Probably Dates to the Civil War
The legislators in Virginia are probably afraid the Confederate deer hunters will return and wipe out the entire whitetail deer herd of Virginia. Old memories sure do die hard.
A Rebel War Clerk's Diary
at the
Confederate States Capital [Richmond,Virginia]
by J.B. Jones
I noticed, to-day, eight slaughtered deer in one shop; and they are seen hanging at the doors in every street. The price is $3[Pg 135] per pound. Wild turkies, geese, ducks, partridges, etc. are also exposed for sale, at enormous prices, and may mitigate the famine now upon us. The war has caused an enormous increase of wild game. But ammunition is difficult to be obtained. I see some perch, chubb, and other fish, but all are selling at famine prices.