To who ever may read this message My name is jacob austin and me and my family live thur out Amherst Nelson and big island. We have hunted coon hounds for 4 generations starting with my great grand father (van staton)to my grandmother (Betty austin) to my father (Ernest donold austin j)r to me and my brother (Matthew austin) this is a tradition that we have cherished since we were lil kids see are dad go out every night after working long hours him telling us stories about papa van with was amazed by the places he want things he got to see walking thru the nights to get to his dogs. By time we was old enough he let us go with him he grab his 4 year old male walker hounds aka storm man he was one hell of a hound but that but im getting of track but as I got older my life changed drastically mom and father got divorced and I just went into a deep state of depression thinking it was my fault and I was just ready to just leave this earth to go to a better place but no I just hooked my trailer up to my four-wheeler and loaded my dog box and hound aka Rosco p coal train a freeing walker hound and being in the woods just help me forget everything that was happening hearing the sound of him freeing in the holler of those mountains is music for a hurting soul and mind walking to the tree being excited to see what's up there is just my way of therapy for me. I like for my kids, grandkids and everyone after me to still be able to carry on this family tradition turn to running hounds or being out in nature to enjoy what the good lord has created for us inside of turning to hard drugs to make that pain go away if someone has read this is really appreciate u taking u time to read it and have a blessed day

Please understand the difference between regular plain leaf kratom and 7oh. Kratom has been around for years and years bettering peoples lives every step of the way. It wasn't until 7oh was introduced to the public where this has became a problem. To ban Kratom would be to make your constituents felons. Law abiding citizens who previously may have not been and only because of Kratom they were able to become productive members of society. And be a contributing factor. A lot of the members of the Kratom community are addicts in recovery and deal with pain daily. To take Kratom away from them leaves them without options. Medication assisted treatment like methadone or Suboxone is just another ball and chain and makes these addicts in recovery forced to make a decision to come out of recovery to find relief. Bc Kratom won't be available to them anymore if you pass this bill. Please do not make the members of your county make these decisions. Please ban 7oh but leave natural plain leaf kratom for the souls who have found a light at the end of the tunnel.

I support this bill because the warning clearly states that “this product may cause dependence and opioid like withdrawal”, and the products are moved behind the counter or into a lock case causing consumers to pause.

Here’s the Testimonial message from a concerned kratom advocate and responsible whole leaf kratom user : I have a degenerative tissue disorder that effects my joints and muscles- causing me constant pain. There is no cure, and basically all I can do is manage the pain as best I can. I use kratom to manage this never ending pain. A chronic pain that has been with me for over two decades. A chronic pain that has, at many times, brought me close to the brink of suicide. I realize that a lot of people may not understand what it’s like living with so much pain that you’d rather end your life than to continue living one more day. This has been my life for 20 years. Constant pain preventing me from living a normal life. Constant pain that keeps me from being able to pay attention and engage with life. Constant pain preventing me from being able to sleep. Pain throughout the day. Pain throughout the night. Pain first thing in the morning (if I do manage to get some sleep and wake up). I would wake up every morning hoping to God that this would be my last day. Finding kratom was the only thing that gave me any hope for the future. --------- It’s important to note that kratom does not have the same kind of potential for abuse and addiction like prescription opioids. The reason is because kratom contains balancing alkaloids- partial opioid agonists, which do not activate the opioid receptor in the same way as a traditional opioids like oxy, morph, or fent. Kratom does not cause respiratory depression the way traditional opioids do. Kratom also has a natural ceiling of effectiveness. This is because kratom contains both partial agonists as well as antagonists- the presence of which means that a user will start getting unpleasant effects (the wobbles) if they take too much, or take it too often. There is no such safety mechanism with traditional painkillers, which can lead a person to keep taking more and more until the inevitable overdose. The reason why I feel kratom in its natural form is safe, is precisely because of this built in ceiling effect- where the more you take, the less it works. Taking too much kratom just leads to diminished returns or unfavorable effects like nausea and dizzyness - none of which is life threatening, but works well enough to deter the user from over-use. In other words, kratom has a built in safety mechanism that prevents abuse. Traditional opioids do not have any such safety mechanism. I know because I have experienced both. --------- Kratom has not only improved my life and helped me to manage my chronic pain in a safe and natural way- it’s also helped me to get clean from dangerous and highly addictive prescription pills which were literally destroying my body. Kratom has also helped me kick a decades long addiction to alcohol. Not only has kratom kept me sober from alcohol for years, it has completely eliminated my desire to drink. I think that alone is a miracle. ----- I have also struggled with depression my entire life, and every single anti-depressant the doctors gave me only made me worse. None of the pharmaceutical medication helped me in any way- in fact it did the opposite and made me much more depressed and downright suicidal. Today I take kratom to manage both my physical pain and depression. Kratom is a godsend for me. It has improved my life to a degree that no pharmaceutical could ever do. ---------------

Here’s the Testimonial message from a concerned kratom advocate and responsible whole leaf kratom user : I have a degenerative tissue disorder that effects my joints and muscles- causing me constant pain. There is no cure, and basically all I can do is manage the pain as best I can. I use kratom to manage this never ending pain. A chronic pain that has been with me for over two decades. A chronic pain that has, at many times, brought me close to the brink of suicide. I realize that a lot of people may not understand what it’s like living with so much pain that you’d rather end your life than to continue living one more day. This has been my life for 20 years. Constant pain preventing me from living a normal life. Constant pain that keeps me from being able to pay attention and engage with life. Constant pain preventing me from being able to sleep. Pain throughout the day. Pain throughout the night. Pain first thing in the morning (if I do manage to get some sleep and wake up). I would wake up every morning hoping to God that this would be my last day. Finding kratom was the only thing that gave me any hope for the future. --------- It’s important to note that kratom does not have the same kind of potential for abuse and addiction like prescription opioids. The reason is because kratom contains balancing alkaloids- partial opioid agonists, which do not activate the opioid receptor in the same way as a traditional opioids like oxy, morph, or fent. Kratom does not cause respiratory depression the way traditional opioids do. Kratom also has a natural ceiling of effectiveness. This is because kratom contains both partial agonists as well as antagonists- the presence of which means that a user will start getting unpleasant effects (the wobbles) if they take too much, or take it too often. There is no such safety mechanism with traditional painkillers, which can lead a person to keep taking more and more until the inevitable overdose. The reason why I feel kratom in its natural form is safe, is precisely because of this built in ceiling effect- where the more you take, the less it works. Taking too much kratom just leads to diminished returns or unfavorable effects like nausea and dizzyness - none of which is life threatening, but works well enough to deter the user from over-use. In other words, kratom has a built in safety mechanism that prevents abuse. Traditional opioids do not have any such safety mechanism. I know because I have experienced both. --------- Kratom has not only improved my life and helped me to manage my chronic pain in a safe and natural way- it’s also helped me to get clean from dangerous and highly addictive prescription pills which were literally destroying my body. Kratom has also helped me kick a decades long addiction to alcohol. Not only has kratom kept me sober from alcohol for years, it has completely eliminated my desire to drink. I think that alone is a miracle. ----- I have also struggled with depression my entire life, and every single anti-depressant the doctors gave me only made me worse. None of the pharmaceutical medication helped me in any way- in fact it did the opposite and made me much more depressed and downright suicidal. Today I take kratom to manage both my physical pain and depression. Kratom is a godsend for me. It has improved my life to a degree that no pharmaceutical could ever do. ---------------

Please Ban this supplement it will become the next public health crisis. I lost my son to Kratom in 2024. Please share!! My name is Karen Davenport. I am a wife, and a nurse practitioner at Memorial Hospital. I’m also a grieving mother who once gave birth to three children. But on March 18, 2024, my world was shattered when my son, Matthew—one of my twins—died suddenly in his sleep. The cause of death was a lethal interaction of doctor-prescribed medications and an unregulated substance sold OTC called “Kratom”. Until that fateful day, I had never heard of Kratom, even though I work in the medical field. Matthew was a sweet, kind, and thoughtful young man who struggled with anxiety for much of his life. Tragically, his life was cut short when Kratom—purchased as casually as breath mints at a nearby convenience store—played a fatal role in his death. Please see attached file!

My name is Ashley Davidson, I'm from Hull Massachusetts and I would like to oppose a ban Kratom. I just wanted to say this plant saved my life. I have severe agoraphobia, I'm disabled and for a long time could not even leave my house for Dr appointments or dental care. One of my medications causes severe dry mouth which in turn causes damage and rapid tooth decay, not being able to get to the dentist was horrific. Since I found Kratom I have been able to get to the dentist, they were able to save my teeth after lots of work and many trips which I never could have tolerated without Kratom. No medication has worked this well and they come with scary side effects, Kratom has been gentle and I have found it to be completely safe. It has a built in ceiling effect that prevents abuse and it doesn't cause breathing depression. I am completely functional while using it, I have a chance at life again, a chance to participate and contribute, I was able to visit my elderly father which is priceless to me, thinking the plant that saved me could be banned breaks my heart and scares me. This is reefer madness all over again, there is plenty of scientific evidence backing up the safety of Kratom in its natural form, Kratom is not what people pushing for a ban say it is. This ban would literally just pry the tea from the arthritic hands of the elderly. Please have mercy and don't take away the only thing that helps so many people from all walks of life. Thank you, Ashley Davidson

I am writing to share my experience with addiction to kratom and kratom/kava mixes. Over time, I developed a dependency that led to significant health issues. When I attempted to stop using these substances, I experienced severe withdrawal symptoms. These included an inability to eat or drink, leading to a rapid weight loss of 15 pounds within a week. During the worst of my withdrawal, I sought medical help at a hospital in Rocky Mount, VA. Unfortunately, the medical staff there were unfamiliar with kratom and its effects. The proposed treatment included the administration of fentanyl, which I found alarming given my condition and the lack of understanding about kratom withdrawal. This experience has been a challenging journey, and I hope that by sharing my story, I can raise awareness about the potential dangers of kratom and the importance of proper medical knowledge and treatment for those experiencing withdrawal. It’s unfortunate that something that can do so much harm to a person is sold at gas stations and advertised as an energy drink.

I am a parent who lost a child. I believe kratom should be banned. If that option were before you today, I would support it without hesitation. HB 360 is not a ban, but I support it because doing nothing is not acceptable. This bill requires an honest warning that kratom may cause opioid-like withdrawal and moves it out of casual retail access. That matters. Parents cannot protect their children from risks they are never told about. When products with opioid-like effects are sold as “natural” without disclosure, families do not recognize dependence or withdrawal until real harm has already occurred. HB 360 does not go as far as I believe it should, but it is a necessary step toward honesty, accountability, and harm reduction. If a ban is not politically achievable, then warning families and restricting access is the minimum duty owed to parents in Virginia. Support HB 360.

We support HB 360, particularly the provisions that regulate kratom products by prohibiting sales to individuals under the age of 21 and establishing additional labeling requirements. As an organization representing pharmacists, patient safety and public health are core pillars of our profession. As pharmacists, our priority every day is to ensure the safe and appropriate use of medications and substances that affect health. Kratom acts on opioid receptors and can have unpredictable effects, including dependence and opioid-like withdrawal. Unlike FDA-regulated medications, kratom products are not standardized for dose, purity, or safety, and they often lack consistent labeling. This poses a real patient-safety challenge when individuals, or parents of minors ask for guidance. Without statutory requirements for ingredients and warning labeling, many users are unaware of what they are ingesting, and pharmacists are left without reliable information to counsel patients. HB360 sensibly prohibits the sale of kratom products to anyone younger than 21 years of age. This age threshold is consistent with other substance safety laws because: • The adolescent and young adult brain is still developing, and exposure to psychoactive substances can increase the risk of dependency and have long-term effects. • Young persons often perceive “natural” or plant-based products as inherently safe, which is not always true and creates a false sense of security that can lead to experimentation or misuse. • Restricting retail access for minors helps reduce unintentional harm and decreases the likelihood that teens will use kratom recreationally or without understanding the risks. Pharmacists frequently encounter patients (or parents) who are surprised to learn that just because a substance is marketed as “herbal” that does not mean it is benign especially for adolescents.

Dear Members of the Committee, My name is Kelli McCann. I lost my oldest child and only son Benjamin to kratom 9/12/24. He was led to believe it was natural and safe alternative to prescription pain medication to manage his pain due to psoriatic arthritis. This believe cost him his life and caused tremendous heartbreak for those of us that love him. His absence is felt everyday. I am disappointed that this legislature is unwilling to ban kratom, but am writing in support of HB360. I support it because refusing to act would be worse. This product can cause opioid-like dependence and withdrawal. That is not a theory — it is lived reality for people nationwide. Yet it is sold openly, marketed as “natural,” and labeled in a way that hides risk instead of disclosing it. That is not consumer choice. That is failure of oversight. If banning is not something you are willing to consider, then at minimum the truth must disclosed about it. HB 360 requires an opioid-like withdrawal warning and moves kratom out of casual retail access. That is not extreme. It is the bare minimum any responsible legislature should accept. Thank you for your time. Sincerely, Kelli McCann (Benjamin’s mom)

I am here today in support of HB 360, speaking from a place no parent should ever have to know. My daughter, Kielee, died at just 23 years old from a mitragynine overdose. Because of her age, her death was investigated. An autopsy and toxicology report confirmed that mitragynine—the primary active compound in kratom—was the cause of her death. Kielee trusted the word “natural.” She used natural kratom powder, believing it was safe. She believed the marketing. She believed the absence of warnings meant there was little risk. If there had been clear, honest warnings that kratom can be addictive, can cause opioid-like withdrawals, and can be dangerous—or if it had been placed behind the counter—she may have stopped and thought twice. That pause could have saved her life. My daughter turned to kratom as a “safe” alternative for pain relief. She did not want to take opioids. Ironically, the substance she believed was safer is what killed her. The warning label proposed in this bill is not excessive—it is necessary. It is the kind of warning that could have changed my daughter’s decision and altered our lives forever. Kratom is becoming increasingly popular and increasingly accessible. Parents often don’t know what it is. Young people assume it is safe because it is openly sold and marketed as natural. The reality does not match the marketing. Your decision on this bill will shape how many families in your communities are protected—or left vulnerable. I know this is not an easy decision. But I know what it is like to stand in my daughter’s empty bedroom and ask why there were not stronger warnings on such a dangerous substance. I live with that question every day. I am asking you to pass HB 360 so that no other family has to learn this lesson through the loss of a child, a spouse, or a friend. Thank you for taking the time to listen—and for choosing the safety of your residents. Sincerely, Tia Rustici Kielee’s mom

I operate a Recovery community organization in Henrico County. We are seeing more and more folks come in with Kratom addiction issues. It presents like an opiate withdrawal and an opiate high. It is just common sense that if you're not gonna outlaw this awful product, that at least put it behind the counter like you would cigarettes. We need to keep this away from the kids. Can't we all just try to live in the solution? This drug will take normal people and turn them into active drug addicts just like any other street drug.

I am submitting this comment as a chronic pain patient and disability advocate with lived experience of severe medical harm, disbelief by doctors, and abandonment by the healthcare system. Years ago, I was given FDA approved medications that caused serious damage to my body. Lupron was one of them. What followed were years of worsening pain, repeated surgeries, and doctors who did not believe my pain was real. I was misdiagnosed, dismissed, and labeled instead of helped. One surgery, a botched hysterectomy that cut me from hip to hip, lasted over three hours. At one point during my medical ordeal, I was bleeding internally and left without proper care. I truly believed I was going to die. These experiences permanently changed my life. After years of failed treatments and trauma, plain leaf kratom tea became the only thing that allowed me to function and manage pain without opioids. I did not turn to kratom casually. I turned to it because the medical system had exhausted and harmed me. During my major abdominal surgery, I stopped kratom completely before the operation. After surgery, I was on IV pain medication, but it was not helping. I was groggy, disconnected, and unable to function. After two days, once I was able to tolerate something by mouth, I stopped the IV medication and drank my kratom tea. The difference was immediate. I was more lucid, my pain was better controlled, and I was able to get up and walk. The nurses were shocked. They assumed I was not taking anything at all until I explained that I had resumed my kratom tea. That experience reinforced what I already knew. Kratom helps me function without sedation, confusion, or the risks I experienced with prescription drugs. It has never intoxicated me. It has never taken my life apart. It gave me clarity and stability when nothing else did. When lawmakers consider kratom-related legislation, I ask that patient outcomes and harm reduction remain central. Many adults rely on kratom not recreationally, but as a last-resort tool after years of medical trauma, failed prescriptions, and disbelief. I am concerned about policies that could unintentionally reduce access, overregulate responsible products, or push patients back toward opioids or other medications that have already caused significant harm. People do not stop needing pain relief because access is restricted. They suffer, or they are forced into worse options. While I do not live in Virginia, I have family, close friends, and fellow advocates who do. Decisions made here affect real people I care about and will influence kratom policy far beyond state lines. Please consider the lived experiences of patients like me when evaluating kratom-related legislation. Safety matters, but access and harm reduction matter too. Thank you for listening to voices that are too often ignored.

I am a clinical pharmacist, and I support HR 360 because it exposes a known public-health risk that needs to be addressed. HR 360 provides a warning that is grounded in fact which brings awareness to potential harm. Disregard of this acknowledgement would defy the vital role of public health to protect the public from risks of kratom and that is to ensure that food, human and veterinary drugs, medical devices, and cosmetics are safe, effective, and properly labeled. Cases have been reported related to use of kratom demonstrating physical dependence with signs and symptoms of withdrawal. Public disclosure of this risk is an essential and responsible public health function. Without notification of this risk associated with kratom use places consumers at risk. People do not recognize withdrawal when it occurs. They misinterpret symptoms. They escalate use. They delay seeking medical care. These are predictable outcomes when pharmacologic risk is hidden behind marketing terms like “natural” or “wellness.” HB 360 corrects that failure without resorting to prohibition. It gives Virginians information before dependence occurs, not after. It reduces harm without inflaming backlash. It brings a product sold outside the healthcare system closer to the ethical standards expected within it. As pharmacists, we are trained to prioritize patient safety, transparency, and informed consent. Supporting HB 360 is not a political statement, it is a professional one. The warning requirement is supported by evidence, aligned with clinical reality, and represents the most responsible public-health action available in Virginia at this time. I urge support for HB 360.

Dear Committee Members, I am a parent who lost a child. I believe kratom should be banned. If that option were before you today, I would support it without hesitation. HB 360 is not a ban, but I support it because doing nothing is not acceptable. This bill requires an honest warning that kratom may cause opioid-like withdrawal and moves it out of casual retail access. That matters. Parents cannot protect their children from risks they are never told about. When products with opioid-like effects are sold as “natural” without disclosure, families do not recognize dependence or withdrawal until real harm has already occurred. HB 360 does not go as far as I believe it should, but it is a necessary step toward honesty, accountability, and harm reduction. If a ban is not politically achievable, then warning families and restricting access is the minimum duty owed to parents in Virginia. Support HB 360. Thank you Wendy Chamberlain Joseph’s mom Forever 38 Lost from mitragynine toxicity.

Hello, My name is Hilary Tesluck and I have direct lived experience with both kratom and 7oh addiction. Today, I am clean, but I will never forget the true nightmare of withdrawing from kratom and 7oh. Both things I consider to be the most difficult things I have done in my life. It is NO DIFFERENT than prescription opioid withdrawal. In fact, I find it worse. Withdrawing from kratom leaf produced a lengthy post-acute withdrawal syndrome in which I experienced profound depression for 90 days. Withdrawing from 7oh was terrifying because I did it cold turkey on my own (I didn’t have access to resources like rehab) and it was so intense I ended up going to the ER because I thought I would pass out alone in my apartment. I couldn’t walk, couldn’t shower without the risk of fainting. I thrashed day and night for six days total. It is worse than heroin withdrawal because it’s so strong. Please consider protecting further individuals in your community by placing safeguards for the sale of kratom. I did not know what I was getting myself into years ago and if I knew I would’ve never done it.

Although some argue that the recent rise in kratom addiction is driven primarily by concentrated 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) products, as an addiciton medicine physician, I have seen a broader increase in kratom dependence that cannot be explained by 7-OH alone. Traditional kratom preparations, which contain little to no isolated 7-OH, have been associated for years with tolerance, withdrawal, and compulsive use, demonstrating that the plant’s full alkoloid profile, especially mitragynine, has inherent addictive potential. As kratom use has expanded in availability, potency, and frequency, more users are consuming it daily, escalating doses, and experiencing opioid-like dependence regardless of whether 7-OH is present in high concentrations. While 7-OH products may accelerate or intensify addiction in some users, focusing exclusively on them obscures the larger public health reality: kratom itself, particularly when marketed as “safe” or “non-addictive,” is contributing to a growing population of individuals struggling with dependence, withdrawal, and functional impairment. As an addiction medicine physician treating hundreds of patients annually at the Virginia Beach Psychiatric Center, I have been seeing an ever increasing number of people who are struggling with their use of Kratom. I would like to emphasize the reason we like this bill is because the warning clearly states that the product may cause dependence and opioid-like withdrawal. By moving the product behind the counter or into a lock case, this will allow potential consumers to pause and reflect on the potential cause for harm for these products.

Kratom has played a meaningful role in improving the quality of life for someone I love deeply who lives with severe chronic pain, depression, and anxiety. Before discovering kratom, daily life was dominated by pain, exhaustion, and a sense of hopelessness that made even simple tasks feel overwhelming. With kratom, they found a level of relief that allowed them to feel more present in their own life. Their pain became more manageable, their mood more stable, and their anxiety less consuming. It didn’t erase their challenges, but it gave them something incredibly important back: the ability to function, to engage, and to feel moments of peace and motivation again. What stands out most is the dignity it helped restore. Instead of being defined solely by pain or mental health struggles, they were able to reconnect with their interests, relationships, and sense of self. Kratom has been one part of a broader, thoughtful approach to wellness, and for our family, its impact has been profound and life-affirming.

I strongly advise you to oppose SB1396. Thank you.

We oppose bills Sb471 Sb770 Hb1396 It is a virgina heritage I have been hunting with my dogs ever since I could walk, and I want my nephews and my kids to enjoy the thangs that brought me so much joy and gave me something to look forward to every year these dogs are not just hunting dogs they are our pets and a part of my family please oppose these bills so my kids and grandkids can enjoy what I have and so many others have for generations.

Kratom has helped me so much in my life. It has helped my mental health as well as helps me physically do everything I need to do each day. I am able to keep up with my grandkids. I am able to function at my job when prior I found it extremely difficult to stay employed. I’ve been the most stable I’ve ever been in my adult life thanks to Kratom.

I've used kratom for over a decade. Kratom has been a positive and life-changing part of my wellness journey. It’s a natural plant from the coffee family that helps me manage Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome, Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Severe Major Depression and Panic Disorder. I receive pain relief for the chronic pain some of these cause. Kratom allows me to avoid the harsh side effects that I've experienced from prescription drugs. I learned about kratom from my brother after it got him off of heroin. It has saved my sisters life, also. They both survived fentanyl poisonings in 2016. Kratom is the reason they reached sobriety and remain sober. It prevented me from getting addicted to pills. Addiction runs in my family- it could've been me. Research from Johns Hopkins University and the University of Florida shows that kratom’s natural compounds work differently from opioids — they can relieve pain and improve mood without the dangerous risk of respiratory failure. Studies in Drug and Alcohol Dependence also found that kratom has a low potential for abuse and can even help people reduce dependence on harmful substances. Data from the CDC and the National Institute on Drug Abuse confirm that deaths linked solely to kratom are extremely rare — most cases involve other drugs or contaminants. Another concern of mine is the fact that alcohol has remained easily accessible while being responsible for tens of millions of deaths globally. These deaths have been attributable to alcohol since 2010 (very likely more than 30 million) based on the annual scales involved. Alcohol withdrawal is deadly whereas discontinuing kratom use is not. Kratom, namely plain leaf kratom is not deadly. That’s why I believe regulation, not prohibition, is the responsible way. Requiring testing and labeling so products are safe and adults can make informed choices. For me, and for millions of others, kratom has meant a better, healthier quality of life. Please listen to the science, and to the people who use it responsibly every day. Thank you for your time and consideration.

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Comment in Support of HB 360 I am submitting this comment as a pharmacist and Virginian in support of HB 360 because it does something government is obligated to do: it tells the truth and reduces preventable harm. Kratom has been sold in Virginia without honest warnings, no plain-language disclosure of dependence, no clear acknowledgment of opioid-like withdrawal, and no risk communication consistent with what is now documented about its effects. That silence is not neutral. When risks are known and not disclosed, confusion becomes policy, and families absorb the consequences. HB 360 does not ban kratom and does not criminalize consumers. It requires an explicit warning about opioid-like effects and withdrawal, and it moves sales behind the counter so adults are informed before purchase. That is not overreach. It is baseline consumer protection. It is also important to recognize where this issue is heading. Federal scrutiny is increasing, not decreasing, driven by FDA adverse event data, CDC mortality surveillance, and poison control reports, including a documented increase in pediatric exposures. The DEA is actively reviewing a citizen petition requesting Schedule I classification, and international retail markets have already begun closing in response to similar evidence. In that context, HB 360 functions as risk containment for Virginia. If federal action occurs after more Virginians unknowingly develop dependence, the public-health, treatment, and enforcement burden will fall on the Commonwealth. Acting now, through honest warnings and controlled access, reduces that exposure rather than magnifying it. For legislators and members of the public who want to review the underlying harm data directly, FDA adverse event reports, CDC references, and poison control trends are compiled for policymakers at www.mothersagainstherbalabuse.org. The record exists. The risks are documented. What remains is the decision. HB 360 offers Virginia a responsible path forward: transparency without prohibition, action without overreach, and protection before preventable harm becomes unavoidable. I urge its passage.

Invasives should be pulled or killed by herbicide and not be permitted to be sold in nurseries

This bill is a trick, to allow industrial solar to circumvent local and county Agricultural ordinances, and therefore local decisions. This allows minimal actual farming or tree harvesting, which can be as little as one acre, in return for a typical massive 2500 acre solar installation. this bill does not require any environmental assessments done in advance of the impact of solar. We know that 80% of solar installations in Virginia are out of environmental compliance, that land contamination, erosion, waterway quality destruction, fires, land heavy metal contaminations, noise, wildlife extinctions and displacements, are all rampant in existing solar installations in Virginia. This bill is an assault on democracy, and should not come out of committee or be signed into law.

To who ever may read this message My name is jacob austin and me and my family live thur out Amherst Nelson and big island. We have hunted coon hounds for 4 generations starting with my great grand father (van staton)to my grandmother (Betty austin) to my father (Ernest donold austin j)r to me and my brother (Matthew austin) this is a tradition that we have cherished since we were lil kids see are dad go out every night after working long hours him telling us stories about papa van with was amazed by the places he want things he got to see walking thru the nights to get to his dogs. By time we was old enough he let us go with him he grab his 4 year old male walker hounds aka storm man he was one hell of a hound but that but im getting of track but as I got older my life changed drastically mom and father got divorced and I just went into a deep state of depression thinking it was my fault and I was just ready to just leave this earth to go to a better place but no I just hooked my trailer up to my four-wheeler and loaded my dog box and hound aka Rosco p coal train a freeing walker hound and being in the woods just help me forget everything that was happening hearing the sound of him freeing in the holler of those mountains is music for a hurting soul and mind walking to the tree being excited to see what's up there is just my way of therapy for me. I like for my kids, grandkids and everyone after me to still be able to carry on this family tradition turn to running hounds or being out in nature to enjoy what the good lord has created for us inside of turning to hard drugs to make that pain go away if someone has read this is really appreciate u taking u time to read it and have a blessed day

Industrial Solar development is not "farming" or "agriculture." It devastates local communities, wildlife, farms and forests. VA's ill-advised solar policies have encouraged Timber Companies to purchase old farms, clear-cut all the timber and then -- instead of traditional practice of re-growing the forests -- the Timber companies instead immediately monetize by leasing to Solar companies, and then rinse and repeat. This is causing an alarming amount of "solar development" on farmlands, and the local communities' only safety valve is local zoming and planning, where long-term community planning happens. These bills taking away that local control are transparent "Big Solar" power plays of the worst kind, but it's our beautiful rural Virginia, local farmers, wildlife and land that pays the price. Please do not upset local land use planning - it's vital for Virginia's long-term health.

I strongly oppose HB1091. I cannot understand why you would even want to attach it to anything associated with farming, it is not. I understand some people who would think this will provide great income. The problem is what is the great problems that can lie ahead. As we are slowing learning, solar is not the great cure for increasing electric, it is actually one of the least. Most land under these solar areas are lease for 40 years. Just stop and think what has happen in the last 40 years. Better technology will do away with these panels and then what happens to the land. Farmers could be liable for damage to adjacent landowners, water runoff, soil erosion, pond and lake being filled with sediments, etc. Law suits can be filed to the solar companines but the land still belongs to the landowner which puts them possibly in the lawsuits also. This bill strips local goverment and it's citizens to voice their concerns and opinions. AGAIN PLEASE VOTE NO.

NO. Do not place the bill in Right to Farm Act! Please vote no.

Solar is the main driver I can think of that’s creating new farm/ranch operations right now. The landowner benefits, the locality benefits, the broader community benefits & third parties like us benefit. All of the economic buzz ripples through the region. Revenue helps keep property taxes from increasing, volunteer emergency service personnel can transition to paid positions, the local food system gets a boost. It remains to be seen what the models may look like in 5-30 years. What needs will the agricultural sector have? Defining #agrivoltaics legally (in statute) is a blessing and a curse. Everyone wants an official idea of “what counts.” In what ways does a definition limit creativity & adaptation? Anyone that talks to me knows how much history and tradition means to me. We live in a state with over 400 years of recorded history. I drive by faded signs promoting industries that are no longer viable at scale as they once were - tobacco, textiles, furniture. Row cropping & timber have tight margins. In the decades around the year 2000, Virginia had 6000-8000 tobacco operations. Now, there are 173. Many of those farms are centered around the Southside region. The last, die hard, producers are the ones we have here which creates a strong combination of nostalgia and desperation to continue. There’s a long story about how it got to this point & the industry was tasked by the General Assembly (Legislature) to fund replacement economic development & had some transitional buyouts. Anyway, our area is still poor & depressed. I bring up tobacco to illustrate something. Pittsylvania County receipts (gross profits - so, not including input costs) is around $18 million annually. The County has approved 18K acres of solar. If these acres generated $1,000 in economic activity that would equate to $18 million. Land is rented, solar equipment purchased & installed, there are jobs maintaining the facilities - equipment & vegetation, the sites are producing power which is sold. Are we a Tobacco County or a Solar County? Whatever your opinion on all of that, we have found a good enterprise to add to the mix. A sheep enterprise like ours can produce enough lambs per acre to reach $1,000 of a commmodity, which by the way, makes us a “real farm.” Virginia has around 80,000 sheep & growing. The average flock size is still only 30 animals but if you straight divide the numbers, there are over 2,600 sheep operations in the Commonwealth. They don’t generate as much revenue as things stand but the potential is there with solar. Are we a Tobacco State or a Sheep State? Those of us grazing solar have been catapulted to becoming among the largest sheep outfits in Virginia. The state is staring down 300,000 acres of solar & surrounds that will need to be managed. There could be quite a few sizable sheep ranches.

I am a 75 year plus generational farmer in Augusta County. We operate a poultry, cattle, & crop farming operation on 700 plus acre farm, which our parents purchased in the late 50's & early 60's. We operated a dairy farm for 43 years, and due to overhead expenses and not enough income being generated, we stopped dairying in 1995. In 1995, we transitioned to a beef cattle, poultry, and crop farming operation, all of which required us to make a substantial monetary investment. Unfortunately, once again, our overhead expenses, low commodity prices along with tariffs, droughts, etc. are making it very difficult in sustaining our farming operations. We attempted to transition some of our farmland to solar projects, as did several other landowners and farmers in Augusta County for an additional stream of income to maintain our farming operations; however, the county really deemed we had no property rights as landowners, and became very anti-solar. Due to the stance and newly introduced restrictive ordinances from our local government, along with denials on several utility scale projects, the company we were working with decided to resend any option agreements with us due to the resistance from Augusta County. The county we live in have no issues in the approval of more subdivisions on farmland! The do no care that 4,000 farmers in the past 5 years have gone out of business, and there continues to be more everyday; or, that over half million acres of farmland has been transitioned to urban development or commercial & industrial development! The localities do not care about the Clean Air Energy Act, nor are they concerned with our ever increasing energy needs. As a farmer and landowner, I have no property rights which affects our decisions in trying to generate an extra stream of income to sustain our farming operations for future generations. I ask for support in the passage of Del. Laufter's Bill HB 1091, as means of helping farmers in the state of Virginia, as we are not given that support thru our local government.

HB1091 is potentially a good bill but maybe able to be thwarted to easily and needs to be tightened up. if a large utility aggregates a 500 to 1000 acre property to install a solar photovoltaic installation, and decides to run a few sheep in there so as to call it agri-photovoltaics Itwill potentially be able to do an end run around local or state requirements for siting and push it onto the local community without their ability have a say in the planned project. or it could get a conservation easement status so as to get reduced tax status. please be careful what you are signing up for.

Solar cannot hide behind the Right to Farm to escape public review. Solar is not automatically something farmers raise. This legislation takes away local input into what truly is an industrial activity that can affect neighbors. When neighbors are fully aware of what is happening on land next to theirs and their concerns are addressed reasonably, on-going relationships are much more likely to be civil. When things are sprung on people who cannot do anything at all to protect themselves and their property, things do not go well. There's too much being hidden from people these days. Please oppose this legislation.

Please support and approve HB 1091. Thank you

I OPPOSE HB1091 SOLAR FACILITIES ARE INDUSTRIAL ENERGY PROJECTS, NOT AGRICULTURE . THIS BILL STRIPS COMMUNITIES OF THEIR RIGHT TO HAVE A SAY IN LARGE SCALE DEVELOPMENT IN THEIR NEIGHBORHOODS.

Greetings members of this committee. Please vote “NO” on house bill 1091. (1)This bill as written, appears to eliminate local zoning, authority, and community input AND misuses the “right to farm” law. (2)Anything at all that affects a locality must be determined by that locality, not by state politicians who know nothing about a locality that is outside h/her own locality; localities determine what is best for their citizens not state politicians . (3)Industrial solar should not in any way be considered agricultural. For these three reasons plus others you have read here from citizens throughout the state, you must OPPOSE this legislation, and any other such legislation that removes or otherwise inhibits localities from determining what is best for their citizens. Thank you.

I oppose HB 1091. Solar facilities are industrial energy projects, not agriculture. This bill strips communities of their right to have a say in large-scale development in their neighborhoods. Thank you, Kenda Hanuman Buckingham, VA

I recommend that Virginia HB1091 be approved to explicitly include farmers’ rights to pursue alternative and diversified farming practices within permitted use. Allowing flexibility for innovation—such as alternative crops, regenerative methods, or complementary on-farm activities—supports farm viability, strengthens rural economies, and helps preserve working farmland. Clear inclusion of these rights ensures that farmers can adapt to changing markets and environmental conditions while remaining compliant with local regulations.

Support for HB 1091. I would urge anyone who wants to preserve farming in areas that are experiencing pressure from development to support this bill. This bill would provide a way for smaller farms to diversify their income streams and remain solvent without having to sell land for development.

I am a 75 plus year old generational farmer in Augusta County. We operate a poultry, cattle, & crop farming operation on 700 plus acres of farmland, that our parents purchased back in the late 50's & early 60's. We operated a dairy farm for over 43 years, but our overhead expenses and the income we were receiving on the sale of our milk, forced us to stop dairying. In 1995, we transitioned to a poultry, cattle, and crop farming operation, all of which required a large financial investment. Unfortunately, once again our overhead expenses, low commodity prices and tariffs, droughts, etc. are making it very difficult in sustaining our farming operations. Over 4,000 farmers have quit farming in the past 5 years in the state of Virginia, and over half million acres of farmland has been transitioned to urban development and to commercial and industrial development. Over the past five years, we have desperately tried to transition some of our farmland to solar development as a means of having an extra stream of income to sustain our farms. However, we, along with some other farmers trying to do the same, have been met with overwhelming opposition and restrictive ordinances! The localities say they are trying to preserve farmland, but continue to approve housing developments which are being built on farmland! As a farmer and a large landowner, we have no property rights, as our localities have taken that away from us in finding extra streams of income to sustain our farming operations. More farms will continue to be forced out of business, without having a right to seek other means of income in trying to sustain their farming operations. As a property owner and land owner, I ask for your support in the passage of Bill HB 1091.

Members of the Virginia General Assembly, There is a common misconception regarding the previously used term utility-scale “solar farm.” When large solar facilities were first developed across Virginia back in the mid 2010s, solar developers commonly used the term “solar farm” because it was more appealing to the public. The term gave people the misconception that it is a beautiful facility intended to be placed out in the countryside and is a compliment the agriculture industry. The reality in 2026 is the complete opposite. The term that is now commonly used is utility scale “solar facility.” Solar facilities are industrial in nature and have nothing in common with agriculture. Solar facilities actually compete with the same resources and replace agricultural production. It would be TOTALLY inappropriate to allow solar facilities by right under the right to farm act, simply because they have nothing in common with farming and agriculture at all. I simply ask that you keep the right to farm act the way it has been traditionally worded and not include solar facilities into the language. Solar facilities have just as much in common with agriculture as do housing developments, shopping centers, data centers, highways, or natural gas power plants if electrical production is the priority of this proposal. All of the above items directly replace agricultural production and could dramatically change the landscape across Virginia if left uncontrolled. Local governments serve a vital role in deciding how their locality looks, and is governed. Local governments should always retain the final decision to approve or deny projects that are proposed within their borders.

I oppose Bill HB1091. To even equate a solar complex to a agricultural operation is a insult to every farmer in Virginia. To pass a bill such as this and take away the rights of the local government and its citizens to be able to voice their opinion is wrong.

Writing on behalf of farmers in Dinwiddie County. Please vote NO on HB 1091, Right to Farm. Farmers do not want solar panels included. Thank you.

I oppose HB 1091 -It eliminates local zoning authority and community input, misusing the Right to Farm law to shield utility-scale solar from review and accountability.

I oppose this legislation as its grossly misguided. We cannot eliminate community oversight from solar development

Vote No! Solar is an INDUSTRIAL site and should not be treated as an agricultural crop. Localities need to retain the right to site Industrial entities in the right location.

I oppose HB 1091 because it misuses the Right to Farm law to exempt solar—an industrial energy use, not agriculture—from meaningful review and accountability. The bill strips local governments and residents of zoning authority and community input, undermining the ability to ensure solar development is compatible with neighborhood character, property values, and legitimate farming operations.

As a sheep farmer, I oppose HB 1091. Right to Farm laws were created to protect farmers producing food, not to give utility companies exemptions from local oversight for industrial solar operations.

I strongly oppose HB 1091, which seeks to classify solar panel electricity production, when done alongside traditional farming, as part of an "agricultural operation" under Virginia's Right to Farm law. This would limit localities' ability to regulate or restrict such projects, effectively overriding community input. Large-scale solar plants are industrial energy developments, not agriculture. They involve massive arrays of panels, heavy infrastructure, and long-term land commitments that fundamentally alter rural landscapes, and cover prime farmland with heightened industrial risks. This bill undermines local control by stripping communities of any say in large developments that directly impact their neighborhoods, property values, and quality of life. Moreover, utility-scale solar increases electricity costs for consumers in several ways: - It requires significant overbuilding to compensate for intermittency (solar produces only when the sun shines). - Achieving reliable, firm capacity demands enormous, expensive battery storage systems, which may be co-located with the solar plant(s) itself to store excess energy. This introduces serious additional risks to nearby communities . - These factors drive up system-level costs far beyond the headline price of panels, while compromising grid reliability during low-sun periods or extreme weather. Virginia should prioritize responsible land use, preserve productive farmland, protect local decision-making, and pursue energy solutions that deliver affordable, reliable power without burdening ratepayers or rural communities. HB 1091 is misguided policy that favors industrial-scale projects over sensible, community-driven development.

I oppose HB1091. Its language is overly broad and vague, creating a loophole that could allow token grazing or minimal plantings to qualify industrial solar facilities for powerful Right-to-Farm nuisance protections. This would shield large-scale energy projects from accountability and limit neighboring farmers and landowners the ability to challenge real impacts like noise, glare, stormwater runoff, traffic, and long-term land-use conflicts. It could also weaken local oversight and make it harder to enforce safety standards, setbacks, and decommissioning requirements. Solar power generation is energy infrastructure, not farming, and Virginia should not blur that line in any way. Please vote NO to HB1091.

I oppose HB 1091. It eliminates local zoning authority and community input, misusing the Right to Farm law to shield utility-scale solar from review and accountability. Installation of industrial solar IS NOT farming or "agricultural operations." Solar panel installation is causing heartbreaking destruction of our rural landscape and the environment, while also devaluing adjacent residential and farm properties. Please make it stop!

I urge you to support HB1091. This bill respects the property rights of farmers and may well offer the means to preserve many farms, How many farmers have to work a second job just to make ends meet? What would you rather see on the land -- solar panels or subdivisions, or warehouse distribution centers, or maybe a data center? Farmers can combine solar panels and pasture land successfully. Some crops do better with shade. Moreover, we know we have to have more electricity fast and solar is the quickest way to generate more power.

- "I oppose HB 1091. It eliminates local zoning authority and community input, misusing the Right to Farm law to shield utility-scale solar from review and accountability."

I oppose HB 1091. Solar facilities are industrial energy projects, not agriculture. This bill strips communities of their right to have a say in large-scale development in their neighborhoods.

Seven generations for the future

I strongly advise you to oppose SB1396. Thank you.

I oppose HB 1091 because it fundamentally misapplies Right to Farm protections. Right to Farm laws were established to shield legitimate agricultural operations from nuisance complaints, not to exempt industrial energy infrastructure from local land use review. Utility-scale solar facilities are commercial power generation projects that should be subject to the same zoning and permitting processes as other industrial development. This bill removes the ability of local governments to ensure these projects are appropriately sited and compatible with existing land use, community character, and property values. Local zoning authority exists for good reason, and HB 1091 circumvents that essential oversight without justification.

- "I oppose HB 1091. It eliminates local zoning authority and community input, misusing the Right to Farm law to shield utility-scale solar from review and accountability." - "I oppose HB 1091. Solar facilities are industrial energy projects, not agriculture. This bill strips communities of their right to have a say in large-scale development in their neighborhoods." - "I oppose HB 1091. Right to Farm laws were created to protect farmers producing food, not to give utility companies exemptions from local oversight for industrial solar operations." - "I oppose HB 1091. This bill removes essential protections that allow localities to ensure solar development is compatible with community character, property values, and genuine agricultural operations."

I oppose HB 1091.

We oppose bills Sb471 Sb770 Hb1396 It is a virgina heritage I have been hunting with my dogs ever since I could walk, and I want my nephews and my kids to enjoy the thangs that brought me so much joy and gave me something to look forward to every year these dogs are not just hunting dogs they are our pets and a part of my family please oppose these bills so my kids and grandkids can enjoy what I have and so many others have for generations.

I oppose HB 1091. This bill removes essential protections that allow localities to ensure solar development is compatible with community character, property values, and genuine agricultural operations.

Opposition to HB1091: House Bill 1091 would grant solar installations—including utility-scale projects—the same legal protections as genuine agricultural operations, as long as there's some farming or timber activity on the property. The bill provides no threshold for how much actual farming is required, and the consequences extend far beyond zoning. Virginia's Right to Farm law exists to protect genuine farmers from nuisance complaints—not to grant solar developers and utility companies immunity from local oversight, community input, and lawsuits. If HB1091 passes, a solar developer could maintain token agricultural activity and claim full farm protections while covering hundreds of acres with solar panels—and with projects planned statewide, this adds up to vast acreage. Farms and timberlands across Virginia could be converted to solar installations under this loophole. These operations would then gain sweeping protections under Virginia Code 3.2-301 and 3.2-302 that would eliminate special use permits, declare local zoning ordinances "null and void," remove community input from siting decisions, and strip away the ability of localities and citizens to challenge these projects in court over legitimate concerns. HB1091 isn't about helping farmers—it's about allowing industrial solar facilities with acres of panels, inverters, and equipment to BYPASS the same planning process and public review required of every other industrial development.

