Trapping Seasons End Soon for Mink, Raccoon, Fox, Muskrat - Git-R-Done

West Virginia DNR

SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. – -(Ammoland.com)- West Virginia trappers are reminded that the various trapping seasons for affected species will be ending soon, according to the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources.

• Trapping season for fisher ends on January 31, 2012.
• The hunting and trapping seasons for red and gray fox, bobcat and raccoon will end on February 29, 2012.
• The trapping seasons for coyote, otter, mink and muskrat will also end on February 29, 2012.
• Trapping season for beaver will be in until March 31, 2012. Beaver trappers are reminded that it is illegal to set traps other than water sets during March.

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 season. Hunters and trappers are required to field tag bobcats before removing the carcass from where it was harvested.

Trappers, hunters and fur dealers are reminded that furs shipped out of West Virginia must have a fur shipping tag, which is available at WVDNR district offices and most game checking stations. Also, anyone who plans to sell an otter or bobcat pelt outside of the state of West Virginia should obtain a CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) 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 general 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.

WVDNR Director Frank Jezioro buys the first Senior Lifetime Hunting and Fishing License from Felicia Boykins of the DNR Licensing Office during a news conference announcing the sale of the new license.

West Virginia DNR

SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. – -(Ammoland.com)- The new Senior Lifetime Hunting, Trapping and Fishing License, which becomes effective January 1, 2012, is now available for purchase, according to DNR Director Frank Jezioro.

The one-time fee for the Class XS License is $25.

“Hunters and anglers can buy the license in person at the DNR South Charleston headquarters or they can obtain a form at any license agent or DNR district office and send it in to our headquarters,” said Jezioro.

“I want to emphasize that the license will not be required for our hunters and anglers who turn 65 before January 1, 2012 or those who already have a lifetime license. In addition, it will not change the existing privileges of our senior landowners.”

Purchase of the Senior Lifetime License will allow seniors to hunt for small game, turkey and bear, and for deer during the archery, youth, buck-gun and muzzleloader seasons. License holders will also be able to fish for both trout and warmwater fish, as well as trap furbearing animals. Seniors, other than landowners hunting on their own land, will still have to buy the required stamps to hunt during the antlerless deer seasons or to harvest additional deer.

“In approving the legislation, the legislature added the opportunity for Class XS license holders to hunt during the annual Special Split Youth and Class Q seasons,” Jezioro said. “Seniors who turn 65 before January 1, 2012, who wish to hunt during those seasons starting in 2012, would be able to buy the Senior Lifetime License.”

Jezioro emphasizes that the Class XS License can be bought no sooner than 90 days before an individual’s 65th birthday and that the license is not valid until their actual birth date.

West Virginia SR Hunting License

The West Virginia Legislature established the new lifetime license to permit the DNR to capture tax money which West Virginia seniors were already spending on hunting and fishing equipment. Jezioro explained, “Hunters pay a tax on hunting and fishing equipment which is given back to the states based partially on the number of licensed hunters and anglers. In the past, when our seniors became 65 and no longer had to buy a license, we could no longer count them as a license buyer. As a result, that reduced our apportionment of the taxes that they were spending on new equipment and ammunition.

“We estimate that the license fee itself will bring in approximately $150,000 in 2012 and should increase in future years. In addition, we believe we will capture about $31,500 of funds from the federal government that our hunters and anglers already spend on sporting equipment and ammunition, an amount that will also increase in the future.”

By law, the money the DNR receives must be spent only for fish and wildlife management efforts. Jezioro said, “We plan to spend the additional money for additional access for the mobility-impaired hunter, improvements to and operation of the state’s fish stocking program, and construction of additional shooting ranges. These programs will benefit our senior sportsmen.”

West Virginia DNR

SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. – -(Ammoland.com)- “First Day” friends and family hikes in four of West Virginia’s state parks are scheduled January 1, New Year’s Day, in 2012.

“We continue to encourage children and parents to get outdoors and enjoy nature,” said Ken Caplinger, chief of West Virginia’s state parks.

“For people looking for a new first day tradition or a reason to start a new exercise program, we think First Day hiking programs will be a popular alternative to sitting inside.”

Massachusetts state parks began offering First Day Hikes more than 20 years ago. The National Association of State Park Directors has issued a challenge to parks directors nationwide to establish First Day hikes. “Hiking can be a year-round activity and winter landscapes and temperatures are perhaps more exhilarating than spring, summer or fall hikes,” said Caplinger.

Four areas in West Virginia accepted the chief’s First Day challenge: Blackwater Falls State Park, Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park, Kanawha State Forest, and Twin Falls State Park.

Individuals planning to participate in First Day hikes should arrive at least 15 minutes prior to starting time. Participants should wear layers of clothing and sturdy, warm hiking boots or shoes, as well as hats and gloves and bring water. Hikes will depart on time and return to the starting point. Additional information will be posted on www.wvstateparks.com or contact the park direct for more information.

Blackwater Falls State Park
Paulita Cousin, park naturalist, will lead the First Day Hike on the Elakala Trail. Meet at Blackwater Lodge at 10 a.m. The activity will be about one mile with some steps.

Blackwater Falls schedules hikes and nature-based activities year-round basis. The park is noted for hosting the Wildflower Pilgrimage and will be introducing new interpretative weekends in 2012 that include Mountain Biodiversity Adventures in June, Edible/Medicinal/Poisonous Plants in July, and the Nature of Dolly Sods in September with Bill Beatty, and an annual Astronomy Weekend in October.

Blackwater Falls is located near Davis in Tucker County. Canaan Valley State Park and ski area is nearby.

Blackwater Falls State Park: 304-259-5216, paulita.l.cousin@wv.gov; www.blackwaterfalls.com.

Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park
Mike Smith, park superintendent, will lead a hike departing from the Droop Mountain park office beginning at 10 a.m. Smith will have a fire going in the workshop and “maybe even some warm apple cider for when we return. Winter hikes are great!”

Smith, an avid hiker and historian, is planning three hikes in 2013 retracing the routes of various regiments of United States Civil War in November1863 as they approached Droop Mountain. To commemorate the Civil War path from Lewisburg, West Virginia (then Virgina) to arrive at Droop Mountain, Smith will depart Lewisburg at about 2 p.m. on November 5, 2013, with arrival at Droop Mountain early morning of November 6, 2013, and cover some 30 miles. Smith will welcome the most hardcore historian hikers to join him. Information and registration information will be available on the park’s website www.droopmountainbattlefield.com .

Droop Mountain is located near Hillsboro in Pocahontas County. Other state parks in the area include Cass Scenic Railroad, Beartown, and Watoga state parks and Seneca State Forest. The Greenbrier River Trail runs from Caldwell in Greenbrier County north and near these areas and ending at Cass. Watoga and Cass offer cabin and house rentals year-round.

Droop Mountain Battlefield: 304-653-4254, please leave a message; www.droopmountainbattlefield.com

Kanawha State Forest
Join assistant superintendent, Kevin Dials, office clerk Ken Long and campground volunteer Tom Turner at 2 pm at the swimming pool parking lot. “Bundle up and start the year out right – hike!” advised Dials.

