Thursday, October 18, 2007
Virginia Bear Hunters' Association weighs in
Bill Cochran
Recent mail
BILL: I am president of the Virginia Bear Hunters’ Association. I was in Maine hunting when your 9/13/07 article ran. I read it when I returned home, along with the responses that were printed in your mailbag.
Let me start by saying that in the past few years I have gained a lot of respect for the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries and the job that they have to do. They are bombarded from all sides, by each different hunting group each wanting more regulations to improve their own type of hunting and from landowners who feel that rights have been violated and from anti-hunters who oppose all forms of hunting. I personally could not deal with that much pressure and stress.
You mentioned in your article that the Virginia Bear Hunters Association received only a “thank you” and goodbye at the last meeting in Richmond. However, this is not correct. Bob Duncan (wildlife division chief) asked us to meet with him and several other members of staff after the regular meeting. This meeting turned out to be very productive and we all came away feeling good about it. The Virginia Bear Hunters’ Association says “Thank You” to the VDGIF.
At present there is a lot of turmoil over the future of hunting, especially with hounds and the rights of property owners. As a landowner myself -- I own property in at least six different counties in Virginia -- I understand landowners’ concerns. When thoughtless and rude hunters take advantage of me I don’t like it.
As a hunter I also understand that a lot of conflicts are caused by simple lack of communications and lack of respect from both sides. I don’t have an answer but I do know that “mud slinging” and fighting is not the answer.
Hunting in general and especially hound hunting in Virginia is not just a right and a privilege, it is our heritage and our way of life. Expecting a hunter to stop hunting is like expecting him to stop breathing. Likewise, we can’t expect landowners to sit back and have their rights abused. The VDGIF has a huge job ahead of them and they need help from everyone in order to find a workable solution.
Another thing on my mind, it is absolutely amazing that some people are so willing to show their ignorance by writing comments about things that they know absolutely nothing about. Anyone who has never hunted bear with hounds should try it at least once and then form their opinions.
In closing, I think all forms of media can help with this controversial issue by being open minded and neutral to all parties involved. We certainly don’t want to see “Civil War II;” therefore, we ask for your unbiased reporting. Thank you in advance for your help.
WARREN E. RADFORD