I oppose bill HB1396. This bill is just another way to “tax” the people. The permitting system that is in this bill will cause some people to stop hunting which will result in even lower license sales in the state.

I vehemently oppose HB 1091. Industrial solar development has no relationship to farming or agriculture nor should it be considered on agricultural or forest land. Any such development should be restricted to land that has no sustainable value for forest growth or crop production.

Solar farms should be allowed on a property owner /farmers land if they choose to do so It’s is their land and Solar farming may prevent them from loosing the land

As a resident and concerned citizen of rural Greensville County, I am strongly opposed to this bill and the presumption that it is reasonable to classify utility solar components in a manner that would allow them to be placed anywhere crops can be grown or timber can be raised. This is quite a stretch! Solar facilities are best placed on brownfields, rooftops, and unproductive industrial sites. The beautiful and fertile agricultural and timber land in our rural areas cannot be replaced, and must be protected. Please vote NO on HB1091.

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I oppose this legislation. Why should these products go to our water sources or underground?

Vote No and leave this bill on the table. Solar is an INDUSTRIAL site. Localities need the right to site each unique project. They are rife with DEQ violations. You are unable to farm the land again after an INDUSTRIAL site has been instilled upon it.

Invasives should be pulled or killed by herbicide and not be permitted to be sold in nurseries

I respectfully would like to express my opposition of large scale solar panel installation within our agriculture community. Our area’s strength lies in its farmland , rural character and long-standing agriculture. Energy development should not come at the expense of the long-term health and beauty of our land.

I respectfully request that this bill be defeated. Nothing about solar resembles agriculture other than that, due to its size, it is generally placed on agricultural land. Solar is an Industrial use and should stay classified as such. This is a clear attempt to make Solar more palatable to the masses and circumvent local zoning laws. Thanks for your consideration of this request.

I oppose this bill. The right to farm should NOT include the commercial/industrial production of solar energy other than for exclusive onsite use. This is a blatant attempt to circumvent local zoning power.

Please oppose this Bill. I don’t want our beautiful woodlands & farms destroyed by solar panels. Put them on top of buildings & shopping malls that have closed!

This bill harms a rural community that is deeply vulnerable and rooted in agriculture as well as the protection of nature. Many young and growing families will be greatly impacted in a devastating way and we are extremely opposed to this bill. Thank you.

Please support HB402. It will allow small cottage foods producers to grow reach a larger consumer base, without the need to upgrade to a commercial kitchen, which is exceedingly expensive and lots of red tape for permitting. This is also a way to make it less restrictive for anyone wanting to get started with home produced uninspected foods which will support independence and community food resilience and keep revenue cycling within the local economy.

Solar IS NOT Ag. Please do NOT approve of this! Makes no sense. The studies have already shown how detrimental these projects are to the environment and community. Please STOP.

I am writing in opposition of HB1091, Right to Farm; SOLAR PANELS. Solar panels and solar energy facilities do not constitute legitimate agricultural operations under the Virginia Right to Farm Act and it needs to remain that way under the act. Solar panels do not produce agricultural goods,they do not rely on agricultural processes, and do not face the types of nuisance pressures the Act was designed to address. Extending RTFA protections to solar facilities would exceed legislative intent, erode zoning authority, and undermine the Act’s core purpose of protecting bona fide farming. The Virginia Right to Farm Act was enacted to protect legitimate agricultural operations from nuisance claims and local restrictions arising from suburban encroachment. Solar itself is an encroachment on RURAL VIRGINIA that citizens like myself adamantly oppose. Solar energy facilities—do not meet the statutory purpose or functional characteristics of agriculture under Virginia law and therefore should not receive Right to Farm protections. Lastly, rural localities want to protect our farmland and forestry from the nuisance and overall damage solar farms create. A policy that opens up any protections for industrial solar as agriculture should be OPPOSED.

I strongly support this bill, which is absolutely necessary. Solar panels fit well on agricultural land and the decision should be left to the landowner, not the arbitrary whims of local governments. There is an incredible amount of misinformation on solar and irrational thinking, which some local governments have absorbed and used to create ludicrous ordinances. Just one example is 1,000 ft setback from residential parcel lines for solar, whereas a rocky quarry has only 100 ft setbacks. Asphalt batch plants and other loud, potentially air polluting industries also have much lower requirements. Farmers should be able to rent out land for solar as a way of smoothing out fluctuations from weather, tariffs, and all the other random things that affect agricultural commodity prices. Solar projects are temporary (although 20-30 years is certainly a long time) and almost all localities have strict decommissioning requirements that put the land back the way it was before the project (if the landowner so wishes.) Solar energy production is a way to preserve farmland that would otherwise be sold for permanent development. Please tune out the extremely vocal anti-solar minority who do not have their facts straight and approve HB1091.

Solar Farms are NOT Agriculture or Farming. Not even close! Quite the opposite! Many years of research on these solar yards, they are a hazard to the land and a hazard to the community and its people. Solar has no place in the agriculture communities or farmland

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.

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

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 oppose this bill solar has no place in agriculture. Solar was intended for brown lands. Try cooking your dinner in your electric oven when there is Nothing to cook. Think about it!!!

I strongly oppose hb1091 solar panels are a county by county issue. They affect people where they live and should be governed by the people who live there via their board of supervisors.

Strongly oppose hb1091 solar panels are the most inefficient excuse of “green” energy there is

As lifelong residents of Wakefield, my husband and I value its present form. We're confident that the majority of area residents, if not all, share our opposition to HB1091.

There is no more land being made. Once solar panels are installed the land can no longer produce food or fiber. Please consider your families needs for nourishment and clothing. Farmland must be preserved at all costs. It cannot be replicated or replaced. Our Country needs food. Please consider the health of our citizens and turn down these projects.

I oppose using farm land for poor quality solar panels. It is unnatural, damaging, and inefficient for the environment. We have to pay panels from China and that is a big problem. We should not be dependent upon China for energy.

I AM OPPOSSED TO THIS BILL AS IT IS NOT IN THE BEST INTEREST OF SUSSEX COUNTY. THE FARMERS NEED THIS LAND TO FARM ON. SOLAR PANELS DESTROY THE LAND AND POSE A RISK TO THE ANIMALS THAT LIVE THERE.

HB1091 should be opposed vehemently.

Strongly oppose this bill as solar and agricultural are two separate items. This bill will lessen the amount of true agricultural land in our county, as the separation of agricultural and solar is a main factor in keeping our county’s farmland and forests protected. This bill will allow solar companies more access to land they should not be allowed to build on.

Oppose this bill please.

I oppose HB 1091, solar panels have NO place here in Virginia. They are ruining good farm and do not benefit us at all.

I oppose this bill. Agriculture and solar are two different industries. If property is zoned agricultural it should not be open for solar also without the locality voting on it. We need our farmers and what they produce. Based on other solar farms in our area they make a mess on the roads with runoff and are poorly maintained. Plus they do not provide the amount of power to justify the destruction of the land.

Oppose bill Hb1091

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 HB1091. you cannot eat a solar panel. It is not farming. The load isnt needed locally. I didnt move to the country to live in an industrial part. NO TO INDUSTRIAL SOLAR!!

I am completely OPPOSED to HB1091. This bill implies that installing solar panels is equal to farming. Installing industrial solar IS NOT farming or "agricultural operations." I would even go as far to say this bill is an insult to the many farmers who provide our food, meat, etc. The decision to allow the installation of industrial solar should lie within the county or city. This is a very bad bill and should be scrapped.

As a concerned Virginia agricultural landowner of Page County, I strongly oppose HB1091, which seeks to amend § 3.2-300 of the Code of Virginia by adding solar panel electricity production to the definition of a protected "agricultural operation" under the Right to Farm law with traditional farming. This bill is unacceptable for the following reasons: • Solar panels are industrial infrastructure, NOT agriculture — They generate electricity for profit, not food, livestock, or rural livelihoods. Redefining them as farming is dishonest and erodes the integrity of Virginia's Right to Farm protections, which exist to shield genuine food producers from nuisance claims and overreach. • This is a giveaway to corporate solar developers — Utility-scale projects (even "dual-use" ones) prioritize energy output over agriculture. Panels shade soil, compact earth, disrupt drainage, and often make land unusable for real farming long-term, all while developers pocket massive subsidies and profits. • It threatens Virginia's vanishing farmland — The state has already lost hundreds of thousands of acres to development. Forcing localities to treat solar arrays as protected farms invites sprawl on prime cropland and forests, undermining food security and rural economies. • It strips local control and silences communities — Right to Farm shields would make it harder for counties to enforce reasonable zoning, deny permits, or respond to neighbor complaints about visual blight, property value drops, or environmental impacts—handing power to out-of-state developers over Virginians. • "Concurrent" farming is a loophole, not a safeguard — So-called agrivoltaics often means minimal grazing or crops under raised panels, with energy production dominating. This token agriculture does not justify granting full Right to Farm protections—it's a pretext to bypass opposition. • True solutions exist elsewhere — Install solar on rooftops, brownfields, parking lots, warehouses, schools, and disturbed land first. Do not sacrifice irreplaceable farmland when better options abound. HB1091 is a dangerous overreach that prioritizes renewable mandates over preserving Virginia's agricultural heritage, local rights, and rural character. I ask you to reject this bill outright—vote NO, kill it in committee, and protect real farming from industrial encroachment. Please enter this letter into the official record for HB1091 and represent the voices of rural Virginians who want to protect precious farmland and not have their communities turned into solar factories.

Please OPPOSE HB1091 solar panels are only ruining actual farmland and raw land by clearing timber to make a minimum amount of power on a maximum amount of acreage vs building an actual power station on a much smaller acreage footprint. I do not want to see Virginia turned into one big solar panel to support data center growth

Please lay this bill on the table. Solar is an industrial development not a crop that you plant and then harvest to feed Americans. It comes with all kinds of DEQ violations. The land can never be farmed again. It is just one step away from a hazardous nightmare that we will leave for generations to come.

Strongly OPPOSE! Solar shouldn’t even be in the same category as farm land! There is already enough solar in Southern Virginia taking up all the actual farm land! Please OPPOSE!

This is insane! As an actual farmer this type of legislation absolutely blows my mind. Are we in the matrix now!? I strongly OPPOSE this bill!

In regards to HB1091. This is so absolutely wrong! Please vote NO! Here is the big picture. If more and more agricultural farm land is used for solar, that is less grain, produce etc. being contributed to food supplies for humans and animals. Animals are needed for a food source. Meat, milk, butter, eggs etc. Please consider all of this and for future generations. If solar is so important, then put it in the cities. On top of buildings, covering parking lots, down the median of interstates in cities. Leave the rural agricultural and forestry alone! Thank you

Please Vote NO on this bill. Solar panels do not belong on farmland destroying the earth and environment. Additionally, they are useless.

please vote NO on this terrible bill.solar is wrong for agricultural land,and properly belongs on rooftops,brownfields and over parking areas. every acre removed from actual agricultural use is land that is lost to farming forever. thank you. ken

Please vote NO on HB1091. I oppose putting solar panels on farms.

Comments Document

I OPPOSE this inane bill! To think solar panels should be classified and taxed as an agricultural product such as crop commodities is pure ignorance. First of all, solar is a scam, and has already irreparably destroyed thousands of acres of Virginia farm and forest lands. And this unregulated and poorly performing "industry" is failing at energy production!! (see table attached of current facilities) Additionally, solar panels are polluting our soils and groundwater with toxic heavy metals such as Cadmium and forever chemical PFAS that leach from them. Solar panels are NOT an agricultural product and this bill should receive a Nay vote.

I oppose this bill. Solar panel are industrial plants and not agriculture. They present a great hazard to both the farm land and the ground water ( that’s well water for those of us that live far from public water sources). The estimated life span of solar projects is 35 years. After that time the land will be sterile and unfit for any agricultural use for quite a long time if ever. It is a gross mistake to call solar panels agriculture. They are an industrial project with grave long term consequences. It makes no more sense to call solar projects agriculture than to call an airport a bird park because “large birds land and stay there.

I oppose this bill. Solar Panels are not an agricultural product. Solar panels do not belong in the same category as Soybeans, cotton, peanuts, hay etc. They are industrial equipment not agricultural. I can provide you with studies that prove solar panels leak chemicals into the land and should not be located near food sources and our well water. In fact, Frito Lay corporation will not buy potatoes that are grown on land previous occupied by solar panels due to glass shards and chemicals leaching from the panels. I believe if you research, the US Department of Energy has acknowledged that all solar panels leach chemicals over time. Solar panels belong on buildings and over parking lots not on farmland. They also do not belong on timberland. destroying forest is not green.

Respectfully, I do not support this bill as it is proven that solar panel farms are inefficient. Considering the number of days we actually have sunlight, the costs would greatly exceed their projected savings. Instead of destroying beautiful farmland, why not provide and incentive for businesses to install solar panels on their rooftops to reduce their consumption from the power grid.

To who ever may read this message My name is jacob austin and me and my family live thur out Amherst Nelson and big island. We have hunted coon hounds for 4 generations starting with my great grand father (van staton)to my grandmother (Betty austin) to my father (Ernest donold austin j)r to me and my brother (Matthew austin) this is a tradition that we have cherished since we were lil kids see are dad go out every night after working long hours him telling us stories about papa van with was amazed by the places he want things he got to see walking thru the nights to get to his dogs. By time we was old enough he let us go with him he grab his 4 year old male walker hounds aka storm man he was one hell of a hound but that but im getting of track but as I got older my life changed drastically mom and father got divorced and I just went into a deep state of depression thinking it was my fault and I was just ready to just leave this earth to go to a better place but no I just hooked my trailer up to my four-wheeler and loaded my dog box and hound aka Rosco p coal train a freeing walker hound and being in the woods just help me forget everything that was happening hearing the sound of him freeing in the holler of those mountains is music for a hurting soul and mind walking to the tree being excited to see what's up there is just my way of therapy for me. I like for my kids, grandkids and everyone after me to still be able to carry on this family tradition turn to running hounds or being out in nature to enjoy what the good lord has created for us inside of turning to hard drugs to make that pain go away if someone has read this is really appreciate u taking u time to read it and have a blessed day

I strongly advise you to oppose SB1396. Thank you.

We oppose bills Sb471 Sb770 Hb1396 It is a virgina heritage I have been hunting with my dogs ever since I could walk, and I want my nephews and my kids to enjoy the thangs that brought me so much joy and gave me something to look forward to every year these dogs are not just hunting dogs they are our pets and a part of my family please oppose these bills so my kids and grandkids can enjoy what I have and so many others have for generations.

HB1013 We need to vote no. This will hurt Waterman small business and consumers of blue crabs. Please vote no. HB1396. We already spend a lot of money with state and local businesses. We do not need another cost on top of what we already spend. It cost aboutv5 grand to feed dogs every year,vet bills and equipment for the care of the dogs. That is already a lot of revenue for the state and local counties.

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Invasives should be pulled or killed by herbicide and not be permitted to be sold in nurseries

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

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

To who ever may read this message My name is jacob austin and me and my family live thur out Amherst Nelson and big island. We have hunted coon hounds for 4 generations starting with my great grand father (van staton)to my grandmother (Betty austin) to my father (Ernest donold austin j)r to me and my brother (Matthew austin) this is a tradition that we have cherished since we were lil kids see are dad go out every night after working long hours him telling us stories about papa van with was amazed by the places he want things he got to see walking thru the nights to get to his dogs. By time we was old enough he let us go with him he grab his 4 year old male walker hounds aka storm man he was one hell of a hound but that but im getting of track but as I got older my life changed drastically mom and father got divorced and I just went into a deep state of depression thinking it was my fault and I was just ready to just leave this earth to go to a better place but no I just hooked my trailer up to my four-wheeler and loaded my dog box and hound aka Rosco p coal train a freeing walker hound and being in the woods just help me forget everything that was happening hearing the sound of him freeing in the holler of those mountains is music for a hurting soul and mind walking to the tree being excited to see what's up there is just my way of therapy for me. I like for my kids, grandkids and everyone after me to still be able to carry on this family tradition turn to running hounds or being out in nature to enjoy what the good lord has created for us inside of turning to hard drugs to make that pain go away if someone has read this is really appreciate u taking u time to read it and have a blessed day

Please vote No on HB1169! The small farmers of Virginia don't need to add any more red tape to all the things they already have to do to farm in Virginia. Let them me farmers and not data collectors for the state.

HB1169 VOTE NO

Vote no

Please vote NO on this bill

Please vote NO Thank you

I am concerned that HB1169 is promoting more government bureaucracy with the potential for more interdictions via permitting and inspection issues for small farms. Sounds good but more cost to taxpayers with little actual benefit to the small farmer. I am opposed to funding another program with likely little benefit to the intended beneficiaries, but at a cost to taxpayers. I encourage decreased food inspection needs as a better way to help small farming operations to sell direct to their local community. please vote against HB1169

VOTE NO, PLEASE! HB 1169 raises serious concerns about unnecessary government expansion, unchecked authority, and long-term consequences for Virginia’s small farms. While the bill is framed as “support” for small farms, Section 7 authorizes the proposed Office of Small Farms to monitor the development and expansion of farms through data collection, tracking, measurement, and analysis. This language is broad, open-ended, and lacks statutory guardrails. The bill does not define what data will be collected, how long it will be retained, who may access it, or how it may be used in the future. This is not a trivial issue. Creating a permanent office with ongoing authority to monitor small farms establishes a precedent that small-scale agriculture requires continuous state oversight—even when no failure of existing programs has been demonstrated. History shows that such authority rarely remains static. What begins as voluntary “assistance” often evolves into reporting expectations, benchmarks, and compliance requirements over time. Small farms are least equipped to absorb additional administrative burdens. Large agricultural operations can dedicate staff to compliance; family-run farms cannot. Ironically, the very farms HB 1169 claims to help are the ones most likely to be harmed by increased bureaucracy and monitoring. Virginia already provides substantial support to small farmers through Cooperative Extension services, VDACS programs, and federal partnerships. HB 1169 does not clearly identify what problem these existing resources have failed to solve, nor does it explain why expanding them would be insufficient. Instead, it creates a new, taxpayer-funded office with permanent costs and no sunset provision, performance metrics, or fiscal limits. Helping farmers does not require monitoring them. Supporting agriculture does not require creating new layers of government oversight. Before expanding state authority and spending, the General Assembly should demand clear necessity, clear limits, and clear accountability—none of which are adequately addressed in HB 1169.

Vote NO

Please vote NO on HB1169. Farmers do not need additional governmental interference in their business.

We do NOT support HB1169. Please vote NO!

Vote NO. We do not need additional red tape and regulation for our small farmers. This is an unnecessary burden for our farmers.

Please vote against HB1169, which would make an office for small family farms with regulations they are following anyway! This would burden them & me, as a consumer of local & seasonal foods from them. It would fall on Virginian tax payers to pay for this completely unnecessary law, which we don't need, when finances, time & energy are limited anyway. Thank you for not supporting HB1169 & for following our Constitution as they were written which limits government bureaucracy like this! You are prayed for daily! Blessings, Gennifer Love

Please vote NO on HB1169. Why the redundancy and additional red tape? Virginians do not need a newly expanded entity of the VDACS accompanied by more specific red tape to do what the farming community is already doing. There are already State and Federal small farm grants, help for farmers through the VA Cooperative Extension offices and a great deal of learning through Youtube VSU College of Agriculture, including innovative AG research. Vote NO. I do not want my tax dollars to pay for this.

VOTE NO against HB1169 As a small farmer we do not need more government oversight and interference. The comments for this bill show many times over farmers and informed voters are against another program wasting tax dollars under the guise of "helping" farmers. We expect this bill to be killed in committee today.

This proposal is one of unnecessary red tape and one that will lead to a further loss of food security within the Commonwealth. Please vote NO on this redundant at best, immensely harmful bill.

This bill does not help the small farmer, instead invoking more needless requirements of that small farmer. The VDACS already provides and has more than enough resources in relation to small farmers, further bureaucratic expansion with needless spending does not help the farmers, people nor anyone actively involved in this bills subject matter. As such I motion that HB1169 recieve a NO from all representatives.

Establishing this office is wholly unnecessary, duplicative and another WASTE of taxpayer $. We already have local extension service offices and a multitude of other resources. The last thing we need is another layer of bureaucracy with the authority to manage small farms. VDACS is already an overly invasive, heavy handed agency. The last thing the Commonwealth needs is for it to be given yet MORE power! Please vote NO on this blatent overeach.

section 7 of the bill gives the "Office" the authority to monitor, the development and expansion of small farms in the Commonwealth through data collection, tracking, measurement, and analysis. Virginians do not need a newly expanded entity of the VDACS accompanied by more specific red tape to do what the farming community is already doing. There are already State and Federal small farm grants, help for farmers through the VA Cooperative Extension offices. Nor do we need to pay for it

This is a unnecessary addition to small farming oversize. There are already several agencies and entities that cover small farms. Growth doesn't need got. help or more hoops to go through . This Bill just allows the Govt to spy! We have enough of that already.

Please vote NO on HB1169! This is an unnecessary waste of taxpayer money for an unneeded extra layer of bureaucracy. This is a money-wsting power grab and taxpayers DO NOT WANT IT. Please vote YES on HB402 for cottage food laws! It is SO helpful for those of us with special dietary and health needs to be able to directly buy food that keeps us well! And we've been hoping for this law for so long.

I strongly advise you to oppose SB1396. Thank you.

We oppose bills Sb471 Sb770 Hb1396 It is a virgina heritage I have been hunting with my dogs ever since I could walk, and I want my nephews and my kids to enjoy the thangs that brought me so much joy and gave me something to look forward to every year these dogs are not just hunting dogs they are our pets and a part of my family please oppose these bills so my kids and grandkids can enjoy what I have and so many others have for generations.

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Invasives should be pulled or killed by herbicide and not be permitted to be sold in nurseries

Please support HB402. It will allow small cottage foods producers to grow reach a larger consumer base, without the need to upgrade to a commercial kitchen, which is exceedingly expensive and lots of red tape for permitting. This is also a way to make it less restrictive for anyone wanting to get started with home produced uninspected foods which will support independence and community food resilience and keep revenue cycling within the local economy.

Please vote no on bill 1169. We small farmers need no regulations or "help" from the government. Much of what is proposed is redundant anyway. We need the government to get out of our way so that we may flourish. Thank you for voting no.

I OPPOSE this bill. We do not need more regulation and bureaucracy/red tape for small farmers who are after all small business owners. Keep Virginians free to access fresh food!

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.

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 vote YES on this.

Please vote no on HB1169 Leave the small farmers alone. I am against the new tax funded governing Office of small farms, within VDACS. The intent of the bill is to govern and capture small farms by interning them into “leg up” programs that come with monitoring and red tape. I should have the right, to buy my food from a local farmer and they should have the right to sell me produce, without government interference.

There are already sufficient regulations affecting small farms. What this bill purports to do is not what it will do. It will create more oversight, regulations and red tape. The Commissioner already has the jurisdiction to go after any food operation in the regulatory body large or small. It is not necessary to create a new bureaucratic entity to data capture entrepreneurs and to police small farms. Small farms need less oversight and controls to let them thrive and flourish and have a fair shot alongside Big Ag. I realise Big Ag lobbies and donates to politicians and small farmers cannot afford this. Farming does not make a lot of money but it does allow people to buy good food and avoid processed and ultra processed food.

To who ever may read this message My name is jacob austin and me and my family live thur out Amherst Nelson and big island. We have hunted coon hounds for 4 generations starting with my great grand father (van staton)to my grandmother (Betty austin) to my father (Ernest donold austin j)r to me and my brother (Matthew austin) this is a tradition that we have cherished since we were lil kids see are dad go out every night after working long hours him telling us stories about papa van with was amazed by the places he want things he got to see walking thru the nights to get to his dogs. By time we was old enough he let us go with him he grab his 4 year old male walker hounds aka storm man he was one hell of a hound but that but im getting of track but as I got older my life changed drastically mom and father got divorced and I just went into a deep state of depression thinking it was my fault and I was just ready to just leave this earth to go to a better place but no I just hooked my trailer up to my four-wheeler and loaded my dog box and hound aka Rosco p coal train a freeing walker hound and being in the woods just help me forget everything that was happening hearing the sound of him freeing in the holler of those mountains is music for a hurting soul and mind walking to the tree being excited to see what's up there is just my way of therapy for me. I like for my kids, grandkids and everyone after me to still be able to carry on this family tradition turn to running hounds or being out in nature to enjoy what the good lord has created for us inside of turning to hard drugs to make that pain go away if someone has read this is really appreciate u taking u time to read it and have a blessed day

Thank you for the opportunity to provide feedback on HB1238 – Local ordinances; regulation of pet shops. As a long‑standing pet store operator committed to responsible animal care, I am deeply concerned about the practical consequences this bill would create for both regulated businesses and consumers. We at Pet Supplies Plus oppose HB1238. HB1238 introduces several significant challenges that would negatively affect small businesses, animal‑care consistency, and consumer safety: Fragmented Regulations Across Localities Allowing every locality to create its own licensing rules, inspection frameworks, and sales restrictions would result in a confusing patchwork of requirements. This makes it extremely difficult for businesses to operate consistently or train teams to a single standard of care. Increased Risk of Puppy Scams and Unregulated Sales When regulated pet stores face local bans or severe restrictions, customers often turn to online or informal sources. Consumer‑protection agencies have documented higher rates of online puppy scams in areas where regulated storefront options diminish. This shift pushes families toward unverified breeders, sellers with no accountability, and transactions lacking transparency. Expanded Market for Unregulated Breeders Sales restrictions in inspected, overseen pet stores frequently redirect demand to breeders who operate without oversight. This reduces consumer protection and makes it far harder for pet owners to verify health, vaccination status, or humane standards. Duplicative Local Oversight Additional local licensing, paperwork, or inspections—on top of existing state requirements—could create administrative burdens without improving welfare outcomes. Aligning oversight under a consistent statewide structure ensures fairness and clarity. Given these concerns, this bill would impose substantial operational difficulties, reduce consumer protection, and unintentionally drive more animal purchases into unregulated channels—a trend that creates risk for both pets and families. Thank you for considering the significant real‑world impacts this proposal would create for responsible pet stores and the communities we serve. I welcome the opportunity to provide additional insight based on practical experience in animal care and retail operations. Sincerely, Amanda Fredal, LVT Director of Pet Care Pet Supplies Plus afredal@petsuppliesplus.com

Please see attached.

On behalf of the responsible pet care community, we ask that you vote NO on House Bill 1238 which would allow local municipalities to enact their own regulations, restrictions and bans on any pet store that sells animals.

I have owned an aviary in Fairfax County for about 20 years. I have worked very hard over the years to make this a well respected establishment where our birds are given the best care possible. This is my lively hood and this bill is very scary. Please take into consideration that there are many people out there in the pet industry that are passionate about what they are doing and truly want what’s best for the animals.

The American Kennel Club opposes legislation that has the potential to limit the ability of residents to select pets in a responsible manner, based on the breed, health and temperament traits that they seek and make a good match for their lifestyle. Local residents may be wanting a quality purpose-bred pet and may not have access to a local breeder. Instead, they may wish to purchase a dog from a regulated, licensed pet store where they can still get the consumer protections, the health history, and ongoing professional relationships they desire. The attachment addresses how pet store bans run counter to consumer choice.

Mr. Chair and Members of the Committee, The members and supporters of the Virginia Animal Owners Alliance urge you to reject HB 1238. This bill is part of a targeted attack on legal small businesses and is completely unwarranted. The code already has extensive parameters in place for local ordinances to include permits, records, and both criminal and civil penalties. Pet stores selling dogs and cats are also already licensed, regulated, and inspected through the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. This is a clear effort to suffocate and eliminate the family pet store. How do we know this? HB 1238 wants to allow a restriction on the way pet stores acquire animals and the way they market them. If businesses lose the freedom to operate and showcase what they have to offer, they will die. Can you imagine a legislative effort to put these same restrictions on a shelter or rescue? There would rightly be public outrage! This is a very un-American concept. Legislators have expressed concern over the number of unwanted animals in shelters and rescues, but did you know these groups have their own “puppy pipeline” into Virginia? There is a high demand for dogs in the Commonwealth. Shelters and rescues have brought 59,479 dogs into Virginia from out of State from 2020 - 2024 according to VDACS. It has been reported over the years that dogs have been imported into Virginia from Thailand, China, Korea, Russia, Peru, Greece, Kuwait, and Iran. It is also popular to bring in dogs from the US territory of Puerto Rico. These dogs can present significant health issues according to the CDC. Delegate Shin stated in February 2024 that “PETA Day” is one of her favorite days during session and had her photo taken with PETA’s lobbyist. This extreme group is against pet ownership. Ingrid Newkirk has called it an “absolutely abysmal situation” and stated “In the end, I think it would be lovely if we stopped this whole notion of pets altogether.” According to PETA, a responsible breeder does not exist and they want to see an end to pet shops. In August 2025, PETA praised West Hollywood for banning the sale of rabbits, amphibians, arachnids, birds, fish, reptiles and hermit crabs. The city had already banned the sale of dogs and cats in 2010. Does Delegate Shin want to see a “pet prohibition” in Virginia as well? This is not what citizens want! If you have a heart for animals, consider the wonderful breeds of dogs and cats that share our homes with all of their unique qualities and rich histories. HB 1238 is another step towards their elimination. As pet stores disappear and responsible breeders are eradicated, each breed will become harder to find and more difficult to preserve.  Pet stores and responsible breeders are important and should be supported by animal lovers—including our representatives in the Virginia General Assembly! Citizens should be free to choose their lifestyle and that includes what kind of pet or pets they want in their home. PLEASE DON’T ALLOW THE PROHIBITION OF OUR PETS AND PET STORES. Vote against HB 1238. Sincerely, Heidi Crosky, Virginia Animal Owners Alliance

I grew up running dogs for chase my entire life - some of my best life memories are in the woods hearing that sweet sound of a pack of Hounds. Today , I realize times have changed ,but please don’t punish up Good ol boys - who don’t have all the amenities of more urban areas . Hunting with dogs is a way of life for us - opening day , you see men , women , and children meeting for the hunt , excited to hear a race . You take the dogs away , you take millions in revenue away from Va . There will simply not be the amount of hunters , licenses will decline , rural stores will see a decline from hunters stopping by . It’s a Ripple effect of revenue lost - on top of taking ourheritage away !

I strongly advise you to oppose SB1396. Thank you.

We oppose bills Sb471 Sb770 Hb1396 It is a virgina heritage I have been hunting with my dogs ever since I could walk, and I want my nephews and my kids to enjoy the thangs that brought me so much joy and gave me something to look forward to every year these dogs are not just hunting dogs they are our pets and a part of my family please oppose these bills so my kids and grandkids can enjoy what I have and so many others have for generations.

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Invasives should be pulled or killed by herbicide and not be permitted to be sold in nurseries

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.

To who ever may read this message My name is jacob austin and me and my family live thur out Amherst Nelson and big island. We have hunted coon hounds for 4 generations starting with my great grand father (van staton)to my grandmother (Betty austin) to my father (Ernest donold austin j)r to me and my brother (Matthew austin) this is a tradition that we have cherished since we were lil kids see are dad go out every night after working long hours him telling us stories about papa van with was amazed by the places he want things he got to see walking thru the nights to get to his dogs. By time we was old enough he let us go with him he grab his 4 year old male walker hounds aka storm man he was one hell of a hound but that but im getting of track but as I got older my life changed drastically mom and father got divorced and I just went into a deep state of depression thinking it was my fault and I was just ready to just leave this earth to go to a better place but no I just hooked my trailer up to my four-wheeler and loaded my dog box and hound aka Rosco p coal train a freeing walker hound and being in the woods just help me forget everything that was happening hearing the sound of him freeing in the holler of those mountains is music for a hurting soul and mind walking to the tree being excited to see what's up there is just my way of therapy for me. I like for my kids, grandkids and everyone after me to still be able to carry on this family tradition turn to running hounds or being out in nature to enjoy what the good lord has created for us inside of turning to hard drugs to make that pain go away if someone has read this is really appreciate u taking u time to read it and have a blessed day

I strongly advise you to oppose SB1396. Thank you.

We oppose bills Sb471 Sb770 Hb1396 It is a virgina heritage I have been hunting with my dogs ever since I could walk, and I want my nephews and my kids to enjoy the thangs that brought me so much joy and gave me something to look forward to every year these dogs are not just hunting dogs they are our pets and a part of my family please oppose these bills so my kids and grandkids can enjoy what I have and so many others have for generations.

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Invasives should be pulled or killed by herbicide and not be permitted to be sold in nurseries

Please vote YES on this.

As a private land owner and avid still hunter I support this bill as it begins to balance private property owners rights with those of the dog hunters who already take advantage of the fox hunting loophole to run their dogs and ruin our game management and hunting.

On behalf of the dog hunters in the great state of Virginia I am asking if you could oppose HB1396 on Wednesday. If this passes it could ruin hunting as we know it. Hunting with dogs isn’t always about the harvesting of animals it’s about fellowship amongst friends and family . Thank you for your time Sincerely A Va hunter

I oppose this bill and believe we pay more than enough to hunt in Virginia each year.

I am writing to strongly urge your support for HB 1396, sponsored by Delegate Martinez. This bill addresses the urgent need for accountability regarding deer and bear hunters who use dogs, and it is vital for protecting the rights of Virginia landowners while upholding hunting traditions. I spoke in support of HB 1396 at the recent sub-committee meeting. During the session, Delegate Martinez and Chairman Lopez presented compelling facts regarding the importance of this legislation. Additionally, Delegate Glass highlighted that this issue has persisted for over a decade without enforceable legislation. There has been significant misinformation suggesting that this bill would ban hound hunting. In reality, HB 1396 is necessary to sustain the privilege of hunting with dogs. The bill introduces a $19 permit fee, consistent with requirements for archery, muzzleloader, trapping, and fishing. While the dog hunting community spends significant amounts on equipment and fuel, very little of that revenue supports state agencies like the Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR). Director Brown has acknowledged that this fee would provide substantial revenue for the DWR during its current budget shortfall. Ultimately, landowners deserve to enjoy their property without interference. HB 1396 provides a balanced solution by introducing permitting, accountability measures, and a requirement for written permission before dogs are released on private property. As a committee member, your vote in favor of HB 1396 would demonstrate leadership and a commitment to protecting constitutional property rights and personal safety. Thank you for your time and consideration of this important legislation.

This bill creates unequal treatment of lawful hunting practices, expands regulation without clear limits, and places unnecessary permits and enforcement burdens on Virginians, including on private property. I strongly oppose HB1396 and support clear, fair, and consistent laws that protect both property rights and lawful outdoor traditions. My concern is that this bill singles out one lawful method while leaving others unregulated, even though they affect wildlife in similar ways. Regulation should be based on measurable impact, not selective enforcement. I am a law-abiding hunter and citizen.

Please pass this bill. I was born in Hanover and have dealt with hunting dogs running through my property without any recourse for decades. This bill will finally hold those accountable for their violations and still allow those who hunt responsibly to continue to do so. Over the years, I have been kept up all night by hunting dogs running back and forth through my woods, damage to my electric horse fencing because of the hunting dogs chasing my horses through the fencing along with not being able to access or use my property as I would like or want because of hunting dogs being on it. Hunters should be respectful of property and held to account if they are not. For years property owners have had no recourse for holding hunters accountable for their actions. While many follow the law, there are those who do not and this law would assist in holding those accountable for their actions. The hunter that used to let his dogs out at the beginning of the hunt season (to exercise his dogs) & allow them to run through my property all night keeping me awake all night, was disrespectful. As I couldn't sleep anyway, I got up on several occasions and caught his dogs & called him once I did & he was unapologetic. He lived with his parents on a small piece of property and I own over 40 acres. Their comment to me was "we hunted that property before you moved here" they think this somehow gives them lifetime rights to my property and to be disrespectful to me. I owned this property for many years prior to my moving back to Virginia in 2002 so this just means they were hunting my property without permission even then. As a property owner, I pay a premium for my property and I belive it is long overdo that we are afforded a little respect. This bill is the right move in that direction. Please vote yes for this bill.

I oppose this legislation and ask you do the same

I oppose this legislation and ask you do the same

I oppose this legislation and ask you do the same

I oppose this legislation and ask you do the same

Vote NO for this ridiculous bill, this bill does nothing to stop the trespassing of dogs, all it does is burden the dog owner with more financial responsibility to do what we love to do. How can you try to make a dog owner responsible for his dogs without making the deer responsible where they run . (Sounds stupid but it’s true) all I see this bill doing is setting dog owners up for civil suit by land owners.

I oppose HB1396

Please vote no on this bill. Going away with dog hunting will hurt small businesses that depend on houndsman and destroy the economy. This sport has been around for decades, removing it now will do more harm than good.

Please vote no for HB1396

I oppose this bill keep dog hunting alive this is something we enjoy not just adults but kids to when I was a kid my dad coming to me the night before telling me we were going hunting in the morning used to make me so excited and ready for the day hunting is not just a sport it’s learning involved also getting out seeing the wildlife

Please vote against this bill. Thank you

Dear committee members I and strongly oppose this bill. The financial burden of higher taxes, higher cost of living increases in everything involved in our everyday lives is really starting to take hold the working class. This bill will impose yet another cost we will have to endure just to enjoy something we as hound hunters love. Please vote no and stand with all the hard working Virginias that truly enjoy hunting with hounds.

Dear committee members I and strongly oppose this bill. The financial burden of higher taxes, higher cost of living increases in everything involved in our everyday lives is really starting to take hold the working class. This bill will impose yet another cost we will have to endure just to enjoy something we as hound hunters love. Please vote no and stand with all the hard working Virginias that truly enjoy hunting with hounds.

I ask that you oppose the hb1396. It is a prejudice to the dog hunter. I have hunted bear, coon and rabbit since I was around 10 years old. I shave always been respectful to the landowners.

I oppose HB1396

As a property owner and licensed hunter in western Hanover for last 48 years, i strongly support HB1396. For too long, dog runners and dogs run across our property day and night. My neighbors and i have dealt with property damage, pets killed or harmed, and countless unpleasant encounters. Too often, these people get away with trespassing as law enforcement can rarely catch them, and when they do, nothing is ever done. This bill will be a step in the right direction.

Please support HB 1396. Half of the Commonwealth of Virginia has already prohibited this practice, along with 42 other states, and for good reason. It is time for Virginia to follow suit. As an avid outdoorsman myself, I recognize the importance of responsible and regulated hunting practices. However, the continued use of hounds presents serious concerns related to public safety, private property rights, and community well-being. Over the years, two of my vehicles have sustained thousands of dollars in damage as a direct result of active hound hunts. On multiple occasions, my family and I have been forced off the road by reckless behavior associated with these hunts. Additionally, we have had lawful hunts disrupted by hound hunters, and individuals—along with their dogs—have repeatedly entered our private property without permission. As a Virginia property owner, I firmly believe that I should have a say in who accesses my land. That right must extend to hound hunters and their dogs, which are the legal responsibility of their owners. Trespass and safety risks should not be accepted as unavoidable consequences of a recreational activity. Many Virginians are increasingly frustrated with public roadways being obstructed by pickup trucks, dog boxes, and loose dogs during hunting seasons. For these reasons, I support a complete ban on the use of hounds to pursue both large and small game in the Commonwealth. Thank you for your consideration and for your commitment to public safety, property rights, and responsible wildlife management.

Hunting dogs are a very real nuisance to rural landowners. Everything from agitating landowners dogs to herding cattle. Hunters know exactly where there dogs are going and make no effort to avoid private property.

Please Support passing bill 1396 As a property owner/ land lessor and hunter I support the passage of this bill. Every year I have to contact DWR on multiple accounts due to local hunt club running hounds across my property and lease land,, with no accountability by DWR due to as they say, because of the way “current laws are written “ I own, pay taxes, and pay good money to lease land so that I can hunt only to have hounds disturb my hunts on purpose because they can without consequences. This includes them parking their vehicles along my property claiming they are “retrieving their dogs, they are on the right-of way, dogs can’t read posted signs””” It’s time laws change to protect landowners rights, I’m not saying ban hunting with dogs, but it has to be illegal for dogs to be used on property they do not have permission to be own, Landowners must have the right to protect and enjoy their investment without others being able to invade their property while hunting dogs,, I am tired of being told by conservation officers : there is nothing we can do : the law is not clear the way it’s currently written : we can’t enforce VDOT right a way Please don’t “kick the can down the road” Take action now, landowners are fed up with hounds running across they private/leased properties,, by hound hunting clubs that think they are entitled Please support HB 1396

I would like to ask to oppose this bill. There's alot that could cut out dog hunting in this and way to many holes an loopholes involved including may or may not issue permits or could close the season ect. If it was worded purchase permit and no exceptions for 19 dollars that would be one thing but there is no guarantee a permit would even be issued. Please oppose this bill by all means

I’ve been reading through the comments here, and I think it’s important to point out a clear difference in what’s being shared. Supporters of HB1396 are overwhelmingly describing real safety and property impacts — hunting dogs entering private land without permission, damaging fences, injuring pets, creating roadway hazards, and putting families at risk. They’re also describing enforcement gaps, where law enforcement, animal control, or DWR tell them nothing can be done. These are firsthand experiences, and they’re why landowners are asking for accountability. Many opposing comments, on the other hand, are misrepresenting what this bill actually says. HB1396 does not ban hound hunting. It does not affect bird dogs, fox hunting, or tracking wounded game. It does not criminalize responsible hunters whose dogs are under immediate control or who have landowner permission. It creates a permit framework and requires reasonable practices to prevent hunting dogs from entering property where permission has not been granted. A lot of opposition comments raise cultural or tradition-based concerns without tying them to the actual bill language, and some invent consequences that simply aren’t in the text — such as claims that hunters must predict wildlife movement, get permission from every landowner a dog might ever cross, or that all hunting methods are being targeted. None of that is in HB1396. Landowners aren’t asking to end hunting traditions. Many of us support responsible hunting. What we’re asking for is basic accountability when dogs are released without permission, handlers refuse retrieval, deny ownership, or when property damage and safety risks occur and current law provides no meaningful recourse. This bill exists because of real incidents and real enforcement failures — not politics, not newcomers, and not anti-hunting sentiment. Responsible hunters are not the problem. A small number of repeat offenders are, and HB1396 creates a way to address that while protecting both landowners and responsible hunting practices.