Kanawha State Forest also has a Winter Hike Weekend scheduled January 21, 2012. This activity also begins at 2 p.m. as hikers meet at the swimming pool parking lot. This interpretive hike will be enlightening and educational concerning the forest activity during the winter months. There is a minimal fee to participate in the Winter Hike on January 21. The hike will be led by Doug Wood and is sponsored by the Kanawha State Forest Foundation and Mary Ingles Trail Blazers. Spring and fall hikes are also part of the special hikes conducted at Kanawha State Forest.

Kanawha State Forest is located in Charleston, Kanawha County. Known for its hiking and biking trails, the forest is open year-round for outdoor use. The campground is open seasonally.

Kanawha State Forest: 304-558-3500; kanawhasf@wv.gov; www.kanawhastateforest.com

Twin Falls State Park
Join naturalist Bryan Danford at Twin Falls State Park at 2 p.m. at the campground store front. Parking will be on the road access to the building. The hike sets off following the campground road leading to and continuing on the Huckleberry Trail. Danford anticipates the hike to last about two hours.

Lore and Tracking Weekend at Twin Falls is scheduled for January 13 – 15, 2012. The weekend steps back in time to the 18th century, when American Indians and European Americans lived closer to nature. Learn some of the skills that were necessary for everyday life, and learn of the cultural sharing that has made our modern lives richer. Enjoy nature, drama, tracking, and history in outdoor and indoor settings. Techniques on animal tracking and identification are part of the weekend. Registration is required for this event and overnight accommodations, activities and meals are included.

Twin Falls Resort is a year-round destination near Mullens and Pineville in Wyoming County. The golf course is open as weather permits. The lodge and vacation cabins are available for rent year-round and offer special rates and deals frequently. The campground is open as weather permits. Hiking and biking are popular due to the rugged terrain.

Twin Falls State Park, 304-294-4000, twinfallssp@wv.gov; www.twinfallsresort.com

West Virginia DNR

SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. – -(Ammoland.com)- Preliminary data collected from game checking stations across the state indicate deer hunters in West Virginia harvested 59,835 bucks during the two-week buck firearms season, which ran from November 21 through December 3, according to Frank Jezioro, Director of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (DNR).

The 2011 buck harvest was 38 percent more than the 2010 harvest of 43,461. The top 10 counties for buck harvest were as follows: Preston (2,162), Randolph (2,039), Jackson (1,960), Mason (1,931), Greenbrier (1,803), Roane (1,743), Wood (1,703), Hampshire (1,661), Upshur (1,596) and Hardy (1,574).

This year’s buck harvest is significantly higher than last year, with increases occurring across all DNR districts. The largest percentage increases occurred in the western and southern counties. This year’s preliminary buck harvest remains 3 percent below the previous five-year average of 61,428.

Wildlife biologists and wildlife managers collected age-specific biological information at checking stations in 12 counties this year. Preliminary analysis indicates antler development was good and many hunters harvested older-aged bucks. Other contributing factors such as the exceptional acorn crop in the fall of 2010 and deer densities more in balance with the habitat in many areas combined to make this year’s deer season successful for many hunters.

“White-tailed deer are a product of the environment,” Jezioro said. “Too many deer on a given tract of land will result in loss of body weight, reduction in antler development, decrease in reproduction and sometimes death due to starvation during winter months. Hunters and landowners must continually assess their expectations of the proper number of deer sightings versus the visible impacts deer have on vegetation. We need help managing the state’s deer herd by participating and encouraging antlerless deer harvests where needed to benefit not only the deer herd, but all wildlife dependent on our state’s woodland habitat.”

Wildlife Biologists will analyze data from the combined 2011 deer seasons (i.e., buck, antlerless, archery and muzzleloader) before making appropriate recommendations for next year’s deer seasons. These recommendations will be available for public review at 12 regulations meetings scheduled for March 12 and 13, 2012 (see current 2011 – 2012 Hunting and Trapping Regulations Summary page 5 or visit the WVDNR website at www.wvdnr.gov for scheduled times and places).

Director Jezioro reminds hunters that the traditional six-day antlerless deer season in selected counties on both public and private land ends Saturday, December 10. Muzzleloader deer season begins December 12 and runs through December 17. The Youth and Class Q/QQ antlerless deer season will be open on Monday and Tuesday, December 26 and 27 in any county with a firearms deer season, and will be followed by a four-day reopening of antlerless deer season (December 28 – 31) in 42 counties or portions of counties (see 2011 – 2012 Hunting and Trapping Regulations Summary or visit the DNR Web site at www.wvdnr.gov for county and area listings).

West Virginia DNR

SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. – -(Ammoland.com)- The next training session for instructors of the West Virginia Archery in the Schools (AIS) Program has been scheduled for Feb. 22 – 23 at Cacapon Resort State Park, according to Krista Snodgrass, Program Coordinator. The training will be hosted by the Wildlife Resources Section of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (DNR).

“We are very excited to be holding our next training at Cacapon in West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle,” said Snodgrass. “When possible, we like to provide trainings at our state parks and Cacapon is a perfect venue for PE teachers, coaches, and others wanting to get their school involved in the AIS Program.”

The AIS Program has become the DNR’s largest-growing educational program. Since its inception in 2004, nearly 60,000 students have been introduced to archery as part of their physical education (PE) classes in 238 West Virginia schools. The program teaches Olympic-style, target archery in both public and private schools Grades 4 through 12.

“In order for schools to participate in the AIS Program, they must first have a certified instructor – preferably a PE instructor or coach who will introduce as many kids as possible to the joys of target archery,” said Snodgrass.

“The DNR only has about four trainings a year and, because class size is limited to 25, training slots are highly sought after. As an added incentive, teachers taking this training may be eligible to receive Continuing Education Hours (CEH’s) provided they submit their paperwork to their principal before the end of the school year.”

To ensure a training slot, anyone interested in getting their school involved in the program is encouraged to apply as soon as possible. The deadline to register is Feb. 1. This training will cost $25 for all school employees and $50 for non-school employees. This fee will be paid to WVDNR – Archery in the Schools Program (via check, money order or exact currency only) during the first morning of the training.

To register for the AIS training at Cacapon Resort State Park, please call Krista Snodgrass at 304-558-2771; email Krista.R.Snodgrass@wv.gov for information on the AIS Program, or visit the DNR’s AIS website at www.wvdnr.gov/archery. For more information on Cacapon Resort State Park, go to www.cacaponresort.com

West Virginia Deer Slaughter Case

West Virginia DNR

FAIRMONT, W.Va. – -(Ammoland.com)- At least 13 deer were shot, killed and left lying on the ground in the Fairmont area during the month prior to the start of the deer firearms seasons this week, and the Law Enforcement Section of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources is requesting help from the public to solve this case.

The deer were found in the Apple Valley / Boothsville area, according to Capt. William Persinger of the WVDNR District 1 Office in Farmington.

Six deer were shot and killed within 25 yards of a residence in Apple Valley. Another seven deer were shot and killed on two additional properties near the same area, near several residences that were within 100 yards of each other.

“It has all the indications of being a copycat thrill killing case similar to others we’ve seen around the country,” Capt. Persinger said. “Some of the deer had small parts removed as if the shooters wanted to keep them as trophies, just like the traits we have seen with some serial killers.”

