For many years, I have leased land for hunting, pouring time, effort, and resources into preparing for the season. However, like many others, I have experienced the frustration of having hunting dogs from a nearby hunting club invade and disrupt my leased land, undoing my hard work within minutes. To provide a specific example, I lease a 100-acre farm, and there's a local dog running club with a member who owns just 2 acres of land—an open field, no less! Consequently, the dogs run through my entire leased property and onto many neighboring properties, many of which are posted and private.

This isn't just about my experience. Many landholders in the area face similar issues where their rights to enjoy, use, and manage their leased or owned land are compromised due to inadequate regulations over dog running for deer. This dilemma is particularly pronounced because there’s no requirement for dog runners to have a sufficiently large tract of land or obtain permissions from neighboring landowners.

The current regulations do not adequately address the disruptions caused by this practice, which not only disturbs wildlife but also violates the rights of landowners. By setting a minimum acreage requirement or necessitating permission from all adjoining landowners if under 250 acres, we can ensure a respectful and balanced use of land. This would help preserve the sanctity of private and leased lands while maintaining the traditional practice of hunting with dogs in an equitable manner.

Statistics show that when hunting dogs cross into neighboring properties, it significantly reduces local residents' ability to hunt or manage their land sustainably. In a study by the US Fish and Wildlife Service, it was noted that conflicts between landowners and dog hunters are prominent in areas where regulations do not require appropriate land usage policies, leading to decreased hunting success rates and increased land disputes.

I urge the local regulatory bodies to take a stand in safeguarding both our wildlife and personal rights by instituting a policy that requires a minimum of 250 consecutive acres for dog running or obtaining written consent from all adjoining landowners if the combined acreage is below this threshold. This policy would help maintain a fair and respectful environment for both hunters and landowners. To add more strict trespassing laws for not just hunters but for the dog as well.

Please consider supporting this petition to protect landowners' rights and promote responsible land usage in our community. Sign this petition to urge our local government to implement these essential changes.