I am writing to support for HB 1396. My position is informed by a harrowing confrontation on my property that caused a missed important medical appointment and revealed the legal reality: in the Commonwealth of Virginia, the hobby of hound hunting is granted more legal protection than the lives of livestock or the safety of property owners. During this hunting season, a pack of hounds was released immediately adjacent to my property. These dogs did not pursue game; they immediately targeted my vulnerable livestock. Despite the hunters being within earshot and aware that their dogs were attacking livestock, they ignored my pleas to recall them. My spouse and I were forced to place ourselves in physical peril, interposing our bodies between the hounds and our livestock. It was only after ~5 minutes after the assault started with us constantly yelling that we fired a warning shot and the hunters finally decided to recall their dogs. In the subsequent investigation, DWR and the Animal Control officers confirmed a legal double standard that is insane. To protect livestock from dogs, the burden of proof rests entirely on the property owner to prove a violation of VA Law § 3.2-6552. Specifically, for a property owner to not risk criminal charges for animal cruelty for defending their livestock, the current law effectively requires evidence of lacerations or corpses of livestock for a property owner’s defense of their livestock to be considered justified and not risk criminal charges. Functionally, the state is telling property owners that they must watch their animals be mutilated or killed before they can legally intervene. Perhaps the most disturbing revelation from the animal control officer was the explicit threat of criminal charges for using non-lethal force to deter dogs that were already running wild and attacking livestock. I was explicitly told that using non-lethal deterrents (pellet, paint, or pepper guns) on dogs actively targeting my livestock would result in animal cruelty charges against me. This creates a perverse legal environment: the law protects the trespasser’s dog from paint splatter, yet allows the property owner's animal to be torn apart without any criminal liability to the hunter. It is frankly insane that the state effectively requires the property owner to watch and wait for trespassing dogs to kill or maim livestock before intervening without risking criminal prosecution. HB 1396 partially addresses the issue by requiring written permission from a landowner before dogs are released onto or allowed to remain on private property. The Right to Retrieve (VA Code § 18.2-136) has been used as a loophole for reckless trespassing. Dogs cannot read "No Trespassing" signs, but their owners can; and the owners should face criminal penalties for the actions their hounds take - they release them with full knowledge of what they can do. HB 1396 places the responsibility where it belongs-on the owner. If a hunter cannot affect their dogs to stay off private property, they should not be releasing them near private property. The current imbalance is frankly perverted. It places all the risk and criminal liability on law-abiding property owners while allowing unethical hunters to act with impunity. I urge the Committee to pass HB 1396 and partially restore the fundamental right of Virginians to feel safe on their own land and protect their livelihoods.

Vote NO

I support passage of HB 1396. Where I live in Mathews County, dog hunting is a big problem for private landowners who do not want hunting dogs on their property. When confronted, hunters shrug their shoulders and say dogs can’t tell where property lines are. This is exactly the problem: hunters have no control over their dogs. Furthermore, they often release dogs in places where they know full well that the dogs will cross into posted property because there is currently no penalty for doing so. Pets and domestic animals are harassed and sometimes injured or killed by hunting dogs. Personal property like fences is sometimes damaged. Landowners need a way to legally discourage hunters from running dogs on their property without permission. Please pass HB 1396.

Opposed hb1396 it's not going to solve anything but cause more trouble with hunters and land owners. I am advocating on behalf of bear hunting with hounds and i have been bear hunting for 35 years and every one in my family has been hunting with dogs their whole lives all the way back to the early 1900s. No one wants their dogs on land they are not suppose to be on. As a hound hunter I do everything I can to keep my dogs off land I don't have permission to be on and if they get on land I don't have permission to be on I try and make contact with owners before moving forward. I would rather hunt public land but the game department cut my hunting season short for bear 3 weeks in my county due to mange that they did nothing about for 5 years. They shortenedthe seasons in areas with public lands and lengthened them in private land areas. The va dwr is creating the problem. People are going to go where they can hunt. We are going to buy our license, we are going to buy our national forest stamps, we're going to buy our state forest stamps and if need be we're going to go to the counties with no public land and join a club and pay dues to have a place to hunt the game we pursue and unfortunately this is what is happening now. The dwr is creating the problem and the hunters are catching the brunt of it. It would also be a shame to have to get a permit to take my mountain feist that weighes 25lbs and stays in eyesight of me to hunt a squirrel. I think the best thing to do is apposed hb1396 and have dwr hire more law officers and make them do their jobs and patrol and write tickets as needed. Thank you for your time and hopefully this will not pass and we can come to an agreement that works for everyone.

I oppose hb1396. There is to many loose ends in this bill. There is laws already in place for turning dogs loose on unwanted property. And I buy a hunting license and have to pay for dog tags in my county now. So please say no to hb1396. Thank you for your time.

I oppose bill HB1396

Good morning - I respectfully ask you to Vote NO on HB1396. With this bill, we cannot be sure of what is being proposed as the regulations won’t be known until the bill would be passed. Whats to prevent this bill leading to permits being denied or shut down if the DWR simply decides to do so. What prevents the $19 permit for all hound hunting be changed to a $19 permit to hunt each species? For example, a separate $19 permit to hunt bear with hounds, another permit to hunt raccoons with hound, yet another permit to hunt rabbits.. so on and so forth. This legislation has a serious lack of safe guards and will get out of hand in a hurry. Furthermore, marking one’s vehicle is a terrible idea for a litany of reasons. We should not accept the possibility of more confrontation when a (possibly) jaded anti-hound person spots a marked vehicle. There are already laws in place to handle trespass, hunting without permission, and other violations. The DWR needs to hire more CPOs and enforce the laws that are on the books. The DWR report on violations by year will show you that hound hunting violations (not just reported complaints) have dropped every year over the last 3-5 seasons. Hunters are policing our own, and changing the culture to improve relations and respect for landowners. Please allow us to continue without this legislation. This bill is about power, and unfairly punishes the vast majority of respectful hound hunters. I thank you for your attention and, again, ask that you say NO to HB1396. Sincerely, Ryan Morris

The requirement to publicly display a permit or license number on a vehicle, dog, or equipment creates serious concerns for law-abiding hunters. By making permit numbers visible, it opens the door for false or malicious complaints from individuals who oppose dog hunting altogether. Someone from out of town who simply dislikes dog hunting could write down a number they see at a gas station or store and file complaints, with no context or proof. This raises the very real possibility that, when a hunter goes to renew their permit the following year, they could be denied based on the number of complaints associated with that permit — regardless of whether those complaints are legitimate. That puts responsible hunters in a vulnerable position through no fault of their own. Additionally, the bill does not provide clear, guaranteed guidelines ensuring that everyone who wants a permit will be able to obtain one each year. If a cap is reached, hunters could simply be told “that’s enough for the year,” leaving them out of luck. This lack of clarity gives the regulating agency unchecked discretion and effectively acts as a blank check to do as they please. Law-abiding hunters should not be punished by vague language, subjective enforcement, or policies that invite abuse. For these reasons, I strongly urge you to oppose this bill.

I oppose HB 1396 . Please consider spending the $19 on increasing enforcement of current laws . A permit will only burden DWR with extra cost in turn burdens law bidding citizens. Plain and simple, some landowners don't want hunting Dogs to even take one step on their property. Lawful started hunts will always run a risk of briefly crossing unwanted boundary lines. HB1396 won't change this. Don't pass HB1396 because you think you have to do something. Guesswork is not what Bills should be made of . Vote NO to HB1396 . Thanks you

Please oppose this bill. My wife and kids have been hunting with dogs all their lives a tradition passed down for generations !! Most of these complaints are coming from implants that were not born or raised here . Dog hunters generate millions of revenue dollars every year for local vets businesses restaraunts and feed stores Please oppose this bill

As a landowner, farmer, and resident of Isle of Wight County, I am writing to express my profound exhaustion and serious concern regarding the unchecked misconduct of local hunting clubs. For over a decade, my neighbors and I have faced persistent trespassing and property rights violations caused by hunting dogs and their owners. Persistent Misconduct and Harassment The issue is not accidental; it is a systemic disregard for private property. Every year for the last decade, I have witnessed hunting club members release dogs at my property line to intentionally flush deer from my land onto their leased acreage. On multiple occasions, club members have stood on my private property, dismissively informing me that I have no recourse due to current state laws. This negligence extends to the safety of our animals and families: • Livestock Threats: Hunting dogs frequently chase and threaten our livestock, an issue that local clubs consistently ignore or disregard. • Public Safety Hazards: In December 2025, a young driver on Orbit Road in Windsor swerved to avoid a pack of hunting dogs crossing over to private property, resulting in a serious accident. The responsible club refused to engage or take accountability. Similar incidents of hunting dogs running out on roads and onto unauthorized private property causing accidents was reported in IOW County just in 2025. While I am a trained and responsible hunter who respects the tradition of the sport, the current "Right to Retrieve" law is being weaponized to bypass landowner rights. Even Virginia conservation officers have admitted to me that their hands are tied by these outdated regulations, despite witnessing the unethical behavior themselves. Modern technology has removed the "uncontrollable" element of dog hunting. With GPS tracking and e-collars, hunters have the tools to monitor and stop their dogs before they cross boundaries. The refusal to use these tools effectively is not a matter of tradition—it is a matter of negligence. We need reform! The current situation has become so untenable that my family has seriously considered selling our multi-generational farm. We need legislative change that: 1. Protects Landowner Rights: Ensures that "retrieval" does not serve as a legal loophole for intentional trespassing. 2. Enforces Accountability: Holds clubs liable for livestock harassment and road accidents caused by unmonitored dogs. 3. Promotes Mutual Respect: Encourages a collaborative environment between hunters and residents. Updating these laws will ensure the safety of Virginia citizens, the protection of private property, and the welfare of the dogs themselves, who are often neglected by dog owners. The “modern” practice of hunting with dogs is not a resemblance of its origination or tradition anymore; rather, it’s turned into a loophole for negligence where modern technology is used to monitor trespassing rather than prevent it. This infringes on the rights of landowners and causes issues and safety concerns. Ultimately, a tradition that once relied on mutual respect and woodsmanship has been traded for a culture of entitlement that treats private property as a playground and public safety as an afterthought. Now is the time for change!

This is to oppose the bill hb1396. I have been born and raised in VA. Since I was a little kid about 4 years old hunting has been a huge hobby sport and lifestyle to my family and a lot of my friends. Hunting is one of the most talked about topics all year around in my family. My family has enjoyed hunting the same land lease for 4 generations my grandfather (83) still hunting almost everyday day through the season with 7 great grandchildren hunting along with him and soon to be my newest additions to the family my 7 month old twins. Hunting with hounds has been a huge part of my life and I very much hope for it to be passed along 4 more generations like my grandfather did for us but that will only happen with the help of you! Thank you for taking time to read this and thanks for your efforts you put in daily.

Keep hound hunting alive dnt let it die

I fully support hound hunting in Virginia and strongly oppose the idea of requiring a permit to continue this long-standing and lawful practice. Hound hunting is deeply rooted in Virginia’s history, culture, and rural way of life. For generations, families have passed down the skills, ethics, and responsibility that come with hunting with hounds, and it remains an important part of wildlife management and conservation efforts across the Commonwealth. Requiring a permit to hunt with hounds places an unnecessary burden on law-abiding sportsmen and women who already follow established hunting laws and regulations. Hunters are currently required to comply with seasons, bag limits, property boundaries, animal welfare standards, and safety rules enforced by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources. Adding a permit requirement does not address bad behavior; it only creates more bureaucracy and costs for responsible hunters who are already doing things the right way. Those who misuse hounds or trespass on private property should be held accountable under existing laws. The solution is better enforcement of current regulations, not the creation of new permits that punish everyone for the actions of a few. A permit system risks becoming a tool for limiting or eventually eliminating hound hunting altogether, rather than improving compliance or safety. Hound hunting also plays a vital role in wildlife management, particularly in controlling populations of species such as bears, coyotes, and raccoons. Hunters using hounds help maintain balanced ecosystems and reduce human-wildlife conflicts, especially in rural and agricultural communities. Limiting this method through permits could have unintended consequences that negatively impact both wildlife and landowners. Additionally, hound hunting supports local economies. From dog food suppliers and veterinarians to sporting goods stores and small rural businesses, many depend on the continuation of this tradition. A permit requirement may discourage participation, reduce involvement by younger generations, and weaken an activity that already faces growing pressure from urbanization and misunderstanding. Most importantly, hound hunters care deeply about their dogs, the land, and the wildlife they pursue. These are not reckless individuals, but dedicated stewards who invest significant time, money, and effort into responsible hunting practices. Their voices deserve to be heard and respected. Virginia should protect its hunting heritage while focusing on education, cooperation between hunters and landowners, and fair enforcement of existing laws. I urge decision-makers to stand with rural communities, sportsmen, and conservationists by rejecting any permit requirement for hound hunting. Preserving this tradition is about more than hunting—it is about respecting Virginia’s history, culture, and way of life.

I oppose hb1396

I oppose HB1396. A landowner should always be respected, but you shouldn't end right to retrieve.

Please oppose this bill. There are too many reasons why this bill is wrong, unfair, and outrageous.

I stand for hound hunting and I will stand for hunting the rest if my life.

I oppose this bill. This will cripple hound hunting in the state. It will create a bigger problem with homeless dogs if hunters are unable to retrieve them. Then where do they go? The already over run shelters or killed. True houndsmen obey the law. They’re respectful. They love their dogs. They’re just trying to live the life they love and keep hound hunting alive.

Free the bear hunters

I see that hb1396 has been amended. I still oppose it. There is no clarity on what this permit will entail, how it will be administered and what the details are. Shouldn’t all that be worked out before passing legislation? At least to avoid confusion? It’s clear from watching the hearings that nobody knows what this will or could look like and what the impact will be. There is no direction on exactly who is required to obtain the permit. Dog owners? Others participating in a hunt? One permit per hunt club? Furthermore, exempting bird hunters but not other small game hunters that use dogs to hunt rabbits and squirrels is bizarre. The condition that the dogs must be visible can not be met by anyone hunting with dogs for anything when there is thick cover, briars and tall grass present. Bird hunters could rarely ever meet this visual requirement either, yet they are somehow exempt. This is an unfair exemption. This bill should be stopped but if it is moved forward, all small game hunters should be exempt not just bird hunters . Why are small game hunters being lumped in when all of the claimed property issues are not associated with this type of hunting? This appears to be nothing more than a tax or additional fee for hunters to pay. This extra fee will prevent people from participating in hunting activities, especially families, relatives, friends or guests who may only be hunting for a day or a couple of days. If the VDWR needs funding, and I don’t doubt that they do, please find another way to get it other than this bill. Thank you.

This bill will really hurt sportsmen really bad we have to pay for all that for deer and turkey hunting and bear hunting how much more do we have to pay for doing something we love to do that has been passed down from generation's like are fathers and their fathers before them this bill will be a start of letting that tradition die we shouldn’t even have to fight this bill I’m completely against it

I am opposed to HB 1396. I’ve read this bill a couple times and it sure looks like a lot of discrimination going on here.

I would like to oppose all of HB1396

I oppose hb1396! Hound hunting is a heritage, a tradition passed on by those before us, please stop trying to infringe on what we love. We shouldn’t have to go through DWR for a permit and permission to run hounds and potentially not get the permit to do so because DWR is in control. Our hounds have name plates on the collars that identify who they belong to, our trucks are pretty obvious to spot, dog boxes typically with coolers or toolboxes, antennas everywhere. More rules and regulations are just going to turn people away from buying license and participating in the outdoors which in turn DWR will loose money. I oppose hb1396 please leave our tradition alone.

I oppose hb1396,this is going to be a bad idea for many areas if you make it harder to hunt hounds more people will try to get out of it,and you pound and SPCA’s will be over run and land owners think they have a problem now just wait till there running everywhere a large.I am a land owner as well ,but do you really own it or just renting till you die.All who vote in favor of this are dog killers.

I oppose hb1396

Please pass HB1396!and give farmers and land owners their rights back so they can handle hound/road hunters and hounds trespassing with legal rights Some hound/road hunters act as if they are above the law and do as they please And that must stop I believe HB1396 will be a starting point in the right direction

Please dont vote for this to pass. Hound hunting is more than just a sport like most people think it is but its a way of our lives I know no other life that dose not involve hounds and id love to keep it that way thank you for your time

I am not in favor of this bill for many reasons. Will create more homeless dogs and increase in Animal Control calls and shelter numbers Will hurt local revenue streams related to hunting Will see a decrease in hunting and therefore less hunting license purchases (more lost revenue) Increase in deer and bear numbers resulting in more traffic/wildlife collisions Hunters for the hungry program will suffer. Deer numbers will increase and so will diseases associated with deer(CWD, BLUE TONGUE ETC.) Crop destruction and damage will increase These are only a few examples of the negative impact of such legislation.

Landowner and Hound Hunter Committees. Work at local levels if both landowners and hunters can respectfully work together to address local issues with problematic hunt clubs, landowners and hunters and abandoned hounds. Are these meetings a 100% solution? No, there needs to be clear, effective regulations for accountability with specifice, measurable, attainable, realistic, timely actionable guidelines, rules and expectations. All other hunting is widely regulated with the exception of hound hunting. There is no regulation. There is a pamphlet on Hound hunter and Landowner Regulations. Yet no clear written standards to hold the dog hunters creating issues accountable. 90% of the Solution starts locally with landowners and hound hunters meeting on common ground and in a professional setting and identifying the problems and solutions. You cannot regulate respect, integrity, duty or common ground, open mindedness or cooperation. The other 10% is accountability and being held accountable through specific, enforceable regulations.

I oppose bill HB1396

This legislation is an important step towards regulating a systemic problem across Virginia. Hopefully, it will encourage hunters causing issues and conflict, to seek permission and build rationships with landowners and stop acting as if they are entitled to hunt land they do bot have permission to be on. Legoslators and Hunters need to realize the following: The landscape in Virginia is changing. Hunting land availability is changing. The rural landscape is fractured and the land they once had to hunt has shrunk and changed hands and has been either posted, sold or developed. The hunters are not seeking permission to hunt the land that is under new ownership. They are confronting the new landowners and saying I am going to continue to hunt your land and you can't do anything about it. It wouldn't fly for y'all Why should it fly for those landowners? They use the dogs to run across the property and they release those dogs off of a roadside or on a far corner and watch them cross property they do not have permission to be on, then speed down the road to get to where the dogs come out. Again, It wouldn't fly for y'all. Why should it fly for landowners? Over 90% of the huntable land in Virgiinia is Privately owned. Posted signs are going up at increasing rates because landowner are done with trespassing and the conflict. This continued disrespect and disregard for landowners will eventually push landowners to stopping even more access to those private lands. A landowner that allows hunting now may be disrespected or trespassed upon and say I don't have to deal with this. POSTED NO HUNTING and another piece of property is gone that woukd be available to hunt if hunters had been respectful, responsible and ethical. Landowner and Hunter Realtionships are highly important just as important as this regulation. If dog hunter and hunters put as much effort into landowner and hunter relationships, respect, responsibility and holding themselves to a higher standard and helping hold the ones causing issues accountable ant the county, local and above level. Many of these problems would be solved. These regulations are no different than those for Archery, Muzzleloader, Waterfowl etc. They are standards of practice not punishment. They are expectations of behavior, ethics and they all have fees. These regulations did not stop Archery, Muzzleloader or Waterfowl hunting. They didn't stop/prevent young hunters from hunting. The regulations set Reasonable expectations and guidelines and rules to follow for these hunters to keep them from getting cited for things they should be situationally aware of such as laws.

I oppose HB1396 as it will greatly affect more lives than just dog hunters. It will effect any company or person working in the industry suppling pet supply’s ( food, electronics, fencing , veterinary , land owners with leases) plus .

I oppose Hb1379

I oppose bill HB1396

As a landowner, I find this bill an infringement on not only my, but several friend’s rights and way of life. This bullshit may benefit some on the east coast but we in the western part of the state want no part of your communist rules and regulations.

To who ever may read this message My name is jacob austin and me and my family live thur out Amherst Nelson and big island. We have hunted coon hounds for 4 generations starting with my great grand father (van staton)to my grandmother (Betty austin) to my father (Ernest donold austin j)r to me and my brother (Matthew austin) this is a tradition that we have cherished since we were lil kids see are dad go out every night after working long hours him telling us stories about papa van with was amazed by the places he want things he got to see walking thru the nights to get to his dogs. By time we was old enough he let us go with him he grab his 4 year old male walker hounds aka storm man he was one hell of a hound but that but im getting of track but as I got older my life changed drastically mom and father got divorced and I just went into a deep state of depression thinking it was my fault and I was just ready to just leave this earth to go to a better place but no I just hooked my trailer up to my four-wheeler and loaded my dog box and hound aka Rosco p coal train a freeing walker hound and being in the woods just help me forget everything that was happening hearing the sound of him freeing in the holler of those mountains is music for a hurting soul and mind walking to the tree being excited to see what's up there is just my way of therapy for me. I like for my kids, grandkids and everyone after me to still be able to carry on this family tradition turn to running hounds or being out in nature to enjoy what the good lord has created for us inside of turning to hard drugs to make that pain go away if someone has read this is really appreciate u taking u time to read it and have a blessed day

Good morning, Im a local landowner in McKenney, I've been in the military for going on 16 years and was able to buy my forever home on almost 40 acres of land so me and my family can hunt and do things we want to. But unfortunately when rifle season starts all the massive hunting clubs in the area release their dogs as soon as the sun comes up till sundown. They run all over my land and my neighbors land as well so the chance of you seeing a deer is very slim while sitting in a stand. Also when I'm at work at FT Lee and my wife is home alone by herself people can just walk up saying they are looking for their hunting dog and that to me makes no sense. So please think about my rights plus other people who have bought land here in VA and make these massive hunting clubs ask for permission and not give them rights to be able to just walk on my property.

I oppose HB 1396.

Hb1396 I oppose this bill

As someone directly affected by this practice, I believe it poses significant risks to public safety, private property, and community well-being that can no longer be ignored. One major concern is road safety. Hunting dogs frequently chase game across public roads and highways, creating hazardous situations for drivers. These pursuits can lead to sudden stops, swerves, or collisions as motorists attempt to avoid the animals. In rural areas like ours, where traffic includes farm vehicles and school buses, the potential for serious accidents is heightened, endangering lives and increasing the burden on emergency services. Additionally, dog hunting often results in intrusions on livestock and private property. Packs of dogs can stray far from the hunters, entering fenced pastures and yards where they harass or injure livestock, such as cattle, horses, or poultry. This not only causes financial losses for property owners through veterinary bills or lost animals but also disrupts agricultural operations. Furthermore, dogs may damage fences, gardens, or other property features during these uncontrolled runs, leading to unnecessary repair costs and frustration for landowners. Compounding these issues is the fact that current laws allow hunters to enter private property without permission to retrieve their dogs, which I view as a form of theft of property rights. This practice effectively grants unauthorized access to posted land, violating the fundamental rights of property owners to control who enters their premises. It undermines the security and privacy that residents expect and deserve, as unknown individuals—strangers who may have no legitimate business there—can wander onto the property under the pretext of retrieving dogs. This opens the door to potential theft or other crimes, since these people can see what valuables, equipment, or personal items are present on the land without the owner’s knowledge or consent. I have personally reported instances of hunters trespassing on posted land using vehicles, highlighting how these violations occur despite clear signage and legal protections. Such experiences demonstrate the need for stronger measures to prevent these intrusions altogether. Banning dog hunting would address these problems by promoting safer roads, protecting livestock and property from unwanted encroachments, and upholding the rights of landowners against unauthorized entry. I respectfully request that you consider sponsoring or supporting a bill to prohibit this activity in Virginia, ensuring a safer and more respectful environment for all residents.

As a local land, owner, farmer, resident, in taxpayer of Isle of White County in Virginia, I am completely exhausted by the amount of hardships the local hunting clubs have caused over the last decade due to trespassing and lack of their dogs staying on their own property. Many of our local neighbors feel the same way and have expressed the same concern with local law-enforcement and conservation officials. Some of my experiences include hunting club members directly, letting their dogs out on or at the borderline of our property to purposely push deer off our private property to their neighboring leased properties. Many hunting club members deliberately do this without any notice or permission from myself or the other local land owners. In fact, I have had disrespectful land owners stand on my property, waiting for their dogs to push deer through our property, telling me I cannot do anything about it. This has happened every single year for the last 10 years. Also, we have livestock that has been chased and threatened by their hunting dogs on many occasions. When I bring this up to the local hunting clubs, it has been ignored and dismissed every year. These actions are not caused by just one hunting club, but three local hunting clubs who all share the same loose and disrespectful values as neighbors who lease land. To be completely candid, we have considered selling our own family farm due to the fact that we have to deal with this every single year. When you call a Virginia conservation officer, they refuse to do anything about it as they have stated each time that the right to retrieve law is in place and limits landowner‘s rights. Even conservation officers have admitted they would like to see this change as they witness this type of unethical behavior from hunting clubs each year. Also, with hunting clubs not making a better effort to control the boundaries that their dogs run in, they have been multiple vehicle accidents this year reported just in Isle of Wight County where dogs have run out in front of cars on main roads causing accidents. In fact, there was a young girl who swerved to miss a pack of hunting dogs, pushing a deer across the road that was on private property. She wrecked her car into a fence and a ditch. This was on Orbit Road in Windsor in December 2025. An attempt was made to correspond with the local hunting club that may have been responsible, but no response was provided by the hunting club. From one responsible and trained Hunter to another, hunting deer with dogs in the state of Virginia is out of control due to negligence on the part of the dog owners and hunting clubs. The tradition of hunting deer with dogs goes back many decades. However, with the advancement and GPS system systems and trackers, dog owners are able to watch where their dogs go, and are able to control them much better through the use of this technology. However, many hunting clubs use the traditional hunting methods as an excuse to continue to disregard the rights of Virginia land owners. Incorporating these laws into the state of Virginia will not only ensure the safety of our citizens, but also the safety of the dogs themselves while being monitored and controlled on property where they’re authorized to be on. These laws will also allow a stronger collaboration and mutual respect among dog owners and land owners in the state of Virginia, which is important to the conservation of our natural resources and animals.

I fully support these two bills for the tribal and for my property rights.

I strongly oppose HB 1396 and kindly ask everyone to vote no to this bill. This bill will for one will absolutely cripple hound hunting in the state of Virginia which is responsible for over 50% of your big game kill reports. Sarcoptic mange among bears and CWD in deer populations is just the beginning of the plague that this bill will set wildfire to across Virginia and bordering states. Bird flu will spread among waterfowl, rabies will spread massively through raccoon and fox populations. Which can then be spread through feral cats, humans, etc. The list goes on and on. Hounds and dog hunting are crucial and viable to keeping big and small game populations in check on public land as well as private land. Save Virginia wildlife from unnecessary disease, save hound hunting, and vote NO to HB1396!

Hound hunting has been a way of life in Virginia for millions of families, get the youth involved with outdoors instead of sitting inside playing video games

I oppose hb1396 bill.

For years houndsman have been hunting the hills of Virginia. Many think that the dogs do not enjoy the hunt or that they are ran to absolute exhaustion but in reality the dogs love the chase and hunt. Some may think the hunters themselves have no regard for private property or property damage but not a single hunter that I know treats property owners with disrespect. Hound hunting is one of the only ways someone can hunt without taking the life of the animal they are chasing. The supporters of this bill are out of touch with the rich history and culture of hound hunting in the old dominion and with every fiber of my being I do not support this bill by any means.

I appose HB1396. My husband and his family hunt national forest and do things the right way! Do not make it harder on the law abiding hunters just because there is a small portion that act out of line!

I have been around hunting dogs my entire life. I grew up bear hunting with dogs, and now that I’m married and moved out of my parents house I have my own dogs and plan to raise my kids the exact same. My dad and the group of guys that hunt with us raised me right. We follow the law, we hunt 95% public property (national forest) and we do not EVER cut our dogs on land that we are not supposed to be on. Yes, our dogs will wonder onto private land, but we are always respectful and we do everything we can to keep dogs off of private land. Even if that means catching our dogs off of bear as they get near private land. Please do not let a few bad apples of the dog hunting community’s allow everyone else to be punished by passing HB1396. Our lively hood depends on it!

I oppose HB1396

I strongly support this bill. The rules around hound hunting are outdated. With a more populated rural area these hunters now continually disrupt people and animals on private property. I live in such a rural area with my young children. Many days we are surrounded by hunters releasing dogs that harass our dog and create an unsafe environment for our small children to play in their own yard. The hunters often abuse the rules and release hounds that take over a nearby road to a public beach, making it unsafe for us to walk in our own neighborhood to a public beach park. The abuse of private property and access to public space for a hobby is too much to ask.

I am writing as a Virginia landowner to express my full support for HB1396. While I respect the long-standing traditions of hunting in our Commonwealth, the current "Right to Retrieve" law has created a loophole that leads to the repeated and systemic abuse of private property. On my own land, I have frequently experienced hunters releasing dogs directly from the public roadway or adjacent to clearly marked "Posted" signs, knowing that the current legal framework provides landowners with little to no recourse. This practice is not an occasional accident; in my experience, it has become a method of circumventing property boundaries. Under the current law, it is virtually impossible for a landowner to prevent these continuous violations. This creates a significant burden on residents who simply wish to enjoy the security and privacy of their own land. HB1396 represents a necessary step toward balancing the rights of hunters with the fundamental rights of property owners. It ensures that "private property" remains private and holds individuals accountable for the actions of their dogs when they interfere with the rights of others. I respectfully urge the committee to report HB1396. Sincerely, Paul Arsenovic, 2185 haven beach rd, diggs va

I strongly oppose this bill. It is an age old tradition. Most hunters take great take of their dogs. I ask all to oppose this bill!

Its a shame that our culture and god given right to hunt with hounds, as our fore fathers so enjoyed, is under jeopardy of being further pushed from a right and culted into a privelage only granted by the king's. I oppose this bill and anyone in favor of it. Good day and god bless, may we agree In the future!

Me as a hound hunter in the state of Virginia oppose this bill! I have dog hunters from Virginia all the way to Georgia and this is a tradition that should be carried on. Use it as a teaching tool to better hunting. My child and kids her age and above love to hunt with dogs. We have great relationships with neighboring landowners. We respect are neighbors and encourage them to hunt with us as well. Some do some don’t but that’s their choice. We should have the same choice to dog hunt or not with out the worry of being charged with a crime. I’m sorry but animals can not read. Sometimes those property lines we can not access to retrieve the dogs before they cross on neighboring land owners. Please don’t kill a tradition that has been around since I can remember. We donate as a club hundreds of pounds of meat to the hunters for the hungry off deer we kill running dogs. This would drastically reduce that amount if we had these stipulations. I don’t want to see folks go hungry and neither should you!

I support hb 1396

Support passing HB1396 For too long, deer hunting hounds have been allowed to run across private/ posted property without consequences,,, People who own the land work hard to pay for their land, pays taxes, only for deer hound hunters to run their hounds across it, claiming; “Dogs can’t read posted signs” Time for this stop once and for all,,, No, people want stop deer hunting, but it will require them to own, lease, or get permission to hunt without releasing dogs to chase game ( deer) off of other people’s property properties,, Do your job and protect Landowners rights,, We are entitled to enjoy our property and only with those that we invite to enjoy,,,

We oppose this bill

I oppose this bill

We oppose this bill. The fact that game animals can move freely across property lines should then allow hounds the to do the same. Roaming pets and livestock have a far greater impact on private property then active hound hunts. A license to hound hunt is absolutely not appropriate when VA resident hunting licenses are already higher then many other states across the country. Lastly exempting some but not all hunters that use dogs to hunts is a direct attack on certain forms of hunting. Overall this bill is driven by jealousy of land owners as a pack of coyotes will do the same thing a hound does but in the end cause more damage to the wildlife and livestock on any land. Lastly it was stated that hunting with hounds has been banned in all but 8 states and I can assure you that that is a vastly incorrect statement hounds are able to be utilized to hunt various game animals in the majority of the states in the US.

Perhaps when Virginia gets sued in a class action lawsuit suit when a pack of dogs chasing deer goes across a major interstate or highway and kills or maims people driving on the road something will finally end this practice that is supposed to be heritage once and for all, dog hunting will end one day no matter what so the sooner the better.

It is not fair to further regulate dog hunters alone, and to charge them a fee in addition to all other Sportsmen and women. This is not a needed regulation for something that goes back generations for Virginia residents.

I support hunting with dogs HB 1396

I oppose HB 1396

I oppose this and ask you do as well

I oppose HB 1396

Please approve & support Hb 1396. This bill will not limit responsible & respectful hound hunting . The the hound lobby , including lots of non resident & non landowners are not being truthful about this bill. It simply forces accountability on the the hound hunters who have been abusing the rights of private property owners for years. We are simply asking for this common sense compromise. We beg you to consider why the hound community is so against this bill... it tells everyone loud & clear exactly what landowners such as myself are dealing with on an everyday basis during hound season. The entitlement, the rudeness, the intrusion, the intimidation tactics, constant intrusion from unwanted hounds trespassing. The need to carry a pistol for self protection on your own private property... there are currently no laws that offer landowners protection. There are several brave hound hunters speaking in approval of HB1396, those are the good ones, the ones that admit that most hound hunting is out of control. The ones who do actually hunt ethically, and respect the fact that private property is in fact private property. Landowners need this bill to pass. We are tired of providing a place against our will for someone else's hobby. We paid for our property, we pay taxes, and yet ever year we are forced to donate our property to this ridiculous practice. There is also the issue of hounds being abandoned after the season. The shelters are begging for accountability. This bill will help provide desperately needed tools to address these problems. Please VOTE YES

I want the public to stop being allowed to turn their dogs loose to go on other peoples property. Dogs should be contained to the prooerty of their owner OR on property WITH permission in writing.

Please vote no on this bill, hound hunting is a birthright and long tradition in my family. Thank you !

Oppose. If unable to hunt without a dog while synchronously entering the property of others then other means of hunting should be perused. Keep your animals on your land; if it’s big enough to initiate a hunt, it should be big enough to keep the dogs contained.

My family and I, as well as many other hunters and landowners in Virginia are against this bill. This bill attacks one of Virginia’s oldest traditions and many Virginians favorite hobbies. This bill will only lead to more negative interactions between hunter’s and other landowners and will negatively influence those against hunting with dogs to seek out ways to intentionally abuse this system. There is nothing stopping an angry landowner from catching someone’s dogs and taking them onto their property to then use that as a claim against the hunters. This bill will not only negatively affect hound hunters but all hunters. Hunters should not be forced to buy additional permits just for hunting a certain way. I ask that you please oppose this legislation and vote no.

Please support HB1396. It is time landowners were restored rights to their own property. All of us are tired of dogs disrupting out STill hunts and roads constantly blocked, and excessive speeding chasing dogs. Then on to top of this they trespassing under the guise of retrieving dogs. It is time they became responsible dog owners and hint on lands they own and lease,not everybody's property for miles with hounds. Its time to reign them in.

Opposing HB 1396

I support HB 1396 We have had hunters on our property without permission and hunting dogs running on our property without permission ever since we moved here over 7 years ago. We have lost some chickens and hunting dogs have pushed in our coop so we had to repair it. We don’t even feel safe traveling our 50 acres with our grandchildren during hunting seasons because of the dogs and shots we hear! They try to use their right to retrieve their hunting dogs as permission to go anywhere they want. They always cry that their dogs can’t read our no hunting signs! We pray this HB 1396 is passed to help us have some rights as property owners! Please pass this Bill🙏

I ask that you please vote NO on requiring a permit for anyone hunting with a dog. I’m a retired Virginia Game Warden. I see this as just another impediment to hunting. Hunting is an important part of our tradition. Those that wish to ban hunting know an out right ban is impossible, but by regulating it to death the same objective is achieved. Your consideration is greatly appreciated.

Please approve & support Hb 1396. This bill will not limit responsible & respectful hound hunting . The the hound lobby , including lots of non resident & non landowners are not being truthful about this bill. It simply forces accountability on the the hound hunters who have been abusing the rights of private property owners for years. We are simply asking for this common sense compromise. We beg you to consider why the hound community is so against this bill... it tells everyone loud & clear exactly what landowners such as myself are dealing with on an everyday basis during hound season. The entitlement, the rudeness, the intrusion, the intimidation tactics, constant intrusion from unwanted hounds trespassing. The need to carry a pistol for self protection on your own private property... there are currently no laws that offer landowners protection. There are several brave hound hunters speaking in approval of HB1396, those are the good ones, the ones that admit that most hound hunting is out of control. The ones who do actually hunt ethically, and respect the fact that private property is in fact private property. Landowners need this bill to pass. We are tired of providing a place against our will for someone else's hobby. We paid for our property, we pay taxes, and yet ever year we are forced to donate our property to this ridiculous practice. There is also the issue of hounds being abandoned after the season. The shelters are begging for accountability. This bill will help provide desperately needed tools to address these problems. Please VOTE YES

I strongly Oppose Bill 1396. I rent a farm in Sussex to hunt and without hound hunting it would impossible to kill any deer as they don't come out in the fields until after dark , because In is surround by cutover. The farmer wants some shot to keep the crop damage down, but they just don't move. So hound hunting is our best method of control the damage. I would hate to see this bill pass and the DWR would have to give him a permit to shoot then in the summer or at night and feed the coyotes and Bears instead of people that want and need the meat. Please Oppose HB1396

I have multiple family members, along with plenty of youth hunters who love there hounds as much as I do. There is no place better for youth to be but in the woods enjoying there hounds and not running around doing who knows what. I strongly oppose the HB1396!!!

I do not support this bill. My kids live dog hunting and everything about it. This bill will really hurt family traditions of hound hunting.

Dog hunting totally ruins any hunting on my property and dogs run through my property almost daily, once dog hunting begins I go to the Eastern Shore to deer hunt because I will never see a deer on my property unless the dogs are chasing it and the hunters get very upset if I do hunt claiming I don’t have the right to shoot a deer that is being chased by their dogs.

Why should you burden one form of hunting with yet another fee when hunters already pay enough to enjoy our sport

Members of the board I strongly urge you to oppose this bill for several reasons both economic and ethical. I will start with the economic reason the bill as written calls for a new dog permit the cost for which has not been stated which means if this bill isn’t stopped a sport that was once all inclusive regardless of economic status could become cost prohibitive. The second reason to oppose this bill has to do with ethics and The Right To Retrieve. HB 1396 would end this law, a law which has aided houndsman and women in Virginia gather their dogs quickly and safely when in the field for decades. Without this law animal trespass would become criminal and No one should have to worry about tickets fine , loss of hunting rights or jail time while trying to locate a missing, injured, Stolen, or lost 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. There are already existing laws on the books to punish those that show criminal intent, let’s work to enforce those .So in closing I ask each of you respectfully please vote No on HB1396

I oppose HB 1396

I am employed by a large fenced in private property over a couple thousand acres in size , and for years we’ve had to deal with dogs running through the property frustrating the domestic sheep , historic lineage cattle , as well as very expensive Purebred horses and ponies. We always worry about an animal suffering a broken leg due to the “ Dog running season “ ( full-time employees are allowed to hunt this property, and are encouraged to to help decrease the deer population, but we do not engage in hound hunting ) and as an individual who owns the same Garmin tracking collars that these hunt clubs use There’s no sense in them allowing the dogs to run completely through everyone else’s property before they decide to “ round-up” their dogs , which usually seems to be very late afternoon when they’re finished having fun hunting. The Garmin GPS dog collars can track dogs between 7 and 9 miles away depending on terrain & elevation, and which model you are using ( I own both to keep my dogs on our property and not wandering off to far, as they are like family to us ). These tracking collars allow me to see exactly where my dog is , if he is sitting , running , and how far away he is. With this technology the hunter who chooses to use dogs can and does know exactly when and where his dog has gone off of property ( because you can also enable geo- fencing to create a property boundary and the handset will beep and vibrate the second the dog has gone out of the boundary). These property owners should not have to deal with this persistent trespassing year after year. The deer will never stop seeking refuge or food , water , or living area where they see fit , and “ dog hunters “ will never start respecting property owners rights when they are in pursuit of a set of antlers to hang on their wall , unless it becomes Law.

I was coming home today, and turned a corner on a sharp curve and saw 2 hunting dogs in the road eating a dead deer. I swerved to miss them, and the one looked injured, he kept holding up his paw, so I called animal control. They had no collars on, and this is typical Nelson hunting dog life. Set free to live at large and cause dangerous or stressful situations, or be a nuisance for other people who aren’t responsible for them. This could’ve been a way worse situation, but this “sport” clearly needs regulation. Please support this bill.

I oppose HB1396

Dear Members of the House Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources Committee, I am writing to you as a constituent and a lifelong hound hunter from Southwest Virginia to urge you to oppose HB 1396. My family and I hunt game across the Commonwealth, with a primary focus on bear hunting in the mountains. This bill, while perhaps well-intentioned, fails to account for the reality of hunting in Virginia and would effectively end a storied cultural tradition through unworkable regulations. I would like to address the two damaging components of this legislation: 1. The Hound Hunting Permit & Identification (Subsection A) A Barrier to Entry: Requiring a specific $19 permit to hunt with dogs creates an unnecessary "pay-to-play" barrier. For those of us who invite guests or younger family members to join us once or twice a year, this requirement discourages participation and treats hound hunters as "second-class citizens" who must pay extra to enjoy a legal sport. Redundant Regulation: The bill mandates standards for vehicle marking and dog identification. This is already common practice and, in many cases, already covered by law. Our vehicles have license plates, and our hounds wear collars with GPS tracking and owner contact information. We value our dogs—we want them to be identified so they can be returned if lost. Creating a new regulatory layer for this is redundant and overreaching. 2. The Dog Trespass Provision (Subsection C) An Impossible Standard: Subsection C requires written permission from a landowner before a dog even crosses a property line. When hunting bears across thousands of acres of public and private timberland, it is physically impossible to predict exactly which direction a wild animal will run. A "De Facto" Ban: You cannot "control" a hound on a scent once they have been released on legal ground. By making a hunter liable the moment a dog steps onto a neighboring tract without prior written consent, you are making the sport legally impossible to practice. This is not a regulation of the sport; it is a roundabout way of banning it entirely. HB 1396 ignores the "Right to Retrieve" and the geographical realities of Southwest Virginia. It turns law-abiding citizens into criminals for the natural behavior of a dog trailing game. I ask that you protect our heritage and the rights of Virginia's sportsmen by voting NO on HB 1396. Sincerely, Forrest Yates Wytheville VA

HB 1396, I support this bill. Hound hunting reform is very much needed in this community. Small farms are continuously being terrorized by packs of dogs. The number 1 predator here for poultry is dogs and locally there is no recourse. The fox hunters hunt year round and have no respect for property or residents. It is common to have fox hounds in your yard all hours of the day year round. Frequently the hunters will be driving down the road calling the dogs behind them to mover to another property. Typically by the time Deer season comes around all locals are already at their wits end. Recently I had and issue with a hunting hound chasing my Fowl within my posted and fenced property. The dog would not leave the property even after being pinned by my livestock guardian dog. The number on the collar was not for the owner of the dogs, DNR didn't have anyone local, and animal control told me I needed to hold the dog for 24 hours before they would respond. I was instructed that I was not allowed to harm the dog to protect my livestock. I was forced to take care of the dog for 7.5 hours until the hunter came to get it. Every attempt to run the dog off my property had it turn around and attempt to return to my bird coop. Everyone with livestock has this issue, We are told it's our responsibility to protect our livestock from the dogs. This issue is a threat to all small farms, The hunters don't respect farmers or property owners and the authorities won't help. The local Sherriff and Animal control seem to want farmers to allow the dogs to kill the livestock while they film. The sheriff and animal control publicly stated that hunting dogs don't harm livestock. They also stated that if they don not see the dogs harming livestock with their own eyes any person harming the dogs will be charged with animal cruelty. (public Facebook video by Mathews county sheriff office) We do not want to harm the dogs, I just want to see my livestock and my lively hood safe from another persons animals while in their fenced area on my property. The "Bad apples" of the hunters like to threaten landowners for complaining. Attached is a recent post from one of the several east coast hunting groups that are rallying against this measure. I would like to see sensible measures where my community can feel safe using their property. Eliminating the year round 24/7 unrestricted fox season is enough for me. I have very few issues with the deer hunters.

I strongly oppose this bill and think you all Should as well. Hound dogs can’t read for one if they cross a property line as long as the owner of the hound tries to contact the landowner and go about things the right way they shouldn’t be able to be charged in retrieving their dog. We already buy a hunting license to be able to run our dogs we shouldn’t be charged an extra fee for that. Hound hunting is a way of life and I encourage you all stand with us in this.

