West Virginia DNR to Discuss New Hunting, Trapping Rules

State wildlife officials will meet in Morgantown this month to discuss new regulations for hunting, trapping and fishing.

The quarterly meeting of the West Virginia Natural Resources Commission is set for April 28, 2013 at the Lakeview Resort and Conference Center.

The public is invited to attend and offer comments.

Agenda items include discussion of this year’s section meetings and a questionnaire for sportsmen and landowners.

The commission will also discuss new 2013 regulations for big game, and reptiles and amphibians.

It will also discuss proposed changes for hunting and trapping regulations in 2014-15, and fishing regulations for next year.

Youth Spring Gobbler Season April 20, 2013

A special one-day, youth spring gobbler hunt will be held on Saturday, April 20, 2013.

Youth participating in this hunt must be at least eight years of age and no more than 18 years old on the day of the season.

Youth hunters 15–17 years of age are able to participate in this hunt but must comply with all applicable licensing requirements. Hunters under 15 years of age must be accompanied by a licensed adult at least 21 years of age, who cannot carry a gun or bow and must remain close enough to render advice and assistance. The only legal firearm that can be used by a youth hunter is a shotgun with shot sizes no larger than #4 or smaller than #7 ½.

The bag limit is one bearded turkey that will count toward the hunter’s annual bag limit. For more information please see page 33 of the 2012–2013 Hunting and Trapping Regulations Summary.

Last year, youth hunters harvested 432 gobblers, which was up 10 percent from 2011, when 392 were taken during this season. The special youth one-day hunt provides an ideal opportunity for seasoned hunters to introduce young people to the joys of spring gobbler hunting.  In addition to having a great day afield, these adult mentors pass along their hunting knowledge, create great memories and keep the fine hunting tradition alive for the next generation of hunters.

West Virginia’s Spring Gobbler Season Opens April 22, 2013

The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources encourages all spring gobbler hunters to get their turkey calls out and tuned up in preparation for the upcoming season opener. The four-week season begins Monday, April 22, and closes on Saturday, May 18, 2013. Hunters may kill only one bearded turkey per day and are allowed two per season.

“Unlike 2012, when spring green-up came early, this year winter is still hanging on and very few trees have leaves out yet,” according to Curtis I. Taylor, chief of the Division of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Section.  “Therefore, the late appearance of spring will likely increase the distance hunters can hear a gobbler. However, the peak of gobbling occurs near the end of April or early May as hens go to incubate their clutches, so hunters shouldn’t be surprised if they hear more birds at that time. Gobblers will also be more willing to come to calls once hens have gone to incubate their clutches so hunters should continue hunting as the season progresses.

“More than 50% of the harvest occurs during the first week of the season, so hopefully it won’t be snowing like it did last year,” Taylor said. “While the snow has little effect on the gobblers, it definitely makes it more difficult on the hunters, which was one reason the harvest was down in 2012. Assuming that the weather cooperates and the approximately 65,000 spring gobbler hunters participate, we believe the harvest should improve from last year’s 8,303 to a more typical 9,000 birds.”

DNR Needs Spring Gobbler Survey Cooperators!

Wildlife Resources Section personnel began a statewide survey of spring gobbler hunters in 1983. This survey has hunters record items of interest by day, like the number of gobblers heard, called in, missed and harvested.  DNR also is interested in other animals seen and your most memorable experience. These data are then tabulated and compared against previous years in a report that is mailed back to all cooperators the next year. These data are invaluable to helping biologists manage the wildlife resources in the state. Please contact Tammie Thompson at 304.637.0245 or download a form at www.wvdnr.gov.

WV Wild: Dogwood, Ramps and Gobblers

As I walked along the old tram road I could make out the white blossoms of the dogwoods and the rich green carpet of the ramps along the hillside.  It was a perfect morning to be out in the high country searching for a wily old Tom Turkey.  The wind was still with the temperature standing about 42 degrees.  I had hunted this mountainside above Gandy Creek near Job many times. The gobblers had a habit of roosting on a high knob above the old mountain sods.

As I got nearer to the top some of the sheep in the pasture began to get up and move out of my way. I wanted to get another 200 yards closer to the top when a raspy old gobbler broke the morning silence. I was still on the old logging road and stopped for a moment to locate the turkey. He gobbled again and this time I realized he was actually across the creek and not on my side of the mountain.

I started on up the mountain but only got a few steps when another gobbler answered. This one caused me to drop to my knees. He was close and directly above me. I began to look around for a hiding place and hoped the bird wouldn’t see my movement.

Calling Two Birds

Just to my right there was a small pile of logs. Slowly, and as close to the ground as possible, I moved in behind the logs. When you are taught to hunt gobblers you are told that it is nearly impossible to call a gobbler downhill. In this situation, the bird was about 125 yards above me and just over the lip of the hill to where it couldn’t see me but could hear me clearly.  I got settled and, before I could get my caller out, the gobbler rattled the mountain again. This time, the one across the creek responded and so did one just to the left of the one above me.  I was pinned down now and the only chance I had was to call the birds down to me.

I was well concealed and let out a soft call on the slate call. Immediately, the two birds above me gobbled back. I waited a couple of minutes and called again. Again, the birds above me gobbled but hadn’t moved any. I felt sure they were still on the roost. This time I just sat there and waited. After three or four minutes the gobblers couldn’t stand it any longer and one of them gobbled. It was obvious they wanted me to respond and to make sure I hadn’t left. I called again and, before I finished the series of yelps, both birds gobbled back at me but seemed to be in the exact same spot with no movement.

This continued for another four or five minutes with no movement from the gobblers. Now the woods were filled with light and I could see the sun about to pop over the far mountain.  While I was pondering the situation, one of the turkeys gobbled again above me, but this time I felt sure he was on the ground. I called back and was sure now that both the birds were off the roost and closer to the lip of the flat they were on.

The Gobblers are Coming!

I called again and the birds began to move back and forth on the flat but wouldn’t come to look over. This time I changed calls and started to cut on my old Lynch box call. I heard them again and it was clear they were about to look over the edge to where I was hiding.

http://wvcommerce.org/App_Media/assets/images/naturalresources/naturestories/wild-4-13-02.pngNow I dropped the box call and raised my gun, resting it on the log pile pointed in the direction of the birds. I use one of the push/pull calls attached to my gun barrel when the birds are near. In a few seconds I saw the blue-white head of the gobbler above me and in another couple of seconds the head of the second bird.

I pulled the call on the barrel and this seemed to really set them off. Both birds gobbled and continued to come right down the hill. I didn’t call again as it didn’t appear necessary – they were coming! I watched as they weaved their way through the thin undergrowth. They were coming at 75 yards, then 60, then 50. I had picked out a little stump that was about 35 yards away and decided that if they got that close I would try one. On they came as if on a string right toward my hiding place.

In a few seconds the first one reached the little stump and stopped. “Had he seen me?” was a thought that flashed across my mind. When he took a step sideways instead of forward like he was coming, I decided it was now or never. I placed the bead of the 12 gauge Remington pump on his neck, just under his head, and pulled the trigger. The load of 5s from the three-inch Winchester struck him hard and he just collapsed. There was a couple of thrashes of his wings and a little pumping with his legs and then silence. The second bird had taken to the air and back around the mountain.

Spring Mountain Surf and Turf

I sat there for a few seconds until I was sure there was no more movement from the turkey. I became more aware of the sun lighting the dogwoods and the ramps that were now swaying back and forth a little as a mountain breeze started to stir. As I got up and gathered my calls and empty shell, I could also hear the roar of Gandy below me. I walked toward the gobbler and thought of ending a perfect day with a few hours’ trout fishing on Gandy below.

As you prepare for this year’s spring gobbler season, think of spending a day or two hunting and fishing. There is no better time to be in the mountains. There is no better time to enjoy God’s splendor as you savor the birth of our wildflowers, the bursting forth of the blossoms on our native trees and the cool rush of our mountain streams.

Above all, be careful!  Make sure of your target. Make sure it is a gobbler and make sure it has a visible beard.  If you do these two simple things, and can see that there is no one behind the gobbler, then you, I and all of our hunters will share a safe spring.

Note: the 2013 spring gobbler season in West Virginia runs from April 22 through May 18, with a special Youth Spring Gobbler Season set for Saturday, April 20, 2013.

                                                                     

New West Virginia Apprentice Hunting License Available Online

The West Virginia Apprentice Hunting and Trapping License (Class AH) is now available online, according to Frank Jezioro, director of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. The license allows people to try hunting without completing a hunter education course.

“Hunter safety education can be a hurdle for novice hunters and we’re really expecting to see many new hunters take advantage of this opportunity,” said Jezioro. “After these novice hunters get a taste of the experience, we believe they will complete hunter safety courses and become lifetime hunters.“

Apprentice licenses can only be purchased online at: www.wvhunt.com by people who have not previously held a hunting license. Residents who have reached their 18th birthday can purchase a Class AH license for $19. This license includes the same privileges as a Class A (resident hunting and trapping) license, so holders must buy a Class CS Conservation Stamp.

Nonresidents who have reached their 18th birthday can purchase a Class AAH license for $119. This license includes the same privileges as a Class E (nonresident hunting and trapping) license, so holders must buy a Class CS/LE Conservation Stamp/Law Enforcement stamp.

Resident and nonresident youth ages 15 through 17 can buy a Junior Apprentice Hunting and Trapping License for $16. The Class AHJ license for residents includes the same privileges as a Class XJ (junior sportsman hunting/trapping/fishing) license. The Class AAHJ license for nonresidents, combined with a Class CS/LE stamp, includes the same privileges as a Class XXJ license.

Hunters may buy up to three apprentice licenses within five consecutive years. Apprentice license holders must be supervised by a licensed hunter at least 18 years of age.

“We’re hoping this license will help us recruit first-time hunters, whether they be youth just getting a start or adults wanting to give hunting a try,” said Curtis I. Taylor, chief of the Wildlife Resources Section of DNR. “Hunter recruitment is a prime topic around the country and is key to continuing the successful management programs we have implemented in the past.”

