I think the VDGIF is doing an excellant job of addressing a very serious topic. I hope they continue to look out for all parties involved as they have done in the past. The "extremists" who want it their way or no way, will never be happy; why try to satisfy them? Dog hunting will be preserved as it should with a few minor restrictions that keep the non-hunting public happy. It's called a democracy. The VDHA and the anti doggers both need to get used to it. Without compromise we are nothing. With compromise we can accomplish anything.

Nuisance canine (coyote) trapping in Virginia 101

Trap according to Virginia law. Coyotes can be trapped year-round. For nuisance canines, only use foothold traps without teeth and a jaw spread of 6 1/2 inches or less. Only set traps on your own land - not a legal requirement, but less problems. When trapping on your own land, you do not have to mark the trap with your name and address. Post signs that trapping is being conducted on your land - again, not a legal requirement but may head off legal problems. Identify known canine paths and set numerous legal leghold traps around a large animal carcass. The more traps, the better. Check traps daily - an absolute must and illegal otherwise. It is highly suggested that you maintain a daily log of where and when you set and checked your traps in case you need evidence that you did so. Coyotes caught in your traps will need to be dispatched with a .22 shot to the head and then remove the body from the trap. If, God forbid, you catch one or more hunting dogs, DO NOT kill the dog - this is illegal. DO NOT attempt to remove the dog from the trap or get close to read the collar either - you may get bitten no matter how gentle the dog appears to be. When you get home, call your local Animal Control. Inform them of the situation and request their assistance removing the dog(s) from your trap(s). When Animal Control or other law enforcement eventually shows, take them to the location and stand back while they release the dog(s). Politely answer all questions and, if asked, show them your trapping log that I suggested earlier.

If you are concerned that persons may disturb your traps (for example, to prevent the possibility that their hunting dogs will be trapped, which interferes with your legal right to trap coyotes), I suggest setting a few trailcams. If you catch pictures of someone disturbing your legally set traps, you have evidence of an illegal act. If you happen to catch pictures of a person stuck in a legal trap that was legally set on your own land that was clearly posted to show traps were set, you may want to post the pictures on the Internet for sheer amusement.[/align]
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the right to retrieve is mind blowing. that seems to be where alot of the problems start. we have no such laws in florida and we don't have near the problems. without such a law, it makes you catch your dogs before they get into trouble. if they get by you then you either wait them out or ask permission. even being a dog hunter, i don't see how someone can just enter someones property with the pretense of looking for hounds. does that mean you can enter someones barn or shed just because you said you thought you hound was in there.....tony

I heard about this pretty much as it happened because I hunt in Southampton with Richard Railey. He is a great person and a great sportsman. He has dogs and is one of our dog drivers at the club. As for the people who abuse the right to hunt with dogs, we do not hear it that much because all around us hunt club land that run dogs. I bow hunt and yes it does frustrate me if I have a deer come flying by me being run by a dog but I do not get mad and want to do something to the dog or dog owner. Hunters stick together and hunt legelly and respect others property and things will go smooth.

Folks should keep in mind that there is probably far more instances of tresspass by people sneaking onto land to put up deer stands without permission. But you dont see folks calling for a ban of that kind of hunting. Just another one of those instances where a little common sense goes a long way.

I agree about the right to retrieve. I wouldnt dare think about stepping onto someone's private property without permission. That's a good way to end up in a sticky situation...

Lanse, that may bethe case in OH but not here in Va! After 30+ years of still hunting all over the state I can count the number of tresspassers I have encountered on one hand. The number of incidents where deer hounds running out of season or on posted land messing up my hunt are too many to count, and I mean too many tocount in just one year.

lanse, thats the case here also, i have had plenty of still hunters or man drivers with no dogs on our land around here. Im sure not as many as hunters looking for hounds but it has happened plenty of times. And yes they have an excuse also, didnt see the property line, was looking for game i shot earlier, etc.etc. some of these guys it seems every time they are in the woods no matter what time of year or where they are at (they could be in the middle of the city) and they swear they hear hounds running deer. Those are the ones who have cried wolf 1 to many times

No, technically they have the right to "retrieve", not the right to "look for". I know a few people, this comming year, that will be stating the "prove your dogs are on my land before you go get them." And the "I heard the dogs over there defense won't work, prove those are you dogs before you retrieve. Yes, you have the right to retrieve, you do not have the right to go look or go identify.