality will be a recipe for conflicts of this nature . It seems to me based on the amount of calls to dwr hounds aren’t as big of an issue as a few people will Have you believe.. the existing laws cover all the bases adequately. Hunting in Virginia is awesome as it stands we have long seasons liberal bag limits and ample Opportunities across the commonwealth for all hunters to participate in many different ways in a variety of landscapes . I don’t think we should change anything here ..

I support HB 1396 because it sets clear, reasonable rules for using dogs in deer and bear hunting without banning the practice. Landowners across Virginia continue to face trespass, property damage, and threats to their livestock and pets—issues that have gone on for too long. Requiring hunters to get written permission before releasing dogs on private property, is a simple and fair way to protect property rights and safety. HB 1396 helps balance hunting traditions with private property rights. Please support HB 1396 to show that the concerns of Virginia’s landowners matter. Your support would make a meaningful difference for those directly impacted. Thank you.

Please vote YES in support of bill HB1396. Support us landowners who want to enjoy the outdoors in peace and quiet without dogs being released a few feet from our property lines to chase deer throughout our land. We shouldn't have to wear blaze orange while hiking our trails and worry when we hear gunshots that might be headed in our direction. A buck was killed on our property a few years ago without permission. They left a bloody mess when they gutted it on our trail!

This bill will threaten the time honored tradition of hunting with hounds and family that has strong roots in virginia. An additional fee is no more than a tax on hound hunters. This is a bad policy and I strongly encourage you to kill this bill in committee.

I ask that you support HB1396 because it introduces reasonable accountability without banning hound hunting. The small permit fee—consistent with other hunting fees—will help fund additional, much-needed DWR Conservation Police Officers. Despite claims to the contrary, this bill does not ban hound hunting; it provides essential relief to farmers, landowners, homesteaders, and outdoorsmen and women facing trespass, livestock casualties, and interruptions to their own lawful hunts. Please do the right thing - SUPPORT HB1396.

I’ve been a hunter for over 50 years with & without dogs. I don’t think this Bill hurts dog hunting so therefore I support it.

PLEASE SUPPORT HB1396. It is clear that many who oppose this bill have not read it. HB1396 does not ban hound hunting— it does not threaten heritage - it simply adds reasonable protections for landowners. Ethical, responsible hunters who respect property rights should have no problem with these safeguards. This bill brings balance, accountability, and fairness where it is long overdue.

I support Bill 1396.

I support bill HB1396

I have been hunting deer with hounds for 20 years. It has fed my family and I, created a tradition that my father passed on to me, a way of life so to speak. The population around my home has seemed to flourish no matter how well of a year the surrounding clubs have had. If we stopped running there would be a substantial over population seriously putting the crops in a chokehold as well as more people in danger while driving considering the amount of damage they already cause. Keep dog hunting alive.

Vote to keep hound hunting

I oppose HB1396. Please vote no. Hunting dogs don't need permits. Just another money grab for the government. The money spent to raise and run hounds put more in the economy. Another fee to deter hound hunting is just another attempt to eliminate the hounds!

I oppose HB1396

This is absolutely crazy, trying to take away deer hunting with dogs because the northerns that move to dog country that don’t like it and try to change our way of life this is absolutely ridiculous to me I’d never thought in all these years yall would try to change our way of life, yall northerners buy 1-2 acres of land and think yall own the whole country.

I spend a majority of my time outdoors with hounds.As a father of children who hunt and a life long VA resident of 39 years I strongly opposed hb1396.

Hound trespass has disrupted my daily life, not only during hunting season but also before and after. The property that I own is surrounded by hunt club leases on all sides and is always terrorized by hounds. While not every trespass is intentional, it is still a responsibility that someone has to be held accountable for. My property is mine to enjoy without interference. During hunting season, I can’t even hunt my own land. Please consider passing HB1396 Respectfully, Laura Weedon

I would hate not to be able to pass on our family tradition of dog hunting that we have enjoyed for generations.

I am a fair person a hunter, a dog owner, a livestock owner and a taxpaying land owner. Hound trespass disrupts my peaceful life. The 176 acres that I manage has been terrorized by hound and hound hunters for over 24 years. Letters to the Hunt club, talking with the presidents and members and trying to be a good neighbor has all been a waste of time. What went from giving permission to hunt became abuse of privilege. From that, after numerous chances to rectify behavior, a letter to the local club, outlining the history, came the letter barring all members, dogs, family, etc. Please consider passing HB1396. Thank you, Laura Weedon

I strongly oppose this bill. By passing this bill you’ll be taking away a way of life for so many people of Virginia. It is not only a sport for many but also how people provide food for their families.

Oppose bill 1396

I am not a frequent hunter, the use of well trained animals assist with my limited time in the field, there are entire subspecies of dogs that have been selectively bred to facilitate this task. We cannot continue to outlaw traditions of the people, There are less extreme ways to improve this traditional style of hunting. If someone takes the time to read this message thank you for what you do, but we the people have a responsibility to preserve our rights and heritage, and we should resist the reach and inposition of big brother to prevent the rise of a tyrannical government as stated in our constitution.

Shelters are overwhelmed every year by unclaimed hunting dogs. Dogs get lost, dumped, injured, or abandoned, and they end up in shelters with no real ID and no way to trace who is responsible. That means shelters (citizens) absorb the cost. Volunteers absorb the emotional burden. And the dogs suffer the most. HB1396 helps because it creates real accountability and traceability. Dogs aren’t just anonymous animals anymore — they’re linked to a responsible handler. That means: lost dogs can be returned abandonment becomes harder repeat behavior can be tracked shelters aren’t left holding the bag and the dogs are protected We should also be microchipping hunting dogs — it’s already standard in shelters and rescues, helps reunite lost dogs with owners, reduces abandonment, and protects the dogs themselves.

I oppose bill HB 1396

Vote no bill HB1396

Comment in Support of HB1396 I hunt with dogs, and I support HB1396 because I believe our tradition only survives if it’s responsible, accountable, and respected by the communities we hunt in. Most dog hunters care about our dogs, respect the land, and want to do things the right way. But when there’s no clear accountability, no identification standards, and no responsibility structure, the bad behavior of a few becomes the reputation of all of us. That hurts hunters. That hurts landowners. And it hurts the future of dog hunting itself. Uncontrolled releases, unaccountable handlers, and dogs running through private property without permission create real safety risks — for people, for property, and for the dogs. That’s not good for anyone, and it’s not how a legitimate tradition should operate. HB1396 doesn’t ban dog hunting. It doesn’t attack our culture. It simply sets reasonable standards: • Accountability for handlers • Identification and responsibility • Respect for private property • Public safety protections • Animal welfare expectations If we want dog hunting to remain socially accepted and legally protected, we have to be willing to accept responsibility and basic regulation. Traditions survive through trust, not entitlement. Supporting HB1396 isn’t anti-hunting. It’s pro-responsibility, pro-safety, and pro-future for dog hunting in Virginia.

Hunting with dogs has been in Virginia for hundreds of years. Gorge Washington is credited as the father of the American fox hound. I'm a third generation hunter. Hunting with dogs is how I cut my teeth in hunting. I started my two boys hunting with dogs. It's not all about the harvest of the animals but the comradery you get with you friends, family and people in your community. I've been very fortunate to be able to be apart of a few great hunting clubs. The president club has donated hundreds of deer in the past 3 years to hunters for the hungry. So please vote to keep dog hunting in Virginia.

I oppose HB1396

There is an exemption listed for those hunters who are in control of their dogs and have them within sight. I have heard that this is may be intended to make upland/rabbit hunters exempt from the license requirement but it makes no sense. There are absolutely instances when hunting small game in thick cover when dogs will be out of sight. They may very well be under control but to require that they be within sight at all times is silly and not at all practical. The scenario would exist where a hunter who does not have or require a license all of a sudden due to circumstances of a particular hunt needs a license immediately (not having their dog or all of their dogs in sight and or having a gps mechanical failure or loss of satellite signal ie loosing control .). Having both a dog or dogs in sight at all times and having control over your dogs 100% of the time is not a realistic constant to expect or demand. If the purpose of the exemption is to make deer/bear/coon hunters buy a license but rabbit/upland hunters don’t need one, then say so. Don’t list an exemption using vague language that is impossible for hunters to consistently comply with. The very idea of criminalizing the circumstances when hunting dogs cross an invisible to them boundary is so ridiculous I can’t even believe it’s being discussed. Not only would this be nearly impossible to enforce, it will essentially make violators out of any and all hunters using dogs. Hunters who are already doing everything they can to respect private property will be instant violators because a dog walked a few feet onto a property where you don’t have permission and you aren’t hunting there anyway. I can only come to the conclusion that the intent of this proposal is to make violators over time out of anyone who hunts with dogs, extracting money from them at the same time. This proposal is grotesque, outrageous and unreasonable. I oppose it.

Comment in Support of HB1396 This bill isn’t anti-hunting and it isn’t anti-tradition. It doesn’t ban hunting with dogs. What it does is set basic, reasonable standards that should already exist in any regulated activity: • Handler accountability • Identification and responsibility • Permission-based access to private property • Clear rules of conduct • Public safety protections • Animal welfare standards Unregulated dog releases create real risks — to families, motorists, livestock, pets, landowners, and the dogs themselves. When there is no accountability, those risks are pushed onto people who never consented to be part of the activity. Property rights matter. Public safety matters. Animal welfare matters. HB1396 simply puts responsibility where it belongs — with the handler — instead of forcing landowners and communities to absorb the consequences of unregulated access and unmanaged risk. That’s not anti-hunting. That’s pro-accountability, pro-safety, and pro-community.

I oppose 1396

I am opposed to House Bill 1396

I strongly urge you to oppose this bill, simply because our hunting dogs are scientifically not able to read posted signs. I also classify taking the right to retrieve away as animal cruelty I will not leave my hunting club until every hound has been caught that belongs to someone Its not fair to us hunters doing it the right way and its not fair to the dogs who were bread for this sport I strongly urge you to oppose this bill for the safety of our sport, and so everybody’s hounds make it home at night .

I oppose HB1396.

As a Virginia landowner and lifelong outdoorsman, I strongly oppose HB 1396 and respectfully urge the Committee to vote NO on this bill. This legislation places unnecessary burdens on responsible hunters and dog owners while doing little to address real problems. Hunting with dogs is a long-standing tradition in many parts of Virginia — especially in rural communities — and is part of our heritage, our way of life, and our local economy. The vast majority of sportsmen are ethical, law-abiding citizens who respect private property, wildlife, and their neighbors. HB 1396 creates a “Georgia Plan” style permit system that expands government oversight and introduces more regulation and penalties on people who are already heavily regulated. It also opens the door to criminalizing situations that are often unintentional and difficult to control in the field, such as a hound briefly crossing a property line during a chase. Turning these situations into criminal matters is excessive and unfair to responsible hunters. As a landowner, I value property rights — but I also understand the realities of rural life and hunting traditions. This bill risks creating conflict between neighbors, increasing enforcement burdens, and pushing ordinary Virginians out of a lawful, historic outdoor activity. It sends the message that traditional sportsmen are the problem, when in reality they are taxpayers, conservation supporters, and stewards of the land. Virginia’s wildlife management system has worked for generations because it balances conservation, property rights, and access. HB 1396 upsets that balance with more bureaucracy, more penalties, and less common sense. For these reasons, I respectfully ask the Committee to oppose HB 1396.

Oppose HR1396. Dog hunters I know respect landowners property rights. More laws do not make the situation change. Knowing the landowners and their views and wishes will take care of the issues that come up.

Criminalizing unintended hound “trespass” is completely unreasonable and ridiculous. I oppose HB1396.

VOTE NO !

I'm writing as a Virginia landowner to strongly urge your SUPPORT for HB1396, which would provide essential regulations on hound hunting to protect private property rights. This bill is a reasonable and necessary step to ensure that landowners can enjoy their property without unwanted intrusions, while still allowing responsible hunting practices with landowner consent. IT DOES NOT CALL FOR THE BANNING OF HOUND HUNTING. Please take the time to carefully review the public comments submitted on this bill—not just tallying the sheer number of "Support" or "Oppose" votes, but examining the content and rationale behind them. Many opposing comments are brief, repetitive declarations like "Oppose" or appeals to "our heritage" without substantive arguments or evidence. In contrast, supportive comments detail real-world impacts, such as property damage, safety concerns, and the ongoing burden on landowners who bear the costs of maintaining land that others exploit without permission or compensation. To ensure the integrity of the public comment process moving forward, I recommend implementing failsafe measures, such as requiring verified Virginia residency (e.g., through voter registration or IP geolocation) and limiting submissions to one per individual via email or account verification. As evidenced here, SOME COMMENTS APPEAR TO COME FROM OUT-OF-STATE individuals, and there may be instances of multiple submissions from the same parties, which skews the representation and undermines the voice of actual Virginia stakeholders. While the initial numbers show organized opposition from hunt clubs, they don’t reflect the reality on the ground. Hunt clubs can mobilize, but they do not own, pay taxes on, or maintain the land they use. Landowners are the ones dealing with the consequences—trespassing hounds, disrupted hunters, and even intimidation tactics that have persisted for years and are only escalating. Do not be intimidated by this vocal minority; their pressure should not override the rights of property owners who contribute to Virginia's economy and communities. Please SUPPORT HB1396 to bring much-needed relief to Virginia landowners. By passing this bill, you will affirm property rights and prevent further empowerment of those who take, intimidate, and disregard boundaries. Do not be bullied or misled by the hound hunting lobby—stand with the everyday Virginians who need your protection. Thank you for your consideration and for prioritizing fairness in our commonwealth.

I oppose HB 1396. Please vote no on this bill. 1) existing law already addresses trespassing 2) unnecessary govt overreach - hunters are already licensed, regulated and accountable through existing systems. In turn producing revenue for the state through licenses purchased. 3)threatens a historic Virginia cultural heritage and tradition 4) penalizes responsible hunters for the actions of a few 5) risks conflict instead of cooperation - heavy handed legislation can deepen the tensions between hunters and landowners in some cases, where personal agreements, mediation and improvements through current laws being enforced would be more effective and less divisive. Please vote no to HB 1396

I oppose HB1396

I have read comments on this page and submit this problem for your review. Hunters from out of state should not be allowed to comment on Virginia bills. They are trying to keep the right to retrieve hounds law alive in Virginia because 48 other states don't have this ridiculous "I can trespass on your land anytime" law.

Please oppose HB1396 and all other bills that would threaten hound hunting in the state of Virginia.

Support for HB1396 It doesn't end hound hunting, It adds accountability. If this bill is going to end your hound hunting recreation, you were never serious to begin with. Thank you Del. Martinez for sponsoring this bill and Del Clark for co-sponsoring this bill. This is remarkable bill that allows land owners the ability to limit access to unwanted dogs while the dog hunting community can hunt as they wish on property they have permission to occupy. I'm not sure why there so many comments saying this ends hound hunting. As you know, hound trespass has been an issue in Virginia that has only gotten worse through the years. And will only continue to get worse until the General Assembly acts. As a result of growing property owner frustration, you see in recent years, more citizen complaints, newly formed non-profit organizations such as the Citizens for Virginia Property Rights and Virginia Property Right Alliance, pro-property rights lobbyists and more. There's no better time than now to vote in favor of HB1396. Property rights advocates and other hunters who are disturbed by trespassing hounds have patiently tried to work with hound hunters and the DWR to no avail. The DWR has held two major stakeholder advisory processes one in 2008 and another in 2023. As a result, property owners gained nothing of value from these meetings.....they gained useless outreach, and ongoing dialogue while hound hunters promoted "voluntary tools". The ethical and right decision is easy. Give land owners the tools needed to keep unwanted hunting dogs off their land. The two competing interest are land owners who simply want to be left alone and free of dog disturbance. The other side selfishly wants free access to others' property for their dogs to roam anywhere at anytime no matter how annoying to their neighbors. Hound hunters have resisted change and I encourage them to look at other states where it's been banned or significantly curtailed. This bill is a great compromise. Stay on your land and I'll stay on my land

Opposed to HB 1396. The strong opposition to hound hunting comes from people who moved into this area. Address issues on an individual basis without this blanket legislation that serves to add additional tax and cost to all responsible hound owners.

I am a lifelong Virginia resident who strives to protect our rights and ongoing tradition. I respectfully ask you to oppose bills SB471 and HB 1396. It has been stated that any game hunted with dogs is at risk, which would make a heavy impact to every game hunted. These bills are just the beginning of the end to a sport united by members of each community seeking fellowship and supporting the local economies. It is something that every youth is looking forward to all year long. Our community is for all hunting, not just dog hunters. We support everyone that is willing to get in the woods or just come join a good time. A question that keeps coming to my mind and others is "Why are dog hunters always attacked?". We do understand that there is bad apples in every bunch that reflect on everyone, but you can same the same thing about people who strictly still hunt or anything at all that doesn't involve hunting. We ALL want the disobeying hunters(dogs involved or not) to follow laws and property lines. The years 2023-2025 any calls to DWR or local authorities relating to hunting/trespass incidents, the percentage involving hound hunting is extremely low compared to anything else. That should show that hunters using hounds are not the big issue. Please consider my opinion and many others with the same thoughts as myself. Thank you for your time.

Please OPPOSE HB1396. All Virginia hunters are already required to purchase a hunting license. This bill will accomplish nothing and make it more bureaucratic and expensive to hunt with an additional $19 fee for hunting dogs. The permitting process it establishes is unwarranted. DWR currently has the ability to establish such process if they deemed it necessary or effective. Furthermore, DWR has conducted in-depth studies and listening sessions to solve for the few landowner/dog issues that exist. If HB1396 passes, the General Assembly would essentially be taking away the power it has already afforded this agency to effectively regulate.

Vote no! For this bill us Virginian’s don’t want to lose our heritage this is an unfair poke at all dog men in Va.

Vote no

Good morning, I am asking to please oppose HB1396. Hunting wildlife is a way of life from the beginning. It is generational and a tradition that should not be destroyed. It is a way of life to spend time with family, friends, children, and our treasured hunters, our hounds. We hunt because we love it. We hunt because it feeds us off the land. We hunt because it is a peaceful time with the outdoors. We hunt with dogs because it is a passion with our hunting hounds. It is an indescribable emotion, tradition, and love that one cannot understand fully unless they experience it for themselves. Please oppose HB1396 and keep our tradition and love for the land, fellowship, and our hounds alive. Thank you, Brittney P.

I am writing to you as a husband, father, landowner, and houndsmen to please request that you vote NO to HB1396. Creating a permit system will lead to rapid elimination of dog hunting, immediately having high impacts on low-income hunters and start the the ending to hunting with dogs as a wildlife management tool. If you look at the DWR "State of the Herd" you will see the massive importance hound hunting is to the state of Virginia with over 73% of all hunters in the Tidewater region using hounds to hunt as well as over 83% of all deer taken during general firearms season being done so with the aid of our hounds. Criminalizing unavoidable dog behavior would impose massive fines and loss of hunting if a dog "crosses" a piece of property without permission. As a landowner surrounded by hunting clubs I do not support this course of action and I think it is a massive overreach. Permits do not protect hunters and the owners will face criminal charges if a dog strays, gets lost, or injured. This type of action will drive hunters away, dramatically reducing wildlife management tools in our state of vast deer herds causing damaging crops and increased vehicle collisions. This is not even counting the possibility of using it to help fight against diseases in the herd. This bill is redundant and unnecessary, Virginia already ahs intentional trespass laws and specific retrieval rules to address the "bad actors". The DWR Hunter-Landowner local committees are working and violations are going even as DWR man hours were ramped up to combat and attempt to find more bad actors. This exact proposal in this bill was already rejected by the DWR sponsored Stakeholder Advisory Committee in 2025. Hound hunting is under attack year after year even though the data and tickets do not support such a bill. Thank you for your consideration.

I am asking for your opposition to Bill HB1396. Dog hunting has been a way of life for hundreds of years even since George Washington’s time. Passing these bills making it harder for us to do something we love would only mean the end of dog hunting is near. Something that generations of people have done and raised their kids doing will be no longer allowed because of people moving here and trying to control how we do things. We already have enough trouble dealing with the overpopulation of people and houses getting put up everywhere. Passing this bill would do nothing but open up the door on making hunting with dogs gone forever. We don’t try to ruin your way of life so please stop trying to ruin ours. May the sound of the hound never die.

I urge the Delegates to Support HB1396! For too long landowners have had no protection to these illegal trespasses. Its quite amazing that we are seeing so much opposition to a bill that simply has a very low-cost permit fee and a requirement to gain permission to use another's property.

Please end the use of Dogs for Hunting Deer. It is unsporting, dangerous, and violates private property. Virginia is one of only a handful of states that still allows the use of dogs to chase deer. It harms wildlife by disturbing many species during the difficult fall and winter months; contributes to the spread of wildlife diseases such as Chronic Wasting Disease; violates private property including lands that are legally posted against trespass; promotes unethical hunting actions such as shooting from vehicles, trespassing, and bag limit violations; encourages dangerous shooting conditions that endanger hunters and non-hunters lives; and is Not necessary to maintain healthy Deer population levels. Please vote to end or at least restrict the use of dogs in deer hunting. Thank you.

Strongly oppose

Strongly oppose this bill, this is destroying heritage. As well as taking away freedoms

I oppose this bill.HB1396

I oppose this bill!! My kids love hunting with hounds. It brings folks together and we also donate to the hunters for the hungry off the deer we kill with our hound.

Dear Members of the House Agriculture Committee, I am writing to urgently ask you to vote NO on HB1396. As a Virginia hunter and someone who respects our state’s long-established hunting traditions, I am deeply concerned about the serious and immediate consequences this bill would create. HB1396 imposes a “Georgia plan” permit system that is unnecessary, overly restrictive, and completely out of step with the way Virginia hunters responsibly manage dogs, land access, and wildlife conservation. Most critically, HB1396 would criminalize even unintentional dog trespass—a reality every hunter knows is sometimes unavoidable despite responsible handling. Dogs do not read property lines, and punishing hunters for natural canine behavior is unreasonable, unworkable, and threatens to harm a centuries-old Virginia tradition. This bill pits hunters, hounds, and landowners against one another rather than supporting the cooperative relationships that already exist across rural communities. Rushed or unclear policy changes of this scale, without proper input from hunters and rural stakeholders, risk creating irreversible damage to hunting culture and the communities that depend on it. I strongly urge you to consider what is at stake for Virginia’s hunting heritage, responsible dog owners, and rural families. The unintended consequences of HB1396 are far too severe. Please vote NO on HB1396 and support solutions that bring hunters and landowners together—not drive them apart. Thank you for your time and your attention to this critical issue.

Strongly oppose this bill.

On behalf of a small farm that I operate it is hard to stay afloat with the rising costs of fertilizer and seed. On behalf of the Deere eating the crops year round and no being able to do anything bout it except 3 months out of the year I feel as if we should be able to kill them but limit the killing on the Deere so we do not over kill there needs to be a set number allowed per farmer. As a hound owner myself it is a life style that has been around for ages and we do not feel as it should fall out of per portion.

Hunting in Va has been a long and valued tradition. I’m here to say that banning dog hunting is obviously wrong. There is always going to be people who have no respect for the laws. But 99% of hunters are law abiding citizens. I’ve hunted with and without dogs. I believe we would have an epidemic if the herds are not controlled. Dog hunting allows more opportunities to harvest animals. Think about your forefathers. Don’t kill this family tradition

The issuance of permits is just giving the government more power to govern over something they should have no control over. Just issue fines and citations to those that are the problem, don’t deem all to be the problem. The less hound hunting = less deer harvested = more car accidents in an already overpopulated state

I'm opposed to this bill as it restricts a legal method of hunting and is not clear what problem it is trying to solve. Approving this bill would reduce the number of hunters, further reducing the amount of funds available for DWR to continue with their mission of conservation and recreation. DWR has already implemented several working groups to reduce hound hunters- landowner conflicts and is more than capable of focusing on areas with low compliance to current regulations.

This bill is absurd! Hunting with dogs is a way of life and a long standing tradition for many. The amount of fines proposed is ridiculous. I suppose someone has a magic way of educating a dog where property lines are? Hunters do not intentionally let their dogs onto property they do not have permission to hunt and try to remove them ASAP. And, they let a deer go if it enters that property. How exactly, are these fines going to be enforced? You better believe you will be overwhelming the courts with this nonsense. The state can't even keep non-registered voters from voting or keep people from illegally voting using a dead person's name. The Virginia state government needs to focus on real issues like the "working poor," Families that have to chose rent over food and have to rely on food banks for help. Non-state funded Food banks that are run by volunteers and have 100% of the food donated by able community members. Or,focus on weeding out thoses able bodied people living off the system because they make more money by not working. Give those working people a break on child care costs so that they can work and be proud and a become a productive member of society. These absurd bills make me question our Virginia state representatives. This bill certainly does not provide any meaningful benefit to our state residents. It, in fact, hurts many who hunt to put food on the table. I am sure that whomever proposed this bill has absolutely no clue about hunting or they got mad because they had a hunting dog trespass on their property and it urinated on their manicured lawn.

HB 1048 & HB 1049 The Menhaden Needs to be protected NOW from overfishing. This species has already been overfished. The Menhaden are a Keystone species and vital to the health of the Chesapeake Bay. Limits on their harvest need to be put in place an enforced. The osprey population is suffering as are other species that depend on a healthy Menhaden population. HB 1091 Solar Energy is the most cost effective clean source of energy we can install right now. I totally understand residents not wanting industrial solar arrays installed too close to where they live, but with that said it is better to install these solar panels on agricultural land that is not being used rather than deforest more land in order to install these solar arrays. HB 129 Why should you be able to kill deer out of season on your property if they are damaging your fruit trees, crops, or personal property..? The land owner should be made to better secure their fruit trees, crops, and personal property rather than be allowed to kill deer because they are unwilling to invest the time to better secure their property from deer. HB1396 Hunting with dogs and allowing them to run over others personal property Needs to be prohibited! Why the leash laws do not pertain to hunters using dogs makes Zero sense. This has Nothing to do with tradition, and that is not an argument that should be used in support of hunting with dogs. If Sportsman hunting with dogs want to continue using dogs to hunt, they should be made to fence in the property before releasing their dogs. HB45 All fees associated with hunting, fishing, and trapping in the commonwealth should be collected. For what reason should people be allowed to do these activities for free, partially discounted, or get reimbursed. The wildlife they are hunting, fishing, and trapping belong to all the residents of Virginia. Therefore they should pay the associated fees when engaging in an activity that removes them from the wild spaces all residents have a right to enjoy.

I oppose this bill, please vote no Halifax county landowner

I oppose this bill solely because I am against further restrictions on hunting and fishing. I am not a native Virginian. I came from a state where it would be unheard of to hunt deer with dogs. But I respect the long standing tradition of dog hunting in this great country. As hunters and anglers we need to guard the gate against those that would limit, and eventually take our inherent rights to take and consume game. This is a struggle that will not end if this bill is passed, it rather is a death by a thousand cuts.

We do not support bill 1396 please vote no

I oppose this bill. It takes away our rights as dog hunters of every game animal

I really enjoy the stance of those wanting to protect a heritage. Traditions passed down from generation to generation. Now which tradition am I speaking of? Hunting, land ownership? No one is wanting to stop hunting. Fact is that more hunters are for a bill that protects landowners rights. Current laws in place do not protect landowners. We own land, pay for leases etc, only to have those rights violated. Dog hunting is not what it use to be. No longer are the 1,000's of acres and thick woods and swamps. Dogs needed to flush them out so hunters could shoot them. Now dog hunters are turning dogs out on land that is smaller than 100 acres, mostly open fields, and the dogs stay there for less than a minute and they are running for miles onto others properties where they are not wanted nor do they have permission. IF WE WANTED DOGS RUNNING THROUGH OUR HUNTING LEASES, WE WOULD START OUR OWN DOG CLUB. Just like there are limitations on using a rifle in VA, there needs to be some "reigning in" on dog hunting. Many other states do not allow this anymore and it's for good reason, but that topic is for another day. Please consider HB 1396 and do what is right for the citizens of VA and it's landowners. The heritage of being a landowner is one of the great benefits of being an US Citizen. Landownership! Thank you for your time. Reason I cannot use my real name is due to past behaviors of threatening violence to myself, my land and farm animals.

Please support HB1396. I am a dog hunter and support this bill. This bill will weed out the bad clubs and help preserve dog hunting in the future. Thanks for your time and support.

I strongly disagree with this bill. Dog hunting has been a tradition for hundreds of years. Please revise this bill. This limits the lower class man from doing what he loves because of permits.

I oppose HB1396. Please vote no to this bill.

