The 2008 whitetail deer hunting season is upon us. I look forward to the archery and black powder hunting season that begins in early September.

Unfortunately, my hunting season is short lived, as this is the only time I can escape the discourteous and irresponsible hunters that run whitetail deer with hound dogs. Every year private land clearly marked "No Trespassing" is invaded by the hunt clubs that run dogs.

All still-hunters depend on stealth, noise discipline, and, most of all, patience to harvest that elusive whitetail deer. This is impossible when gun season opens and the dog runners take over the small piece of land we still-hunters hunt.

I have already formed my opinion about hunt clubs that run dogs to hunt deer. They have no regard for posted private land, landowners, or those who hunt there. Their excuse is, "I can't control where the dogs run."

So, why is it that they are lined up on the other side of the posted land with their pickup trucks and shotguns? Look out when the deer runs out into the gauntlet of gunfire. I have witnessed hunters shooting over public roads and toward homes.

We all remember last year when a landowner shot dogs that invaded his land. Although I do not condone this type of action, what is the landowner to do?

Why can't North Carolina regulate hunting dogs like Mississippi and other states have?

There are certain times of the season that are set aside for hunters to hunt with dogs. Hunters must possess written permission from the landowner to run dogs on their land and release the dogs in the middle of the land they are authorized to hunt.

The state Wildlife Commission and local officials have failed to find a resolution to this problem, one that protects the rights of all hunters. What will it take for the authorities to step in and regulate the use of dogs for deer hunting?

Once rifle season begins, my season has all but ended.

ROBERT HAFFORD

Elizabeth City