WVDNR Law Enforcement has been investigating and is asking for assistance from the public. Anyone who has information that will lead to the arrest and conviction of those involved in this crime is asked to contact Natural Resources Police Officers James Crawley, Randall Kocsis or Capt. William Persinger at the WVDNR District 1 Office headquarters in Farmington at 304-825-6787.

West Virginia Deer Slaughter Case

West Virginia Deer Slaughter Case

“Poaching is not just a violation of the law, it also deprives honest sportsmen of the opportunity to legally harvest game,” Capt. Persinger said.

West Virginia DNR

SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. – -(Ammoland.com)-The West Virginia firearm buck gun season is Nov. 21 – Dec. 3. 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.
• · Hunters should review the 2011 – 2012 Hunting and Trapping Regulations Summary for detailed instructions concerning bag limits and season dates. The regulations are available at license agents, DNR district offices, or online at www.wvdnr.gov .
• · A list of wildlife checking stations in West Virginia can be found online at www.wvdnr.gov/hunting/check_stations.asp
• · 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) is November 20. 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.
• · All private land in counties having a firearms antlerless deer gun season (Class N for residents and Class NN for nonresidents) will be open Nov. 21 – Dec. 10 and Dec. 28 – 31. All public lands having an antlerless deer season will be open Nov. 23 – Dec. 10 and Dec. 28 – 31. Bag limits vary among counties and will be one, two or four antlerless deer. Only one deer may be taken per day, except that two antlerless deer may be taken on the same day during Dec. 5–10, 2011, on private land only, provided the first deer is legally checked prior to hunting a second 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.
• · Black bear gun season will be open in Boone, Fayette, Kanawha, Monongalia, Morgan, Nicholas (private land) and Raleigh counties Nov. 21 – Dec. 3 during the buck season and concurrent antlerless deer season. A hunter may bag one bear and one deer on the same day during the concurrent seasons in those counties. In addition, the season bag limit for bears is two, provided that at least one bear must be taken in Boone, Fayette, Kanawha, Logan, McDowell, Raleigh, or Wyoming counties. See the 2011-2012 Hunting and Trapping Regulations Summary for details.
• · The traditional muzzleloader season will be Dec. 12 – 17. Muzzleloader hunting for antlered deer is open in all counties open to buck season. A deer of either sex may be taken with muzzleloaders in all counties open to the antlerless deer season.
• · Hunters spend an estimated $285 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 2010, deer hunters in West Virginia harvested 43,461 bucks during the two-week buck season, a decrease of 31 percent from the 2009 harvest. The 2010 antlerless season deer harvest decreased by 36.5 percent from 2009 for a total of 34,600.
• · WVDNR forecasts that the buck harvest will be higher for 2011. All regions should see a higher total harvest this year. The lower harvest and abundant mast conditions in 2010 should mean that there are plenty of mature, larger-racked bucks available in 2011.
• · 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 27. 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.
• · Hunting licenses may be purchased online at any time and printed out on a home computer printer. Go to the goWILD! Web site at www.wvhunt.com, fill out the application, and purchase it over a secure server with a credit card.
• · Hunters who wish to donate deer meat or dollars to the Hunters Helping the Hungry program, which distributes deer meat through the Mountaineer Food Bank and the Huntington Food Bank, should call 304-558-2771 or visit the DNR website at www.wvdnr.gov to find a participating meat processor.

West Virginia Citizens Defense League

West Virginia --(Ammoland.com)- As some of you are likely aware, Berkeley County Prosecutor Pamela Games-Neely sent a letter to the legislature ranting in true Sarah Brady fashion about the lack of a law preventing lawful carry of firearms on college and university campuses.

Her rant requested a ban of carry on all such institutions.

Thanks to Delegate Larry Kump (a true believer in your Second Amendment rights) for bringing this to our attention.

Gun owners in the Panhandle had better be paying attention to this one. This truly matters to you. Law enforcement and prosecutors have, and constantly utilize a concept called “police discretion.” Within this concept, they often can use their discretion, based on the totality of the circumstances, and decide whether or not to prosecute (within reason) in any given situation.

Given that there are many gray areas surrounding firearms in West Virginia law (which the WVCDL has been trying to fix) this should be terrifying to you as a gun owner within her prosecutorial jurisdiction.

Berkeley County WV Prosecutor Pamela Games-Neely

In case some of you haven’t browsed over to Larry Kump’s site to read her ragingly anti-gun, anti-self defense diatribe, allow me to provide you with some real gems. Some of these beauties will be quite familiar to many of you, as you’ve seen them before in publications and commentary by such wonderfully liberty-loving folks like the Violence Policy Center or the Brady Campaign.

One of my favorites is this: “What happens if that student, parent or other person suddenly becomes angry at the score, the roommate, the party, or even the call on the field?” This was in discussion of the presence of lawfully carried firearms at a sporting event.

I’d like to introduce Ms. Neely to a psychological concept called “projection.” It works like this. Ms. Neely apparently feels that if she were at a sporting event and became upset with the score, she might be likely to whip out a handgun and start shooting. Because Ms. Neely fears her own levels of self control, she’s projecting that fear on to the rest of society. This is irrational. We can prove this easily. Because in the history of shall-issue carry permits in West Virginia, it has been legal to carry on college campuses statewide for the entire duration, and not once has her sick fantasy ever happened.

I hope Ms. Neely doesn’t carry a gun. She scares me.

Another beauty: “I can think of nothing worse than people attending an athletic event, living in a dorm, or sitting beside someone in a science class with a firearm strapped to their side or worse, concealed on their person.”

For a prosecuting attorney, Ms. Neely sure seems removed from reality, and certainly is not very imaginative. You see, I can definitely think of things far worse which could, and do occur on college campuses nationwide. For example, being robbed, shot, stabbed, or raped on campus. Yet, somehow, Ms. Neely can’t think of anything worse than sitting next to you at a football game. Have I mentioned that she’s a prosecuting attorney? Surely….. I mean…. isn’t it a near certainty that she’s prosecuted people for far worse things than sitting next to you or I at a football game? There was an instance of male-on-male rape at West Virginia State University last year. As a student there, I sure didn’t have to think very hard to come up with something a tiny bit worse than sitting next to any of you.

Now that we’ve clearly established Ms. Neely’s irrationality, let’s move on to why this matters to you. Ms. Neely can, and will prosecute you (She’s proven this in the Beck case) for lawfully exercising your Second Amendment rights.

I can see only one course of action for those who live in, work in, or travel through Ms. Neely’s prosecutorial jurisdiction (Berkeley County). This woman needs to be out of a job. She needs to be out of a job so you don’t go to jail for lawful activity.

How do we accomplish this? How do you protect yourself from someone who fears they might shoot up a football game, and will prosecute you based on that fear? Put her out of a job. How do you do that? The first step is to show up at noon on Friday, November 18th, at the intersection of Church Street and Stephen Street in Martinsburg carrying a sign. Do not come alone. Bring everyone you know with you.

The WVCDL is asking a few things, however. Please do not bring long-arms. This protest is about the standard tool of every day self-defense, which is the handgun. Also, remember that the south side of that street is courthouse property. If you’re carrying, concealed or open, please do not step a single foot on courthouse property. Lastly, please make sure all signs are non-profane and non-violent. Also, perhaps we could collect donation forms for VPC, The Brady Campaign, and maybe Nancy Pelosi’s campaign and deliver them to Ms. Neely. Clearly, she could put them to better use than us.