It’s funny how the majority that support this Bill won’t sign their last name, or they place “anonymous”, to the comments and also aren’t even close to a hound hunting community. As I read these comments before placing my own, I also notice quit a few in support of the Bill stating they moved “here” into a hound hunting community. It would be like moving next store to the Diamond and then complaining about the stadium lights being on at night. They moved here for a reason or they rent land in a hound hunting community for a reason…they’ve seen the deer killed in these hound hunting communities and now they want a piece of the pie. Don’t think that we are foolish to think you are going to have your cake and eat it too. I love how a Delegate, who also moved here and was born in California, introduces a Bill for those who “move” here and probably haven’t even experienced what a true hound community faces from these outsiders moving in. For my whole life I’ve dog hunted and was introduced to dog hunting by my grandfather. It may be a way of life for me but it also is a heritage that was here long before I was ever thought of. Are you aware of the tax implications this would remove from the Commonwealth? Are the local animal shelters/pounds able to take all of the dogs that would have to be forfeited on account of doing away with this sport? Can you sleep at night knowing you are shutting down small businesses? I believe the answer to all three of these questions are NO! I strongly Oppose HB1396!!

I generally have no desire to change the tradition of hunting deer with hounds in the Commonwealth; however, I do seek to provide landowners with basic (common sense) rights regarding persons accessing their land in person or through the use of hounds. I worked very hard throughout my life to save money, buy our property, and build our retirement home. No one else except my wife and I saved and sacrificed to see our home come to be. I dutifully pay the taxes on my property. No one else provides any financial support. The "traditions" of hunting with hounds has no bearing on my responsibilities as a property owner; they provide no relaxation of my physical (e.g. property upkeep) and financial (e.g. mortgage and taxes) requirements. No one should be allowed to access my property for any reason (with the exception of emergency services, standard mail delivery or existing easements) without my written or verbal permission. There are many traditions throughout our great country, but they do not (and should not) negate the right of the landowner. This is common sense. I have had an individual come up to my home at midnight in August to "retrieve their hound". We believed the individual was trying to break into our home, and I confronted this person. The person repeatedly said it was their "legal right" to retrieve their hound as they we "chasing coons". What type of person comes upon a home, at midnight, wakes them up and then argues with the landowner? This comes from a lack of common-sense restrictions on accessing properties for the purpose of hunting. There are restrictions on hunting seasons and hunting times (e.g. 1/2 hour before sunrise), but no restrictions on when a hunter can access property to retrieve their hounds after engaging in an activity they (the hunter not the landowner) chose to do. This is asking for a serious conflict when there are no proximity (relative to occupied homes) or time limits for this "right to retrieve". The lack of law mandated access restrictions and requirement for overt communication with the landowner could easily lead to a deadly situation. Pass HB1396 now!

Hello, I am writing in support of bill HB-1396. As a landowner in rural Virginia, I dread the deer hunting season annually due to confrontations with deer hunting (typically clubs) breaking the law hunting with dogs on mine and my neighbors property. I catch them releasing dogs on mine and my neighbors properties without permission, prepaing to shoot from the road onto properties they have no clue the housing in the woods, trashing our roads with their food wrappers and drink bottles/cans. I have to call the VA Wildlife Conservation Office and report infractions and these gentlemen have to come out and deal with these issues. Requiring dog hunters to have a permit and written permission to hunt on others properties is a reasonable requirement.

No

I do not agree with this bill , and i ask all to vote NO!

1396 Keep dog hunting No solar panels 1091 129 let owners kill deer 1169 leave small farms alone 1072 do not regulate sludge applications

Please oppose this bill. Hunting with hounds is a family pastime and we do not want to make it more difficult for our future hunters to be able to understand the excitement and joy of working with hounds to hunt.

No

Hannah Johnson Marion, Virginia 24354 Subject: Strong Opposition to HB1396 I am writing to express my strong opposition to House Bill 1396, which I believe will negatively impact hunting practices and pet ownership in Virginia. I urge you to consider the serious concerns outlined below before moving forward with this legislation. First and foremost, the proposed permit system detailed in HB1396 is unduly burdensome. Mandating a $19 state-issued permit for hunting with dogs, effective July 1, 2027, places an unnecessary financial obligation on hunters. We already pay for a hunting license and national forest stamp every year. This additional fee, while seemingly small, can accumulate and deter individuals and organizations—especially those with limited financial resources—from participating in legal hunting activities. It is only a punishment to my fellow hound hunters and myself that do follow the rules. The ones that break the law aren’t going to change because of new laws. It introduces a bureaucratic hurdle that does not enhance safety or conservation efforts but rather serves as a deterrent to a long-standing tradition in Virginia. Furthermore, the criminalization of lost dogs under this bill is deeply troubling. The imposition of strict penalties for "dog trespass," where a dog strays, gets lost, or is injured and wanders onto private property, is unduly harsh. It fails to account for the realities of dog ownership, where animals can unintentionally cross boundaries, particularly in rural or natural settings. The right to retrieve your dog is a very important thing, it keeps the dogs off of the land and in control of their handler. This provision could lead to unjust legal consequences for responsible dog owners who make every effort to control their pets. Finally, HB1396 appears to be designed to severely restrict or end traditional hound hunting in Virginia. By imposing heavy burdens on hunters to control dogs' movement across property lines, the bill sets an unrealistic standard that is virtually impossible to meet in a natural setting. This measure is similar to restrictive measures enacted in other states, which have effectively curtailed hound hunting. In conclusion, I strongly urge you to oppose HB1396. This bill introduces unnecessary financial burdens, unfairly penalizes dog owners, and threatens to end traditional hunting practices in Virginia. I ask that you carefully consider the negative impacts this legislation will have on responsible hunters and pet owners across the Commonwealth. Thank you for your attention to this important matter. I am available to discuss these concerns further at your convenience. Sincerely, Hannah Johnson

Please leave the time honored tradition of dog hunting alone. Almost all dog hunters are respectful of laws and people’s property. Most people opposing dog hunting are people who move to the country and aren’t aware of the tradition and don’t do the research before buying their property. Thals

Please vote NO to this bill for the sake of our kids and grandkids being able to continue a tradition that they are just starting to experience. Dog hunting entices them to get outside, communicate with all ages of people, and teaches responsibility, to lost a few. Don’t let It die in front of there eyes, they see enough harsh in this world today. Please vote NO. Thank you.

Please support HB1396! I submit this comment as a landowner and avid hunter (I just don't use dogs, trucks, tracking devices, GPS, etc.., I get up early and walk into the woods day after day and actually hunt the deer I harvest). This bill simply brings common sense to this divisive issue in Virginia. It DOES NOT ban Hound Hunting, it only requires hunters to act in a civil way by not trespassing on private property by simply gaining permission from the landowners. I am sure each and everyone of those opposed would also be opposed to just anyone coming on their property and walking around their home (as I have had happen by hunters retrieving their hounds....even though there were no dogs in the vicinity). Current laws allow to much of a loophole for those "hunters" that simply want to abuse the system and just do what they want. The arguments of "heritage" and "way of life" are beyond laughable. Heritage is hunting without trucks, GPS equipment, tracking devices, and all this modern technology that allow them to herd and shoot animals that are treed or simply exhausted and standing in front of them all while stepping feet away from the truck (I have seen it multiple times). You call that Heritage?

I have been hunting with dogs my whole life. It’s been a family tradition and now my kids are enjoying it. Please do not pass this bill. I oppose it

I would also add that I grew up hunting deer with dogs and enjoyed it. Today I appose it. WHY? Not all, but most "dog hunters" these days do not respect landowners, laws, or pretty much anything. They hunt from their trucks (from the road which is illegal), hunt and shoot across roads (also illegal), they will (i have personally caught them doing this) run dogs across posted land to drive deer onto property they lease. I have caught then trespassing on posted private land with dogs and guns claiming they were just "getting" their dogs while NOT wearing any Blaze Orange. In that case, I watched them drop off the dog driver and the dogs at the road and watched him walk through the woods until he was about a tenth mile off the road where I was when I startled him by speaking to him. When I asked what he was doing he said "getting my dogs" and proceeded to continue walking away from the road. I had to point out twice that the road and where he was dropped off was the other way before he got the message. These things happen way too often and sadly when the local law enforcement is called they wont do anything because of the "good ole boy club" or the vain excuse they didnt "catch them in the act. Then there is the Game Warden issues... 1) there is not enough of them. 2) Many do not live anywhere they are stationed and in the case of Greensville county for a couple of years now during hunting season the "Game Warden" had an RV Camper set up on land of one of the "Dog Hunters" in that "Good Ole Boy Club" and guess what? That particular "club" did no wrong or got caught doing anything. Very odd for a track record of almost daily violations for over a decade. The lack of respect shown to land owners, again not by all but by most, is why the practice time has come and gone and now is the time to ban it like the majority of states in the US.

I support HB1396, SB471, SB770, private property owners here, who is fed up with the entitlement & trespassing of the hound hunting community and their hounds. It's becoming very obvious by all the opposition from the hound hunters exactly how many of them practice legal trespassing. Most of them do, maybe there are several good honest hound hunters out there, but here in the northern neck, they are rotten to the core. My property is just an extension of their hunting grounds, but without my permission. These bills are pro hunting bills, & for a hound hunters to oppose these common sense bills is admitting to everyone loud & clear what we've been saying for years... Hounds hunters in general do NOT play by the same rules as everyone else. They willingly & intentionally run their hounds on prohibited property, they do nothing to try to mitigate conflict, they inflate it at every turn. They are an entitled batch that for years the laws have protected. It's obvious, no decent human would oppose these common sense bills that protect private property and their trespassing/ animal abuse traditions. It's always the guilty dog that barks, it is plain to see who is guilty. Every year we have the same repeat offenders, every year the same results, there is nothing we are allowed to do to protect our private property. For too long the hound hunters have been in the back pocket of lawmakers, law enforcement officers, and DWR, this corruption needs to be reformed. Please do the right thing and vote yes, any hound hunter who really tries to control their hounds will not be hurt by this. The only ones that stand to lose anything are those that act like they own all our private property. Those are the ones that are killing their own blood sport , not the landowners who simply wish to have peace & quiet on our own land. I can't fathom having the audacity to request that private property owners not be given rights. Every other state affords private property owners rights. Will you finally be the ones to step up & do the right thing?

Please oppose this bill!

Vote no

Keep dog hunting legal a hounds man and landowner

The time for dog hunting in Virginis has come and gone. Americans spend about 1 hr per day driving, recent data shows around 60-61 minutes daily, roughly 290-300 hrs or 17,600 min (about seven 40-hour work weeks). Deer "Dog" Hunting season where I live lasts an average of 43 days per year. Over the last 10 years, my wife & I have had 2 vehicular incidents where deer were hit (technically hit us) because of being chased by dogs. During that same timeframe we have had roughly 44 "near misses" where we had to slam on brakes to avoid & accident due to deer being run by dogs or "dog hunters" being in the road either physically themselves or their trucks. To put the dangers of Dog Hunting into relatable industry terms (OSHA TCIR)... TRIR = (Number of OSHA recordable incidents) X 200,000 / (Total number of hours worked) Given the numbers above for driving time equated to "hours worked" (2 incidents multiplied by 200,000) divided by 293.33 = OSHA Recordable (TCIR) rate for the 2 vehicular incidents would be 1363.6 Using the same calculation but adding the "near misses": (46 incidents multiplied by 200,000) divided by 293.33 = OSHA Recordable (TCIR) rate for all 46 is 31,363.6 The industrial avg for private industry is only 2.4 to 3.1 TCIR Going over 4.0 in any industry governed by OSHA would cause a "visit" & an investigation which would result in either severe penalties & or a complete overhaul to the facilities operating & safety standards. Statistics show Virginia sees a major spike in deer hits from Oct-Dec, with Nov being the peak month. Virginia ranks high nationally for deer-related crashes, recent studies suggesting a 1 in 94 or 1 in 75 chance of a driver hitting a deer annually. Comparatively speaking... Tennessee's peak time for deer-vehicle crashes is Oct-Dec seeing over half of all incidents due to mating season (rut) & shorter days; Tennessee ranks as a medium-risk state (1 in 107 odds) for hitting an animal Tennessee is ranked around 26th-27th nationally for animal collisions, with drivers having about a 1 in 107 chance The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Commission banned dog-deer hunting in 1990. There were 106,762 reported deer-related crashes in Tennessee in 1989. There were 8,036 reported deer-related crashes in Tennessee in 2024 THAT is a 92% drop in deer-related crashes The number of deer-related crashes in Tennessee between 1990 & 2001 isn’t available. The available data for 2002 says that 7,804 occurred during the peak months of Oct-Dec which equates to a 93% drop. In 1989 Tennessee reported 3,675,253 licensed drivers. In 2002 Tennessee reported 4,253,014 licensed drivers. In 2014 Tennessee reported 4,697,047 licensed drivers. Exact 2024 numbers aren't out, Tennessee has around 5.8 million licensed drivers. That is arguably a 58% increase in drivers & a comparatively 92% drop in deer-related crashes. In 1989, with 3,675,253 licensed drivers & 106,762 deer-related crashes, 2.9% of the licensed drivers had an incident. In 2024, with 5,800,000 licensed drivers & 8,036 deer-related crashes, 0.14% of the licensed drivers had an incident. That is a 95% reduction Numbers dont lie

I oppose this bill. Please oppose this bill as it aims to take away a long standing tradition of using dogs to hunt deer. We as dog owners have rights to retrieve game or our hounds and respectfully abide by the laws in place and keeping landowners well informed, notified, and getting their permission to access their land when and only when needed.

We do not need any more solar panels on farm land or any land for that matter . Place them on top of buildings or all of the areas where there are closed businesses Farmers should cotongue to receive crop damage permits to protect their lively hood Dog hunting has been a tradition for hundreds of years. This is something that should continue on forever

Please support HB1396. We own 200 acres of Posted property in Lancaster County. We would like to be able to enjoy our own land with some peace and quiet and not have to worry about trespassing dogs. It is time for these hunters to take responsibility. Thank you for your support and consideration.

I would ask all of you to oppose HB1396. Taking away a hunters right to pursue game of any kind with a dog is against what this state stands for. Virginia is a “sportsman’s” paradise not a “trophy deer hunters paradise”. Let’s keep it that way.

We grew up hunting animals with the assistance of hound dogs. Our dogs are well taken care of with shelter, food, water and love. They help us keep wild animal population at bay. The dogs are family and help us get food for our families for winter. They are a way of life for millions of people. Please do not vote for this bill.

I support this bill. It protects landowners and also the sport of dog hunting. Please vote yes on this bill.

HB1396 Please the community is against this bill. Do not vote for this.

Oppose HB 1396.

Oppose HB 1396

Myself and many others are strongly opposed to HB1396, and any similar bill that ensues.

Hound hunting is deeply important to me and my son. It’s not just a method of hunting it’s time spent together outdoors learning responsibility patience discipline and respect for wildlife the land and others. It is where a boy learns how to become a man by showing up early taking care of something other than himself and following through even when it’s hard. There is also nothing quite like the bond a child builds with his hounds. These dogs are more than tools they are loyal companions and truly a child’s best friend. My son learns compassion accountability and hard work by caring for them every day. He learns that success comes from trust teamwork and consistency between man dog and nature. Some of our best conversations and strongest memories have happened behind a set of hounds on cold mornings. This tradition connects generations and passes down ethics values and conservation minded practices that cannot be replaced by something else. I fully agree that private property should be respected and responsible hunters already take that seriously. However a long standing tradition that teaches young people character responsibility and respect should not be taken away because of isolated issues. Families like mine rely on this way of life to raise grounded hardworking young men and to keep our kids connected to the outdoors instead of screens. I hope the Department carefully considers how changes could impact families like mine where hound hunting is not just a hobby but a meaningful bond between father son and dog that we plan to carry forward for generations. I oppose of this bill. Vote NO.

Please 🙏 vote no one this bill save are hurting for are kids to have thanks

I strongly oppose HB1396. Not all counties are created equal. This should be left up to each individual county to decide how to handle dog trespass. No one knows better what goes on in each county than the actual board of supervisors in those counties. Furthermore adding a fee for a permit to legally hunt fur bearing animals on private property is a waste of time, money and resources. This bill will help make hunting with dogs a rich man’s sport and push the poor people to the curb.

Oppose 1396

I am a landowner , with property adjoining government land , I have had hounds cross my property and have fully understanding that the hounds can not read property lines and therefore sometimes hound owners have to come across my property to retrieve their hounds , this bill would not only make that difficult to any dog hunter ( deer , raccoon, bear , squirrel and all other game pursued by a hunting dog) ALSO neighbors of the community. If my dogs wonders across the neighbors property line, and I sent my child to retrieve it, would they be considered a trespasser? All because they are trying to retrieve their dog/ animal. I OPPOSE this bill , and also other bills like SB471, SB770. Please Vote No!

Please OPPOSE this HB1396!

Don’t take away the history and heritage that hunting with hounds! Vote no!

I am writing today in support of HB 1396. This is a very important piece of legislation to me as for five years, I have been forced to endure hunting hounds on my private property. I and have invested time and money into my property. When hunting hounds repeatedly enter onto my property without permission they not only take away my enjoyment of my property but also impact me financially. Hunt club members constantly trespass by foot and by truck bearing loaded weapons to retrieve the hounds without my permission. My property along with others are clearly marked as No Hunting Allowed. The hunt club routinely drop hounds on the side of the road before reaching our property. We live on a peninsula with no way for the deer to escape except for desperately jumping into the water. As a member of Citizens for Virginia Property Rights I feel this bill is a very fair compromise and a tool DWR can use which will end the conflict created by the presence of hunting hounds where they are not desired. This bill will not impact a single, lawful hunt and is clearly focused on holding the “bad actors” accountable for their behavior. Thank you again for having the courage to do the right thing and standing up for many, many Virginians. Sincerely, Rhonda Kuebler

Vote no on HB1396

Oppose HB1396

I vote no to this bill

Please stop hound hunters right to retrieve on private property. We have multiple where incidents every year where hunting dogs attack our pets on our private property causing harm, loss of life, and vet bills. Private property should remain private year around.

Dog hunting is a tradition. I was born and raised on this type of hunting. Hunting is a way of life for many of us. Our community deer hunts and in turn our dogs help the community by providing meat to the community members. Our dogs play a huge role in Hunters for the Hungry. Please-do not pass these bills. I hope you keep an open mind and understand this is a way of life for many Virginians. Our dogs are our family and provide food for our community. Thank you for the consideration on this matter. I certainly hope you have a safe and healthy year.

Give property owners their rights back and get rid of the right to retrieve law.

I vote we keep our rights ti dog hunt its not just a sport its a way of life!!!

Fill as if this tradition should not be taken from us. Not only does it help keeps the crime rate down because of the passion that people have for it. It also be a character. Meanwhile, it also regulates the population of deer The traditional way.

It is rather unfortunate that we are even here today to attempt to persuade our legislators to oppose bill HB1396. I am writing to respectfully voice my opposition on this bill. My journey into dog hunting & hunting in general did not begin as a lifelong tradition passed down through my own family. Instead, it began when my best friend and her family welcomed me into their world and introduced me to hunting. As 14-15 year old girls we bonded over much more than parties or boys or things along that realm. We were always excited to be outside running dogs with her dad & our friends. Hunting together, making lifelong memories that I will cherish forever. Being brought into a hobby of theres brought me a new hobby. A new community, new friends, lifelong at that. It got me outside, calmed my mind. Hound hunting opened an entirely new world for me. Built on family, friendship, responsibility, and a more sentimental respect for God, land & animals. I learned patience, teamwork, discipline, and accountability. Growing up around hounds or being introduced to them it shows you how to care for them, the time & money spent and the love the houndsmen have for their animals. This isn’t just a “sport” as some individuals like to call it. It’s about people. Families spending time together, young people being mentored by experienced hunters & elders. And lifelong bonds formed through early mornings, long days, and hard work. Passing HB1396 would disrupt a huge way of life for a huge portion of Virginia Residents. As someone who found their way being with a second family & gaining more friendships through hound hunting. This bill feels like the loss of something deeply meaningful. Please help us preserve a practice that has given SO MUCH to SO MANY! Thank you for your time and consideration.

Strongly oppose,

Salutations: PLEASE, for the love of all true sportsmen, pass HB1396!!! There may be “good” dog hunters that exist, but they’re most certainly few and far between in Caroline & Essex counties. Since my father bought our property in 2010, we’ve CONSTANTLY have had dogs. (hounds in particular), running roughshod through our property. This makes it nearly impossible to enjoy the property peacefully. Dog hunters are extremely disrespectful jerks (to use a mild term). They’ve parked along my property along the state road in droves, 6-8 trucks deep, 12-15 hunters, honking their horns, screaming & yelling for their dogs. I’ve seen multiple trucks with dog boxes parked IN THE LANE on the 60 MPH speed limit zone of Rt. 17 between Port Royal & Tappahannock, trying to find there dogs. PLUS, what very few people have noted is that a hound will run for MILES & MILES. So even if a “responsible” hound hunter tries to control the dogs, it’s very difficult to do. Additionally, dog hunting is simply dirty & not sporting. They line up a tract of land & make it look like a pumpkin patch with all their blaze orange on, turn the dog loose, wait for the DOGS to do all the work & run a deer to them, shoot them with shotguns, then puff out their chests like they’ve done something impressive. What’s the sport in that? I would also like to know how in God’s Green Earth giving them permission to retrieve a dog on someone else’s property isn’t violating trespass. All of the dog activity running MY deer off of MY property makes the bigger, more desireable trophy bucks basically exclusively nocturnal. I’ve been bow hunting before and literally in the process of drawing back my bow on a deer to take the shot, and had dogs run the deer off!! Almost EVERYBODY I talk to whose hunted or involved in hunting in some way or knows somebody who does hunt, is against dog hunting & speaks of the problems & disrespect it poses. To be clear: I’m not against dog hunting per se, I’m against how it’s carried out by so many losers. It’s a shame they’ve dug their own grave with their abhorrent behavior. THE TIME HAS COME!!! I beg you to pass HB1396!!

As a girl that has hunted with dogs her whole life I Oppose bill 1396, growing up my dad had dogs my whole life and I helped look after them growing up, my favorite part was going outside when it was time to feed up or just love on them. We put in a lot of time, money, and effort into these animals, It is not just a sport or hobby it is a life style and tradition that has been around for centuries, yes times have changed but the love for it has not. These animals are not being harmed or abused, believe it or not these dogs love it more than us owners. Us dog hunters don’t try to cause problems, we try to keep them off land they are not wanted on, and try to respect boundaries, and the calls and problems have decreased over the years. Just because you are not a fan of this tradition or it’s not what you do, does not mean you can or should be able to take it away from us.

I am respectfully asking you to vote NO to bill 1396. This bill will only create negative consequences. Many families use hound hunting as an opportunity to teach valuable life lessons. Many families use this time as their “together” time. Families teach their children compassion by having them care for the hounds. They teach responsibility by having their children complete tasks such as daily feeding and watering of the hounds. They teach GPS and navigation skills through the electronic tracking of the hounds. They teach communication skills through positive interaction with adjacent landowners when retrieving their hounds. With the innovation of GPS tracking, hunters are retrieving their dogs faster than ever before therefore reducing the total amount of time a hound is not in the owner’s possession. Adding more red tape with additional permits and extra financial burdens will do nothing but make it tougher for families to enjoy much needed “family” time. Additionally, hound hunters boost their local economies. Many small, family owned convenience stores count on the increased sales during the hound hunting seasons to keep their doors open. Lastly, hound hunters play a vital role in the population control of deer. If the season is changed or reduced it will result in more crop damage for local farmers and deer versus vehicle crashes. Each case is vastly different but are real financial burdens. Please vote NO on bill 1396.

Oppose HB 1396. This country is suppose to ensure freedoms. But every time legislature meets, we all have to email, call, hold up signs, etc to keep them. We need less regulations and rules and more freedom.

I am writing to express my strong opposition to HB1396. This legislation would impose significant burdens on law-abiding people that use dogs for hunting. These changes will make it unnecessarily difficult for those of us who strictly follow existing laws to continue our practices. The expense of permits and fees could push some of these hunters to turn their dogs over to animal shelters that are already at capacity. It affects small businesses that sell hunting supplies, dog food, and other items. It also reduces fees collected by county government for kennel licensing. There has to be a better solution for the issues caused by the ones that are not following the current laws, rather than punishing all dog hunters as a whole. Kindly, I urge you to oppose this bill. Best regards, Ron Cropp

Every year we have issues with hunting dogs on our privately owned land, KILLING animals. They break fences. They kill. They drive our animals batty on their own property. We should not have to fence in our land with huge fences to protect ourselves. It's not fair to the animals- the rescue animals NOR the dogs who know any better because they are hungry and trained to chase.

I approve of this bill and it needs to become law ! The hound issue is a problem for me where I live. I am sick of strangers on the property.

I am strongly opposed to this bill . Hunting with dogs is a way of life here that goes back to colonial times . Numerous businesses would suffer greatly or cease to exist if hunting with dogs was done away with . Examples being businesses that sell dog food , dog care products , collars , gps tracing collars ,, dog boxes , dog pens and kennels to name a few .

I oppose HB 1396 As a landowner hunting dogs do not hurt the land or prevent its use. As a farmer the loss of hound hunting will be detrimental to all farmers crops due to overpopulation and also threaten the health of the deer herd.

Please consider approving HB1396 to enforce additional accountability on dog hunters on private land. I moved to Isle of Wight county in 2009 while in high school from Norfolk. Being able to step in my backyard with my dad to hunt on weekends was something I looked forward to as hunting season approached. I can remember numerous times that my parents would have issues with hunters stepping on our land to retrieve their dogs. It felt as if they were entitled to be there and it didnt matter whether or not they had permission. When they began running dogs our hunting season would end, the risk wasn't worth it for us to potentially hurt someone's animal. Fast forward to the last few years, my now 9 year old loves to sit in the stand patiently waiting for a deer to come by in hopes of getting his first deer ever. This is again interrupted by dogs running through our family's 20 acres. As a pet lover he would never attempt to shoot a deer with a dog so close in fear of hurting it. When he hears that its time for dogs again he chooses not to continue something he thoroughly enjoys. Its not only the hunting that is disturbed. We are unable to enjoy the land and allow my kids to run in the yard without supervision. The worry of a strange dog running through the back yard where my 9 and 5 year old are playing is terrifying. Especially not knowing if they are aggressive. It frightens them. We aren't able to allow our dogs to run the yard without being leashed. Not knowing if dogs are carrying anything that could make our pets sick or knowing if ours will attempt to protect our family requires us to keep our pets leashed at all times in our own yard. My hope is if HB1396 is approved dog hunters will be help accountable for keeping their animals off private land. Not to see dog hunting go away but that personal land is respected and these hunters can no longer intrude as if they have the right. Please approve HB1396 to allow landowners to have the enjoyment of their property back!

As a land owner and hound hunter I oppose HB1396.

I oppose HB 1396

I oppose HB1396. Dog hunting in Virginia is a tradition passed down through generations and does not need any additional restrictions. It is a ethical and effective way to manage deer populations and also allows for hounds to do what they love.

Please vote “yes.” This is simple, common‑sense accountability that benefits everyone — including responsible dog hunters. A system that identifies repeat offenders or those who violate existing laws helps protect private property while still allowing ethical hunters to enjoy their sport. For far too long, a small number of dog hunters have loophole‑hopped, skirted rules, or ignored them outright simply because there was no real mechanism to hold them accountable. This measure changes that. Hunt where you’re allowed. Stay off the land you’re not. It really is that straightforward. If you want it sharper, more formal, more fiery, or more neighbor‑friendly, I can tune it any direction you like.

I oppose HB 1396

As a land owner and a hound hunter, I oppose HB1396.

VOTE YES HB1396. Please support HB1396, I like all Tax Paying Landowners in Virginia Expect to have Total control over OUR Private Property. HB1396 will not end Deer Hunting With Hounds,, BUT IT WILL HELP TO WEED OUT THE PROBLEM CAUSERS, BAD APPLES, TRESPASSERS.

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I strongly oppose HB1396.

I oppose HB1396

I oppose HB1396!!

I oppose HB1396!!

As a land owner and a hound hunter, I oppose HB1396.

I oppose HB1396

Oppose HB1396

Oppose HB1396

I oppose HB1396!

Please oppose this HB!

No! We dont want this!

I strongly oppose hb1396

I wud greatly appreciate from myself and our club to oppose hb1396

Oppose this bill please. I got my first deer off hounds it was one of the most awesome hunts I'll never forget it.

Please pass this bill. I am 72 and a lifelong resident of VA. I have hunted since I was 12 years old. I've been in many dog hunting clubs over the years. I've seen what they do first hand and their so called "sport" as it's used today needs regulation. It's turned into a road hunting swarm of people speeding up and down roads in trucks chasing deer and dogs that have zero regards for anyone else. You can't enjoy your own land with the intrusion of hounds and hunters. There have been many conflicts and it's getting worse. I've had strangers on my front porch at 2am screaming at me and my wife while retrieving their hounds. What if she was home alone? Would you want your wife or family to have to deal with these types of people? The individual in question lied on his name and was charged and convicted. But guess what his hounds were right back on the land the following season. The hounds and hunters should never be allowed on prohibited lands. This may have worked and been a valid reason back in the 1930's when it was created but not today. With the breakup of lands into smaller parcels the clubs over run and ruin the landowners rights. Forget hunting your own land in deer hound season. The hounds run everything off. Deer become nocturnal. With GPS training collars and geo-fencing they can control the hounds and keep them off prohibited lands. This adds exclusive control and use to ones land as it should be and ensures they can enjoy those lands. As it stands anyone with a hunting license gets free use of your land. Land you care for and pay taxes on. It's all take and nothing in return. It must be fixed if it's to continue. All other states have gone thru this and had to take similar measures. It's time for Virginia to do the same.

