January 10, 2012
New Public Land Rules Affect Horseback Riders in Virginia
The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (DGIF) owns more than 200,000 acres of land on 39 Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) in the Commonwealth. Most of the land was purchased and has been maintained with proceeds from hunting, fishing, and trapping licenses. For years, bird watchers, nature enthusiasts, and horseback riders have accessed and enjoyed the land at no cost, but that has changed. As of January 1, 2012, visitors to DGIF lands will need an Access Permit unless they possess a Virginia hunting, fishing, or trapping license or a Virginia boat registration. Of course, foxhunters in Virginia are supposed to carry hunting licences, so they should not be affected if they wish to hack out on these lands. However, enforcement of that requirement is lax, and many foxhunters are probably not in compliance. Daily and Annual Access Permits are priced at $4.00 and $23 respectively. More information, how to purchase online, and a list of statewide agents may be found here. Posted January 10, 2012
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Huntsman and Whipper-In to Wed at Tennessee Valley
Huntsman Andy Bozdan and whipper-in Erin Doyle, both at the Tennessee Valley Hunt, have announced their engagement. The couple plan to marry in May. London-born Bozdan is in his first season hunting hounds in the U.S. Prior to his arrival at the Tennessee Valley, he was huntsman of the Barwon foxhounds in southern Australia. Andy and Erin met in September, and, after a whirlwind romance, happily look forward to their new life together. Erin who whips-in as an amateur, fully appreciates that “being a huntsman’s wife is no easy task,” but she is looking forward to the challenge! Andy says, “I never thought in my wildest dreams that I would find a woman who ticks all the boxes, but Erin does! She has made me so very happy, and I can’t wait to move to our new kennels and home in Greenville.” Posted January 10, 2012
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