LEON COUNTY, FL (WTXL) - A Leon County circuit judge has ordered the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to stop "deer-dog" hunters from going on private property.
Judge Karen Gievers found that the state agency's continued permission of the hunts within the Blackwater Wildlife Management Area in Okaloosa and Santa Rosa counties are more often than not, a nuisance to property owners.
The decision came after a lawsuit was filed in November 2014 by a retired couple who wanted to put an end to dogs and their hunters prowling deer on their land.
Their lawyers said that the plaintiffs, who live in the Blackwater area are not alone. Other property owners also wanted their privacy back.
"Fundamentally, it is about your right as a property owner to not have people trespassing on your property. FWC has said they can't control what people do illegally, but they control the issuance of permits. They have known for over 20 years that when they issue these permits, trespasses will occur," said David Theriaque, attorney for the property owners.
The plaintiffs claimed that during the 44 days the state allows deer-dog hunting, they have been threatened by hunters.
The FWC said that the agency is reviewing the judge's order, issued on Sept. 30th.