I respectfully submit this testimony in opposition to the continued practice of deer hunting with dogs in the Commonwealth of Virginia, particularly as it relates to the ongoing and widespread violation of private property rights. While Virginia law currently permits the use of dogs for deer hunting in certain localities, the regulations governing this practice are outdated and insufficient to protect landowners. Time and again, property owners experience dogs entering posted land without permission, deer being driven across private boundaries, and hunters retrieving dogs or harvested animals from property where they have no legal right to be present. These incidents are not isolated—they are persistent, well-documented, and routinely dismissed as unavoidable side effects of dog hunting. The fundamental issue is this: a lawful hunting method does not justify unlawful trespass. Private property rights are a cornerstone of Virginia law and tradition. Yet under current regulations, dog hunters frequently violate those rights with little to no consequence. Enforcement mechanisms are weak, penalties are minimal, and accountability is lacking. This creates an unequal system where landowners bear the burden, while violators face few meaningful repercussions. What makes this especially unacceptable today is the availability of modern technology that completely undermines the argument that dog trespass is unavoidable. GPS and geofencing dog collars are widely available, affordable, and proven. These systems allow hunters to establish virtual boundaries and receive real-time alerts—or even corrective cues—when dogs approach or cross property lines. In an era where such technology is commonplace, continued reliance on decades-old rules that excuse trespass is no longer reasonable or defensible. If the Commonwealth chooses to allow deer hunting with dogs to continue, then stricter laws must be enacted and enforced, including but not limited to: • Mandatory use of GPS-enabled and geofencing collars on all hunting dogs • Clear liability for handlers when dogs enter posted or unpermitted property • Escalating penalties for repeat violations • Stronger authority for conservation officers to issue citations and enforce compliance Without these measures, the current system effectively prioritizes one group’s recreational practice over another citizen’s legal right to control their own land. This testimony is not an attack on tradition, nor is it a blanket condemnation of all dog hunters. It is a call for fairness, accountability, and modernization. Traditions must evolve when they conflict with property rights, public safety, and available technology. Virginia can—and should—do better. Protecting private property while allowing lawful hunting are not mutually exclusive goals. But achieving both requires updating our laws to reflect modern realities, not continuing to excuse violations under outdated rules. Thank you for the opportunity to provide this testimony and for your consideration of the rights of Virginia’s property owners.

I support both HB 1013 and HB 1396 Terrapin excluders are needed to prevent the deaths of diamondback terrapins in crab pots. The cost of installation of these devices is minimal and needs to be part of the cost of doing business for crabbers. I strongly support HB 1013. In Mathews County, hunting dogs being run on posted private property is a big problem. When confronted by landowners, hunters basically shrug their shoulders and say dogs don’t recognize property boundaries. They make no attempt to keep their dogs off of private property and frequently release them in areas where they know they will enter posted property. Some hunters get belligerent when told their dogs aren’t welcome. Dogs have killed domestic animals and livestock. We need more regulation on dog hunting and HB 1396 is a good start.

As a veteran land owner and Va tax payer I back BH1396 100% and it must move forward and be approved Land owners and farmers need to take back control of their land from rogue hound /road hunters that abuse or totally disobey Va hunting laws There are many respectful hound/road hunters But the few bad ones cast shadow over the entire group HB1396 is a mild and inexpensive change that will improve conditions over all for everyone involved Move this bill forward NOW !!!!! Please

Please vote for the hound laws making it a misdemeanor to trespass. It has gotten way out of hand in Hanover county Va. they use my 47 acres as a cut through, the dogs have also attacked my dog which I reported, and nothing could be done . Missy monolo

I oppose HB 1396 along with any restrictions that would affect dog hunting.

As a hunter and landowner, I strongly support HB 1396. Each hunting season, dogs are turned out to run deer or bear on back roads and private parcels near my property. Contrary to dog hunter rhetoric, dogs running deer do upset the natural patterns of deer and ruins my hunting, on my own land, for at least a day or more with each occurrence. I am a stand hunter and enjoy hunting in peace and in no way want to have a pack of dogs running or barking around my hunting area and eventually loud hunters trespassing to search for their dogs. I feel this bill will create some accountability and make it more difficult for those abusing the lack rules and enforcement on this matter. I attempted to attach a file with a recording of dogs having treed a bear cub near one of my stand locations, but due to technical error, I cannot get the attachment to you. Note: using a dog to run bear or deer is not permitted in this area and I know none of the landowners adjacent to me gave permission for any form of hunting on their land, so please support HB 1396. Thank You....... Bill Forren, Wirtz VA

I completely disagree with this and taking out right sounded by our forefathers , please reconsider and stop this bill.

Please, please, please do not pass this bill. I once was lost in the woods. Luckly, I found someone to help me find my way out. It's stupid to find out if this passes, I could go to jail because I was lost and needed help. Did yall also know dogs can't read or tell where property line end. Most hunters today have dog tracking collars on their dogs and usually prevent the dogs from going further by what they call toning them. I have seen my hunt master tone his dogs then calls them or will blow his horn and the dogs will return to him. That's awesome to watch. Remember not every hunter in the woods are as irresponsible as what this bill implies. THANK YOU

I support HB1396 because it is past time for fair accountability to be applied to hound hunters legislatively. As current laws stand, DWR CPO’s hands are tied in holding the bad actors accountable. I don’t believe hound hunting should be completely banned, however, there needs to be consequences for the “bad apples” among the hound hunting community. Landowners and tenants deserve to have peace and privacy on their hard earned property. To allow the constant disregard of their rights is blatantly immoral and defies their right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

The addition of permits only serves to add more cost to running and maintaining a group of hunting dogs without addressing the root of the problem. Dogs will run where ever they want to run and there is only so much that can be done to curb that short of a land owner putting up a fence. A single land owner in this instance can make surrounding neighbor's land unusable for dog hunt. Dog hunting is a staple cultural practice all throughout rural Virginia as there are numerous areas that humans can't realistically man a drive to flush out the deer. Many farmers maintain good relations with hunt clubs they rent their land to use for hunting to help maintain the deer populations which will damage their crops and to cover those 100s of acres on a given hunt day requires dogs. The exceptions made in part D make this be change to be distinctly targeted at hunting dog owners who support deer hunting and special hunts to remove problem species such as bear, coyotes, and foxes from the farm land. These changes would only serve to raise the price ceiling to the upkeep and use of hunting dog owners while penalizing them for something that they already make an effort to avoid.

Oppose HB 1396

Re: HB 1396 Using dogs to hunt, chase, or pursue game I speak to oppose House Bill 1396 House Bill 1396 is likely to produce unintended consequences for African American groups, clubs, and families in Virginia who maintain—whether intentionally or through long-standing custom—the pre-emancipation tradition of hunting with dogs. I have learned during 45 years of interaction with African Americans in my medical practice that across Tidewater, Southside, and Central Virginia, hunting with hound dogs has been preserved within African American communities through family practice and historically African American hunt clubs. While these hunts are often informal and less visibly organized than modern sporting associations, they are deeply entrenched cultural traditions passed down through generations. Importantly, these longstanding practices have coexisted with neighboring landowners for decades with relatively few documented complaints or conflicts. The historical record reflects a notable paucity of property-owner complaints associated with these hunts, suggesting that existing norms and informal regulation within the community have been largely effective. The provisions of House Bill 1396 risk disproportionately impacting this already endangered vestige of Virginia’s pre-emancipation African American heritage. The potential adverse repercussions on these cultural practices warrant more careful study. Consideration should be given to safeguards or exemptions that would protect and promote the rich cultural heritage of African American communities and, by extension, the shared heritage of all Virginians. Charles H. Bonner, MD 106 Tempsford Lane Richmond, Va 23226

I oppose this bill and regulations put on hunters. Please vote no to this bill!

I support HB1396. I ask that you please do too. HB1396 is a commonsense measure to promote ethical hunting practices, protect private property rights, and reduce conflicts between hunters and landowners while preserving Virginia's hunting traditions. It establishes a simple, affordable permit system for dog hunting and ensures dogs do not trespass without permission

HB1396 will give farmers and land owners control of their acres once again and allow them to once again have say over trespassing hound hunters who believe they are above the laws I 100% support HB1396

I come from a family of raccoon hunters and I do not support the proposed bills regarding our dogs that Ms. Spanberger is trying to pass. Please protect the Virginia hunters rights and the rights of their dogs.

I oppose HB 1396. Hound hunters already pay their fair share of permit fees and this is just an added fee that edges the Game Commission closer to stopping hound hunting. I do not believe this is a good bill.

I am opposed to dog hunting, specifically deer and bear dog hunting. I would appreciate your support of the bill HB 1396. Please consider the rights of the landowners who bought the property and pay taxes each year. I do not support deer or bear dog hunting on my land and consider both the dogs and the hunters trespassing. I have incurred vet bills when hunting dogs have attacked my own dogs on my own property. I can no longer ride my horses during hunting and practice season due to having been surrounded by a pack of barking hunting dogs scaring the horses. Abandoned deer dogs have shown up at my house in desperate need of food and health care. You often see them dead on the side of the road after having been hit by a vehicle. Animal shelters are inundated with hounds at the end of the season, costing the shelters even more money and resources. The hunters are often disrespectful and belligerent, as well as occasionally being threatening. Just at the end of this deer dog hunting season, I had a vulgar message left for me when I said I did not want hunting dogs hunting on my property. The hunters also speed up and down the roads and shoot wherever the deer crosses the road thereby presenting a dangerous driving hazard. I practice wildlife conservation and take care of my land considering it a privilege to own it, but then to have packs of dogs trespassing and chasing the wildlife and affecting my own rights as the landowner is simply not right. Much less if you want to hunt on your own property (Still hunting hunting without dogs) which is close to impossible when there are packs of dogs running through it scaring all the wildlife. Deer and bear dog hunting is a practice that needs to stop. It is not sportsmanlike and is not good for the wildlife. Landowners' rights are being violated and not acknowledged.

Each year, DWR is spending over $1.25 million dollars responding to hunting dog related complaints with almost no enforcement tools available to address the presence of dogs on properties where they are not wanted. DWR currently lacks the legal authority, financial means, and personnel to adequately address this ongoing conflict. The proposed permit system outlined in HB1396 is purposely designed to respect the subject matter expertise of the DWR staff and its regulatory authority to create a framework allowing the department the ability to address the conflict at the agency level rather than returning to the General Assembly. HB1396 does not impact a single lawful hunter, it simply targets the bad actors. I believe that this permit system will resolve the issues created by the presence of hunting dogs where they are not desired. HB1396 balances the interests of landowners and the hunting community by allowing the tradition of dog hunting to continue while ensuring locations, such as my pastures, aren’t inundated by hunting dogs that have no business being there. I strongly urge you to support for HB 1396 and vote yes. Thank you.

I oppose HB1396. Please enforce the laws that are already on the books. Creating new laws are not going to make people obey them if they are not obeying the old ones. This bill will make honest, hard working Virginians that enjoy hound hunting either stop hunting or become criminals. Hound hunting is a Virginia Heritage that should be honored. Enforce existing laws, weed out the bad apples, and address problems case by case as in the past. I also find it very interesting that Fox hunting (an elite sport) is exempt. This is very troubling. Please kill HB 1396. Thank you.

Please Pass HB1396 HB1396 WILL NOT STOP HOUND DEER HUNTING! It will HELP to eliminate the Deliberate Hound Trespassing . If the Relationship Deer Hound Hunters have between themselves and Private Property Owners are as Strong as you claim, they will be even stronger now by Passing HB 1396. You want even Police yourselves and force Your Bad Apples out of the Clubs or better yet , Stand Up for Your Neighbors Owning Private Property that just want their land to be theirs . So you Deer Hound Hunter can continue down the road of Entitlement and trying to Bully You way on Private Property and when it is all gone it will be no one but yourself to blame. If you tried as hard to keep your Deer Hounds off of Private Property as you Try to get them on land where they are not wanted, this mess would not be an issue. So if the shoe fits. Wear it. ONE LAST THOUHT , People have been owning Land (Private Property) in Va a Hec of a lot Longer than 1950 When your So called Heritage Supposedly Started. You can’t fool history, Deer were all but Extinct up until the 1920-1930- early 1940 to meat hunting , all but whipped out! And they sure weren’t using Deer Hounds!!!

Give land owners and farmers back their property rights 24/7/365 I 100% support HB1396

I oppose hb 1396

I oppose HB1396. I'm not a hunter myself and I highly oppose this bill to be instated. Many hunters, homeless shelters, and soup kitchens survive off the deer that is hunted throughout the hunting season. Some have said this will not stop dog hunting, just enforce private property laws on bad apples, but this bill will force more expenses and more taxes on hunters who often times struggle to make ends meet. It will become a rich man's sport instead of hunting ethically for food. On top of this, it will deter many people from hunting for fear of a criminal charge over an accident. What law abiding citizen wants to play chicken with a criminal charge? The key is to deal with the troublesome clubs, or individuals separately and not a blanket one size fits all. And it is definitely not to increase the cost of hunting so only the rich are able to afford to hunt. If you care about private property laws, please work on enforcement of the already in place laws instead of limiting the hunters to those that can afford a lawyer.

I oppose hb 1396

After many years of trespassing and many many conflicts this will finally put it in line where it should have been years ago. As deer hunter myself i support the HB1396.

I oppose.

I oppose hb1396

I would like to oppose HB1396 on behalf of my uncle, father, grandfather, and his father who have been active houndsmen their whole life. We believe there are laws in place that already complement this proposal. Thank you

VICTIM IMPACT STATEMENT Virginia Property Rights Alliance – Richmond To be read on behalf of Sean Marks, Southside Virginia Good morning, My name is Sean Marks, and I was unable to be here today, so this statement is being read on my behalf. What has happened on my property — and to my family — should never happen to any Virginian. I am not anti-hunting. I am not anti-conservation. I am pro–property rights, pro-safety, and pro-accountability. What I am against is being treated like my land is not mine, and my family’s safety is optional. Over the past few years, my property has been repeatedly entered by hunters without permission. Not once. Not accidentally. Repeatedly. This has forced me to do things no landowner should ever have to do: Charges needed to be filed against a hunter because, after being told not to return, he proceeded to drive his truck onto my property while armed. I have had hunting crews walking through my land as if it were public property — without permission, without notice, without regard for who or what might be on the other side of their firearms. I have had dead animal carcasses brought onto or left near my yard, within view of my home. This is disturbing, unsanitary, and intimidating. We have also had two animals killed as a direct result of these hunting incidents on or near our property. And the most painful moment of all: During one of these hunting incidents, one of the hunters struck my dog with a vehicle. An Animal Control officer later arrived — not because he was dispatched, not because I called, and not because anyone requested help. He arrived because he was part of the same hunt crew, was off duty, and heard over the CB radio that a dog had been hit. He rendered no assistance and left. So the only official presence that day came not through proper channels, but through a personal connection to the people involved. That is not oversight. That is not accountability. That is a conflict of interest. This is not about deer. This is not about tradition. This is about boundaries, safety, and the rule of law. When hunters cross onto private property without permission, they are not just crossing a fence line — they are crossing into people’s homes, their families, their pets, their lives. No homeowner should have to wonder: Is someone with a firearm on my land right now? Is my family safe to walk outside? Will my dog come back alive? Will anyone be held accountable if something goes wrong? Property ownership in Virginia should mean something. It should not disappear the moment hunting season starts. This proposed law is not extreme. It is not anti-hunting. It simply says this: Private land is private. Permission is required. Safety comes first. That is not a burden. That is a basic standard of respect. I stand here today because I do not want anyone else to experience what my family has been forced to endure. Please stand with Virginia landowners. Please pass this law. Please make it clear that private property rights still matter in this Commonwealth. Thank you for listening.

PLEASE OPPOSE THIS BILL

Please vote yes on HB 1396. This does NOT end hound hunting contrary to what the “Army of Orange” (which is a lot of out of state folks coming in to comment) would have you believe. This brings in additional revenue for the DWR to help enforce existing regulations and closes a loophole in RTR. There simply is no legitimate argument against this. Thank you

I oppose this bill. Hound hunting is a way of life and a tradition that has been here longer than any of us arguing over it. I grew up doing it and loving it and would also like for my kids to do the same. I believe you should not have to have a permit or pay to hunt with dogs they love it just as much as we do. Dogs cannot read signs and we don’t want them on other property owners land as much as they do but that’s what they were bred to do. Please turn down this bill because if it passes it will be a step in the wrong direction for houndsmen and closer to hound hunting coming to an end in Virginia.

Please support HB1396. This bill in no way shape or form limits, stops, prevents, or bans hound hunting. It does however provide an avenue for property owners to finally secure their private posted property from hound and hunter trespass. Currently there are no enforceable laws, and calls to DWR are usually met with and apology for not being able to enforce the vague language of current code. Please stand up for property rights, while at the same time allowing hound hunting to continue.

I oppose this bill and on behalf of my five children who will soon be old enough to vote they oppose this bill as well. I want them to be able to enjoy hunting with hounds and have the same hunting opportunities I have enjoyed.

I oppose HB1396 because it adds unnecessary permits and restrictions to the use of hunting dogs, a long-established and responsible practice that many hunters rely on for safe, ethical, and effective wildlife management. Hunting dogs are trained working animals that help track, locate, and recover game quickly, often reducing animal suffering and improving safety for hunters. Instead of targeting the few irresponsible individuals who misuse dogs or ignore property boundaries, this bill places added regulation and burden on everyone who hunts responsibly. Laws should focus on enforcement and education, not penalizing ethical hunters and their well cared for dogs. For these reasons, I do not support this bill moving forward.

I oppose this bill. I’m a still hunter in Virginia. I have hunted with hounds before becoming a felon. I can only crossbow hunt. However, it’s a tradition and a sport. The dogs love it, kids love it and it a way of life. Yes , you have ones that break the law. Don’t punish the people doing the right thing, for the bad apples doing wrong. Thanks for your time. Zachery Layne

Vote no to this bill!

Please vote no on this bill!

I oppose HB1396

I oppose this bill HB1396

Please, 1396 desperately needs your support! This is not an anti-hunting bill or an anti dog hunting bill. This bill only secures the property rights of Virginians who are being abused by deer dog clubs. Any argument against this bill is actually an argument in favor of continually running hounds on others property without permission. It is truly that simple. The hound lobby is casting this bill as the end of hound hunting to rile their base. They are not being truthful. The tradition and heritage can continue for future generations. 1396 will only impact the bad apples that take advantage of the lack of laws protecting landowner and finally require them, like all other hunters, to contain their hunts to properties where they have permission.

Opposed of house bill HB 1396 we are a hunting that hunt's with dogs with over 100 members in this club that have over 4000 acres on land leased to hunt.This club has been dog hunting for over 60 years in the Appomattox area , without dogs we would not be able the lease the land we have or would we retain the members of this please do not let this bill pass.

I've hunted in Virginia all my life. This bill will make DWR have a hard time controlling the deer population. It will also have an economic impact on farmers that lease land, it will increase car insurance rates due to more car and deer collision s. The hunter's provide alot of meat to all food banks, and between the total impact if this passes will exceed millions of dollars across the state. Please vote this down. It will destroy Virginia's historical hunt since the beginning of of our beautiful commonwealth. Every club that I've ever hunted with does everything above board including tracking collors, name tags and always ask to retrieve dogs. Please vote this down. Thank you for listening.

I stand with the houndsman

I Trevor Peele oppose the HB1396 along with any other proposals pertaining to hunting and gun rights.

TIFFANY TATE, FAMILY AND SPRING MEADOWS HUNT CLUB STANDS FOR HOUNDMANS AND HOUNDWOMEN Please oppose SB471 and HB 1396. As a landowner and business owner, I can speak firsthand to the many benefits of hunting with dogs in Virginia. More than one-third of Virginia’s hunters use dogs to pursue a variety of game, including deer, rabbits, squirrels, raccoons, and other small game. These hunters generate significant revenue through hunting licenses and associated fees, providing essential funding for the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources. Hound hunting also plays a vital role in supporting local economies, particularly in rural areas. Hunt clubs that use dogs contribute year-round to gas stations, restaurants, veterinarians, pet supply stores, land-leasing arrangements, and other small businesses. In many parts of Virginia, this economic activity is especially critical during the winter months when tourism is limited. Beyond economics, hunting with dogs strengthens community ties and fuels charitable efforts. Hound hunters donate a substantial number of deer to Hunters for the Hungry, helping to feed families in need across the Commonwealth. Additionally, responsible deer population management through hunting with dogs helps reduce vehicle–deer collisions, improving public safety and lowering costs associated with accidents. Tradition matters—but this issue goes far beyond tradition. The economic stimulation, charitable contributions, and public safety benefits provided by hound hunting are crucial to large portions of rural Virginia. For the sake of economic stability, reduced auto accidents, wildlife management, and feeding the hungry, I respectfully ask that you oppose SB471 and HB 1396.

I oppose hb 1396

Say NO to the bill we pay enough to hunt as it is I have dog hunted all my life and never had a problem till last year with private landowners and they had moved in here from California it’s not the hunters it’s the landowners who don’t understand our tradition

Please support HB1396. HB1396 does not eliminate dog hunting, nor does it inhibit or curtail the ability to hunt deer with dogs. Instead, it reaffirms a fundamental principle: the public does not have the right to hunt on private land—whether that land is your backyard, my farm, or any other privately owned property—without the owner’s permission. Please do not be misled by repeated claims that HB1396 would abolish a historic Virginia tradition. Hunting deer from pickup trucks while monitoring GPS screens and using drones to track dogs and wildlife is not a long-standing Virginia tradition. Private property ownership, however, most certainly is. Nothing in HB1396 ends dog hunting. Under current practice, however, some dog hunters effectively deprive landowners of their private property rights. The bill seeks to correct that imbalance. Members of the dog hunting community often argue that only a small number of “bad apples trespass on private property, while the majority respect landowners. If that is the case, there should be no objection to HB1396, which would address precisely those few offenders. It raises the reasonable question of why the entire community would so strongly oppose regulations intended only to control a small minority. Respectfully, HB1396 protects property rights without eliminating lawful hunting traditions, and it deserves your support. Thank you for your time and consideratio

My husband, sons, and family members are houndsmen and have been their entire lives as a tradition in Virginia. I oppose HB1396. As a family of law abiding hunters, they follow laws that already exist that would solve these issues if enforced.

I started hound hunting when I was 13 years old. My friends dad would take me as we didn’t have the dogs or means to do it. If it wasn’t for that I wouldn’t be the hunter I am today. Asking people to pay to release a dog will keep kids like me from getting into such a great sport simply because we can’t afford it. The amount of time and money and dedication that goes into hound hunting is immense and doing this will kill the sport. There’s a lot spent on food, equipment, vet bills, gas and more already just for a little bit of hunting. But the memories made especially by young kids is worth it. But having people pay more money for this right to hunt will only hurt not help get kids outdoors and connected to nature. Please consider not letting this happen to such a great sport.

As a Houndsman, I strongly oppose HB1396. We have laws in place already that - if enforced - would solve these issues!ss

Adding extra permits to a larger family of hound hunters would/could cost one household $100.00 plus more each season on top of already paying hundreds for the big game deer/ bear/ & turkey license. It also will keep new people from wanting to join in on a hunting trip to see if it's something they would like to pursue themselves. Having, to buy a permit to just tag along is insane.

Goodmorning. I am writing a request to oppose HB1396. Deer hunting has been a part of my life since I was a very young kid not only with using hounds, but also still hunting using archery equipment and muzzleloading equipment. I am very familiar and experienced with both sides of hunting and I have been very blessed to spend a lot of time over the years in the woods. Hunting with hounds is something that I have a great passion for and the love that I have for it is unexplainable through words. There are always a certain few people with anything in this world, that do not follow the laws and those people need to be handled individually and not have the rights striped away from the other 98% of the houndsman and woman that do it appropriately. I feel that the law enforcement officers within the hunting grounds have been doing a great job at taking care of and disciplining the ones that are not following the law. I am here to tell you, I show much respect for all landowners and all other hunters whether they are hunting with hounds or not. I can speak on behalf of everyone I associate myself with, that they follow the laws that are already in place and show great respect for other landowners and hunters. I will always do the best to my ability to keep hounds off of other landowners property and always will. My hounds are a part of my family, they are treated and handled very well with much love and care. Passing the tradition of running hounds to my young sons is something that I pray I will be able to do. Many life lessons and great work ethics are taught in the deer woods. I am not only a hunter, but I am a conservationist and someone that loves and respects nature very much. Please oppose HB1396 and any other bills that are against hunting with hounds. Thank you for your time. Respectfully, Donald Mitchell Jr.

HB 1396 PLEASE support this bill.

We urge you all to oppose this horrible antihunting bill HB1396, if this nonsense came to law it would cripple this states economy. Those of us who use dogs to hunt different game animals pour millions of dollars into this state through all of our gear and accessories, trucks, gas, food and drinks, dog food, vet bills etc plus the insane taxes on these items.. along with the fact that if we are limited in any way it will fall upon those who dont use dogs to keep pur huge herd in check which is absolutely impossible and will cause major problems with property damage to vehicles and home gardens and flowerbeds and will lead to severe inbreeding which will cause diseases in the herd where they'll all get sick and suffer greatly before they die, this would also lead to farmers getting kill permits to shoot the deer in summer while they're destroying their crops and the deer will lay and go to waste causing huge concerns about the amount of rotting carcasses laying in our fields and woods as well as the total waste of such a good source of food for us and hunters for the hungry who feed millions off the meat we donate yearly. There are laws in place to handle those that break the law the problem is theres not enough enforcement of these laws when folks are caught doing wrong and in courts alot of times penalties arent harsh enough.. we want to live in peace and harmony with our neighbors and encourafe anyone to reachout to us with any issues and we will help ..

Deer Hunting in particular is not only a right but for the short season it exists each year, it is necessary to prevent deer populations from becoming overwhelming: not to mention a vital food source to the local population. Hunting dogs do not understand boundaries and should be given some leeway as every hunter I know is diligent and conscientious to locate and collect their animals. If this bill passes, the use of hunting dogs will slowly vanish. Infringement of this basic right would be catastrophic to our community.

I oppose HB 1396, I feel that it is taking one of my heritage rights from me & then selling it back to me. Directs the DWR, if my hounds gets lost or pursues a fur bearing animal onto private property I'm subject to a trespass violation, when it was all unintentional, one step closer to taking our right to retrieve away.. This may be a problem East of the Blue Ridge with some, but not necessarily West of the Blue Ridge. If one bad apple appears in a train load, you dont dump the whole train out as bad apples.

Oppose bill 1396

Please Oppose this bill.

Dear Delegates, As someone who lives and hunts in a hot bed of deer dog activity, I hope to clearly convey why HB1396 deserves your support. HB1396 does not eliminate dog hunting, nor does it inhibit or curtail the ability to hunt deer with dogs. Instead, it reaffirms a fundamental principle: the public does not have the right to hunt on private land—whether that land is your backyard, my farm, or any other privately owned property—without the owner’s permission. Please do not be misled by repeated claims that HB1396 would abolish a historic Virginia tradition. Hunting deer from pickup trucks while monitoring GPS screens and using drones to track dogs and wildlife is not a long-standing Virginia tradition. Private property ownership, however, most certainly is. Nothing in HB1396 ends dog hunting. Under current practice, however, some dog hunters effectively deprive landowners of their private property rights. The bill seeks to correct that imbalance. Members of the dog hunting community often argue that only a small number of “bad apples trespass on private property, while the majority respect landowners. If that is the case, there should be no objection to HB1396, which would address precisely those few offenders. It raises the reasonable question of why the entire community would so strongly oppose regulations intended only to control a small minority. Respectfully, HB1396 protects property rights without eliminating lawful hunting traditions, and it deserves your support. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sandra Towne, Charotte County, Virginia

This is disgusting and unlawful

Please support 1396. This bill places accountability on those who refuse to control their hounds during the hunting season. I own 340 acres and lease an additional 240 acres. During the hound deer season my property is overrun with deer hounds. I have asked surrounding clubs nicely to not allow their dogs into my land because it ruins my personal hunting and creates a dangerous environment for my family to ride their horses. When I have asked I am met with harassment and threats by these clubs. I work extremely hard to maintain and improve the habitat on my land and because of the constant hound trespass I am unable to enjoy my property. This bill will hold them accountable and protect private land in Va. This would not end hound hunting. Most clubs respect private land and their neighbors. This bill would hold those who choose not to accountable

I strongly oppose this bill. Adding additional license fees to an already expensive license is not fair. If we already pay to harvest deer or bear, the method of which we hunt them should not matter and should not cost more

Please vote no to bill Hb1396

Please allow this hunting heritage to continue

The right to freely hunt hounds has been around since before any political party's were ever though of so leave it that way

Please oppose bill 1396. I have been dog hunting since I was a little kid about 4 years old riding around spending quality time with my dad before I could ever carry a gun. We dog hunting for fellowship and the love of the sport and this bill will take that all away. I have two sons under 2 years old that I would like to pass this heritage down to. Please oppose this bill. If this bill passes millions of dogs lose their love, their passion, what they were bred to do. All of the dog hunters will lose a piece of their hearts. Dog hunting also keeps kids out of the streets doing drugs. We raise our kids to love something so much that they don’t have time to get in trouble. There would also be more car accidents from an overpopulation of deer. Dogs also can’t read property boundaries. If you pass this bill, dog hunting and the sport that we love is over. It’s all about passing this sport down to the next generation. Please don’t take the sport that we love away. We’re begging you. We are respectful hunters that only hunt land that we have permission to hunt. Once again dogs can’t read property lines and no trespassing signs. No other organization or hobby has to put a sticker on their equipment for the government or pay outrageous bills just to be able to enjoy a hobby that they love. PLEASE OPPOSE HB 1396! On behalf of every hunter in Virginia!

I strongly oppose HB1396

I strongly oppose this bill, these hounds love what they do. Hunting with dogs is a way of life people wouldn’t understand unless they do it themselves. Don’t take that away from all the hunters out here.

My name is Daniel Burnett and I'm from Louisa county. I'm writing this to urge the delegates to vote no on hb1396. In my line of work as a public servant I put up traffic control devices. These aren't put up arbitrarily but in response to traffic studies and statistics. The numbers ha eto be there. Per the game departments own numbers violations involving dogs are down and have never been a major problem. The only thing that's up is call in complaints and I believe many of those be false. It has been a tactic to call and complain even when there are no dogs present to make this appear to be a problem when it isn't. Furthermore no other category of hunting is under attack just because of tickets written. If that were case we would heavily restrict bow hunting or black powder because of the trespassing tickets written. Lastly hound hunting in all forms from rabbit to deer and everything in between is about Fellowship and enjoying each other's company and if it it's legislated into oblivion it will be a lost treasure we will never get back.

I would like to speak out in strong opposition to this bill, that solves no problem except the annihilating of a hunting heritage. You have heavy handedly attacked 2% of the calls DNR addresses, on a problem that has corrected itself 50% over the last 3 years!! As most Va hunters, this is one of the hills we will vote and die on.

Hunting with dogs and i would have to pay to turn them out to hunt welli say no. No. No

I oppose to this bill 1396 the cost for a family to hunt,fish and enjoy the outdoors is already enough, living in rural areas theres not much to do and hunting allows us to get our youth away from screen time and social media which helps with mental health issues. We as hound hunters buy the same license that everyone eles buys so why should we be required to pay more to enjoy the same rights

I oppose HB 1396

I oppose HB1396

I oppose this bill and all bills that would affect our rights to hunt, as it is already costly to buy a license to hunt. The additional licenses would make it even harder to hunt and provide food for families that might not be financially stable. Also, the private property permit is absolutely not possible and would not even allow us to hunt with hounds, as it's impossible to completely eliminate the possibility that your dogs will cross someone's property without permission. This bill is nothing more than a direct attack and attempt to eliminate our way of hunting with hounds.

I strong oppose HB1396

Please reject these proposed hound dog Bill that will be voted on this Tuesday . These bill called HB1396 (House). If this bill pass, hound hunting in Virginia will effectively be over. I feel with the utmost it will further hinder the legacy of our heritage of hunting with dogs. I am retired military after 28 years I moved back to Virginia from Delaware for my love of dog hunting. Please understand that this is something we all grew up doing. We can all coexist together and enjoy hunting as we done in the past. Thanks, Michael P. Jackson

I strongly oppose HB1396

Please disregard this bill

I oppose HB 1396

Hb1396 is a "1 size fits all" solution, I live in and hunt a county WEST OF THE BLUE RIDGE that has virtually no land owner/ hunter confrontation. I am highly opposed to this proposed legislation HB1396 and would ask that it be disregarded!

Please oppose this bill

I would like to strongly oppose this bill.

I’m asking you to oppose this bill as I feel it is just a step closer to trying to remove my right to hunt with hounds..

I would like to oppose this bill. It’s not just hunting but a way of life, it’s the only hunting that doesn’t require the life of the animal to be taken for it to be considered successful.

As a small business owner,Mikes Machine Works, we can not support a bill that will be detrimental to our business. Please vote no on this poorly wrote bill. Thanks

I completely oppose this Bill!!! This is a tradition we have done for many many years, and it is the only way to regulate these animals so that they do not get to over populated. If this hunting is done away with especially the bear and coon there will be all kinds of problems including pets getting eaten out of people's yards and everything. Besides that this is our right!!! We , my whole group and several if not all around here at least 95% of the hunters respect land owners and do our level best to keep hounds off of private land. If we do happen to get on private land we will go straight and talk with the land owner and it surprises me that most will tell us if we want to go ahead and take the animal. We very very rarely ever get on private land though.

Strongly disagree with this bill, should NOT be passed!

I completely oppose this bill

Hunting with dogs is a long-standing tradition that plays an important role in wildlife management, conservation, and responsible hunting practices. For many hunters, it is not only a lawful and ethical method but also a cultural heritage passed down through generations. Removing this practice would negatively impact sportsmen, rural communities, and working dog owners who rely on and care deeply for these animals. This bill unfairly targets responsible hunters while ignoring the proven benefits that regulated dog-assisted hunting provides in population control and humane recovery of game. I urge you to consider the voices of hunters, conservationists, and constituents who value tradition, stewardship, and personal freedom. Please vote against this bill and support responsible, ethical hunting practices.

I oppose hb1396.

I want to start by saying I strongly oppose this bill. Secondly I want to say no true houndsmen wants his or her dogs on someone else’s property because it benefits them or the hunt club they are hunting with in no way. The way this bill is written say I’m at work and one of my dogs breaks out of the pen and jumps a deer and goes onto someone else’s property am I know a criminal? Say my house beagle gets out of my fenced in back yard and sees a deer and starts chasing after it because that’s what they are bread to do and goes on someone else’s property am I now a criminal? What if my neighbors doberman starts chasing after a deer like I’ve seen him do plenty of times and he goes onto someone else’s property is the owner now a criminal?

I strongly oppose hb1396 sb471 sb770p

I strongly oppose this bill and hope that you will also, just a step towards trying to get rid of hunting with hounds that has been around for hundreds of years. We already pay enough to the DWR and have a lot of money tied up in our hounds, we shouldn’t have to pay another fee just to be able to hunt with hounds.

It is a sad day in the grand old state of Virginia that I am having to write on behalf of preserving LIBERTY for not only myself, but all outdoorsmen. This bill, along with many others that have been introduced in this session, are absolutely ridiculous, and highly unconstitutional ( and yes, I am talking about ALL of the firearm related proposed bills). As an avid upland hunter that uses dogs in pursuit of game, I oppose this bill in any form. All this is is an extra TAX on what we enjoy. Hunting with dogs of any sort is a way of life in Virginia, from rabbit hunting, bear hunting, deer hunting, upland hunting, and many other small game pursuits. I understand the frustration of landowners when dogs come through their property, and yes some people are careless, but do the vast majority of us need to be punished? How about enforce laws that are already on the books! The way I read this bill, it would make me a criminal if my English Setter goes onto an adjoining property by accident because the “spirit” of this law can be twisted so many ways. What is ‘immediate control’? On a leash? Within sight? Within a certain distance? My dogs wear tracking collars and usually stay within 150 yards, which can be out of sight, but does this mean in ‘immediate control’? In this session, it has become apparent that Virginia has elected a mob of crooks, thieves and TYRANTS. It seems Richmond is so disconnected from the ‘common man’ trying to make a living and enjoy hobbies we may only get to do a couple of times a year because we have real jobs. Thank you for taking the time to read this. I certainly hope that this bill, along with many others, do not progress any further. P.S. I have ZERO issue with spending my hard earned money elsewhere…..

I strongly oppose hb1396 sb471 and sb770

I strongly oppose hb1396 sb471 and sb770

I strongly oppose hb1396 sb471 and sb770

I strongly oppose hb1396 sb471 and sb770

I oppose bill HB 1396 As a hound hunter

I oppose HB 1396. It will be taking away from the younger generation of houndsman.

I am writing to respectfully express my strong opposition to the proposed bill concerning the Department of Wildlife Resources and the establishment of mandatory permits for hunting with dogs, as well as the associated restrictions on dog release and land access. While I understand the importance of responsible hunting practices and landowner rights, this bill introduces sweeping changes that will have severe unintended consequences for Virginia’s long-standing hunting culture, local economies, and the many responsible hunters who rely on hounds as part of a deeply rooted heritage. Hound hunting in Virginia is not simply a method of pursuing game; it is a tradition passed down through generations, particularly among working-class families and rural communities. It teaches responsibility, conservation ethics, and outdoor skills to youth, keeping them involved in healthy, structured activities. True houndsmen treat their dogs as family, invest countless hours in training and care, and already work hard to prevent conflicts with landowners. A mandatory permit for every individual or organization that hunts with dogs places unnecessary burdens on these law-abiding citizens without addressing the specific, localized issues that may arise in certain parts of the state. The bill’s requirement that no dog may cross onto private property without written permission is equally concerning. Hounds do not understand surveyed boundaries. Even the best-trained dogs may briefly cross a property line while pursuing game. Criminalizing or penalizing these unavoidable, natural actions risks creating conflict where none existed before and punishes hunters for circumstances beyond reasonable human control. Targeted enforcement in areas where legitimate problems exist is far more effective and fair than imposing blanket regulations on every hound hunter statewide. Additionally, the exemptions built into the bill highlight its inequity. Excluding mounted fox hunters, waterfowl hunters, and those using tracking dogs—while placing the full weight of regulation on traditional hound hunters—creates an unnecessary divide within Virginia’s sporting community. All responsible hunters deserve to be treated fairly and equally under the law. The Department of Wildlife Resources already has the tools and authority to manage hunting seasons, set regulations, and address problem areas. Creating a new permit system and criminalizing normal hound behavior will not solve the issues cited by supporters of this legislation. Instead, it will erode cooperation between hunters and the Commonwealth, drive responsible hunters away from participation, and damage a cultural practice that has shaped rural Virginia for generations. I urge you to oppose this bill in order to protect Virginia’s hunting heritage, avoid unnecessary regulatory burdens, and maintain a balanced, effective approach to wildlife management. Thank you for your time and for your service to our Commonwealth.

Please vote no on this bill. It is just another tax on owning dogs. We as hunters already buy a license which is used to help maintain our forests. This bill is a unfair for the hounds man.

My husband is a Houndsman and I oppose HB1396. Thanks.

I’m opposed to this HB 1396 bill. As a law abiding houndsman it’s not fair. Thanks.

I oppose this bill because I have a family of 5 that likes to bear hunt. I have a wife, a 17 year old son, 15 year old son, and 13 year old son as of next season. I am already paying $352 to hunt all the seasons we hunt already. Adding $95 more on top of that really hurts, especially in this economy when groceries and gas, and the total cost of living is already making it difficult to live. It would be a shame that we be forced to pay this extra when I also have to pay for dog feed through out the year and other supplies that go along with hunting. Hound hunting is already expensive, I think this added cost is doing nothing more than driving hunters away from hunting, when we actually need more people in the mountains hunting. I have heard several people say that if licen es keep going up, then they would quit hunting. I would appreciate it you would vote this down. Thank you!

Hunting with dogs has a long history and plays an important role in ethical wildlife management, conservation, and rural traditions. Well trained hunting dogs help hunters track and locate game more efficiently, which reduces prolonged suffering by leading to quicker, more humane harvests. This efficiency also helps ensure that hunters take only legal, targeted animals rather than wounding or disturbing others. Using dogs can improve safety for both hunters and wildlife. Dogs are able to move through dense terrain, locate animals without excessive human intrusion, and alert hunters to the presence of game, reducing reckless shots or unnecessary pressure on habitats. In many cases, dogs help recover wounded animals that might otherwise be lost, which aligns with ethical hunting principles of respect and responsibility. From a conservation standpoint, regulated hunting with dogs supports population control and helps maintain balance within ecosystems, especially where predator populations are limited or habitats are heavily impacted by human development. License fees and regulated seasons tied to these practices also contribute funding for wildlife conservation and habitat restoration. Finally, hunting with dogs preserves cultural heritage and strengthens the bond between humans and working animals. These dogs are bred, trained, and cared for with purpose, receiving high levels of attention, exercise, and veterinary care. For many families and communities, hunting with dogs is not just a method it’s a tradition that teaches responsibility, respect for nature, and stewardship of the land.

I strongly oppose his bill the hound hunting tradition has been in my family for years. It's a way of life. Please do not take this away from my children.

Please oppose HB1396. Amen.

Stephen H states: Please oppose SB471 and HB 1396. As a landowner and business owner, I can speak firsthand to the many benefits of hunting with dogs in Virginia. More than one-third of Virginia’s hunters use dogs to pursue a variety of game, including deer, rabbits, squirrels, raccoons, and other small game. These hunters generate significant revenue through hunting licenses and associated fees, providing essential funding for the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources. Hound hunting also plays a vital role in supporting local economies, particularly in rural areas. Hunt clubs that use dogs contribute year-round to gas stations, restaurants, veterinarians, pet supply stores, land-leasing arrangements, and other small businesses. In many parts of Virginia, this economic activity is especially critical during the winter months when tourism is limited. Beyond economics, hunting with dogs strengthens community ties and fuels charitable efforts. Hound hunters donate a substantial number of deer to Hunters for the Hungry, helping to feed families in need across the Commonwealth. Additionally, responsible deer population management through hunting with dogs helps reduce vehicle–deer collisions, improving public safety and lowering costs associated with accidents. Tradition matters—but this issue goes far beyond tradition. The economic stimulation, charitable contributions, and public safety benefits provided by hound hunting are crucial to large portions of rural Virginia. For the sake of economic stability, reduced auto accidents, wildlife management, and feeding the hungry, I respectfully ask that you oppose SB471 and HB 1396.

Strongly oppose this bill!!

This has been a way of life for so many including my family. I wish that my children could have the same experience with the outdoors and hounds like I did! It’s tradition an family time that no one will understand until you do it.

Our family supports HB1396. Please pass this bill. What we have to endure on our own land during deer season is shocking. It’s as if the hound hunters have as much right to our property as we do. We are fearful for our livestock. Talking to these clubs gets nothing in return except threats and confrontation. This isn’t about tradition or heritage. This is about being able to use the land your own property without intrusion from hounds hunting our land.

Please oppose HB1396

Bill is absolutely ridiculous. Dogs cannot read signs and lawful retrieveal should be upheld.

My family has been running hounds for generations! I have seen many kids experience what I did growing up and I’ve seen said kids grow up and bring their kids to experience hound hunting. I also have a 9 month old and I would love nothing more to see him experience hound hunting. Please resolve this issue and keep hound hunting alive and well!

Please oppose HB1396 dogs have the right to do what they are bred for.

I fully oppose this bill. Hound hunting has been around in Virginia for years and has been just fine. It’s a way of life for many people and it’s a shame there has to be proposed bills every year we have to fight against. We pay a hunting license just like all the other hunters and an additional permit/permits just isn’t right. We’re all tax payers just like the next person and there’s just too many regulations as it is

I strongly advise you to oppose HB1396.

