Senate Bill 154, the Senate companion to House Bill 1237, passed by a 9-4 vote today in the Senate Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources Committee, putting Virginia hunters one step closer to having the opportunity to hunt on Sundays on private land.
As previously reported, SB 154, sponsored by Senator Phil Puckett (D-38), repeals the outdated ban on Sunday hunting on private lands with written permission from the owner - while still prohibiting hunting within 200 yards of a house of worship, the hunting of deer with dogs and the hunting of bear. This important pro-hunting piece of legislation encourages hunter retention and recruitment by allowing busy families the ability to teach hunting to the next generation, since school and sport activities often dominate Saturdays for children. In addition, it is unjustifiable for the state to deny the dramatic economic benefits that would be associated with allowing Sunday hunting, especially during these difficult economic times.
SB 154 will go to the Senate floor next. Please keep up the momentum of support for this important legislation and contact your state Senator now. Encourage him or her to support and vote for SB 154.