I hope to see you there. I want this woman on the unemployment line where she can no longer harass and prosecute law-abiding citizens.

About:
The West Virginia Citizens Defense League (WVCDL) is a nonpartisan, nonprofit, all-volunteer, grassroots organization of concerned West Virginians who support our individual right to keep and bear arms for defense of self, family, home and state, and for lawful hunting and recreational use, as protected by the state constitution and the Second Amendment of the United States Constitution. Visit: www.wvcdl.org

West Virginia Wild

West Virginia DNR

SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. – -(Ammoland.com)- I hadn’t bow hunted for more than 30 years until this year.

Like many of our hunters, there are so many hunting opportunities that we often have to pick and choose when, where and what species we will hunt. Most of us have one hunting passion we hold above all others. In other words, if we were told we would have to choose only one species of game to hunt, we would choose that which is most passionate to us.

For those with dogs it might be raccoon hunting, rabbit hunting, bear hunting or bird hunting. Some would choose turkey hunting and some would choose bow hunting. Each hunter usually has one type of species that they are truly dedicated to, but also like to hunt everything that it is legal to hunt. While I enjoy hunting all species, I would have to opt for bird hunting with my bird dogs if limited to only one type of hunting. Part of the dilemma is that with bow season, grouse season, woodcock season, wild boar season, and raccoon season opening around the 15th Of October every year, I am heavily involved in bird hunting with the dogs at that time.

All that changed this past year. I hadn’t bow hunted in nearly 35 years because I just couldn’t devote the time needed to be successful. But that changed this year when we opened the archery season for deer on October 1. After listening to many of our state’s bow hunters, and after checking to make sure there was no negative impact to opening the archery deer season early, the rules were changed and we opened the archery season two weeks earlier than in the past. This meant that many of us who used to be “Two Season Hunters” could now enjoy our bow hunting prior to the opening of the various other seasons. Another positive result of the excellent deer management of the DNR for the past several decades is that you can now successfully hunt deer in just about every county in the state and do it in the mornings and evenings before and after work.

Reviving Old Skills
Getting back into bow hunting was relatively easy for me. I gave my compound bow to son John and asked that he have his bow guy put a sight and peep sight on the bow. That done and a dozen arrows obtained, the practice began. Shooting a few times with little grandson Liam in our yard, I soon felt proficient enough to hit a deer with a killing shot out to 30 yards.

While looking at some storm damage for a friend, I noticed a very large deer track, bigger than I had seen outside of Ohio and Kansas and not too far from home. A tree stand was strategically set and the second week of the season found me out a couple of mornings and evenings. I soon remembered why I liked bow hunting so many years ago. I enjoyed the serenity of the woods and the viewing up close of the various forms of wildlife. While I saw many deer, small bucks and does and fawns, the deer I felt made the track eluded me. Then one evening right at dark I saw a very large-bodied deer working its way up through the timber. But its caution made it move so slowly that it was too dark to shoot by the time it made it to my stand.

But now I was sure this was the big deer I was after. The next evening, the big deer didn’t show and I began to wonder if it was just passing through when I saw it. But the next evening, the last evening I would be able to hunt as I had to attend a meeting out of state the following day, the big buck made another appearance. This time it was a little earlier. It came just as cautiously but it passed by stand early enough for a good shot. I felt very confident when I touched the trigger on the release I was using. It all happened so fast that it was a blur in my mind’s eye but I thought for sure the arrow had been true and shot through the deer’s chest. After a few minutes I climbed down and went to look. While I couldn’t find the arrow in the high grass and weeds I did find some blood.

Bringing Back The Two Season Hunter

It was getting dark pretty fast now and I knew it was best to let the deer lay for a while before pushing it. I collected my gear and called son John to tell him what had happened. After about an hour he showed up with lights and we picked up the blood trail. From my description of the shot, where the deer was standing, the actions of the deer and the color of the blood, John deduced that I had hit a little back and a little low.

He said he had seen the exact set of circumstances a few years ago on a trophy buck he had shot in Ohio. He said he thought I had nipped one lung and hit the liver.

After tracking it in the dark until nearly 9 p.m., we decided to wait until morning to take up the track again. At first light the task was undertaken again. The interesting thing was that the deer was only about 30 yards from where we had stopped. As the photo shows, the buck was a mature four-year old, with antlers 18 inches on the outside and a very large body that field dressed at 161 pounds on a Cabela’s scale.

Early Response To Early Seasons Is Good
From what we are hearing, the early special seasons for archery and muzzloaders and the early opening of the general archery season have been very successful and well received by not only our hunters, but also by out-of-state hunters who can now come here as well as our surrounding states. And it brings many like me back as “Two Season Hunters.” We can now enjoy the early seasons and still pursue our passions when the balance of the seasons open in October and November. All of these openings are geared to giving our hunters more opportunities to pursue the great hunting we have in West Virginia.

I might add that from the reports I am getting from across the state about the numbers of deer being seen and the number of nice bucks, I am looking for a very good deer season, depending on the weather of course. All that said, November will usher in the balance of our hunting seasons. Get out as often as you can, take a child with you if you can, and enjoy the wonderful hunting West Virginia has to offer. Above all be safe, use a harness in your tree stand and make sure of your target before taking off your safety.

West Virginia DNR

SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. – -(Ammoland.com)-West Virginia State Parks and Forests recognize veterans and their service to our country and state.

As is traditional with Veterans Day approaching, rate reductions are in effect for lodge and cabin rentals from November 1 through 16 for active military personnel, veterans, or who are now in the reserves.

The system-wide discount is 20 percent off standard rates and is available by asking for the “Veterans Recognition Discount.”

In addition, many parks offer a variety of discounts for veterans and seniors throughout the year. The park system also creates packaged weekend events and mid-week rates to attract overnight visitation at various times.

“Veterans recognition discounts are a tradition at West Virginia State Parks and Forests near Veteran’s Day each year,” said West Virginia State Parks Chief Ken Caplinger. “Our recognition of men and women currently serving our country, in the reserves or who have served in the past, is important.”

Parks and forests with lodge or cabins open in wintry months include: Beech Fork, Blackwater Falls, Bluestone, Cacapon Resort, Canaan Valley Resort, Cass Scenic Railroad, Chief Logan Lodge, Hawks Nest, Holly River, Kumbrabow State Forest, Lost River, North Bend, Pipestem Resort, Stonewall Resort, Twin Falls Resort, Tygart Lake and Watoga.

For additional information and details, call 1-800-CALL WVA and ask for the park or forest or go online to www.wvstateparks.com.

West Virginia DNR

SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. – -(Ammoland.com)- West Virginia trappers will be allowed to sell live foxes to hound-coursing pens in West Virginia during the 2011-2012 trapping season, according to Curtis I. Taylor, Chief of the Wildlife Resources Section of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources.

All foxes used in hound-coursing pens must be live-trapped in the county in which the pen is located.

“This action will help to avoid any additional westward spread of rabies and reduce the possibility of moving diseased animals across the state,” said Taylor.

“In addition, because raccoons are the primary carriers of the raccoon strain of rabies, the sale of live raccoons remains suspended for the 2011-2012 trapping season.”

Hound-coursing pens are licensed in West Virginia and regulated by best management standards which are designed to promote humane treatment of the wild animals being pursued.

