Senate panel advances substitute to create permit process for hunting with hounds A Senate subcommittee voted to report a substitute to HB1396 after testimony from hunters, landowners, shelters and the Department of Wildlife Resources. The substitute directs DWR to craft permit rules, includes civil penalties, and sets a 2027 regulatory deadline.

A Senate subcommittee has taken a significant step toward regulating hunting with hounds in Virginia, sparking a heated debate between supporters seeking accountability and opponents fearing restrictions.

Click to read more!

#VA #CitizenPortal #VirginiaHunting #PublicSafety #WildlifeRegulation

House subcommittee advances bill to let DWR create permit for hunting with hounds, removes criminalization language A House subcommittee reported HB 13‑96 with a substitute that creates a Department of Wildlife Resources permit for hunting with hounds, removes a previously proposed criminalized provision, adds exemptions (including public lands) and requires DWR to adopt regs; the committee approved the measure after amendments and public testimony for and against.

Virginia's House subcommittee has taken a significant step towards regulating hunting with hounds by advancing a new permit system, while removing controversial criminalization language that has sparked fierce debate among hunters.

Learn more here

#VA #CitizenPortal #VirginiaHunting

Senate subcommittee declines to advance Reeves season-substitute that would stagger hound hunting to protect rut Senator Reeves proposed a substitute to create an early muzzleloader period, a moratorium on hound hunting during the rut, and a one-week extension for hound hunting; after substantial testimony from hunting organizations and landowners the motion to report to full committee failed on a 1–4 vote.

Senator Reeves' proposal to adjust hunting seasons has sparked intense debate, balancing the needs of hunters and landowners against the backdrop of wildlife conservation.

Get the details!

#VA #WildlifeManagement #VirginiaHunting #HuntingRegulations #CommunityInput #CitizenPortal