Oppose this bill. I'm new to hunting and their's nothing more exciting than hearing the dog and playing with them. Makes the hunt more enjoyable

As a lifelong houndsman, I oppose hb 1396. Houndsmen have deep reverence for game they pursue as well as for the land they hunt on. Houndsmen play a vital role to the conservation of wildlife species. Please vote no to hb1396

Oppose HB1396. Hunting with dogs posses no real harm

As a veterinarian who works closely with the hound and hunting community I strongly oppose house bill 1396

As a resident and landowner of the commonwealth I urge you to oppose this ludicrous proposal. Hunting with hounds in the commonwealth is not only a part of tradition for most Virginians but a critical identity of our culture.

Oppose HB 1396.

Please VOTE NO to HB1396. Hound hunting is integral to being a proud Virginian and responsible hunter and woodsman. I would argue that noone cherishes wild game more than those who devote their days and hard earned money to raising and keeping the hounds that pursue said game. This includes reverence for the land/habitats in which they reside. We have vested interest in the health of these game populations. The trend of these bills are extremely limiting and threatening to houndsmen and could keep future generations from experiencing this culture and way of life.

Listen, your most important job on this planet should be to protect and preserve whatever still wild places we have left. Our legacy is in our natural resources. The disappearance of our native menheden fish, will impact our wildlife across the board. Protection, and preservation is key! Likewise, my right to offer sanctuary to wildlife should not be trampled by another's sport of hunting with dogs allowing them to run wildlife and terrorize livestock. Hunting with dogs is a bad idea. It is cruel, it is certinally not a sport , nor does it take skill, and often dogs are poorly kept and abandoned when they are no longer useful. My property rights shall not be thought-less of. My sports, my dogs, none of it is carried on through their property. Wouldn't they be shocked. Again! Preservation is key! And this can Garner tax revenue! Just please use your brain, have some foresight and compassion! That is what your legacy can be.

I oppose HB1396

Oppose 1396

Please oppose HB1396. Hunting with hounds has been a century long tradition in my family. Virginia is only one of eight states that continues this tradition, that me and so many others are able to enjoy, with hopes of passing this tradition along to others. Thank you.

I ask you to support HB1391 Unlawful trespass of hounds on my property almost every day of regular dog season. The DWR has been contacted hundreds of times, and cannot catch these unlawful dog hunters. Please check my DWR records for proof. I have tried every avenue available to me to get them to stop but they know they won’t be caught by the time DWR officers arrive. I have a right to peaceful habitation of my property, but during hunting season I am subjected to weeks of non stop trucks and of hounds running my property from daylight till dark. I can be quietly sitting on my property for hours only to have hounds run through and the rest of my hunting day on my own property is ruined. On top of the hound ruckus, All of my livestock has to be kept confined which costs me more in feed. My family relies on being able to harvest meat from my land. I pay the mortgage, and the property taxes, do all the upkeep, cutting trails, planting food-plots and trees for wildlife, not to mention the time and cost of those things, fuel, repairs etc and not once has a hound hunter asked to help or contribute, but they sure don’t hesitate to run their dogs across my property daily. My rights are being violated and VA is doing nothing about it.

I Greg Austin oppose this bill. Please vote No on this bill. It will end hound hunting tradition as we know it. A heritage that goes back to our fore fathers. Hound hunters complaints with landowners have gone down over the past few years. All the National forest at some point is joined to private land. At some point a hound will end up private land. Not intentionally.

I am wishing that everyone vote in support of law. Hunters say that this is “tradition,” but when do we allow “tradition” trump peoples property rights? We had a tradition to make moonshine, but that was outlawed. What makes dog hunting different? People’s properties are not being respected by the hunters who run dogs, causing damage and death to livestock. The “tradition” reasoning is not good enough.

Please oppose hb1396, this bill if passed will end dog season for 90% of hunters, this will be catastrophic to conservation, the lack of those people purchasing license will cause dwr to fall even further behind on conservationship. Not to mention the amount of deer bear and raccoon etc taken during dog season. Would multiply the amount of bear disturbance calls , vehicle vs deer accidents, raccoons and opossum are nest robbers for game like turkeys, which is already in decline. There's no upside to this bill as far as conservation goes. Say no to 1396

These regulations and extra license are ridiculous! It’s already expensive enough with our regular license we have to purchase to hunt our public land. No one else pays to use the same land we do. Dog hunting is heritage and a way of life for many Virginians. These laws chose to punish us for what? Monetary gain? Dog hunters put hundreds of thousands if not millions in to the economy. There are a few hunters that may cause problems but you can’t put everyone in that group. Most are law abiding and pillars in their communities. Please don’t pass this bill as it is unfair and punishing all for the transgressions of the very few.

I am opposed to HB1396 and any further restrictions on hunting with or without dogs.

Please vote no to bill 1369

Please oppose HB1396

I strongly oppose hb1396 this is a threat to the thousands of Virginians that own hunting dogs of any kind, this would be the beginning of the end of the downfall of a sport that is not only a tradition but a way of life for much of the state

Oppose HB 1396

I would like to take a moment of my time to voice my strong opposition to HB1396. As a Virginia hound hunter I don’t not wish to see any laws that potentially could restrict this way of life that I and so many fellow Virginians enjoy.

Support hb1396 change needs to happen Landowners are fed up with the unwanted guest

Oppose HB1396

I oppose HB1396

Please oppose bill HB1396

Oppose HB1396

I am a hound hunter and land owner. I strongly oppose this bill.

Please consider OPPOSING HB1396

Please oppose HB1396

As an avid dog hunter I ask that you oppose HB 1396. Dog hunting is as old as the state of Va. and needs to be allowed as it currently exists. PLEASE OPPOSE HB 1396 Thank you Mr Knight

I strongly support HB1396!

Please oppose HB1396.

Please oppose HB-1396 The passage of this bill would mean the end of hound hunting for most people not only does it call for a permit the cost for which has not been stated, which in my mind means the DWR and opponents of hound hunting could use the added permit to price people out of the sport. it also calls indirectly for the removal of the right to retrieve a law which has helped houndsman and women state wide for decades, removing this law and making animal trespass illegal would open dog owners up to countless fines and legal hardship. No one should have to worry about tickets fines or loss of hunting rights while trying to locate a missing dog. While i understand the perceived intent of this bill to protect property rights i can not support a bill that would fine a dog owner for a non intentional situation and as the language is written currently that’s exactly what would happen. So in closing I ask each of you respectfully please vote No on HB1396

Support HB1396 , this allows landowners peace with their property and also keeps hound hunting without allowing them access to property they don’t have permission to be on I truly hope this bill passes

I oppose bill he 1396

I strongly oppose HB1396. As a Virginia resident who values our hunting traditions, this bill places unnecessary regulations and fees on responsible hunters. This is more then just hunting and laws this is a lifestyle for many residents of Virginia. I respectfully urge you to vote against this bill and protect Virginia’s outdoor heritage.

Oppose HB1396

I oppose HB1396

I understand that it’s impossible to make everyone happy. However, right now it feels like the only group being considered is dog hunters. What about the traditions many of us were raised with? I grew up learning how to still hunt — how to read tracks, identify bedding areas, understand seasonal food sources, and design food plots so wildlife can thrive year-round. That knowledge, patience, and respect for the animal is hunting. I do not run dogs, and I do not believe that relying on one animal to chase another into a panicked state so it can be shot is ethical hunting. That isn’t hunting — it’s target practice. I strongly support this bill and would welcome even broader restrictions. Ending dog running on more than just Sundays would be a meaningful step toward protecting both landowners’ rights and the traditional, ethical hunting practices many of us value.

I strongly support HB1396 and I hope changes will happen I believe the old ways are outdated for the Virginia we live in now

Dog hunting has been a tradition in va for nearly 400 years dating back to the 17th century. I know for me and my family dog hunting is a real big part of our lives we take pride in our dogs and treat them like family. We try and keep the dogs off of other people’s property that don’t want them there and if they do cross onto someone else’s property I do my best to get them off by walking to their house and asking for permission to retrieve the dogs off their property

Vote no to HB 1396

I would highly appreciate if yall would oppose the bill HB1396. This has been a tradition for me since I was born. As a Houndsman I take high appreciation for my hounds and treat them like family. This bill is just a way to ruin the heritage and culture behind hunting with hounds and giving the outcasters a leg to stand on. You can’t control where a deer runs let alone a dog can’t read a no trespassing sign. I would never be someone that goes on anyone’s property without asking first. To be able to criminalize someone for a dog going on their property by accident is just flat out ridiculous. People say dogs ruin food plots but if a deer runs through it it’s alright but a dog does and it’s a problem. Then assigning more permits is just going to cause people to not want to be involved in the heritage cause they spend enough money to take care of their dogs and prevent anything from happening in the first place. This bill is just a way to end a heritage that has been around forever. I hope yall take the time to actually read what I have had to say and oppose the bill.

I am in favor/support this bill. It finally gives me hope for accountability n respect as a tax paying land/home owning resident. The photos and videos (not PDF's) are only a mere fraction of my experiences . From 6 trucks hustling up n down the 2 lane road out front of my property, to hunters right of the road , the uninvited after dark hunter whom is found on my "posted" property claiming to be looking for his dogs as well as the early morning ones to dog tags you can't read if any, to the fright they create in my horses etc. Anyone not in favor of this bill I say let the hound hunters come to your property and neighborhood. Thank you

Please Support HB1396. Private landownership is part of my heritage and that heritage is paid for by significant taxation on my land. How is it that these "hunters" feel they have a right to trespass and hunt on my properties while baring none of these expenses? Just read the bill....its not a ban! It just requires you to act like competent adults and seek landowners permission rather than trespassing where you have nonrigjt to be!

Vote no and oppose HB1396 because dwr has the proof over the past few years that the “hound hunting” violations do not correlate with the repetition of calls for each locality throughout the state. There is no change needed

Please oppose HB1396. Hunters wishing to pursue game with the aid of dogs should not be required to buy an additional permit on top of existing hunting licenses.

Please oppose HB 1396

Dog hunting is a tradition going back hundred of years and helps manny of needing familys have meat year round. Dog hunters donate more meat than than they consumer to people in need. Dog hunting needs to stay in virginia.

I strongly oppose HB1396. As a Virginia resident who values our hunting traditions, this bill places unnecessary regulations and fees on responsible hunters who have followed the law for generations. Requiring permits and adding more bureaucracy does not solve real problems, but instead punishes law-abiding sportsmen and women. Hound hunting is an important part of our rural heritage and way of life. This legislation creates barriers for families and individuals who rely on these traditions for recreation, conservation, and community. It also places excessive control in the hands of state agencies. I respectfully urge you to vote against this bill and protect Virginia’s outdoor heritage.

Please oppose this bill.

I support HB1396 and I seek the delegates support also! This House Bill is an excellent compromise for both views. Doesn't fully ban hound hunting (which is where this will ultimately go if nothing is done) and provides protection for landowners from those who would trespass and damage their property.

Please oppose HB 1396

Dear Honorable Members of the House and Senate Agriculture Committees, My name is Timothy Ittner, and I am a constituent living in Mecklenburg County, Virginia. I respectfully urge you to oppose HB1396 and SB471, and stand with rural Virginia. In rural Virginia, hunting deer with hounds is not simply a hobby—it is a deeply rooted way of life. Hunt clubs are long-standing community institutions built on shared responsibility, respect for landowners, stewardship of wildlife, and strong local traditions passed down through generations. These clubs support rural economies, sustain working lands, and play a critical role in responsibly managing Virginia’s deer population, particularly in areas where other population control methods are ineffective or unavailable. HB1396 and SB471 would fundamentally undermine this culture. Virginia law already addresses intentional or reckless hound trespass. Instances of abuse are statistically de minimis, and when conflicts do arise, they are best handled at the local or county level—where land use patterns, relationships, and enforcement realities are best understood. A sweeping statewide mandate is unnecessary and likely disproportionate. Hunting regulations should remain within the purview of the Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR), which has the expertise, regulatory structure, and stakeholder engagement necessary to address wildlife management issues in a balanced and informed manner. These bills bypass that established framework and introduce criminal penalties where administrative or local solutions are more appropriate. I respectfully ask that you stand with rural Virginians, communities, and responsible sportsmen by opposing HB1396 and SB471. Please help preserve a lawful, time-honored tradition that contributes meaningfully to Virginia’s economy, wildlife management, and rural communities. Thank you for your time and for your service. I appreciate your consideration and welcome your response on this important issue. Respectfully,

To whom it may concern, I am writing this requesting you OPPOSE HB1396. Va hound hunting has had multiple positive impacts on Virginia and its residents. HB1396 is not a solution to help hunting with hounds in Virginia. Thank you for your consideration.

Please oppose HB 1396. The permit aside, the trespassing portion could severely impact all types of hunting with dogs, not just the deer hunters. Of course, they are the obvious target. A hard-headed lab could land its owner a trespassing ticket. How ridiculous does that sound?

Please Support HB1396! This bill does nothing to restrict Hound Hunting if you have the ability and intelligence to follow the law.

I oppose bill HB1396

I strongly opposed HB1396. It is unnecessary and will be an ussuccessful attack on hound hunting in Virginia. I am an avid hound man, and will only be negatively affected by this bill. Please vote no to HB 1396

I support HB1396. I am a lifetime resident of Virginia and have hunted most all my life. Something needs to be done to reign in "hound hunters" and their practice of legalized trespassing. This is a step in the right direction.

Oppose this bill. Virginia dog hunting has been here since it became Virginia . Our family loves dog hunting and hunting in general it would be horrible for our family to loose what we love

I am writing to respectfully urge you to oppose HB1396. This bill represents an unnecessary and harmful restriction on long-standing traditions that are deeply rooted in Virginia’s outdoor heritage, particularly the practice of hunting with dogs. Hunting with dogs is a time-honored and lawful method that has been responsibly practiced by Virginians for generations. It supports conservation efforts, promotes ethical wildlife management, and sustains rural culture and local economies. Restricting access to this tradition not only undermines our heritage, but also unfairly targets responsible sportsmen and women who follow established regulations and respect private property rights. This proposed bill risks setting a precedent that further erodes Virginians’ access to lawful hunting practices. Instead of imposing new restrictions, the focus should be on enforcing existing laws, encouraging cooperation between landowners and hunters, and promoting responsible behavior by all parties. Broad limitations on hunting with dogs are not the answer and will create division rather than constructive solutions. I strongly oppose any legislation that limits Virginians’ access to lawful and traditional hunting methods, including hunting with dogs. I respectfully ask you to vote against HB1396 and to continue supporting policies that preserve Virginia’s hunting heritage, protect individual freedoms, and promote sound wildlife management. Thank you for your time and consideration of my views.

Please Vote no to HB1396!

I oppose HB 1396

I am a lifetime hunter and voter from Bedford va. This bill if passed would impose a burden on low income and young hunters. The section on dog trespass is the worst written bill I've ever witnessed. This bill would be a nightmare for game enforcement officials. I respectively ask that you vote NO on this bill

I am a landowner and hound hunter. The way it is portrayed is that hound hunters aren't landowners. Our club hunts several thousand acres. We get along with our community and help them out in many ways. House bill 1396 is a slippery slope to take away a generational lifestyle and passion permanently. We respect property and property owners. Many of the landowners in our area are actually members of our club. The hound hunting study was conducted and proved that hound hunting across the state isn't an issue and brings lots of revenue to the state. Please vote no to HB1396.

I do not support HB1396.

I oppose bill HB1396!

I oppose this bill being passed. I disagree with this bill since I am a farmer and this is the easiest way to keep control on the deer population, and providing food for my family.

Please oppose HB1396!

I oppose bill HB1396.

I don’t want to see this bill happen so i oppose bill HB1396.

Please OPPOSE this bill just take a look through the UVA hound study that our tax dollars were spent on showing little to no issues with hound hunting here in the commonwealth! No need to make new laws enforce the ones that are already in place! Individuals who move to the southern parts of the state and beyond are such great resources to the community but are a hindrance to the hunting community. I feel that if these members of the community were able to unbiasedly advance their knowledge of our sport will come to realize a few things. This sport is a passion that is passed down to our children and grandchildren children. A passion that teaches our children how to be respectful of neighbors, wildlife, and land. Dog hunting is a generational activity that not only teaches our youth but allows myself as a mother to put dinner on the table for my children year round. Hound hunting is embedded into our life allowing my children to become well rounded and my family to eat. I oppose HB1396!

I oppose HB1396

VOTE NO TO HB1396! Hound hunting supports alot of small businesses in the general firearm season. Food, gas, snacks, drinks, etc. Without hound hunting there would be way more vehicle deer crashes, insurance will go out the roof. Its alot of young kids that love the sport of Hound hunting. Dont forget the Va state dog is a FOXHOUND!

Please vote yes in support of hb 1396 This does many things very well while not perfect. It puts accountability on bad actors and doesn’t harm ethical hunters. The permit funds the salaries for more officers (which the hound lobby wants, but opposes this bill hmmmm). It finally gives landowners something to work with rather than being frustrated. For the hunt clubs there is also no acreage limit meaning that the smaller family oriented clubs don’t get squeezed out. This is a pro hunting bill and should be viewed as such, the only ones complaining are the ones who can’t act right, ever heard the saying throw a rock into a pack of dogs the one that yelps is the one that got hit, same applies here. There is also a track record of success to go on looking at other states who’ve taken similar approaches on how to effectively deal with these issues (Georgia), where something similar to this bill was introduced in 2003 by their own hound lobby.

I oppose bill HB1396.

I strongly Oppose HB 1396!!

Oppose HB 1396. As a landowner hunting dogs do not hurt the land or prevent its use. Without hound hunting, auto damage from deer collisions will skyrocket! Citizens Gardens and Yards will be destroyed. Crop damage is already an issue and will only be worse. Still/Trophy hunters will not kill enough deer to manage the herd.

I oppose bill HB1396

I oppose this bill

Please vote NO on HB 1396! As a hound owner and someone who grew up hunting with hounds, I would hate to see future children never get the opportunity to experience the excitement of hound hunting. These hounds love doing this as much as we do. There are so many other things in this world that need attention other than regulating how people hunt and feed their families.

I support bill HB1396.

Oppose hb1396

Say no to this bill, Hunting with hounds is a family Tradition. I hope to be able to teach my kids this wonderful sport one day!

I oppose HB1396

Pass and support HB 1396. It does not outlaw hound hunting. READ THE BILL. Your tradition continues, but only where you have permission. As you can tell by the comments of our hound hunting friends, hound hunters feel incredibly entitled to other folk's land. That attitude and lack of respect for your fellow hunter and neighbors have gotten us to this point. You shouldn't be permitted to hunt with dogs and inconvenience your neighbors in the name of tradition. There's another tradition that hound hunters ignore and that's the tradition of property rights. Teach your dog to recall just like waterfowl hunters and upland bird hunters. But that means your going to need to get them out of the pen to work with them. . . Not just getting them outta the pen for deer season. Take a look at other southern states that restrict hunting with hounds . They have less conflict between property owners and hounds men. It's time to pass some laws keeping hunting dogs off of our property.

Opposed to bills.

Would like too vote no on this bill I have been hunting with dogs since I was little with my dad and now my son does too and grandkids

I oppose the bill stated above HB1396 I grew up hunting with hounds and I will never forget the very first time I heard hounds run a deer and just last year got to experience the exact same thing with my 3 year old son. It is very important to me and my family, and to teach my son the responsibility of caring for hounds the correct way. The bad hound owners always cause more attention than the good ones because they cause problems. We as good hound owners commenting on this bill already spend thousands of dollars just to enjoy the sports for 8 weeks out of 52. Adding more stipulations to a sport that is already dying will just be another nail in the coffin for a sport that even our founding fathers enjoyed and needed to provide

I would like to oppose this bill. I have been a resident in this county my entire life and always been a dog hunter and I also am a landowner.

My father was raised in a hunting dog family as was I and my children. Rights of historical passage should not be lost due to bureaucratic ignorance! Please oppose this legislation let freedom ring

Please oppose HB1396

Support this bill

VOTE NO TO HB1396. As a landowner hunting clubs lease my land to hunt and help take care of the roads and the lease money helps to pay the property taxes on the land. They are very nice and easy to get alone with if you would take the time to get to know some of these men and women.

Please oppose HB1396

Support this legislation! Put measures in place to allow for prosecution of the hound hunters who violate the law. The lawful hound hunters should have no issue with abiding by these rules and the additional revenue generated can help provide more law enforcement to investigate these offenses.

I do not support this bill

I oppose bill HB1396!

Please oppose HB1396. I am a landowner and hound hunter. Hunting with hounds provides economic benefits, fellowship with hounds men, women and children, and it has brought a lot of joy to my children.

I oppose Hp1396. The focus needs to be on the few bad apples that ruin the batch, not the entire batch. Conservation officers are stretched beyond capacity as it is. If you want change, focus on recruitment and retention of conservation officers to enforce current laws already in place. Not every dog hunter is bad, there are way more law abiding dog hunters than there are bad. Crack down on the ones breaking current laws and leave the rest alone and let us enjoy and carry on the tradition of hound hunting so my children can enjoy it as I have.

Please oppose HB1396. This proposed legislation will put undue restrictions on law abiding citizens.

I would like this bill to be revoked and not considered, a permit system will not hold anyone more accountable all it will do is raise the expenses where young hunters in school won't be able to enjoy hunting with hounds that's such a great thing to experience because they aren't working anywhere, the permit system makes no since dogs can't read we as houndsmen dont want are dogs on your property no more then the landowner does so thats why we work to get the dogs off the property as quickly as possible! Please do not let this bill pass!!

Vote no for hb1396

I would like to ask that this bill be passed. My family and I are not able to have birthday parties, get things taken care of around the property, to spending time with my nieces or nephews and my own dogs on my property. The dogs that are running go to the bathroom on our property where my nephew and niece have to watch their step when they are trying to play on property they own. I’m also unable to let my dogs run around my own yard. When we call the dog hunter, they will not respect the signs on our property that they are not allowed to drive their vehicles on our property to get their dogs and a lot of the time mess up the driveway. I support HB1396.

Please oppose HB1396. There is no need for this type of bill in rural VA. People need to do some market research before purchasing property, and some of these comments are just outlandish, these dogs aren’t chasing people or their children. Please use some common sense and oppose further regulation.

I ask yall respectfully vote no on this bill dog hunting has been in Virginia since Virginia started as a state to loose our heritage would be would be crippling to our families. Please vote No on these bills.

Vote no to HB1396. Why did the state and UVA do the hound hunting several years ago and prove that hound hunting is a non-issue in our state if it's only going to be ignored? The Founding Fathers of this country had hunting hounds and it's been a Virginia tradition since before the United States was even it's own nation. To steal hound hunting away from the next generation of Virginians is down right wrong. And if this permitting process and hound trespass bill pass, it's just the first step to taking away a sport that has lasted through generations of Virginia families. These kids love these dogs and the camaraderie it brings. Hound hunting helps our local economy from country stores, gas stations, hunting supply stores, grocery stores, and so much more. It's more than hound hunting, it's a way of life.

I respectfully request that you oppose HB1396. My family owns farmland in Southampton county and has for generations. The use of hounds for deer hunting for example, allows us to manage the wildlife population to avoid crop damage in a way that hunting without simply cannot do. I am 51 years old and have hunted with hounds my entire life, as did my ancestors. Hounds have been used to hunt wildlife in Virginia before Virginia was a state. I am a member of a hunting club, along with about 40 others, and our club has been in existance since the 1940's. We hold ourselves to a high standard and we do what is right. Please oppose HB1396 and any bill that would impact dog hunting.

I ask yall respectfully vote no on this bill dog hunting has been in Virginia since Virginia started as a state to loose our heritage would be would be crippling to our families. Please vote No on these bills.

I oppose Hb1396! Hunting with hounds is a great way for us to fellowship with our friends and family, also a great way to get kids into outdoors!

I oppose bill HB1396.

Please Support HB1396. Vote Yes for HB1396. Doing anything on land owned by someone else WITHOUT PERMISSION is TRESPASSING! BEING FORCED BY THE STATE OF VIRGINIA TO ALLOW THIS UNWANTED INVASION OF PERSONAL PRIVATE PROPERTY IS UNCONSTITUTIONAL.

Please vote for HB 1396. Since buying land and living on it over 20 years ago we are constantly being harassed by dogs and dog hunters. It’s a shame that we can buy the land and pay the taxes but not be the only ones who hunt it. I bought this land for hunting. Bowhunting is my favorite way to hunt. But none of this matters, because hound hunters are constantly chasing the deer off our land. My wife and I have no choice but to sue the offending Walters Hunt Club. We first had to starting in 2008 because their damn dogs chased our kids on their swingset. Now as recently as a few weeks ago. It’s frustrating having to sue them again. So far they are (mostly) unnamed and when they or the hounds appear they seem to pass through quickly. Always careful to avoid being recognized. A landowner should never have to worry about trespassers. This bill does a couple of important things: 1. It holds the dogs owners accountable 2. It holds the members accountable 3. It shares the burden that they put on the DWR Please pass the bill HB 1396 !!!! Thanks, Curt Lytle Zuni, VA

I oppose hb1396. My kids love hunting with hounds. They enjoy spending time with there hounds and hunting buddy. I dont want to see there hearts get broken. Keep hound hunting alive in Va for the next generation.

The vocal opposition to this bill is exposing the prevailing tactics of hound hunters. The sport, in its current form, relies significantly on trespassing and infringing on the rights of private property owners. Its participants defend such tactics with a resoundingly, singular response: "It's TRADITION." Why would so many be opposed to a law requiring written permission, a permit, and a simple means of identification in order to hunt on someone else's land? This bill could act as a compromise that could save their sport. Sadly, these "Vote No" comments unmask the truth- their tradition is trespassing and they're afraid to lose it. Please vote "YES" on HB1396.

Vote no. We shouldn't need a permit to hunt any kinda of game with a dog. Its bad enough to have to buy all these licenses to be able to hunt but then tack on another just to have a dog. We all know that this bill is intended for deer hunting but why not include mounted fox hunting or waterfowl, I guess we where to campaign funds come from. Rich men north of Richmond should maybe think about how much revenue dog hunting pours into the economy.

I oppose hb1396. As a landowner and houndmen. Hound hunting has been in my family for long as I can remember. My kids love it as well as myself. I want to be able to see them keep the tradition alive and pass it down to my grandchildren.

This bill imposes an impossible standard of control over animals that threatens one of Virginia’s oldest cultural traditions. By requiring prior written permission for dogs to enter or cross private property, the bill effectively criminalizes hunters for the natural, unpredictable movement of their animals during a chase—a standard that ignores the reality of hunting in the field and undermines the established statutory "Right to Retrieve". Furthermore, the proposed $19 permit system and new regulatory authority granted to the Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) create an unnecessary fiscal and bureaucratic burden that will discourage younger generations from participating in the sport. Beyond the heritage impact, a decline in hunting participation would lead to significant revenue loss for state conservation efforts and could inadvertently worsen ecological issues like the spread of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) by pushing hunters toward high-fence alternatives. Legislators should instead focus on enforcing existing trespass laws and promoting neighborly cooperation rather than passing a measure that risks permanently dismantling Virginia’s hound hunting heritage.

Do not vote for this bill. It will cut thousands of dollars of revenue for Virginia. The hounds man spent tons of money on keeping their dogs healthy, well fed, tracking technology, and gas. Not to even mention cutting out years of tradition to many people

Oppose bill hp1396

Please vote yes on HB1396. I believe that it is imperative to clarify that I support responsible hunting. I am a native hunter but only use dogs that are trained to retrieve, not hunt or run the game to exhaustion. Born in a state and raised to track game, we don't use dogs to track game, especially near or on others' property. So it is a practice that I do not associate with the sport. Moving to rural Virginia, I found myself collecting lost or exhausted hunting hounds who cross my property lines in Northumberland County. I have had several bad experiences where the owner or club manager doesn't come to retrieve their dog in a timely manner. I have dogs professionally trained to retrieve and do not want to care for these collared dogs that end up on my property because I also have dogs. When I post a no trespassing sign on my property, I do enforce it. I believe that elected officials MUST come to the realization that we need to address this issue as more and more rural areas are being developed. I had one hunter explain to me that the tradition of hunting with dogs in Virginia goes back to the days of George Washington. Need I say that George Washington did not use dog collars, lived in an era where there were far fewer property owners (in fact, he owned a good portion of rural VA, West VA. and PA. ), and was not far behind his dogs when hunting game. I have had to wait hours for club members get to me to retrieve a dog. I have also seen lost, exhausted hunting dogs along our rural highways. Let's come together and find a resolution that ensures privacy for property owners and approaches this historic practice that is in the best interest of the dog. Let's look to other states for best practices and guidance on this issue

I don’t see why laws have to be made to punish everyone when it’s only a few people that cause trouble. My club hunted all season without any altercation with a landowner. We actually had a landowner we previously had problems with come to us and say he sees how biased his vision was of the club because of the opinion others had from a northern county where he moved from. He is considering joining the club now. A respectful dog owner goes a long way. There’s no reason to create more laws. Act on the known people that give us dog owners a bad name. The sport is regulated enough as is. We all know the laws we have to follow. We shouldn’t have to be punished for something we haven’t done by new regulations.

