Residents, property‑rights group press board over letter to governor on DWR hound‑hunting proposals

Judge Charlton, president of the Virginia Property Rights Alliance, opened the public comment period by challenging what he called misrepresentations in a county letter to the governor opposing proposals by the Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) that would regulate deer and hound hunting. Charlton described two proposals — requiring GPS collars on dogs used for deer or bear (proposal 6) and asking hunters to make reasonable efforts to prevent dogs from entering a landowner’s property after notice (proposal 7) — and said they were reasonable safety and accountability measures.

"Deer hunting with hounds is only allowed in .5 of Virginia and a handful of Southeastern states... Know the facts," Judge Charlton said, urging enforcement of reasonable regulations rather than blanket bans. Multiple local residents followed, telling the board that dog hunting is a long‑standing rural tradition and an economic contributor. Daryl Lott and James Long said enforcement capacity — specifically more conservation officers — is the missing element; Long said stricter laws alone will not work without enforcement resources.

The chair reminded the audience the board had been unanimous in sending the letter but allowed public comment; after hearing several speakers the board declined to change its earlier action tonight. Public comments illustrated the divide in the community between those urging protection of traditional hunting practices and others who have raised complaints about dogs on private land.