The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) is accepting public feedback during its 2026–2027 Wildlife Regulations Public Input Period on proposed changes for the 2027–2028 hunting seasons.
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This opportunity comes only once every two years, making your participation especially important.
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For landowners dealing with unwanted deer and bear hunting dogs on their property, this is an opportunity to share concerns, recommend changes, and explain how current regulations affect their ability to peacefully enjoy their land.
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VPRA has identified four key areas of concern and provided suggested talking points to help you get started.
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Your property. Your rights. Your voice. Make it heard!
VPRA Areas of Focus for Virginia Landowners
VPRA has identified four concerns frequently raised by landowners regarding unwanted deer and bear hound hunting. We've provided suggested language for both questions on DWR's submission form:
01 | Require Landowner Permission
Desired regulation change:
Regulate deer and bear hound hunting so that it only takes place on land where permission has been granted.
Primary concern requiring desired change:
Private property owners must have the ability to control what occurs on their land. Packs of deer and bear hounds crossing boundaries without consent, chasing wildlife, and disturbing landowners is unacceptable.
02 | Address Repeated Trespass
Desired regulation change:
Provide relief to landowners who are subject to habitual hunting dog trespass through meaningful and enforceable regulations.
Primary concern requiring desired change:
Private property owners should have the right to decide whether hunting activity occurs on their land. Property rights and landowner consent should be fundamental principles of Virginia's wildlife regulations.
03 | Establish Permits
Desired regulation change:
Create a permit system that would hold owners accountable for their hunting dogs when they enter land they don't have permission to hunt.
Primary concern requiring desired change:
Registration would improve accountability and help identify dogs involved in repeated trespass or other incidents.
04 | Allow Accurate Reporting
Desired regulation change:
Allow landowners to report multiple dog trespass events in a single day instead of only once per 24-hour period.
Primary concern requiring desired change:
DWR cannot understand the true scope of the problem if landowners are prevented from reporting what actually happens on their property.
How to Submit Your Comments
Participating is straightforward, and you can submit comments on more than one issue.
Before submitting, please remember:
- One regulation change per form. Submit a separate form for each change you'd like DWR to consider.
- 500 characters per response field. Keep your recommendations clear and concise.
- Explain why the change matters. Share real-life examples of how current regulations affect your property, your safety, or your ability to peacefully enjoy your land.
- Don't limit yourself to VPRA's four focus areas. Additional ideas and personal experiences are welcome.
Deadline: All comments must be submitted by November 18, 2026.
Remember... Your Property. Your Rights. Your Voice.
Virginia's landowners deserve to have their concerns heard and considered when wildlife regulations are reviewed.
Please take a few minutes to participate, and share this opportunity with friends, neighbors, and fellow landowners.
Thank you for standing with the Virginia Property Rights Alliance and helping bring attention to the issues affecting private property owners across the Commonwealth.