WV Wild: March is Our Time for Transition

On one of the recent rare days of sun and warm temperatures I was driving along Shaver’s Fork in Randolph County.  It sort of brought back memories of when I started trout fishing.  There were several fishermen lined up in every likely looking run. 

Many will remember the “circus” that was known as “Opening Day of the Trout Season.”  Opening in April, it was not uncommon to have patches of snow on the ground and fishing in snow showers. I remember many mornings when we had to break the ice out of the eyes on the rod so the line would shoot through. We would wait with the same anticipation for the opening day of trout season that we waited for squirrel or deer season openers.

I can remember a bunch of us high schools guys driving down to Smoke Hole and camping the day and night before the opening of the season the next morning. One trip in particular sticks in my mind. It was one of the warm openers and a nice time to be out. Four of us drove down, after chipping in a couple of dollars each to buy some 39 cents per gallon gas! We got there, set up our little tent and built a fire. Someone said he could cook and made something for us to eat. Someone else said he would wash the dishes and forks.

No one slept that night and we were all awake long before daylight. The “cook” made breakfast of eggs and bacon. I remember thinking that my fork seemed to have some sort of green tint to it but so what. Before daylight, each of us had a little section of stream “staked out” and was standing there with rods poised to make the first cast at the opening hour of 7 a.m.  As always, some individual made a false cast about 10 minutes early. Naturally, those up and down the stream couldn’t see that he really didn’t cast but just acted like he did. That was all it took. Hundreds of lines shot out over the stream and the battle was on. I can remember seeing people fall in and people wading in over the tops of their waders just to get another foot or two closer to the spot they wanted to fish. But all in all, the Opening Day of the Trout Season was quite an event.

Opening Day Gives Way to Year-Round Fishing

But as years wore on we came to realize that there was a better way to do it. We found that you could actually fish year round, weather permitting.  And people got to the point where they avoided the circus and crowds of the opening day. It became clearer that people enjoyed going fishing when they had time to go and by spreading it out it, was more enjoyable to fish without competing with thousands of others on opening morning.

With this knowledge, the DNR began to stock from January to May and again in October, depending on water conditions and the amount of trout raised. March will see stocking in full swing and when we have nice days you need to be out on your favorite stream or lake. The great thing about stocking now is that often when the trout are put in the water, the water is high and the fish spread out. The result is that now there are fish all along the stream and not concentrated in only the pools where they might otherwise congregate in low water times.

About That Green Fork…

Before we go, I need to finish the story of that group of high school boys that went camping to Smoke Hole in 1959. If you will remember, early in this story I mentioned the green stuff on my fork and I thought, so what? Well about six hours later I found out “what.”  I got so sick that all I wanted to do was craw into the tent. Cold, shivering, stomach cramps, violent vomiting. At one point I was afraid I was going to die, but in a few minutes I was afraid I wouldn’t!  But like most stomach problems caused by tomane poisoning, it passed and that afternoon I was out after the trout.

Pick out a nice day and it can be a great time to be in the mountains and on one of our great WV trout waters. Our trout fishing is held in high regard by anglers from many states, including our bordering states. I hear over and over that West Virginia stocks much nicer trout than Pennsylvania, Virginia and Maryland. Our last stream survey turned up the fact that we have people coming to West Virginia to sample our great trout fishing from nine or 10 different states. 

We have streams with varied regulations. We have streams that allow you to keep a limit of trout every day you fish. We have catch-and-release streams for those interested only in the fishing experience. We have delayed harvest areas where you can keep the fish once the water warms to a point where the trout may not survive the winter. Whether you are a fly fisherman, a spinner fisherman, a cheese egg dunker or drown worms, our West Virginia streams offer outstanding trout fishing now through the summer and on into the fall.  Good fishing!

                                                                     

Glenville: Trappers Spring Rendezvous - 03.01.13 - 03.03.03

The WV Trappers Association Spring Rendezvous/Fur Auction will be March 01-03, 2013 at the Gilmer County Recreation Center in Glenville, WV.

Board of Directors Meeting Friday, March 01, 2013 at 7:00 PM Fur Auction Sunday.

The WV Muzzleloaders will also be having their annual muzzle-loader shoot.
Vendors will be present throughout the weekend.

For more information contact Janet at 304.462.5985 or Scott at 304.462.7270 or log onto   www.wvtrappers.com

2013: Mid-Winter Waterfowl Survey Results

Wildlife biologists counted 5,252 ducks and 6,262 Canada geese during the annual mid-winter waterfowl survey in early January according to Steve Wilson, Waterfowl Biologist for the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Section.

“The number of ducks and geese counted this year increased 73% and 44% respectively compared to last year, and both are well above the 10-year average,” Wilson said. The increase was not unexpected due to weather fronts moving through from the northwest in December.

Canada geese, mallards and black ducks, as usual, were the most commonly observed species in the 2013 survey.  Other waterfowl observed include: canvasback, scaup, ring-necked duck, redhead, bufflehead, wood duck, gadwall, mergansers and tundra swans. Nine adult and five juvenile bald eagles were also observed.

The survey was conducted on January 07, 08, and 10, 2013, and included portions of the Kanawha, Ohio, Shenandoah and New Rivers as well as Tygart and Bluestone Lakes.

Area	2013		2012		2011		2010		2009
	Ducks	Geese	Ducks	Geese	Ducks	Geese	Ducks	Geese	Ducks	Geese
Kanawha River (Upper	290	282	243	421	121	673	160	465	253	326
Kanawha River (Lower)	430	216	245	59	102	182	66	483	123	304
Ohio River (Lower)	1,238	1,672	1,342	1,017	1,195	764	849	1,321	290	501
Ohio River (Middle)	2,614	3,641	1,134	2,067	2,712	3,536	1,424	4,915	975	1,365
Tygart Lake/Pleasant Creek	213	11	254	16	82	15	212	170	72	128
Shenandoah River	85	36	81	57	136	588	18	154	102	422
Bluestone Lake/New River	382	404	417	267	696	389	139	281	218	229
Total	5,252	6,262	3,716	3,904	5,044	6,147	2,868	7,789	2,033	3,275
10-Year Average	3,300	4,604	3,036	4,352	3,333	4,729	4,905	5,154	5,012	4,764

Trapping and Hunting Seasons End Soon for Mink, Raccoon, Fox, Muskrat, etc.

Sportsmen are reminded that various trapping seasons and small game hunting seasons will end soon.

The trapping season for fisher ended on January 31, 2013.

The hunting and trapping seasons for red and gray fox, bobcat and raccoon will end on February 28, 2013.

The trapping seasons for coyote, otter, mink and muskrat will also end on February 28, 2013.

Trapping season for beaver will be in until March 31, 2013.

Beaver trappers are reminded that it is illegal to set traps during the month of March for beaver unless those traps are in water. Trappers should be aware that it is illegal to set traps or leave traps set after Noon on the last day of the respective season.

All beaver, bobcat, otter and fisher pelts are required to be checked at an official game checking station within 30 days of the close of their respective seasons.

Trappers, hunters and fur dealers are reminded that furs shipped out of West Virginia must have a fur shipping tag, which is available at Division of Natural Resources district offices and most game checking stations.

Also, anyone who plans to sell an otter or bobcat pelt outside of West Virginia should obtain a CITES seal for each pelt. All otter and bobcat pelts, usually exported from the United States by licensed fur buyers, must have a CITES seal from the state where the animal was harvested.

The public is reminded that now, before the trapping season ends, would be a good time to deal with nuisance muskrat or beaver problems. Trappers may be more likely to assist landowners with nuisance problems while their gear is in working order and pelts are prime.

West Virginia’s Late Season Hunting Opportunities

Late winter presents an often-overlooked opportunity for hunters in the Mountain State, according to Jeff McCrady, district wildlife biologist with the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. Rabbit, grouse, fox, bobcat and raccoon are in season through the end of February.

“For many hunters, this is the most enjoyable time to be afield,” McCrady said. “The holidays are long past and people just seem to have more time to get outside and hunt.”

February can be a great time for the serious rabbit hunter. There is less vegetation to obscure vision, the ground is usually damp enough to hold scent well and the weather is generally cool enough to keep the beagles from getting overheated.

Grouse hunters enjoy late season outings for the same reasons. The final weeks of February will be the last chance to hunt with their dogs until next fall.

Raccoons are generally not very active during cold, winter nights; however, a warm spell can change everything. As the harsh winter weather begins to diminish and the days become longer, raccoons become more active. Raccoon hunters should remain vigilant through the end of the season.

Predators, such as fox, bobcat and coyote, are susceptible to varmint calls during the winter months. The imitated distress cries of a rabbit or a field mouse work well to attract fox, bobcat and coyote this time of year. While predators may be a little easier to call in during February, hunters still need to be mindful of wind direction and remain well hidden to increase their success.

“With all of West Virginia’s late season hunting opportunities, there is no reason for a case of cabin fever,” McCrady said. “Success can’t be guaranteed, but fresh air and exercise are certainly available this time of year.”

West Virginia Hunters Harvest a Record 2,683 Black Bears in 2012

West Virginia hunters harvested 2,683 black bears during the combined 2012 archery and firearms seasons, according to Colin Carpenter, Black Bear Project leader for the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources.

The preliminary harvest for the combined 2012 seasons was 34% higher than the 2011 harvest of 2,009 bears and 12% higher than the previous record harvest of 2,392 established in 2010. The black bear harvest of 2012 marks the fourth time in the past five years that the harvest has topped 2,000.

“As predicted in the 2012 DNR Mast Survey and Hunting Outlook publication, mast conditions had a tremendous influence on the distribution of this year’s bear harvest,” said Carpenter. “The statewide oak mast index for 2012 was much higher than in 2011 but the distribution was spotty.  This fact, combined with two additional weeks of archery hunting, allowed archers to locate bears effectively and led to an increased archery harvest.

Abundant oak mast keeps bears active into the winter and makes these bears vulnerable to harvest during concurrent buck-gun and bear seasons and the traditional December firearms season. Favorable mast conditions, combined with multiple counties open during September, led to a large increase in the firearms harvest.”

Hunters took 746 bears during the 2012 archery season. The top five counties were Webster (71), Nicholas (67), Randolph (57), Fayette (55) and Preston (51).

