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Youth Deer Hunting Opportunities

West Virginia DNR

West Virginia –(AmmoLand.com)-Youth hunters between the ages of 8 and 14 will have the opportunity to harvest an antlerless deer during three days in 2009. Youth deer hunting days will be October 31, December 26 and December 28, according to Frank Jezioro, Director of the Division of Natural Resources.

“Youth deer hunting days are an excellent opportunity to introduce young hunters to the sport of deer hunting,” said Jezioro. “The October deer hunting day is a good way to let young people experience deer hunting while temperatures are mild. In addition, foliage is at peak color and wildlife is very active. The days in late December coincide with a time of year when many families are together celebrating the holidays.”

The youth hunting days in December may allow young hunters to hunt with family members who are not able to participate at other times of the year.

The special split youth deer season will be held on private land in all counties having a firearms deer hunting season and on 47 specified Wildlife Management Areas and three state forests listed on page 31 of the 2009-2010 Hunting and Trapping Regulations Summary. Youth hunters must be accompanied by a licensed adult at least 21 years of age who must also wear 400 square inches of blaze orange, cannot carry a gun or bow, and must remain near enough to the youth to render advice and assistance.

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Mast Survey(Game Food) and Hunting Outlook Available

West Virginia DNR

West Virginia –(AmmoLand.com)-The 2009 “Mast Survey and Hunting Outlook” is available on the Division of Natural Resources’ Web site and at DNR district offices, according to Randy Tucker, Wildlife Biologist for the DNR Wildlife Resources Section. 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,” said Tucker. “Our 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.”

Mast Survey and Hunting Outlook

Production of acorns, walnuts, beechnuts and hickory nuts are well below the 39-year average and will have noticeable effects on the 2009-2010 hunting seasons.

“It is very important for hunters to scout and consider the type and amount of food available in the areas that they hunt,” Tucker added. “Hunters can find a wealth of knowledge in the ‘Mast Survey and Hunting Outlook’ and it should provide them valuable information before heading into the field.”

Certain species of wildlife will move larger distances in search of food due to the reduced amount of mast in 2009. West Virginia residents are reminded to make sure that bird seed, pet food and trash are properly stored so that roaming wildlife, particularly black bears, do not become a nuisance.

Copies of the 2009 Mast Survey and Hunting Outlook may be found on the DNR Web site at www.wvdnr.gov under “Hunting.” Information analyzing mast conditions and wildlife harvests is also available on the Web site.

Get Your copy: Mast Survey and Hunting Outlook

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