Please OPPOSE HB1396 !

I do not support

I oppose hb1369

Please vote no on this bill.

No.

Hello, Land owner and hounds man here . I beg you to not pass this bill. It will ruin such a beautiful way of life that so many people young and old love .

I oppose hb1396 dog hunting has been with the start of mankind on every continent with many different cultures. Even longer then the invented paper, laws and regulations are written on.

I support making it illegal to have dogs on private property because of the dogs potentially damaging or interfering with food plots and hunting while the hunter is on or off the property,

Oppose SB1396.Dog owners provide a lot of revenue in taxes in Virginia.

I personally don’t have any issues with landowners where I hunt. I don’t see any reason to create more laws on this. A few bad apples cause problems which make the rest of us look bad. You can’t judge us all on the actions of a handful of hunters. Please take that into consideration.

Please vote no to HB1396 • It Weakens wildlife management. • Restrictions may increase crop damage, livestock losses, and vehicle collisions. • Exempts certain hunting styles while targeting others without justification. • Creates unequal treatment among hunters engaging in lawful activities. • Discourages future hunters • Added costs and legal complexity deter youth and new hunters. • Reduced participation undermines conservation funding and outdoor traditions.

I do not support this bill.

I oppose this bill. Landowners and hunters can work together and if a dog passes property that a hunter may not have permission for the dog doesn't stay they simply pass through and nothing is hurt.

Thank You for your service Law makers. Please consider voting No on HB1396. I do not support HB1396 . Electronic control of a dog isn't 100% full proof , even tho it does help tremendously in retrieving a dog before entering unintended hunting areas. This bill will push law bidden citizens out of hound hunting in fear of criminal act which they can't 100% control.

I do not support this bill.

I am writing to express my strong opposition to HB1396, which seeks to impose restrictions on hunting with dogs in Virginia. This legislation undermines traditional hunting practices that have been a part of our cultural heritage for generations. Hunting with dogs not only supports wildlife management but also fosters responsible conservation efforts. It ensures the sustainable population of game species and helps maintain ecological balance. Furthermore, it provides countless Virginians with recreational opportunities and promotes outdoor activity for all. Restricting this practice could negatively impact the livelihoods of many hunters and their families who rely on these traditions for sustenance and economic activity. It is essential that we preserve our rights to engage in responsible hunting practices that respect both wildlife and our natural resources. The individuals who disobey the law (i.e. trespassing) should be addressed individually; please do not punish the entire dog hunting community as a whole. Every houndowner would love for their dogs to stay within the blocks that they hunt. However, dogs do not know property lines. With GPS technology, hound owners do their best to track their dogs and respectfully retrieve them. If severe restrictions are placed on hunting with dogs, there will be a negative impact on farmer's crops AND an increase in car accidents due to vehicles hitting wildlife. I urge you to consider the implications of HB1396 and to stand with the citizens of Virginia who value our hunting heritage. Please vote against this bill.

As a landowner, I oppose this Bill HB1396. Please vote NO

Vote No

I am in support of the proposed house bills. HB1396, SB471, and SB770 represent reasonable, balanced solutions. They do not eliminate hunting traditions or responsible use of dogs, but instead establish clear rules, accountability, property permission requirements, and roadway safety measures that protect families, landowners, and the public while reducing conflict. As a landowner and Virginia resident, I believe these bills strike the appropriate balance between preserving lawful hunting practices and ensuring safety, accountability, and respect for private property. I respectfully urge your support for HB1396, SB471, and SB770.

Oppose this bill! As a houndsmen I do not support this bill. We spent thousands of dollars on keeping these dogs healthy throughout the year, as well as, keeping up to date technology to track these dogs. There shouldn’t be a fine for dogs trespassing onto others property, dogs cannot read signs. If landowners knew, us houndsmen leave the property we are hunting once a dog has left our property to get them as fast as we can. We shouldn’t be punished for the dog leaving the property as the dog is doing their job to track these deer. No one has control on what the deer is going to do.

Proud to support this bill. KEEP YOUR HUNTING DOGS ON YOUR PROPERTY. Be a good neighbor and responsible hunter. Unfortunately hound hunters have gotten away with abusing their privilege of allowing dogs to roam free for too long. It’s time Virginia reels in the hound hunting community. Other southern states that permit hunting deer with hounds have done a much better job of reducing hound hunter and property owner conflicts. What a great idea to permit hound hunter with $19 permits to help enforce this law. After purchasing dogs, e-collars, dog boxes, vet bills , dog food throughout the year, hunting licenses, $19 is very affordable. I gotta purchase an extra tag to hunt with a muzzleloader and archery equipment, you can pay to use your dog.

Vote no on this bill.

I am writing this to ask that you oppose HB 1396. I am a landowner and deer dog owner. I like many other fellow dog owners spend tons of money and time with our dogs. My son and myself enjoy making memories hunting together. There are laws on the books to cover this already adding to them doesn’t help. Enforce the laws we already have and it will help the situation. If certain people are trespassing fix that problem not throw a blanket over it and take things away from law abiding citizens. There are small groups of people who mess things up in every aspect of our lives . My family and I Love and enjoy all types of hunting and don’t want any aspect of the sport to be limited or taken away from anyone.

Please vote no on this bill!!!!

To whom it may concern, Hello my name is Jeremy Childress. I am a life long houndsman. I am a fourth generation houndsman that I know of. The use of hounds to not only feed our families but as well as protect our families and our lands. This bill would not only remove my families god given right to feed our families but end a multi generational family activity. The memories made hunting with dogs are some of my most fond memories of my life. Not only with my kids, but my parents and grandparents. Seeing my kids enjoy times with their grandparents doing what their grandparents did with their parents is something extremely important to me! And I hope I get to make those same memories with my grandkids. The only way I can do that is by this bill NOT being passed. This bill will end what my family truly enjoys to do. This bill will end memories before they are even made. I ask you if you have an activity that your family has done for generations, and you and your children truly enjoy, now imagine that activity being taken away from you! I urge you to please vote no on this bill and allow my family to do something we truly enjoy and to feed our family with some of the pure meat there is!

I am writing to you to please oppose this bill. This bill directly impacts hound hunting, a long standing and lawful tradition in our state that is deeply rooted in responsible wildlife management, conservation and rural heritage. Thi bill would place restrictions on the ethical hunters. I strongly support fair, balanced legislation that respects traditional outdoor practices while protecting property rights and public safety. For these reasons, I respectfully ask that you vote against this bill and oppose any measures that would unjustly restrict lawful hound hunting.

Please vote NO to HB 1396 as this would destroy the sport and the love that me and our fellow hunters have for this.

Vote no

I strongly oppose HB1396.

Please DO NOT support this Bill. Vote NO

I oppose, I vote no, do not take this sport we love away from us.

I oppose the bill HB1396. As a fellow hound owner and landowner I ask you join us in opposing this bill. Hunting with hounds brings fellowship and fond memories between generations of men and women. Please oppose the bill HB1396.

I oppose this bill

I oppose this bill !

Please oppose this bill. Dog hunting is a true sport that is built on tradition. It allows fellowship and teaches our youth responsibility of caring for dogs while harvesting game to stock their freezers. It keeps our youth outdoors and in nature.

Times have changed and dog hunting has gotten out of hand please start putting in restrictions and common sense measures.

Do not proceed any further with this bill. We spend thousands of dollars each year taking care of our dogs keeping them healthy throughout the year, as well as, the technology we use to track the dogs.

I am writing to express my strong opposition to HB1396. This legislation would impose significant burdens on law-abiding houndsmen. I believe these changes will make it unnecessarily difficult for those of us who strictly follow existing laws to continue our practices. I urge you to oppose this bill.

Please pass HB 1396 as is written. Too many of my still hunts have been ruined by trespassing deer dogs. Too many hunting dogs have been running through our land disturbing the peace and disturbing my live stock to include horses and their riders. I’ve even been woken at night by uncontrolled deer dogs running my property at night. Hunt how you want on YOUR property and keep your dogs there.

Please SUPPORT this bill. This bill strikes a fair balance between supporting ethical hunting traditions and protecting landowners. By requiring permits for releasing or hunting with dogs, it promotes accountability and reduces conflicts on private property. The clear exemptions, such as mounted fox hunts, waterfowl hunts, and tracking wounded game, ensures that longstanding, responsible hunting activities remain unaffected. Overall, this bill strengthens wildlife management, encourages responsible dog handling, and respects the rights of both hunters and landowners.

As a resident in this commonwealth for 52 years I request that you ALL Please vote NO to this bill. Thank you.

I oppose this bill.

I am an avid hunter, with a bird hunting dog, and I support 𝗛𝗕𝟭𝟯𝟵𝟲. I ask you to please do the same. The running of hounds for deer is out of control and existing law is either being abused or misapplied as originally intended. We experience constant intrusion from hounds and houndsmen alike. They are well versed on the existing legal loopholes that can be used to run their hounds through private property, intentionally and without asking. I cannot hunt, hike, or do anything in peace during fall. The bill does not remove any liberty from anyone. It merely reinforces private property liberty that is being infringed due to gaps in legal language.

Please oppose this bill and any others that hinder hound hunting in the state of VA.

Please oppose HB1396 and keep the tradition alive

Please OPPOSE HB1396. Save hound hunting for our future generations.

Oppose!!

Please oppose hb1396. Hunting with hounds has been a part of my family and this club for many generations. Please we ask you oppose this bill

I am in favor of this bill. While I support dog hunting, I do not support hunting dogs and owners being allowed to trespass on my property. Dog hunters need to be held to the same standard as any other individual or party that wishes access to my property. The need to ask permission prior to entering my property to retrieve their dog(s). DWR should be able to collect revenue to offset their costs of having to manage dog hunters as well. Reasonable permit fees and regulations should be enacted to help landowners report bad actors to DWR for further investigation.

I oppose of this bill

Please oppose HB1396. Please keep this tradition alive! Thank you!

Please vote no on hb1396. He cherish our hound hunting traditions and do not want to lose it as we know it

Please support this bill. Protect private property rights for landowners.

Please oppose HB1396

Support this bill. It does not take away anyone’s tradition and it does not end hound hunting. It simply prevents someone else’s tradition from taking place on property where it isn’t wanted. This bill restores property rights.

Good evening, I am writing to ask you to vote no to HB1396. I appreciate your consideration and look forward to defeating this bill together. Sincerely, Brentley Bomar

Good morning, I am writing to ask you to vote no to HB1396. I appreciate your consideration and look forward to defeating this bill together. Sincerely, Skylar Seals

Dear Commonwealth I am providing a comment on behalf of my fellow friends and family in the dog hunting scene of Virginia. Dog hunting has been something that many people of my family and other have done for may generations that bring people together. I am extending my beliefs on this because I think there are many reasons why this particular hunting should still exist. Many many friends and family are deeply saddened by this possible decision that has brought many people together to the sport we all know and love. It offers morals and values for young ones and a good background for some. It helps with the states population control of deer and will really have a positive effect on years to come.

Oppose 1396

I am opposing this bill

I strongly urge your support of HB1396 as it is written. This law is needed to protect landowner rights as well as the future of deer hound hunting. Sportsmen and property owners together must urge passage of this bill as currently written.

Please Oppose HB1396, as well as SB471. Hunting with hounds is not so much a sport but a lifestyle, for both the hunter and the dog. It's been that way for a long time, and it's always been a big part of Southampton County and the community. Im asking to oppose these bills because it's not fair to all the ethical and faithful houndsmen, but more importantly unfair to the dogs. Hunting any game with a dog or dogs as your companion is a tradition like no other, and us houndsmen are ready and willing to keep that tradition alive.

I am writing in support of HB1396 as a Virginia landowner and hunter. I strongly support responsible ethical hunting, so long as private property rights are protected. HB1396 does not ban the use of dogs for hunting, nor does it interfere with well-established practices such as mounted fox hunting, waterfowl hunting, or the use of tracking dogs for wounded game. Instead, it introduces reasonable permitting and clear accountability where dogs are used to pursue game across property lines. As a landowner, I have experienced repeated issues with hound hunting on and across private property without permission. These situations create safety concerns, damage trust between landowners and hunters, and undermine respect for property rights. Requiring permits and written landowner consent is a measured, common-sense approach that protects both landowners and ethical hunters who already follow the law. HB1396 reinforces a basic principle: private property boundaries matter. Clear rules benefit everyone involved by reducing conflict, improving enforcement, and ensuring hunting practices remain respectful and lawful. I ask the Committee to please support HB1396 and advance it forward.

HB1396 needs to be voted down It's expensive enough to raise and keep up vet bills as it's. Thanks

Vote NO

I want to say on my behalf I say no to the bill of of running dogs. I run dogs myself on bear and coon, and I want to say if you all outlaw running dogs or have these bills and they pass it’s gonna make a long tradition die out, but that’s beside the point if you all end up taking it away the bear population is gonna increase getting in peoples trash killing livestock and us hunters keep that down and the same goes for coon hunting hunting with any type of dog hunting provides food on the table for some people, in this time some people rely on hunting and hunting with dogs to put food on their table because groceries are so expensive everything now days is expensive, so yes I say no to this proposed bill

As a hound hunter we do not need nor want hb1396. Having to buy permits is just a way for the government to be involved in hunting. It'll open the doors for more bills and laws as it did in Georgia. We already purchase a hunting license from the state so there's no need for us to have to buy permits for the government to track us and our hounds.

Oppose 1396.

PLEASE SUPPORT THIS BILL. HUNTERS SHOULD NOT BE ABLE TO ENTER PRIVATE PROPERTY WITHOUT THE LANDOWNER'S PERMISSION. A TRADITION OR PRACTICE ISN'T CORRECT SIMPLY BECAUSE IT HAS BEEN HISTORICALLY ACCEPTED OR FOLLOWED.

Vote no.

Please vote no to this bill and keep this hunting tradition going.

Please oppose HB1396, this is our heritage and our way of life. Hound hunting is not only a staple in Virginia culture but critical to maintain the health and balance of our ecosystem.

Please vote NO on HB1396. There are currently laws in place to address the issue. Adding laws does nothing but extend the over reach of the government.

Oppose HB1396 and keep the tradition of hound hunting alive for our future generations.

Please oppose hb1396. Dont let them take this tradition from us

I am supporting bill 1396 something like this is long overdue. Land owners can not use their own property during deer dog season. Allen Barker

Vote no HB1396

vote no HB1396

OPPOSE HB1396! I respectfully ask that you vote No to HB1396. This is a legacy sport that is passed down to future generations. Kids need something to do other than play video games. This gets them outside into God's creation to explore and learn making the world better. This is an opportunity for generations to enjoy something together. Personally, my daughter got to hunt the last years with her dad, grandfather, and great grandfather. She loves each of her hounds the same as our family pet. They are so important to her. What would these dogs be purposed for if hound hunting was done away with? What would happen to these dogs who love the sport and much as humans? Also, coming from a driver who has hit many deer on the road, we must keep the deer population down. It costs thousands when you hit a deer, not to mention the chances of hurting the driver as well. Hound hunting deer kill the majority of the excess population. Please think hard about this bill and vote NO Concerned Virginia citizen

I am asking to please vote no to HB1396. Hunting with hounds in Virginia has been a huge part in my life and children. It is a long standing tradition that my family and friends have been apart of our whole lives and that was taught to us by the generations before us. Please do not punish the citizens that follow the rules and respect our landowners and neighbors. Hunting with hounds is a way of life for many of us in my area and we do our best to enjoy our hobby while respecting others. I am asking to please oppose this bill. Regards James Newman

Hunting with hounds has been a tradition in Virginia for generations. As dog owners, we love our dogs as members of our families and we spend countless hours taking care of them in preparation for the season. This is a way of life for us, not just some hobby. Do not take away our heritage as houndsmen.

As a Hound Hunter and landowner I strongly oppose this bill. Hunting with dogs is a part of Virginia’s Heritage and a way of life for all us hunters. It is a huge upside for the local businesses and economies. I want my children and grandchildren to experience the passion, and the ability to hunt with dogs just like we have. As a hound hunter and landowner I strongly oppose HB1396, and I ask you all to please do the same. Thank you,

Please oppose this bill and keep tradition alive in Virginia.

Please oppose 1396 and allow hunting with dogs. It is the heart and heritage of our hunting families! This right should not be taken away! Please oppose!

I respectfully oppose this. Keep the hound tradition alive.

I vote NO on bill HB1396. This is our heritage and right as it has been passed down by generations. This is also a way to keep the population down. Also I believe over time maybe not right now but will die off the hound dog breeds. These are working dogs and this is what they do.

Please vote no for the HB1396 bill!!!

Please oppose this bill this is a time honored tradition enjoyed by all ages from toddlers to to the elderly that brings families and friends together

I respectfully ask that you vote no on HB 1396.

Do not pass this bill

This needs to be opposed!

I’m strongly oppose HB 1396 and HB471! Please say no to this bill. I myself and my children all have dogs that we hunt with and enjoy raising. This bill will take away a right that is and our family members have had for many years. We support numerous organizations that help feed the hungry and also community events. Dog hunting is not just a right it’s a heritage that you need to stand up and support by saying NO.

Dear members of committee. Please oppose this bill HB 1396 I am representing 40 members of East River Hunting Club, a club who have had 0 instances of hunter trespassing at any point. We already have laws in place to combat illegal hunting actions, this bill creates criminals for a non existent problem. Dogs will often go where game is going to go, we do everything we can to stop any unwanted presence of dogs on property's not allowed and we're good at it. Technology has helped a lot. The Right to retrieve gives hunters a legal option to retrieve dogs in a instance that everything went wrong without disturbing a landowner. Often times landowners cannot be reached mainly because our posting of property laws are lacking to say the least. Hounding is as old as the Commonwealth it's self started with the American hounds of George Washington himself. Dwr has enacted the landowners/hunters program and has showed great results. The statistics itself show this law isn't needed. Thank you for your time and please vote no on bill 1396

I wish to oppose this bill along with SB471, and SB770. I’m an advid outdoorsman and would hate to see the thing I love and that has taught me so much be taken away.

This needs to be oppressed.

I don’t agree with this. Dogs should allowed and used for hunting white tail deer.

I ask you vote no. Keep out tradition alive

Please oppose HB1396. I spend tens of thousand of dollars every year so my family of five can hunt. We all still hunt but when it’s time to dog hunt we are all more than ready for the season to begin. I’m on multiple leases, clubs, have had dogs for years and have over $10k invested in tracking collars and equipment. We deer, bear, rabbit, and coyote hunt with dogs.

Please Vote NO to HB1396! Deal with the one’s that are breaking the laws we already have in place and not everyone as a whole.

Keep our traditions and heritage alive. We do this for our future generations.

Please vote no on this bill.

Please vote NO to HB 1396. Keep hound hunting the way it is.

Please vote no to these bills regarding hound hunting and taking the season dates out of the hands of the game commission. Hounds can and have been well controlled in the last few years by gps training technology. The pursuit of deer in much of Virginia adds millions of dollars to local businesses and communities in the form of ammunition, gasoline, food, lodging and to the state as well. The overwhelming majority of land is in rural areas where people support and allow dog hunting on their property. Deer population in my county is borderline out of control as it is and to reduce the hunting seasons in any manner is very rash and quite frankly does not follow science. Thank you for your time and consideration

I respectfully ask you to oppose HB 1396

I oppose this bill. Keep hound hunting alive!

I would like to ask you to vote NO to HB 1396.

Please vote no for HB1396

I strongly oppose this bill

I oppose this. Dog hunting is a long standing past time in VA.

Asking you all to please Oppose HB1396. Reason to vote NO…1 The revenue alone. Hunting with hounds brings in more money to the Commonwealth than most, if not all, other sports. 2. There are already laws in place for majority of the reasons listed in this bill. The Game and inland fisheries handle calls, and write summons , for violations. 3. This is a tradition that gets the family out together. A tradition where your sex, age, nor color matters. Children learn the ways of the land. Children learn about firearm safety. We all just have love for the sport and for the hounds. Keep this part of Virginia as is. Respectfully, Victoria

Please Vote no to HB1396

I would like to ask that you oppose this bill that goes against the heritage of many Virginians. Thanks from all the sportsman’s of Virginia!

Keep hound hunting alive!!

Strongly disagree on bill. Dog hunting is apart of virginia heritage and should stay.

I strongly oppose this bill.

I strongly oppose this bill.

Keep hound hunting going

I have hunted with hounds my entire life, and it is more than just a pastime to me—it is a deep-rooted tradition, a way of life, and a bond passed down through generations. Hunting with hounds has shaped who I am, taught me responsibility, respect for wildlife, and the value of hard work and conservation. Because of how meaningful this tradition is to me and so many others, I strongly oppose HB 1396 and ask that you do the same. This bill threatens a long-standing, ethical hunting practice and the heritage of those who have responsibly participated in it for decades.

I strongly oppose this bill.

Please oppose 1396 keep our hound hunting tration the way it is ,the way its been for years

I respectfully ask that you oppose HB 1396 a tradition that helps maintain deer population to an acceptable level. We already pay enough in this state to enjoy the little freedoms we have !

I am asking all members of the Ag committee to vote NO to HB1396. This is another attempt to get rid of the great sport hound hunting in the Commonwealth of Virginia. We practice a legal form of hunting that goes back to George Washington and is legal. PLEASE JUST LEAVE US ALONE! Deer dog hunters and gun owners are the only group of people to constantly face adversity from the Commonwealth. For what? Are there bad apples, sure. Take care of them. We as responsible hound hunters try and do what is best for our great sport. People want to place permits and stipulations on things that are already legal is CRAZY. Putting more stipulations and doing away with the Right to Retrieve is only going to make things worse. People doing right are going to be accused of doing wrong, for what, a deer with horns that people think they own because it shows up on a camera they have placed over some type of bait, which is illegal. I ask each and everyone of you to think about this and the revenue it will kill in the area where dog hunting is allowed. ONCE AGAIN I ASK ALL OF YOU TO VOTE TO HOUSE BILL 1396!!

I respectfully ask that you oppose this bill.

I respectfully ask that you vote NO to HB 1396. I support the tradition of hound hunting in the commonwealth and oppose increased regulation. Please consider the positive impact hound hunting has on kids and families as well as Virginia’s economy. Also it would not be possible to keep the deer population at healthy levels in the eastern half of the state without hound hunting due to thick terrain which provides limited visibility.

Please vote against bill HB 1396. A Virginia tradition will be lost that future generations will not be able to enjoy. Please mindful of the amount of dogs that could be potentially displaced when they are not allowed to to do what they were born and bred to do!!!!

Please vote no on HB1396!

Please Vote no to HB1396!

Hound hunting is tradition in Virginia that should always be able to be enjoyed. I believe it teaches young men and women core values and respect not only for animals / wildlife / firearms but also other human beings. I believe it is a vital part of growing up / living in Virginia.

We oppose this bill.

Oppose HB1396 keep hound hunting

Please support HB1396. This bill does not Ban hound hunting in any way and the people who oppose it want to continue to trespass on other people's land with their hunting dogs. Most people do not want strangers hunting dogs coming on their property. Modern technology can stop the trespass and if people want hounds on their property, they can grant permission. This permit system has been recommended by DWR and is way overdue. Please support HB1396.

Please oppose hb1396. We pay enough to hunt and fish gods creations already between annual hunting license and tag fees, and the land leases we have to do it on.

I oppose hb1396

I respectfully ask that you oppose HB 1396

Please vote against this it is unfair. We already pay enough in license and sell tax on dog food vet bills shots gas.

I totally against this bill. Please vote this bill down !! Especially the part about hunting with DOGS!!.

To whom it may concern, Dog hunting is a southern heritage and would like to see it continue for years to come.If dog hunting was fazed out, what will happen to all the dogs?

HB1396 I would like for you to vote no on this bill.

I oppose this bill. I support the tradition of hound hunting in Virginia and want to see this preserved for future generations. In a society where children struggle with the devastating impacts of overdoses of screen time and violent video games, I would urge policymakers support bills which threaten one of the most pure and deep rooted outdoor traditions in the commonwealth. Please also take into consideration the positive economic impact of hound hunting in Virginia and the negative impact further regulations and restrictions would have.

I am requesting that you oppose HB1396, SB471 and SB770. As a hunter, houndsman, landowner and livestock owner I politely request that you oppose the previously stated bills. Hound hunting is not only a centuries old tradition that has been passed down through generations but also a living heritage that we need to preserve. Hound hunting helps to support wildlife management and hunters often contribute significantly to wildlife conservation efforts. Houndsman also give back to their communities via supporting the economy especially in rural communities and also with helping to provide food support to those affected by food disparities via community support programs like Hunters for the Hungry. As a livestock and land owner never have I had any problems with hunters nor hounds being a nuisance. There are currently laws in place that address intentional or reckless hound trespass and conflicts are best left to be dealt with by local authorities. I humbly ask that you help protect and preserve this time honored tradition that contributes to the economy, effective wildlife management, sustainability of rural communities and the cultivation of a passion for hound hunting. In closing I am hopeful that there will be bipartisan support for protecting our rural Virginia traditions.

Dear Honorable Members of the House and Senate Agricultural Committees, I respectfully ask that you oppose HB1396 and SB471. Hunting with hounds has been passed down in my family for generations. It is a strong part of my heritage that I have always respected and done with pride. I live in Isle of Wight County and am part of one of our local hunt clubs that is full of men and women who feel the same way. It is important to us and something we do not take lightly. Hunting with hounds is something I hope to pass along to my children.

I strongly oppose this bill it is infringing on my rights to hunt with dogs. This bill is going against my rights as a houndsmen and trying to rid this great state of a heritage that my father and his father passed down to me. I would like to pass down this way of life for my children and their children please do not allow this bill to pass

I would like to vote no on hb 1396

Please vote NO on HB1396, this bill doesn't seam that bad at first but can be changed to do away with a tradition in VA as old as Virginia itself. Also we dont need to be charged more money we spend enough on the hunting license itself!

Please oppose HB1396! Virginia heritage shouldn’t be compromised!

I strongly oppose this bill. Dog hunting has been around a long time. I’ve done it for over 30 years. We have responsible dog owners who should not be punished because of a few bad ones.

I am writing to respectfully oppose HB1396. Hunting with dogs is a long-standing and lawful tradition in Virginia and an important tool for responsible wildlife management. This bill places unnecessary restrictions on ethical hunters who already follow existing regulations. The Department of Wildlife Resources already has the authority to address issues through current laws without limiting traditional hunting practices. Restricting the use of dogs could reduce effective population control and negatively impact rural communities that rely on these methods. I urge you to vote NO on HB1396 and support balanced policies that protect both conservation efforts and Virginia’s hunting heritage.

No

I oppose this bill and any others that hinder hound hunting I also take part in muzzle loader hunting and archery seasons and all 3 have been a part of my families lives for centuries!!

Please oppose this bill. Hound hunting is a tradition in virginia. There is enough laws on the books now maybe if they were enforced like they should be. Hound hunting is the best way to control animal populations, not to mention the amount of money hound hunters put into the local economies. Also all the fund raising for different people in need and charities. This bill effects all houndsmen not just deer hunters. Please oppose this bill and any other bill against hound hunting.

Support this bill. This will finally stop the trespass. My land my rules. Dog hunters just need to hunt their land and not mine without my permission.

Please SUPPORT HB1396 and give property owners and other outdoor enthusiasts some relief from this chronic abuse. If self policing and discussion was going to work it would have happened in the last couple decades. Its worse now than it ever was and rural and suburban residents are done with it. Thanks to Delegate Martinez for his Leadership in this!

I am in support of HB 1396. This is a very important piece of legislation to me. I have been forced to endure hunting hounds on my private property, which have sadly become a threat to me, my family members, and pets (killing our beloved family cat on 1/3/26). When hunting hounds repeatedly enter onto my property, without permission, they not only take away my enjoyment of my property but also impact me financially. I feel this bill is a very fair compromise, and a tool DWR can use to end the conflict created by the presence of hunting hounds where they are not desired. This bill will not impact lawful hunts, and is clearly focused on holding the irresponsible hunting hound owners accountable.

Please support this bill. This simply requires dog hunters to hunt on property they have permission to hunt, This does NOT end hound hunting in Virginia and will in fact PROTECT hound hunting by ensuring it it kept on property where it is allowed and OFF of property where it is not. Pretty simple ask...