Trappers are urged to use extreme care when handling live animals due to the dangers of exposure to rabies and other diseases. Live animals may only be held by trappers during the trapping season and 60 days thereafter.

Live foxes shall be held according to temporary or permanent housing requirements as specified by law.

Please contact your local DNR wildlife biologist for more information about the sale of live foxes. DNR offices are located in Farmington (304-825-6787), Romney (304-822-3551), French Creek (304-924-6211), Beckley (304-256-6947), Point Pleasant (304-675-0871) and Parkersburg (304-420-4550)

West Virginia Citizens Defense League

West Virginia --(Ammoland.com)- In our last update four days ago, we first told you of the story of Joshua Beck, a student at Blue Ridge Community and Technical College in Martinsburg who was arrested last week for a felony charge of carrying a weapon on school property in violation of W.Va. Code § 61-7-11a(b)(1) for having carried a handgun on the BRCTC campus.

There’s just one problem with this charge: this statute does NOT apply to college or university campuses.

This case has now become even more outrageous, as Mr. Beck was arrested AGAIN on Monday on a second charge of allegedly violating W.Va. Code § 61-7-11a(b)(1) for allegedly carrying on the BRCTC campus on a separate occasion.

• http://tiny.cc/q7gbi
• http://tiny.cc/fi1h6
• http://tiny.cc/rpn2w

About:
The West Virginia Citizens Defense League (WVCDL) is a nonpartisan, nonprofit, all-volunteer, grassroots organization of concerned West Virginians who support our individual right to keep and bear arms for defense of self, family, home and state, and for lawful hunting and recreational use, as protected by the state constitution and the Second Amendment of the United States Constitution. Visit: www.wvcdl.org

West Virginia DNR

POINT PLEASANT, W.Va. – -(Ammoland.com)- The wild boar firearms season is scheduled to open on Oct. 22, and run through Oct. 29, according to Kem Shaw, Assistant District 5 Wildlife Biologist for the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources.

The wild boar season is open to West Virginia residents only. To hunt wild boar, hunters must possess one of the following licenses: Class X, XJ, 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, and the season limit is one per year.

Each animal that is harvested must be checked at an official game checking station in the county of kill within 24 hours. Concurrent hunting of deer and bear, where legal, is permitted.

During the 2010 season, hunters killed 16 wild boar. The number of boar harvested has decreased since the record high of 158 in 1995. During that period, the December season was the most productive and hunters looked for snow cover to increase visibility and make tracking easier.

Due to declining boar numbers, hunters are now restricted to the October season where hunting conditions are more challenging, leaves are still on trees limiting visibility, and falling leaves quickly cover any sign.

This fall, wild boar should be scattered throughout the four-county hunting area due to good scarlet and red oak mast in this region of the state. Preseason scouting is recommended.

West Virginia DNR

SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. – -(Ammoland.com)- Better hunting for both raccoons and ruffed grouse is forecast by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resource’s Wildlife Resources Section (WRS).

Abundant wild food conditions in 2010 should have resulted in a good carryover of raccoons through the winter into spring.

Hunting season for raccoons opens Oct. 15 at 6 p.m. and continues through Feb. 29. The daily bag limit is four. The ruffed grouse season opens Oct. 15 and closes Feb. 29, also with a daily bag limit of four.

“Excellent winter survival usually means higher production and survival of young,” said Paul Johansen, Assistant Chief in Charge of Game Management.

“Poor mast conditions this year, especially black cherry output and spotty acorn crops, will tend to concentrate the ‘masked bandits’ in areas where food is available, including beech groves, ridge tops where red oak appears to have ‘hit’ better than lowland areas, and thornapple/crabapple thickets.”

Brood counts for grouse this year are currently running more than 60 percent higher than 2010 tallies. Chick and poult survival also appears to be good as WRS personnel report some late year broods with six to 10 young per hen.

“Although some soft mast such as thornapple and dogwood may have birds scattered, we are still expecting higher quality hunts and a good grouse harvest because of the higher number of birds available,” said Johansen.

“Hunters in October and November will find grouse in and around thornapple, dogwood, and thick beech clumps. January-February hunting may be rewarding in grape clumps or greenbrier thickets that have produced fruits.”

The WRS conducts very important hunter surveys of both raccoon and ruffed grouse hunters. These crucial data gathered during the surveys help biologists to track populations and monitor species through hunter’s observations and efforts. Hunters wishing to participate in these species cooperator surveys should contact Rich Rogers (304-822-3551, Rich.E.Rogers@wv.gov) for raccoon, and Tammie Thompson (304-637-0245, Tammie.E.Thompson@wv.gov ) for ruffed grouse. Each cooperator is supplied with a complete report prior to the next hunting season.

West Virginia Citizens Defense League

West Virginia --(Ammoland.com)- Before you go to vote today, please remember that if your polling place is located at a primary or secondary (K-12) school–regardless of whether it is a public, private, or religious school–you may not possess any firearms or other weapons on school property (including the outside grounds) with very limited exceptions.

W.Va. Code § 61-7-11a(b) provides:

(1) It shall be unlawful for any person to possess any firearm or any other deadly weapon on any school bus as defined in section one, article one, chapter seventeen-a of this code, or in or on any public or private primary or secondary education building, structure, facility or grounds thereof, including any vocational education building, structure, facility or grounds thereof where secondary vocational education programs are conducted or at any school-sponsored function.

(2) This subsection shall not apply to:

(A) A law-enforcement officer acting in his or her official capacity;

(B) A person specifically authorized by the board of education of the county or principal of the school where the property is located to conduct programs with valid educational purposes;

(C) A person who, as otherwise permitted by the provisions of this article, possesses an unloaded firearm or deadly weapon in a motor vehicle, or leaves an unloaded firearm or deadly weapon in a locked motor vehicle;

(D) Programs or raffles conducted with the approval of the county board of education or school which include the display of unloaded firearms; or

(E) The official mascot of West Virginia University, commonly known as “The Mountaineer”, acting in his or her official capacity.

(3) Any person violating this subsection shall be guilty of a felony, and, upon conviction thereof, shall be imprisoned in the penitentiary of this state for a definite term of years of not less than two years nor more than ten years, or fined not more than five thousand dollars, or both.

The law is clear. It applies to all primary and secondary school property at all times and regardless of whether the school property is in use for a non-educational purpose, such as a polling place.

In general, the only way most individuals may lawfully possess a firearm while on school property is if the firearm is unloaded and kept inside a locked motor vehicle. Most importantly, the firearm must be unloaded before you cross the invisible property line while entering the school grounds and cannot be loaded until after you have left the school grounds.

WVCDL has long believed that the current state law is excessive and unjust. Around the country, other states have widely varying state laws regarding firearm possession on school property.

In Alabama, California, Delaware, New Hampshire, Oregon, and Utah, an individual who has a concealed handgun license may lawfully carry on school property without restriction. In Missouri, an individual who has a concealed carry endorsement may carry on school property unless and until he or she is asked to leave, after which a failure to leave after a demand to leave the premises for refusing to comply with the order to leave is a low-level misdemeanor punishable only by a small fine.

Kentucky, Virginia, and most other states that have “shall issue” concealed carry laws allow individuals to keep a loaded handgun in a vehicle without having to go through the process of unloading before entering school property and reloading after leaving. The unload/reload process required by West Virginia law greatly increases the danger of negligent discharges by law-abiding gun owners.