I strongly advise you to oppose SB1396. Thank you.

I oppose to HB 1396 because it represents far more than a hobby to me. Through my boyfriend’s family, I was introduced to dog hunting and taught to appreciate the tradition, responsibility, and deep respect for the outdoors that comes with it. What they shared with me wasn’t just a method of hunting—it was a way of life built on care for the dogs, ethical practices, and stewardship of the land. Dog hunting, when done responsibly, strengthens family and community bonds and passes down values. The dogs are not disposable tools; they are well-trained, well-loved, and treated as valued partners. No longer having this would erase a meaningful tradition for many families who practice it ethically and legally. I urge you to listen to those who live this tradition and understand its importance before removing a practice that has positively shaped so many lives, including my own.

The Bill that MAKES NO SENSE! LETS TALK ABOUT IT..... HB 1396 is being criticized not just for its content, but for its lack of a practical foundation. Opponents argue that the bill is built on several "weak pillars" that make it functionally unworkable and politically toxic in the Commonwealth. ​Here are the primary reasons critics believe this bill lacks the basis to be successful: ​1. The "Paperwork over Practicality" Flaw ​The bill assumes that a $19 permit and a database will solve physical property disputes. ​The Reality Gap: A permit doesn’t change the biological nature of a dog or the geography of Virginia's woods. Critics argue the bill lacks any mechanism for actually keeping dogs off private property; it simply adds a layer of bureaucracy that penalizes the hunter after the fact, without providing a solution for the landowner in the moment. ​2. Failure to Address "Right to Retrieve" Conflicts ​Virginia has a deeply entrenched "Right to Retrieve" law (Code § 18.2-136), which allows hunters to go onto private land to get their dogs. "As long as they identify themselves and have no weapons on them" ​Legal Friction: HB 1396 requires written permission to allow a dog to "enter or remain" on private property. This creates a massive legal contradiction. If the law still allows a person to walk onto land to get their dog, but the dog being there is now a permit violation, the bill creates a "legal trap" where a hunter is forced to break one regulation to comply with another. ​3. Unenforceable Enforcement Standards ​The bill directs the Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) to create regulations for "marking vehicles" and "identifying dogs." ​Logistical Nightmare: Critics point out that Conservation Police Officers are already stretched thin. The bill lacks a funding basis to actually hire enough officers to patrol thousands of acres of rural Virginia to check for "written permission" or specific dog markings. Without massive funding for boots-on-the-ground, the bill is seen as "toothless" and likely to be ignored in rural counties. ​4. Lack of Scientific or Biological Basis ​Most hunting regulations are based on "Biological Carrying Capacity" or "Wildlife Management." ​The Critique: HB 1396 is viewed as a social regulation rather than a conservation one. Opponents argue it isn't based on any data showing that dogs are hurting the deer population or damaging ecosystems; instead, it's based on neighbor-to-neighbor social friction. Because it lacks a conservation-based "need," it faces an uphill battle in the Committee on Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources. ​5. Exclusionary Exemptions (The "Elitism" Problem) ​By exempting mounted fox hunting and waterfowl hunting, the bill loses its logical consistency. ​The Flaw: If the goal is to protect private property rights, a foxhound from a mounted hunt is just as likely to cross a property line as a beagle or a walker hound. By exempting the more "socially elite" forms of hunting, the bill lacks the equitable basis needed to win over a broad legislative majority. I feel like if I myself can bring this info to the table, then why do we have people voting for this bill to pass that cant see the same issues regardless if you hunt at all? Virginia Hunting Dog Alliance @highlight #everyone #virginiahunting #ArmyOfOrange

While I am not a hounds person, a good deal of people that I care about are. While for many people this sport may seem malicious and cruel, I think that it is quite the opposite. On the occasions that I have been bear, raccoon , or rabbit hunting with dogs I’ve learned many things. 1. The dogs are never forced to go hunting, because the art of being a hounds person is to have dogs that love it along with you. These people put a lot of time, effort, and money into these dogs to train them and take care of them so they can be the best dogs possible. 2. Hunting with hounds is one of the great adventures that many people won’t get to participate in their lifetime. As someone once explained it to me, “Hound hunting is one of the only great adventures left in this world where it’s never the same adventure twice. You never know what the dogs may do or where it may take you, but the outcome is always worth it.” And I will say something about being in those mountains hearing those dogs barking all together after walking miles to get to where your going is in some sense breathtaking. To see these dogs and these hunters being able to share that together is a bond that is so different no one could understand. 3. Lastly, for some people hound hunting is a way of life, not a hobby, or a sport, but more than that. Most of the people that hound hunt were raised doing so and it was passed from generation to generation. It’s their family legacy in a sense and they treasure their time doing it. As well as the relationships and bonds that are made while hunting last a life time. People that will be there for you no matter what you need. And to be able together after hunting and just talk with all of your friends about that days hunt and how it was great is like nothing that can be described for those people. So therefore, I strongly urge all of you to rethink passing this bill and I hope that you all can take a hard look and see that hound hunting is a treasured sport that is very important to this state. And hey if y’all still aren’t convinced tag along sometime and see what it’s actually about.

I opposed to HB 1396 because I grew up dog hunting with my Grandad and I’ve continued with the passion to this day. Dog hunting has taught me respect for wildlife, land stewardship, discipline, and the value of working animals. It has connected me to my family, community and the outdoors in a way that a few other activities can’t. For hunters, dog hunting is conducted ethically, legally, and with care for both the dogs and the game. Responsible dog hunters follow regulations, respect property boundaries, and contribute to conservation through licensing and wildlife management programs. Banning dog hunting outright punishes ethical hunters for the actions of a minority and ignores its cultural and history. My hunt-club supplies the unfortunate who can’t go to a store to buy food, and fortunately we can supply for them like America had to do at one point in time. I urge the lawmakers to consider the voices who practice dog hunting responsibly and to protect the right to continue this deeply rooted and meaningful outdoor tradition. We need to stop taking the history out of our America and this passing would destroy just another part of us.

Please say no to HB 1396. I am from the eastern shore of Virginia this Bill would end dog hunting for me. I’ve been hiding here with dogs for 60 years. Our local farmers count on us to keep the deer population. Thank you.

I’m a born here in Virginian and former hound hunter for 30 years. I support this bill or any bill that regulates deer hound hunting in any way. GPS tech is allowing this old tradition to be abused. Hound hunters not having adequate land is causing massive landowner/ hunters issues. The hunt is nothing like it was 30 years ago. If this culture of hound hunting deer is going continue there needs to be rules. The way it is no is a free for all with the hunters having full access to everyone’s land. This is the very reason every southern state deer hound hunting still exists in its been regulated in some way to give this hobby some kind of structure instead and the straight up free free all it is here in Va. now. The hound hunting culture here has no reason or desire to control their dogs or have adequate labs to hunt them on. The Virginia law allows them to basically go and hunt wherever they want. They utilize the road ways in a lot of cases to cut the deer of using gps tracking where they are shot and killed in a lot of cases. I’ve been bitten in my yard by loose hunting dog trying to kill our family cat on the front porch. The dog wasn’t caught and I under went rabies shots at my expense. I’ve had trail cams shot off trees. I’ve had expensive box blinds shot with buck shot, gates shot and cut with saws. Litter at my driveway entrance every other night ect….. I just want to be left a lone on my land I bought and pay taxes on. The constitution of this great nation says private property gives us the right to “Exclude”. The way it is now we are under siege and with every failed bill the orange wearing mob because more empowered that we are the problem. I think the majority of landowners supporting this bill . I beg of you to support this bill that will not end hound hunting. Hopefully it will restore some honor to it and give landowners some control of their property. If you don’t believe me go on any rural Va. community Facebook page during deer season and read the conflict around deer dog hunting. The hunters will always show complete disrespect about whatever issue it is involving a hound.

Hound Hunting has been the soul reason of what I have built my life around. Some of my best memories are with me, and my hounds. Hound hunting has always been the low hanging fruit, but I wanna see it be around when my grandkids are old enough to enjoy it. You have good, and you have bad. But hound hunters are not all bad people. We respect the land, respect the game, and love our hounds. Hound hunting is the only sole form of hunting that doesn’t require harvesting an animal to be considered a successful hunt.

Hound hunting in Virginia has been a long history and needs to be protected. Every inch given a mile is taken and this tread of anti hunting needs to be ended. Hunters are the real conservationists and hound hunting keeps the population in check and healthy. As it is there are already mange prominent in some parts and only hunting and management and the funds provided by hunters can help with this issue. Bear hunters are the real conservationists and that’s a fact.

I have been a dog hunter in a hunt club for over 25 years. As an organization, we go above and beyond to make sure that our hounds do not go onto properties that we know land owners do not want dogs on. Our hunt club has invested in thousands of dollars in GPS collars for our hounds to help ensure that we are able to quickly locate and prevent hounds from putting themselves into dangerous situations. We do this because we care for the hounds and respect their contributions to our club. Every decision that we make as a group always has the safety of the hounds and the landowner's best interest in the forefront. Since unfortunately, deer and dogs cannot read posted signs, there may come a time where a dog is on someone else's property. It is with the help of our technology that we are able to swiftly retrieve our hounds without disruption. Hound hunting has been a life-long tradition in Virginia and I would hate to see it go away. It is something that I grew up doing with my father, his friends, and his friend's children. It is something that I got to first introduce to my 5 year old son this year. He is a boy who loves the outdoors, being active, and the fellowship of the hunt club. Watching him follow in not only my footsteps, but my dad's footsteps has been the greatest joy that I have experienced. Even more than the first buck I ever got. He spent three days hunting with me this season and he still is talking about his time with the dogs. It was the highlight of his entire experience. By passing HB1396, it is taking away an outdoor recreational activity from our youth. In summary, I oppose HB1396 and how it will affect the dog hunting community. Thank you for your time in reading this. I understand that your time is valuable.

My family and I have been hunting for generations. Every year, we look forward to the same simple things: the peace and quiet of the woods, the excitement of waking up before dawn, sitting still, and listening as nature comes alive around us. That experience is why we hunt. Unfortunately, that experience has been taken from us—year after year. We own private land in Appomattox County, a county that allows deer hunting with dogs. Once hunting season begins, usually in late October or early November, our mornings are no longer peaceful. Instead, they are filled with the sound of dozens of hounds running through our land. At that point, our private property—our land, our serenity—is no longer ours. It effectively becomes open ground for anyone who chooses to hunt with dogs. Many dog hunters will say they follow the rules and do things “by the book,” but the reality is there is no book. There is no meaningful law. It has become a free-for-all. Trucks are parked as close as possible to our property lines, and packs of dogs are released with full knowledge that they will run across land where no permission has been given. They chase deer through our woods to benefit someone else’s hunt, with no regard for property boundaries or landowner rights. What is most frustrating is that when we call law enforcement or game wardens, we are told there is nothing they can do—because there is no law preventing this. In 2026, it is unbelievable that someone can release 40 or 50 hounds onto private property without permission and face no consequences, while the landowner has no protection at all. This bill is the most complete and common-sense solution we have seen. It does not silence hunters—it gives a voice to hunters like us who do not use dogs, to landowners who bought property specifically to hunt and enjoy it, and to families who simply want peace and quiet on land they pay taxes on every year. I respectfully ask you to vote for us. Give us a voice. Do the right thing, and please support this bill.

I Jaylyn Hodges love my hunting rights and passion in the outdoors. We strive for the thrill the love the hounds and the youth. Raising my son now 2 years old with his puppy just looking to have fun in the future. I stand my ground and take care of my outdoors.

I grew up hunting with a dog rather it was rabbit hunting squirrel hunting or raccoon hunt or bear with hounds . It’s a way of life for me . And many others like me . With the hound hunt we can choose to take or leave said animal . It’s not about the kill for people like me . It the memories made while a field with your dogs . My kids grew up hunting with dogs and them memories are priceless to me .

I oppose this bill I've been hunting my entire life in Virginia I'm an avid hunter in Sportsman and third generation houndsman and I would like for my son to be able to be a fourth Hound hunting is a very big part of a tradition in Virginia it's not just about the hunt or listen to the dogs run it's about family friends camaraderie and the pure thought of that being taken away just because of a few bad apples when there's a group thousands that do right so again I'll please urge you and considering opposing this bill

I just like to weigh in as a resident in a rural county. Every year, as soon as dog season starts, vehicle accidents rise due to the fact that these hunters release so many dogs all over the place, they were in through the fields, across roads and highways, and through neighborhoods, some of these neighborhoods, of course have other pets outside as well as horses, and cattle that all get stirred up due to this infringement on private property. Also the heartbreaking part, as that every year these type of hunters release their unwanted dogs, the ones that didn’t do is good as their top dogs, or the older dogs and their left to fend for themselves and hopefully get adopted. Three bagels are actually running around in the area that I live in as we speak, who apparently didn’t make the cut. Most of these hunters do not see the dogs as anything more than just a tool, and when they’re done with them, they cast them aside. These new stray beagle have been left outside, without shelter or food, during subzero temperatures with snow and ice. Consider these instances when voting on this bill.

We oppose bills Sb471 Sb770 Hb1396 It is a virgina heritage I have been hunting with my dogs ever since I could walk, and I want my nephews and my kids to enjoy the thangs that brought me so much joy and gave me something to look forward to every year these dogs are not just hunting dogs they are our pets and a part of my family please oppose these bills so my kids and grandkids can enjoy what I have and so many others have for generations.

I am writing to respectfully urge you to oppose SB1396. This bill threatens to effectively end hound hunting, a long-standing and deeply rooted tradition that is vital to wildlife management, rural culture, and responsible conservation practices. Hound hunting is not reckless or outdated—it is a regulated, ethical, and time-honored method of hunting that many families have practiced for generations. For many hunters, it is not only a sport but a way of life that teaches responsibility, respect for wildlife, and stewardship of the land. These bills would disproportionately harm rural communities and responsible hunters who follow all laws and regulations. Additionally, hound hunting plays an important role in wildlife management. It allows for selective harvesting, helps control animal populations, and reduces human-wildlife conflict. Removing this tool would place additional strain on wildlife agencies and could lead to unintended consequences for both animals and landowners. These bills also set a troubling precedent by targeting a specific, lawful hunting method rather than addressing enforcement of existing regulations. Punishing ethical hunters for the actions of a few undermines trust in the legislative process and erodes the rights of sportsmen and women across our state. I respectfully ask you to stand with hunters, landowners, and conservationists by opposing HB1396. Please protect our outdoor heritage, rural traditions, and the responsible use of proven wildlife management practices. Thank you for your time and for considering the voices of those who value conservation, tradition, and responsible hunting.

Our family has hunted with dogs for a long time. We would like to continue to hunt with dogs. Our dogs are part of our family. Our family has always been respectful to landowners.

Please vote against bill hb1396! I do not support this bill!

I oppose HB 1496, dog hunting bill.

Please oppose this bill as it is imperative that it does not pass for us hound hunters. There are so many reasons why I strongly appose anymore restrictions against hunting with hounds. Hunting with hounds is part of who I am not just a hobby. People do not realize the year round effort and dedication that goes into this sport. Some of the finest men and women I know have been met because of this long standing tradition in our state. From another aspect, raccoons, bobcats, coyotes and bear have a huge negative impact on our small game population not to mention our dwindling turkey population throughout the state. Due to low fur prices over the last decade not many of these predators are pursued as much as they once were. The majority of the people that pursue these animals now are houndsmen. Please do not let this bill take more of our rights away. Thank you for reading, A concerned houndsman.

my name is Nathan Kyle Harris and i oppose HB1396.

Please vote no to this. Until you have been apart of something like this, you don’t know what it means to us that are. Hound hunters already face enough trouble, adversity and hate. We love our sport and our dogs too. Please don’t make it harder for us. I realize those that sympathize with this bill have their reasons. I dare say I know their exact reasons. We as dog hunters have heard all the complaints. It will never matter how responsible, respectful or careful we are. Even fellow hunters hate dog hunters. They feel that we mess up their hunting if our dogs cross property lines etc. I have been on both sides of that property line. I grew up ‘still hunting’ and I loved it. I still love it and enjoy it just the same as hunting with dogs. I understand where those hunters are coming from but do they understand our side? Do you? Please vote no to this bill.

Good evening, as a houndsmen of the state of Virginia I am urging you to OPPOSE HB1396. The data over the last few years that DWR has released shows that that CURRENT LAWS are working and more then sufficient. I am asking that you OPPOSE HB1396. Thank you

Please vote no to this. Until you have been apart of something like this, you don’t know what it means to us that are. Hound hunters already face enough trouble, adversity and hate. We love our sport and our dogs too. Please don’t make it harder for us. I realize those that sympathize with this bill have their reasons. I dare say I know their exact reasons. We as dog hunters have heard all the complaints. It will never matter how responsible, respectful or careful we are. Even fellow hunters hate dog hunters. They feel that we mess up their hunting if our dogs cross property lines etc. I have been on both sides of that property line. I grew up ‘still hunting’ and I loved it. I still love it and enjoy it just the same as hunting with dogs. I understand where those hunters are coming from but do they understand our side? Do you? Please vote no to this bill.

SUPPORT HB1396! I am a native Virginian and my family has been here for generations. I have hunted in Virginia all of my life. That said, none of that gives me the right to have my hunts extend onto land I don’t have permission to be on. Just because a group of hunters have a long “TRADITION” of running dogs on others property doesn’t make it right. HB 1396 doesn’t stop clubs from hunting with hounds. It only addresses the use of others land without permission. Please pass this bill just as Florida and Georgia has passed similar laws. Hound hunting is still going strong in both of those states.

Dear Members of the Committee, I am writing as a lifelong hunter and proud Virginian to respectfully express my strong opposition to House Bill 1396 (2026 Session), which would establish a permit requirement for hunting game, fur‑bearing, and nuisance species with the use of dogs and impose restrictions on traditional hunting practices. Hunting with dogs is a cherished tradition in our Commonwealth — one that is deeply rooted in our culture, heritage, and outdoor way of life. For many Virginia families, dog‑assisted hunting isn’t just a sport — it’s a generational practice that promotes stewardship, responsibility, and a connection to our public lands and wildlife. While I understand the goal of ensuring landowner rights and respecting private property, I do not believe that this bill, as currently written, strikes the right balance. The proposed permit system and added restrictions risk turning a long‑standing tradition into a bureaucratic burden, potentially discouraging participation and eroding the heritage many of us work hard to uphold. Instead of creating new hurdles for responsible hunters, we should focus on collaborative approaches that protect private land, encourage voluntary best practices, and uphold the rights of landowners without undermining an important cultural tradition. I urge you to consider alternatives that preserve hunting with dogs as a lawful and respected practice in Virginia, while also addressing valid concerns about trespass and landowner consent. Thank you for your time and thoughtful consideration. I appreciate your service to the Commonwealth and hope you will represent the voices of Virginians who value our hunting heritage. Sincerely, Sara Scarborough Hanover County, VA Orange County, VA

I opposed this Hb1396

I oppose to hb 1396

I have been dog hunting for my entire life. My dogs are my family, they are a major part of my life, my wife’s life, and my children’s life. I have been dog hunting for generations with my grandfather, brothers, and my father. If this bill is passed, it will ruin many livelihoods. Dog hunting is something that brings joy to our lives and it is something that we truly enjoy doing. The dogs are our family and hunting is what they are born to do, and we enjoy giving them the opportunity to live their lives and get the exercise that they need. I STRONGLY disagree with passing this bill. This bill needs to be thrown out and ignored.

Comments asking subcommittee to kill HB1396.

We strongly oppose HB1398. I am a 3rd generation hound hunter in south side Virginia. This is a tradition in Virginia to hunt with hounds. We try our best to avoid issues with landowners and we never have any problems. Hound hunting is important to our children most of all.. I would appreciate your support in opposing this bill. Thanks, sincerely, Frank Bishop Jr.

I strongly opposed bill HB1396

I oppose HB1396 as I am a houndsmen who has dogs an have brought my kids up on the sport who also oppose HB1396 there are other techniques and methods to this but this isn’t it. Thanks

I strongly oppose bill HB1396

I oppose HB1396 as I am a houndsmen who has dogs an have brought my kids up on the sport who also oppose HB1396 there are other techniques and methods to this but this isn’t it. Thanks

I strongly opposed bill HB1396

I strongly opposed bill HB1396

Hi I am asking all of you to vote NO in opposition of House Bill 1396. If passed this bill will lead to the eventual death of this centuries old tradition of hound hunting here in the Commonwealth of Virginia. I myself am a fourth generation houndsman and it is something that runs deep through my veins. I am extremely grateful to the previous generation who preserved this great sport for me to enjoy and I believe all aspects of this tradition should be preserved for the next generation of Virginians just as it was preserved for me. So, again I am asking you all to please vote NO in opposition of House Bill 1396.

Please oppose this bill. The laws we already have work.

I support this bill and any bill that would aid in better regulating hound hunting. Ive lived in this state my whole life and can't stand it anymore. Im tired of my chickens being killed and my own hunts (still hunting) on my own property being ruined. Give DWR a chance to actually do some enforcement by placing proper regulation on these people. Someone's hobby shouldn't trump my rights as a Virginia landowner.

No way. This is a tradition around here for many generations. Rural areas of Virginia thrive on this lifestyle. Kids love it and it helps keep them out of trouble. Take it down

Please oppose house bill HB1396 against hound hunting. Please support our heritage that has been past down from generations to generations. I was born and raised in the hound hunting word. I’ve been running dogs respectively my entire life. I want to raise my kids to be able to enjoy the tradition like I have my entire life. If this was taken away it wouldn’t just hurt the people against it it would hurt a lot of community’s, because the hounds men support and donate to there communities every year during and after hunting season. All we ask is to oppose these bills and keep hound hunting alive in Virginia.

Hi my name is Michael dodds I am one of many hunters that hunts with dogs or run dogs. I grew up like some of my family did with hunting it make my heart skip a beat when I hear the box open and hear the music of the hounds while they help bring food to the freezer and we thank God for the food he provided to us. We hunters dont want that to end we want to pass it to our kids and further down the line.

Please support bill 1396 for landowners who desperately need the relief that this bill provides. Deer dog hunters legally run their dogs through our property all of deer season. This bill does not ban dog hunting, interfere with all the great things the clubs claim they do, nor keep hound hunters from passing their tradition on to the youth. No hobby can legally extend onto prohibited property except hound hunting in Virginia. 1390 just requires dog hunters to do what all other hunters must do. Confine hunts to properties where they have permission. Other southern states have done it and it’s long overdue for Virginia to do the same.

NO TO THIS BULL, I mean BILL!!!

Vote no on HB 1396

For the last 15 years I have hunted in Va. And on behalf of all of the responsible and respected hunters and dog drivers and dog owners that I’ve ever hunted with, we do everything in our power to make sure our dogs don’t go on other people’s property. We spend thousands of dollars on collars, handhelds, tracking systems, antennas, etc. However, when you’re driving 12 dogs, there’s game jumping up, gun shots firing, people coming on the radio, now to me, that’s the most beautiful sound in the whole world. And you would think that the people who have a problem with all of those things I just stated would not buy a house in an area where you can do that. And up until a few years ago, I never really noticed a problem. Why is it such a big problem now? Why should we be criminally punished for our dogs, who can’t read, and accidentally goes on to someone’s property? I guarantee that it’s gonna happen every time someone drops their dogs. It’s inevitable. But what’s the difference between that, and my neighbors cats coming and laying on the hood of my truck every day? Should my neighbors be criminally punished because their outdoor cat comes on to my property multiple times a day? The thing is, we try to get our dogs back. We know exactly where they are and we don’t want them on these peoples land just as much they don’t want them there. There are other things that property owners do that are criminal and when my dog went missing for a whole day because some lady removed her collar and held her in a basement, was she charged? No.

As a farmer in Brunswick county I oppose Hb1396. The local dog hunters also fill a huge gap in our community. They have community gatherings and provide training for many youth. These youth don't spend all day playing computer games, they hunt, fish and play sports. When one of the Hunt Club youth is playing ball, the neighborhood attends. The Red Oak Hunt Club is the glue that holds this neighborhood together. We have no issues with them. Thanks for reading.

This bill makes no sense at all. No dog what so ever knows property lines much less where they are. Not one, not a house dog, hound dog, service dog none of them. A female dog comes in heat down the road from a home that has a male dog. He picks up on it and will do just about whatever to to get to the female dog down the road. I have the pet safe shock collars for mine and when ever my parents female lab comes in heat they break through their electric fence to get her. It is the only time my dog leaves my house any other time the collar beeps because he is getting close to the boundary and he turns around and comes back to the house. I stand a chance to catch charges becauae of a dogs natural instincts.? Having to buy a permit just because you hunt with dogs is discrimination. You want to make people who own hunting dogs have to have a permit why not just make anyone that wants to own a dog have a permit? Sounds dumb dont it. This bill will be nothing but problems and just doesn't make any logical sense what so ever. Sometimes common sense isn't so common

Good afternoon, I am writing in opposition of HB 1396. I am sure you have heard from both sides but I would like to possibly provide another view that someone I spoke with earlier did not consider or understand about our sport. These points are in addition to this being part of many families and traditions of the commonwealth. I spoke with someone today that had no idea that we now use GPS locators that give us precise location on our dogs. These systems are extremely expensive and are a sign that we do not want our dogs anywhere except where they are supposed to be. A hunter with 6 dogs would spend approx $3,000 to track his 6 dogs. With the use of this technology, data shows that dog related issues were decreased by 40% last year. This brings the calls to DWR for dog related issues to less than 2% of calls. Another interesting point some may not know is that the hunters for the hungry organization donated approximately 50,000 servings of deer meat last year. 95% of donating a came from deer hunter and harvested with dogs. Another view on this is a store in my hometown, whom will close the doors if dog hunting is ended or participation is decreased. They depend on dog food sales year round, gas, and breakfast/lunch purchases during the season to pay the bills. The rest of the year is financed and made possible through the busy hunting season. This also is income for the commonwealth of sales tax in this store and many more gas stations, feed stores, dog supply stores, that would be gone if this bill is passed and decreases or eliminates participation in dog hunting. Many insurance companies have made it known that without dog hunting, everyone's insurance premiums would see an increase as the DWR has said we have a over population in areas which will lead to more deer and vehicle incidents and increased premiums. The DWR is working to locate hotspots where this is an issue and working to figure out a resolution. This is not the case in my area but it is on the radar and proactively being worked on. Enforcing a hound trespass would be extremely hard to police with a large grey area. The use of AI and other technology advances that could cause issue between two people who may not get along without a hound issue. Farmers in my area have a lot of crop damage from deer, which would intensify without dog hunting. I appreciate your time and urge you to please consider opposing this bill. Todd Wilkins 804 586 0345

I oppose bill HB1396. This bill is just another way to “tax” the people. The permitting system that is in this bill will cause some people to stop hunting which will result in even lower license sales in the state.

I hope this message finds you well. I am writing as a concerned constituent to urge your support for legislation that would protect the right of dog hunters to retrieve their dogs responsibly. Hunting with dogs is a long-standing tradition in Va, one that promotes outdoor recreation, wildlife management, and community values. Unfortunately, current laws and restrictions can sometimes prevent hunters from safely and lawfully retrieving their dogs if those dogs cross onto adjoining properties while in pursuit of game. I believe responsible retrieval, conducted without causing damage or disruption to landowners, is both reasonable and fair. Providing hunters the legal ability to retrieve their dogs under clear guidelines would protect private property rights while also respecting the efforts of those who follow our state’s hunting traditions ethically and responsibly. I respectfully ask that you support or introduce legislation affirming this right. Doing so would help preserve an important part of our heritage while promoting cooperation and understanding between hunters and landowners alike. Thank you for your time! Sincerely, Emily Shumaker

I hope this message finds you well. I am writing as a concerned constituent to urge your support for legislation that would protect the right of dog hunters to retrieve their dogs responsibly. Hunting with dogs is a long-standing tradition in Va, one that promotes outdoor recreation, wildlife management, and community values. Unfortunately, current laws and restrictions can sometimes prevent hunters from safely and lawfully retrieving their dogs if those dogs cross onto adjoining properties while in pursuit of game. I believe responsible retrieval, conducted without causing damage or disruption to landowners, is both reasonable and fair. Providing hunters the legal ability to retrieve their dogs under clear guidelines would protect private property rights while also respecting the efforts of those who follow our state’s hunting traditions ethically and responsibly. I respectfully ask that you support or introduce legislation affirming this right. Doing so would help preserve an important part of our heritage while promoting cooperation and understanding between hunters and landowners alike. Thank you for your time! Sincerely, Emily Shumaker

This bill would impose extreme and unnecessary restrictions on dog hunting in Virginia and would drastically alter a long-standing tradition that is deeply woven into our rural communities and way of life. For generations, Virginians have responsibly hunted with dogs as a means of wildlife management, land stewardship, and cultural heritage. These practices are not reckless or unregulated — they are already governed by existing laws, landowner permissions, and long-established ethical standards. HB1396 goes far beyond reasonable regulation and instead threatens to effectively eliminate lawful dog hunting for many Virginians. The consequences of this bill would be especially harmful to rural families, working hunters, and those who rely on dog hunting traditions for recreation, conservation, and community bonding. It also risks setting a precedent that allows sweeping restrictions based on misunderstanding or pressure from groups unfamiliar with rural land use and hunting culture. Virginia can address concerns about trespass or safety through enforcement of current laws rather than dismantling an entire hunting tradition. Responsible hunters should not be punished for the actions of a few, nor should legislation be driven by voices that do not represent the realities of rural Virginia.

I ask of you would oppose HB 1396. This will make difficult for virginia hound hunters to hunt with dogs. Which in terms mean the lack of dog hunting would effect many rural small businesses. Also with the the lack of hound hunting deer population will sky rocket and causing havoc on Virginia crops. We need dog hunting for deer population control, to help with rural economy, and finally we need to keep this Virginia tradition alive. So I ask to oppose HB1396. Thank you, Vaughan Owen

I oppose HB1396 this bill will have a devastating impact on hunting with dogs in VA, it would punish law abiding houndmen for doing what we have done for generations. The issue that this bill addresses i do not see in the areas I hunt, not to mention there are already laws on the books to "protect" land owners they just need to be enforced.

I vote no

Please oppose HB 1396 This bill is very concerning for myself and all other hound hunters who take serious precautions for how we practice and represent our sport. HB1396 creates a prejudice against all hound me and hound hunters when only a small percent of hound hunters create problem lbs for their neighbors. All the negative talk around hounds has made the layman assume hounds are bad and has made it more dangerous for our dogs. Laws and charges should be held against people on an individual level. Please do not condemn me and my dogs for the poor conduct of a few others I bear hunt with hound at my home county in Goochland and also west of the Blue Ridge. I spend countless hours with my dogs to concentrate on training. To ensure I know the animals they are catching and controlling where they go. More than that they are my companions whom I love dearly. I worry how other people think of me and my dogs. I worry about radical acts of violence against my dogs. Prejudice is the most fitting word I can think of for this bill Thank you

Oppose HB 1396

Oppose Bill HB1396

I strongly oppose this bill.

I stand strongly AGAINST this bill as it meant to destroy hunting and dog work in Virginia. We avidly bird hunt with our dogs and take our clients and students and this would create yet another barrier to hunting. We are also falconers and utilize dogs to find game for the birds. Falconry is already a dying sport and this would be the nail in the coffin.

Im George Lambert, and I, as the way this Bill HB1396 is written, absolutely have to oppose this Bill. Here's a couple short veiwpoints. Im a Hound Hunter from Highland County Va, and by the data provided from the department, it proves in Highland and most of the Countys here on the western side, We rarely have Any dog related complaints. Some years, here and in the surrounding counties we have 0 complaints, or very minimal! So why should we even have to deal with the negative veiw points, or be "punished" with having to potentially buy a permit, and then have additional identification for each hound , (by law we already use nameplates) and then additional identification for vehicles. (Weve got license plates), So Where does it stop!?? Okay data proves, I as a Houndsman in the Western side of the state, Do NOT Have ANY problems with landowners, but now am being segregated. If the permit is a Dog permit, WHY is Fox hounds, Birddogs, tracking dogs excluded? It MAKES NO Sense for only a couple Hounds to be included, and others excluded. I ride mules and although i discourage it, I have Hounds that run fox also.. Do those hounds need a permit?? I hunt 1000s and 1000s of acres of the George Washington National Forest, am I gonna have to get permission from Every Adjoining landowner? It could be 1000s of Adjoining landowners, so IMPOSSIBLE! I Could go on, but the summary is, The WAY THIS Bill is wrote could be the END of Hounds and a God Given Way of Life! Please consider OPPOSEING HB1396 Thanks Again , George Lambert

Sates with Hound Hubting Permits that did not end hound hunting or end Waterfowl or Bird Hunting. Examples: - Nevada - Idaho - Georgia - Florida has a Registration process - Montana - Nebraska - Alabama The legislations in Alabama for instance reduced conflict and trespass. There are some states that actually designated zones for hound hunting. Louisiana. So there is merit to these states implementing sound and logical hunting regulations that DID NOT end hound hunting or waterfowl hunting or Bird hunting etc. It regulated it. All of the above will rebuke and dispute misleading rhetoric that it will end hound hunting in Virginia. That it will stop the next generation from hunting. That it will keep younger hunter from hunting. If a legislation written to protect landowner rights and preserve legal hunting while holding trespassers and hunters that are using dogs on land they are not permitted to be on accountable for their actions is going to end hound hunting then it beckons one to question if these hound hunters ars legally hunting or if they are openly supporting and admitting to intentionally trespassing on lands and hunting those lands without landowner permission. Why are these hunters opposing a legislation written to reduce conflict and have accountability for hunters? Why are these hunters protecting and defending trespassers that are causing issues withh landowners? Why are they opposed to this legislation that only impacts you if you are the one causing the issues and trespassing?

As a landowner, I ask that you please OPPOSE HB1396.

Oppose HB1396

I urge your SUPPORT for 1396! I know you are being ambushed by the orange army, with their false claims that this bill will end their way of life and tradition. This bill will not end hound hunting. All 1396 does is grant landowners the free and exclusive use of their land. This battle has been raging for years. Current laws allow clubs to run hounds wherever they like without consequence. There are no laws to protect landowners. Please have the courage to stand up to the intimidation tactics of the hound hunters.

Please Oppose Bill 1396 . There are laws on the books to take care of bad apples. Please call the conservation officers if you have a problem. That is there job. I don't mine paying $19 for a license, but not a permit. Just add it on to the licenses that you buy now and move on. The landowners and own hunt club get along great, We do not have this problem in our area. So, Please don't paint all hound hunters with the same brush. Thank you for what you'll do!

I started hunting with dogs when I was a small child with my father and grandfather and now raise hounds with my 2 sons Easton and Caden, 9 and 15 respectively. This is a tradition that has been passed down through many generations in my family and many like mine. My kids and many like them find much joy in raising hounds from puppies to do the thing that they love more than anything. Mine specifically are bred and live to chase whitetail deer. I take very good care of my dogs, treat them like family, because they are part of my family. My whole family grieves any time we lose one of them, by accident or illness. There may be a few bad characters in the dog running community, but be aware that those of us who do it the right way are harder on these characters than anybody else when we are aware. We police ourselves and will turn someone in who mistreats their dogs. Im in multiple clubs and ive seen folks banned several times for the treatment of their dogs(poor condition, lack of effort to gather them after a hunt, etc.) Please consider doing the right thing and opposing this bill to keep the tradition alive for many generations to come.

Legislators, I have a comment about the elephant in the room. Mange, CWD, EHD, habitat loss and pollution have decimated our wildlife. We should be more concerned about the conservation of wildlife than the killing of it. Bear hound hunting seasons were reduced this past year because bears are dying of mange. The relentless "chasing" of bear and deer weakens their immune systems and contributes to their decline. The support of HB 1396 will keep hounds off private, posted property and help protect wildlife from being hounded to death. Don't be intimidated by the army of orange and their drama about the end of hound hunting. HB 1396 does not stop hound hunting, it stops trespass on private, posted property. If you could walk a day in the rural landowner's shoes you would be shocked at the harassment and retaliation we face. Do the right thing. Support constitutional property rights.

Please oppose HB1396. There are already sufficient laws in place regarding hunting with hounds.

Keep hunting dogs off private property

I oppose any and all part of this bill. As a hunter of Virginia wildlife for 4 decades I have realized that the government officials that right these bills have little if any experience in traditional hunting that us as sportsmen of Virginia have taken part of since the beginning of this Commonwealth. I hope all others will step up and oppose this bill as well.

I ask that you support 1396. This bill will not hinder dog hunting in the state. The hound lobby is being untruthful in their attack on this bill. This bill only requires that, like all other hunters, their hunts remain confirmed to the properties where they have permission. Arguments against this bill are arguments for hound hunters to run their hounds wherever they please.

Dog hunting It's a tradition in Virginia,

Dog hunting It's a tradition in Virginia,

This bill will effectively end a way of life that has been apart of our history since the beginning of the Common Wealth. There are laws on the books already that deal with landowner complaints. Please vote no.

Please Vote Yes And Support HB 1396. Any Landowner that opens His Private Property up to Anyone AT Anytime, and says it’s okay…. Is telling a LIE. This Bill doesn’t stop Deer Hound Hunting. But it hopefully will help to Stop Unwanted Trespassing. Obviously if you are thinking it will stop Hound Hunting , YOU probably are the Problem, from your actions and way of thinking that: You Mr or Mrs Landowner have no say so over what, when, or where Me or My Dogs Go or Do. On YOUR LAND! You are very Mistaken. VOTE YES HB1396.

No on the 1396 bill. More enforcement of the laws we have is all that's needed. The permit is just another dollar that does not benefit Wildlife in anyway. Most outdoorsmen already buy 8 to 10 permits a year just to enjoy the outdoors. We don't have any problems in swva with hounds trespassing. Why punish everyone for the very VERY few that cause the problems

I Justin Barnes oppose the HB1396.

Please oppose HB1396. There are already sufficient laws in place regarding hunting with hounds.

I’m back this bill 100%

I'm asking that you please oppose HB1396 which would require a permit to hunt certain game with dogs. Thank you, Jason Woodward

Regarding HB 1396. What other endeavor makes use of a person‘s private property without their permission? Your constituents would not stand for such an intrusion. The proposed permit system will not put an end to hunting with hounds. To the contrary, such sensible restrictions may be, in the long run, the only thing that preserves hound hunting for Virginians. An individual’s hobby does not supersede property rights. Hound hunting as historically practiced is no longer compatible with Virginia’s land development patterns. HB 1396 should be of no consequence to responsible hound hunters and will help remove those that tarnish hunting’s reputation. I urge you to vote yes on house bill 1396, both to protect people’s property rights as well as preserve the sport of hunting with hounds.

I support this bill 100%

I support this bill. It’s about time.

I agree with this bill 100%

I am reaching out to you asking you to oppose House Bill 1396. I am a 47-year-old Virginia resident, I have lived in Virginia all my life. I grew up hunting with dogs and it’s a tradition I am trying to instill in my son. With this bill it would make it almost impossible to keep this tradition going. Not only is it a hobby and some call it a sport but it is a means of suppling food for our families and neighborhood families every year. It’s my understanding that there are over 200,000 dog hunters who buy a Virginia hunting license annually. The license consists of a hunting license and big game tags to the equivalent of $46.00 per person annually. So that is a total of $9.2 million to the DGIF ever year. How will they make this revenue up if dog hunting is stopped? With this new bill I see that cutting that number down significantly. Also, roughly 500,000 tons of dog food is purchased in the Commonwealth annually. The average cost of a ton of dog feed is $1,400 so that’s $350 million in revenue to Va business owners. Not counting the tax, the state of Virginia receives off these purchases. I would like for you to keep this tiny bit of information in mind when you look at HB 1396 I ask you again and urge you to vote NO to this bill. Thank you for time and service to the great state of Virginia.

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. Best regards,

The US Constitution does not address the right to hunt. Hunting is regulated by State Wildlife Departments. Importantly, 24 state have the right to hunt in their State Constitution. Additionally, land rights are not inclusive. A landowner does not control even aspect of his land. Example 1: The mail box has to meet specific requirement (height setback etc.) 2: The landowner does control the radio waves that go across his property. 3: The landowner does not control the sky above his property. 4: The landowner cannot build structures without building meeting local building codes. 5 : A creek going across his property cannot be dammed up without numerous permits. The point is the landowners rights do not control everything about his property. (NOT 100%). The landowner does not control his neighbor's actions. Specifically, the landowner does NOT control the wild animals on his property. Therefore, a landowner should NOT control his neighbors dog.

We are opposed to this 1396 Bill . 24 members. We follow all the laws and communications with land owners at all times. Dog hunting goes back many years ago. It keeps a lot of kids out of trouble also. Sitting in a tree stand over bait waiting for a deer to come feed ain’t hunting, but if people choose to hunt that way so be it but leave the ones that uses dogs to hunt alone to do what we enjoy.

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. The property that I own is approximately 190 acres in total in rural Lancaster. The disruption and trespassing experienced as it relates to hunters trying to retrieve their dogs is disturbing to our patients and Staff. Not to mention the use of shocking devices to corral the dogs. It’s almost mayhem at times. While hunters are not permitted to stop on a state road, between Posted signs, they continue to do so indicating their dogs are close by. Or, having men on our property to retrieve their dogs can be triggering to our residents that are all women. I am a strong proponent for HB1396 as it makes a responsible effort to limit the encounters of people being on land where they have no permission to be. Please VOTE YES.

I support this Bill HB1396 100% it’s about time these hunters don’t get away with trespassing, releasing dogs on other people‘s property. I think it oughta be a law that they have to stay with their dogs off the property that’s not rented by them.

I support this!!

I support this 100%

I backed this 100%

Completely opposed to this bill. Another tax burden on the people who are funding the DWR. This is unattainable and unenforceable. Our hunt club was established in 1947. We have not received any hunt citations for at least 40 years and no complaints from land owners or the public for more than several years. You may verify this with Lt. Thomas or Sgt. Morris . of the DWR If this is a local problem it needs to be addressed by the county board of supervisors.

Our 20 club members and family Oppose HB1396

Please support HB1396! I'm a land owner of 20 acres with farm animals who become stressed and even injured every hound-hunting season. For the 10 years that I've owned this property, hound hunters have dropped dogs on the side of the roads my land sits between and pushed them through mine and other's farms (in and out of season!). When monitoring their hounds via tracking collars, most hunters here do nothing to call the hounds back once they know they're on private land. When I've been able to grab a dog to call the number on the collar, the owner has pulled up on the road and called them off almost immediately. The screaming hounds crashing through the woods spook my goats, sometimes running my bucks through their electric fence, and caused my senior horse to become injured badly enough she had to be retired a couple of years ago. I've had hunters pull into my driveway and drop hounds on my property (right beside the no trespass/no hunt sign!) off season 'just to run,' then when confronted, claim they were recalling and nearly refuse to leave. This season, a group of hounds lost the scent and began chasing my neighbor's sheep just because they could. His pasture is 2 or 3 farms away from permitted hound hunting land. Every year, those of us who live near any hunting land are basically forced to 'just deal with it' because the handful of unscrupulous hound hunters lie, cover for each other, and get away with it since there are not enough officers available to take action. I've spoken with men who used to love still-hunting who simply can't anymore, because of the hounds. I called the Sheriff's Dept this year because after pushing hounds through my land (attached PDF), a shot was fired from the road in the direction of my property by a hunter who promptly fled, and to my knowledge, wasn't found. I've seen some of these guys drag their hounds (that they love so much) back to their trucks by the collar with the dog barely able to put a back toenail on the ground. Yet, their sentiment is always the same -- if we property owners don't like it we should fence our entire property...or move. Sorry, I'm not fencing 20 acres simply because some idiot living in his mama's trailer on a 1/4 acre with a handful of hounds thinks he can come take advantage of my property for his own benefit and amusement. Not to mention the abandoned collar-less hounds that seem to show up every season. The Evergreen Hunt Club (where I live) has a few good people in it. Last season (2024), the newly elected president reached out to the land owners in the area for the first time and an attempt was made to communicate and take care of trespass issues. This season, you can't reach anyone. I am neither against hunting, nor hunting with hounds. It can be done respectfully. Please take action on behalf of those of us whose rights are trampled in this scenario. Thank you.

