History & Background
The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) carries a heavy responsibility to manage the Commonwealth's wildlife and enforce hunting laws. Yet, for many Virginia landowners, the agency's oversight of deer and bear hound hunting has raised serious questions about the protection of private property. For nearly two decades, the tension between traditional deer and bear hound hunting and the fundamental rights of property owners has been a focal point of debate. Navigating these complexities requires an honest look at the history, the current legal framework, and the steps needed to ensure a fair and safe environment for all.
The Facts on Deer & Bear Hound Hunting:
DWR & VPRA Timeline
2008: The VDGIF Process Begins
The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (now DWR) initiated a statewide stakeholder process to identify and address the growing conflicts between hound hunting and private property owners. The findings highlighted significant concerns over repeated trespassing and the lack of hunter accountability.
2015–2020: Incremental Reports
DWR released multiple reports following internal reviews, confirming that the conflicts remained unresolved. Despite technological advances in dog tracking, landowner complaints regarding unauthorized access and safety concerns continued to climb.
2023: The Stakeholder Advisory Committee
A formal Stakeholder Advisory Committee was convened to evaluate regulatory solutions. The process documented a fundamental disagreement between property rights advocates and traditional hound groups, underscoring the need for legislative intervention.
2024: Final Report and Board Action
Building on the 2023 findings, a final report was issues addressing conflicts between deer and bear hound hunters and private landowners.
The Board of Wildlife Resources subsequently considered proposals and recommendations related to those conflicts.
2025: Regulatory Review
DWR continues to review its regulatory framework under increasing public pressure. The demand for a modern, effective oversight system that respects private property rights reaches an all-time high as more landowners document conflicts.
2026: HB 1396 — A Step Forward, But Not Far Enough
During the 2026 legislative session, VPRA mobilized landowners to ensure their voices were heard. VPRA proposed HB 1396, legislation establishing a statewide permitting system.
The bill made meaningful progress in the General Assembly, passing the Virginia House of Delegates before ultimately being continued in the Senate.
That was progress — but it fell short of the change Virginia landowners need. HB 1396 demonstrated that meaningful reform is possible and that there is growing recognition that Virginia's current approach to deer & bear hunting with dogs deserves another look.
Looking Ahead & Building on Progress
We have gained ground, but the fight for your land is far from finished.
VPRA is now channeling the lessons learned through HB 1396 to secure private property rights for Virginia landowners in the 2027 session. Join us!
DWR Primary Sources
VPRA believes advocacy is strongest when it is grounded in primary sources. The documents below allow landowners, legislators, policymakers, hunters, and members of the public to review the underlying information for themselves:
A comprehensive technical document detailing the stakeholder process and strategic pathways for resolving hunting conflicts.
Summary of the Stakeholder Survey and Interviews: Completed August 2023
The definitive 2024 report addressing core conflicts and presenting final recommendations to the Board of Wildlife Resources.
Official documentation and presentation materials submitted for Board consideration regarding regulatory changes.
Hound-Hunters & Private Landowners Stakeholder Advisory Committee Status Updates
Access the latest updates and progress reports from the stakeholder advisory committee regarding hound hunting board actions.
The legal analysis, “Hunting for Meaningful Boundaries: Virginia's Dog Retrieval Statute and Defining Per Se Regulatory Takings Under Cedar Point,” is a must-read for landowners, hunters, and anyone who values respecting property lines while enjoying hunting traditions.
Virginia Law
Understanding these specific statutes is critical for Virginia landowners who want to protect their property rights and hold trespassers accountable.
The foundational law regarding unauthorized entry onto private property. In Virginia, trespassing after being forbidden to do so, either orally or in writing, is a Class 1 misdemeanor.
This Virginia law addresses the intentional release of hunting dogs onto another person’s posted property without the landowner’s consent.
This controversial provision allows hunters to retrieve their dogs from private land without permission, though it does not authorize the hunter to carry weapons during retrieval.
Contains the comprehensive regulatory framework governing the Department of Wildlife Resources, specifically defining the agency's powers to manage game and enforcement authority.
Legal information on this website is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for legal advice.