On the more extreme end, there are some states (such as Ohio and North Carolina) that have stricter laws than West Virginia and require law-abiding gun owners to either park their vehicles off school property (not a realistic option at most schools) or remove all firearms from the vehicle before going to a school.

As a matter of federal law, the federal Gun-Free School Zones Act, 18 U.S.C. § 922(q), generally prohibits the possession of firearms in a larger “school zone,” defined as the school grounds plus a 1,000-foot buffer zone.

However, the federal law “does not apply to the possession of a firearm . . . if the individual possessing the firearm is licensed to do so by the State in which the school zone is located or a political subdivision of the State, and the law of the State or political subdivision requires that, before an individual obtains such a license, the law enforcement authorities of the State or political subdivision verify that the individual is qualified under law to receive the license,” which exempts concealed handgun license holders–BUT only within the issuing state. This language was originally enacted in 1990 and predates modern reciprocity laws. There is also another exception for firearms in vehicles if the firearm is (1) not loaded (also a requirement of west Virginia law) and (2) in a locked container, or a locked firearms rack that is on a motor vehicle (this second requirement of federal law is not replicated by West Virginia law).

So, if you have a concealed handgun license, the only reason you cannot legally carry on school property in this state is because of STATE law. However, if you do not have a CHL, remember that in order to be in full compliance with both state and federal law, any firearms in your vehicle would need to be both (1) unloaded (both WV & federal law) and (2) in a locked container, or a locked firearms rack that is on a motor vehicle (required by federal law only).

Confusing, isn’t it?

Is anyone really safer because in our state because our Legislature has chosen, at least as far as school property is concerned, to have a stricter state gun control law than California?!?!?

Since 2008, WVCDL has asked candidates for the House of Delegates, Senate, Attorney General, and Governor whether they would support or oppose changing West Virginia law to mirror federal law and the state laws of Alabama, California, Delaware, New Hampshire, Oregon, and Utah, by completely exempting concealed handgun license holders and eliminating both the current legal minefield and the inherent dangers created by forcing law-abiding gun owners to not only unnecessarily unholster and reholster their weapons, but also unload and reload their weapons.

WVCDL’s West Virginia Gun Owner Protection Act of 2011, HB 3125 and SB 543 of the 2011 Regular Session of the Legislature, proposed amending W.Va. Code § 61-7-11a to completely exempt from this law any nonstudent adult who is licensed to carry a concealed weapon. While the bills failed to advance in the Legislature this year, they will return next year.

In Questions 21 and 22 of the WVCDL 2011 Gubernatorial Candidate Survey, we polled the candidates for Governor (only one candidate among those on your ballot today responded) on whether they would support WVCDL’s position on this issue. We encourage you to take a look at the responses we’ve received.

We urge everyone to follow the law and work within the political process to change it where, as is the case here, it is unjust and frankly absurd.

About:
The West Virginia Citizens Defense League (WVCDL) is a nonpartisan, nonprofit, all-volunteer, grassroots organization of concerned West Virginians who support our individual right to keep and bear arms for defense of self, family, home and state, and for lawful hunting and recreational use, as protected by the state constitution and the Second Amendment of the United States Constitution. Visit: www.wvcdl.org

Sen. Joe Manchin Named West Virginia Sportsperson of the Year

West Virginia DNR

ROANOKE, W.Va. – -(Ammoland.com)- Because of his outstanding support of hunting and fishing initiatives in the state during his time as governor, and because of his continuing support of those initiatives in the U.S. Senate, Sen. Joe Manchin recently was named West Virginia Sportsperson of the Year by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources and the West Virginia Wildlife Federation.

The award was presented by DNR Director Frank Jezioro during West Virginia’s Celebration of National Hunting and Fishing Day, held Sept. 24 and 25 at Stonewall Resort State Park in Lewis County.

“As an avid hunter and angler, Joe has always looked for ways to improve and expand hunting and fishing opportunities in our state,” Jezioro said. “During his time as governor, any time I went to him with an idea or a proposal, his first question was always, ‘Is it good for our people?’ If the answer was yes, the rest was easy.”

Some of Sen. Manchin’s accomplishments include:

• · Added 10,000 more acres of land open to the public for hunting and fishing, including 6,200 acres in Fayette County along the New River Gorge added to Beury Mountain Wildlife Management Area, in partnership with The Nature Conservancy
• · Built the shooting ranges at Chief Logan State Park and Kumbrabow State Forest, and built the Clay Target Shooting Facility at Cacapon State Park
• · Approved legislation providing for Hunter Education classes to be taught in the public schools as an elective
• · Expanded the Archery in the Schools program to 248 schools
• · Assisted DNR in acquiring a piece of property on the headwaters of the Elk River which guarantees public access to one of the best trout streams in the East
• · Began development of two of DNR’s largest public fishing and boating access facilities, one at Fort Martin near Morgantown and the other at Nitro in Kanawha County
• · Started the very successful annual Governors One Shot event which raised $177,000 during its first four years to benefit the Hunter’s Helping the Hungry program

“Since his election to the U.S. Senate, Joe has continued to serve the interests of the state’s and the nation’s hunters, anglers and trappers as a member of the Congressional Sportsman’s Caucus,” Jezioro said.

“He recently signed on to a bill that would make hunting a priority on federally owned lands, opening additional opportunities for outdoors sportsmen and women.”

“I thank Director Jezioro, the staff at the West Virginia DNR and the folks at the West Virginia Wildlife Federation for selecting me for the honor of Sportsperson of the Year,” U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin said.

“As a lifelong and avid outdoor enthusiast, I always enjoy hunting for a buck or testing my skills at fly fishing. West Virginia has outdoor treasures for all ages to enjoy, and I was so pleased to work with the folks at DNR while I was governor and now as U.S. Senator to preserve and promote our state’s wilderness for future generations to enjoy.”

The West Virginia Sportsperson of the Year Award is presented to a person who has exhibited outstanding service to improving the environment and outdoor recreational opportunities in the state.

West Virginia DNR

SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. – -(Ammoland.com)-The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (DNR) encourages hunters to donate legally harvested white-tailed deer taken during the various fall hunting seasons to the Hunters Helping the Hungry (HHH) Program.

“We are very pleased to note that the HHH Program has provided more than one million venison meals to needy West Virginians since it began back in 1992,” noted Gene Thorn, HHH Program Coordinator.

“Thanks to generous West Virginia hunters who donated deer to the HHH Program over the years, many needy West Virginians have received highly nutritious meals. The DNR, along with its partners – Mountaineer Food Bank and Huntington Area Food Bank – truly appreciate the generosity shown by these hunters and acknowledge that without their help, this program could not exist.”

Under the HHH Program, two-pound packages of ground venison are collected from participating certified processors by the Mountaineer Food Bank, located in Gassaway, and the Huntington Area Food Bank. These food banks then distribute the packaged ground venison to participating statewide distribution centers such as food pantries, soup kitchens, senior centers, community centers, churches, orphanages and other institutions that provide the needy with highly nutritious venison meals.

Although it may be too late for non-enrolled distribution centers to receive venison in 2011 (because of the minimum 60-day application review process), those interested are encouraged to enroll now so they may receive venison starting in the winter 2012. Contact Mountaineer Food Bank at 304-364-5518 to discuss the application process needed to receive venison.