I am writing to you as a landowner and hound hunter we have hound hunted for 3 generations in my family never have we seen the amount of people against hunting in general as we do now ,not just hound hunting but all hunting we hunt our farm several times a year plus we black powder hunt on it as well as rifle hunt on it. The people who are saying that dog hunting pushes deer off of property are not being honest I have watched dogs chase deer out of a block of woods and within hours the same deer are returning to the area to feed and bed down. so, I'm asking you to please vote no on HB1396. thank you for your consideration

I strongly oppose HB 1396. Hound hunting is not just a pastime—it is a deeply rooted mountain tradition and a way of life. Our dogs are loved, well cared for, and eager participants in the hunt. You cannot make a dog chase something it doesn’t want to do; anyone familiar with hounds knows that. This bill is an uninformed attempt to erase a tradition that deserves respect, and it should be met with a firm rejection!

OPPOSE HB1396

Support HB1396!! The bill does not ban dog hunting and will have no impact on clubs doing it the right way. Those that oppose this bill have either been misinformed, or vehemently disagree with hunting only the properties they have permission to hunt. This is not breaking a tradition. It is only requiring dog hunters to comply with the laws that all other hunters must abide by.

Strongly oppose!! We have way more problems in this world to worry about especially when it involves any kind of hunting. It’s one of the few things left pure and great for our youth

I strongly oppose Hbt 1396. I have been a life time hound hunter and I don’t want my hounds on property where they are not wanted but it happens at times. This bill is going to criminalize a lot of law abiding hunters. In my opinion this bill is discriminating against Bear Deer and Coon hunters. Hound hunting is a time honored and ethical tradition in my family. Seven years ago my 12 year old granddaughter tragically lost her life as she went to traffic to retrieve her hound and was stuck by an automobile. So I ask that this bill be defeated so her death would not be in vain.

Please fully support HB1396. Let us take a step back and look at the ridiculousness of all of this. This is a bill that requires a hunter to obtain permission before hunting on the lands of another. I would have hoped that the quality of seeking permission before using or taking something that does not belong to you would have been instilled in most of us before we ceased being a toddler, but sadly I was mistaken. The sheer amount of opposition to this proposal should be a crystal clear indication to any lawmaker reading this as to the scope of this issue. I frequently hear how just a miniscule amount of "bad apples" are causing all the problems, yet when a tool is offered to mitigate these conflicts it is met with widespread and vehement pushback. The only conclusion one can draw from that is a large number of them consistently trespass, and furthermore have no intention to discontinue doing so in the future. As I have seen mention of George Washington in these comments I would like to close with some words from Virginia's favorite son. " Freedom and Property rights are inseparable, you cannot have one without the other." George Washington

Good Afternoon Delegate, I am writing to express my strong opposition to HB1396 and to urge you to vote against this bill. This legislation is not about protecting landowners. It is about expanding government control over private property and eroding fundamental constitutional rights. HB1396 represents an overreach that undermines the core principles upon which this Commonwealth and our nation were founded. The Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and Article I, Section 11 of the Virginia Constitution are clear: private property shall not be taken or burdened without due process and just compensation. HB1396 moves us dangerously closer to a system where government authority supersedes individual property rights, setting a precedent that should concern every citizen—whether they currently own land or not. Property rights are not a privilege granted by the government; they are a constitutional protection. When legislation shifts control away from property owners and places it in the hands of regulators, it weakens due process, limits individual liberty, and expands governmental power in ways that are difficult—if not impossible—to roll back. This bill opens the door to increased regulation, uncertainty, and interference in lawful property use. History shows us that once this type of control is established, it rarely stops at its original intent. I strongly urge you to oppose HB1396 and take a stand for constitutional rights, limited government, and the protection of private property. Please help stop this bill before it moves any further. Thank you for your time and consideration. I hope you will stand on the side of liberty and vote NO on HB1396.

Concerning bill 1396– I grew up on a 200 acre farm that bordered the same hunt club on opposite sides. For 30 years they ruined our rifle hunting. Opening day they turned the dogs loose on one side and straight through are farm they would go! The deer were pushed out and we’d go weeks without seeing them again. I’ve hunted many a sit and never saw a deer! I’ve seen does run until they were foaming at the mouth on the first day of rifle season and it was not even a legal deer. Yes I’m a little cynical but I’ve been messed up by dogs more times than I can count. Below are some points that I think should be considered. -Something needs to be done to control the over run that is a continuing problem whether it’s denied or not. -Not all dog hunters are bad. Some are upstanding folks. -Almost no dog hunters will admit there is a problem, they simply justify the actions. -Landowners should have the right to use and hunt their land without other hunters ruining it. -It’s high time for folks to look out for the landowners and not the trespassers. -If folks would just realize it, the quality of deer could go up dramatically if they’d stop running the deer off. -Deer numbers will not increase, they would be much calmer and easier to kill. -The reason folks post anonymously is because they know the dog hunters will treat them with contempt if they find out.

I understand these bills against dog hunting are because of the bad apples that have made the wrong choices and created all this but continuing to target the ones who try so hard to go by the rules is nonsense. Not every hunter takes advantage of land owners. Just like the bills against AR's not every person gets them to cause harm to humans. Oppose any bill against an AR or hunting with dogs like HB1396 thank you.

I am writing respectfully to oppose HB1396. I have attached a DWR report indicating that the deer population objectives in the areas of Virginia where hound hunting is permitted have been met. The same report indicates areas where dogs are not allowed, and the Dept of Game has determined that the deer population needs to be reduced. The use of hounds to maintain a quality herd is essential. Also, tracking the number of wildlife calls involving hounds is a fraction of all wildlife violation reports and only pertains to 2.7% of all wildlife complaints, being reduced each year since reporting has been tracked.

I’m back this 100%

I back this 100%

Hi back that’s 100%. It’s about time.

I’m back this 100%

I’m back this 100%

We have men running up and down our road, I’m on a dirt road they think nobody’s watching shooting from the vehicle throwing trash on the road

If us hunters have to use a permit to hunt dogs then, the people that drive jeeps on national forest roads and walk Appalachian trail should have to buy a permit to hike.

I support this 100%

I back this 100% tired of them running through my property while the hunters set on the side road

Please oppose bill HB1396. I live in Appomattox county and would like to be able to raise my daughter, the same way I grew up hunting with hounds. This is a huge part of our lives and means the world to us. I am the president of our club and we do our best to keep peace with our neighbors. This younger group of houndsmen and women coming up show a lot of promise and have a lot of respect for land owners and love the sport of running hounds. We need to keep the younger generation in the woods and off cell phones and away from drugs. Hunting with hounds keeps constant action going and keeps the attention of the younger people. It always teaches responsibility of caring and raising your hounds. The ones I have seen and introduced to the sport love it and I have hired a few to work for me and they are constantly asking for overtime to buy they're hounds the best feed and best Garmin equipment out there. They aren't out clubbing and drinking every night, they are focused on raising and training they're hounds . So please again oppose HB1396 and lets keep the sport of hounds hunting alive in VA and show what a positive it can be to the youth and our community.

I 100% support HB 1396!! Being a taxpayer that loves his state, I never thought about moving until now. 1993 I picked up my first gun, walking in the woods, enjoying nature, being around family and friends, staying active on my feet all day. The moment you pass this bill life for some mini people who value the simple life will change. So I want be around to watch my elders slowly die off from taking away the only life they’ve known. I’ll be moving and you’ll be losing a relative high taxpayer for the state. This is not how you treat the people in the communities who voted for you.

Strongly oppose this bill as i firmly believe it will be used against all dog hunters weather they are doing right or wrong

This bill needs to be killed hound hunting is a lifelong tradition and it's a shame we have to fight so often to keep something we enjoy around.

I am respectively requesting to vote no to HB1396. There are currently laws in place that need to be enforced with additional officers, if necessary. This law will be the beginning of the end of dog hunting. This is a time honored family tradition that we have participated in for generations with friends and it would be a sad day when I will not be able to share it with my grand children, nephews and nieces. Thanks

I vehemently oppose HB1396!

I strongly oppose Hb1396 dog hunting is one of my biggest passions and it’s a way of life around here and I know dog season brings a lot of revenue to my area so please vote no thanks!

I ask that you not approve HB1396. We don’t need more laws to restrict Virginian citizens from hunting with hounds. It is a long standing way of life for rural communities. My brother and his dogs squirrel hunt not for the squirrels. They are a bonus but for the exercise and peace that comes with being out in nature. I strongly oppose as it will greatly affect many current and future generations of hunters

As a farmer with livestock, landowner, avid still hunter, and houndsman, I ask you to please oppose HB1396. I believe the current laws are more than sufficient.

I have been hunting with hounds my whole life and it is a family tradition that I hope to one day pass on myself. Please oppose 1396 for me and for future generations!

Please pass HB 1396 Tired of deer hunting dog hunters using the right to retrieve law to trespass on my land by releasing dogs at the highway and then claiming they are retrieving their dogs.

I highly oppose HB1396.

I’m am asking that you please vote NO on HB1396. If this bill passes it will be detrimental to how rural Virginia hunts with dogs. No one will take the chances of being ticketed or the possibility of having criminal charges being brought upon them! This would be an economic hit to rural areas that rely on hunters, as well as, a financial hit to the state. This means loss of revenue for the game department as VA hunters and out-of-state hunters will not buy licenses for fear of retribution. Deer and bear population numbers will increase, which will increase vehicle vs. wildlife collisions. Farmers will also feel the effects as crop insurance claims for wildlife destruction increase. Please consider the chain reaction that this will cause in rural Virginia before making your vote! Please OPPOSE HB1396. Thank you

Good morning Ladies and Gentlemen. I am contacting you all in regards to this matter of proposed restrictions on dog hunting. 1. I am coming at this matter from a farmers perspective. Dog hunting is not just a sport as fishing and other styles of hunting. It is a necessity. Without dog hunting to manage the deer population, the damage to crops and agriculture state wide would be astronomical. Without this sport, farmers would have to manage the deer on their own accords all year around to protect their lively hood. That would be only a drop in the bucket compared to the dog hunting community that helps manage the deer population. This is not only to protect a tradition, this is to protect a way of life. 2. The amount of revenue from this sport state wide for not only the state, but DWR and businesses all across the common wealth would be drastically decreased with any alterations that would affect the tradition of hound hunting. 3. Car insurance companies would have to increase their rates accordingly due the fact that dog hunting has more restrictions that would affect the ability to manage the deer population state wide. Causing a higher burden on the wallet of anyone who resides in the common wealth. 4. This is a slippery slope where it starts with one style of outdoor activity, and it soon can infringe on many other hobbies and ways of life. I ask that you all oppose of HB 1396. Thank you for your time.

As a veteran landowner I agree 100% with HB1396 Move it forward and approved Don’t allow feedback from out side of Virginia

I am a strong supporter of Dog hunting and have been part of the dog-hunting community since I was born. This tradition has been in my family for generations, and I work hard all year to make sure I can pass it down to my children and future generations. Hunting with dogs isn’t just a pastime for us — it’s what keeps us connected as a family, to the land, and to our values. It gives me something positive to work toward, keeps me grounded, and has honestly kept me out of trouble my entire life. The discipline, responsibility, and respect that come with this tradition have shaped who I am and who I strive to be. Bills like HB 1396 may not intend to end dog hunting outright, but the restrictions would make it nearly impossible for families like mine to continue practicing a tradition that has been responsibly carried on for decades. I ask that our lawmakers consider the real people, families, and heritage behind dog hunting before moving forward. Please protect our ability to pass these traditions on — once they’re gone, they can’t be replaced. Respectfully,

Please...Please ...Please... Pass HB1396. The Commonwealth has allowed Hound hunting to get out of hand. I use to hound hunt but 7 years ago stopped due to the tide change. Today, We have a majority of outlaw hound hunters that do as they please on anyone's land. I stopped because I didn't want to be included in that group. The right to retrieve has also given folks trespassing rights that is heavily abused. I am paying taxes on my " private property" that infact is not. Why is it you all are ok with this? If I can't control my land by allowing who I want then it is now public property. I have a question I would like to ask you all and get a solid answer from you. My question is if someone comes on my property to retrieve a hound and my dog bites them or comes in my cattle pasture and my bull hurts them or worse, is the Commonwealth going to take care of any costs associated with the incident? Since you allow the right to retrieve law to remain active. We have permits for everything else we do why are hound hunters above having to get permits? We have to reel this in. Population growth is already booming and it's telling us that we need to start using common sense and restrict hound hunting.

As a tax paying citizen and voter of the commonwealth I oppose hb1396. Hunting with dogs has been a tradition here for many years and should continue.

I 100% support HB 1396

Dog hunting is not just what people do its who people are its what we love to do as a dog hunter and as a dog owner my self its what I live for its who I am without them and without hunting im nobody its what I was born and raised into and its what I love to do its been passed on from generation to generation and honestly I dont know what I would do without them dogs or hunting season its not just a season there not just dogs its not just about it. Its about hearing the dogs run and being able to watch them run and love what your doing while doing that. Those dogs are a man women's little kids everyones best friend theres not a day that goes by that you dont see someone or multiple people riding around town with a dog box. Its not just about what they do it definds us its who we are. So with all do respect let's keep the season and the dogs and live a long happy life

I support HB1396 100%

Please OPPOSE HB1396. This is taking away from a Virginia tradition that has been around and LEGAL for DECADES. Please strongly consider that THE DOGS DO NOT KNOW WHOSE LAND THEY ARE GOING ON, therefore hunters NEED THE RIGHT TO RETRIEVE. Thank you for your consideration.

I’m a concerned land owner and I 100% approve of HB1396 Farmers/land owners must regain control of their land And hound /road hunters must be held accountable for their actions Do not allow out of Virginia comments

I am asking all members of the Agriculture Committee to vote NO on HB1396. This bill is yet another attempt to eliminate the long-standing and sport of hound hunting in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Hound hunting is a legal tradition that dates back to George Washington himself, and it deserves respect, not constant attacks. Responsible deer dog hunters and gun owners seem to be the only group that continually faces opposition from the Commonwealth. For what reason? Are there a few bad actors? Of course, just like in any activity. Address those individuals directly. The vast majority of us are responsible hound hunters who care deeply about doing things the right way and preserving our sport. Placing additional permits, restrictions, and regulations on an activity that is already legal is simply unreasonable. REMOVING OR LIMITING THE RIGHT TO RETRIEVE WILL ONLY CREATE MORE PROBLEMS, NOT FEWER. I urge each of you to carefully consider the consequences of this bill and how it WILL do more HARM than good, including the significant economic impact it would have on areas where dog hunting is permitted. Local communities rely on the revenue this sport brings. Once again, I respectfully ask all members of the Agriculture Committee to vote NO on House Bill 1396 and leave responsible hound hunters alone.

I 100% support BH1396

I STRONGLY oppose bill HB1396. Hound hunting should be allowed.

This bill shouldn’t be passed because it is a way of life for many

HB1013 We need to vote no. This will hurt Waterman small business and consumers of blue crabs. Please vote no. HB1396. We already spend a lot of money with state and local businesses. We do not need another cost on top of what we already spend. It cost aboutv5 grand to feed dogs every year,vet bills and equipment for the care of the dogs. That is already a lot of revenue for the state and local counties.

HB1396 is a great idea I approve Comments made from people from outside Virginia should not be considered This is a Va hound issue and land owners have had enough of the bad hunters BS

I strongly OPPOSE HB1396. This bill threatens the tradition of hound hunting. For many families, including mine, hound hunting is not just a hobby. It is a way of life that has been passed down for generations. My grandfather, my uncle, and my father all hound hunt. It was a major part of my childhood, and I hope it can be part of my children’s childhood one day as well. Taking away a tradition that has existed for generations is unfair and unnecessary. Hound hunting also plays a MAJOR role in wildlife management. It helps control game populations and keeps them at healthy levels. Without hound hunting, overpopulation can lead to more vehicle accidents, crop damage, and unhealthy wildlife. This is a fact that is often ignored by people who oppose hound hunting without fully understanding it. Many of the arguments against hound hunting come from misinformation or people who have never experienced it firsthand. How would you like something to get taken away from you that has been a tradition and in your family for years? HB1396 targets a legal and regulated practice that is deeply rooted in Virginia’s rural culture. If a tradition that has been responsibly upheld for so long slowly being tried to be taken away, what does that say about our commitment to preserving Virginia’s heritage? I urge lawmakers to oppose HB1396 and to respect the voices of rural Virginians, sportsmen, and families who are working to preserve this tradition.

I stand with the houndsmen i am against this bill it should not be passed

Please oppose Bill HB 1396. I have been a life long hound hunter from Deer,Coons to Rabbits, we do it all. It is our way of life and have some of mine and my family’s favorite memories growing up hunting with hounds. I do not think that having to apply for a permit to hunt with hounds, but not hounds is fair to us that do. Number one you may or may not get the permit after all your time and your money has been spent doing what you love. I don’t mind buying a license, but not a permit, that you may or may get. If landowners have problems with other hunters trespassing, just call the law and let them do their job. Not all hunters hunt like that. Once again Please oppose this Bill, this is not the answer. Thanks for what you all do.

Please rethink the changes of hound hunting. I grew up hunting with my dad, still hunting was our only option as we didn't have hounds. Never got to harvest a deer still hunting. It was many years of hunting hard with no success just to spook deer on the way in or not see anything at all. My dad's friend invited us to a hunt club that used hounds and I was able to harvest my first deer, not every hound hunt is successful with a harvest but even to hear the dogs singing in the woods is a thrill you can't kill. It's been around many many years and is a passion to myself and many others and I hope I can continue to enjoy it and share the same experience with my kids as they get older! Thank you!

I respectfully ask for all parts to go against HB1396.

I stand to against and oppose HB1396. I am a farmer, advise outdoorsman and been hunting with hounds since I was old enough to remember. Being a farmer and someone that works in commercial ag as well I have seen first hand the amount of damage that can be caused by over populated areas of deer, and it can be very costly to the farmers. The more deer the more car accidents as well. The more deer the more disease and health issues the deer have to struggle with. Dog hunters bring in a lot of revenue to the county’s and businesses in the county. We support local businesses at that. It’s a tradition that’s been here for a long time and we deserve to keep doing what we love. Please oppose this bill and allow us to hold on to a tradition that we all love and cherish. Thank you

Please oppose hb- 1396 . This bill will decimate hunt clubs in Virginia . Many hunters will quit hunting thus license revenue will decline for vdgif . The deer population will explode with in 2 years A lot of rural stores , restaurants , small businesses that count on dog hunters will lose so much revenue that they count on from dog hunting hunt clubs . Those 7 weeks of general fire arms season is like christmas for them. Let the game department make the rules , thats there profession. Please oppose hb 1396 and save a Virginia tradition for the future .

Please oppose HB1396

I am a lifelong citizen and landowner from Southampton County and an avid outdoorsman. I am an avid dog hunter and make my living in the Agricultural business as do many in rural Virginia where I live. While I understand there are complaints with hound hunting this bill is not the answer. Anything that would hinder dog hunting in this part of the state would cost the Agriculture industry millions of dollars not to mention the financial impact on small businesses that rely largely on this sport. I ask that you please vote no on this bill not only for the sake of dog hunting but also for the financial impacts that could follow as well. Thank you

I'm asking you to please to Oppose Bill HB1396 Because I believe this bill will hurt the tradition of Hound hunting here in Virginia now and in the Future please vote no to HB1396 and keep the tradition going for me and my kids Future grandchildren.

I wish to share my opposition to this house bill. Hunting with hounds has been a long standing tradition in the state. Each fall I look forward to the opening day of general firearm season. Not because it’s my opportunity to kill a deer but because it’s time to hear a sound that is music to many ears. To feel the adrenaline rush of dogs as you hear them make the turn towards you and the disappointment as they slowly fade away is hard for many to understand if you have never experienced it. For many it’s not about the kill, but having the chance to hear a great chase. The time spent each fall with my fellow hunt club members is a special time and I hate when the season is over. The fellowship and time spent talking about the hunt from today or the one from 10 years ago is special as we also remember the ones that are no longer with us . I asked each member of this committee to please oppose this bill. Thank you!

I oppose HB1396 ! Vote No ! Let’s keep the traditions alive !!

I oppose bill HB1396

I along with my8 members of family oppose this bill 100%. Thank you

I support the use of hounds to hunt game of all types

We stand with fellow houndsmen of VA and of every state in the USA to oppose HB1396!

I strongly oppose this legislation as written. While something needs to be done this is not it. I am a landowner, farmer and a hunter. Section c specifically is idiotic and obvious that whoever wrote it has never hunted a day in their life. It is impossible to keep wild animals from venturing on to someone's property. And if they are being pursued by a Hound that Hound is going to also Venture onto that property. Furthermore the requirement for written permission is ludicrous. I have no problem giving verbal permission. As a landowner I should have the authority in the right to give the permission to the people that I want hunting on my property the way that I want to give it. If I don't want to post my land and I want to just give verbal permission that is my right. This violates my rights as a landowner. It violates my rights as a hunter by restricting my ability to go get my dogs. While I have no problem with having permits for dog hunters that are above and beyond the current permits that we already have to get, there needs to be better worded legislation. There needs to be legislation that says that tracking callers are required on all dogs running at large not just hunting dogs. They're furthermore needs to be a legislation that all dogs and cats in Virginia need microchips. This would eliminate a lot of the issues. Those two simple things would help Animal Control Officers and game wardens. I would be happy to help with the wording of such legislation. This bill is terribly worded. I will be emailing everyone on the sub committee and in attendance at the capital.

Please oppose HB1396

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 oppose hb1396

I oppose hb 1396

I oppose 1396

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 oppose hb 1396 running dogs is a tradition that has been passed down to me by my dad and I’ll be looking forward to passing it down to my kids and hope they get to pass it down to there kids

I ask that this bill be shut down and that a strong message is sent from the courts to democrats that hunting animals with dogs will always be a thing and that nobody will ever stop it!

I support HB1396

I support HB1396

HB 1396 would be great for farmers and land owners Approve and pass Make it happen Land owners and farmers want their rights and control over their land Hound /road hunters have no rights to our land

I am opposed to HB1396. My husband and children are hunters who hunt with hounds. Please keep this tradition one that my grand children can enjoy. This is an unnecessary bill. Dogs can’t read posted signs. They do the job they are trained to do. If the prey runs to posted land. Dogs can’t stop at property lines.

I’m opposed to hb1396

I oppose HB 1396. I have read a lot of comments on this Feedback. I believe a problem that is well defined is half solved! So, what is the root cause of this issue. Dogs can travel through woodlands or any terrain and pass through or end up on land that the owner does not want them there. I understand property rights. I understand some landowners oppose hunting or trespassing. There are laws that prevent hunting or being on posted land. Those laws are enforced routinely. There is a lawful way to retrieve your dog from posted land. Part of the problem is the few hunters that don't follow the laws or abuse them or disrespect landowners. Don't create new laws already in the books. I have hunted for over 50 years, and a landowner has never denied me from retrieving a dog or wounded deer when asked. A law should not restrict the good hunters. Another part of the problem is the difficulty comes from dogs, breed to chase, don't know the boundaries. The ability to control that animal it difficult if not impossible. I don't see a fool proof solution to that. Stopping a "good" hound on a hot trail is difficult or impossible. Giving the dog owner a ticket doesn't solve the problem or stop dogs from crossing property lines in the future. It creates the possibility of loss of hunting privileges. None of the animals controlled by the DWR belong to any landowner. The landowner doesn't own wildlife. The landowner may own his own animals, but he does own or control other animals. The landowner doesn't control the radio wave crossing his property. The landowner doesn't control the sky above his property. Some landowners don’t own the mineral right on his property. The landowner doesn't control easements going across his property. So, property rights are not inclusive. There are exceptions to property rights. It is well understood that game animals are not included in property rights. If game animals are not included in property rights, then it only makes sense that other animals are not included in property rights.

HB1396 is a great idea Please approve it We land owner/Farmers need this

This bill stands against everything our founding fathers build

I oppose of bill HB1396

HB 1396 is a bill that is long overdue. No one’s hobby should be legally allowed to include others property without permission. I grew up hunting deer with dogs and understand how it works. The only reason a deer dog hunter would be opposed to this bill is because they want to continue using others property for their hobby. Please support this bill. It is a big property rights issue.

My name is Suji and I am an avid fox hunter that has a pack of foxhounds with my husband in Middleburg as well as a farming operation. I am deeply passionate about hunting and my life in the Middleburg countryside - but especially because I get to share it with my hounds, who are not only my hunting companions, but are also my family. I am asking you all to please oppose HB1396. This is a matter that is very important to me as my life with hounds is not something that is just something that I participate in on occasion, but it is a way of life for me. The extraordinary efforts of houndsmen in Virginia and throughout the US hopefully brings to light how passionate we all are about our life with hounds. We love them and will fight for them! Thank you in advance for opposing HB1396.

Please oppose hb- 1396 . This bill will decimate hunt clubs in Virginia . Many hunters will quit hunting thus license revenue will decline for vdgif . The deer population will explode with in 2 years A lot of rural stores , restaurants , small businesses that count on dog hunters will lose so much revenue that they count on from dog hunting hunt clubs . Those 7 weeks of general fire arms season is like christmas for them. Let the game department make the rules , thats there profession. Please oppose hb 1396 and save a Virginia tradition for the future .

I oppose hb1396 it violates so many rights I feel like it would ruin a lot of things as a hound hunter please do not follow threw with this!

Please vote no to HB1396. I grew up hunting and caring for dogs and now as a young man with a family its been a great joy to pass the traditions along. Teaching the kids the way to care for the dogs and watch them enjoy growing up the way I did is a great feeling.

We oppose bill hb1396.

I do not believe in this law I shouldn’t ever have to buy my rights to use a working hound I feel that this should never happen. I oppose this

I strongly oppose HB 1396. I am a resident of the City of Colonial Heights but have spent a vast majority of my time in Dinwiddie County as a proud member of Sportsman Hunt Club, as I have been a full member since I was 17 years old. I was voted as Assistant Secretary/Treasurer when I was still in high school, as the body of our club saw something in me. I continued to proudly serve the role of Secretary of SHC for the next 37 years. I am currently a public school teacher, former football coach and the proud Huddle Leader of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes at CHHS. I get to see our youth at various degrees of success in their teenage years. Not all these students succeed. BUT… Many of the students- many of whom have never heard the glorious sound of hounds on the chase - but have heard through my stories, have learned about traditions…leadership…bravery, courage, and the history of this - the Most Wonderful Commonwealth in this great nation. Those students understand what hunting means to me and to millions of Virginians. It’s tradition. It’s heritage. And it should be our future. As I type this, I am keeping a close eye on the venison burgers on the stove, simmering in gravy. My family loves to eat that pure red meat that deer provides. In central Virginia, deer dogs are a necessity. The vast majority of our land is owned by timber companies and the only way to hunt them is by leasing their land via a club. Dogs are vital. I bow hunt. I turkey hunt. I hunt with muzzleloader. I squirrel hunt. I duck hunt. Those are traditions that my grandfather taught my father and his brother, who both taught me. I taught my daughters, both of whom have benefited from hunting with dogs. Both my daughters graduated college, and have become very successful young women, despite what some people think about hunting with dogs. I’m doubtful I’ll be in Richmond that day true Virginians show their support for the right to hunt with dogs, but my support is there. I will be teaching kids that day. Some of those young people might just turn away from the multitude of distractions that persuade so many of our most vulnerable. I can use hunting with hounds as a positive catalyst. This bill could be a starting point for ending hunting in this, the Most Wonderful Commonwealth in the USA. Hunters and those opposed need to work out their differences in adult fashion. Drop HB 1396.

I oppose HB 1396. As someone who hunts with dogs and also as a small business owner who sells dog supplies. Hunting with dogs is a long standing heritage/tradition in the Commonwealth. It’s one of the best if not the best way to introduce youth into hunting in general. We are already taxed and permitted up to our eyeballs and this is just another burden on va taxpayers. The folks who keep introducing these bills are in areas with little to no hunting with dogs to begin with. The studies and statistics have proven time and again that a small number of complaints doesn’t warrant any further restrictions of Virginians right to hunt with their own dogs especially on their own properties and other private properties. Please vote no on HB 1396

I oppose the bill (HB1396). This country is 250 years old and there were hunter-gatherer the before that. I know things change but are new laws to restrict something (hunting) that has been happening since the beginning of time the right solution.

kill this bill... If you read this bill the hunters have fees and requirements. Land owners don't have to do anything. They pay nothing. There are some pretty dumb people in favor of this bill. No one for the bill has provided a way to prevent a hound from trespassing... Easily said but practically impossible to accomplish. Let's use this example. I don't like squirrels eating my bird seed. I want it unlawful for squirrels to trespass. I have posted my land but I cannot keep the squirrels. I would like a law requiring DWR to prevent squirrels on my property. Sounds almost as silly as keep dogs off of private property.

I oppose HB 1396 so my kids and grandkids can enjoy what I did

Please vote against this bill and end it!

I strongly oppose HB1396 this bill is a threat on hound hunting in this commonwealth. Hunting with hounds has been a part of this state since the colonial days.

VOTE NO. Bill 1396 is too restrictive and virtually impossible for a dog owner to prevent his dogs from trespassing. It would take an extensive amount of effort to get signatures from all the local land owners.

I oppose hb1396. As a 17 year i have been helping my dad raise and care for hounds since I was old enough to walk. It takes alot of time and money to care for a pack of hounds. I fell in love with it at a young age and wish to carry on what I have learned and fell in love with. Over half of the older hunters I know would stop hunting all together. I have more friend that are like family to my all because of hound hunting here in Va. It has tough me respect, responsibility, and alot more. Please oppose this bill.

I strongly oppose HB 1396 and I am a landowner in the state of Virginia.

I am opposed to HB 1396. As a landowner in both caroline county Va and Essex county Va i am against this bill. As a land owner in the heart of some of the most prominete areas for hunting deer with hounds i have never had a issue were this bill would benefit me in any way what so ever. I have never had a issue with dogs on any of my properties. All clubs and individuals that hunt around my properties have always done so with the utmost respect. Hunting with dogs in this area is a tradition passed down for many generations and should continue, unobstructed. Also as an avid outdoorsman and upland hunter i own upland pointing dogs. Bills such as this will limit my ability to continue this tradition. I have hunted all across this state and many others with no complaints. The problem is not the use of dogs to hunt and yet another form of permitting is ridiculous. We buy hunting licenses, game tags, blind licenses, state and federal duck stamps.... when is enough enough?

Please vote NO for HB1396

After reviewing the bill, I respectfully oppose it.

I oppose hb1396.

I oppose hb1396. As a landowner and houndsmen.

I oppose this bill for many reasons. It is duplicative with existing regulations. A hunting license (fee) is currently required to hunt, including with dogs. This proposal doubles an existing fee. Criteria for issuance and revocation of hunting licenses exist now. Standards for dog identification exist within current DWR regulations. A person must now have written permission to hunt properly marked private property. These issues have been regulated for some time. This bills purpose appears only to establish a means to further “tax” and erode lawful right to retrieve privileges of law abiding hound owners. What is especially laughable in the language of the proposed bill is the exclusion of mounted fox hunter, demonstrating the lobby and funding power of this niche (ultra rich) segment of hound hunters in Virginia. Vote against it NOW.

I oppose Hb 1396

I would like to respectfully ask each and everyone on this committee to Oppose HB 1396 I am proudly representing H&P Hunt Club in Appomattox County Thank You for your Time & Consideration

Please vote against this bill. This is a tradition for many families like mine. This is a way lots of kids spend time with their parents and are taught to be responsible respectable adults.

I disagree with this bill HB1396. This bill require hunter considerably requirements and land owners don't have to do any thing. However, this seem like the two sides a very intrenched. This bill is not a compromise based on the comments I have been reading on Facebook. all the men in my family hunted. This seems very one sided and unfair.

I am writing to respectfully urge you to oppose HB1396. This bill would impose extreme and unnecessary restrictions on dog hunting in Virginia and would drastically alter a long-standing tradition that is deeply woven into our rural communities and way of life. For generations, Virginians have responsibly hunted with dogs as a means of wildlife management, land stewardship, and cultural heritage. These practices are not reckless or unregulated — they are already governed by existing laws, landowner permissions, and long-established ethical standards. HB1396 goes far beyond reasonable regulation and instead threatens to effectively eliminate lawful dog hunting for many Virginians. The consequences of this bill would be especially harmful to rural families, working hunters, and those who rely on dog hunting traditions for recreation, conservation, and community bonding. It also risks setting a precedent that allows sweeping restrictions based on misunderstanding or pressure from groups unfamiliar with rural land use and hunting culture. Virginia can address concerns about trespass or safety through enforcement of current laws rather than dismantling an entire hunting tradition. Responsible hunters should not be punished for the actions of a few, nor should legislation be driven by voices that do not represent the realities of rural Virginia. I respectfully ask that you stand with Virginia’s hunters, land managers, and rural communities by opposing HB1396. Preserving our traditions while balancing responsible regulation is not only possible — it is essential. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Hunting hounds has been a tradition for many many years my ancestors have done it I have done it and my children will do it the government has nor right to tell us how we can and can not live and how we choose to use our hounds hunting is a natural instinct in every dog and is natural for them to do so and something like that should not be messaged with hound Hunt is a family friendly event and should be treated as such and not bothered with that being said I oppose this bill!

Please keep this great tradition alive!! Vote against HB1396

Just want my kids to carry on our tradition. Hopefully they will pass it on to their kids.

Been a hunter for 40 years this is only become a problem recently and it’s not because of us. It’s because of people moving from the city to the country and trying to change things. Please leave dog hunting alone.

I oppose HB1396. I have been a hound hunter for over 30 years and have passed this tradition down to my child and many other children. It teaches them so many responsibility’s. It takes 365 days a year to run our hounds for a couple of months to hunt. These dogs are our family and are better taken care of than ourselves. In all the years of huntings we work hard to get along with all the landowners. We have never had a problem. Please keep this tradition alive so many more generations can enjoy it like my family does every year. Thank you.

I oppose this bill ‘

I am asking all members that will be hearing this bill to vote NO in Opposition of House Bill 1396. This Bill will lead to the eventual death of the centuries old tradition of hound hunting here in the Commonwealth of Virginia. If this bill is passed it will make it impossible to effectively manage the deer, bear, and racoon population and will result in more crop damage for farmers and more wildlife related vehicle accidents. I myself am a fourth generation houndsmen and I would like to see all aspects of this great sport to be passed down to the next generation of Virginians just as it was passed down to me. So I am asking all of you to please vote NO in opposition of House Bill 1396.

I strongly oppose Bill 1396: Hunters now pay a fee for bow hunting season, muzzle loader season, a general gun hunting license, a big game tag (deer& turkey), a bear tag. Then a federal and state duck license. Deer hunters with hounds also have to rent land which is very expensive ($8-$15 per acre). This law adds a hound hunting fee and the cost of some kind of visible vehicle identification. What kind of fees are landowners required to pay to avoid hounds on their property? NONE! That doesn't seem very fair! If a land owner doesn't want dogs on their property they should be required to mark their property similar a trespassing law requirements. There fees should be $100 per acre for small tracks (up to 5 acres) of land and $10-$20 per acre for large tracks of land. The land owners should be required to notify all hound owners and organizations in writing before a citation can be issued.

Please oppose HB1396

I am asking that you oppose this bill. Hunting with dogs is a long time tradition in our state. The dogs were used in over half of the deer harvested in Virginia. Taking away the dogs would make the deer population multiply too much and it would be dangerous to drive without hitting one with a vehicle. The dog hunters and property owners need to work together to iron out the issue.

I oppose the bill as I have enjoyed hunting rabbits with beagles and feel any change would be a bad thing we should not have to deal with buying another permit it already cost a fortune in these expensive times.. have never had a problem in all my 40 years of hunting from any landowners and the sport is good for young people teaching respect and responsibility

I support HB1396 and ask that you do too. I want to preface this by saying I am a deer hunter for probably 50 years; however, I do not use deer hounds. A lot of things have changed over the last several hundred years since the deer hound hunting “tradition” has been around in Virginia. Vast acreages of unbroken ownership if owned by anyone at all, far fewer people in the landscape, hunting on foot and horseback, very few roads. Fast forward to today with mostly private, broken and smaller acreages, far greater population base, hunting via motorized vehicles as the primary form of transportation. and a vast network of developed roads. The environment of the deer hound hunting “tradition” of yesteryear is not the same as the deer hound hunting “tradition” of today. It would be one thing if hound hunters kept their hounds on property they owned or leased but they do not. The dogs continue to run, pursue or “hunt” over numerous other people’s private property without permission and legal consequence. In my case they disrupt and interfere with my hunting on property I own or have exclusive rights to hunt on. Other landowners have more serious issues. The hunters need to be held accountable for their dogs’ actions. If they cannot control their dogs, then they should not have dogs available to them -simple as that. I had four hound trespassing occurrences this past hunting season that I am aware of. I am certainly getting tired of all the trespassing issues and years of excuses. Lester McDonald Landowner Cumberland County, Virginia

HB1396 I do not agree with this, we should not be having to buy a permit to hunt with dogs, it takes away from all us hunters that do not agree with this

My family opposes HB1396. Most of the hunters in these parts are friendly and courteous. This bill doesn't seem fair to the hunters. I only know one or two people in my entire community that don't want dogs on their property. This seem a bit of over kill to satisfy a couple people.

I oppose HB 1396. Live and let live. Dogs cannot read my trespassing signs. It would be almost impossible to stop dogs at a property line. It appears that as the city folks move out into the county they want to bring all the city laws with them. In my lifetime a short drive from Rt 460 to my house had only a hand full of house. Now that same stretch of road has 50 or more house. TALL FENSES MAKE GOOD NEIGHBORS!

I oppose HB 1396. Live and let live. Dogs cannot read my trespassing signs. It would be almost impossible to stop dogs at a property line. It appears that as the city folks move out into the county they want to bring all the city laws with them. In my lifetime a short drive from Rt 460 to my house had only a hand full of house. Now that same stretch of road has 50 or more house. TALL FENSES MAKE GOOD NEIGHBORS!

I am in support of HB1396. I am a landowner and also a still hunter. I am not against hunting with dogs. I am against dog hunters running their dogs on our private property. This does not ban dog hunting , it just holds hunters accountable. As landowners, our property is turned into public property during dog hunting season. I ask you to support HB1396 and give landowners back their rights to their owner's personal property.

I strongly oppose bill HB1396 as a 75 year old hunter which is also a land owner. It appears, and can probably be proven, that a few land owners are trying to change the law for many hunters. The few are trying to control the many. Dog owners don't have the ability to control their dogs (100%) and can be criminalized if the dog trespasses . The law is written with all of the requirements/restrictions to be on the hunters. The land owners don't have any requirements or fees. The law puts a tremendous burden on the hunters. In the small area that we hunt, the hunt club would have to go door to door to about 500 houses requesting written permission. Dogs sometimes travel much farther making it almost impossible to obtain written permission from complete strangers. Maybe landowners should have to opt into the requirements/restrictions. The law is written requiring hunters to pay fees. The land owners do not have to pay any fees. They want something for nothing! It would seem reasonable for any land owner that would like to opt into the requirements of the law to equally match the total fees collected from the dog hunters. As an example, if there are 10,000 hunters paying $19 each, the total fees collected would be $190,000. If there were 1000 land owners then each land owner would have to pay $19,000 each. Why are hunters required to have visible identification and the land owners do not? Everyone involved should be identified.

Our family supports this bill. Landowners are threatened and harassed if they confront these deer dog clubs about not running dogs on their land. Every deer season is a very tense time for our family as these clubs use our property to run their dogs. We support hunting and even hound hunting. It just needs to be confined to property where they have permission. Thank you.

HB1396 i don’t agree with this at all, and it’s not right that we should have to get a separate permit to hunt with dogs

I oppose the bill HB1396

Please vote no Hunting with hounds is no where near as big of a problem as some would want you to believe so I am asking you respectfully to please vote no

Please support HB1396. During deer season these clubs treat our property as their own. And according to current state law they have as much right to run dogs on my property as I do. Our family cannot go outside and walk our dogs and we can’t leave our property for fear of their hounds attacking our livestock. This bill does not ban hound hunting. It only bans hound hunting on others property.

This bill will hurt all the young hunter and the future generations of Virginia Hound hunters by mailing it harder for them to do what they love to do.

I vote no on the bill HB1396

I am against HB 1396. I'm a property owner and hunter. I see this as a local issue. People with no day to day contact with wildlife and hunter's have no idea of the damage wildlife does to farmer's crops. Hunter's and dogs are not the problem. It's the bad actors. They are not stewards of the land or wildlife. Let localities take care of there selves. We do not need a fix nothing piece of legislation.

I don’t agree with bill HB1396

I oppose on this bill. This is something that we grew up on as children. My children grew up hunting with dogs who don't take the opportunity and a sport away from people that love what they do children love the sport! It's a way family friends get together. Enjoy fellowship so I would not like to see the bill passed.

I urge support of this bill. I've had muliple encounters with bear hunters on my property and am getting tired of them wandering around looking around (tresspassing as far as I'm concerned)looking for their dogs. I've had them tell me this is private to which they play dumb and say they did'nt know. Which I know is a lie and if they don't know the should'nt be hunting here. This is more about private property rights than hunting as far as I'm concerned. I don't care if it has fur, fins or feathers I don't want people wandering all over my property. I hope it does pass so there's more accountablity and less possibility of confrontation

Please oppose HB1396. As an owner of private property in the county, I have no issues with local hunters or any resident retrieving their dogs from my property. Most dogs in my area now have GPS tracking collars and hunters are quick to retrieve their dogs if they cross over on property they do not have permission to be on. Hunting with hounds is a age-old tradition that many generations of hunters have enjoyed. I encourage you to vote NO to HB1396.

This bill should be voted against and should NOT pass. Vote NO.

My family supports this bill. It does not prohibit hound hunting, but does provide an avenue that we may finally be blessed to enjoy our land in peace, with no hunting dogs or hunters on our land. This is a compromise bill, as most land owners are at the end of their rope and would prefer no hound hunting, and hound hunters want to continually trespass ( hunt through) private posted property, so neither side is fully getting what they want. Please support this bill, and consider rewording the right to retrieve so hunters can not come onto private property without landowner’s permission. Thank you

To whom it may concern please consider our thoughts on this bill hb 1396 and oppose it. Thanks

I oppose, specifically for HB 1396. I grew up hunting with dogs with my dad showing me the right way of doing things, and I have since raised two of my daughters to love and respect what it takes to have dogs and to treat them as their part of our family. They love the sport of hunting and hunting with dogs, now I have a granddaughter that I hope gets to experience the enjoyment of hunting and hunting with dogs. It is a family tradition that I hope continues for many, many years to come , for that I oppose this bill.

Oppose ! My boy turns 3 in August and has gone with me a ton already and sure does love his hounds and hope he can do it for years to come seems like every year we’re fighting to keep our tradition going , hound trespassing complaints are less than 5% of all complains we as a group are great people that mean no harm hunting is just a proportion of why we do it we do it to gather friends family and have fellowship

I oppose HB 1396 i own a farm and believe this will hurt hound hunting in my area I don't have any issues with the laws involving hound hunting in Virginia.

Please oppose HB1396.

