Virginia: Sunday Hunting Bill Passes in House!

In great news for Virginia sportsmen as well as the future of gun rights and hunting in the Commonwealth, today the Virginia House of Delegates passed House Bill 1237 by a 71-27 vote - without the inclusion of any amendments, such as the local option amendment, which would have created a patchwork of confusing ordinances for Virginia hunters.

As previously reported, HB 1237, sponsored by Delegate Todd Gilbert (R-15) and 39 colleagues, repeals the outdated ban on Sunday hunting on private lands with written permission from the owner - while still prohibiting hunting within 200 yards of a house of worship, the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 legislation will encourage 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.

HB 1237 will now be referred to the Senate Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources Committee.  Its Senate companion legislation, Senate Bill 154, introduced by state Senator Phil Puckett (D-38), will be heard by that Senate committee a half hour after the end of the Senate session on Thursday, January 30, in Senate Room B of the General Assembly Building in Richmond.  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.

Senate Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources Committee:

Senator Phil Puckett (D-38), Chairman
Tazewell
(804) 698-7538
[email protected]

Senator Emmett Hanger (R-24)
Mount Solon
(804) 698-7524
[email protected]
     
Senator John Watkins (R-10)
Midlothian
(804) 698-7510
[email protected]
  
Senator Frank Ruff (R-15)
Clarksville
(804) 698-7515
[email protected]
        
Senator Don McEachin (D-9)
Richmond
(804) 698-7509
[email protected]
     
Senator Chap Petersen (D-34)
Fairfax
(804) 698-7534
[email protected]
     
Senator Richard Stuart (R-28)
Montross
(804) 698-7528
[email protected]
     
Senator Dave Marsden (D-37)
Burke
(804) 698-7537
[email protected]
     
Senator Bill Stanley (R-20)
Richmond
(804) 698-7520
[email protected]
     
Senator John Miller (D-1)
Newport News
(804) 698-7501
[email protected]
     
Senator Adam Ebbin (D-30)
Alexandria
(804) 698-7530
[email protected]

Senator John Cosgrove (R-14)
Chesapeake
(804) 698-7514
[email protected]

Senator Ryan McDougle (R-4)
Mechanicsville
(804) 698-7504
[email protected]

Senator Jennifer Wexton (D-33)
Leesburg
(804) 698-7533
[email protected]

Senator Lynwood Lewis, Jr. (D-6)
Accomac
(804) 698-7506
[email protected]