Please oppose HB1396. The landowners supporting don’t understand that hound hounds don’t intentionally try to get their dogs on private property. We try our hardest to keep the dogs where they aren’t welcomed. I can guarantee when a houndsman or woman sees their dogs not on land by their hunt club i can promise you they are on their way to retrieve the dog or stop the dog for going where it is not welcomed. That’s the last thing we be wanting is our dogs who we see as family, somewhere they are not welcome. We even strategize hunts to push them away from land the dogs aren’t welcome.

Please Oppose 1396. Keep hound hunting alive!

I ask that you please vote “NO” to SB1396 (Department of Wildlife Resources; permits; use of dogs in hunting game animals). I am a hunter, particularly of turkey and deer. During deer season, I bow hunt, muzzle load hunt, and hunt with dogs. Hunters that utilize dogs to hunt deer shall not have to pay additional fees to purchase a permit because they chose this method of deer hunting. Also, although hunters can utilize GPS devices to better track their dogs during the hunting season and avoid having them travel onto private property, it will happen on the occasion. This is something that cannot be 100% avoidable but hunters in our area that utilize dogs during their hunt are very respectful to those in their community and work to avoid any confrontation with others. Not only is it impossible to prevent a dog from traveling across one’s private property during the hunting season, but during the off season as well. Deer dogs are born as hunting dogs, and it comes natural to them to hunt and chase deer. When dogs have the urge to hunt, they can get out of their kennels (digging underneath the fence, climbing over the fence,etc.) and go hunting. During this time, they may venture across another’s property without the owner even knowing the dogs have gotten out, similar to ones pet getting out of the yard and traveling onto someone else’s property. Again, hunters in our area are very respectful to others and properties in the community and shall not be penalized for hunting with dogs. I appreciate your consideration and efforts in defeating this bill.

oppose bill1396. Dog hunting is a major factor in deer populations and is when most doe deer are taken with a gun. if the bill passes there will be more car crash’s due to over population of deer. There will be an increase of predatory animals which impacts the every species of wildlife. Dogs can’t read trespassing signs, so why put the blame on hunters and their dogs. this bill is not a fair bill in my eyes. As an avid dog hunter my dogs are loved just as equal as my family. This bill is the start to stopping all dog hunting and what am i going to do about my dogs they can’t do what they were bred to do.

Please oppose HB1396

I am against dogs running thru private property

Please support this bill to have some accountability to the hunters with dogs who trespass across our private property all hours of day and night . The loophole has to start to close and these hunters should only be hunting and releasing dogs on property that they either own, lease or have permission to be on. To continue allowing them to run roughshod over law abiding tax paying citizens in this state is criminal. Any other trespasser would be in violation or any other dog running at large creating disruption would be held accountable and charged accordingly putting the owner responsible for said dogs actions. There is no difference other than the powers that be giving these dog hunters free rein without accountability! Enough is enough! This should include any hunting with dogs regardless of game and when they are allowed. Anything after sunset should never be allowed, I had 2 dog hunters on my property in my barn at 2 am trying to retrieve their dog. Am I supposed to go up to 2 men and ask for their ID @2 in the morning?!? This is insane for this to be allowed, more changes need to be had and not supporting this bill will be a real problem for us private landowners who do not want this activity on or near our privately owned property . These 2 men damaged my property and I had no recourse . How is that right or even legal? Come to find out from the DWR officer they were on my private road which is considered trespassing and in my barn! Honestly do we landowners have no rights? Do support this bill so there will be some accountability and enforced responsibility. Thank you Ms. Allen Pittsylvania County

Oppose this bill do not vote for it

i oppose this bill

Please consider hb1396. I am the farm manager for a 1700 acre farm in Caroline and a 1200 acre farm in Hanover. I have tried working with the local clubs and have gotten zero effort from them on curtailing hounds on these properties. I have seen, caught and have numerous trail cam pics of hounds on regular basis. Something needs to be done for the rights of the land owners. Thank you.

Please oppose bill HB 1396

I oppose this bill

I’m writing to oppose HB1396, dog hunting I support the tradition of hound hunting in Va.

Please oppose HB1396, it is truly a way of life and a tradition. This sport creates memories and bonds that last a life time.

This great sport is a long living tradition in Virginia. It’s a great way to control deer populations and a great way to make friends I have hunting with hounds since I was a kid and many of my family members have used dogs to hunt. Please please please oppose this bill. Thank you all for your time.

please support these commonsense bills - HB1396, SB471 & SB770 ! for far too long our private property rights have been infringed upon in Virginia!. we just want to able to control the right to the peaceful enjoyment of our land. neighbors let their dogs loose DAILY to roam free & chase deer knowing "dogs can't read" and we have the pictures to prove it! PLEASE HELP US by supporting these bills! - William Bevill

As a woman in Virginia growing up hunting with dogs. It is something I am proud of and extremely passionate about. It is our way of life, and something we take pride in. Hunting with dogs since I was a kid with friends and family has made me fall in love with the outdoors, and turning me into the sportsman I am today. As a woman hunter I now have a daughter that has just been introduced to hunting with dogs. I want her to experience the love for outdoors and hunting just the way I was able to. With that being said she will not be able to by passing HB1396. I oppose HB1396 and ask you all to please vote No on this. Thank you,

Please oppose this bill. This will waste tax money to create, manage, and enforce. Bill leaves it very open ended on what restrictions could be put in place. This will not solve any issues that exist it will just create more

PLEASE VOTE NO TO HB1396, SB741 & SB770! These bills would pretty much get rid of hound hunting. Hounding hunting has been around for a long time and is a way of life for a lot of people. I do not see any need of any changes these bills propose. So again please vote no.

I support Virginia HB 1396. Requiring written permission before hunting dogs enter private property is a reasonable protection of landowners’ rights and helps prevent trespassing and conflict. This bill promotes responsible hunting while respecting private property.

I am asking you to please OPPOSE and vote NO on HB1396. As most are well aware of, these bills are often altered and are added onto if they are passed along. The way this bill is written already posses a lot of gray areas. Many of us in this state share the same passion and love for hunting any wild game with hounds and hunting in general. It is a tradition that has been passed down from generation to generation. As I hope you are well aware, most of the legit complaints and convictions are NOT from hound hunting. The current laws in the books are enough, they just need to be enforced. Many small businesses benefit from the sales from hound hunting and supplies. Farmers also depend on hound hunting to keep wild game numbers in check. At the end of the day, hound hunting is long lasting and beloved tradition that I would love to see continue for generations to come. Again, I kindly ask that you vote NO on HB1396.

I am writing to express my support for Virginia HB 1396. Requiring hunters who use dogs to obtain written permission before their dogs enter private property is a reasonable and necessary step to protect landowners’ rights. Property owners should have clear control over how their land is used, and written permission helps prevent disputes, trespassing, and damage. HB 1396 strikes a fair balance by supporting responsible hunting practices while respecting private property. I encourage you to support this bill. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Please oppose this bill.

PLEASE VOTE NO TO HB1396, SB741 & SB770! These bills would pretty much get rid of hound hunting. Hounding hunting has been around for a long time and is a way of life for a lot of people. I do not see any need of any changes these bills propose. So again please vote no.

I am writing as a concerned constituent to strongly oppose the proposed legislation that seeks to limit or ban dog hunting. Dog hunting is a deeply rooted tradition that has been practiced responsibly for generations. It contributes to wildlife management efforts, supports conservation through licensing and fees, and plays an important role in sustaining rural communities and local economies. Hunters who use dogs take pride in ethical conduct, respect for private property, and compliance with established regulations. I am concerned that this bill unfairly targets a specific hunting method without sufficient evidence that existing laws are inadequate. Broad restrictions risk penalizing responsible sportsmen and women while failing to address isolated issues that could be better resolved through enforcement or targeted policy improvements. I urge you to consider the voices of hunters, conservationists, and rural residents who value this practice and to oppose legislation that would unnecessarily eliminate it. I appreciate your service and your thoughtful consideration of this issue. I am writing to respectfully oppose SB471 regarding the releasing of hunting dogs near state or local roadways and the creation of a special hunting, fishing, and trapping license with associated penalties. While I understand the intent to address public safety concerns, this bill goes too far and risks unfairly penalizing responsible hunters and dog handlers who have safely and ethically practiced these traditions for generations. Releasing hunting dogs is an essential and time-honored part of lawful hunting, and SB471 would create unnecessary legal exposure for individuals who are already operating with care and respect for existing laws. Additionally, the proposed licensing and penalty structure appears overly burdensome and may discourage lawful participation in hunting, fishing, and trapping—activities that play a critical role in wildlife management, conservation funding, and rural economies. Rather than improving safety, SB471 could create confusion, inconsistent enforcement, and unintended consequences for responsible outdoorsmen and women. I urge you to reconsider this legislation and instead work with hunters, conservation groups, and local communities to develop solutions that address safety concerns without undermining lawful hunting practices or traditions. Thank you for your time and consideration. I appreciate your service and hope you will oppose SB471.

Please OPPOSE this bill and all others related to hound hunting as it is the start of the demise of a tradition that is deep rooted in our community and depends on for wildlife management, community engagement, and economic prosperity. Thank you.

Oppose

Please support VA HB1396. As I read through many of the comments opposing this bill, I find there is significant confusion about what HB1396 actually does. Opponents claim that its passage would eliminate their way of life…the tradition of hunting with hounds. After reading the bill carefully, I see no language that bans or ends hound hunting in Virginia. HB1396 simply requires dog hunters to obtain an additional permit—similar to the permitting requirements already in place for other types of hunting, such as waterfowl—and encourages hunters to release and manage their hounds on land where they have permission to hunt. Much has been said about preserving the tradition of hound hunting, but there has been far less acknowledgment of an equally long-standing tradition: private landowner rights. Nothing in this bill prohibits hound hunting. What it does affirm is that no hunter has the right to hunt on private property without the landowner’s permission or against the landowner’s wishes. It is unreasonable to suggest that tradition entitles anyone to disregard private property rights. HB1396 simply reinforces a basic principle—that hunters should hunt where they have permission to be. That is fair, responsible, and respectful of both hunters and landowners alike.

Keep our heritage....OPPOSE HB 1396 and OPPOSE SB471 AND SB770

No. There shouldn’t be any permit necessary to continue traditions carried on by today’s houndsmen. Generations of folks have passed the tradition rather it be coon hunting, retrieving, flushing or running a rabbit. Bloodlines of dogs have been perfected and fine tuned for them to do what they are bred to do. It is not right to add yet another permit on top of all the other licensure that is already required by the state so that we as houndsmen can continue to do what we were taught and love to do and have done for years.

Please oppose HB1396.

My name is ronald middlebrooks and i am a 3rd generation houndsmen. I ask to please oppose this bill HB1396.

Hunting with dogs is a part of Virginia’s Heritage and a way of life for all us hunters. It is a huge upside for the local businesses and economies. I want my children and grandchildren to experience the passion, and the ability to hunt with dogs just like we have. As a law abiding citizen and hunter I strongly oppose HB1396, and I ask you all to please do the same. Thank you,

Please oppose this bill

I’m against this bill

I feel like hunting with hounds should stay as it is. If you start charging for extra permits and make season shorter then you will definitely lose revenue. Hunters spend a lot of money on hunting products to use to keep up with their hounds and a ton of money on land leases. Don’t let a few bad apples spoil it for all tge good ones

I strongly support this bill. For far too long I haven't been able to enjoy the property I pay for because hound hunters dogs run all over my property. Hound hunters speak of tradition but traditions shouldn't burden people on their own land! Having to listen to trucks speeding down the road causing road hazards and danger to other people and wildlife should be unacceptable to the law makers of this state. Often times the people running these dogs are people who don't own property and don't reside in the area they use them so they couldn't care less what residents think. I'd also like to point out the amount of hounds that are left running up the road because these "hunters" won't even pick them up or let them loose because they no longer want to provide for them for the rest of the year. It's cheaper for them to get another dog. What is the cost locally when animal control has to pick these dogs up and house them in our shelters? For far too long have hound hunter been able to run amuck all over this state! You have the opportunity to unite with land owners and pass this bill. Thank you for your consideration.

This bill is not beneficial to any land owners. I am completely against it.

Oppose bill HB1396

Please Oppose HB 1396. Please stand with Virginia hunters.

Please oppose this bill

Please oppose this bill, this is an attack on hound hunting. Current laws in place related to hound hunting could be enforced more effectively and efficiently. Signing this bill into law effects thousands of folks abiding by current law, i challenge each it you to research the facts insteads of opinions and fabricated stories. Thank you

Dear Representative, I respectfully oppose HB1396 regarding hunting with hounds. Hunting with dogs has been a way of life for generations in our community and is deeply rooted in our family traditions. For our family, it’s not just recreation—it’s how we pass down values, spend time together, and help put food on the table. Eliminating this practice would negatively impact families like ours who responsibly and ethically hunt as part of our heritage. I urge you to consider these long-standing traditions and vote no on HB1396.

This has been a tradition ive enjoyed my whole life. From the first hunt at 6 with dad. To now where my two daughters enjoy it with me. This was the time of year I got to spend time with dad, and my grandfather. In 2003 while undergoing chemo my grandfather couldn't hunt but he still came out so he could hear the dogs run. You people cant comprehend the deep seeded tradition and the way it makes memories you never forget.

Please vote no to the upcoming bill HB1396. This bill is designed with open and it wording to end the dog hunting heritage in Virginia. Dog hunting is enjoyed by Virginians from my wide socioeconomic background and repose bill will limit accessibility to the sport. The 2023 hound hunting study Identified ways to move forward and preserve sport. Please, instead consider the data from the subject experts. Finally, this bill only hurts law, abiding, hunters, and rural communities. This data from 2025 showed that only 2.4% of citations issued by DWR from hound hunters. This systemic should indicate the hound hunting is not a problem in Virginia. It is sad to see a small group of people trying to ruin a heritage in Virginia enjoyed by so many.

I strongly oppose this bill and I urge you to vote against this bill. This bill will eliminate all types of hound of hound hunting. The ripple effect of this will be felt at all levels.

I strongly oppose HB1396 because I believe it is a direct threat to hound hunting as a whole, not just to people doing things wrong. My two sons absolutely love hunting with dogs, and I worry this bill will effectively end that tradition for their generation. The proposed permit system and criminal penalties punish responsible hunters for normal, unavoidable dog behavior, like a dog briefly crossing a property line. Instead of targeting bad actors, this bill stacks penalties, increases liability, and will push everyday families out of hunting altogether. Hound hunting is an important wildlife management tool, and Virginia already has trespass laws and retrieval rules to address real problems. This feels like a broad attack on an entire hunting community and a way of life we are trying to pass down to our children.

Please Oppose this bill.

Please note my support for HB1396. As a landowner of appreciable acreage and as a father of two young hunters I ask for your consideration in the passing of this bill. Landowners like myself should have our land to recreate on and be free from encumbrances presented by dogs and their handlers. For those of us who have to travel to our property to hunt its disheartening when you are greeted by dogs running on the property, dogs wandering the property, and hunters entering the property to retrieve dogs not in the chase. In other words our property has provided the means for others to have an enjoyable hunt at the expense of our own, the rightful owner. Our time, our expense to travel, and the anticipation of the hunt is lost. I also asked you consider the tactics of dog hunters who use small acreage parcels of land, of which they cannot confine their dogs to, to hunt adjoining parcels where they are not welcome. The release of dogs adjacent to posted property lines with the handlers intent for the dogs to entered prohibited lands needs to reigned in. This bill gives our conservation police the ability to do just that. Again the bill does not restrict hunting with dogs, but gives landowners such as myself an enforceable measure for what occurs on our property and a means of identifying the offenders . As of now landowners do not have a voice. Please give us one.

I hope you support this House bill to help all property owners to help take back there property from the dog hunters. This will allow them to ask for permission to hunt their dogs on private property. If they don't have permission then they will be held responsible for their dogs which could be fines, loss of hunting rights and possibly jail time. It's time that property owners get their land back. Hopefully you will support and help pass this bill. Thank you and God Bless!

I strongly urge that this bill, as well as others attempting to infringe on our freedoms are opposed! Hunting with hounds is a long standing tradition that is constantly under attack even by folks in areas who don’t have to even worry about hunting with hounds. I got in to owning hounds because of my two young children, and want them to be able to grow up doing the same thing I did and have the same passion as myself for the tradition. We must not allow the minority to over-rule the majority.

I strongly disagree with this bill. Please oppose HB1396.

Support this bill! Good hound hunters should not have an issue with this. The ones that continue want to have their dogs on property they do not have permission are the ones opposing. Vote yes on HB1396

I sincerely ask you to please vote against and oppose HB1396.

Please oppose

Oppose the HB1396.

I strongly suppose HB1396. Dog hunting is a tradition that has been around forever and should continue to be around. It teaches children about the outdoors and valuable life lessons. As well as exponentially helps manage the deer population.

I am here hoping for some relief from the damage hound hunting is doing to my family farm. It’s been a few years now and this past month has been the worse by far. I had hounds attack my flock. I lost birds and still have some injured. I have hunters and there dogs trespassing whenever they feel like it. They rip my sighs down, leave trash all over my property, drive up and down my driveway ARMED, they have stolen my mailbox again box twice, spoofed my phone twice and still all my calls go no where. I have plenty of evidence and there is call history. I vote yes on1396!

This issue is important because it directly affects the safety of my family, my property, and my animals. I have seven children who are constantly outside playing, helping with farm chores, and caring for our animals. When individuals enter private property to retrieve hunting dogs without notice, it creates a serious safety concern. Being able to track and document who enters my property is critical. If someone comes onto my land to retrieve dogs, I need to know who they are, when they were there, and for what reason. This is not about restricting lawful hunting—it is about accountability and safety. If an incident were to occur involving one of my children, our chickens, or our own dogs, having a clear starting point to identify who violated my property could be essential in understanding what happened and ensuring responsibility. Unannounced entry also poses risks to the person retrieving the dogs. With children, livestock, and working animals present, unexpected encounters can lead to dangerous misunderstandings or accidents. Clear permitting rules and requirements for identification and notification protect everyone involved—landowners, families, hunters, and dogs. For families like mine, these regulations are not abstract policy decisions. They are about preventing harm, maintaining safety, and ensuring that private property boundaries are respected while allowing lawful hunting practices to continue responsibly.

I’m strongly oppose HB 1396 and HB471 and would appreciate the ability to be able To continue the sport of dog hunting with my family for many years to come.

Oppose this bill!

I oppose HB1396 hound hunting is family tradition and teachs children valueable life lessons and is a way of life!

It’s a fact that complaints have been down the last dog season compared to the year before. If tensions are getting better then why regulate something that’s already regulated? Dog hunting is a tradition that many residents love. I appose all the new bills they have drawn up for dog hunting

As a lifelong Virginia resident who has hunted deer with dogs since childhood, I respectfully write to ask that you please oppose HB1396, SB471, and SB770. All three of these bills would negatively impact the long-standing tradition of hunting deer with dogs in rural areas of Virginia. Shortening the season would negatively impact the hounds wellbeing by taking away the one activity that they are bred, trained, and happiest to do. Responsible hunting supports the health of these dogs and the traditions and livelihoods tied to their care. The safety and wellbeing of both hunters and hounds is one of my biggest priorities. In addition, these bills would have broader consequences beyond the woods. Hunting with dogs supports Virginia’s rural economy and benefits numerous charitable organizations that hound hunters contribute to throughout the entire year—not just during hunting season. I appreciate your time and consideration, and I respectfully ask that you stand in opposition to these bills to help preserve a valued tradition and protect those who responsibly participate in it.

I support this bill! Private land owners get constantly infringed on by unwanted hunting dogs on their property with no course of action to prevent it. Modern technology with GPS tracking, tone & shock collars and geofencing can keep dogs on property they have permission to hunt. Rural landowners are tired of being overrun by strangers and their dogs during deer season. This is a sensible solution to keep hound hunting in Virginia but to give landowners the right to exclude unwanted hunting dogs on their property. Please Support HB1396

It has been a tradition for me and my family to hunt with dogs ever since I have been alive (21) and my ancestors have done it long before me, I hope that the bill will not be passed so when I have children someday I can bring them up dog hunting the same way I was brought up along with everyone else that hunts with dogs. I’m asking that you OPPOSE this bill against hunting with dogs. Thanks.

I will preface this with an explanation for why I am writing it anonymously. The hound hunters have a track record for harassment and, sometimes, property damage, towards those that oppose deer hunting with dogs. I am adamantly in support of this bill for the protection of private property owners that have no wish for hounds to be running their property, disrupting/harassing livestock, killing cats, chickens and other small animals. Who also have no wish for their property to be utilized by hunters (who let their hounds loose on one side and wait for them on the other) without permission. This intrudes upon the right of the property owner to provide food for their own family due to still hunting being completely disrupted by these dogs. If dogs are contained while on private property, hunters are often rude and aggressive about it. Enforcement of the laws regarding hunting with hounds often does not happen and it does seem that often complaints are not taken seriously (or are ignored completely), seemingly due to many of those very officers being an active part of the hound hunting community in rural counties. In addition, there is a track record of neglect and abuse of the hounds by many hunters (not all but definitely the majority). Anyone involved in rescue or who follows the huge influx of emaciated, abandoned hounds that end up at animal shelters (the lucky ones… the others die due to starvation, car hits, the elements, animal attacks) can attest to the deplorable conditions (skin conditions, emaciated, pressure sores, often covered in fleas/ticks and often heartworm positive, undersocialized) that the majority suffer with. If hunters want to continue hunting with hounds, there should definitely be regulations put into place that will require registration and result in accountability. That will not only protect the private property of those not wishing to have hunters and their hounds on their property but I’ll also go a long way towards protecting the hounds themselves.

Dog Hunting in the state of Va is livelihood that goes back a long time ago. This type of hunting is apart of our heritage and families across this state, and is something that we want to pass to our children and grandchildren in years to come. My vote is to not allow this bill to go through. Oppose bill HB1396 thank you .

I am writing to oppose HB1091 & HB1396. Solar farms destroy natural habitats for animals and useful land for generations. Destroying thousands of acres of forest in the name of “Green energy” doesn’t seem very green to me. Dominion Power has admitted solar is not able to sustain the load needed to power Va. I am also against requiring permits for hunting dogs. VA hunters are already required to to purchase permits for hunting. This is just a step to make it more difficult to hunt with dogs a tradition older than this country’s existence. Hound hunters dump thousands of dollars into the local economy and helps local stores and markets by purchasing dog food, fuel, and food for breakfast and lunch. Please oppose these bills.

I oppose of this Bill!

All, I am asking you say NO to HB1396. Virginia has far more to work on than hunting with hounds. Obviously the biggest threat, currently, is deer hunting with hounds. We have yet to criminalize and prosecute those that deliberately shoot and set traps for hounds. A timeless Virginia tradition that brings people, of all races, ages, and color, together for fellowship and pure love for the sport . The amount of money spent in the Commonwealth just for those 2.5 months of hunting, get a lot of these small business through the winter season! Please consider keeping this tradition alive in Va. These sportsmen are the very ones that care about the Commonwealth, and would have your back when needed. Vote NO. Thank you, Victoria Hayden

Im asking you to oppose this bill and all others involving dog hunting. There are alot young kids that dog hunt because sitting in a tree stand in not exciting enough until they get older take dog hunting away and they will give up on hunting and then what sit in the house all the time and let tv and internet destroy their minds and charging more fee's for dog hunting its like are being punished and take dog hunting away thats take money out of small business owners they depend on to feed their families again i ask you to please oppose all bill involving dog hunting thank you

I'm asking you to support HB1396. Times change....free range hunting is no longer a viable option in these modern times. I find it odd that some of those opposed to this bill cite the $19 permit fee as a "tax" they should not have to pay. Following that logic, I should not have to pay the thousands of dollars on my land if I am not allowed to determine its uses and access. Of course, that won't happen, but its amazing how those opposed simply choose to ignore my rights in favor of theirs and try to cite such a small fee (not a tax). Also, this bill would not outlaw dog hunting, but require these owners to actually request permission to utilize something that is not theirs.

Please vote “yes”. Everyone should be in favor of this common sense accountability- including the dog hunters. Having a system that flags problem hunters and/or those violating already established laws allows hunters to keep hunting and property owners an avenue to protect and enforce restrictions to their own land. Far too long have dog hunters loop holed, skirted, or outright ignored established laws simply because they could. Hunt where allowed- stay off land you’re not. It’s that simple.

I’ve hunted with dogs my whole entire life (29 years old) it would be a shame for this tradition to end that doesn’t hurt a thing or anybody

Vote no

Please support this sensible measure. As a landowner I appreciate having control of my property and not allow trespassing. I had 13 different instances of hunting dogs on my property this year. That's several times a week every week of the season. Thank you

I ask that you oppose HB1396. This has been a tradition for many years in our family. At times, we have 3 generations (soon to be 4 with a little more age) outside, in the woods enjoying each other. During these 7 weeks of deer season hunting with dogs, there is a true bonding of family and friends. The children are not inside watching TV or playing video games, they are outside enjoying nature and family. The other factor is dog hunters support the local economy. The small country stores look forward to dog hunting season as if it was black Friday (shopping day for big box retailers) for them. Sales of gas, food, and beverages are up during dog hunting season. There are a few times a year local hunt clubs buy food from local fire departments, Ruritan Clubs, and churches to help with fund raising for the local community. Like most other things in life, there are a few bad apples the ruin the freedoms we have here in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Please use the current laws and address these issues and not punish all dog hunters. Again, please oppose HB1396. Thank you for your service to the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Please do no ban dog hunting, it is our livelihood.

I support the passing of this bill because, if I am reading it correctly, it allows the farmer or property owner to take action to protect their crop when they first see a problem with wildlife damaging it instead of having to wait until dwr can come assess the damage and issue a permit.

I am not in favor of requiring a separate permit to hunt with dogs. I believe the Hunting license should be the only requirement.

I ask that you please vote no to HB1936. Hound hunting in the state of Virginia has been a tradition long before any of us have been alive. There are far more responsible hound hunters than there are bad ones. Do not allow the bad ones to ruin it for the rest of us.

Dog hunting has dated back traditions for decades around alot of states. I do not agree to abolish dog hunting in Virginia.

Oppose bill 1396.

I feel this bill is important to pass as it would have a means to start holding people accountable for their actions and a way to have a penalty for breaking the law. I have had far to many issues over they years with rogue hound hunters in the area releasing hounds from the road or adjacent properties with the sole intent of running them through and hunting my land. Each time I call DWR or local law enforcement on them we get the same response. "Well the dog cant read. It didn't know it was posted land". Hopefully the hunters are competent enough to read what those bright yellow signs say. I know this has been an ongoing problem for myself and thousands of land owners across the state.

HB 1396 I think we are past the time in which dogs are needed to hunt. It's dangerous for land owners and promotes animal cruelty. I have plenty of horror stories i can share as well as a potential animal neglect tip i can share with you regarding a possible hunting organization.

I oppose HB1396

To whom it may concern, I am writing to you today as a landowner, 4th generation farmer, responsible hound owner, and a steward of the rural community. Beginning at a young age, agriculture and hound hunting were major parts of my life and continue to be. With the advancements of technology a lot of things have changed, for better and for worse. Hunting technology in general has increased conflict in my opinion. The GPS technology has significantly increased the ability to retrieve hounds in a timely manner. The downside would be the bad apples that trespass to retrieve dogs because they know exactly where the dog is located. Simple courtesy goes along ways when your dog is present on neighboring territory. Some of the same individuals that are against hound trespass are the same individuals that are using live cellular game camera technology to track wild game patterns to pursue a harvest. These individuals are the same individuals that become emotionally attached to a wild animal and become upset when a hound used in an organized hunt crosses a property line. Therefore, resulting in conflict. Please do not punish the groups of men, women, boys, and girls who enjoy the heritage of hound hunting in the rural areas because of the few bad apples. Laws are already in place, licenses are already being purchased, seasons are on the calendar, tags are being used, herds are being maintained sustainably. Please enforce the current laws. From the Agricultural perspective my family and I raise crops in a 15-mile span in Sussex and Surry County, where deer pressure is extremely variable. The variability in deer pressure relates to the style of hunting in the nearby woodland that is adjacent to agricultural fields. Large tracts of timber adjacent to farms that are not hunted with hounds ALWAYS results in more deer damage. Costing thousands of dollars in seed replant, loss of valuable labor hours in stand count scouting, yield opportunity loss caused by less-than-ideal final crop stands, and increased weed pressure due to lack of crop canopy cover. The list goes on. The advancements in yield mapping technology distinctly shows the negative effects of above average deer populations, particularly in soybeans and peanuts. Other crops are diversly affected as well. Please consider the large percentage of courteous hound owners and OPPOSE HB1396.

Oppose bill HB1396.

I strongly oppose this bill.

Being required to obtain a permit to dog hunt in Va is a infringement on our rights as tax paying citizens. This will cost the state more in the long run and cause the deer population to explode and cause even more accidents on the road. This bill needs to be squashed as of today.