PLEASE VOTE NO, on this issue. I have come from along generation of hunters that obey hunting rules. So Please Don’t take this out on the good hunters. We as hunters need to help DWR more on weeding out the bad seeds. THANK YOU for your consideration. Have a blessed day.

I oppose this bill. I have been hunting with hounds and owning hound since I was a little boy. I have Two young sons that I want to enjoy the same life I have had the privilege of experiencing!

As a land owner and hunter this bill should not be passed. Currently there are enough laws in place for the hunters that need to be enforced. Thanks for your time.

I have been around hounds and hunting with them since I was 5 years old. That’s 32 years now. Growing up it was a right of passage that my grandfather took each grandchild out, he didn’t care I was the only girl. My son has been raised the same. It’s a family tradition. This bill would kill so many families traditions. It also sets hound hunters apart from other hunters and ultimately leads to us being punished for the way we live and love to live life. I OPPOSE HB1396 and vote no against it.

We/I oppose HB1396. The Sportsman Hunt Club was founded in 1961. I have hunted there since 1961. We currently have over 50 members and approximately 80 dogs (10-12 dog owners). Our bylaws require members to turn themself in to the game warden for game violations. If not that member should be remove. In my opinion the law as written does NOT resolve the landowners concerns. I feel strongly that a few bad hunters are causing the good ones to be punished. It criminalizes a dog that trespasses. Hunters have minimum controls for a dog that was breed to chase. Why is there a fee? Why do hunters have to Identification in their vehicles? This seems like a overarching plan to stop hunting by a thousand cuts... This bill is not a compromise. All of the restrictions are on the Hunter and nothing required by the landowner. Lastly, I understand landowners right. I truly get it. I have owned various tracks of land 700 acers to 20 acers. I still own land in the county. This bill doesn't fix the sproblem.

Please oppose HB1396, hunters already have to purchase a hunting permit to hunt with dogs or run dogs anytime. Existing laws need to be enforced to hold the bad hunters accountable.

OPPOSE HB1396 Most of my favorite memories with me family are hunting with hounds. This bill would ruin that. It’s not about killing it’s about spending time with loved ones and making memories. Keep our tradition alive

I ask that you please Oppose HB136. A permit system would be a lose - lose for DWR, they would lose money from people who wouldn’t buy hunting licenses due to the extra cost. It’s a proven fact that “dog hunters” are responsible for over half of the purchased hunting licenses in the state. Folks just wouldn’t be able to afford to hunt if this bill passes, along with the possibility for dog trespass, it would push a lot of people away and in my opinion fold the DWR.

Please support HB1356. Something has to be done to protect landowners who are helpless to stop these clubs from running dogs on their property. These clubs intimidate, bully and threaten landowners who dare try to speak up for their right of exclusive use of their property. This bill solves this important issue.

I oppose HB 1396 as a land owner and a hound hunter.

I strongly oppose HB 1396 for many reasons. Hound hunting has been passed down for many centuries as a way to bond and enjoy the outdoors. HB 1396 won’t allow you to enjoy the outdoors nearly as much due to when running dogs sometimes they go where you don’t want them to and you can’t always get them to stop which would make you a criminal. Along with that many kids have their own hounds and would rather spend time with them than in the house which is healthier for them but with this bill they have to fear being a criminal to do so. With HB 1396 there is nowhere in the commonwealth where someone that doesn’t want the possibility to break the law to run their hounds. Also why am I as a hound hunter singled out to have identification on my vehicle and have to purchase another permit. If I have to have an identification on my vehicle why don’t all hunters including still hunters a vehicle has nothing to do with whether I’m hunting with hounds or still hunting. And the permit isn’t going to change the scenarios where my dog might get onto property without permission unlike the way it reads within HB 1396.

I am writing to oppose HB1396. I am 68 years old and have been hunting with dogs from age 6. I am asking to please do not take this lifelong passion from my kids and myself. I have rabbit, coon, and deer hunted with dogs. This has been my family's way of life dated back to my father for more than 100 years. Thank you, Tommy Croxton

Please oppose H1396

I opposed this bill because it will hurt the tradition and the youth that has taken this sport a tradition that their grandparents and parents have passed down to them

I am a hound hunter and I oppose HB 1396. I hope this bill is defeated.

Please support HB1356. There are no laws to stop clubs from running hounds on prohibited lands. This bill will not end hound hunting. It doesn’t ban hound hunting as the hound lobby deceitfully insists. The only possible reason anyone could oppose this bill is that they want to continue to run their dogs on property they do not have permission. It is really that simple.

All, I oppose bill 1396 You are making this bill from and for people that just don’t like the sport of hunting with hounds. Simply because of non hunters that post on the internet and get annoyed that dogs run through their property. The DGIF has records of summons, accusations and convicted persons to crimes of trespass. They also have records of those who will shoot a poor dog for crossing ones property. That is a hate crime more than animal cruelty. And most of these individuals get charged and convicted of a misdemeanor! And you want to make this a felony?? The sport of hunting with hounds brings people together. People of all ages, race, and color. People poor and rich. It gets kids outside. Kids learn the way of the land, learn to respect land and wildlife, learn gun safety. Keep this timeless tradition as is. Stop going after the very citizens that support you and Virginia. Let the hounds run! I’ll invite you all to partake in a hunt, and watch and listen to the excitement by not only the people, but the hounds! Thank you.

Please OPPOSE bill HB1396!!!! Fox hunting is a way of life for so many horse owners and has been for many many years! My daughter absolutely loves the hounds that they use to hunt (really just chase on horseback for fun) and they are very very well taken care of. There are 3 or 4 vets in their riding group as well. No animal is ever mistreated or left behind. Hi tech tracking collars are on every hunting dog and are never allowed to just wander off. Please please oppose this bill!

I do not agree with this bill i have hunting dogs and i wish to continue hunting its our heritage in va .

I strongly oppose this bill if passed it is just the beginning of taking away a heritage that has been in my family’s lives for many years!

Hunting with dogs is a long-standing and deeply rooted tradition in many rural Virginia communities. HB 1396 would place new permitting requirements and restrictions on responsible hunters who have followed the law for generations. Rather than solving existing conflicts, this bill adds unnecessary bureaucracy and creates confusion that could unintentionally criminalize lawful and ethical hunting practices.

I am opposing this bill.

This is more than a just a sport it is a very important part of life for a lot of horse owners. The dogs are very well taken care of and loved. Times have changed and using gps collars and trackers and other tracking devices enables us to know where our dogs are and to retrieve them. The sport of Fox Hunting is a way of life that should never be taken away from us. Please oppose HB1396

I do not support Bill 1396.i have coon hunted for thirty one years and would like continue to do so.without more restrictions.

I respectfully ask the committee to oppose HB1396. The provisions stated would make hunting with dogs near impossible. This would impact not only rural businesses, but also after crop production in southeastern Virginia. As someone who has hunted with dogs his entire life, I can say most of us respect the land we hunt and land we don’t hunt just as the farmers that tend the land do.

VOTE NO !! I strongly OPPOSE HB 1396 !!! This is more than a sport… this is a way of life. Save the tradition. Let’s keep our future alive.

I oppose hb1396

Please oppose HB1396

I OPPOSE HB1396!!!!! VOTE NO ! Stand up for tradition. Stand up for a way of life. Stand up for the people!

To whom this may concern, I respectfully urge you to oppose House Bill 1396 during its consideration in the Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources Committee and on the House floor. While I support responsible wildlife management, HB 1396 imposes unnecessary regulatory burdens and restrictions on a longstanding hunting tradition in Virginia. By requiring permits to hunt with dogs and making it unlawful to release dogs to pursue game or nuisance animals on private property without written landowner permission, this bill risks undermining responsible hunter access and traditional practices across rural Virginia.  Specifically, I am concerned that: 1. Permitting requirements create an unnecessary administrative barrier for small landowners and individual hunters, with unclear value relative to existing wildlife management laws. 2. The bill’s restrictions on dog-assisted hunting may disrupt time-honored practices that are part of rural heritage and that responsible hunting communities already self-regulate. 3. Requiring written landowner permission in all cases could create confusion and legal risk even for hunters with longstanding informal agreements with neighbors. For these reasons, I urge you to vote against HB 1396 and instead work toward policy solutions that support both wildlife conservation and the traditions of Virginia’s hunting community without creating undue regulatory burdens.

I strongly oppose this bill .

Please Oppose Bill HB1396

I oppose HB 1396!!! ‼️Speaking up for our dog hunting rights matters — because this is more than a hobby. This is tradition passed down through generations. This is therapy for those of us who find peace in the woods when the world gets too loud. This is love — for our dogs, our land, our way of life, and each other. As a woman in dog hunting, I stand firm. I raise dogs, I put in the work, I walk the same miles, and I feel the same pride. The bond between a hunter and their dogs isn’t something you can explain to someone who’s never lived it — but it’s real, it’s deep, and it deserves respect. Trying to silence dog hunters is trying to erase history, culture, and a community that values responsibility, ethics, and heart. We aren’t careless. We aren’t reckless. We are stewards, protectors, and voices for traditions that shaped us. I will speak up — not just for myself, but for the men and women, young and old, who find healing, purpose, and belonging behind a pack of hounds.‼️ This isn’t just what we do. It’s who we are I am Kwanza Wilson and I approve this message #MyMamaSaidKennels

I OPPOSE HB1396! I ask that you vote NO to this bill. Hound hunting has long been a part of our heritage in Virginia and I see no need to further restrict our right to lawfully hunt our hounds.

I am strongly opposed to HB 1396 because it unfairly and unnecessarily singles out one group of Virginia hunters while leaving all others untouched. Virginia’s hunting community is diverse, but it is united by a shared commitment to conservation, safety, and ethical harvest. Hunters—regardless of method—are licensed, regulated, and heavily invested in wildlife management through fees, excise taxes, and volunteer stewardship. HB 1396 disrupts that unity by placing unique restrictions on one lawful hunting method without applying similar standards to others that operate under the same conservation framework. This selective approach is not grounded in sound wildlife management. If the concern addressed by HB 1396 were truly about conservation, safety, or sustainability, the policy would apply consistently across comparable hunting practices. Instead, the bill isolates a single group of hunters, creating unequal treatment where none is justified by data or science. The result is alienation—particularly of rural and working-class Virginians who have practiced this form of hunting responsibly for generations. These are individuals who contribute directly to conservation funding and who follow existing regulations in good faith. Penalizing them alone sends the message that their participation is less valued, despite their equal compliance and contribution. Perhaps most concerning is the precedent this bill sets. Once lawmakers begin carving out individual groups of hunters for special restriction, the door is opened for future legislation that targets others based on preference rather than principle. That is not how effective wildlife policy is built in the Commonwealth. Virginia’s hunting regulations should be fair, science-based, and inclusive—not divisive. HB 1396 fails that test, and for that reason, I urge its rejection.

Hello, As a hunter who uses hounds to pursue raccoon and also to go with friends on bear hunts, I am asking you to vote NO on HB1396. Thank you for your consideration.

As an avid outdoorsman of Southwestern Virginia I strongly OPPOSE HB1396 this bill is detrimental to all types of hunting with dogs

I am opposed to any change to current dog hunting rules or regulations. I am member of several clubs and my livelihood as a retailer would be directly effected by any changes that would adversely affect dog hunting. Check the records and I think you will find more deer are killed by dog hunters than other style of hunter . Dog hunters also bring income to smaller communities in fuel,food,dog feed,dog supplies, ect. Also rural counties would loses income from taxes as most doghunters have a second older vehicle they hunt on and would have no need for a second truck if dog hunting was adversely effected.. Furthermore we are not taking into account that there are also bird dogs ,rabbit dogs,squirrel dogs ,its not just deer season that will be effected

Please oppose bill HB1396

I oppose this bill and ask that you vote No

Please vote AGAINST this ridiculous bill. Thank you

I oppose house bill Hb1396

Please oppose this and allow the life long tradition of hunting with hounds continue.

I am opposed to the passage of HB 1396 and I respectfully ask that you do not pass this terrible legislation. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

I respectfully urge you to oppose HB1396. In Virginia, hunting deer with hounds is a longstanding tradition. promote shared responsibility, respect for landowners, stewardship of wildlife, fellowship for all ages, 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 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 oppose HB1396. 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.

Oppose HB 1396

We paid for tags we paid for shots and we pay for any damage our dogs do I think that’s enough

I oppose HB1396

We paid for tags we paid for shots and we pay for any damage our dogs do I think that’s enough

i do oppose HB1396.

I oppose HB1396. Our long standing tradition has been hard enough on us with people buying up land already. They move from out of town to try to get away from the city life and turn our life into how they see fit and because they have more money than us they get listened to and we get put on the back burner. Our dogs love hunting. And we love and care for our dogs more than most. There’s bad apples in every bunch , the very vast majority of us dog hunters are law abiding. We try our hardest to keep our dogs on our land. Please oppose this bill.

I oppose this bill

ive hunted the same property for 20 years from day one hunt clubs have trespassed ,dumped there dogs off on private land i hunt walked thru hunting with the excuse im looking for my dog . they hunt behind a private subdivision across from me i know ios no hunting period i see them walk by be all the time every season. nr respect no reguard till a warden shows up then there lawfull and respectfull , thry kill every deer that moves no regard for size sex age or whats legal or in season my farm had great deer hunting now barely any deer around please i beg limit or control these hound hunters some kinda way i beg of u

Please vote NO on HB1396. Under Section A: the permit application is an open attack on the possibility of requirements for having permit issued or not issued every year. This would be the easiest way for the DWR to do away with hound hunting, by not renewing your permit. Unlike buying a license where you would be assured to get one by just clicking on the block like you do all your other licenses. Section B. The intentional act of hunting the private property of another without oral or written permission is already against the regulations of Virginia. The landowners biggest complaint is folks trespassing on their land, I don't understand this as being a problem. Just call your local authorities and let them handle it, that is what we pay them for. Don't paint all hound hunters with the same brush. Last but not least, Hound hunters bring a lot revenue to the local communities and small towns. We also work heavily with Hunters for the Hungry to help feed 100's of people with venison every year. As well as helping farmer with crop damage. Thank You in advance for Opposing this Bill.

I strongly oppose this bill. Hunting with hounds has been our way of life. Our hunt club is like one large family. On any given day during hunting season we have people of all ages hunting. We have parents grandparents, children, and grandchildren hunting together. I had rather see the youth we have out hunting with family and friends instead of being stuck in the house or out on the streets where they can get in trouble.

Please vote NO on HB1396, thank you!

Oppose this bill. If I need a permit to hunting with my dogs then a dang on still hunter needs a permit to hunt in a treestand.

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 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, fun and fellowship for all ages, 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 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. 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, Chase Johnson 26185 Rochelle St Courtland, VA 757-653-6098

Please oppose this house bill. I’m an active hunter/voter. This has been a tradition in my family for many generations. Thank you for your time

To Whom it may concern I just wanted to say I oppose this bill. I have been a dog hunter most of my life except for the 20 years I served. I got back into dog hunting after serving and having done 5 deployments over seas. I use my dogs and deer hunting as therapy to relax and take my mind off of things I have seen or done over seas. Dog hunting is my therapy so please kill this bill Thank you Tim Powell

This bill is ridiculous a animal cant read or know boundaries. It will cause more trouble than anyone can imagine. Hound hunting is a heritage passed down from ancestors if people don't like it they should move where hounds are not run. I can guarantee hounds where being run long before the area was inhabited.

As a land owner and lifetime houndsman i stand in opposition of HB 1396. I should not be singled out to be permitted for a legal form of hunting in the state.

As a outdoorsman who lease’s land in eastern Va I am very much opposed to HB1396.

Please OPPOSE HB1396

Please vote NO to HB1396. I am an avid dog hunter and wish to experience this great sport with my children. There are already laws in place there is no need to more restrictions on us. Who is going to enforce it? There's not enough game wardens to deal with the issues that are out there now. Who is going to help the hunters when these landowners keep our dogs or if they are hurt by all means. You think the Sheriff's Departments are? Not going to happen. Deal with the problems that are there. Do not make a shotgun reaction for a few bad apples. Please vote NO to HB 1396. Thank you!! James Hatcher III Mecklenburg County

Oppose HB 1396

Please vote no on this bill.

I am asking to oppose any new regulations regarding hunting with hounds in the great state of Virginia. These regulations will further hinder and impact hunting with hounds drastically. We do not need more laws concerning hunting rather than we need, more common sense and the great CPO’s to enforce the strict laws that we have in place. Thank you. And OPPOSE ANY NEW REGULATIONS

I Oppose HB 1396

I am a hound owner and have been for 50 plus years, please vote NO on HB1396. Under Section A: the permit application is an open attack on the possibility of requirements for having permit issued or not issued every year. This would be the easiest way for the DWR to do away with hound hunting, by not renewing your permit. Unlike buying a license where you would be assured to get one by just clicking on the block like you do all your other licenses. Section B. The intentional act of hunting the private property of another without oral or written permission is already against the regulations of Virginia. The landowner's biggest complaint is folks trespassing on their land, I don't understand this as being a problem. Just call your local authorities and let them handle it, that is what we pay them for. Don't paint all hound hunters with the same brush. Last but not least, Hound hunters bring a lot of revenue to the local communities and small towns. We also work heavily with Hunters for the Hungry to help feed 100's of people with venison every year. As well as helping farmer with crop damage. Thank You in advance for Opposing this, Bill.

I support Virginia HB 1396 because it holds dog hunters accountable for staying in direct contact with their dogs through tracking systems. The bill makes it clear that hunters are responsible for actively controlling their dogs and doing everything possible to keep them off property where they do not have permission to hunt. This is a fair approach that respects private property rights while still allowing responsible dog hunting.

I oppose HB1396

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.Senate e mail 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 hb1396 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, hb1396 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 hb1396e

As a landowner, I oppose HB1396.

As a landowner, I oppose HB1396.

Support HB 1396 as written! This bill desperately needs to become law. The bill will have no impact on dog hunters that have no issues with neighboring property owners. The bill only requires hound hunters run their dogs where they have written permission. It does not ban dog hunting and the tradition can live on for generations while also protecting the rights of property owners who are being abused.

I oppose HB1396 I am a land owner in both Cumberland county Va and Chesapeake Va , both cities and counties I own property in are surrounded by dog hunting clubs and my property in Cumberland is in the middle of the Cumberland state forest the issues that are being told about hounds are simply not true as a land owner and hound hunter it does us no good to have our hounds on property we cannot hunt this bill will do nothing but make a law abiding hunter a possible criminal for the simple mistake of hound ending up in the wrong area there is many uncontrolled ways this could happen with no intent by the hunter a collar, simply losing communication or malfunctioning. Somebody could pick up a hound down the street off of legal property and take it to their property just for pure hatred. There’s too many loopholes in this bill that could make good law, abiding hunters criminals and for that reason, I strongly oppose HB 1396.

Please support 1396. The hound hunters are being untruthful when they state that this bill will end dog hunting. It does not. This bill only requires hunters run their dogs where they have permission. There are no current laws to protect landowners from hunt clubs running hounds on their private property as often as they like. What does it say about the current situation in Virginia that hound hunters are fighting so hard against a bill that only requires them to hunt land where they have permission?

I oppose this bill. This is not something that is going to help hound hunting at all or ease tensions from land owner disputes

I oppose HB1396

This legislation shoukd encompass hound hunters that use, release, cast or drop hounds to pursue, chase and hunt predators such as coyote, fox, raccoon(Coon) and big game such as deer and bear. Predator Control: Trapping is more effective and has an increased success rate for controlling predators such as fox, coyote, raccoon and other predators that prey on livestock, poultry, that are nest predators for turkeys, quail, waterfowl and other wildlife that ground nest. Traps have to have an identification tag with the Trapper's Permanent Identification Number for Trap Tags. Traps are set on lands the trapper is permitted to be on and do not migrate from their set location on their own. Someone has to physically move them to another location. Trappers have to not only place a trap tag with a permanent identification number on the trap tag, they must have a trappers license and written permission from landowners and they are required to check traps at least once each day and remove all animals caught. Predator Hunting: Often done primarily at NIGHT/Early Morning (Pre Dawn) With modern technology being used in predator control such as predator calls, night vision optics, thermal optics, suppressors and blinds, dedicated predator hunters do not do not need to leave their property or use dogs entirely to pursue predators across property lines or through large spanses at night. The predator hunter can set up on permitted property that they have permission to hunt, call, see and take predators to control depredation on livestock, poultry, pets or ground nesting wildlife, deer fawns, calves, lambs etc. The advantage of using modern predator control hunting techniques and trapping is that the landowner and hunter have an agreement and that hunter has permission to be on the land they are hunting. The hunter is stationary and is only on the land they are permitted to hunt on. They are not traversing neighboring Posted Property or Non- Posted Property without the knowledge or permission of the landowner. This reduces conflict and meets the primary intent of legally hunting and trapping predators. Less disturbance of thheir neighbors, more command and control of their equipment and movement. Suppressed firearms reduce noise that would otherwise disturb neighbors or spook livestock. They know the targeted predator and have clear visuals and can make ethical decisions on taking the predator Hound Hunters running predators at night cause conflict, spook livestock, cross onto prohibited lands (land they are not permitted to hunt on) in the pursuit of predators. This increases conflict and trespass ascwell as a nuisance. Shots are fired on property without knowing the location of homes, barns, livestock etc. Dogs are barking and running in chaos pursuit. There needs to be a means of accountability in the form of permits for these hunters.

Please do not allow outside and urban interest to destroy the rights and favored past time of rural and native Virginians. OPPOSE HB1396!

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Please vote no. Dog hunting has been a tradition for families for years. Hunters take a lot of pride in their hounds and this is passed down to future hunters.

How is this enforceable? Where will the context come from if a dog is seen on the wrong side of an invisible property line? This bill is flawed and will likely cause more problems than it resolves. We oppose this bill.

We must protect the heritage and traditions of hound hunting in Virginia and across the country.

I oppose HB1396. Section C. No person shall release a dog that hunts, pursues, or chases any game animal, fur-bearing animal, or nuisance species onto or across, or otherwise allow such dog to remain on, private property without written permission from the landowner or lawful occupant of such property. This will allow lawful hunters to be prosecuted as it is impossible to 100% control where the hound will go at all times.

This legislation is essential to funding the Virginia Dept. of Wildlife Resources. ** Exerpt from the DWR website** Quote Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) largely exists through non-general fund revenues. We operate from within multiple restricted funds to support unique programs and responsibilities in Law Enforcement, Wildlife, Aquatics, Boating, Nongame and Endangered Species, Capital Programs, and Outreach, as well as administrative support functions in Human Resources, Planning and Finance, and the Executive Office. Primary Revenue Sources That Support DWR Hunting, Fishing, and Trapping Licenses, Permits, and Stamps 37% Federal Grants for Wildlife and Aquatics Support 23% Sales Tax on Outdoor Equipment for Hunting, Fishing, and Wildlife Watching (HB38) 17% Watercraft Sales and Use Tax 10% Boat Registration and Titling Fees 6% Miscellaneous 4% Federal Grants for Boating Support 3% DWR’s Annual Operating Budget for FY25 by Division (* in millions) Law Enforcement: $25.1 million Wildlife: $11.7 million Planning, Finance, & IT: $11.5 million Aquatics $9.9 million Outreach: $5.7 million Nongame: $3.9 million Executive Office/Capital: $3.0 million Boating: $2.4 million Human Resources: $1.3 million Hunting in Virginia supports almost 10,000 Virginia jobs and generates $1.4 billion in total economic impact to the Commonwealth. Fishing in Virginia supports nearly 20,000 jobs in Virginia and generates $3.2 billion in total economic impact to the Commonwealth. Recreational Boating Recreational boating in Virginia supports nearly 17,000 jobs in Virginia and generates $4.4 billion in total economic impact to the Commonwealth. Wildlife watching in Virginia supports 22,000 jobs in Virginia and generates $4 billion in total economic impact to the Commonwealth. ***End Quote The proposed $19.00 fee will help the DWR increase revenue through a new permit. It is beneficial to all major stakeholders (Hunters, Landowners, DWR and Wildlife and habitat conservation efforts. It will not end hound hunting. It will not stop legal hunts. It will generate revenue for the DWR that has over $7 million in deficit, without the department having to resort to increasing other licenses and permit fees. It will clearly identify and and quantify the number of hound hunters (Resident Virginia Hound Hunters and Non Resident Hound Hunters)hunting in our state. This permit is long over due.

On Wednesday, February 4, you will have HB1396 before you for consideration. This legislation simply asks that hunters using dogs to hunt deer respect private property rights. HB1396 does not eliminate dog hunting, nor does it inhibit or curtail the ability to hunt deer with dogs. Instead, it reaffirms a fundamental principle: the public does not have the right to hunt on private land—whether that land is a backyard, a farm, or any other privately owned property—without the owner’s permission. Please do not be misled by repeated claims that HB1396 would abolish a historic Virginia tradition. Hunting deer from pickup trucks while monitoring GPS screens and using drones to track dogs and wildlife is not a long-standing Virginia tradition. Private property ownership, however, most certainly is. Nothing in HB1396 ends dog hunting. Under current practice, however, some dog hunters effectively deprive landowners of their private property rights. The bill seeks to correct that imbalance. Members of the dog hunting community often argue that only a small number of “bad apples trespass on private property, while the majority respect landowners. If that is the case, there should be no objection to HB1396, which would address precisely those few offenders. It raises the reasonable question of why the entire community would so strongly oppose regulations intended only to control a small minority. Respectfully, HB1396 protects property rights without eliminating lawful hunting traditions, and it deserves your support. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Please vote NO on HB1396.

I am a 3rd generation houndsman, Please vote NO on HB1396. Under Section A: the permit application is an open attack on the possibility of requirements for having permit issued or not issued every year. This would be the easiest way for the DWR to do away with hound hunting, by not renewing your permit. Unlike buying a license where you would be assured to get one by just clicking on the block like you do all your other licenses. Section B. The intentional act of hunting the private property of another without oral or written permission is already against the regulations of Virginia. The landowners biggest complaint is folks trespassing on their land, I don't understand this as being a problem. Just call your local authorities and let them handle it, that is what we pay them for. Don't paint all hound hunters with the same brush. Last but not least, Hound hunters bring a lot revenue to the local communities and small towns. We also work heavily with Hunters for the Hungry to help feed 100's of people with venison every year. As well as helping farmer with crop damage. Thank You in advance for Opposing this Bill.

Please vote no on the HB1396 bill. Please don't take the right to hunt with dogs away from us, or the young kids that enjoy it so much. This sport keeps a lot of kids from getting in trouble, because of having to spend so much time with their families' dogs.

I oppose this bill

I'm opposed to bill

Many of the arguments by the dog hunting fraternity are without merit. I do not want to see the use of deer hounds end. However, I, and many landowners and hunting rights leaseholders, refuse to continue to provide a venue on our lands for deer dog owners to pursue their chosen activity by allowing their dogs to freely come onto our lands with no jeopardy to the dog owner and no recourse by the landowner. Addressing the issue of unwelcome and rampant deer hound trespass onto prohibited lands will not “end hunting in Virginia” and “deprive them and succeeding generations of their heritage”. It will simply allow landowners the quiet enjoyment of their property which is their right! It will simply enable someone who has worked hard to own or lease a parcel of rural land the ability to enjoy the activities they wish to enjoy without unregulated interference by hounds and dog hunters. This bill brings much needed accountability without negatively impacting the dog tradition.

Noooo to house bill 1396

I have been dog hunting for 45 years and introduced my three boys to dog hunting when they turned 8 years old. If you haven’t been introduced to dog hunting of course you have a one track mind. You think that it’s not fair to the game but yet hunting food plots is fair?? You think hunters are a bunch of hillbillies. We meet each morning have fellowship and pray for safe and successful hunts. Don’t judge until you have actually experienced. We love dog hunting and I would be really upset if I could not share this with my grandchildren!!!

I oppose this bill. I am what I consider a "move in" to the county. I moved here to get away from "the city" . I live on about a 10 acre tract that is surrounded by woods and wildlife and on the outskirts of my tract is farm land that is dog hunted during the off season of farming. I have been here for almost 7 years now and I have never had any problems with anyone retrieving their dog. I welcome the hunters to retrieve their dogs because I understood when I moved here that comes with the territory as well as the fact at the end of the day it would not matter to me if it was a hunter retrieving their dog or just a neighbor or person in the area trying to retrieve their dog. A dog is a dog and all that really matters is that the dog or dogs are safe. I have a lot of respect for the hound hunting community. It is a long standing way of life and tradition in Virginia and teaches children responsibility, respect and life long lessons for when they become adults themselves. Again, I strongly oppose this bill and ask that you keep in mind that we should all learn to get along and respect each other and work together and to stop trying to change the things that really aren't broken to begin with. There are real things in the State that need attention and this isn't one of them.

Please VOTE YES FOR HB1396. Passing this Bill HB1396 will give DWR the tools to Enforce the Continuing Deliberate Intentional Trespassing of Deer Hounds. DWR will be able to Weed Out the Bad Apples the Dog Hunters seem to place the blame on. If you the Dog Hunters have a good relationship with landowners, as you claim, YOU WILL HAVE NO PROBLEM. In the late 1948 to 1950’s , when Deer Hunting With Hounds Really Started, only a few people owned the land that was being used to Hunt With Hounds, now in 2026, these Acres of Land are now owned by MANY New Tax Paying Property Owners . Of which want and have a Right to use their Private Property as they see fit WITHOUT THE INTRUSION of the “I’m Entitled So Called Hound Hunter “ . Please explain how this Bill HB1396 ends Your Deer Hunting With Hounds, it Does Not . Unless You are Deliberately Allowing your Dogs to Hunt and Enter Private Property. And don’t say “ I can’t Control My Dog, “. Because you can, at 5 PM when the day is over, you can Tone or Beep You Dog to Stop the Chase and Come to the Horn Blowing Truck, so you can go home in Minutes. I know ! I hunt with dogs, you are listening to the scared Misleading Information of the Entitled . The individuals in opposition are the problem, or are you misinformed??? Think for yourself, is any one coming/going/ in your House Your Refrigerator against your will??? Think about it. Vote Yes to HB1396

I am writing to respectfully express my opposition to HB1396. For generations, the responsible use of hunting dogs has been a deeply rooted part of Virginia’s sporting heritage, rural culture, and outdoor tradition. Hound hunting is not only a longstanding practice, but also an important aspect of working-dog stewardship and conservation-based recreation across the Commonwealth. While I understand the importance of respecting private property rights, HB1396 risks creating sweeping restrictions that may unintentionally criminalize traditional hunting practices and place unnecessary burdens on responsible sportsmen and houndsmen who have operated lawfully for decades. I urge you to consider the impact this bill may have on Virginia’s rural communities and to seek more balanced solutions that protect both landowners and the state’s hunting heritage without overregulation.

I strongly opposed bill HB1396

I oppose HB 1396 and I hope you will too. To those who do not dog hunt they do not understand the camaraderie and fellowship that comes along with hunting with dogs. With the right to retrieve my dogs people also don’t understand the love between the owner and a dog that they can’t bring home at the end of the day. None of us want dogs on property they don’t belong on, but we all know dogs can’t read a post sign. With that being said, I understand the landowner may be angry, but must the dog suffer and be out all night because of that. It’s not the dogs fault. Please oppose this bill is not all of the sides have been considered. Thank you.

Please oppose bill HB1396 this is a tradition for majority of the dog hunters not just a sport.

I oppose HB1396 as I am an avid hunter throughout the whole season in multiple rural counties across the state. We spend a lot of money in all the counties we hunt in and have formed relationships with the locals that don’t need to be compromised by this. This bill attacks the safety of our companions. For us law abiding hunters this puts us in harms way

Please oppose bill 1396

Please oppose HB 1396, this adds more regulations to hunting, when the number of hunters is already dwindling. I appreciate the club that hunts my land, and they do a wonderful job taking care of their hounds. This bill is unnecessary.

i oppose this bill

OPPOSE HB1396

I oppose this house bill. Dog hunting has been a long time tradition in central and eastern Virginia. Dog owners already pay for county dog tags and vet bills are extremely expensive, this would add an additional cost to our recreational tradition. As far as land owners go, I always try to contact them prior to getting our dogs. Dogs are not able to read posted sign, and we should have the right to retrieve our animals and property. I try to be respectful to land owners. If this is passed, this just be a starting point to stop dog hunting altogether. Please vote no to this bill.

I strongly oppose bill HB 1396 because hunting with dogs does not cause harm and has been a long- standing, lawful practice for generations. This legislation represents an unnecessary government intrusion into traditions and rights that citizens have responsibly exercised for decades.

Strongly oppose bill HB1396

Please don't banned dog hunting with dogs. My granddaddy, daddy and I have hunted with dogs for over 100 years and now my grandchildren are joying this sport. Trying to teach them hunting to keep them out of trouble and be respectful.

HB1396 is a viable and necessary legislation that needs to be passed. For years Virginia landowners have been asking the Department of Wildlife Resources and legislators to act on their behalf and protect their property rights and uphold game laws when it comes to trespass and nuisance dogs running at large. All other hunters have to pay for separate hunting licenses, tags and stamps for example: Archery, Big Game, Small Game, Waterfowl, Federal and State Migratory Waterfowl Stamps (Duck Stamps), Bear, Deer and Turkey tags. It is time for the hound hunting community to be held to the same standards as other hunters. It will also give the Department of Wildlife Resources a new permit that generates funds for the Department. Currently the Department of Wildlife Resources has a $7 million dollar deficit. This permit would give additional funds to the DWR including possible access to additional grant funds from the Pittman Robertson Act. Contrary to claims by hound hunters: - This permit will NOT end hound hunting - It will NOT stop a legal hunt - This permit is very much affordable and is cheaper at $19 than the $100.00 Resident Sportsman's License, Resident Hunting License (1year is $23.00, Resident Fox Hunting License $23.00, Resident Bear $21.00, Resident Deer & Turkey $23.00 and Resident Trapping License 1 year $46.00. However, It is in line with the Resident Archery and Resident Muzzleloader license fees. Those fees respectively are $18.00 each Key Notes to take into consideration: These hunters can afford to do the following: - Hound hunters pay for and incorporate multiple Global Positioning Satellite Collars (GPS ) collars to track their dogs. Thes collards range in cost between $299.99 to $1,149.98 in cost for collars and the transmitter. They pay this for multiple dogs that they own. - Own multiple dogs - Purchase and own kennels and or pens for their dogs - 37.5 lb bags of dog food costs range between $21.99 to $70.00 (50 lb bags of food range from $25.00 to $93.98 depending on brand, quality and quantity - NEW Truck Boxes for Dogs range between $544.99 to $2,089.99 each -They can afford to lease land to hunt - They can afford Hunt Club Fees & Dues _ They can afford current hunting licenses, tags and bonus deer tags - They can afford fuel, maintenance, tires and oil for their trucks - They can afford food, snacks, alcohol, tobacco and drinks for themselves - They can afford ammunition ranging between $9.99 and $26.99 per box of and firearms to hunt with along with the cleaning kits for those firearms. - They can afford radios (Walkie Talkies) ranging in price between $54.99 to $549.00 depending on brand, type and quantity of radios Affordability isn't the issue. They simply do not want accountability for the ones creating issues and conflict with landowners. Contrary to claims by hound hunters: - This permit will NOT end hound hunting - It will NOT stop a legal hunt - It is affordable for these hunters - It is targeted reasonable enforcement against trespass, game violations and existing game laws, blocking of roads, private driveways, right of ways and trespass by hunters - The ones opposing this legislation are defending the ones causing the issues. - It reinforces the existing requirements for dogs to wear collars with identification tags IDing Owners - It requires dogs to be marked in order to be identified from a distance and ID owners

Please vote yes and support HB1396. This is a common sense bill that requires written permission from a landowner and a permit to run your dogs. This does not ban dog hunting, in the long run this bill will most likely save dog hunting. This bill will weed out the bad apples. Thank you for listening and hope you vote yes to HB1396.

Support HB 1396! Contrary to what you are being told, this bill does not ban dog hunting. Clubs that are “doing it the right way,” and do not have any problems with their surrounding landowners will not be impacted by this bill. This bill only addresses the bad apples. Landowners need this bill for those hound hunters who repeatedly hunt their property without permission.

Opposed! The club that I am with hunts in Suffolk and surrounding. This law is sneaky and will hurt honest hunters.

I respectfully ask you to vote against this bill.

I strongly oppose HB1396

My name is John Pierce and I am abdominally opposed to this bill. There are several issues with this legislation as written. 1. This bill favors some hunters, those who fox hunt with horses and waterfowl hunt. It provides privilege for these hunters and oppresses those who hunt in other ways such as those hunting game with dogs . 2. Getting permission to hunt on other persons property is something that I support. It is a practice that I currently do. However, having to have a permit to hunt with dogs is not necessary. This state already requires a hunting license each year. Additional requirements to hunt game with dogs is unnecessary. Many localities require dogs to be registered with dog tags for each dog. This is something that I do as well. 3. This bill also includes requirements for dog identification and the marking of vehicles. I support having procedures for dog owner's identification with a phone number. This will help persons who want to help dogs live a safe and happy life to be returned to their owner. It also allows game wardens to have owners who comply with such requirements to come get their dogs. Again, I do not support having permits for hunting with dogs and for vehicle identification 4. I was told by a game warden that it is legal to get permission from a land owner to retrieve a dog as long as we leave our weapons in our vehicle. This practice should remain. 5. The term nuisance species is vague and should not be used in any hunting related legislation. Plain and simple, let hunters hunt with written permission to hunt on land by the landowners. Do not provide special provisions for some hunters, and undue limitations to others. Do not favor some and punish others. This is a bad bill. Do not pass it,

Please support this bill. This bill does not ban deer or bear hound hunting. It simply requires that hunters hunt only the lands which they have permission. How can anyone argue against that ? Don't be fooled by the hound’s lobby untruthful tactics. HB 1396 is fair and reasonable. Hound hunting and the tradition can continue as before anywhere they have permission to hunt.

I oppose bill hb1396. I hunt a lot of national forests that borders private lands and the bill would make me a criminal if one of my dogs accidentally ended up on 5 acres of private property that borders the NF. Where I hunt you might have a couple acres deep from the road and then the national forest line(300-500ft). We do everything possible to keep dogs off that land , but every once in awhile one ends up coming thru the private to get to the road. They are dogs that trust humans that they are going to take care of them. That’s why when they hear a vehicle on the road or somebody moving around they go to them when they quit the chase. So I strongly encourage you to oppose this bill. Thank you for your time

I urge your strong support for HB 1396. This bill in no way ends or even alters legal hound hunting in Virginia. The only thing this bill does is to develop a system that hound hunters hunt the properties that they have permission to hunt. Arguing against this bill is an argument to be allowed to continue to hunt property where they do not have permission.

Dog hunting shouldn’t be banned because it’s a long-standing tradition that’s been responsibly regulated for generations. When it’s done the right way, it plays an important role in wildlife management by helping control animal populations, preventing damage to crops and property, and reducing dangerous vehicle collisions. It also allows for quicker, more humane harvests than what happens when populations get out of control. Beyond that, dog hunting is part of rural culture, brings communities together, and supports local economies through licenses, equipment, and conservation efforts funded by hunters. Banning it would unfairly punish responsible hunters instead of fixing actual problem. Strong regulation and proper enforcement are the real solution.

Dog hunting should not be banned because it is a long-standing, regulated tradition that supports ethical wildlife management, conservation funding, and rural livelihoods. When properly regulated, dog hunting helps control animal populations, reduces crop and property damage, and promotes quick, humane harvests compared to uncontrolled overpopulation or vehicle collisions. It also preserves cultural heritage, strengthens community bonds, and contributes to local economies through licensing, equipment sales, and conservation programs funded by hunters. Banning dog hunting would punish responsible hunters while failing to address real issues regulation and enforcement, not prohibition, are the effective and balanced solution. Our dogs are well taken care of. They are up to date on all of their vaccines, fed and watered daily, and kept in warm enclosures during the cooler months.

I personally don’t think we should ban running dogs, I do not agree with banning running dogs because what we do is a life style it’s our heritage. I myself like many others enjoy it and look forward to it every year, i don’t think it’s right to take something away from good people that’s been around long than a lot of has been born. Running dogs isn’t always about trying to get a deer or whatever we’re hunting, it brings people together, makes people share stories and most importantly it gets the younger generation involved. Kids can learn a lot of things from just simply running dogs, they learn responsibility, concentration, communication. Those three things are very important in life definitely in the way society is now. I’ve met a lot of good people just simply going hunting. I understand stand just like everyone else there are some people that do the wrong thing but that’s every where you go getting rid of something isn’t going to solve the problems other people have it’s just going to make us more divided, I’ve learned a lot from running dogs and I’d love to have my kids one day love it like I do

To whom it may concern i am a dog hunter an I believe doghunting needs to stay active 💯 percent why is some one or whoever is trying to band it better rethink cause with out deer dog hunting u think deer population is bad now it will increase triple so I am 💯 percent all for dog hunting an my dogs are taking care of every single day well fed an watered an have plenty of weight on them 365 days a year.sincerrly Randy A Martin Sr.Greenbay va.

Strongly oppose

I strongly oppose bill HB1396

Pass this one as I have lived where I am for over 28 years and the hunters around here in their hunt clubs have no respect for the law whatsoever never have and never will because they know they can get away with whatever they do because they have and know people in power locally plus they know the game warden is nowhere near. They, now get this drive onto private property (cleary marked at the entrance) which they are not supposed to do then they let their dogs loose everywhere on the property they can in hopes that they will chase the deer onto the property they and their buddies are hunting on while they drive all over private property with their guns saying they are looking for their dogs which they are also not supposed to do as by law they must park and walk and must be unarmed as it is against the law to go onto private property in your vehicle much less with your guns but as I stated they do not care. And when they are chasing their dogs on the private property they just go all over everyones property without letting anyone know what they are doing and they never talk to any landowners, I am in a private neighborhood with over 40 private residences. Also 2 years ago I chased their asses down and gave them a talking to big time right at the property entrance and I told them if their dogs come onto my property while I am putting my dogs out and if my dog breaks loose from me that their dogs will be killed by my dogs because I am elderly and disabled and if my dogs try to break away from me there is nothing I can do to stop them and I am just gonna let go of them so I don't get hurt trying to hold them back. My dogs are big and allowed to be on my property unfenced as I am on 6 acres and they said I was threatening to kill their dogs but nope my dogs have a right to be on and or run on my/their property and if they are out there and one of their hunting dogs strolls into my yard my dogs will go wild on them! One of the hunters lives on the property and he thinks they are allowed here because he lives here but nope not true as they are allowed to go to where he lives but not anywhere else unless they are with him in his vehicle as they must cross other landowners property to go into the rest of the neighborhood as the roads are private and each landowner owns the road front of their property to the middle of the road and the same for the owner on the other side so they must get permission from every and any landowner in order to go past the one hunters property but they do not and they do not care. These hunters with their dogs hunt and shoot across a road, illegal and trespass on numerous properties. They violate so many laws it is funny! I have had numerous run ins with them illegally hunting and more The Shack Harcum hunt club is the name of the club located on Farys mill rd and there are others plus single hunters hunting on other private property. Something needs to and must be done because the landowners are held captive by a BS law that allows dogs to run free anywhere they want, if I do that with my dogs and they are not hunting dogs I get in trouble or arrested for letting my dogs run free but hunters and their dogs are immune from what I am not! The time has come to put and end to this and this must stop because landowners rights are being trampled for a few hunters and their dogs that break so many laws becuse they know they can get away with it as they have done and are doing and it must end so please pass this one now.

I support HB 1396. As a rural private land owner Hunting season & "chase & training" season with dogs does not work. Too many of these animals are abandoned after the season. Too many of the hunters using dogs trespass without notifying the landowner. It may have been a "tradition" to hunt with dogs in the past, but there must be some limits placed on this practice. Landowner rights first!

