<p class=ldtitle>A BILL to amend the Code of Virginia by adding a section numbered 29.1-516.3, relating to Department of Wildlife Resources; permits; use of dogs in hunting game animals, fur-bearing animals, and nuisance species; civil penalties.</p>
HB1396 creates a new permit system for people and organizations that use dogs to hunt game animals, fur-bearing animals, or nuisance species in Virginia. Beginning July 1, 2027, a person would generally be prohibited from releasing a dog to hunt, pursue, or chase those animals, or from hunting with the aid of dogs, unless the person has obtained a permit from the Department of Wildlife Resources. The bill directs the Board of Wildlife Resources to establish application procedures, permit standards, enforcement and revocation criteria, dog-identification rules, and best practices for agreements between hunters and landowners. Applications for new and renewed permits would carry a $19 fee.
The bill would add a new section to Title 29.1 of the Code of Virginia governing wildlife management and hunting practices. It would create a regulatory framework for dog-assisted hunting, authorize the Department of Wildlife Resources to issue permits to individuals and organizations, and require the Board to adopt implementing regulations. The bill also establishes civil penalties for violations, with fines deposited into the Game Protection Fund, and requires permit suspension or revocation for repeat violations. Several activities are exempted, including mounted fox hunting, waterfowl and bird hunting, tracking dogs used to recover wounded or dead bear, turkey, or deer, public-land hunting where allowed, rabbit chase foot packs, and landowners and certain family members hunting on their own land.
The bill appears to have received mixed but ultimately substantial support in the House and committee process, advancing through subcommittee and committee with substitute language before passing the House. However, it also faced meaningful resistance at the subcommittee stage, where a motion to recommend passing by indefinitely failed, indicating some opposition to the proposal. Its later referral to Finance and Appropriations and continuation to the next session suggest that fiscal or implementation concerns remained unresolved. Overall, the sentiment was cautiously favorable among supporters, but not without significant debate.
The main points of contention likely center on whether the state should require permits for dog-assisted hunting at all, and whether the new rules would burden hunters, landowners, and hunting organizations. Supporters appear to favor clearer regulation, landowner protections, and enforcement tools to prevent dogs from entering property without permission. Opponents likely object to the permit requirement, the fee, and the civil penalties, as well as the potential impact on traditional hunting practices. The bill’s exemptions for mounted fox hunting, public lands, rabbit chase foot packs, and landowners suggest efforts to narrow the scope and address concerns from affected hunting communities.