LETTER: A reminder that summer hounding training begins in Vt. on June 1
May 20, 2025
To the Community:
Hounding involves releasing packs of dogs to chase wildlife, such as bears, bobcats, foxes, coyotes, and raccoons until the animals are cornered, treed (forced up a tree), or simply too exhausted to continue.
The hound “training” season begins on June 1 in Vermont and lasts all summer long, offering wildlife little reprieve from harassment. The practice can be particularly traumatic at this time of year for mother animals and their offspring.
Hounding occurs on both public and private lands, raising ethical and legal concerns among property owners and outdoor recreationists who fear run-ins with uncontrolled hounds. It causes extreme stress and suffering for both the hunted animals and the hounds, especially when violent encounters occur between the dogs and their quarry, sometimes resulting in severe injuries or death. Young wild animals who can’t outrun the hounds stand little chance of escape.
Hounding also disturbs the peace of public lands and occurs on private properties without consent. It often lacks meaningful regulation or enforcement, especially during the training period. Raccoon, bobcat and fox hounding, for example, are governed by few regulations, allowing hounders to run their dogs even in the middle of the night.
If you’re looking to take action, there are several potential steps:
Contact legislators to advocate for restrictions or bans on hound hunting.
Post your land or post hunting by permission only, which provides you with legal protections.
Join Protect Our Wildlife, Vermont’s largest wildlife protection nonprofit.
Document incidents and report violations and report to your game warden and POW.
Thank you,
Lisa Jablow
Brattleboro