ORIGINAL: Vabowman
Im growing tired of this arguement. Guys it's simple....we are understaffed in this part of Va when it comes to wardens, not enough around and that's why dogs are dropped in the off season. The solution is also simple. Just simply don't run your dogs in the off season. Problem solved. Instead of pointing fingers at each other and saying that so and so is in bed with PETA and other org. just work together. Bowhunters/still hunters have not brought this issue up in the assembly as far as I know. The non hunting community and some hunters actually got this started. I keep telling ya'll that. Everyone keeps saying that game wardens should be held accountable....what about the guys dumping the dogs?? If they stop this practice in the off season, problem solved. My issue and many others have nothing to do with the practice of using hounds. It's the practices of the dog owners that are causing issues. NOT ALL DOG OWNERS....but enough have done it to raise eyebrows. Im a former dog owner, I miss my hounds, can't afford them and can't keep here at my house, so Im not against you guys. Im trying to find a solution so we can retain all of our rights. Why is this so hard to understand??
Hey VA
I wasn't trying to imply any hunters are for PETA OR HSUS but the fact is when thiings need reforming it is best handled by those involved like VDGIF,still hunters, dog hunters, landowners, etc. People with a stake in the matter. When things like this go to the "public" for reform lots of other groups get invovled and many with anti-hunting agendas, they can/do participate in anything that will limit or restrict hunting. That is all I was saying, I feel like with stronger enforcement of laws already on the books and possibly new regulations for registering and being held responsible for your dogs much of this could have been avoided. Now we have invited other parties into the mix that have there own agenda which does not include what's in the best interest for hunting/hunters.
Here is a perfect example of people trying to shut down hunting based on personal opinions rather than weighing all of the facts, I know it is not the same thing as the dog issue it just shows that all hunting is scrutinized and the situation could have very easily gone the other way without support from the ATA in this case.
http://www.deeranddeerhunting.com/article/Bowhunt_Victory/
Hound hunting is a big part of VA's management of whitetails and yes some changes need to happen to better it for everyone in the future, I just hope hunters are the ones making the changes and not someone else.