
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SATURDAY, April 1, 1995                   TAG: 9504030035
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: C-3   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: RON BROWN STAFF WRITER
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

GOVERNOR SEEKS BROADER HUNTING-PARK REGULATIONS

Gov. George Allen is seeking to broaden proposed regulations governing enclosed hunting preserves, such as Boar Walla Lodge in Alleghany County.

Earlier this week, Allen proposed that the Virginia Department of Agriculture be authorized to develop rules on how to make full use of animals killed at preserves.

Allen's suggestion is seen as an effort to discourage trophy hunting, which puts an emphasis on killing animals so their heads can be preserved and displayed.

Allen's office said that, rather than be wasted, the meat gleaned from animal carcasses should be forwarded to operations, such as Hunters for the Hungry, that distribute meat to low-income families.

Sen. Malfourd "Bo" Trumbo, R-Fincastle, who helped push through a bill that would require the Agriculture Department to regulate preserves, said he supports Allen's initiative.

In February, the Virginia General Assembly passed a bill that banned future enclosed hunting preserves and ordered the Agriculture Department to develop regulations to control existing preserves.

The General Assembly actions, spurred by Trumbo and Del. Creigh Deeds, D-Warm Springs, came after more than a year of controversy about the preserves. Boar Walla Lodge has come under fire from critics who claim it uses tamed animals not accustomed to the wild.

The owners of Boar Walla dispute those claims, saying that hunters must adhere to rules of engagement that give the animals a chance to survive. The owners also say the animals are still wild and leery of the people who hunt them.

In a statement Monday, Allen approved the General Assembly's bill, which outlined licensing requirements for the preserves. The bill also instructed the Agriculture Department to develop regulations on the types of animals that can be held, humane treatment of those animals, and methods and procedures for the disposal of animals.

But Allen withheld his signature from the bill, requesting the amendment he suggested.

Legislators will gather Wednesday in Richmond for the governor's veto session, which allows lawmakers to consider legislative changes proposed by Allen.

by CNB