Firearms hunters harvested 1,937 bears during 2012. Hunters took 681 bears in September, 266 during the concurrent buck/bear season and 990 during the traditional December season. The top five counties were Pocahontas (183), Pendleton (179), Randolph (163), Webster (151) and Greenbrier (148).

2012 WEST VIRGINIA BLACK BEAR HARVEST
County	Archery	September	Buck Gun	December	Total
Barbour	27	2	0	13	42
Brooke	0	0	0	0	0
Hancock	0	0	0	0	0
Harrison	3	0	0	0	3
Marion	0	0	0	1	1
Marshall	0	0	0	0	0
Monongalia	3	0	5	0	8
Ohio	0	0	0	0	0
Preston	51	15	37	28	131
Taylor	7	0	0	0	7
Tucker	17	38	0	37	92
Wetzel	1	0	0	0	1
District I Subtotal	109	55	42	79	285
Berkeley	3	0	0	0	3
Grant	18	46	0	50	114
Hampshire	16	0	46	10	72
Hardy	17	44	0	85	146
Jefferson	1	0	0	1	2
Mineral	5	0	0	10	15
Morgan	2	0	11	5	18
Pendleton	16	84	0	95	195
District II Subtotal	78	174	57	256	565
Braxton	15	5	0	21	41
Clay	10	5	0	32	47
Lewis	7	0	0	6	13
Nicholas	67	31	0	39	137
Pocahontas	11	56	0	127	194
Randolph	57	58	0	105	220
Upshur	11	0	0	11	22
Webster	71	73	0	78	222
District III Subtotal	249	228	0	419	896
Fayette	55	46	59	32	192
Greenbrier	38	50	0	98	186
McDowell	34	21	0	12	67
Mercer	13	0	0	1	14
Monroe	19	0	0	15	34
Raleigh	21	21	23	7	72
Summers	13	0	0	0	13
Wyoming	32	12	0	7	51
District IV Subtotal	225	150	82	172	629
Boone	17	32	44	20	113
Cabell	0	0	0	0	0
Kanawha	24	29	41	25	119
Lincoln	1	0	0	1	2
Logan	30	10	0	11	51
Mason	0	0	0	0	0
Mingo	6	3	0	2	11
Putnam	0	0	0	0	0
Wayne	1	0	0	1	2
District V Subtotal	79	74	85	60	298
Calhoun	1	0	0	1	2
Doddridge	0	0	0	0	0
Gilmer	1	0	0	2	3
Jackson	0	0	0	0	0
Pleasants	0	0	0	0	0
Ritchie	0	0	0	1	1
Roane	4	0	0	0	4
Tyler	0	0	0	0	0
Wirt	0	0	0	0	0
Wood	0	0	0	0	0
District VI Subtotal	6	0	0	4	10
State Total	746	681	266	990	2683

West Virginia Hunters Harvest 131,444 Deer in 2012

Preliminary counts of game checking tags indicate West Virginia hunters harvested a total of 131,444 white-tailed deer during the recently completed bucks-only, antlerless, muzzleloader, archery and youth/Class Q/Class XS deer seasons.

This year’s total harvest was three% below the 2011 deer harvest of 135,696.

A total of 56,658 bucks, 45,169 antlerless season deer, 24,571 bow-killed deer and 5,046 muzzleloader season deer were taken during the 2012 season.

Antlerless Deer Season

The 2012 antlerless deer season, which includes the youth/Class Q/Class XS deer season, was 12% above 2011 and one and one-half% below the five-year average of 45,845.

“It is important to note that the antlerless harvest is the key component to any deer management strategy, as it controls the future deer population,” said Jezioro. “Many counties had liberalized antlerless hunting seasons in 2012, including 10 counties that required hunters to harvest an antlerless deer before harvesting a second buck with a gun or bow, and a new October antlerless firearms season in all open counties.  These modifications to the antlerless season structure led to an increase in the harvest and will ensure that deer populations do not exceed management objectives.”

The top 10 counties are: Preston (2,343), Mason (2,026), Jackson (1,759), Wood (1,608), Lewis (1,575), Upshur (1,569), Harrison (1,511), Ritchie (1,391), Monongalia (1,340) and Randolph (1,325).

Muzzleloader Deer Season

The 2012 muzzleloader harvest of 5,046 was 36% less than the 2011 harvest of 7,873 and was 37% below the five-year average of 7,969.  “A change in season dates and an above-average acorn crop contributed to the decline in the muzzleloader harvest,” Jezioro said.

The top 10 counties are: Preston (237), Randolph (230), Nicholas (219), Braxton (216), Webster (203), Jackson (173), Fayette (170), Upshur (160), Lewis (157) and Mason (147).

Archery Deer Season

The bow hunters take of 24,571 deer was 10% below the 2011 harvest of 27,404, 10% below the five-year average harvest of 27,339. Archery harvests are directly correlated to hard mast crops, and the above average acorn crop was the primary factor for the lower harvest in 2012.

The top 10 counties are: Preston (1,089), Kanawha (863), Raleigh (796), Randolph (791), Monongalia (769), Wyoming (765), Logan (739), Greenbrier (727), Fayette (707) and Nicholas (693).

 

 

2012 WEST VIRGINIA DEER HARVEST
County	Buck Gun	Antlerless	Muzzleloader	Archery	Total
Barbour	1185	882	136	368	2571
Brooke	407	592	48	310	1357
Hancock	325	488	69	434	1316
Harrison	1383	1511	139	636	3669
Marion	1094	1132	84	472	2782
Marshall	1302	1315	109	377	3103
Monongalia	1302	1340	103	769	3514
Ohio	453	480	40	303	1276
Preston	2132	2343	237	1089	5801
Taylor	682	754	64	281	1781
Tucker	639	456	83	294	1472
Wetzel	1500	1152	135	287	3074
District I Subtotal	12,404	12,445	1,247	5,620	31,716
Berkeley	690	655	57	386	1788
Grant	1312	701	69	299	2381
Hampshire	1583	1117	72	228	3000
Hardy	1447	1077	77	193	2794
Jefferson	530	458	41	302	1331
Mineral	1190	1016	96	275	2577
Morgan	604	479	40	138	1261
Pendleton	1401	728	66	245	2440
District II Subtotal	8,757	6,231	518	2,066	17,572
Braxton	1405	1267	216	399	3287
Clay	557	147	36	226	966
Lewis	1368	1575	157	367	3467
Nicholas	1219	594	219	693	2725
Pocahontas	1157	357	65	315	1894
Randolph	1794	1325	230	791	4140
Upshur	1285	1569	160	461	3475
Webster	819	503	203	510	2035
District III Subtotal	9,604	7,337	1,286	3,762	21,989
Fayette	1005	419	170	707	2301
Greenbrier	1925	834	93	727	3579
McDowell	0	0	0	560	560
Mercer	693	71	27	578	1369
Monroe	1563	961	119	499	3142
Raleigh	748	130	14	796	1688
Summers	1086	1169	112	519	2886
Wyoming	0	0	0	765	765
District IV Subtotal	7,020	3,584	535	5,151	16,290
Boone	903	89	23	421	1436
Cabell	752	423	60	386	1621
Kanawha	1177	632	68	863	2740
Lincoln	1327	666	75	546	2614
Logan	0	0	0	739	739
Mason	1697	2026	147	641	4511
Mingo	0	0	0	364	364
Putnam	1187	1121	109	507	2924
Wayne	1055	373	70	376	1874
District V Subtotal	8,098	5,330	552	4,843	18,823
Calhoun	772	764	62	205	1803
Doddridge	855	723	55	199	1832
Gilmer	922	634	89	207	1852
Jackson	1678	1759	173	583	4193
Pleasants	383	342	30	91	846
Ritchie	1528	1391	87	305	3311
Roane	1436	1141	101	364	3042
Tyler	928	928	95	230	2181
Wirt	871	952	95	277	2195
Wood	1402	1608	121	668	3799
District VI Subtotal	10,775	10,242	908	3,129	25,054
State Total	56,658	45,169	5,046	24,571	131,444

West Virginia Hunters Harvest 1,233 Fall Turkeys in 2012

Preliminary figures for the 2012 fall turkey hunting season show a harvest of 1,233 turkeys.

The 2012 harvest was 4% higher than the 1,186 birds checked in during the 2011 fall season and 3% higher than the five-year average.

Three districts saw increases above average harvests, while the other three districts had slight decreases.

“Fall wild turkey harvests are highly influenced by hunter participation, annual recruitment of young turkeys and hard mast conditions,” said Taylor.  “The above-average but scattered acorn crop of 2012 concentrated birds in areas of abundant mast, making those birds somewhat more susceptible to harvest, especially in our non-traditional, fall hunting counties.”

Top counties for 2012 were Greenbrier (139), Nicholas (98), Randolph (91), Monroe (89) and Summers (71).

The traditional fall hunting counties, including Preston County, the Eastern Panhandle and the mountain regions of the state, accounted for 56% of the total fall kill, which was almost identical to last year.

Interestingly, these same traditional fall counties contributed only 19% of the total spring wild turkey hunting season harvest in 2012.

WV Wild: January – The Month for “The Dogs”

Saturday finally arrived.  The day promised to be about perfect for the little hounds.  Sunshine, spotty snow to see tracks, and damp ground to provide good scenting conditions for the beagles to run the rabbits.  The two little hounds were eager to go and dancing around in their boxes.  Soon we had a few shells stuffed in our vests and the dogs were let out and started around the hill.  We were hunting grown up pasture land in Gilmer County.

The land had long ago been abandoned as far as its use for grazing cattle.  The pasture land was basically being taken over by briers, multiflora rose bushes and little islands of brush.  We could see the marks on the small saplings where rabbits had chewed when the snow was too deep for them to reach the grass. We were walking along on ancient cattle trails, now being used by deer, while the dogs were busily investigating every nook and cranny, every old log and every thick patch of grass.

All of a sudden the dog opened with a series of short chops and bawls and even a squeal or two as the excitement of running right into a rabbit struck its nose.  We saw the rabbit squirt out of the cover and dash across the open ground, headed for the next hollow with the dogs in hot pursuit.  We then separated about 50-60 yards and took up a position where we had some visibility of the hillside.  Rick was up the hill and I was lower where I could see the edge of the hollow where the dogs disappeared.  We could hear them as their voices came from deeper in the hollow.  Now it sounded like they were heading up the other side of the hollow.

