Hunting dogs may trespass in Virginia — for now

The Washington Times ^ | 7-25-07 | Gene Mueller

[JZelle]

By the coming fall, the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries wants to have a plan to address growing concerns from users of hunting dogs and complaints by property owners regarding the running of hounds across their lands. The result could have a devastating effect on dog owners but also could bring relief to landowners who have had to watch helplessly as strange dogs entered their properties, urged on by various hunting parties.

I know a little about this. A relative of mine lives on several hundred beautiful acres in Floyd County, west of the Blue Ridge. There are times when hounds, sporting painted-on numbers, run all over his pastures and woods, and he has no legal right to stop them, though you would think the law would be on his side. Not so in Virginia.

Not long ago, Florida and Georgia enacted new regulations to govern hunting organizations that use dogs. Is Virginia in line to do the same?

[SWAMPSNIPER]

ping

[KarlInOhio]

What if I put up a sign:

This yard protected by Michael Vick?

[OB1kNOb]

Thanks for posting. Bookmark

[Resolute Conservative]

S.S.S.

[xcamel]

Ditto - what can’t run, doesn’t.

[Beagle8U]

Unless the hunters are hunting on the property I don’t see the problem. Dogs can’t read signs and if the hounds “Tree” on private property the hunters should have the right to collect their dogs as long as they leave their gun before going after them.

I wish there were some hound hunters around my area to kill some of the stinking raccoons on my place.

[Publius6961]

I know a little about this. A relative of mine lives on several hundred beautiful acres in Floyd County, west of the Blue Ridge.

I have no dog in this hunt, but the wording here caused me to stop reading another "it's all about me" liberal.
He might have made a good case, too!

[cinives]

It’s never a good idea to get the gov’t involved. This is likely a dispute between former city slickers and longtime hunters which would be resolved easily if the city slicker learned some country manners.

A simple walk outside and a chat with the offending dog owners should do the trick, or just post the property for no hunting and enforce it.

[org.whodat]

Not so in Virginia.

Wrong if the farmer says the dogs are bothering his domestic animals and/or endangering them they can be put down.

[Beagle8U]

“A simple walk outside and a chat with the offending dog owners should do the trick, or just post the property for no hunting and enforce it.”

I read the full article and it sounded to me that a city snob didn’t like that hunting dogs came on his property and barked.

I doubt its about actual hunting on his private property.

In most states you can’t hunt without permission but dogs may cross private land and hunters have a right to retrieve them if they are unarmed and not in pursuit of game.

City snobs should stay in the city or learn to deal with hunting dogs that may cross their property line.

[cinives]

I’ve fox hunted and beagled and basseted for years across all kinds of private land in PA, NJ, MD, DE and VA. In almost all cases we have the prior permission of the landowner, we respect any restrictions they impose, we are careful around fences gates and livestock, and the landowners so obliging get free membership to the hunt.

There have been a few cases over the years where land has changed hands and the master or huntsman didn’t get a chance to meet with the new landowner prior to a previously scheduled hunt, but those situations were resolved in a very friendly manner with just a visit or phone call.

I see it as you do - the new owner is probably a lawyer who would be happier if the back 40 were paved over and traffic lights installed.

[festus]

Is there going to be an exemption for using the dogs to hunt hippies ?