Why do we need another organization?
The Virginia Hunting Dog Alliance (VHDA) was formed as an umbrella organization, part of the Commonwealth Sportsmen’s Alliance PAC, to give Virginia Sportsmen a political voice within the law. Many groups came together because many of the “old line established or nationally affiliated organizations” simply were more interested in going along to get along. Virginia’s Sportsmen need a strong voice to educate and tell the public and our elected officials politicians not to tread on our right to hunt with dogs, which has been a Virginia tradition since the beginning.
Why do we need a political action committee (PAC)?
Virginia law requires that “Any person, association, organization or group of individuals that anticipates receiving contributions and/or spending funds in excess of $200 for the purpose of influencing the outcome of any non-federal election in Virginia must register as a political committee with the SBE”. The Commonwealth Sportsmen’s Alliance, formed in 1989 and registered in 1991, has become the surest way for Sportsmen and their organizations to have a political voice without having to create new organizations and face the ordeal of making regular reports to the State Board of Elections.
Why not just have annual membership fees?
We established the VAHDA in response to the DGIF study on hounds and the general unresponsiveness of DGIF to Sportsmen’s concerns. It was felt that a new organization should not weaken existing groups, but work to strengthen all groups entering an Alliance. No membership fee is required; we ask Alliance groups and clubs to send a donation and provide their mailing list so that we support General Assembly members that are our friends and oppose those that work against out rights. Many clubs and organizations are holding fundraiser’s locally to help raise money for this Alliance.
Why are we concentrating on the Virginia General Assembly?
The people have a right to hunt, fish, and harvest game, subject to such regulations and restrictions as the General Assembly may prescribe by general law. Virginia Constitution, Article XI, section 4
DGIF derives all authority from the legislature, which according to Article 1 Section 2 of the Virginia Constitution is derived from the people. The DGIF Board members are currently appointed by the Governor and serve “at his pleasure”. Only the Governor sets policy for his administration. We need the members of the General Assembly to help defend our heritage!
What can I do to help make the Alliance stronger?
Join the Virginia Hunting Dog Alliance
Then ask your clubs and organizations, your hunting friends, and your neighbors to join.
Send a donation to the Virginia Hunting Dog Alliance.
Call your legislators in the Virginia Senate or the Virginia House of Delegates TODAY and talk to them about our heritage of hunting with dogs in Virginia.
Have another Question? info@vahda.org