The next time we heard them it was obvious they were coming back in our direction.  I was straining to watch all the areas in front of me when I saw the rabbit squirt through a small opening before I could get the 20 gauge double up.  “Coming up the hill toward you,” I yelled to Rick.  In 10 seconds or so I heard the crack of his 28 gauge.  In a few more seconds the cries of the dogs fell silent, indicating they had come up on the dead rabbit.  With the first bunny in the bag, we continued on around the side of the hollow.

Don’t put your hunting guns away in January

This scene will be repeated throughout West Virginia for the month of January.  January is truly the time for the “dogs” and for the small game hunter.  The deer hunters and bear hunters are out of the woods now and with them the “crowds” and traffic on the back roads.  But this doesn’t mean you have to put your guns away.

With the leaves off of the trees, January also becomes the perfect time to go to the big woods with a squirrel dog.  From what I have seen in the past couple of years, hunting with a squirrel dog is gaining popularity.  It is exciting and fun to walk through the open timber on a snow covered day and watch a dog as he runs ahead through the woods.  Unlike our hounds, the squirrel dog hunts by sight.  All of a sudden you will see the dog make a mad dash ahead to a tree and then start jumping and trying to climb the tree as it has seen a squirrel go up the tree.

And for the grouse hunter, January often proves to be the best of all for successful grouse hunting.  Often our hunter will find birds while deer or bear hunting and then return with their pointing dogs.  Even though you can certainly find grouse without a dog in January by following tracks, to truly enjoy the sport of grouse hunting you need to hunt with a dog.  In West Virginia our most popular grouse dog breeds are the English Setters, the English pointers and Brittanys.  These are all pointing dogs that hunt by scent of the bird – stopping and freezing in their tracks when the strong scent of a grouse indicates it is close by.  Or, some want to hunt with what we call the flushing breeds.  Of these, probably the most popular in West Virginia would be the Springer spaniel.  The Springer would then be followed by the ever popular and versatile Labrador retriever. 

In any event, January affords a solid month of great hunting and chances to enjoy the wonderful outdoor experiences West Virginia has to offer.

                                                                     

Mountaineer Food Bank receives $70,000 donation from 2012 One Shot Deer Hunt event for Hunters Helpi

West Virginia Division of Natural Resources Director Frank Jezioro has presented a check to the Mountaineer Food Bank representing $70,000 raised during the sixth annual Governor’s One Shot Deer Hunt, held in October 2012.

The money will go to the Hunters Helping the Hungry Program (HHH), administered by WVDNR, to distribute venison to needy families across the state through the Mountaineer Food Bank and other agencies.

In addition to the funds donated through the Governor’s One Shot Deer Hunt, $25,000 was donated by Dominion Energy.

The donations were presented at the Food Bank’s headquarters in Gassaway, Braxton County, on December 19, 2012.

The Governor’s One Shot event is sponsored by WVDNR and the One Shot Committee.

Private individuals and businesses donate money for the opportunity to participate in guided antlerless deer hunts on private property near Stonewall Resort State Park in Lewis County and end the event with an auction and an award banquet. All venison from the hunt, along with profits from the sponsorships, goes to HHH.

The first event in 2007 raised $17,000, the second in 2008 raised $35,000, the third in 2009 raised $50,000, the fourth in 2010 raised $75,000, and the fifth in 2011 raised $75,000.

The HHH program allows hunters to donate legally-harvested deer to certified processors so the meat can be distributed to soup kitchens, food pantries, shelters, senior centers, missions, churches and community centers around the state. The HHH program has been highly successful since it began in 1992, providing meals to the neediest of West Virginians.

However, the program also requires cash donations to pay for processing and distribution costs to benefit these needy individuals.

More information about the HHH program is available at wvdnr.gov/Hunting/HHH.shtm.

GASSAWAY: Hunters Helping the Hungry Program to Get Donation

The head of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources presented a check to the Mountaineer Food Bank as part of the Hunters Helping the Hungry program.

Director Frank Jezioro presented the check on Wednesday afternoon in Gassaway, WV for funds raised during the Sixth Annual Governor’s One Shot Whitetail Hunt.

The event was held in late October at Stonewall Resort State Park near Roanoke in Lewis County.

It began in 2007 when then-Governor Joe Manchin and other state governors participated in a similar event in Wyoming.

Manchin decided to bring that experience to West Virginia.

The money raised helps to offset processing and distribution costs of deer donated through the program that distributes the deer meat to food pantries, churches and other groups.

Deer Hunters in West Virginia Harvest 56,173 Bucks During the Buck Firearms Season

Preliminary data collected from game checking stations across the state indicate deer hunters in West Virginia harvested 56,173 bucks during the two-week buck firearms season, which ran from November 19 through December 01, 2012.

The 2012 buck harvest was 7% less than the 2011 harvest of 60,157.

The top 10 counties for buck harvest were as follows: Preston (2,108), Greenbrier (1,907), Randolph (1,792), Mason (1,667), Jackson (1,662), Hampshire (1,570), Monroe (1,563), Ritchie (1,518), Wetzel (1,496) and Hardy (1,435).

This year’s buck harvest is slightly less than last year, with decreases occurring in four of the six DNR districts. The largest percent decreases occurred in the western and central counties of the state. The harvest was 27th among all recorded antlered buck firearm seasons. This year’s preliminary buck harvest remains 7% below the previous five-year average of 60,236.

Wildlife biologists and wildlife managers collected age-specific biological information at checking stations in 24 counties this year and preliminary analysis indicate antler development was good. The dry weather was good for hunter participation this year but made moving in the woods noisy. Deer densities that were more in balance with the habitat in many areas, combined with the better-than-average acorn crop that allowed deer to frequent open fields less frequently, made this year’s deer season challenging for many hunters. Residual access problems associated with Hurricane Sandy, such as downed trees blocking forest roads, may have hindered the ability of some buck hunters to reach their favorite hunting spots, especially in some of the high mountain counties.

Wildlife biologists will analyze data from the combined 2012 deer seasons (i.e., buck, antlerless, archery and muzzleloader) before making appropriate recommendations for next year’s deer hunting seasons. These recommendations will be available for public review at 12 regulations meetings scheduled for March 18 and 19, 2013.

Hunters are reminded that several days of deer hunting opportunity still remain for 2012.

The traditional antlerless deer season in selected counties on both public and private land opens December 13 and runs through December 15, 2012.

The Youth, Class Q/QQ and Class XS deer season (antlerless deer only) will be open on December 26 – 27, 2012 in any county with a firearms deer season, and will be followed by the reopening of Class N/NN antlerless deer season on December 28 – 31, 2012 in 48 counties or portions of counties.

     

West Virginia Antlered Deer Gun Harvest, 2008-2012
County	2008	2009	2010	2011	2012
Barbour	1413	1307	875	1372	1178
Brooke	427	377	337	413	407
Hancock	357	339	299	324	325
Harrison	1680	1730	1053	1494	1378
Marion	1489	1183	764	1249	1080
Marshall	1339	1321	1087	1407	1289
Monongalia	1927	1536	1116	1508	1286
Ohio	485	412	412	467	451
Preston	2618	2122	2034	2224	2108
Taylor	808	727	494	768	681
Tucker	951	874	743	738	635
Wetzel	2210	1474	958	1615	1496
District 1   Subtotal	15,704	13,402	10,172	13,579	12,314
Berkeley	855	651	661	835	673
Grant	1531	1228	959	1266	1284
Hampshire	2153	1634	1271	1676	1570
Hardy	2046	1601	1315	1589	1435
Jefferson	605	461	482	447	522
Mineral	1383	1158	947	1286	1175
Morgan	806	573	457	601	601
Pendleton	1416	1257	893	1391	1379
District 2   Subtotal	10,795	8,563	6,985	9,091	8,639
Braxton	1731	1891	986	1468	1403
Clay	540	552	353	519	557
Lewis	2027	2227	1130	1586	1353
Nicholas	1082	1176	846	1279	1198
Pocahontas	1223	1346	1100	1106	1150
Randolph	2126	1930	1858	2032	1792
Upshur	1536	1383	1088	1612	1284
Webster	887	901	807	1063	812
District 3   Subtotal	11,152	11,406	8,168	10,665	9,549
Fayette	905	896	742	1005	980
Greenbrier	1925	1976	1367	1783	1907
McDowell	0	0	0	0	0
Mercer	537	604	362	647	682
Monroe	1431	1569	1002	1364	1563
Raleigh	577	706	446	739	735
Summers	932	931	536	865	1084
Wyoming	0	0	0	0	0
District 4 Subtotal	6,307	6,682	4,455	6,403	6,951
Boone	577	628	471	653	882
Cabell	787	695	464	705	746
Kanawha	1259	1257	896	1275	1159
Lincoln	983	860	747	1146	1320
Logan	0	0	0	0	0
Mason	1892	2099	1298	1944	1667
Mingo	0	0	0	0	0
Putnam	1311	1065	794	1170	1168
Wayne	768	880	570	894	1043
District 5   Subtotal	7,577	7,484	5,240	7,787	7,985
Calhoun	1252	1124	570	962	772
Doddridge	1605	1416	767	1000	855
Gilmer	1585	1398	701	1029	921
Jackson	1948	2504	1225	1962	1662
Pleasants	630	531	332	512	382
Ritchie	2369	2010	1195	1701	1518
Roane	2010	2112	1049	1694	1434
Tyler	1590	1210	833	1189	922
Wirt	1186	1265	659	944	870
Wood	1655	1879	1110	1639	1399
District 6   Subtotal	15,830	15,449	8,441	12,632	10,735
State Total	67,365	62,986	43,461	60,157	56,173

WV Wild: December- The Month of Choice for the Hunter

We were out on the Allegheny Front with the bird dogs on a cold December morning. The firearm buck season was over and it was time for us to check out a couple of places where we had jumped grouse during the deer season.