Please VOTE YES. support Bill HB1396!! This Bill, HB1396 does not stop Hunting Deer with Dogs. What it does do is Give the Land Owners their Constitutional Rights. Hunt where you Have Permission or Don’t Hunt. Stop the Unwanted Infringement and Invasion of Private Property Owners. This Bill1396 will eliminate the Problem Deer Dog So Called Hunter. The Passing of Bill HB1396 will help you keep dog hunting, by forcing Unethical Hunters to Have Respect and Accountability. No one has the right to Invade or infringe on the Private Property of Others. Stop the Entitlement! Vote Yes and Pass Bill HD1396.

I am commenting on Bill HB1396 the permitting of the use of dogs for hunting game animals. I am hunters with our own hunting property. I am a still hunters and are very opposed to the use of dogs. It has been very annoying year after year having dogs run all over my property. Also having dog hunters coming on the property to retrieve their dogs and deer without permission. Pleaso vote yes to the bill!

Please vote NO, on this subject. I’m from a large family of hunters, so Please help us keep are constitutional rights. Thank You !!

Please oppose HB 1396

Vote Yes! This is very similar to the legislation that the DOG HUNTERS brought up in two states to protect their heritage. The ones in these comments opposing it, are clearly opposing it because they want free rein to constantly run peoples land that they are not allowed on. This will give land owners the ability to have a say and defend their land rights. There is no reason why a dog hunter should have access to my land just because their dog “can’t read”. This bill will help bring accountability and responsibility to the dog hunters. The only ones that would be mad about this are the ones causing the problems. On that note according to the DWR it would take one person working 7 days a week for 8.4 hours every day of the year to deal with the man hours that dog hunting causes. The dog hunters are less than .0064 of the population of the commonwealth but they act like they own everything. It’s time to pass common sense laws to bring them in. This doesn’t stop dog hunting it stops “bad apple” dog hunters. The leadership of the dog alliance of this state will try to stand and say there is not a problem while the house burns down around them. The complaints went up another 20% this year. The fact is dog hunting needs regulations and this is a good start. VOTE YES AND PASS THIS BILL! Thank you for your time.

Support our hounds and traditions! I oppose HB1396

I strongly oppose HB1396. We need to enforce the laws on the books, not create more laws. Complaints on hound hunters are minimal, I see no need for HB1396.

i oppose this bill

STRONGLY OPPOSE HB1396. I own several hundred acres in Greensville County and lease several more hundred acres in Dinwiddie county. I chose to own and lease property in these counties BECAUSE hunting with hounds is and has been legal since before I was born. I made an informed decision prior to purchasing / leasing the properties. I did not buy a house next to a train track and am now complaining about the train. OPPOSE HB1396 Stay out of my pocket. I already got a permit. its called a hunting, kennel license, personal property taxes on the land and hunting truck, taxes on the guns and ammo, tax,tax,tax, tax, fee, fee, fee, license, license, license....GET OUT OF MY POCKET!!!!!!

To whom it may concern, It should be unlawful to require a permit for the use of running dogs from the good people of Virginia! Virginia along with many other states in the Appalachian Mountain range have a heavy history in hound hunting and competition! I understand that in today’s world everybody is trying to get rid of the heritage due to not agreeing with the sport and because of people who don’t follow the rules, but the people who do it correctly and care for their animals should continue to enjoy the sport! It has been scientifically proven that without the use and fear of hounds and their handlers, the interaction between humans and predators rise! Many uneducated people don’t understand this, but hounds run the predators further in the mountains away from human conflict. The use of hounds to hunt with also keeps the predator numbers in check, lowering the spread of disease and lowering the loss of chicks of ground nesting game birds! I urge you to reconsider the idea of issuing a permit to run hounds for what has been and hopefully always will be a free activity for all houndsman/woman across this country! Thank you, Tyler Bowser

Oppose HB1396

I strongly oppose this bill please vote no

Oppose HB 1396

Please oppose HB1396

I ask that you oppose HB1396, hound hunting runs deep in our roots here in Virginia, people dont understand how much revenue hunting with hounds brings to our communities. Ive had hounds since i was 18 years old, and i cant tell you how much trouble running a dog kept me out of when i was younger, instead of partying and running wild we were running hounds minding our business in the woods somewhere.. imagine how many kids running dogs has saved from partying or being in the streets doing drugs ect. People make hound hunters seem like such a bad crowd but how many other hunting groups do you know of that will come together and raise money for a complete stranger and not ask for a dime in return.. the heart of the houndsmen will never be matched and i hope you oppose this bill so my kids can have this tradition to enjoy growing up keeping them out of trouble as well..

Thank you for your efforts to reign in those who use the right to retrieve law to trespass on private property. For years we have dealt with people on our hunting land “retrieving dogs” and ruining our hunts or causing unsafe conditions with unknown people wandering the property. These folks use small parcels of land to release large quantities of dogs therefore causing these dogs to run through the 500+ acre parcels we are managing. Twenty dogs being released on one acre should display intent to have those dogs trespass but the current laws do nothing to protect us. Please help us mitigate this issue.

Please pass HB 1396. Landowners in Va are constantly being bombarded with hunting hounds that do not have permission to be there. I pay a lot of money and work hard to manage my land for quality hunting. These hounds every week violate my property and I am harassed by their owners. We need accountability for these hound hunters and this bill accomplishes that! No other state in the county allows hounds to run free and at large the way they are in Va. it’s time to hold hound hunters accountable

Do not allow this bill to pass

This bill will do nothing but support the opposition of hound hunting, a deeply rooted tradition in Virginia that non-lifetime residents struggle to understand. You could turn dogs out on 10 acres or 1000 and the odds of them crossing property lines would remain the same before the animal being chased could be taken. Go after the ones making a bad name for the sport, nobody opposes that and make your example there. But do not kill a sport and tradition that creates camaraderie and provides opportunity for everyone to spend more time outdoors. I strongly oppose this bill.

Strongly disagree with and oppose HB1396!

Please oppose this bill the wording isn’t correct format and to many loopholes in the verbiage as written. I understand some of the bill but for the most part it’s punishing the law abiding citizens of this commonwealth because of a few. Also I totally disagree with not being able to stop on a state right of way to retrieve a dog from the road. Are we supposed to sit and watch our hunting companions get run over by crazy drivers because the laws say we can’t stop to get them? The animal rights folks would really love that! Thank you for your time.

Please don't support this. Rural counties rely on hound hunting for funding and herd management

I am commenting on Bill HB1396 the permitting of the use of dogs for hunting game animals. My husband and I are hunters with our own hunting property. We are still hunters and are very opposed to the use of dogs. It has been very annoying year after year having dogs run all over our property. Also having dog hunters coming on the property to retrieve their dogs and deer without permission. I vote yes to the bill!

This bill is going against a tradition I grew up doing and I want To be able to pass this tradition down to my child she loves hunting with dogs and it shouldn’t be taken away from our tradition

I vote no!

My name is Grayson Thomas a 16 year old hounds man from southern Virginia in the heart of deer dog country. I have owned deer hounds for the past 5 years after hunting all my life and being influenced on all the story’s of my great grandfathers outside fox hounds. I think the passing of this bill will do nothing but hurt the tradition and legacy of hunting with hounds . I think we need to find a solution of hounds men finding respect for these landowners whom do not want the hounds on there property, however there needs to be a understanding sometimes we do everything we can to keep them off and still the drive of the hound keeps them going before we can get to them to stop them. I please ask you vote no to Bill HB1396 to protect the sport all of us houndsmen love so much

Don’t ban dog hunting

I strongly support HB 1396. Landowners and still hunters need some recourse to protect lands that they own or lease from unwanted hounds. This bill DOES NOT STOP HOUND HUNTING. It only requires that hound hunters conduct their sport on lands the own or where they have written permission. This should be common sense! The hound hunters oppose this bill because for years they have had all the laws and regulations completely in their favor. Land owners and still hunters have "taken it on the chin long enough".

Please vote no to this bill! Hunting with dogs is a big part of my family and I would love to be able to take my kids when they get a little older.

When my husband was outside and heard these dogs coming and I was at our barn, He yelled call the Game Warden the dogs are running the miniature donkeys. I raise miniature donkeys and they are not herd protectors. I called the line to report this to the Game Warden and my husband was trying to get them to leave them alone. My husband then left and went looking for one of the club members. They came and got the dogs. He told them to keep the dogs off our property. They have these GPS systems and know exactly where these dogs are at all times. A couple of days later I was checking on the donkeys and I knew they were acting different. They all came out the back of the barn and the dog was crawling under the gate. I started my way back to the house and the dog was going crazy jumping up on me. I yelled to my husband and he said get in the house. They were shocking the dog. I crawled through the fence and tried to get away from him. I got behind the side by side with him still jumping going crazy being shocked repeatedly. I crawled in the side by side but before I could do this I was bitten by this dog. What saved me was I had on my boots and it didnt break the skin. I called the Game Warden and called Animal Contol. My husband went and found the president of the hunting club. Once again keep your dogs off our posted property. Couple of days and here are the hounds again in the pasture. My husband said call the Game Warden they are going to run them through the fence. I called the Game Warden and he was going to call someone in the club to come and get their dogs. We have been told by Animal Control we have the right to shoot the dog/dogs. We dont want to have to do this but I dont want to get bitten again either. Just keep your dogs off our posted land. We fully support Bill HB 1396. We aren't against hunting just keep your dogs on land you have written permission to hunt on.

Comments Document

I respectfully ask that you support HB1396 and related legislation that creates a clear, enforceable system for regulating deer dog hunting in Virginia. Responsible hunters and landowners would benefit from modernized standards that reflect today’s landscape, including a requirement that dogs be released only on a minimum of 1,000 contiguous acres. This is a reasonable measure to reduce conflicts, protect private property rights, and ensure that the tradition of dog hunting can continue in a responsible and sustainable manner. My name is Robert Faison, and I own a 163‑acre farm in Southampton County. My experiences reflect those of many landowners across Southeast Virginia, and it is increasingly important for VDWR and the General Assembly to address the growing misuse of private property related to deer dog hunting. I began deer hunting in the mid‑1960s in Sussex and Southampton Counties, where my family has deep generational roots. I have owned and hunted with deer dogs for more than 35 years, so I understand both the history and the evolution of this practice. Decades ago, hunters typically belonged to clubs with access to large, unfragmented tracts of land. There were no CB radios, cellphones, or GPS collars. Supporters often cite “tradition,” but modern deer dog hunting operates very differently from earlier generations. Changes in landownership patterns and advanced tracking technology have created new challenges for landowners. Rural areas now include many residents who do not hunt and have no prior exposure to deer dog hunting, yet they are directly affected by dogs and hunters entering their property without permission. Increasingly, landowners report frequent incursions by dogs and repeated retrieval attempts, raising legitimate concerns about property rights and the constitutionality of laws such as Virginia’s Right to Retrieve statute. Modern practices allow hunters to use GPS‑equipped collars and vehicles to follow deer across multiple properties, often without knowing or contacting the landowners involved. With GPS, deer travel patterns can be mapped and exploited, making it easier to release dogs in ways that push deer across private land. This is a significant departure from the traditional, club‑based hunting model that existed when large tracts of rural land were still intact. This issue is not unique to my property. I have owned or lived on multiple parcels exceeding 50 acres in Isle of Wight, Surry, and Southampton Counties, and the same problems have occurred in each location. Many dog hunters do not own land or live in the communities where they hunt, and many lack familiarity with the landowners whose property their activities affect. Among friends, neighbors, and fellow landowners, reports of similar experiences are widespread. Several southern states that once viewed deer dog hunting as a longstanding tradition have enacted regulations or restrictions in response to these evolving issues. While Virginia has conducted studies acknowledging these concerns, meaningful policy reforms have been limited. My goal is not to end dog hunting. I support the tradition when practiced responsibly. What I and many other landowners are asking for is reasonable regulation that respects both hunters and property owners and reflects the realities of today’s landscape

I am writing you ask you please support this bill. I am a still hunter and have nothing against hunting, but these dog hunters are abusing privileges and us landowners have had enough. They shoot from the road, they trespass, they release their dogs from the road onto private property, and these dogs aren’t friendly dogs. They terrorize my chickens, they’ve ruined my fencing, they’ve chased my pregnant wife getting into her car. And after the season is over, it doesn’t stop. Then we find abandoned, starving dogs. Just one look at these kennels would make you sick. No water, walking in their own feces, fed once a day if lucky, and a blue barrel or a trash can for shelter. They keep calling it tradition, and want to hand this down to their children, but we don’t need them teaching the next generation to trespass, break laws, abuse dogs, and terrorize livestock. We need regulation!

Please vote NO on HB 1396 thank you!

I am a Virginia landowner and parent writing to express my support for legislation addressing hunting with dogs and repeated dog trespass onto private property. This issue is not theoretical for my family. On my property, we have experienced repeated incidents involving hunting dogs that were not under the control of their handlers. In one incident, a pack of hunting dogs grabbed my two-year-old child by her jacket and began dragging her while she was walking just behind me in our driveway on the way to our vehicle. In other incidents, hunting dogs have broken fencing to enter our yard and fight with our dogs, and we have witnessed dogs chase and seriously injure pets. These dogs also routinely run into roadways, creating a real risk to motorists. When owners were contacted, they were often more than an hour away, refused to stop what they were doing to retrieve their dogs, and told us to “just let the dog go” because it would “come back eventually.” What has been most concerning is that when we contacted local law enforcement, animal control, and the Department of Wildlife Resources, we were repeatedly told that nothing could be done. We were informed there was no meaningful enforcement available even when dogs were far outside the area they were supposed to be hunting, owners were unreachable or unwilling to retrieve them, and children and pets were placed at risk. Responsible dog hunters already respect property boundaries and control their dogs. The problem is a small number of individuals who do not, leaving landowners with no accountability or protection. Legislation that creates clear responsibility and enforceable boundaries is necessary to protect families, pets, property, and motorists while preserving responsible hunting traditions. Thank you for your consideration to bills that help us achieve meaningful change to protect landowners, pets, and dog hunters a like.

My name is Brad Eustace owner of Eustace Farms LLC I am writing you about HB1396.I am not in favor of this bill and I’m hoping you will vote against it. If this bill passes it will make it tough for us to have hunting dogs.Hunting with dogs isn’t about harvesting the animal they are pursuing it’s about fellowship being able to be amongst friends and family.With everything going on in this country today people enjoy this heritage which is part of our small towns. Sincerely Brad Eustace

HB1396 needs to be opposed. There are already laws in place that need to be enforced. As a landowner and hunter in Virginia I already pay over $100 per year to hunt private land in Virginia.

Mr Martinez hope you are having a great day. I hope that you would oppose this bill. I know there are a lot of bad apples in hunting with dogs but but most of us do it the right way. We should not be lumped together and have pay the price for the bad ones. I hope you reconsider this bill thanks.

I was only introduced to hound hunting 4 years ago. To this day I have still not killed or injured an animal in front of a hound. (It’s much harder than it looks!) I take great pride in my hounds along with many others. My fiancé and I love running our dogs and we do our absolute best to keep dogs from entering a property. My worry is you introduce this bill people will resort to shocking these dogs to keep them off other’s property. When all the are doing is passing thru and you pick them up the next road over so myself doesn’t have to go on a private property as an unarmed woman. Hunting hounds as become my favorite among all hunting activities. I’m a horse owner a chicken owner and have owned various other livestock. These dogs aren’t always interested in livestock, but it happens! I do my best to make sure my dogs are not concerned with livestock but at the same time their kibble contains chicken meat and by product. So how can you be upset with an animal that is fed another animal in a different form? I’m not mad when a fox, coyote raccoon get my animals. Just means I need to do a better job of fencing out what I don’t want in. Thank you for reading if you did I may have been slightly all over the place but I wasn’t prepared I just went with what I felt. Sincerely, Jamie Sanford Virginia Beach, VA

Please support HB1396! I'm tired of seeing emaciated dogs abandoned. I believe this bill will seed out the "hunters" who use and abuse their dogs. I worked at PEC animal control for a time and can't count how many tri color hounds we euthanized because no one came to pick them up. There needs to be regulations and accountability.

Please vote NO on this bill!

I Oppose this bill and the idea of separate permit to run dogs i don’t feel like it’s needed I do think that there are plenty of laws on the books to combat problems and complaints to hound running/hunting the percentage of complaints and tickets for hound hunting is minimal compared to all hunting complaints and tickets also I don’t think legislators that don’t live in districts that don’t allow such hunting should be able to dictate or try to control some who’s not there constituent !!!

Please VOTE YES ON HB1396. I'm a landowner, & hunter, and am tired of all the hounds trespassing on my property. This bill will NOT kill hound hunting . All it does is make it fair for the landowners and hound hunters alike. Hound hunters are so used to having there way , & not having to play by the same rules as the rest of us, those are the ones in opposition of this bill. There's only one reason why one needs to be in opposition of this bill... if you know your hunt club is one of the problem clubs. This is not a case of several bad apples as these clubs keep insisting, instead of several bad apples, the entire orchard is rotten. And the bill as written does NOT impede hound hunters who want to hunt ethically and on property they have permission to be on, it simply means that if the landowner doesn't want 20 hounds running through his property, he would have the right to say so. Why should I have to donate my property to an outdated , barbaric, inhumane practice? If they want to participate in legalized animal abuse and call it tradition , & something to be proud of, that's fine, but please don't force me to participate by not allowing me to have private property. I paid dearly for my 200 acres, not them. I pay the taxes, not them. This bill is common sense, and there shouldn't be any opposition to it. It is crazy that in 2026, we are still fighting for the basic right that the united states constitution guarantees it's citizens, the right to private property. Somehow the state of Virginia has decided that us landowners are not worthy of having rights. Will you please finally be the ones who restore our property rights? Us landowners also donate to hunters feeding the hungry, it is most definitely not just the hound community that donates & does good. All we are asking for is the right to exclude the neighbors pack of hounds, all we are asking is that their tradition not involve my property, all we are asking is this simple remedy to a huge problem. Us landowners are not bad guys for wanting our private property rights back. It doesn't matter where anyone comes from, each landowner is entitled to controlling their land as they see fit, that does not make me a bad person. The hound hunters should be responsible for controlling their hounds, it really is as simple as that. Please VOTE yes to Hb1396 , thousands of virginia landowners are begging for this, but a lot of them won't speak out do to threats and intimidation from their local hunt clubs....

Please oppose this bill it is a bad bill with to much grey area, most likely will be amended to be much worse if passed through to the committee . Please do not pass this bill.

I ask that you vote NO to this bill to protect my family’s traditions and way of life. I want my husband to be able to pass this down to our daughter. Please vote no

This is Dustin Davis I've been living in Virginia my whole life an been hound hunting for 25+ years. HB 1396 will all but eliminate the tradition we love so dearly. If you would please vote no on this bill so we can continue to enjoy the hunting we love an pass the tradition down to others. Please vote NO. Thanks for your consideration, Dustin.

As a farmer (over 400 acres and my father over 300 acres) deer are a nuisance. People who hunt from stands don't or won't kill female deer. Whereas the dog hunters will. I have to get kill permits every year and kill on average 40-45 each year. This is extra work I don't need . I estimate without the dog hunters I will have to kill 65-85 deer a year. Dog hunters are an asset to me.

I'm asking you to support HB1396.

I’ve seen a lot of sloppy hunting around with dog hunting, dogs running on private property and ruining hunting on land they don’t permission to hunt! To me it doesn’t make sense that dogs are allowed to run on private property and disturb hunting grounds that are kept quiet on purpose to have a whitetail haven!

Please oppose HB1396.

Please oppose HB1396. Hound issues account for only a small fraction of complaints, and the majority of those complaint numbers are heavily fluffed by the opposition. Hunting with hounds has a strong economic impact in rural Virginia, further regulation will only hinder these areas even more. Please promote the outdoors, not add more obstacles.

Please oppose HB1396.

I am in support of bill HB1396. In my opinion dog hunting should be illegal. I’m a hunter as well, and at no point is it right or should it be legal to infringe on someone else’s private property. Dog hunter let their dogs freely run through private property that they do not have permission on. The only way to stop this is make it completely illegal to run dogs for deer.

Oppose bill HB1396

Something needs to be done about the dog hunters. They constantly trespass on our property and when they're not physically walking through our property their dogs are. Between my brothers, father, and myself we have roughly 600 acres that the dog hunters are endlessly running their dogs through. They go to one side of our property, turn their dogs loose, then go to the other side of our property and shoot the deer that come out. And it doesn't matter if it's a doe day or not they shoot WHATEVER comes running out. They park up and down the road every 50 feet and shoot the deer as they cross the road. How is this even legal that their PLANNED shooting lane is the public road?! I constantly have interactions with these guys and they always give me the same answer. "I'm looking for my dog, there's nothing you can do to stop me from coming in here and retrieving my property." What is boils down to is there's no such thing as private property in Virginia as long as dog hunting is legal. The laws are in favor for these criminals. They go wherever they want and we can't do anything about it but call the game warden and complain. Why am I paying taxes for land that I'm not allowed to control who can and can't be on it. These guys constanty break the law, they're disrespectful to the land owners, and they act like they have more of a right to be on my property than I do. It needs to stop before these guys accidentally kill someone going down the road on his/her way to work.

I oppose HB 1396 and ask for the committee to not move the bill forward

Please oppose this bill.

This bill would absolutely destroy an American tradition, what happens when coyotes, foxes and bobcats are eating out of people’s trash cans in town, attacking people, not only speaking for myself, my kids would be destroyed that the sport they know and love will be taken from them, how about propose a bill to landowners that do not permit the use of hunting dogs on there property to put a perimeter fence around their property, as we all know dogs can’t read posted signs and if the hunter doesn’t have permission to stop and try to retrieve the dog that is crossing onto property that he doesn’t have permission he has to stop on property that he does have permission and walk up the road and retrieve the dog, it’s hard enough to keep the sport going now with the bills and laws that are in place, please on behalf of all members and children of east prong hunting club in MT Laurel VA deny this bill and propose something that doesn’t really kill a traditional sport

I am writing to OPPOSE HB1396. Amy additional laws will put a heavy burden on our favorite pastime.

I'm asking you to support HB1396. These comments are targeted to Deer and Bear Hunting, not fox, squirrel or rabbit hunting with dogs as that is not seen as an issue for most landowners. Deer and Bear are large game animals in Virginia and we are very lucky to have healthy populations of both. If you want to hunt, then by all means hunt, but you need to get out of your truck and hunt like the rest of the population. You know, walk and use stands to harvest. Your "sport" is abusing landowners and the game animals you chase.....I have seen the same bear run multiple times in one day and on multiple days. Sows separated from cubs in order to harvest them, etc.... This is justified by citing "its my sport" or "its my heritage".....your "heritage" does not include pickup trucks, GPS collars, and radios. If you want to cite "heritage", then hunt like it was done back then. Its just a convenient way to try and justify trespassing on another person's private property....which, I am guess you would not want to happen in your backyard.

Strongly disagree with and oppose HB1396!

Please do not ban dog hunting or push for rules that make it worse for everyone Please id really hope you would be interested in joining a hunting club to learn and experience a great tradition that should continue until the earth stops spinning

Please Oppose HB1396

I have lived in Virginia my entire life. From a young age I can remember hunting dogs wandering onto our property chasing livestock. After the season was ended if they wandered on to our property they were usually emaciated and poorly treated, a lot of times even dumped and abandoned. I would love to see this bill passed. I now live across from state run wildlife management area and we see hunting dogs all of the time on our property. It is incredibly frustrating, especially since we have livestock that are affected. I urge you to support this bill that would make my life and the lives of those around me , who I know are also affected by irresponsible hunters, better. Thank you very much, have a blessed day!

I am writing to urge the committee to please SUPPORT HB1396. For decades, our family farm in Central Virginia has been subject to constant incursions by deer hound hunters and their hounds throughout General Firearms season, often times intentional. These invasions routinely lead to disruptions to our personal deer hunts and unsafe situations, and violate our right to control what happens on our land. There are currently no enforceable regulations to hold the perpetrators accountable, thus the abuse continues, year after year. This bill would help hold hound hunters who do not respect private property responsible, while allowing respectful hound hunters to continue their tradition. There is no other hobby that has the ability to usurp private property for its use in this manner.

As a landowner in Halifax County Virginia HB1396 is an extreme Government overreach of my personal property rights as a deer hunter using dogs, this bill will be detrimental to the longstanding tradition of hunting with hounds in Virginia and I ask that you do not support this bill and consider the weight your votes will carry for the future of hunting in Virginia

I would like to express my strong opposition to HB1396. I believe these changes will make it unnecessarily difficult for those of us who strictly follow existing laws to continue our practices and enjoy this sport that has been around for generations. I urge you to OPPOSE HB1396.

Oppose HB1396

We have been hunting dogs for centuries we shouldn’t have to give up our rights because people move down to our home and heritages and try to change what we have been doing all of our lives we don’t mess with anybody we hunt for food we shouldn’t have to be afraid to loose our sport because of people who knew what they moved down here from out of town trying to change our lifestyle we are simply minding our business and staying out of everyone else’s life we will fight for what we love to do we don’t harm the animal any less than a car hitting them or a train or drowning or getting hung up in fences we simply do not want the animal to suffer we just want to feed our family’s and try to do it the most respectful way to the animal we are not hiding from the animal we give them a fair chance we rent land that we pay taxes on we buy hunting license that goes to the government we buy products that are taxed so I feel as we paid to play we pay y’all so we can do what we love so y would y’all want to take this away the dog hunting community pays more than half of the people around in dog food garmin product raising money for charity’s helping out our local dog pounds helping out the people who have nice cars or trucks so you think taking it away will help yall any no will not benefit nobody but the deer population that want be controlled it was help in taxes it want help in hunting license it want help with dogs being on camera because it will be a lot of dogs running free not from me but people tha feel as if they can’t run them they will get rid of them and it want be to no pound so it want be any healthier for the community

I am writing to express my strong support for HB1396 I was born and raised in Virginia and have long had major frustrations with the way hound deer hunting is allowed in our communities. Hound trespassing is a constant throughout all of Hunting season in our area and there is not a thing we can do about it. We put in tons of time, money and effort on our private hunting land to set it up for still hunting deer only to have the property run through constantly by trespassing deer hounds. We have talked to the hunters about it and they tell us there isn’t much they can do about it and that the dogs just run wherever the deer leads them. This makes no sense to me! If my house dog would go over to my neighbors house every time i let him out i would be liable for fines because my dog is not under control but when it comes to hunting dogs there are no rules. PLEASE consider supporting this bill and finally give us private property owners a voice in all of this. Thank you for your time and consideration. Randall J Miller

I am writing this to voice my opposition to HB1396 I strongly oppose this bill ( HB1396 . )

Please oppose and vote No for HB1396 and thank you for your time

I'm asking you to support HB1396. As a landowner and taxpayer on this acreage, I am asking that the State of Virginia understand and support my and my families right to manage our property without being forced or manipulated into sharing our property with whoever has a dog with them! It is truly amazing that if a person appeared on your porch or entered your home or vehicle to "simple use it", then there would be no question of the legality of that situation. However, in Virginia, we now have these "dog hunters" (primary deer and bear) who believe they have the right to enter property without the owners approval. When I discuss this with friends in other states, they are stunned and amazed of such a backwards law. Also the "its my heritage" argument holds no merit.....many things from our pass, that would have been classified as "heritage" are now understood to be morally wrong!!!

Oppose this !

I am writing to you today to please oppose bill HB1396. I believe this bill would just be one step closer to fulling outlawing hunting with dogs . This tradition has been around for generations and generations. I am hoping to pass it down to my own children one day so please vote NO on HB1396. Thank you.

I am asking you to strongly OPPOSE this bill as it would be detrimental for our hound heritage here in Virginia! Hunting with hounds brings a lot of revenue to our small businesses and DWR across the state. People moving to the commonwealth that are unfamiliar about our way of hunting are the ones trying to ruin it. Know where you’re moving before you move! Please OPPOSE HB1396!

