Virginia Hunting and Fishing Traditions

Mr. Lee Walker, Agency Outreach Division Director for the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (DGIF), gave an overview of the history of wildlife and hunting/fishing traditions in Virginia. The DGIF was formed 100 years ago to address the need for conservation of wildlife and fisheries, and preservation of their habitat. The abundance that was present in the 17th Century when the Europeans first came to this area was all but depleted by the start of the 20th Century. Mr. Walker reviewed lessons learned over the years and practices that have increased the availability of wildlife and fisheries for sportsmen, emphasizing the positive conservation influence over the years of many hunt clubs, and rod and gun clubs. He noted the economic benefit to Virginia and King and Queen County and emphasized areas for improvement.

Mr. Brownie Bevan reviewed the almost 60 years of the Bent Arrow Hunt Club located in the central part of the county and shared some demographic statistics about the members. Many of the current members are descendants of the charter members. He emphasized that they respect the landowners; contribute part of their harvest to the food bank at Bruington Church; and keep the roads clean in their area.