The Biggest Day of the Hunting SeasonAs we parked and got out to get the dogs ready, I could hear the distant bawling of a hound. It was obvious that this was part of a pack of dogs since every dog has its own distinct voice. The owner of a dog can pick out his dog from the rest of the pack by its voice.

The dogs were headed away, deep into the valley where the North Branch of the Potomac runs. I chuckled to myself thinking, “Old bear, if you can just make it to the river you are home free.” Past experience told me that bears jumped in this area make a bee-line for the river and the safety of the Maryland shore.

Snoopy Flushes the Bird

Snoopy, our three-year-old English pointer, was whining and eager to get going after the long rest during the deer season. Once we had a few shells, the dog collars and bells in place, we cut them loose.

Not 50 yards into the grape and greenbrier tangle and I heard a grouse flush wild. The birds are often a little jumpy if the area has been hunted hard during the deer season. What happens is, those deer hunters going through the tangles will jump the birds, maybe two or three times a day, making them nervous for a while.

We continued on around the mountain for about 200 yards when Snoopy drew up into a hard point. She was looking toward the lip of the flat we were on, suggesting that the bird was in position to flush out over the mountain and sail off into safety if missed.

I quickly moved toward the edge of the mountain while Rick moved toward the pointing dog. Just as I suspected, the bird flushed, made a little half circle and started to sail over the mountain.

I was ready, had a good clear shot and caught the grouse with a load of 7 ½s, sending it tumbling. As I broke the gun, another grouse roared out from just over the edge offering no shot.

 

 

The Music of the Dogs

The Biggest Day of the Hunting SeasonAs we sat there admiring the grouse and telling Snoopy what a great dog she was going to be, we heard the excited yelps and squalls of a pair of beagles. The little hounds were driving a rabbit in the old abandoned field across from where we had parked the truck. We sat there for a few minutes just enjoying the music of the dogs. The music was interrupted with the sharp crack of a small gauge shotgun, probably a 20 gauge from the sound. Just as quick as it had started the voice of the beagles fell silent.

December – Choose Your Hunts

And this was a sample of what all goes on during the Month of December. This year the muzzleloader season for deer coincided with the opening of the firearm bear season. The bear season will basically run for the month of December. During December we will have the opportunity to hunt grouse, rabbits, and squirrels as well a bear.

So if you are a small game hunter or a big game hunter, your choices are varied and many during this month of December. Normally the weather will provide several good days to be out in the great outdoors. It is a good time to get off of the couch and get out into the fields and woods with a favorite dog and/or a favorite hunting buddy.

                                                                     

The Hunters Helping the Hungry Program Is Helping Supply Food Banks Throughout the State

As the 2012 buck hunting season winds down in West Virginia, many West Virginia hunters have filled their own freezers with deer meat for the coming year.

However, there are still opportunities left to hunt and for those who may want to take another deer this week, hunt with a muzzleloader next week, or take advantage of the remaining days of archery season and the antlerless hunting season, there are many across West Virginia who could use the venison.

The West Virginia Hunters Helping the Hungry Program is now in its 20th hunting season.

“We started in 1992 and since then the program has actually served over a million meals of venison to needy people in West Virginia,“ said Gene Thorne who heads up the program at the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources.

Hunters who have tags left to fill simply kill the deer, get it checked at a game checking station, and then drop it off at one of the participating meat processors scattered across the state.

“They take it from there and grind the deer and package it in two pound packages and freeze it,“ said Thorne.  “The Mountaineer Food Bank picks it up from there and distributes it.“

The venison is provided to homeless shelters, soup kitchens, and other civic feeding programs in all 55 counties.  Mountaineer Food Bank officials say it’s their largest red meat donation every year and the need is even greater this year.

“An average year is around a thousand,“ said Thorne.  “This year, we’re actually hoping to double that just because of the need that’s out there.  That wind storm in June and this most recent superstorm that hit the state has really left a need for food.“

A list of the participating butcher shops can be found at the DNR’s website, www.wvdnr.gov.  Thorne says they’re somewhat few and far between because they must be USDA approved and there aren’t as many of those meat processors in the state anymore.

The other great need, according to Thorne, is money.

By law, DNR money cannot be used to pay for the program which incurs a cost with every deer processed.  Thorne says they receive some funding in the form of a DHHR grant each year, but the bulk of funding comes from private donations.

Muzzleloader Deer Season Opens a Week Early This Year

Additional Deer (Class RM) must be purchased prior to Muzzleloader Season

West Virginia hunters are reminded that the deer muzzleloader season will open one week earlier this year than in past years, according to Curtis I. Taylor, Chief of Wildlife Resources Section of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources.

The deer muzzleloader season will run from December 03 through December 08, 2012.

This means that resident and nonresident hunters who are interested in purchasing an additional deer muzzleloader stamp (Class RM and RRM) have until December 02, 2012, the day prior to the season opening, to make that purchase. Only one RM stamp (resident additional deer muzzleloader hunting) or one RRM (nonresident additional deer muzzleloader hunting) can be purchased.

Hunters are reminded of the following muzzleloader hunting regulations relating to the Class RM and RRM license:

•  Class RM or RRM stamps may be used to take one antlered deer in all counties having a muzzleloader season.  Logan, McDowell, Mingo and Wyoming counties do not have a deer muzzleloader season.

•  If you are hunting in a county with a closed antlerless deer season or in a county that you had to apply for an antlerless season permit, then you are allowed to harvest only one antlered deer on the RM or RRM stamp.

•  If you are hunting in a county with an antlerless season bag limit of one and you were not required to apply for an antlerless permit for that county or a county with an antlerless season bag limit of three deer, then you are allowed to harvest one deer of either-sex on the RM or RRM stamp.

Glenville: WVDNR Collecting Data on Deer Hunted

The WVDNR officers collecting data on Deer hunted in

Gilmer County at Mr. Clean’s Bowshop in Glenville

Age vs. Growth

 

 

 

 

 

Physical Agility Tests for West Virginia Natural Resources Police Officer Candidates

Physical Agility Tests (PAT) have been scheduled for anyone interested in applying for Natural Resources Police Officer (NRPO) positions that are open statewide, according to Lt. Tim Coleman of the Law Enforcement Section of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR).

All candidates for NRPO positions are required to pass a PAT. Applicants should report to the lobby of the South Charleston Community Center at 601 Jefferson Street either Friday, December 07, at 8:00 AM, or Saturday, December 08, at 9:00 AM Walk-ons will be accepted.

NRPOs in the WVDNR Law Enforcement Section are responsible for the prompt, orderly and effective enforcement of all laws and rules of the state and have full law enforcement authority statewide. Of primary importance is the protection of West Virginia’s wildlife to the degree that they are not endangered by unlawful activities.

To be considered for this position, candidates must be willing to relocate and work in any county in the state; must be willing to work all shifts and be on call; and understand that this is a statewide position, and as such, that the county of assignment may not be guaranteed.

Minimum qualifications include graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with preference given to majors in natural sciences, law enforcement, criminology, or criminal justice, or candidates may substitute previous employment as a law enforcement officer under certain circumstances.

The PAT consists of three parts: a 37.5 yard swim; an agility test consisting of completing a minimum of 18 push-ups in proper form in one minute and completing 27 sit-ups in proper form in one minute; and a 1.5 mile run in 15 minutes, 20 seconds or less. Failure to satisfactorily complete any part of the test is cause for disqualification and will eliminate candidates from further consideration. Candidates should bring long pants and a shirt for the fully clothed swimming test (no jeans or sweatpants) and a change of clothing for the running test.

Directions: From the east, take I-64 Exit 54, MacCorkle Avenue. Turn left at the bottom of the ramp and turn left again at the next traffic light onto Jefferson Road (Bob Evans Restaurant is on the corner). From the west, take I-64 Exit 54 and make two right turns onto Jefferson Road. The South Charleston Community Center is an eighth of a mile on the right.

Full details about the job description and an online job application form can be found at www.wvdnr.gov, Law Enforcement / Employment. For more information, contact the WVDNR Law Enforcement Section at 304.558.2784 or email “DNR.Law@wv.gov”.

Ritchie County: Hunting-Related Death - Victim Suffered Heart Attack

West Virginia Division of Natural Resources says a deer hunter in Ritchie County, WV suffered a heart attack and died on the first day of deer gun season Monday.

Investigators say Joe Clayton, age 73, of Smithville, WV, was hunting near Hazelgreen Road Monday evening, November 19, 2012 at around 6:30 PM when he collapsed and died.

The death is the first reported in the two-week season that runs through December 01, 2012.

Buck Season 2012 Information and Facts

»  The West Virginia firearm buck gun season is November 19 – December 01, 2012.

It is open in all counties except Logan, Mingo, McDowell and Wyoming.

»  Approximately 330,000 licensed hunters will be in West Virginia’s woods during this season.