I am writing to urge you to protect hunting with hounds and to vote no to HB1396. I am a land owner, and business owner in the state of Virginia. Hunting with hounds is an important part of our rural heritage and supports countryside management, conservation, and local communities. It provides livelihoods, maintains working knowledge of the land, and plays a role in responsible wildlife management when conducted lawfully and humanely. Decisions affecting rural traditions should be based on evidence, practical outcomes, and respect for those who live and work in the countryside—not on misunderstanding or ideology. Many people who support hunting with hounds do so because they care deeply about animal welfare, conservation, and the sustainability of rural life. Small feed business, timber companies, country stores, retail suppliers all depend on hound hunters to support families, and pay a large amount of taxes in the commonwealth. Without hound hunting these business and the income it brings the state will likely fold or greatly decrease. Trucks line up at gas pumps, food lions, feed stores which all puts money back into the Virginia economy. I respectfully ask you to stand up for countryside communities and support the continuation of responsible hunting with hounds. Thank you for your time and consideration. Yours sincerely, Todd Wilkins

Good afternoon, My name is Riley Worsham, I'm 13 years old lived in Southampton county my whole life. I am opposed to HB1396 in regards to regulations to hunting with hounds. Many of my favorite memories with my dad included spending time with our hunting dogs. I have grown up with them my whole life including raising them as puppies, caring for them, and many more. This bill would provide a conflict to many people because hunting with hounds is what all the excitement is. The only reason I mainly go hunting is because of the dogs. They are fun to listen to, watch them run a deer, and lastly congratulate them when they get back to the truck. Many little kids including myself enjoy hunting with dogs because it's more excitement. Once again I'm asking you to oppose HB1396 in regards to regulations to hunting with dogs. Thank you for your time and consideration, Riley Worsham

Good Morning, As a Landowner, hunter, and small business owner in this space. I respectfully submit this letter to express my strong opposition to House Bill 1396 (2026 session). While I appreciate the intent to regulate hunting practices, this bill would impose unnecessary bureaucratic obstacles on responsible hunters and negatively impact longstanding hunting traditions and rural communities across the Commonwealth. This bill would create excessive red tape for outdoor enthusiasts who already comply with existing hunting regulations. These requirements may discourage participation in outdoor recreation and burdensome paperwork for constituents who rely on hunting for wildlife management, sustenance, or cultural practice. There is insufficient evidence that this legislation would meaningfully enhance conservation or public safety relative to its costs in time and resources for both hunters and the Department of Wildlife Resources to administer and enforce. I urge careful consideration of whether the state should expand restrictions on lawful, longstanding hunting practices without clear justification. Bills of this nature will have devastating impacts on small businesses around the state and a negative impact on local rural economies. For these reasons, I respectfully urge you to oppose HB1396 and protect the rights, traditions, and practical needs of Virginia hunters and rural constituents. Thank you for your service and consideration of my views. Respectfully, Thomas Major Twin Oak dog Supply

Opposed to this bill 1396

It is my belief that when you decide on a place to live you research the culture and the history of the area. Foxhunting is deeply rooted in Virginia since the beginning of this nations creating. George Washington had foxhounds and so did many of the original colonizers. We have simply decided that we can change peoples culture as we see fit and this is the direct result of that mindset. We have laws that protect us to do what our ancestors did and it’s a big reason why I moved here, I moved somewhere that had laws to protect my rights and now because people have moved into this land that have other views i must simply bow to them. While I do not oppose migration within our states I truly believe you need to assimilate into the culture upon which you have moved into. This bill and others threatens to kill the one thing I can pass onto my kids that I received as a child a heritage and a damn hell of a life, I think maybe if this passes I might move to the beach and try and get a law banning swimming, maybe I’ll start with a permit to swim then I’ll just ban it. I hate swimming and I don’t care what you like because I like the beach and I think I should move there and change it how I like.

I am taking the time to ask you to please oppose bill HB1396, the tradition of hound has been apart of Virginia’s culture for generations.

Please oppose hb 1396... this is a big grab to destroy Virginia heritage and history of hunting with dogs. Much of rural Virginia faces minimal to no issues at all with those who don't hunt and those that don't hunt with dogs, most don't care. Our state is not like others with huge tracts of timberland that can be leased by the thousands yet it takes 30-40 to pay leases for 1500-3000 acres if that. Sure there may be places we can't hunt but none of us want our dogs there because we don't want the hassle and don't want anyone else to be bothered either. Does it happen sure, but not purposely and if it does there are laws for those people! I don't need a permit, I buy a hunting license like others, I don't need a special tag on my vehicle, I have a license plate, I don't need to put something on y dog as I have a tracker and a collar with my information on it. Vote no to HB 1396

I am writing to respectfully ask for your support of HB1396, which was introduced on January 22. HB1396 strikes a fair, common-sense balance between responsible hunting traditions and strong landowner rights. I hesitate to impose yet another fee on hunters, as I am one. However, as a landowner, this issue is personal for me. During hunting season, I have experienced repeated, sometimes daily all day incidents of dogs trespassing on my property, which has resulted in *actual livestock losses*. These situations are difficult to address under current law and place an unfair burden on landowners who are simply trying to protect their animals and property. This bill creates reasonable accountability without harming lawful sportsmen or long-standing practices. Specifically, HB1396: Establishes a simple, affordable $19 permit through DWR for hunters using dogs Requires clear identification on dogs and vehicles, helping resolve conflicts in the field Clearly prohibits releasing dogs on private land without landowner permission Preserves existing Right-to-Retrieve laws Grants DWR authority to suspend or revoke permits for bad actors, consistent with other outdoor activities Protects traditional exemptions such as mounted fox hunting, waterfowl hunting, and tracking wounded game This approach has already proven effective in other states, and it provides clarity, enforcement tools, and fairness for everyone involved—hunters, landowners, and conservation officers alike. I respectfully urge you to support HB1396 and help move it forward. Thank you for your time, your service, and your consideration of this important issue. Sincerely, Brad Clemmons Jr.

This pertains more specifically to the section C of this proposed bill. Not only is trespass by an animal, pet, or hunting dog something that directly interferes with open leash laws in the state of VA but also is direct interference with our "fence out" state regulations. Not only does the bill conflict with already in place laws but it opens up a mess of problems looking into the future if this bill passes. I am all for holding people accountable and all of the "Bad Apples" being taken care of one way or another, but my fear for this bill is the abuse that certain landowners will exercise with the passing of this bill. As houndsmen we do everything in our power to keep our dogs on our land that we are allowed to hunt. This bill will give the person that has a handful of acres amongst hundreds or even thousands of acres of legal dog hunting land to sit in the back of his property and wait for a hound to come across his land, capture the hound during chase, and press charges on an innocent houndsmen. Another note, what is a "hunting dog" and what keeps an irritated neighbor from using this bill to make false claims that a "Hunting dog" when a lab comes across his land. A few breeds used for hunting are as follows, labs, golden retrievers, beagles, jack russells, terriers, GSP's, and heck even a dachshund is technically bred for hunting purposes. So where do we draw the line of what is and isn't a hunting dog and how are we gonna protect innocent pet owners with hunting bred style dogs from having this bill be used against them. Hopefully a few things you will think about when it comes time to SAY NO to this bill.

I am writing to request support for HB 1396. This bill does not stop hound hunting, it protects landowners from trespass on their private, posted property. It stops the "taking" of private property for someone's recreational hunting hobby. Property owners should get to decide what occurs on their property and be able to have a safe environment for their livestock. This bill only stops hound hunting where they already shouldn’t be and gives authorities the means to enforce it, it does not stop hound hunting. Please vote YES

HB1396. I respectfully ask that you please OPPOSE HB1396. Thanks.

Please please please oppose HB1396 this is incredibly dangerous to a sport I’ve enjoyed my entire life and a sport I’m so excited to share with my children!

I ask that HB1396 be supported. This bill protects property owners and allows hound hunters to continue hunting. Data presented by the DNR report on hound hunting in the Commonwealth, dated January 12, identifies that there were over 2300 hunting violations. Said violations have impacts on agriculture, highway safety, and extensive use of manpower of Conservation Officers. No bill is ever perfect, but this is the first that attempts to mediate interests of property owners and hound hunters.

GOOD MORNING, I am writing to express my strong opposition to HB1396 and SB471. As a life long Virginia resident and law abiding sportsman I am emailing to voice my opposition to SB471 AND HB1396. Data shows calls for service to VA DWR related to hound hunting has significantly decreased in the last 3 years. Virginia hound hunting has a great impact on the economy and charitable organizations. Restricting hound hunting in Virginia would be detrimental to the economy and the charities that benefit from it. This legislation would impose significant burdens on law-abiding houndsmen. I believe these changes will make it unnecessarily difficult for those of us who strictly follow existing laws to continue our practices. I urge you to oppose this bill. Respectfully, Seth Morris.

We OPPOSE this bill because it’s making it harder for hunters of the VA

NO MORE EXCUSES! I support HB 1396. After years of lip service by the DWR and inaction by hound hunters, the General Assembly should no longer ask property owners to absorb consequences of uncontrollable hunting dogs trespassing on our land. Roaming uncontrollable dogs should not be tolerated no matter if they are hunting or not. The hound hunters need to control their dogs. Spend some time teaching your dog recall like other responsible dog owners do or don’t hunt. Be a responsible hunter and a good neighbor. No more excuses. Stand with property owners and support HB1396. It just makes sense.

Please support HB1396. First I want to say I am a hunter, I believe in the Second Amendment and supporting hunting rights, however, the current law in Virginia is antiquated and needs changed to reflect property owners rights. I hunted birds and rabbits with dogs in PA for 40 years. As such, if you trespassed on another persons property you always needed permission. I hunt five different states and they all require written notice to trespass on someone's property. Having moved from another state to Virginia I was shocked to see dogs and dog hunters all over my property and learn there was nothing I could do. No matter how many posted signs I put up on my property, they meant nothing to dogs and dog hunters. Dogs obviously can't read signs, but humans certainly can. Posted/Private Property means exactly that in 90% of the United States. Why is Virginia so behind the times as it relates to trespass laws? I own 80 plus acres in Halifax County VA and it is polluted with dogs and dog hunters. Since I moved here, I have had conflicts every year with dogs/dog hunters. There is no reason for this. If you pay for "your land", it should be "your land". In what legal world do dog hunters believe they have the right to break the law? How do Virginia legislators allow themselves to continue this absolute violation of personal property rights? Whether I am hunting or enjoying my land with my family and walking my dogs, every year I get violated by illegal dogs and dog hunters. Trucks drive up and down the road looking for their dogs and the first chance they can they pull off and go on your land to get their dogs. This is absolutely crazy. Private property means Private virtually everywhere in America except Virginia. This bills still supports dog hunters but it gives landowners the right to actually have an opinion on who is on their land. Please support this bill, it is time Virginia honors and respects landowners rights.

PLEASE OPPOSE THIS BILL. COUNT HUNTERS ARE AN ASSET IN THE REVENUE FOR THE VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF GAME AND ALSO A VERY VITAL ASSET TO THE REVENUE OF ALL SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS IN RURAL PARTS OF THE STATE. PLEASE OPPOSE!!!!! VOTE NO!!!

Please oppose hb-1396 . This bill will put a lot of hunt clubs out of business . It will effect the local rural businesses who count on these 7 weeks of deer season . The country stores , diners etc that are packed from open to close with hunters spending money. Vdgif will also lose money as a lot of hunters will quit hunting and license revenue will decline and the deer population will explode !

I request that this bill is STRONGLY OPPOSED. As a hounds man and land owner, this bill would be devastating to the Outdoors of the state and the people within. I also feel that it should be left up to the local governments to decide on these regulations. Counties in Northern VA shouldn’t determine what’s happens in the West or South of the state and vise versa.

To all whom it may concern. I am asking you to support this bill. I feel the ones who hunt with dogs should be required to keep said dogs off of property in which they do not have permission to hunt. In essence, they are trespassing. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Please pass this bill. I am a landowner in Nelson and have been struggling with hunting dogs on my land for a decade now. We have a small farm and the hunting dogs trespass without permission, and have killed my livestock each season, and even out of season, because they run their dogs all year round, but that's not even the worst part. The worst part is when my kids can't even play in their own yard because of disrespectful hunters that release their dogs anywhere they want without permission and they have been in our woods and have jumped our electric fence to chase my 4 year old in her own yard. Whenever animal control is called, they support the hunters and do nothing. When we talk to the hunters, they threaten to burn our houses down or tell us “it could be worse” and that we should just move if we don’t like it. When we call DWR, they don't answer, or lump all of our complaints into one call, to make it look like it's less of a problem than it is. We need more help from you so that hunters just stay on land that they have permission to be on. We need more regulation, and accountability for these "bad apples" that the hunters love to pretend is only a few, but the few planted an orchard long, long ago. Please support HB1396, it will really help us small farmers and landowners who feel like our rights are being trampled on by these hunters.

It's always the same response from people defending the use of dogs to chase deer, the answer is always so simple yes it's my land, I work hard for it year round, no I do not want it to be a play ground for hounds, obviously dogs can't read posted signs but so called hounds man can and if they are such professionals at their style of hunting then they should know where their dogs are at all times and have the ability to turn or stop them from crossing property lines because we sure know they have the ability to turn them back onto our property but that being said l've also read a lot people saying don't let a few bad apples ruin it for everyone if that was the case there wouldn't be bills trying to get passed or large groups in Virginia voicing their opinion on this matter so l believe it's a state wide problem not just a few bad apples but regardless things are changing, land is getting divided into smaller pieces everyday and old laws should be updated to accommodate to the everyday life we have today and it's simple "you and everything you own stay off land that does not belong to you " or don't have permission to be on

Support HB 1396! Give property owners recourse against trespassing hounds. This has been an issue far too long and it’s time for Virginia to pass some laws to give property owners recourse against wondering hunting dogs. This doesn’t end hound hunting so stop pretending it ends hunting with dogs. . It just makes hound hunters accountable. ….to which they’ve had zero accountability. Pass HB1396.

VOTE NO TO HB1396, SB741 & SB770!

Dear Honorable Members of the House and Senate Agriculture Committees, My name is Will Clevinger, and I am a constituent living in Louisa County, Virginia. I respectfully urge you to oppose HB1396, SB471, and SB 770, and stand with rural Virginia. In Virginia, hunting deer, fox, coyotes, and rabbits with hounds is not simply a hobby, it is a deeply rooted way of life. I have grown up hunting with hounds my entire life, where it has been passed down from generation to generation. And I for one, like many others would thoroughly love to enjoy hunting with hounds with my children one day. To teach them how to take care of animals and about gun safety, how to provide for their families, how to be a respectful outdoorsman. these are just a few of the examples that hunting with dogs can teach young folks. It is a much better alternative than young children sitting at home playing video games or out there doing drugs. Hounding with dogs is a drug in itself! the adrenaline and the pride we take in the dogs is a match like no other! Outside of these valuable lessons that one can learn for hunting with dogs, it also has a great economic value as well. The local communities gather together, and you can hear the excitement in the air. When it comes to a certain hunting season or a field trail in the area, it brings a lot of small business' income that they count on each year. I would please urge you to oppose these bills, as you'd be taking a sport away that has been loved for many years and hurting more than just the folks that have dogs. Thank you!

I would like to take a moment to show my support for HB1396. I am a landowner in Southampton County and my property essentially becomes public land to the local hound hunters during the VA General Firearms Seasons. As it stands in VA, there are no minimum acreage requirements for releasing hounds. A hunter with access to just a few acres can legally release hounds, which then can move to a neighboring property and nothing can be done about it. Dogs are used to track, jump, and run deer from neighboring lands the dog owners do not have permission to be on. I do not feel a complete abolishment of hound hunting is needed, but regulations do need to be put in place to protect taxpayers and private land owners. I also do believe the bill needs to be reworded for deer hounds and not all hunting dogs. Small game dogs such as squirrel/rabbit dogs typically do not range far at all, and are not typically a problem. Thank you for your time and consideration in supporting HB1396.

Please pass this bill HB1396. I am very disturbed and aggravated every hunting season when my posted property over 90 acres is run over by hunting dogs and hunters stopping in the middle of the road to collect them. The dogs scare my toddlers. The hunt club knows how I feel. I have called CPO's multiple times and nothing happens. We get repeat offenders, dogs and hunters impeding traffic, calling me names in my own driveway. I have too many pictures every year. I do not want dogs running loose all over my farm land, and property and I can't do anything about it. As I said, my property is well posted - No Trespassing, no hunting etc. Make the hunters accountable for their dogs and the hunters actions. Please stop the trespassing, aggravation and stress I have to go through. Let's get control of the loose dogs that run on the property that I own and pay heavy taxes on, so we can enjoy our fall and winter months. Get them to register their dogs and hopefully save some of the dogs from ending up in the shelter or in the streets. Charge them a fee per dog, and donate to the local animal shelters in the county they hunt in.

Please vote in opposition of this bill. This bill is will be a night mare to enforce, creating many concerning issues that point back to responsible dog hunters regardless of the facts. You will have landowners holding dogs hostage that would have never stopped and been long gone off of their 2 or 3 arces when you rent 1 or 2 thousand continuous acres around theirs. With this bill the dog owner will be charged with their dog trespassing. As a responsible dog hunter believe me when I tell you we do not want our hounds on your property any more than you do. They are not benefiting our hunt any being on your land. Even with the GPS technology we have now it is still not enough to 100 percent garrantee no matter how much your try that 100 percent of the time you will keep or can break you hounds from doing what they are born to do from entering property you are not supposed to be on no matter the size of the parcel. PLEASE VOTE NO

If this policy change makes the future of hound hunting in VA more secure it’s got my full support.

I'm a landowner in Lancaster Virginia. Our private property becomes public hunting for the local hound hunt club. Every year for seven weeks we are forced to endure unwanted hound invasion. Our tradition is still hunting , but as you can imagine, once the hunt club runs their hounds through our property, we can no longer hunt it. They've chased all the game off of our property and we are considered the trouble makers for simply wanting peace and our private property respected as private property. Please VOTE YES ON HB1396. This bill will NOT KILL HOUND HUNTING. All it does is forces accountability on the hound hunting community. So far all they had to say is, " I can't control my dogs". " My dogs can't read ". The only folks who will be in opposition to this bill are the ones who are the problem... please restore private property rights to the landowners where they rightfully belong... the constitution protects private property rights, not someone's tradition of trespassing. This bill is fair to both hound hunters and landowners... every year we have hounds turn up abandoned after the season. These dogs deserve better treatment . They are under fed, the hunt club told us they do it intentionally "They hunt better hungry". " We treat them like family " while they are kept in barrels for shelter , whether it's 0 degrees or 100 degrees. "Go back to where you came from if you don't like it". "It will happen again, the dogs will be on your property again". The list goes on & on. Please fix this problem for all of the landowners across the Commonwealth... the permit system would help with all of the issues surrounding dog hunting. Our public roads are turned into race tracks, trucks tearing up & down trying to get ahead of a deer thats running from the dogs, rampant road hunting. These practices are not an honorable tradition... please VOTE YES TO HB1396

I bought 136 acres in Goochland County, I spent a lot of time and money to improve the habitat for all wildlife. I am an avid hunter but believe more than ever we need to become land managers on the property we own. I got tired of dealing with hunt clubs letting there dogs running through my property and not just fall deer season. I had them running spring and summer as well. I caught a guy trespassing he was hunting my place with his dogs on my cameras. I took him to court and It was a joke, he got a $50.00 fine and was sent on his way. I finally just had enough and it pushed me to sell my property because of the disturbance of on going hound trespassing. One club leased 5 acres that was surrounded by private land so they could dump dogs in on the private lands. This so call heritage way of hunting needs changes. Its not fair to non hunter landowners and folks like me that invest a lot into make property better for all wildlife. I live in the Columbia area of Goochland now with 10 acres. I am working on habitat management for wildlife and would like to be abler to do this without trespassing going on. Please make changes that help this happen. The one excuse these guys come out with was George Washington hunted this way. Well in his time you had endless tracks of open land to hunt that way. Those days are long gone!

I am asking members to please oppose this bill. I have hunted with dogs my entire life as it has been a tradition passed down for many generations. My club and its members respect and honor the land and landowners that we are allowed to hunt and even what we do not hunt. In Southampton, our rich agricultural background runs as deep as our hound heritage, teaching us to respect the land, landowners, dogs, and the deer.

I am writing to request support for HB 1396. This bill does not stop hound hunting, it protects landowners from trespass on their private, posted property. It stops the "taking" of private property for someone's recreational hunting hobby. Hound hunters have trespassed on my farm for 25 years. Hunting trespass almost cost me my life. I was attacked by a bear that was fleeing a pack of hounds through my pasture. I was working in the field when this occurred. Unfortunately, I was in the bear's escape route. It took me down with one swipe and sank its fangs in my upper arm. I am blessed to be alive. Please support HB 1396. Hound hunters can still hunt, landowners are protected against trespass, and DWR will have the money and tools to enforce hunting laws. It's a win/win for all.

I'm a landowner in Lancaster Virginia, my husband and I own 60 acres, my parents own 200. I'm respectfully asking you to VOTE YES ON HB1396. During the general firearms season our 260 are over run with trespassing deer hounds. This season alone, we know of 15 instances that the local hunt club ran their hounds through our property. And almost guaranteed that there were more instances that happened while we were at work. This bill does not restrict anybodys ability to hunt. Rather it restores landowners constitutional right to private property. Hound hunters should have to keep their hounds on property they have permission to be on. This permit system could also help with the inhumane practice of dumping unwanted hounds after the season. Why should my private property become public hunting for the hound hunting community? Respectfully, WE PAID THE MORTGAGE ON THE PROPERTY, WE PAY THE TAXES, WE MAINTAIN THE PROPERTY. All we've ever asked for is to not have our rights abused by the hound hunting community. This bill would restore landowners rights, and preserve hound hunting. Please VOTE YES.

I do not support this in any capacity. Things like this pushes people out of our sport and new people from entering our sport due to cost of licensing and permits already. This is like making everyone you know pay for a permit to play any sport when we already pay hundreds of dollars a year for different licenses DWR to hunt on land that we already paid for.

I'm asking you to support HB1396. As a landowner in Virginia, my family is forced to engage with "hound hunters" from August to the first week of January trespassing on our property day and night. This occurs with local, non-local and out-of-state dog "hunters". They have damaged our property, unlocked gates and left without resecuring those locks, dogs chase and harm pets, and throw trash across our property. The dog "retrieval" often goes late into the night with the owners yelling and chasing dogs till the early morning hours. We also deal with numerous abandon dogs when these animals are found to not hunt to their standards or have gotten old or pregnant. This is not about history or culture, its one party demanding the right to trespass and often damage personal property under the immunity of a poorly conceived law. This bill clarifies the law about using dogs to hunt on private property and simply requires hunters to get written permission from the landowner to do so. For too long Virginia landowners have been forced to share our land with dog hunters without our consent. The additional hunter accountability will be managed through a simple and effective permit system much like the mounted fox hunters already use. This law will serve to protect private property while still allowing hunting with hounds to continue in Virginia while respecting personal property rights.

I urge your strong support of HB 1396 as written. This law is desperately needed to protect Virginia landowners rights and preserve the future of deer hound hunting in the state. No other hobby can legally extend onto prohibited lands without permission or compensation, except hound hunting. Their dogs are a tool of the hunt and when those dogs cross into posted property their hunting tools are legally hunting that land. This has to stop. This bill does not end hound hunting, it only grants the right of Virginia property owners the exclusive use of their land as intended.

I support this bill as drafted. While I am not opposed to dog hunting, on my own land, I prefer to still hunt. It is very annoying for my hunts to be interrupted or effectively not allowed to continue because dogs start running across the property stirring up the deer. None of my immediate neighbors allow dog hunting either. I think this legislation would go a long way in supporting the ability of a landowner like myself to peacefully and quietly enjoy my land and the recreational activities I take part in on my land. This legislation is as simple a fix as I think is possible.

I own 135 acres in Alleghany County, Virginia, and I’m writing to respectfully ask for your SUPPORT of HB1396. This bill restores a simple, commonsense expectation: hound hunters should keep their dogs on property where they have permission to hunt. I value Virginia’s hunting traditions and respect those who hunt responsibly. However, current law leaves a gap that allows dogs to enter private land without consent, placing the burden on landowners to manage the consequences—from safety concerns to property damage—on land we work hard to maintain. HB1396 does not prohibit dog hunting. It promotes fairness and responsibility by holding all hunters to the same standard: hunt only where you have permission. That principle protects landowners while also supporting ethical hunting practices. Most Virginians agree that respecting property boundaries is reasonable and fair. HB1396 simply closes a loophole and provides clarity for everyone involved. I strongly encourage your support of HB1396 and appreciate your thoughtful consideration of the balance it brings between tradition and property rights. Thank you for your time and service.

There are no laws protecting the rights of property owners from bad actor dog hunters. There are plenty of law, abiding dog hunters, but there are also too many non-law, abiding dog hunters. They have the right to trespass on property and the often hunt illegally from roads. We’ve had them cut holes and fences to allow their dogs through. We own over 2500 acres in western Goochland County and it is almost impossible to police it. It would be much easier if they did not have the right to trespass. We’ve had law-enforcement tell us they can’t do anything because no laws are being broken and there aren’t enough game wardens to help. Please pass this law and protect tax paying property owners from harm! Also, with regard to data centers and light pollution, thank you for putting these bills forward to regulate. The local governments are doing a terrible job. Goochland County is a perfect example of data center threats and I do not want Goochland County to be the next Loudon County. What’s happened to property owners there is horrible! I’m concerned about air pollution, water, pollution, light pollution, noise pollution and energy and water consumption from those centers. Obviously, society needs those centers, but they should be put far away from residential areas wherever they are built and companies who are building them should have to pay for the necessary infrastructure.

I am writing to respectfully request your approval of HB 1396. This bill does not prohibit the use of dogs for hunting. Rather, it establishes a reasonable requirement that hunters who use dogs do so only on property for which they have obtained written permission. It also creates a straightforward and responsible permit program for deer and bear hunters who utilize dogs. I own 20 acres in Isle of Wight County, and during the months of October through December, my family and I effectively lose the ability to enjoy and hunt our own land as we choose. When it is not hunting dogs running through our property, it is dog owners trespassing as though as they have the right to be there. On multiple occasions, individuals have walked through areas where we were actively hunting. I have also experienced hunters driving onto my property with loaded firearms while attempting to release or retrieve dogs. HB 1396 would significantly improve responsibility and accountability while helping to reduce ongoing conflicts between landowners and the dog hunting community. It strikes a fair balance by respecting both private property rights and lawful hunting traditions. Thank you for your time and consideration. I respectfully urge you to approve HB 1396.

I am a resident of Isle of Wight County and ask that you approve HB1396. My husband and I have owned land here since 2008 and have had numerous interactions with hunting dogs on both our properties. We still hunt on our land and have had a number of dogs running the property with hunters "retrieving" their dogs. This disrupts a quiet/peaceful hunt on the property we purchased and pay taxes on. Hunting dogs have also caused problems with our own pets on our property. We have had keep an extra eye on our chickens (which we have decided to get rid of) because these hunting dogs chase them constantly. We also have our own dogs that have been chased by hunting dogs. We have had hunters in their trucks drive down our private road and onto our land to retrieve or release dogs to run through our land. We have had to contact them directly and have gotten the same response that dogs can't read and it's their right to retrieve their dog on our land without permission from us. They will also refuse to identify themselves or show proof that their dogs are even on our land. We can not enjoy our land, privately, during dog hunting season. I see no harm in them continuing their "tradition" as long as it is done legally. Keep your dogs from entering private land and allow us to use our land as we see fit. I ask you to please approve HB 1396.

I am writing to request the APPROVAL of HB1396, which addresses the urgent need for accountability in deer and bear hunting with dogs. This bill is vital for protecting Virginia landowners' rights while upholding hunting traditions. HB1396 provides a balanced solution: it doesn't ban hound hunting but introduces permitting, accountability measures, and requires hunters using dogs to maintain their dogs on lands they have permission to hunt. This fosters trust, safety, and fairness for everyone. Thank you for the consideration of APPROVING HB1396.

Please SUPPORT HB1396. I am a rural Virginia landowner, speaking not only for myself but for many others who feel silenced, dismissed, or intimidated. We’ve all heard the hound hunters’ worn-out excuses: “Dogs can’t read.” “This is our heritage.” “If you don’t like it, move or put a fence up.” Those arguments don’t justify trespassing, harassment, or the taking of what doesn’t belong to you—like my peace, my privacy, and my preference as to how I use MY land… land that was bought and paid for by my blood, sweat, and tears. But because these are “hunting dogs,” a loophole has been exploited—one that effectively legalizes trespass and allows individuals to use land they do not own or have permission to enter. That loophole shifts the burden entirely onto landowners. I worked hard to buy my land. My family works hard to care for it. We pay taxes on it. We are responsible for what happens on it. And yet we’re expected to subsidize someone else’s sport—financially and physically—without consent and without recourse. This is not about ending hound hunting. It is about ending the entitlement mentality. Property lines matter. Permission matters. Accountability matters. The DWR data that was recently shared does not capture the intimidation, the bullying, or the threats that landowners are often met with. It does not capture the fear that keeps many people from reporting incidents or speaking up. It does not capture the stress of confronting these individuals on private property or the frustration and helplessness of being told—implicitly or explicitly—that our rights matter less. When enforcement is weak or consequences are nonexistent, it sends a clear message: that some people are allowed to bend the law, and others are expected to tolerate it. That is not balance. That is not fairness. And it is not responsible wildlife management. No Virginian should be forced to surrender their property rights or their peace of mind to accommodate a recreational activity they did not choose. I strongly support HB1396, which directs the DWR to establish permits for persons and organizations that hunt game animals, fur-bearing animals, or nuisance species with the aid of dogs. This bill makes it unlawful to release or hunt with dogs without such a permit and prohibits releasing dogs onto private property without written permission from the landowner or lawful occupant. By implementing permit systems, dog identification standards, vehicle marking, and practices to minimize unauthorized dog entry onto land, HB1396 promotes accountability among hunters, reduces trespass incidents, and ensures property owners' rights are respected and protected under the law. It strikes a fair balance that upholds responsible hunting traditions while safeguarding the constitutional protections for private property, including exemptions for activities like mounted fox hunting, waterfowl hunting, tracking wounded animals, or keeping dogs in immediate visual control. We’re asking legislators to close the loopholes that undermine private property rights, and we’re asking the DWR to enforce laws and policies in a way that upholds the Virginia Constitution’s guarantee that private property shall not be taken, used, or burdened without consent or just cause. [Article I, Sect 11 of the Virginia Constitution] I truly thank you for your time and consideration – and I urge you to look beyond statistics and defend those who own, steward, and pay for Virginia’s land. Please SUPPORT HB1396.