“Although DNR is very grateful for hunter-donated deer, the HHH Program still requires monetary donations to offset processing and distribution costs,” said Thorn. DNR is restricted from using sportsmen’s license dollars to fund this program and is completely dependent upon monetary donations by concerned individuals, businesses, conservation organizations, foundations, churches, and fund-raising events such as the Governor’s One Shot Hunt. “Without monetary donations, we simply could not continue the HHH Program,” said Thorn.

Hunters also can consult the website or pick up an HHH brochure at DNR offices to locate participating meat processors around the state. For HHH Program general information, consult the website at www.wvdnr.gov or contact Program Coordinator Gene Thorn at 304-924-6211; Eugene.R.Thorn@wv.gov.

West Virginia DNR

SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. – -(Ammoland.com)- The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Management Area (WMA) program is designed to conserve and manage high quality habitats for a variety of wildlife on 1.4 million acres of public lands, including State WMAs, State Forests, National Forest lands and U.S. Army Corps of Engineer projects.

In addition to conserving and managing wildlife habitat, development projects aimed at improving public access and recreational opportunities are an important component of the state’s WMA program.

“Using hunting and fishing license monies, the DNR continues to expand and develop WMAs throughout the state,” said District Wildlife Biologist Rob Silvester, who is based in the DNR District 3 office in French Creek.

“These land acquisition efforts have greatly enhanced our ability to provide wildlife-associated recreation opportunities to the citizens of West Virginia.

These areas are used by outdoor enthusiasts for fishing, hunting, boating, hiking, trapping, birding, or just a relaxing evening walk.”

WMAs support and offer a variety of development projects, including access roads and trails, parking areas, boat launch ramps, courtesy docks, public shooting ranges and campgrounds. Many areas have ponds stocked with fish, and some offer fishing piers and/or trails that provide access for physically-challenged sportsmen and women. In addition, WMAs provide a diversity of wildlife habitat and associated hunting opportunities.

“These areas are for your use and enjoyment, but please respect others and use them wisely,” said Silvester.

For more information concerning West Virginia’s WMAs, obtain a copy of Wildlife Management Areas — A Guide to Their Facilities, Fish and Wildlife available at all WVDNR district offices, or visit the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources’ website at www.wvdnr.gov.

West Virginia DNR

SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. – -(Ammoland.com)- The next West Virginia Archery in the Schools (AIS) Program instructor training session will be Nov. 29 – 30 at the Gander Mountain Store in South Charleston, according to Krista Snodgrass, AIS program coordinator for the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. The registration deadline is Nov. 11.

The AIS Program is the DNR’s largest and fastest growing educational program. Since its inception in 2004, approximately 60,000 students have been introduced to archery as part of their physical education (PE) classes in 248 West Virginia schools. The program teaches Olympic-style target archery in both public and private schools’ Grade 4-12 PE classes.

“In order for schools to have the AIS Program, they must first have a certified instructor – preferably a PE instructor or coach who will introduce as many kids as possible to the joys of target archery,” said Snodgrass. “The DNR offers about four trainings a year; and, because class size is limited to 25, training slots are highly sought after. To ensure a training slot, we encourage PE teachers and coaches to apply as soon as possible.”

As an added incentive, teachers taking this training may be eligible to receive Continuing Education Hours.

This training will cost $25 for all school employees and $50 for non-school employees. This fee will be paid to “WV DNR – Archery in the Schools Program” by check, money order, or exact currency during the first morning of the training.

To register for the AIS training at the Gander Mountain Store in South Charleston please call Krista Snodgrass at 304-558-2771; Krista.R.Snodgrass@wv.gov

For general information on the AIS Program, visit the DNR’s AIS website at www.wvdnr.gov/archery.

West Virginia DNR

SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. – -(Ammoland.com)- Hunters need to obtain landowner permission for their outings before they begin heading to the fields and woods this fall, according to Frank Jezioro, director of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources.

Asking permission to hunt is not always an easy thing to do, especially if the landowner is a total stranger.

The recent issue of the Ducks Unlimited magazine (July/August 2011) published several tips on getting permission to hunt.

• Don’t wait until the day you want to hunt to ask for permission. Ask landowners well enough in advance to give them time to consider your request so they can make an informed decision without undue pressure.
• Show up at an appropriate time of the day to ask for permission. Don’t inconvenience them because it was convenient for you. Take into consideration their work day and schedules.
• Ask them while they are outside. People are typically more comfortable talking to others they don’t know outside their homes.
• Give the landowner as much detail as you can; for example: what you would like to hunt, where you would like to hunt and when you plan on hunting. Ask the landowner if they would like a phone call the day before you plan to hunt.
• Ask permission only for yourself. If your group wants permission to hunt, everyone should meet the landowner and get permission together. If the group cannot all get together, make sure the landowner knows exactly how many hunters you are asking permission for. Make sure you tell the landowner how many vehicles to expect and ask where to park.
• If the landowner gives you permission, make sure you know the property boundaries and if there are any restrictions and places you shouldn’t be. Take a map of the area so the landowner can point these areas out.
• Show your appreciation to the landowner for allowing you to hunt and show respect for them and their land. Remember, hunting on private land is a privilege.
• Keep in contact with the landowner throughout the year, especially if it is a place you would like to keep hunting. Send a thank you card and even a Christmas card. Little gestures of appreciation go a long way.
• If a landowner says “No,” be polite and thank them for their time and consideration.

Remington Model 870 Police Shotguns

Remington Law Enforcement

Madison, NC --(Ammoland.com)- Remington Arms Company, LLC is proud to announce the Company has been awarded two West Virginia Law Enforcement contracts.

Remington Law Enforcement Sales was awarded a statewide term contract to supply the West Virginia State Police with Remington Model 870TM Police shotguns. The shotguns, which are specially built to the West Virginia State Police specifications, are based on the law enforcement tested and proven Model 870 pump action platform and are available to Law Enforcement Agencies across West Virginia through the state contract. The West Virginia State Police took delivery of their first contract order in August 2011.

After decades of service in West Virginia, Remington Law Enforcement Sales was selected and awarded a contract to supply the Charleston Police Department, West Virginia’s capital city, with two different versions of the time tested Model 870 Police shotgun. These two models of the 870 Police shotguns are being manufactured to the police department’s exact specifications.

Partnering with Town Police Supply, the Remington Authorized Law Enforcement wholesaler for West Virginia, Remington will proudly service the needs of the West Virginia Law Enforcement community for years to come.

Since its introduction in 1950, over 10 million Model 870 shotguns have been produced and the Model 870 Police remains the overwhelming choice of law enforcement agencies due to its historical dependability and proven performance.

About Remington Arms Company
Remington Arms Company, LLC, headquartered in Madison, N.C., designs, produces and sells sporting goods products for the hunting and shooting sports markets, as well as solutions to the military, government and law enforcement markets. Founded in 1816 in upstate New York, the Company is one of the nation’s oldest continuously operating manufacturers. Remington is the only U.S. manufacturer of both firearms and ammunition products and one of the largest domestic producers of shotguns and rifles. The Company distributes its products throughout the U.S. and in over 55 foreign countries. More information about the Company can be found at www.remington.com.