»  Following is the list of wildlife checking stations in area counties:

GILMER COUNTY

•  Barely Used
7 South Lewis Street
Glenville 26351
304.462.0371

•  Fred’s
10071 US Hwy 33 W
Normantown 25267
304.462.8111

•  Mr. Clean’S Bow Shop
305 North Lewis Street
Glenville 26351
304.462.8688

•  Robert’s Service Center
Route 65 Box 25-C
Glenville 26351
304.462.8649

•  Sear’s Exxon
15441 US Highway 33 W
Stumptown 25280
304.354.6552

•  Simmons Country Store
8013 WV Hwy 47 W
Cox’s Mills 26342
304.462.8444

•  Somerville’s Exxon
Linn 26384
304.462.7105

BRAXTON COUNTY

•  Argles Gun & Pawn
181 State Street
Gassaway 26624
304.364.5051

•  Braxton Gun & Pawn
975 State Street
Gassaway 26624
304.304.8011

•  Curry’s Convenience Store
431 Burnsville Road
Burnsville 26335
304.853.2832

•  Ducky’s Place
PO Box 6
Heaters 26627
304.756.2880

•  Kanawha Run Trading Post
725 Kanawha Run Road
Sutton 26601
304.765.2002

•  Lakes Carry-Out
HC 35 Box 7-AA
Napier 26631
304.765.3823

•  Little General Store
4853 Old Turnpike Road
Little Birch 26629
304.765.3545

•  Lloyds Hardware
2220 Sutton Lane
Sutton 26601
304.765.3332

•  R & L Grocery
PO Box 130
Rosedale 26636
304.364.2274

•  Ruth’s Carryout
4050 Centralia Road
Sutton 26601
304.765.2148

•  Sam’s Grocery
HC 61 Box 57-C
Frametown 26623
304.364.5268

•  Sutton Feed & Hardware
75 S Stonewall Street
Sutton 26601
304.765.5479

CALHOUN COUNTY

•  Cha.Ti’s Convenience Store
PO Box 721
Grantsville 26147
304.354.6803

•  Chloe Auto & Hardware
23350 S Calhoun Hwy
Chloe 25235
304.655.7198

•  Holbert’s Store
PO Box 66
Big Bend 26136
304.354.6476

•  Momma T’s
2326 N Calhoun Hwy
Grantsville 26147
304.354.6941

•  Mt. Zion Pit Stop
HC 89 Box 100
Grantsville 26147
304.354.7601

•  Speedy Mart
PO Box 114
Arnoldsburg 25234
304.655.8990

DODDRIDGE COUNTY

•  Becker
Route 1 Box 84
New Milton 26411
304.873.1930

•  Center Point Country Store
Route 2 Box 193-A
Salem 26426
304.782.3742

•  Fairview Shell
Route 2 Box 41-FC
West Union 26456
304.873.3371

•  Stoney’s Sporting Goods
Route 1
West Union 26456
304.873.2753

•  Wabash Trading Post
101 Front Street
West Union 26456
304.873.2319

LEWIS COUNTY

•  Appalachian Glass Products & Services
499 US Hwy 33 E
Weston 26452
304.269.1030

•  Broken Wheel Campground
2060 Skin Creek Road
Weston 26452
304.269.6097

•  Corner Mart
2997 Jackson Mill Road
Weston 26452
304.269.1084

•  Jane Lew Depot
PO Box 54
Jane Lew 26378
304.884.8910

•  Jerry’s Bait Shop
PO Box 35
Horner 26372
304.452.8227

•  R & B Garage
467 Broad Run Road
Jane Lew 26378
304.884.7764

•  Stop & Shop
1855 US Hwy 33 W
Weston 26452
304.269.1697

•  Stouts Bait Shop
90 Skin Creek Road
Weston 26452
304.269.9810

•  Tri-Lakes Convenience Store
17698 US Hwy 19 S
Walkersville 26447
304.452.8870

RITCHIE COUNTY

•  B & B Place
Box 48
Smithville 26178
304.477.3331

•  Bailey Brothers
Box 23
Burnt House 26336
304.349.2615

•  Filling Station
Route 1 Box 1
Cairo 26337
304.628.3848

•  North Bend State Park
202 N Bend Park Road
Cairo 26337
304.643.2931

•  Pullman Pit Stop
6 Auburn Road
Pullman 26421
304.659.2125

•  Ritchie Tobacco Outlet
116 E Myles Avenue
Pennsboro 26415
304.659.3643

•  Route 16 Fuel Center
Route 50
Ellenboro 26346
304.869.4200

•  Scott’s Sport Shop
Route 2 Box 213
Pennsboro 26415
304.659.2310

•  Stout Hardware
16 S Spring Street
Harrisville 26362
304.643.2737

•  Washburn General Store
RR 2 Box 128.2
Harrisville 26362
304.643.5272

»  The firearm antlered deer bag limit during the two-week buck season is two (one on the base license and one on an RG [resident] or RRG [nonresident] stamp). A hunter may take no more than three antlered deer per calendar year in all archery and firearms seasons combined.

»  The last day to purchase an additional buck deer gun tag (Class RG/RRG Stamp) was November 18, 2012. Class RG and Class RRG additional buck stamps can only be used to take an additional antlered deer in firearm buck season. Unused Class RG and Class RRG stamps may not be used in antlerless or muzzleloader seasons.

»  There are 10 counties or portions thereof (see the 2012 – 2013 Hunting and Trapping Regulations Summary) that require buck firearms hunters to take an antlerless deer during the antlerless firearms deer season (with Class N permit for residents or Class NN permit for nonresidents) prior to harvesting a second antlered deer during the buck firearms season.

»  All private and public lands in counties having a firearms antlerless deer gun season (Class N for residents and Class NN for nonresidents) will be open November 19 – December 01, 2012 (concurrent with the buck gun season), December 13 - 15, and December 28 – 31, 2012. Bag limits vary among counties but will be either one or three antlerless deer.

»  All deer must be field tagged and checked in within 72 hours of the time of kill or within 24 hours of the close of the season, whichever comes first. Additional deer may not be taken until all previously taken deer have been checked. Only one deer may be taken per day during the buck season.

»  Deer hunters spend an estimated $230 million in West Virginia, much of it in the rural areas of the state that depend upon the deer seasons for a large portion of their annual income.

»  In 2011, deer hunters in West Virginia harvested 60,157 bucks during the two-week buck season, an increase of 38 percent from the 2010 harvest. This is two percent less than the five-year average harvest of 61,428 and ranks 24th among all past years.

»  WVDNR forecasts that the buck harvest should be slightly higher for 2012. All regions should see a similar-to-higher harvest this year. The increased reproduction of 2011 and the mild winter of 2011-2012 should mean that there are plenty of 1.5-year-old animals for hunters. The overall mast conditions should be favorable. In addition, DNR has been conducting spotlight counts in many counties and have observed many large-racked animals for hunters to pursue.

»  Sunday hunting is legal in the following 14 counties on private land only: Boone, Brooke, Clay, Hancock, Jefferson, Lincoln, Logan, McDowell, Marshall, Mingo, Ohio, Wayne, Wetzel and Wyoming. The only Sunday that is open in these counties during the buck season is November 25, 2012. Hunters are reminded that deer gun seasons are closed in Logan, Mingo, McDowell and Wyoming counties.

»  Hunters are required to wear at least 400 square inches of blaze orange (about the size of a vest) as an outer garment for visibility and safety. Blaze orange camouflage patterns are legal as long as 400 square inches of blaze orange are displayed on the garment. A blaze orange hat is not required, but the hunter must have blaze orange visible from both the front and the back.

Daily G-Eye™: 11.18.12

Submit photos for this daily feature. You may select to have your name listed as well.
Send your photo(s) to “tellus@gilmerfreepress.net”

Buck and Antlerless Gun Seasons Open November 19, 2012

West Virginia’s traditional antlered (buck) gun season begins on Monday, November 19, according to Curtis I. Taylor, Chief of the Wildlife Resources Section of the Division of Natural Resources (DNR). West Virginia’s buck gun season provides a wealth of recreational opportunities for resident and nonresident hunters and has a tremendous economic impact on the state’s economy.

“Hunters should enjoy a great deer season in 2012,” said Taylor. “Because our traditional November firearms deer season opens the Monday before Thanksgiving every year, the season opening can be as early November 19 and as late as November 25. This year is one of the early opening years, which is closer to the peak deer rut. This date gives hunters an advantage because bucks are more vulnerable to being harvested closer to the rut.”

“Hunters can harvest an additional buck with the purchase of the appropriate stamp,” added Taylor. Resident hunters wanting the extra buck should purchase the Class RG stamp. The RG stamp must be purchased prior to the beginning of the season, and the cost is $21. The RG stamp must be accompanied by a Class A and CS, A-L, AB-L, X, XS, XJ or free license.

Resident landowners have the privilege of harvesting an extra buck without purchasing the RG stamp if they are hunting on their own property. Nonresident hunters wanting an extra buck must purchase a RRG stamp prior to the beginning of the season, and the cost is $43. The RRG stamp must be accompanied by the Class E or XXJ license. Nonresident hunters who own land in West Virginia are not exempt from purchasing a license or the extra buck stamp, even if hunting on their own property.

Hunters are also reminded that there have been 10 counties or portions thereof (see 2012–2013 Hunting and Trapping Regulations Summary) designated this year where buck firearm hunters are required to take an antlerless deer with a firearm prior to harvesting a second antlered deer during the buck firearms season (with Class N permit for residents or Class NN permit for nonresidents).

In addition, as in past deer seasons, many counties are open to concurrent antlerless deer hunting during the traditional buck gun season. Antlerless deer firearm season opens November 19 on private land and selected public lands. Hunters should consult the 2012–2013 Hunting and Trapping Regulations and Summary for specific antlerless deer regulations in each county and wildlife management area.

Gilmer County Recreation Center: Plan to Stay During Hunting Season

Deer Season opens in Gilmer County on Monday, November 19, 2012. Gilmer County Parks and Recreation Center would like to offer a friendly welcome and a comfortable bed to deer hunters coming to our county.

After a log day of hunting, you will be able to enjoy the quiet sanctuary and beauty the Recreation Center has to offer.

Gilmer County Parks and Recreation accommodations range from a cabin, to a lodge room, to RV parking.

Perfect for the deer hunter.

Rates are very reasonable and accommodations outstanding.

Treat yourself to a mix of options: we have you covered.

Lodge: $40 for one, $45 for two, $50 for three

The Lodge provides sheets, blanket, pillow, and towels.

Cabins: rent for $20 a person/per night/no linens available for cabins.

RV Parking: $15 a night. Electric available with a dumping station.

A quiet place to relax after a day of hunting.

Once you settle in, you’ll be in no hurry to leave.

Make your reservations today…..

Lisa Smarr – Director

Cell: 304.266.0020

WV DNR Doesn’t Expect Snowfall to Hurt Buck Season But Bow Hunting Access Could Be Limited

A West Virginia wildlife official says the heavy snowfall from Superstorm Sandy is not expected to hurt the state’s buck gun season.

But Division of Natural Resources assistant wildlife Chief Paul Johansen says bow hunters might have trouble getting into some areas.

While food conditions have been spotty, Johansen says deer are entering the winter in good shape, nutritionally.

He expects the overall deer kill to be up from the 2011 seasons.

Deer hunting contributes $230 million to West Virginia’s economy annually.