We fully support HB1396. Stop the trespassing and abuse of other peoples land. As a Mother I can not find it in good reason to have men and dogs trespassing on my land without permission.

Please support HB1396. Please protect private property owners from uninvited hound/hunter trespass. Modern GPS tracking collars that could alleviate the trespass are only being used to greatly increase the number of dogs used in a typical hunt. Evidenced by the increase in the number of hounds abandoned and overburdening local animal shelters after hunting season. It is illegal to harvest young bear or antlerless deer on certain days of hunting season. Hound hunters routinely catch/stop hounds from continuing chase on these animals, they can/should do the same as the dogs approach a property line. Under DWR current regulations there is no enforceable criminal violation unless a Conservation Officer witnesses a release on private property and landowners are only allowed one complaint number per day regardless # of dogs present or incidents that day.

Support HB1396! This is win/win for property owners and dog hunters. Property owners can exercise their right to exclude (a long standing American tradition) and dog hunting can continue, but entitlement cannot. HB 1396 simply places responsibility where it belongs, on the hound hunter. While Virginia's DWR has attempted to reduce dog hunting / property owner conflict at least since 2008, DWR's efforts have resulted in little substantive improvement. As a result of lackluster efforts, dog hunting complaints only increased. (reference DWR's internal statistics). Additionally, hound hunters have failed to voluntarily take steps to reduce dog trespass. They've always demand unfettered access to other's property while continually shifting responsibility to the land owner to tolerate unwanted entry, damage and disturbance. If hound hunters were willing to control their dogs like upland bird and waterfowl hunters do, this bill would be unnecessary. Their refusal leaves the General Assembly no choice but to act. Support HB 1396 . It's is not punitive, it's overdue!

The concern is the ongoing encroachment on our rights as Americans and as landowners. A growing issue is the releasing of dozens of hounds along public roads. These dogs then run across private properties flushing our wild game, harassing livestock, and approaching our homes while we, our families, and our pets are outside on our private land. This presents serious safety concerns. Large numbers of dogs crossing active roadways endanger the public. In addition, hunters frequently drive recklessly—speeding, swerving, and hastily parking in yards or driveways off public roads—in order to track trespassing hounds, hunt along roadsides, or enter private property by foot. This is a gross violation of property rights. We pay to own this land and pay taxes for you to protect it. No one should have the right to access private property without permission or to exploit the natural resources of another’s land—resources intended to provide sustenance for that landowner and their family. We are hunters ourselves, yet by early December we must complete our annual deer harvest before hounds drive the game out of the area entirely. Public opinion on dog hunting is changing. Landowners are becoming more agitated and the people are increasingly seeing how hounds are treated year-round, then abandoned or even killed during the season. All in the name of tradition. My roots run deep in the South, but I also recognize this practice was carried over from Europe. Those who claim it as an “American tradition” should understand what they are truly defending. It should not be the responsibility of landowners to constantly defend their property, nor should we bear the stress and financial burden of protecting our resources from an out dated and lazy practice. Which originated before there were private lands then made prominent in the middle ages, only practiced by nobility on THEIR PRIVATE LANDS. Instead we should be promoting ethical hunting based on skill, respect, and accountability. This situation is becoming a powder keg. An incident will occur, and when it does, national attention is likely. At that point, those who could have acted will be scrutinized, and the outcome—given the current political climate—will likely be worse for all involved. When social media fills with videos of abandoned or abused hounds, trespassing, illegal dumping, and escalating conflicts, who will the public see as wrong? The trespassers and hound owners—or the veterans, farmers, landowners, and Virginians defending their families and property? I urge you to use sound judgment. Look beyond lobbyist dollars and consider what lies ahead. Change begins at the ground level, and more people are ready to act. I just hold it’s handled peaceably. Thank you for your time.

I own 48 acres of mountain land I purchased just for deer hunting. Though deer and bear hunting with hounds is not permitted in this area, it happens each year regardless. Since owning this property, I have witnessed dogs with tracking collars run my property each season and I know adjacent property owners did not grant permission. I am a stand/still hunter and my method of hunting on my own property is ruined each time a pack of hunting dogs run the area. Even if permission to hunt and run dogs were eventually given for a nearby property, there are very few land parcels large enough to contain hunting dogs without them invading adjacent private lands. Dog hunters have admitted countless times on social media that what they do can't be done without trespassing and that's why they oppose this bill. I feel this law will directly help landowners' rights to privacy by creating accountability among those who hunt with dogs by controlling when and where they drop their dogs to begin chase.

I am writing to ask you to please approve HB1396. This bill is not prohibiting the use of dogs for hunting. This bill simply requires dog hunters to hunt only on property they have written permission to hunt. It will create a simple, responsible permit program for deer and bear hunters who use dogs. On our private, posted properties in Lancaster(900 ac) and Northumberland(200 ac) counties we had 34 instances on camera of deer dogs trespassing without permission in 2024 and 36 instances on camera in 2025. This bill will improve responsibility, accountability, and will help improve the major conflicts between landowners and the dog hunting community. Please approve HB1396 and thank you for your time and consideration.

Hunting with hounds is a long tradition that introduced me to the outdoors. With large populations of deer east of the blue ridge I feel it is a necessary tool for herd management in the commonwealth. By putting more legislation on this practice it will limit management and have long term, lasting effect on our herd. Please oppose.

Please oppose HB1396. Dog hunting has been a tradition for many decades. Let’s keep it going. Thanks

Hunting with hounds is a long tradition that introduced me to the outdoors. With large populations of deer east of the blue ridge I feel it is a necessary tool for herd management in the commonwealth. By putting more legislation on this practice it will limit management and have long term, lasting effect on our herd. Please oppose.

Good morning, I am asking that the AG committee STRONGLY OPPOSE HB1396. This bill will cause more tension between landowners and hunters. We currently have strict regulations on hunting with hounds and the current laws work and need to continue to be enforced. The complaint data shows that in the last 3 years the current laws are working because the numbers of complaints are going down. Thank you for your support in OPPOSING HB1396.

Please oppose this bill as I am a responsible and ethical hunter that has rabbit hunting dogs. I’ve been enjoying this sport for decades. Vote no and let me continue my passion. Thank you.

Hound hunting has been practiced for generations, however, the practice has not adapted to a changing environment of population growth and land fragmentation. Current laws allow dogs to run onto anyones property, given hound hunters the ability to enter any private property unannounced, and created a mindset of entitlement. The ask is simple: keep the hounds on the property you own or lease. The current laws do not hold hound hunters accountable for continued intrusion onto private property. This HB1396 will help in that regard. PLEASE SUPPORT THIS BILL which may very well help save the sport.

I am a lifelong deer hunter and a landowner with property in both Hanover (254 acres.) and Caroline (225 acres.) Counties. I am fed up with the continuing practice of releasing deer hounds onto posted property. It is a dishonest usurpation of private property rights ( violating the Fourth and Fifth Amendments to U. S. Constitution), pits "still" hunters against hound hunters, and casts a profoundly negative image of hunting upon the non-hunting public. Support of this bill does not end deer hound hunting but puts regulations in place to ensure that deer hounds and hunters responsibly enter and roam on permitted land only. This bill, this law, is long overdue. Have the courage and wisdom to see that change is needed now.

I have been a landowner of 227 acres in Fluvanna County for 55 years. I have been a long time opponent of the use of dogs for deer hunting. This constant intrusion of dogs during the firearm season has been a constant concern of mine. The owners of these dogs and tactics have been a careless disregard of my safety and rights as a property owner. The damage to my access roads require constant repair. Recently in cooperation with my neighbor I have ventured to create a deer hunting property that is attractive to lease. I have done so. My leasee is very pleased but is discouraged that all the prep for the season goes for naught when locals run their dogs through my property. In the past I have tried to work with the locals but being an absentee landowner my efforts have been ignored. I have even submitted complaints to Virginia Resource Officers with trail camera pictures to no avail.  The only recourse is to end this hunting tradition. The trespass of dogs and their hunters is a violation of my property rights. Now it is having an economic impact that is affecting my ability to profit off my lease. This practice needs to end. Thank you for your consideration.Randy ChangurisRolling Rd SScottsville, VA

Please support this bill. We bought land in Caroline Co several years ago for my husband and son to still hunt on. There are so many dogs running through there from the local hunt clubs that they are unable to enjoy it for this purpose. Although I have read many comments from people saying that this will end dog hunting, it’s my belief that it will just end this practice of dog hunters selfishly using other people’s property without permission for their own enjoyment. Those dog hunters that hunt responsibly and respectfully should not be impacted.

I support this legislation as written. I hope that you will also support and pass it. This legislation has actionable, enforceable language and it benefits hunters, landowners and the DWR in regards to accountability and traceability of hound hunters, conflict resolution, identifying and holding trespassers and owners of nuisance dogs accountable. It enhances safety and protects the Virginia Constitutional rights of landowners under Article 1, Bill of Rights Sections 1, 3, 8, 11, and it enhances the enforcement of other game laws and trespassing laws. It enables law enforcement to hold offenders and repeat offenders accountable for creating nusaince, allowing dogs to run at large, trespass by hunters using dogs and abandonment of dogs. This gives law enforcemnt and landowners an avenue of approach that has not been given to them to actually address a very well known problem that has been ignored. This permit is supported by landowners as well as hound hunters. It has been discussed during public speaking periods at Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) Board of Wildlife Resources meetings and the DWR Law Enforcement Committee and Education and Outreach Committee meetings. The DWR Board members and Committee members have acknowledged the following: - Budget constraints - The need for hiring, retaining and training new Conservation Police Officers (CPOs) Pros for passing this legislation: - Revenue generated from the permit sales will help relieve budget constraints on the DWR in order to upgrade equipment, recruitment and retention, public safety, - Hound Hunter numbers will accurately be known like that of Archery, Muzzleloader, Waterfowl, Small and Big Game Hunters both resident and non-resident that purchase licenses in Virginia - The DWR can accurately report numbers and statistics to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services for procurement of grants - The DWR can accurately report information about hunters to the Governor - The Academy can be built, staffed and procured - Public safety through upgraded systems, equipment and communication equipment - DMAP and Field Trial Permit systems can be updated and increase the accuracy of information and increased efficiency in tracking permit approvals or denials through a modern, streamlined data base - And they will meet or exceed their mission goals to Conserve, Connect and Protect. -It will deter trespass and crimes against Wildlife by adding more financial security to the DWR and adding more Conservation Police Officers. Hopefully, the revenue generated through the passing and adoption of this legislation will also be used to recruit and keep Veterans leaving the service and looking for an outstanding way to continue service. The passing of this legislation is a win for Virginia, hunters, landowners and the DWR and conservation of wildlife resources. Thank you, SFC (Retired) Carter

I am asking that the committee OPPOSE this bill as it will greatly harm dog hunting that has been enjoyed for generations. Administering this proposal will require significant upfront costs and ongoing efforts. Please Oppose it. Thank you.

My name is Todd Osborne and I would like to respectfully ask you to oppose bill #HB1396. I grew up hunting with hounds my whole life and it’s my favorite thing to do still to this day. This bill will make it where it’s almost impossible to do it legally and will ruin many, many, people’s ways of living. I would greatly appreciate it if yall could oppose this bill. Thank you, Todd Osborne

Please institute a permitting system for hunting deer with dogs. Stiff penalties are also needed for hunters who allow their dogs to trespass on prohibited property. Every year we are harassed by inconsiderate deer dogs hunters to the point of infuriation with the whole lot of them. In the past decade the problem has only worsened. I routinely catch dogs and return them to the offenders. They don’t even care about respecting private property rights. The dogs ruin my still hunts. The dogs ruin the holidays. The hunters park on the shoulders of the roads sometimes making it difficult to pass through. Please institute a strict permitting process or end deer dog hunting in Virginia once and for all.

Please keep the tradition of hunting with hounds alive. Oppose HB 1396!

I'm writing to ask this committee to approve HB1396. For starters, this DOES NOT end hound hunting! I know you are getting many comments saying that it will, but that is simply not the truth. This bill would provide much needed reform to those that hunt deer and bear with hounds. Currently, there are only 9 states that still allow deer hunting with hounds and 11 that still allow bear hunting with hounds. It has been banned in all other states because of the conflict it has created with others who continuously have their property trespassed upon by hound hunters and their hounds. Every other state that still allows this type of hound hunting to continue has put additional regulations in place, except Virginia. Virginia is the last holdout in addressing the problem and this bill would go a long way in reducing conflict and increasing safety by requiring hounds to hunt only on property that their owners have written permission to do so. Hound Hunters can control their dogs, but currently they do not have to. The hounds can run at large across multiple properties without consequence or repercussions. This bill would not punish the hound hunters that already practice their sport with integrity and ethics. It will just require those that don't operate in this same manner to do so. The regulations put in place in other states have worked and if they can control their hounds in those states, they certainly can do so in Virginia. Thank You!

Dog hunting has been a tradition in Virginia for generations. I have been hunting with dogs my whole life and I respectfully ask that you oppose this bill.

This bill not only will destroy dog hunting in Va , it will put my small business out of business! Mikes Machine Works in Powhatan. We build custom aluminum dog crates for all forms of dog hunting. The permit system will cause all hunt clubs to fold . Half the hunters will stop hunting if not with dogs. How much money will the game department loose out on? We don’t mind paying a license fee just like buying our regular hunting license. The permit system will cost the game department millions to implement. Think before you act. Thanks

Please Oppose HB1396. Keep the heritage of dog hunting alive and well. Thank you.

I respectfully request that you support, and vote yes for this legislation. I live on a piece of property in Louisa County and on three separate occasions just this past hunting season I have had hunters enter the property without permission to retrieve their dogs. Of the three, two were from out of county. Furthermore, on 8 occasions during the hunting year have hounds crossed the property chasing animals. This property is private and posted, and situated in a way that one must knowingly turn the dogs across it. I fully support hunting and am an avid hunter myself, we also have a few friends that hunt the property in tree stands/still hunting. These hunters and myself pattern the deer and put in time to harvest an animal. Once rifle season begins, the dogs start running through the property and ruin the hunts for my friends and I. Our fruitful hunting season is cut down because of this. I should not have to combat trespassers for the opportunity to shoot a deer. I am sure there are many many good and responsible hound hunters, my grandfather was one of them! However, I am tired of the unresponsible and unlawful hound hunters impeding my hunting experience as well. Thank you for your time and consideration!

I'm asking you to support HB1396. As a landowner in Virginia, my family is literally “under siege” from August to the first week of January by local, non-local and out-of-state dog hunters. They have damaged our property, unlocked gates and left without resecuring those locks, dogs chase and harm pets, and throw trash across our property (this year I picked up 4 large black bags of garbage). The dog "retrieval" often goes late into the night with the owners yelling and chasing dogs till the early morning hours. This is not about history or culture, its one party demanding the right to trespass and often damage personal property under the immunity of a poorly conceived law. This bill clarifies the law about using dogs to hunt on private property and simply requires hunters to get written permission from the landowner to do so. For too long Virginia landowners have been forced to share our land with dog hunters without our consent. The additional hunter accountability will be managed through a simple and effective permit system much like the mounted fox hunters already use. This law will serve to protect private property while still allowing hunting with hounds to continue in Virginia... but in a responsible way.

Please oppose HB1396, this would be detrimental to hunters all across the state. This would practically end dog hunting in the state of Virginia, we can control where the chase begins but we can’t control where the animal being perused goes. We don’t want our dogs on other people’s land and always do our best to prevent it, but there’s no reason that it should become a crime for my dog to be doing what he loves to do and accidentally cross a line that he doesn’t even understand. If this bill passes it would also basically end my dads small business that has been supporting dog hunting for the last 15 years. This is our way of life and how I’ve lived my life since I could walk and I’m asking you to please oppose this bill.

Please Oppose HB1396 this bill would be detrimental to small businesses and rural areas. If these bills pass we will know exactly where you stand and remember all elected officials work for us.

Comments Document

I am asking this committee to please vote yes on HB1396! My name is Gary Kimberlin. I live in Alleghany county, Va. I am a landowner, hunter, and conservationist. I am also President of the Virginia Property Rights Alliance. For landowners across Virginia, I'm asking you to support HB1396. This bill clarifies the law about using dogs to hunt on private property and simply requires hunters to get written permission from the landowner to do so. For too long Virginia landowners have been forced to share our land with dog hunters without our consent. The additional hunter accountability will be managed through a simple and effective permit system. This law will serve to protect private property while still allowing hunting with hounds to continue in Virginia... but in a responsible way. I am attaching our document that outlines why this bill is needed to protect both Virginia citizens and maintains the ability of hunters using dogs to continue their privilege of their way of hunting. Thank you for your time and consideration. Gary Kimberlin

Hello, I am writing to respectfully ask that you oppose any legislation that would hinder or restrict hunting with hounds in the Commonwealth of Virginia. I hunt in multiple counties throughout Virginia, and hunting with hounds supports local economies in many rural areas. This tradition contributes to jobs and revenue through equipment purchases, kennel operations, fuel, lodging, food, veterinary services, and land management activities. Many small businesses and landowners rely on the continued ability to hunt with hounds during the season. Restricting this practice would have economic consequences for rural communities that already depend on outdoor recreation and hunting-related income. I encourage you to consider these impacts when reviewing any proposed legislation and to oppose bills that would negatively affect hunting with hounds. Thank you for your time and consideration. I appreciate your service to the Commonwealth and your attention to the economic well-being of Virginia’s rural communities. Sincerely, Jake Pitman

Dear Honorable Members of the House and Senate Agriculture Committees, My name is Chase Johnson, and I am a constituent living in Southampton County, Virginia. I respectfully urge you to oppose HB1396 and SB471, and stand with rural Virginia. In rural Virginia, hunting deer with hounds is not simply a hobby—it is a deeply rooted way of life. Hunt clubs are long-standing community institutions built on shared responsibility, respect for landowners, stewardship of wildlife, and strong local traditions passed down through generations. These clubs support rural economies, sustain working lands, and play a critical role in responsibly managing Virginia’s deer population, particularly in areas where other population control methods are ineffective or unavailable. HB1396 and SB471 would fundamentally undermine this culture. Virginia law already addresses intentional or reckless hound trespass. Instances of abuse are statistically de minimis, and when conflicts do arise, they are best handled at the local or county level—where land use patterns, relationships, and enforcement realities are best understood. A sweeping statewide mandate is unnecessary and likely disproportionate. Hunting regulations should remain within the purview of the Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR), which has the expertise, regulatory structure, and stakeholder engagement necessary to address wildlife management issues in a balanced and informed manner. These bills bypass that established framework and introduce criminal penalties where administrative or local solutions are more appropriate. I respectfully ask that you stand with rural Virginians, communities, and responsible sportsmen by opposing HB1396 and SB471. Please help preserve a lawful, time-honored tradition that contributes meaningfully to Virginia’s economy, wildlife management, and rural communities. Thank you for your time and for your service. I appreciate your consideration and welcome your response on this important issue. Respectfully,

Hello, my name is Michaela Kizer. I am sending this respectfully to express my opposition to any bills that would ban dog hunting in the state of Virginia. I am an active hunter at Newsoms Hunt Club, and as many others in this rural town. Dog hunting to me isn’t just a recreational activity. It is a tradition that has been in this state for over 400 years now. At Newsoms Hunt Club, we care for our dogs and make them our number one priority. These dogs are well-trained, well-behaved, and treated as family members. Dog hunting isn’t just for fun; it plays an important role in our wildlife management, such as helping control the population of deer, protect agricultural land, and reduce the number of car accidents and collisions in the state of Virginia. I really enjoy dog hunting because it not only builds connections in the community but it helps the people in need. As y’all should know, we receive a hunters for the hungry trailer a week during the season. This is for the hungry people who deserve to be fed. When the trailer is present at the hunt club, I want the people who may not have food to be fed and treated fairly. I urge you to re-think this bill, and hear the voices of landowners, dog drivers, and most importantly the people in Virginia. Thank you so much for your time!

My name is Ethan Mcmahan and I live in Franklin, Va. I am respectfully asking you to oppose HB 1396. This bill, along with SB471 undermines the dog-hunting traditions here in rural Virginia.  I have owned hunting and field trialing dogs my whole life, and caring for them has become my greatest joy. I spend countless hours at my kennels taking care of my dogs. I truly cannot imagine a life without this sport. I enjoy hunting at B&B hunt club, which is a respectable institution that lawfully harvests wildlife. As a young man, this sport has taught me the responsibility of caring for pets, how to properly handle a firearm, fellowship, and camaraderie. I would hate to raise my children in a world without the lessons dog hunting has taught me.

I don’t dog hunting should be banded, i grew up dog hunting and many people i know love this sport. my grandad who recently passed loved running dogs with his whole life. running dogs is also my life. me and many others love this sport, take great care of our dogs. all these other people see a side we don’t and we see a good side. many people think we don’t take care of these dogs and see at as abuse i see it as love. these dogs were born to do this. and this sport has been around for many years and im so passionate about it. i’m a 16 year old girl who loves doing this instead of sitting inside on my phone. i want to grow up and raise my kids doing this. my dogs are my life and running them means so much to my family and it’s been in my family for generations. so i say keep this sport for us who love it. these dogs don’t get hurt from it they also love it. they want to chase these animals and we are so proud of these dogs for doing it.

I would like to voice my opposition to this bill. This bill will negatively affect hunting in our state. Hunters who use dogs account for a significant portion of the total number of hunters in the state. Hunter numbers are already dropping, and people should not be forced out of hunting by being regulated to death. This is a long standing tradition in our state and we help to control the populations of many of our wildlife species from deer and bear to rabbits squirrels and raccoons, as well as other animals. This bill is detrimental to not only hunting with dogs but hunting in general, as well as the number of hunters, the revenue brought in by license sales and revenue from hunting and dog supplies and food. I am asking you all to please vote no to this bill.

Please look at how much hound hunting has contributed to the hunters for hungry and other such non profits if y’all take hound hunting away or making real hard to do all those good things come to like the over 300 deer donated but hound hunters and hunt clubs

My name is Robert Gray, I am the former Chief of the Pamunkey Indian Tribe and I am writing in opposition to HB 1396 and SB471. These bills are the beginning of the end for a tradition in Virginia that has existed for thousands of years prior to the first Europeans setting foot on these lands. The Pamunkey people and other tribes in this region have used dogs to hunt game for those thousands of years. The deer that we annually provide as tribute to the Commonwealth the day before Thanksgiving is harvested with the use of dogs on the Pamunkey Indian Reservation via a long-running traditional deer we call "The Governor's Hunt". The end of hunting deer with dogs in the Commonwealth will almost certainly end this long tradition. If historical traditions have no bearing, consider the negative human-deer interactions that will impact those counties that currently allow hunting deer with dogs. Directly from Virginia's 2025 Deer Report regarding the 2024/25 Deer Season - "In counties where dogs could be used to hunt deer, 52% of deer were harvested with the aid of dogs during the general firearms season. Across all seasons in the counties where dogs are legal to hunt deer, dog hunters accounted for 36% of the total deer kill." From the same report, a total of 205,024 deer were harvested in Virginia across all seasons. In those counties that allow dog hunting, 137,539 deer were harvested across all seasons. That means 49,514 deer were harvested with the aid of dogs. Ending or severely limiting deer hunting with dogs will certainly have a huge impact on already declining Virginia hunter numbers and we can only expect deer populations to rise. Imagine the deer population growth that will occur and the rise in negative human-deer interactions in those counties. We can expect a rise in vehicle collisions, property damage and disease transmission. Please stop this bill from advancing any further.

My name is Brooks Cabell and I live in Ivor, VA. I am writing as a lifelong Virginia resident, a responsible dog owner, and someone who lawfully hunts deer using dogs in accordance with Virginia regulations. I am concerned about two recently introduced bills SB471 and HB1396 and the unintended consequences they may have for ethical hunters, dog owners, and the communities that benefit from lawful deer hunting in Virginia. I fully support public safety and responsible hunting practices. However, SB471 appears to grant courts broad authority to restrict the release of hunting dogs near roadways without fully accounting for how dog-driven deer hunting functions in rural and semi-rural areas. Even well-trained dogs may cross or parallel roads during lawful hunts despite reasonable precautions. Language that does not clearly distinguish negligent behavior from lawful activity risks penalizing responsible hunters. HB1396 raises even greater concerns. Requiring a separate permit to hunt with dogs introduces new fees, administrative burdens, and enforcement ambiguity for individuals who already comply with licensing, tagging, landowner permission, and animal welfare laws. I am particularly concerned that accidental dog movement — something that can occur despite training and control — could be treated as a violation. Beyond recreation, deer hunting with dogs plays a significant role in wildlife management and in addressing food insecurity across the Commonwealth. Programs such as Hunters for the Hungry provide high-protein, low-fat, healthy venison to food banks and hunger-relief organizations. Since 1991, these efforts have resulted in over 8.1 million pounds of venison processed, translating to more than 32.6 million servings for Virginians in need. To put this impact in perspective: • On average, one donated deer provides about 40 pounds of meat, or approximately 160 servings. • In 2020 alone, more than 207,000 pounds of venison were distributed. • A single $25,000 processing grant can yield around 80,000 meals. • During the 2024–25 season, Virginia hunters harvested 205,759 deer, representing a substantial opportunity to support families facing food insecurity. • From 2023–2024, some partner food programs reported a 300% increase in requests for assistance. These donations are made possible by lawful, organized hunting, including dog-assisted deer hunting, and by partnerships with local processors coordinated by groups such as the Virginia Hunting Dog Alliance (https://vahda.org/). Dog-assisted deer hunting is a long-standing and culturally important practice in Virginia. Responsible hunters care deeply about safety, property rights, conservation, and community impact. I respectfully ask that you consider opposing SB471 and HB1396 and work with the hunting community to develop balanced solutions. Thank you for your time and for representing our community. I would appreciate the opportunity to understand your position on these bills. Respectfully, Brooks Cabell Ivor, VA

Comments Document

My name is Danee Railey, and I had the honor of serving as a Page in 2023 for Delegate Emily Brewer, now Senator Jordan. It has come to my attention that HB1396 and SB471 have been introduced, and I respectfully ask that you oppose these bills. This legislation undermines the long-standing rural Virginia culture of dog hunting, a tradition that means a great deal to my community. I grew up hunting at the Davis Ridley and Manry Hunt Clubs in Southampton County with my father and grandfather. One of my most cherished childhood memories is harvesting my first deer behind dogs alongside my father. Hunt clubs are respectable community institutions rooted in the stewardship of wildlife, mutual respect, and the passing down of strong traditions across generations. They play a critical role in the legal and responsible management of deer populations, particularly in areas where other population control methods are unavailable or ineffective. My grandfather, Richard Railey Jr., served on the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Board under former Governor Warner and co-founded the Hound Heritage Organization. His dedication was recognized by Senate Resolution No. 11. Many of my fondest memories with my late grandfather took place at our dog pens. Our deer hounds have always been more than working animals; they are family pets. I have always enjoyed caring for them, feeding them, and helping raise our puppies. Additionally, a classmate of mine completed his junior capstone project by expanding the reach of the Hunters for the Hungry trailer, delivering it to hunt clubs throughout the season to help feed families in need. I, too, have personally delivered deer meat to families facing food insecurity. I cannot imagine a future where the next generation is denied the opportunity to learn the same lessons this sport taught me: sportsmanship, respect for the outdoors, firearm safety and responsibility, fellowship, and patience. If HB1396 and SB471 are passed, they would significantly undermine this culture. Existing Virginia law already addresses intentional or reckless hound trespass. Incidents of hound abuse are extremely rare, and when conflicts do arise, they are best handled at the local or county level, where land-use patterns, relationships, and enforcement realities are better understood. A statewide mandate is unnecessary and would likely be disproportionate. The Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) already possesses the expertise, regulatory framework, and stakeholder engagement needed to address wildlife management issues in a balanced and informed manner. These bills bypass that established process. Please help preserve a meaningful, time-honored tradition that contributes to Virginia’s economy, effective wildlife management, personal growth, and the vitality of rural communities. Lastly, I’d like to thank you for your time and for representing the best interests of our state and communities. I greatly enjoyed serving both sides of the aisle during my time as a Page, and I hope this letter encourages bipartisan support for protecting rural Virginia traditions. I appreciate your consideration and welcome the opportunity to hear your concerns or work collaboratively on this issue. Attached are images with honorable legislators, some who serve on these committees.