Hunting with Hounds

In 2023, the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) hired IEN to facilitate a dialogue about hunting deer and bear with hounds. This stakeholder engagement addressed longstanding conflicts and identified recommendations for the Board of Wildlife Resources in order to reduce conflict between hunters and private landowners who do not want hounds on their property. 

The process involved a year of constructive dialogue, beginning with a survey that garnered nearly 9,000 responses. Seven Stakeholder Advisory Committee (SAC) meetings were held to elicit interests, ideas, and concerns, and to identify where consensus could be achieved. The process and recommendations were captured in the final report that was presented to the Board of Wildlife Resources in March 2024.