Gilmer County Recreation Center: Plan to Stay During Hunting Season

Deer Season opens in Gilmer County on Monday, November 19, 2012. Gilmer County Parks and Recreation Center would like to offer a friendly welcome and a comfortable bed to deer hunters coming to our county.

After a log day of hunting, you will be able to enjoy the quiet sanctuary and beauty the Recreation Center has to offer.

Gilmer County Parks and Recreation accommodations range from a cabin, to a lodge room, to RV parking.

Perfect for the deer hunter.

Rates are very reasonable and accommodations outstanding.

Treat yourself to a mix of options: we have you covered.

Lodge: $40 for one, $45 for two, $50 for three

The Lodge provides sheets, blanket, pillow, and towels.

Cabins: rent for $20 a person/per night/no linens available for cabins.

RV Parking: $15 a night. Electric available with a dumping station.

A quiet place to relax after a day of hunting.

Once you settle in, you’ll be in no hurry to leave.

Make your reservations today…..

Lisa Smarr – Director

Cell: 304.266.0020

WV Officials Open Areas for Disabled Hunters

Officials are taking applications for disabled hunters who would like to hunt on national forest and wildlife management area roads.

Disabled hunters who have a resident or nonresident permit can apply to the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources for permission to hunt in selected areas.

Those include designated roads throughout the Monongahela National Forest, portions of the George Washington/Jefferson National Forest in West Virginia and on selected wildlife management areas.

Hunters will receive a letter of authorization, which must be in their possession while hunting in the designated areas.

The hunter can be assisted by one person, but that person cannot hunt during that time.

In addition to having access to the areas, those in the program can participate in special deer hunts on December 26 and December 27.

Tree Stand Safety Urged by West Virginia Natural Resources Police

During the past few years in West Virginia, falls from elevated platforms, also called tree stands, have increased, according to Lt. Tim Coleman of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Section. Coleman encourages all hunters to be aware of the inherent dangers of hunting from a tree stand.

“This year alone we’ve had nine tree stand incidents reported that have resulted in life-threating injuries and one death,” Lt. Coleman said. “According to our records, 2011 was the worst year with 14 injuries, no fatalities. Falls from elevated platforms are now the leading cause of hunting incidents nationwide.”

WVDNR offers Hunter Education classes across the state. Passage of the class is a requirement for anyone born after January 01, 1975, before purchasing a hunting license. Class schedules can be found at www.wvdnr.gov or by calling your closest WVDNR district office. Lt. Coleman is the state Hunter Education coordinator and offers the following advice for anyone intending to hunt from a tree stand.

• Hunt Safely by understanding how to use tree stands and all related equipment correctly, reducing the chance of injury or death;
• Hunt Smart through correct handling of firearms or bows at all times and attention to the many differences between ground and elevated hunting; and
• Hunt Responsibly by respecting your environment and the other people who use it. Hunters should follow best practice rules and “leave no trace” when passing through an area.

Tree stands and other raised platforms can give hunters increased advantage over their quarry. However, if used incorrectly, they pose serious safety risks. To reduce the potential of an accident use the following tips:

Before you hunt

• Take the time to “shop around” and buy safe and comfortable stand and harness of the type that’s right for you. Safe and reliable equipment reduces your chance of injury.
• Carefully read all instructions and warnings provided with your stand.
• Practice setting up your stand and safety equipment at ground-level first. Use all recommended safety straps and pins to secure the stand.

Your safety harness

• Wear it at all times when climbing, hunting and descending.
• Choose one that will hold you right-side-up and not restrict your breathing should you fall.
• Choose one with a quick release system.

Maintain your equipment

• Look for wear, stress points and loose fasteners. fix or replace any worn equipment immediately.
• Keep your equipment clean.

Choosing a tree

• Choose as straight a tree as possible.
• Watch out for dead, overhanging limbs that may fall (they are called “widow makers”) and rotten wood.
• Use extra care when hunting from a smooth-barked tree (such as aspen, maple, hickory and beech) when it’s raining, they get slippery!
• Use extra care when hunting from a frozen tree. Avoid using elevated stands when it’s icy.

Hunting from a tree stand brings with it new considerations for the hunter. Keep yourself safe and pay attention to the following:

Transporting your gun or bow

• Always use a haul rope to bring gear to and from the ground.
• ALWAYS UNLOAD YOUR GUN BEFORE HAULING!
• If hauling a bow, tie your line to the top limb of the bow when climbing and the bottom when descending to avoid snagging arrows in tree branches.

Keeping yourself safe

• You may get drowsy and fall asleep while in the stand. Prepare for this by always keeping yourself secured to the tree with your safety harness.
• Be extra alert when climbing or descending from the stand. These are when most tree stand accidents occur. Keep at least two points of contact with the tree at all times while climbing or descending.
• Avoid elevated stand hunting while overly tired or on medication.
• Never hunt while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Be sure someone knows where you are and when you’re returning.  

WV Wild: The Biggest Day of the Hunting Season

It was clear and cold as we left the vehicle and headed down the trail to a stand I had chosen a week or so before.  This was a “saddle” or “low gap” in the ridge.  There was a small clearing where both ridges sloped down, creating a perfect crossing from one big hollow to another.  There were acorns last year and the deer were traveling from both ridges to the oak flat along the side of the hill.

Young Coltin Jezioro, my middle grandson, had killed a doe the previous year and was hoping to shoot a buck this year.  He had shot his grandmother’s rifle, a custom .250-3000 that was built more than 50 years ago for the rifle maker’s wife.  He wanted a rifle made to fit the dimensions of a lady or a youngster.  When the rifle maker’s wife passed away the rifle was left to my wife Beverly.  Since then, it had been “grandma’s rifle.”  All three grandsons had started their deer hunting careers with this rifle and it was now Coltin’s time to try to take his first buck.

I wanted him to learn two lessons today.  First, any buck is a trophy and you don’t have to take one with a monster rack to have a good hunt.  Second, I wanted him to know that it didn’t take cannon to kill a deer and that shot placement was more important than what you shoot the deer with.

First Sighting

As daylight broke we were scraping away the leaves by an old log and making a place to sit and wait.  In a few minutes the woods began to come alive.  First we heard an owl and then an old crow answering it.  A rustle in the leaves behind us caused Coltin to jerk around to look, only to find a gray squirrel scurrying away.  We settled in and the wait began in earnest.

We didn’t have to wait long.  In a few minutes we heard a something running in the dry, frozen leaves.  As we looked in the direction of the noise the first deer we saw was a big doe with this year’s fawn in tow.  They passed and the woods settled down again.  After about a minute we heard something walking again, coming from the same direction.  In a minute or so we spotted a spike buck coming down the same trail as the doe and fawn had taken minutes before.

I motioned for Coltin to get ready and set his gun down on the “shooting sticks.”  The buck kept coming until it was about 100 yards away.  Then it stopped and looked in our direction.  The wind was from the deer to us so I didn’t think he winded us, but did Coltin move and the buck spot the movement?  For whatever reason the buck whirled and was gone.

Second Chance

The rest of the morning was uneventful.  We decided to go back to the house to warm up and have lunch.  Coltin couldn’t wait to get back out so about 2 p.m. we were back on our stand.  Nothing happened until about an hour before dark.  Again we started to hear noises in the woods.

The Biggest Day of the Hunting Season In a few minutes, along came what appeared to be the same spike buck.  Again he stopped and looked around.  Satisfied that all was well, the buck stopped to nibble at something and turned broadside. “Now” I whispered to Coltin.  No sooner out of my mouth than the little rifle cracked.  The buck collapsed from a perfect shoulder/lung shot.  The little rifle and the 100 grain Nosler Ballistic tip bullet did the job.

We emptied the rifle and walked up to the buck.  It was clear that all lessons were learned this opening day of the firearm buck season.  The smile on Coltin’s fact told me he was both happy and proud of his buck.  Secondly, his little rifle and well placed shot showed him that it didn’t take a cannon to kill a buck.

Buck Season is Big for West Virginia

Monday before Thanksgiving will see the biggest event in the state unfold.  On the first morning, hundreds of thousands of orange-clad hunters would find their way into the woods and fields to take up stands waiting for daylight and a chance for a shot at a buck. 

Deer season provides a tremendous amount of recreation time in the woods as well as an enormous amount of economic benefit for the state’s economy.  Deer hunting in West Virginia generates more than $200 million each year for our stores and vendors.  Many of our rural storekeepers tell us that they may make half of their year’s income during the various deer seasons with the opening morning of the firearm buck season leading the pack.

So, as Thanksgiving week approaches and preparations are made for the opening morning, please keep safety as the first and most important part of the hunt.  Dress well, wear plenty of orange, get out to the range and make sure your gun is shooting where you want it and have a safe and successful hunting season. 

                                                                     

Concurrent Black Bear Hunting Opportunities During Deer Season

Deer hunters are reminded that a concurrent bear season without dogs will occur from November 19 through December 01, 2012 in eight counties, according to Colin Carpenter, Black Bear Project Leader for the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. Boone, Fayette, Hampshire, Kanawha, Monongalia, Morgan, Preston and Raleigh counties will be open for concurrent bear hunting during the traditional buck gun season.  This is an increase from the seven counties that were open for concurrent bear hunting during the buck gun season in 2011.

“Counties that will be open for bear hunting during the buck gun season are above their management objective and need to have additional bears harvested to achieve their management goal,” said Carpenter. “In addition, timing is critical when setting bear hunting seasons, and the concurrent buck gun and bear seasons will occur when the maximum number of hunters are in the woods.  The larger-than-average hard mast crop of 2012 will mean that hunters will have to find specific areas where bears are feeding to be successful.  These special seasons offer a unique opportunity for hunters who may have never hunted for bear before to harvest a bear.”

Bear hunting opportunities abound after the buck gun season as well.  All or parts of 24 counties will be open for bear hunting with or without hounds December 03–31, 2012.  In addition, all or parts of 37 counties will be open for bear hunting without hounds December 03–31, 2012.

Successful hunters are encouraged to submit a premolar tooth from each harvested bear.  In addition, hunters who harvest a female black bear are encouraged to save the reproductive tract or all the entrails.  Hunters can get a bear tooth envelope at all official game checking stations.  Hunters with reproductive tracts or entrails should keep them cool or freeze them and contact their nearest DNR District Wildlife Office to arrange pick-up.  Data obtained from tooth samples and reproductive tracts are used for black bear population monitoring.

