Monday, December 31, 2007
Editorial: Hunting for truth about hounds
A Virginia study of hound hunting and the conflicts it causes will allow informed debate.
From the RoundTable blog
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Hunters sometimes are a paranoid bunch. The slightest hint of scrutiny sets them off defending tradition against encroaching modernism. It is therefore no surprise that a Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries review of hunting with hounds has hunters reflexively on the attack.
If they would take a minute to think about it, though, they might see that the study is the best chance to ease tensions between hound hunters and other residents of the commonwealth.
State game officials initiated the "Hunting with Hounds in Virginia: A Way Forward" project last summer when they suspected complaints about hound hunters were on the rise. With help from Virginia Tech, the department is studying complaints and speaking to stakeholders on all sides. It will try to determine what, if any, problems exist and how to fix them equitably.
DGIF fielded more than 900 calls during the last two hunting seasons, but the full scope of the problem remains undetermined because many calls about troublesome hunters go to local sheriffs. Moreover, the legitimacy of most complaints remains unknown.
Hunters should welcome research that would clarify the situation. Without it, an increasing number of citizen complaints about what are most likely a few troublemakers eventually will instigate General Assembly action. Better that policymakers have facts on hand for that debate and carefully considered recommendations from game officials.
One of the most common complaints arises from an oddity of Virginia law. Hounds now may run across private property and hunters may enter -- even past posted "No Trespassing" signs -- to retrieve them. Many people understandably do not want strangers and their animals traipsing across their land without permission.
It is a conflict between two of the commonwealth's core principles. Virginians sanctified the right to hunt in their constitution, but they also hold private property rights sacred. Hunting should not trump the fundamental right of citizens to be secure on their property.
For their final recommendations, DGIF officials might consider hound-hunting rules used in other southern states. In Georgia, for example, hound hunting is permitted on large private tracts with the owners' permission and on leased lands. That approach, according to Peach State officials, has tremendously reduced incidents of dogs straying onto private property.
First, though, Virginia needs the facts. Hunters can either help make sure the hound report includes their perspective or complain about conspiracies and go unheard.