Hunting with Dogs has been done since the beginning of time. Why are we waiting this long to take our rights away from us as a hound hunter I disagree with anything that’s got to do with a limiting the hunting with Dogs. Please let me know. Thank you.

I oppose HB1396 dog hunting to me is a life style that I grown up doing and it’s not fair for people to move in here with 5 acres and make rules for people that own hundreds of acres that the dog hunters pay there taxes by leases.

I oppose hb1396

I oppose hb 1396.

I oppose HB1396 as a small landowner I depend on the revenue from hunting to pay the ever increasing real estate taxes. Hunters help maintain my property and allow my farm to remain in our family. I strongly encourage every committee member to oppose HB1396 to preserve our family lands for the enjoyment of future generations.

Support this bill to save hound hunting. This will get rid of the “few bad apples “ the hound lobby keeps telling us about. If hound hunters and legislators truly want to save hound hunting, they will support this bill.

I fully oppose this bill hound hunting is a way of life for us our children an our children’s children please oppose

I oppose hb1396

Citizens of Charlotte county have use hounds to aid the hunt for many years. And it is some what impossible to stop hounds from going on private property with out spending thousands of dollars on equipment to do so. A Large percent of hunters can’t afford this expensive equipment. So, to pass or even support this bill is being bias or either catering to one side of hunters who have deeper pockets than some. A lot of times (and I have seen this) someone will move to Charlotte county from Northern VA and buy 10 acres , then move here with a different opinion on how hunting should be. But a lot of times hounds are off their property in minutes but only chase the game that was after to start with. I understand the issue with dogs being placed on their property but just chasing across the property is different because it does not disturb wildlife that’s already there. So to require a permit from the state to participate in hound hunting is obscured when a hunting license is already purchased. If this is bill is passed what stipulations will be enforced on still hunters to make everything fair and not be discriminatory towards hound hunting. I do not support this bill and hope it will not be passed.

I am completely opposed to this bill please do not pass it.

Hi my name is Pam and I oppose hb1396

Please oppose this bill. Dog hunting is more than just a sport, family and friends come together to make memories that last a lifetime.

Please oppose HB1396.

I strongly oppose this !!! Why are mounted fox hunters exempt?

I have owned and raised hounds since I was 8yrs old. I now own land in 2 counties/districts. This is a way of life that has kept me off the streets, taught me responsibility and how to care selflessly for another one of god's creatures, my hounds. I want my children to now have the ability to experience this way of life. Hound complaints through the DWR were less than 3% of all calls fielded by the department in 2025. Let the subject knowledge experts control hunting and fishing regulations if needed, they have the data to make knowledgeable decisions. Thank you for your Opposition to HB1396

I am a resident of Loudoun County, Virginia, and I am writing to urge you to oppose HB1396. I am also an active hunter and a member of a hunting club in Surry County. Hunting is important to my family not only as a tradition, but as a responsible outdoor activity that supports conservation, land stewardship, and rural communities across the Commonwealth. After reviewing HB1396, I am concerned that it moves Virginia in the wrong direction and risks unintended consequences for lawful hunters and sporting organizations without demonstrating clear public benefit. Legislation that affects outdoor traditions and land use should be developed carefully and with meaningful input from those who are directly impacted. Loudoun County and rural counties like Surry face very different circumstances, and statewide mandates can overlook those realities. I believe policies should respect local conditions, private property rights, and long-standing, lawful activities such as hunting. For these reasons, I ask you to vote against HB1396 and to consider the perspectives of constituents like me who value responsible hunting and conservation.

Oppose HB 1396

I oppose of this bill I as a dog hunter pay more than my share already to hunt 1,000 dues and license fees, not mention the cause of food and vet bills for my animals. I have hunted here in Va all my life. I was hunting with my dad for me time. I was old enough to keep up with him in the woods been going probably since I was 5 years old I'll be 56 this year so that's about 51 years and I've been in the woods here in the state of Virginia. Dog hunting is a family tradition that rolls down through my family for several generations. In the area of the state that I hunt, we don't have too many issues with dog trespass got one complaint this year that I know of if trespass due to a misunderstanding. Where I hunt there is a close net community we all know each other our families lived in that area all there lives only a few out siders here doesn't take long before those folks end up like family except for a few that just rather stick to themselves. As a dog hunter I don't turn my dogs loose where there is posted land unless it has our clubs name on it our I have permission to from land owner. There are a few bad eggs in every bunch and you can't throw the whole bunch away just because there are a couple rotten ones here and there. The Right to retrieve law has been the main issue for sometime that has probably been the most common over the years the dog trespass has just started popping up in the last few years. Do you really want to do that because you can't just limit that to hunting dog when you have regular house dogs that run around free roaming all over the place getting into everything and it will chase a fur beering animal. So that means if your dog gets a loose and goes on somebody's property then you're held liable too for trespass. There are those that move to the country from the city that would like to implement City City ordinances or aspects into the country. Country living is completely different than City Life. If I was to move from the country I would have have to adapt to the city life. If you going to move to the city to the country then you need to adapt to the country life. Thank you for listening and please vote no on this bill. Mr. Bailey

Opposed to Hb 1396. This is not a logical solution to increase DWR funding and seems like it would pit hunters against each other. My family hunts in southeast and they say they never have problems.

Been hunting in Windsor area all of my life. I do not agree with HB1936 at all. I think this problem is more in Northern VA and they should handle it on the county level, not the whole state.

Alot of hunters live in my area. I hunt with family in Sussex county. We hunt with dogs responsibly and respect our neighbors. Please do not vote for this bill.

I oppose this bill HB1396

I oppose hb1396 please vote no on this bill thanks for your time.

I oppose hb1396 please vote no on this bill thanks for your time.

I oppose hb 1396

I oppose 1396

I ask that you vote no on hb1396 . This bill targets coon ,bear, and deer hunters. This is a direct attack on our dog hunting heritage. Thanks for reading this. Hopefully a wise and fair choice will be made.

Please OPPOSE HB1396

I oppose bill 1396, we pay enough taxes and enough to hunt as is. We do not need a permit to hunt more…… especially with local land owners who hunt their own property

As a kid I’ve always wanted to deer hunt, unfortunately my grandfather was too sick to take me by the time I got old enough. Luckily I met my future husband and was able to kill my first buck not even a month after his passing back in 2022. We take care of our dogs before we take care of ourselves, they are like family. They eat before we eat. I understand that not all hound owners are like that but please don’t let the tradition that has gone on for generations die because of some unlawful people. Thank you Kendall Hodges

Please oppose this bill , I find it unfair to have to hold a permit for hunting with hound.

I ask that you vote NO on HB1396

oppose hb1396 it just hurts law abiding hunters .

The tradition of hound hunting in rural Virginia has been passed down by many generations. Hound hunting is crucial to helping the farmers control crop damage, helping landowners with financial stability, reducing the number of vehicle accidents, and providing meat for Hunters for the Hungry. We respective the land and the animals we pursue. Many have painted negative images of us houndsman but in reality we are everyday family folks who love and care for hound hunting. Please oppose HB1396 and help protect hound hunting in Virginia for generations to come.

Please support this bill to protect land owners in Va. currently there are no laws for law enforcement to protect private and from the constant trespass we experience from hunting dogs and hunters

This bill run against all that I stand for

We as hound hunters Strongly object to Hb1396, Oppose

I am strongly opposed to this bill. Over the past two years, I have participated in hunting with hounds alongside my boyfriend, and through this experience I have come to understand that the hound hunting community is one of the most respectful, generous, and closely connected communities I have had the privilege to be part of. During this time, I have been fortunate to legally harvest two bears using hounds. Hounds are the foundation of bear hunting and are also essential in the pursuit of several other game species. This bill would create far more negative consequences than benefits. Law abiding hound hunters are not the issue, and the current regulations already address responsible hunting practices. It is also important to recognize that if a hound unintentionally enters private property, it is never done with intent, and ethical hunters do not continue to hunt in that area once it occurs. For these reasons, I respectfully but firmly oppose this bill and urge you to reconsider its broader impacts on responsible hunters and long standing hunting traditions

Oppose this bill. Not enforceable and will cause more conflict than now. I have hunted in Suffolk and Isle of Wight. I think the hound problem is over exaggerated and better solved locally.

I strongly oppose a permit for hound hunting . I do support a tag that cost the same as others black powder ,archery etc. Only a small percentage of people who hunt with hounds actually own them . In my experience and the clubs I’m affiliated with less than 20% of people who participate actually own dogs. If you had everyone who hunts with every type dog by this tag you would generate a lot of money that could be used for many things inside the state of Va. By doing this you would also have accurate numbers of how many people hunt with dogs. There is also a lot of organized deer clubs that have club hounds the state would be issuing one permit and missing out on all individuals who participate. Thank you chuck

I strongly oppose a permit for hound hunting . I do support a tag that cost the same as others black powder ,archery etc. Only a small percentage of people who hunt with hounds actually own them . In my experience and the clubs I’m affiliated with less than 20% of people who participate actually own dogs. If you had everyone who hunts with every type dog by this tag you would generate a lot of money that could be used for many things inside the state of Va. By doing this you would also have accurate numbers of how many people hunt with dogs. There is also a lot of organized deer clubs that have club hounds the state would be issuing one permit and missing out on all individuals who participate. Thank you chuck

I hunt in several counties in Va. HB1396 will hurt the hunting community overall. Oppose!

I oppose HB 1396. This bill is retaliatory and will not serve the intended purpose.

I fully support HB1396!

I strongly oppose HB1396. I have been hunting with hounds for 30 years in Buckingham county and have only had 1 negative experience with a landowner. It’s hard for me to believe this is such a large issue judging by the stats. HB1396 will negatively impact our heritage and sport. My suggestion would be to hire more DWR officers to handle the bad apples and leave the rest of us be. Thank you

Please oppose this bill. Hound hunting has been a way of life for many years. It’s been a part of my life since I was a little kid. Plan on passing the tradition down to my children.

I am writing as a concerned, law-abiding citizen of Virginia, as well as a proactive hunter and houndsman with over 30 years of experience. I respectfully urge you to oppose HB1396 which proposes that the Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) create a permit system for hunting with dogs. The permit would be required for hunting game, fur-bearing animals, or nuisance species with dogs and would cost $19 for new and renewal applications. Additionally, the bill would make it illegal to release a hunting dog onto or across private property without written permission from the landowner or occupant. As a lifelong houndsman, business owner serving the hound hunting community, and someone deeply invested in the proper care and management of hunting dogs, I believe we deserve the opportunity to preserve our sport. The current season framework has been established to balance tradition, conservation, and public interests, and it should be maintained as written. I respectfully ask that you consider the voices of experienced and responsible sportsmen across Virginia and oppose HB1396. Thank you for your time and service.

I oppose HB1396 Dog hunting should have been a second amendment right alongside with the right to bare arms

I strongly support HB1396. The current hunting laws in Virginia do not provide a remedy for the repeated and unwanted trespass of hound hunters or the release of hounds into and through private property over the objections of owners. It is especially a concern when there is a history of confrontations and intimidation by unethical hunters and hunt clubs. HB1396 provides for a permit system the same as other forms of hunting in Virginia and allows DWR to implement reasonable regulations to identify and deter criminal behavior from those who abuse the law. HB1396 does not impact the hound hunting traditions for those who hunt ethically where they have permission to do so. HB1396 is a step in the right direction to protect private property owners and long overdue.

I strongly opposed this bill 1396

My dad started dog hunting in Buckingham in 1961. He started taking me when I was 8 yrs old. This is a tradition that we have been passing on down. My boys are now 17 and have been going since they were 3 yrs old. Its more to dog hunting than just chasing game. Its more about spending time w family and friends that you would get together with if we didnt. Its something my kids look forward to and oh the stories they tell when they come back. Please don't take this tradition away from them!!!!!

I oppose bill 1396

I oppose bill 1396

I strongly oppose this bill. Please vote it down

I strongly oppose this bill. This is a way of life, you will starve communities. This method of hunting has been around before anyone making this decision was even a thought.

Please vote no to bill 1396. Hound hunting is a tradition that goes back generations in my family. We have always followed laws and been respectful to land owners and their property. Ultimately this bill will force many Virgina hound hunters to began hunting in surrounding states which in turn will cause a decrease in revenue in Virginia from hunting license purchases and all the other money hunters spend annually. The passing of this bill would hurt Virginia more than it would help!

I Strongly oppose this bill

I Strongly oppose this bill

I oppose bill 1396 it’s our right as hunters to enjoy the outdoors with our dogs and this bill is just about money that’s what everything is about

Hi, we strongly oppose this bill to stop hound hunting . We do not want our rights to hunt with hounds taken away. This has been our way of hunting for over 100 years or more.

I vehemently oppose this bill. It’s an ongoing attempt to interfere and ultimately eradicate a necessary and time honored tradition. Hound hunting’s historical roots are imbedded in Virginia. I have hunted with hounds for almost 50 years and have seen firsthand the evolution of the great sport. Have there been problems associated with hound hunting ? Absolutely. But what makes no sense with these annual bids to stop the sport, is that the vast majority of hound hunters abide and respect the current laws and in the last decade I have witnessed this only improving. I respectfully disagree with the bill and ask for strong opposition to it. Thank you for the time and consideration.

I would like to ask that the votes on hb1396 be a No. I along with other hunters already buy up to 9 permits every year so that I can enjoy the outdoors. A few years ago a new bear permit was issued adding another$20. What purpose does this new permit serve and who is gonna benefit if it's passed? When is enough enough?

I strongly oppose bill 1396 as this is a direct attack on the God given rights that we have. God created these animals to be used as a sporting animal. This is our heritage and this bill will make it impossible to keep our dogs safe. Again, I strongly oppose this bill.

It’s not fair that people can run dogs on private property and that I can’t do anything about it. The dog owners should be responsible for controlling their dogs when they hunt. I still hunt and nothing aggravates me more than hunting up in a tree stand and a group of dogs come running through the property I hunt and chase all the deer off and I can’t do anything about it.

I strongly oppose this bill we pay lots of money for hunting with our dogs and pay taxes on a lot of land for a way of life we love for only a couple months a year and we got people that come down from their big city life’s and try to ruin our way of life and we’re not going to stand for it. Go back to where you come from if you don’t like the way we live out here in god’s country. !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My name is Harvey Martin from Cartersville, VA in Cumberland County and I oppose Bill 1396. I have been a houndsman all my life as was my father before me. I hunt squirrel, rabbits, raccoons, deer, & bear all with dogs. I have always had a good relationship with landowners obtaining permission prior to hunting on their property and/or notifying them when I need access to the property to retrieve one of my dogs. My dogs are well cared for with appropriate housing, food, water, and veterinary care when needed. Please vote no on Bill 1396 to protect this Virginia tradition of dog hunting now and for future generations. Thank you, Harvey Martin

I oppose HB1396. I am a hunter and dog owner. I do not feel it is fair to buy yet one more license while already purchasing multiple each year for hunting. Dog owners are not the only ones who “drive” dogs. Other hunters also help with the joy and passion of “driving” dogs over multiple properties in a day’s worth of hunting. Lawful hunters do not release dogs onto other people’s property without permission. The hunted animals and the dogs that follow them, cannot read no trespassing signs or know property lines. Lawful hunters also ask permission to retrieve their dogs before entering private property. Hold the unlawful hunters and dog owners accountable and do not punish the masses. I know still hunters who fill their tags during archery and blackpowder and don’t mind shooting deer that dogs push onto their property during gun season. People need to realize the history that hound hunting means to Virginia. If you reduce the ability to hound hunt, you risk being able to control game population numbers and you will see the number of deer versus vehicle accidents rise.

I oppose this bill.

I am strongly opposed to HB1396. This bill is not needed. There are existing laws in place that need to be enforced.

As a Vriginia resident, registered voter, land owner in 3 counties across the Commonwealth and a licensed hunter, I respectfully ask that you vote NO on this bill. It is bad for Virginia's hunters and wildlife.

Please approve of Hb1396. On behalf of all private property owners who are fed up with the constant abuse of of our private property. I would like to point out to the general assembly, some of these folks in opposition of this bill are NOT EVEN RESIDENTS OR LANDOWNERS. RATHER THEY SIMPLY COME TO HUNT THEY SAY. Where do they hunt? Where ever that hound happens to run. Another thing I'd like to point out is the claim that those of us who approve of this bill are only "small acreage land owners who are trophy hunters. " That is not true at all. We are PRIVATE PROPERTY OWNERS WHO ARE SICK OF HAVING OUR CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS TRAMPLED ON BY THE HOUND HUNTING COMMUNITY. Wildlife belongs to everyone, but that doesn't mean deer hound hunters should be allowed to pursue game on property they don't have permission to be on. It doesn't make private property owners bad guys for wanting peace and quiet free from the neighbors hound dogs. It doesn't make the still hunter bad for simply wanting to be allowed to enjoy a day in his/her own woods without the intrusion of hounds. It's doesn't matter if you were born here or moved here, the bottom line is private property is private property. Those in opposition should take a good long look in the mirror... why do you oppose this common sense bill? Maybe because you know you have finally pushed too far? You know that your hobby involves trampling others constitutional right to private property that shall not be infringed upon. You know that a lot of you are not trying your best to keep hounds off property you don't have permission to be on. You know that there are a lot of hounds that are underfed, no proper vet care, abandoned hounds after the hunt, but the laws have always provided you with a handy loophole. And most of the local hunt clubs exploit that loophole. There is no logical reason for opposing this bill. It will not restrict hound hunting, only trespassing. The hounds need a way of being identified after the season to prevent abandoning the old/ sick/ injured/ or simply don't hunt good enough to make the cut. The narrative that they don't get abandoned is simply not true. The president of one of the local clubs who I won't name on here, said that after the season, the clubs take their unwanted hounds to each other's areas and turn them loose, that way they can't find their way back home . Those opposing this common sense bill look guilty a hell. No one can say that a permit that costs $19 is unduly burdensome. That is a minimal cost. The reason only certain groups of hound hunters are included in this bill is not discrimination, those mentioned are the ones who have over & over proved that the hound hunting needs to be regulated... this issue is not getting better as the hound community wants you to believe, It can only get worse from, unless some common sense bill gets passed . So please vote yes. We are tired of the name calling, the lies, the abuse, the threats, please say yes to common sense, say yes HB1396... Restore some rights to private property owners. This bill would also help the issue of shelters swamped with abandoned hounds. This is a huge problem, & the public outrage from the hound community shows you exactly what us landowners have to deal with. So please support Hb1396

I strongly oppose this bill. There are enough laws in place to protect everyone’s interest. Thank you

I oppose hb1396 it is an attack on our rights

I support bill HB1396. It is astonishing that this bill is even a debate. We live in country where private land should be, well you guessed it, private. Having said this, it is very ironic that most of the hound hunters fit the demographic of people that would be the first to argue this if they were not benefitting from their dogs going wherever they like. It makes absolutely no sense that, in rural Virginia, I am unable to allow my dogs remain on my private property to go to the bathroom without the fear of hunting hounds coming onto the private land and ripping them apart. This is just one example of what many people of rural Virginia have to be aware of during the season. The reason delegates do not ever pass laws for more regulations is due to them not having to deal with these things first-hand on an annual basis. I sure hope none of their pets are mauled by hunting hounds in their front yard. Dog hunters are saying that they are being discriminated against, when in reality they are just being held accountable with this law being passed. Please support this law, so all Virginians can enjoy their PRIVATE land to the fullest during ALL times of the year.

Please vote no to bill HB1396

VOTE YES. I have been hunting in Southside Virginia my entire life and have always had to end my season early due to the intrusion and lack of regulation that Va DWR has on dog hunting. I hunt a 116 acre private property that is surrounded by small dog hunting clubs that have no respect or ethics when it comes to respecting landowners and the game. I am unable to fully enjoy the land my family has worked so hard for during for 3 months out of the year due to the lack of regulation that our state department has. I am sick and tired of remaining quiet about this issue. There has to be compromise with more regulation in dog hunting and the RTR law has to be repealed. It’s not 1960 anymore, so our laws need to reflect the current state of hunting. I am sick of hearing that dogs cannot read posted signs, when this is an obvious statement that accomplishes nothing. The dog owner should be held responsible for the dog entering land they know cannot be retrieved from. The RTR law is making the dog owners not respect this tresspassing because they feel entitled to enter private land whenever they please. At that point the land is no longer private, it is now public land. Stop chasing dollar signs that dog hunter licenses bring in, and start doing the job of protecting the integrity and constitutional rights of the resources we all love.

I strongly appose this bill. This bill creates undue hardships on one particular type of hunter while leaving others who participate in other types of hunting unaffected. With GPS/training collars the only way a dog ends up on the land of others is due to fact the dog is disobeying a command to return to owner or stop via the controller. Hound hunters do not want there hounds where they cannot hunt any more than the landowners who don't want them there. Make it a requirement to run gps/training collars punish the overwhelming majority of hunters who obey law and landowners wishes

Vote no

Delegates, I want to add the following reasons to justify this legislation. King William County has repeatedly had an issue with abandoned hounds. No collars, No way of holding a owner accountable. The dogs do not have required ID tags or collars. Often times the collars are removed from the dogs and the dogs are culled (abandoned). For several years I have had dogs running and chasing deer on my property without my permission. I have sent multiple Calls for Service to the DWR for 5 years. I have had a Conservation Pokice Officer on my property while hounds were running on my property during one of those calls for service. This year although it was significantly less, there were still instances of dogs on my property including during archery season that I reported to the Department Of Wildlife Resources Wild Crime email and via phone. News Articles: King William animal shelter pleads for hunters not to abandon dogs https://share.google/MzXeQ9nuMtZuV0Ai4 Local shelters expect to fill following hunting season – The Virginian-Pilot https://share.google/X5v4QBmCYRg5I9kB4 Virginia shelter makes emotional plea: 'Do not dump your dogs' https://share.google/my4reQaeV2IIdxBjC 2022: King William animal shelter in ‘crisis mode’ amid troubled partnership with neighboring county – The Virginian-Pilot https://share.google/Wnhtsb0ORETvfkN7X Attached you will see a screenshot of an abandoned hound and her puppies. This is a systemic problem that needs to be addressed. V/R Raymond Carter SFC (Retired) Operation Enduring Freedom Veteran, Voter, Landowner, Hunter, VCDL Member, GOA Member, NRA Life of Duty Member, Quail Forever Member,

I Do NOT Support HB1396. The DWR has shown that complaints are down and why would Mounted Hound Hunters Be excluded?

I strongly oppose hb 1396 . The trophy hunters is the main reason this bill is brought up. We as dog hunters only get 3 months a year to hunt.99 percent of the people pushing this bill is trophy hunters. They don’t want my dogs to run across there property. But they don’t mind shooting a trophy buck if it walks off my property. Dog hunting has been a strong tradition for hundreds of years. I have been running dogs for 51 years.never had no trouble with land owners till people started trophy hunting. There convinced they can raise trophy bucks on 5 acres.i have nothing against trophy hunting as long as they leave me alone. In all reality if we cant get along and enjoy different types of hunting. We all will become easy targets for the anti hunting groups. And from what i have seen the most is the complaining comes from people moving into areas saying they like it so good. But then they start to bring there way of thinking in and start fussing.

I strongly oppose HB1936. This is an all out attempt to stop hound hunting for trophy deer hunters. They think they can manage trophy deer on 5 acres of land. They don’t want a dog to cross their property but have no problem shooting a buck that comes off the neighbors property. Have been hound hunting for the most of my life and never had problems till trophy hunters come along. So why are you attempting to stop my way of hunting? Once again I strongly oppose HB1936 for the future of hounds.

Just all about money when we already pay more than we should a bill like this shouldn’t even be put on a desk or even come to a vote

I urge you to pass bill HB1396 for the well. Being of landowners. There needs to be some control of Hound hunters who currently turn dogs loose anywhere. Trespassing under the stupid right to retrieve status. During deer season I have no control of my land. I have hounds on my 74 acres everyday even before season commences. It ruins my Bowhunting, My muzzleloader season and all of gun season. Its not unreasonable to expect better control of dogs, and hunters. Every dog should be marked, and chipped so there is no doubt of ownership. The technology is here to keep better control of dogs. Restricting hound trespassing and forcing individuals to hunt on orderly where they have permission, and not on my property or neighbors land. If you can afford to lease land, spend thousands on collars and trucks, then this should not be a burden. I would love to have " the right" to hunt on my own property w/out the constant pack of hounds chasing through it! Please pass this bill!!

I hunt in Virginia I like for you to oppose this bill thanks

Not for this

SUPPORT HB1396 I wanted to share a perspective on the on going debate around hound hunting regulations in Virginia. Much of the opposition, particularly the VAHDA lobby, has framed this issue through a “fear of loss” narrative—emphasizing what hunters think they might lose if HB1396 passes. While fear is a powerful motivator, it is not a reliable guide for policy. The loudest voices often amplify perceived threats, whether or not those threats are real. Reacting solely to panic risks overcorrection and leaves legitimate concerns unaddressed. What we need is a solution that works for landowners, hound hunters, and the broader community, not decisions driven by emotional reaction. HB1396 provides exactly that: it gives hound hunters clear accountability, ensures hounds are identifiable (this practice is already being used in field trials), and restores control to those whose property is affected. It addresses the real issues without succumbing to exaggerated fears. By focusing on facts and practical outcomes, we can move beyond panic of “heritage erasing” and create a system that benefits everyone responsibly. I urge you to see beyond the “fear of loss” messaging and recognize HB1396 for what it truly is: a balanced, effective solution that protects both heritage and property rights.

All this is about is money

Please support HB1396, as a hunter and private landowner it is time for regulation regarding the use of dogs for running deer in Virginia. As a landowner I have no recourse to address hound hunters utilizing my property by allowing their dogs to enter my property, which they don't have permission to hunt. Requiring dog hunters to keep dogs off of property where they are not allowed or wanted is a fair compromise that respects landowner rights and the ability to enjoy the property they own and allow for hound hunters to run hounds on land they have permission to do so on. Virginia is one of the few states in the country to still allow deer hunting with dogs and due to changing land use and ownership it is time for regulation around this form of hunting.

We as hunters are overtly concerned with HB1396. The vast majority of us would never even consider turning our hounds loose onto or even near private property. In fact, other than the deer clubs in eastern VA, most of us hunt miles from private property on national forest / public land and are landowners ourselves. We are concerned as to what the bill and utilizing these permits could open up in the future. For example: losing our right to retrieve our hounds or even worse, eventually losing our right to hunt with hounds.  We have permits , they are hunting licenses and anything additional such as hounds permits is nothing more than the start of the end to our way of life. Unfortunately, there are times the quarry being pursued does end up running onto private property many miles from where we turned them loose on a track. It is always nerve racking when the dogs get the quarry caught or treed on private property. We do not want to be there anymore than the people who do or do not want us there. When this happens, all we want to do is simply get our hounds and get them and our families home safe and sound. It is extremely uncommon to have a problem after contacting a landowner and asking them for permission to go onto their property and retrieve our hounds. Most of the time they help us and even open their property up for us to drive in and get as close to the dogs as possible prior to walking into them. No one hears about all the good interactions between houndsman and landowners. In the rare occurrence we do have a problem, we contact the DNR and a game warden comes and will escort us to retrieve our dogs.  Our dogs are family and our lives literally revolve around caring for them 365 days a year. When considering bear hunting with hounds, we  have 2 months of training and 1 month of hunting season. The other 9 months of the year we are unable to hunt our dogs. I am a local veterinarian in Giles County, Va  that has cared for 100s and probably closer to a 1000 of hunting dogs. My clients are as good of people as one will find. I am also an avid hunter, outdoorsman, and houndsman myself. Hound hunting in Virginia is overtly important for our state economically,agriculturally, and for managing our wildlife. Approximately 85% of the annual black bear harvest is accomplished by utilizing hounds. This is the only efficient way to manage the black bear population and without it, it would be detrimental to our state and our wildlife. We care about our hounds, lifestyle, and most importantly the quarry that we chase through these Appalachian mountains more than words can describe. Hound hunting is our life, it is what we do and ingrained in our DNA. If you havent been, please come and go and I promise you that your outlook will change if you oppose it. These permits will accomplish nothing., please help us protect our way of life. Thank you again for your time. Sincerely,  Garrett Bailey, DVM  540-599-7089

I would like for hb 1396 to be nay this should not happen

My name is Kayla Davis, and I respectfully and strongly oppose HB1396.

I oppose this bill.

I oppose HB 1396 plus any other bills pertaining to hunting dogs !

As a 6th generation Virginian, lifelong outdoorsman and wooded acreage landowner in Nelson County, I oppose HB1396. We already have hunting licenses in place, no need for a dog permit. This bill would place unnecessary hoops, cost and admin burdens on sportsman who use dogs for hunting. We do not need this. Vote no to HB1396.

My name is Hunter Davis, and I respectfully and strongly oppose HB1396.

Please oppose this bill

My name is Heath Hyatt. I am a houndsman, lifelong outdoorsman, law enforcement officer, professional K9 trainer and handler and law-abiding sportsman from Southwest Virginia. I am writing today to respectfully oppose HB 1396, which, as currently written, poses serious challenges to lawful hound hunting in our state. First, the wording of this bill is problematic. It singles out dogs used to pursue fur-bearing animals, while not imposing the same restrictions on other hunting dogs. (Fox hounds, Water Fowl, Bird dogs and Tracking dogs) This unequal treatment unfairly targets a long-standing and responsible hunting tradition without justification. Second, hound hunting is unpredictable by nature. The dogs follow the game, and no hunter can control where a race may end. Requiring written permission for dogs to be on every parcel of private property is simply impossible in practice. It creates a scenario where hunters and dogs could inadvertently be in violation of the law, even when acting responsibly on a daily bases. This is a unrealistic expectation to know where every chase will end. Additionally, HB 1396 directly conflicts with Virginia’s right-to-retrieve laws. These laws allow hunters to retrieve their dogs when they cross onto private property without intent to trespass. Under this bill, a dog pursuing game could be treated as trespassing, placing the hunter in legal jeopardy for actions they neither intended nor could prevent. As a professional dog trainer with 21 years training Police K9s, stopping hounds mid-chase to prevent traveling onto private property is not the simple, it harms the dogs’ drive, behavior, and overall mentality. This is not a responsible or humane practice. It’s important to recognize that hunters cannot control where game animals travel. Hounds are trained to follow the chase, and if the game naturally moves onto private land, the hunter may inadvertently follow. In many cases, the land in question is simply part of the animal’s normal range. Virginia has changed over the years, but our hunting traditions have endured for generations. Each year, we see legislation that challenges our heritage, often without necessity. HB 1396, in its current form, threatens to erode a cultural and rural tradition that is not only lawful but deeply tied to conservation, land stewardship, and our rural way of life. I urge you to oppose HB 1396, Virginia’s hunting traditions are rooted deep within our culture. Respecting property laws, that are already on the books (18.2-132.1) avoids penalizing responsible sportsmen. Thank you for your time, your service, and your consideration of this important matter. Respectfully, Heath Hyatt

Please oppose this bill and keep hound hunting legal in Virginia

I am writing an opposition to House Bill 1396. I am an opposition to this bill for many different reasons. I am a private land owner of more than 40 acres in Virginia. This may be a small plot of land, but I do understand private land ownership in Virginia. I am also an avid hunter, I hunt many different seasons with many different methods. One of which is dog hunting for bear. My first reason for opposition to this bill is the fact that it is selective in its application to only a portion of the hunters that utilize dogs to hunt with. There are several species of game in Virginia in which dogs are utilized to pursue. It is unjust to single out a portion of hunters to apply law to while at the same time exempting others. My second reason for opposition to this bill is there is a small group of private land owners that are in opposition to hound hunting. The fact that there are a minor number of citations written to individuals compared to the total number of individuals actually hunting. Shows that statewide this is not a major problem that requires additional legislation. My third reason for opposition to this bill is. Increased legislation designed to hamper hunting in Virginia by any means, will have the effect of decreasing Hunter participation. Hunting licenses sales have been on decline for years. The Department of wildlife resources already has funding issues. This bill will only exasperate that problem. My fourth reason for opposing this bill is that increased legislation will require more of law-enforcement time to enforce unneeded legislation. The Department of wildlife resources law-enforcement officers are already spread thin and overburdened with their current obligations. For the multiple reasons listed above, I oppose this bill. Thank you for consideration, Richard Hite

I respectfully ask that you oppose HB1396. Using dogs to hunt deer (as well as other game) is the most effective and time-tested method for managing the herd. Using hounds allows hunters to safely and efficiently harvest deer to help control populations that contribute to crop damage, vehicle collisions, and ecological imbalance. Restricting or discouraging this method of hunting would undermine a proven wildlife management practice that supports landowners, farmers, and public safety. Hunting with hounds is also a fun and exciting activity that has been a tradition since the beginning of our Commonwealth. It has been the source of many memories made, provided for many servings food (for hunters themselves and also donations to organizations such as Hunters for the Hungry), and supported the economy of many rural localities. Finally, there are already regulations that address the concerns raised with this bill. Again, I respectfully ask that you oppose HB1396.

It's about time VA holds dog hunters accountable for allowing their dogs to run free. I fully support this bill, but hope that one day VA will FULLY recognize my property rights to include holding hunters criminally liable for trespass of them and their dogs if they are on my property for any reason without my permission. This is at least a step forward to recognizing that the hobby of a few people should not be allowed to I fringe on the rights of property owners.

HB1396 I do not support.

Invasives should be pulled or killed by herbicide and not be permitted to be sold in nurseries

I strongly oppose this bill.

I oppose HB1396.

Chair and Members of the Committee, My name is Jay Fox and I respectfully submit this testimony in opposition to House Bill 1396, based on its treatment of dogs entering private property without permission, the practical difficulty of enforcement, and the bill’s vague and overly broad criteria for permit revocation. First, HB 1396 fails to account for the realities of animal behavior. Even when handlers act responsibly and release dogs lawfully on permitted land, dogs may momentarily cross onto adjacent property without intent, direction, or knowledge of the handler. The bill does not meaningfully distinguish between intentional trespass and incidental presence, exposing individuals to penalties for conduct beyond their reasonable control. This approach creates an imbalance in property-rights protections by regulating lawful activity on private land while ignoring the inherent limitations of controlling animals. Existing trespass and property-damage laws already provide remedies for intentional or harmful conduct. HB 1396 instead imposes new penalties without requiring proof of intent or actual harm. Second, the bill presents serious enforcement challenges. Determining whether a dog was intentionally released onto unauthorized property, how long it remained there, or whether the handler had effective control would often rely on speculation rather than objective evidence. This invites inconsistent enforcement, neighbor-driven complaints, and subjective decision-making, placing conservation officers in an untenable position and undermining public confidence in fair application of the law. Finally, I strongly oppose the bill’s permit revocation provisions, which could grant the Department broad discretion to revoke permits based on ill-defined standards. When revocation can be triggered by alleged violations tied to uncontrollable animal behavior or disputed factual circumstances, permit holders are left without clear guidance on how to remain in compliance. Permits that can be revoked based on ambiguous or incidental events create uncertainty, discourage lawful participation in traditional activities, and expose Virginians to the loss of privileges without clear due process safeguards. For these reasons, I respectfully urge the Committee to reject HB 1396.

I oppose this bill, I am 85 yrs old, and a property owner that joins Nf. Plus other private lands. This bill discriminates against hound hunters. No hound hunter intends for the dogs to end up on private property, if does happen every avenue is exhausted to try and contact the land owner. Most of time if hound ends up on private property is because communication to hound GPS system is lost for various technical reasons that are uncontrollable. There were total of 15 incidents were citations could be issued out of approximately 80k of bear hunters. It does not seem to me hound hunting is a real issue? Seems to me another witch hunt to end another Va. Family tradition. We do not need another fee to hunt. There are no other laws that prohibit animals from trespassing on private property from pets to farm animals. I hope that everyone involved in this bill would oppose it. We already have the right to retrieve . Thank you L.S. Austin

I stand in opposition to HB1396. While I do not doubt that a select few have violated a conservation offense, this blanket attack on the majority of responsible hunters is beyond the scope of reason. Forcing your constituents to enroll in a pay to play program is unconstitutional and an attempt to overrule the foundation of freedom that is clearly written in Artice XI, section 4 our states lovely constitution. I find it absolutely abhorrent that a select few within our general assembly truly wants to strip Virginians of this constitutional right. As intelligent as folks lay claim to be, there are most certainly other avenues to address complaints and concerns. A good starting point would be the direct job task of the 200 plus conservation officers across the state. Let the current laws and the ones employed to enforce it correct the problem.

I fully support HB1396 and I seek your support also.

Please oppose this bill.

1396 I oppose the bill

I oppose this bill and ask that you do the same.

As an avid outdoorsman I strongly oppose HB1396

The out law of dog hunting . We have have a lot of problems with them not considering how rude and dangerous it is by going on peoples property’s and causing problems and I’ve had numerous problems with them with not having respect and dropping dogs on property that they don’t have permission illegally hunting on other’s property’s it’s out of control they need to ither ban or put higher restrictions on dog hunting I personally and know a lot of people who want it banned

I oppose HB1396. Hunting with hounds is a long-standing family and community tradition in Virginia and plays an important role in wildlife management and conservation. While there are always a few individuals who do not follow existing laws, the vast majority of hunters do so responsibly and already work to protect land, wildlife, and neighbor relationships. Creating new permitting requirements punishes responsible families, houndsmen, and communities rather than addressing isolated issues. Please vote no on HB1396 and protect Virginia’s hunting heritage.

Please vote NO on HB1396. Under section A: the permit application is an open attack on the possibility of requirement for having permit issued. As houndsmen/houndswomen we are already having to purchase a license in order to hunt the game species of our choice now you're asking for the removal of that right only to charge for that right to be returned. Section B. The intentional act of hunting the private property of another without oral or written permission is already against the regulations of Virginia. And the exemptions of the permit when the use of dogs by particular groups should not allowed. I have had the privilege of introducing youth and new individuals to the sport of hound hunting over the years. This permit would only limit the new comers into our wonderful sport .

I oppose this bill because i think it is un constuntional and against our rights as houndsman Houndsman and hound hunting was formed way before any other season was and i am here to protect it in any way we should not have to buy a permit our hunting licenses and bear tag already covers us please stop trying to ruin a hunting heritage

I strongly oppose HB1396 VOTE NO

I strongly disagree with this bill!

Please vote no on bill hb1396

I ask that you oppose HB1396. These bills would end hound hunting which is a long standing tradition in VA. I have been in law enforcement for 38 years and have seen a lot of trouble youth. Many of which didn't have the opportunity to grow up in a family that hunted. Kids who take to the woods, rarely take to the streets. I have been hunting with hounds since I was 7 years old. It taught me many things about life in general. Working together, planning, family values, love of nature and love of man's best friend...the dog. Sure, there may still be "still" hunting but today's youth get bored quickly and just like me, may not stick to it as long as most would stick with hound hunting. Once hunting with hounds is gone, hunting in general will follow. And when its all gone, so goes the valuable life lessons it teaches. I ask you to oppose these bills for the potential of the future of a Virginia tradition and most importantly, our future youth. Thank you, J. Kevin Schmitt Campbell County, VA

Voting no on this bill it is unfair to houndsman who do things the right way

Please vote no on bill HB1396. This is a tradition that me and my family much like many others enjoy. This is family and friends time we look forward to every year.

Oppose this bill , I completely understand the private landowners who have had problems with (bad apples) but don’t believe that introducing a new bill or law will help with those (bad apples) this will only put strain on the hunters that try to do things correctly. For many instances that have been noted of hound hunter / property owner problems there are already laws in place that take care of the issue but I continue to see the same people on social medias and even here talking about how big of a problem they have my question is why were charges not filed and convictions handed down for those instances the laws are there to do this. Instead we bring new bills to the table to attack the hound hunters. This type of legislation does not help. There are far greater things that we should be focusing on in the state today so please oppose this bill.

I oppose HB 1396

I respectfully ask that you all oppose HB 1396. There were approximately 163 alleged violations concerning hunters using dogs during the fall 2025 hunting season, STATEWIDE! There are over 260,000 licensed hunters in Virginianot counting landowners, tenant, family etc that do not require license. The minimal complaints exemplify mostly good behavior in the dog hunting community. Thanks you!

Please vote no on this bill. This bill would make hound hunting, a heritage passed along for many generations, almost impossible.

I opposed hb1396 and ask you dismiss this bill

This bill should be dismissed all the way .It is an injustice act to me an other hounds man across the state and to not only the hunter but to the man’s best friend his hounds!!!!! Thanks from me an thousands of hounds men across the state. Please don’t PASS THIS BILL ITS A INJUSTICE!!!!!

Please oppose HB1396!!!

I am writing to urge you to vote in favor of HB 1396, which would establish a reasonable and fair system for ensuring accountability and responsibility on the part of those who wish to hunt with dogs. In addition to creating an overwhelming and expensive animal welfare problem for Virginia shelters with the abandonment of hundreds (if not thousands) of hunting hounds every year, many hunters who use dogs disregard the private property rights of their neighbors, creating a nuisance for which there is currently little recourse. During the years I lived on 50 acres of posted property in Fluvanna County, my peaceful enjoyment of the land was routinely disturbed by hunting dogs chasing animals through the property and hunters “just retrieving.” This legislation is a step in the right direction toward ensuring that landowners can protect their property rights.

I respectfully disagree with this bill and ask you vote no

I strongly oppose this bill. Beyond the obviously successful wildlife management tool that hound hunting has been for generations, it also provides economic benefits to areas that otherwise have limited economic opportunities. Take me personally for example. I traveled into Virginia and spent thousands of dollars into a rural economy over the course of a few days. I plan on repeating this trip many times in the future. The only reason I make this trip and spend this money is because of the opportunity to hunt with hounds. This bill is a big step in effectively eliminating hunting with hounds. Simply put, this bill will hurt wildlife management and hurt the people of Virginia. Therefore, I hope you all properly educate yourselves on the details of why hound hunting is beneficial and then strongly oppose this bill.

We ask that you vote no on hb1396, the anti dog hunting bill. Every year we fight this same fight with senators like Marsden. This is a monetization bill, charging more for license and causing hound trespass. It also only singles out a portion of dog hunters. Deer,bear, and raccoon. Which all need population control, raccoons are one of the biggest nest robbers in the woods, killing and stealing thousands of turkey eggs annually.

HB1396 I strongly oppose. Please vote no.

I oppose hb1396

I oppose HB1396, please vote NO.

After reading this proposal, HB1396, I found it to be discriminatory against hound hunters. Hound hunters shouldn’t have to buy an extra permit just because we hunt differently than others. Hound hunters face enough controversy as it is and instead should be recognized for the management of game and population regulations of whitetail deer, black bear, and raccoons. These wildlife species affect human lives by the threat of vehicle collisions, rabies, and dangerous interactions. These threats will only be increased if and when hound hunting and hunting in general decreases. Additionally, this permit is just a tactic by opposing views trying to discourage hound hunting and new hound hunters.

I strongly oppose HB1396

Please vote NO on this insane permit.

I oppose this bill for the following reasons. Over 50% of deer statewide are taken using dogs, probably 75% in southeastern Virginia where I live. I own a small farm and manage a very large one, crop damage from deer is a major concern and if we have 25% less deer taken, a potential disaster. I also live in a rural area and deer are already a serious traffic hazard. Just in my area several people have been injured in deer/vehicle collisions and a motorcyclist killed. The most recent insurance company information states that the average damage to a vehicle in a collision with deer is $20,000.00, if allowed to proliferate more, it will cause the cost to insure a vehicle to increase.

Please oppose this bill. Vote NO.

This is a bill I’m strongly against and my vote in the next election will reflect how this goes

Please vote NO no on this bill

I oppose this bill

Please vote this bill down!