Hunters are reminded to purchase a bear damage stamp as well as an appropriate hunting license.

Hunters, Churches, and the Public Can Help Support the Hunters Helping the Hungry Program – 11.04.

Share the Harvest Sunday is November 04, 2012 at West Virginia Churches

The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (DNR) invites all West Virginia hunters, churches, and the general public to help support DNR’s charitable Hunters Helping the Hungry (HHH) Program, according to DNR’s HHH Program Coordinator Gene Thorn.

The HHH Program allows hunters to donate legally-harvested deer to certified processors so the meat can be distributed to soup kitchens, food pantries, shelters, senior centers, missions, churches, and community centers around the state.

“The HHH program has been highly successful since it began in 1992, providing more than 1.2 million meals to the neediest West Virginians. However, the program also requires cash donations to pay for processing and distribution costs,” Thorn said.

Since 1999, the West Virginia Council of Churches has sponsored the Share the Harvest Sunday to raise funds for the HHH Program.

This year, on Sunday, November 04, 2012, approximately 3,000 churches will be asking members of their congregation to contribute $1, $5, or whatever they can afford to the HHH Program.

“Many churches around the state have received a personalized letter asking them for voluntary donations from their congregation during this Sunday,” noted Thorn.  “However because our database does not include every church in the state, we ask any church not receiving this solicitation letter to consider taking up an offering for the HHH Program. This donation can be mailed directly to the HHH Program.” Churches can take up an offering any time, not just Share the Harvest Sunday, and submit this at a later date.

“The general public can also submit monetary donations to HHH Program at any time,” Thorn said.  “Without the continued financial assistance of churches, hunters, the general public, and the Governor’s One-Shot Deer Hunt, this program cannot continue.” Because state and federal laws prohibit the HHH Program from using sportsmen’s license dollars to pay for processing and distribution costs, it is entirely dependent on monetary donations, together with some grant funding.

To make a monetary donation to the HHH Program, visit www.wvdnr.gov/Hunting/HHH.shtm.

Hunters also can consult the website for certified processor locations around the state.  For HHH Program general information consult the website or contact HHH Program Coordinator Gene Thorn at 304.924.6211; “Eugene.R.Thorn@wv.gov”.

Wild Boar Firearms Season Opens Saturday, October 27, 2012

2012 Wild boar firearms season in West Virginia will open October 27 and continue through November 03, 2012.

The season is open to West Virginia residents only.

To hunt wild boar, hunters must possess one of the following licenses: Class X, XJ, XS, AB-L, A-L or Class A+BG+CS or be exempt from purchasing a license.

A special boar permit is no longer required.

Hunting is restricted to Boone, Logan, Raleigh and Wyoming counties.

Boar of either sex may be taken but hunters can kill only one boar per year.

Each animal that is harvested must be checked at an official big game checking station in the county of kill within 24 hours.

Concurrent hunting of deer and bear, where legal, is permitted.

Because of the declining boar population, boar hunting is no longer allowed in December. The number of boar harvested has decreased since the record high in 1995 of 158.  The December season was the most productive, when hunters hoped for snow to increase visibility and to make tracking easier.

“Due to declining boar numbers, hunters are now restricted to the October season,” said Kem Shaw, assistant district biologist for District 5 of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources.  “Hunting conditions will be challenging due to limited visibility because the leaves will still be on the trees.  Falling leaves will quickly cover any sign.  Boar should be scattered throughout the four-county hunting area due to good mast production this fall.  Preseason scouting is recommended.”

ROANOKE: Natural Resources Commission Quarterly Meeting - 10.28.12

The next quarterly meeting of the West Virginia Natural Resources Commission is scheduled for Sunday, October 28, beginning at 1:00 PM at Stonewall Resort State Park at Roanoke, WV in Lewis County.

The public is invited to attend and make comments.

Items on the agenda include: Status of West Virginia’s Reptile and Amphibian Regulations.

WV Governor: Time-Honored Traditions

In a time when families are hurried, smartphones intrude on dinner and less time is spent outdoors-crisp autumn air and vibrant fall foliage, again, remind us of West Virginia’s natural beauty and splendor. For many West Virginians, it’s the anticipated arrival of hunting season, a proud part of our state’s heritage.

Our families have long preserved this time-honored tradition, passing it down from generation to generation. We currently have over 2,700 sportsmen and women who proudly carry our state’s senior lifetime hunting and fishing licenses. Our seniors have experienced some of the best hunting and fishing our state has to offer, and they are great ambassadors of the sport for our young generations.

The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources has several programs designed especially for our state’s youngest hunters and anglers. They have a series of hunts, regulations, and a special Junior Sportsman License for those ages 15-17. In addition, youth ages 8-14 may hunt without a license when accompanied by a licensed adult. Just last week, the first day of a split three-day antlerless deer season for youth took place.

It gives me great pride to see young folks discovering the great outdoors and continuing family traditions. But we must make every effort to ensure safety remains a top priority. Since 1968 our state has provided hunters, young and old, with hunter education courses. Contributing to the program’s success are hundreds of trained volunteer instructors who donate hundreds of hours and miles to ensure our hunters are familiar with topics such as safety, wildlife management, first aid, and game identification.

I truly believe there’s simply no better place to enjoy Mother Nature’s beauty than in our West Virginia hills. And with boots laced up, hunting gear in tow, and safety in mind-thousands of West Virginians along with thousands of visitors will embark on an early morning journey, seeking out that prized buck or doe. By preserving this time-honored tradition, we help ensure future generations can experience the great outdoors just as our ancestors did many years ago.

The new early antlerless deer season split starts today, October 25, and runs through Saturday, October 27, 2012.

For more information about West Virginia’s hunting seasons, licensing and/or regulations, visit www.wvdnr.gov. To learn more about hunter safety, visit www.wvhuntered.com. And to purchase a hunting or fishing license, visit www.wvhunt.com or a certified license agent. 

2013 West Virginia Wildlife Calendars Are Now Available

“The 2013 West Virginia Wildlife Calendar is now available for everyone to enjoy,” according to Curtis I. Taylor, Chief of the Wildlife Resources Section of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources.

The cover of this award-winning wall calendar features an outstanding painting of a male and female goldfinch painted by West Virginia artist Rhea Knight. This highly detailed work of art is only one of the 12 beautiful paintings in this year’s calendar. A variety of wildlife are depicted including a black bear and her cubs, a family of squirrels, a swallowtail butterfly, a musky, and ruffed grouse. Two months feature white-tailed deer and December highlights the snowy owl, a species which makes an appearance in West Virginia every few years.  Paintings of cottontail rabbits, a hooded merganser, and a praying mantis round out the year.

Accompanying each painting is a brief description of the featured animal and the artist’s contact information. Feature articles include the importance of white-tailed deer in West Virginia, DNR’s trout stream restoration program and the improving fisheries in Cheat Lake. The calendar also contains the 2013 hunting and fishing license fees.

“The calendar is full of interesting daily facts, best fishing days and times, and monthly tips to help you fully enjoy the outdoors,” Taylor said. “Its $10 price tag makes it a terrific bargain and a great holiday gift.”

The 2013 West Virginia Wildlife Calendar is available at DNR district offices, department stores, newsstands, convenience marts and food stores throughout the state or through the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, P.O. Box 67, Elkins, WV 26241; phone:  304.637.0245.

A list of vendors selling the calendars is available online at www.wvdnr.gov/Wildlife/WildlifeCalendar.shtm.

If buying through the mail, make checks payable to WVDNR in the amount of $15.50 for each calendar, which includes shipping and handling (West Virginia residents add $.60 tax for each calendar; VISA, MasterCard, Discover and American Express are accepted).

Organizations, clubs and civic groups can profit by selling the West Virginia Wildlife Calendar as part of their fund-raising activities.  Interested organizations should contact the DNR at the above address for more information.

“The 2012 calendar won a Gold Award in an annual contest sponsored by the Calendar Marketing Association,” Taylor noted. The award was in the most informative wall calendar, retail division. 

Gilmer County Recreation Center: Plan to Stay During Hunting Season

Deer Season opens in Gilmer County on Monday, November 19, 2012. Gilmer County Parks and Recreation Center would like to offer a friendly welcome and a comfortable bed to deer hunters coming to our county.

After a log day of hunting, you will be able to enjoy the quiet sanctuary and beauty the Recreation Center has to offer.

Gilmer County Parks and Recreation accommodations range from a cabin, to a lodge room, to RV parking.

Perfect for the deer hunter.

Rates are very reasonable and accommodations outstanding.

Treat yourself to a mix of options: we have you covered.

Lodge: $40 for one, $45 for two, $50 for three

The Lodge provides sheets, blanket, pillow, and towels.

Cabins: rent for $20 a person/per night/no linens available for cabins.

RV Parking: $15 a night. Electric available with a dumping station.

A quiet place to relax after a day of hunting.

Once you settle in, you’ll be in no hurry to leave.

Make your reservations today…..

Lisa Smarr – Director

Cell: 304.266.0020

WV Mast Survey and Hunting Outlook

Since 1970, the Wildlife Resources Section, in cooperation with volunteers from numerous other agencies, has conducted a fall mast survey to determine the abundance of mast produced by 18 species of trees and shrubs.

The availability of fall foods has a significant impact on wildlife populations and harvests.

WVDNR biologists have used the mast survey data to demonstrate the strong correlation between mast conditions and deer, bear and turkey harvests.

In addition to the impact on harvests, the amount of food available each year can affect the reproductive success of numerous species which will affect population sizes in the following years.

Production of acorns is well above the 42-year average and will have noticeable effects on the 2012–2013 hunting seasons.

However, beechnuts and walnuts were below their long-term average.

It is very important for hunters to scout and consider the type and amount of food available in the areas that they hunt.

One of the primary traits in this year’s mast crop is the spotty or inconsistent areas that had abundant or scarce production.

Hunters can find a wealth of facts in the ‘Mast Survey and Hunting Outlook’ and it should provide them valuable information before heading into the field.