Sportsmen Defend Management of Deer, Elk and Bear Populations in Virginia

February 16, 2011 (Richmond, VA) - Virginia Senate Bill 868, which posed a significant threat to deer, elk and bear populations within the state, was pulled from consideration this morning in the Virginia House Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources Committee.

Sportsmen from Virginia and across the nation emailed and called members of the committee prior to this morning’s vote, urging delegates to oppose this legislation. This bill would have called for the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGIF) to issue a permit to any landowner who claims to have suffered crop damage from deer, elk or bears.

“While understanding the concerns of agricultural land owners, this legislation had to be defeated in order to defend the long term health of the state’s deer, elk and bear populations,” said Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation President Jeff Crane. “It’s an example of influence on policy that sportsmen can provide with elected officials when organizing with one voice.”

"The killing of SB868 is a victory for the modern wildlife management model,” said Delegate James Edmunds, a member of the Virginia Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus. “I am elated that common-sense prevailed and sincerely appreciate all the efforts made by the wildlife organizations who rallied to support the effort in such a short time."

The current policy calls for proof of damages through an investigation by the VDGIF before a damage permit is approved to kill a deer or bear. This legislation would have also included elk under its provisions.

Removing the investigation requirement before a permit is issued to kill these animals would severely threaten the long term health of the state’s deer, elk, and bear populations.   This bill would have allowed any number of animals to be killed outside of established hunting seasons and at night once a permit was issued without on-site verification by VDGIF.