West Virginia Wild

West Virginia DNR

SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. – -(Ammoland.com)- Dawn broke cool and quiet with only a hint of a breeze.

The aroma of fall leaves was drifting on the breeze. There was some fog rising from the valley below where the river wound its way through the bottoms and pastureland.

It had been a good year for hickory and the squirrels were already cutting in the shellbark and pignuts. In years past, the squirrels had often cut out the hickory and moved by the time the season opened around the 15th of October.

This year would be different. This early September season would provide some good shooting before the squirrels cut out the hickory and dispersed throughout the woods in search of acorns.

WV's Frank Jezioro Squirrel Hunting

The first sounds I heard were those of a few scolding crows. Then some songbirds woke up. I was concentrating on the birds when a rustle of leaves high in the hickory in front of me caught my attention. I could see the leaves moving and knew it was a squirrel pulling off hickory nuts, but I just couldn’t see him. I was hunting with a Winchester Model 52 Sporter and low velocity hollow points and needed a good clear shot at a sitting squirrel. I could hear the squirrel cutting the nut but couldn’t see it.

Then I caught another glimpse of movement and picked up a second squirrel scampering up the 60-foot-high shellbark. It too went out on a limb and pulled off a nut. The mistake it made was to then go back to where the limb joined the main trunk of the tree. There in the fork of the limb the big gray sat up and began to work on the nut. I squirmed into a good solid position, resting my hand with the forefend of the rifle against the trunk of the tree I was sitting by. The squirrel continued cutting as I put the tiny Lee Dot in the scope on his head. At the crack of the .22 the squirrel pitched out and hit the ground with a thud. The forest got quite again. I let it lie there while I began to again search for the first squirrel.

After a few minutes it, too, began to cut on a nut. This time, its movement betrayed it sitting high on an outer limb. Another crack of the .22 and a second hit the ground, adding to the ingredients needed for a great dinner of squirrel, gravy and biscuits.

The options for hunters in September are many and varied. Over the years, the Division of Natural Resources has searched for ways to increase hunting and fishing opportunities. Providing more time in the fields and on the streams is a priority. When reviewing any change to the seasons or bag limits, the first consideration has to be the welfare of the resource. We must be ever vigilant to make sure that any change doesn’t have a negative impact on the game and fish.

After several years of consideration and review of information, it was decided that we could in fact provide some early hunting for squirrels, bow hunting for deer and muzzleloader hunting for deer. This year, our hunters will add squirrel, dove, goose, deer and coyote to the game that can be hunted in September. Whatever your pleasure, the opportunities are there this September. If at all possible, introduce another person to the out-of-door activities of hunting and fishing, especially a youngster or two.

That old axiom still rings true that “if you take your children hunting you won’t wind up hunting for your children.”

West Virginia Citizens Defense League

West Virginia --(Ammoland.com)- Most of us who choose to carry a handgun for person protection would probably agree that it is better to carry a handgun and not need it rather than to need a handgun and not have it or, as it has also been stated more succinctly, better to be judged by 12 than carried by 6.

The basic rule of the use of deadly force in self-defense in West Virginia was articulated by our state Supreme Court in Syllabus Point 7, State v. Cain, 20 W.Va. 679 (1882).

When one without fault himself is attacked by another in such a manner or under such circumstances as to furnish reasonable grounds for apprehending a design to take away his life, or to do him some great bodily harm, and there is reasonable grounds for believing the danger imminent, that such design will be accomplished, and the person assaulted has reasonable ground to believe, and does believe, such danger is imminent, he may act upon such appearances and without retreating, kill his assailant, if he has reasonable grounds to believe, and does believe, that such killing is necessary in order to avoid the apparent danger; and the killing under such circumstances is excusable, although it may afterwards turn out, that the appearances were false, and that there was in fact neither design to do him some serious injury nor danger, that it would be done. But of all this the jury must judge from all the evidence and circumstances of the case.

In other words, as our state Supreme court more recently explained in Syllabus Point 1, State v. Baker, 177 W.Va. 769, 356 S.E.2d 862 (1987), “The amount of force that can be used in self-defense is that normally one can return deadly force only if he reasonably believes that the assailant is about to inflict death or serious bodily harm; otherwise, where he is threatened only with non-deadly force, he may use only non-deadly force in return.” Words alone are not enough to justify deadly force in self-defense:  “Mere words or threats, unaccompanied by an overt act, do not constitute ground of justification or excuse of a homicide, under the law of self-defense[.]“ Syllabus Point 7, in part, State v. Snider, 81 W.Va. 522, 94 S.E. 981, 982 (1918).

In West Virginia and virtually all other states, the simple act of drawing a weapon from its holster or “flashing” what had been a concealed weapon is, as a matter of law, an exercise of deadly force.  In general, a person can only draw his or her weapon when the circumstances justify firing it.  According to published research, most self-defense cases involving a firearm involve only drawing a gun and do not involve firing a gun.  However, anyone who carries a gun must be aware that beyond the legal limitations on the use of deadly force, as a practical matter, he or she must be prepared to maintain control of the gun (preventing the bad guy or others from wresting control of the weapon), not to mention be prepared to fire it if simply drawing it does not terminate the threat.

In West Virginia, an innocent victim (as opposed to, for example, the instigator of a fight that the other combatant escalated into a potentially life-threatening situation) has no duty to retreat before using deadly force once presented with an imminent danger of death or serious bodily injury.  However, “when there is a quarrel between two or more persons and both or all are in fault, and a combat as a result of such quarrel takes place and death ensues as a result; in order to reduce the offense to killing in self-defense, two things must appear from the evidence and circumstances in the case: first, that before the mortal shot was fired the person firing the shot declined further combat, and retreated as far as he could with safety; second, that he necessarily killed the deceased in order to preserve his own life or to protect himself from great bodily harm . . . .”  Syllabus Point 6, in part, State v. Foley, 131 W.Va. 326, 47 S.E.2d 40 (1948).

Like most states, West Virginia is a Castle Doctrine state.  However, our Castle Doctrine rule is slightly different than most other states.

In Syllabus Points 2 and 3, State v. W.J.B., 166 W.Va. 602, 276 S.E.2d 550 (1981), our state Supreme Court held:

The occupant of a dwelling is not limited in using deadly force against an unlawful intruder to the situation where the occupant is threatened with serious bodily injury or death, but he may use deadly force if the unlawful intruder threatens imminent physical violence or the commission of a felony and the occupant reasonably believes deadly force is necessary.

The reasonableness of the occupant’s belief and actions in using deadly force must be judged in the light of the circumstances in which he acted at the time and is not measured by subsequently developed facts.

This formulation of the Castle Doctrine is not quite identical to the prevailing language used in Florida and the nearly two dozen states that copied Florida’s 2005 self-defense reform law.   Fla. Stat. § 776.013 provides, in part:

(1) A person is presumed to have held a reasonable fear of imminent peril of death or great bodily harm to himself or herself or another when using defensive force that is intended or likely to cause death or great bodily harm to another if:

(a) The person against whom the defensive force was used was in the process of unlawfully and forcefully entering, or had unlawfully and forcibly entered, a dwelling, residence, or occupied vehicle, or if that person had removed or was attempting to remove another against that person’s will from the dwelling, residence, or occupied vehicle; and

(b) The person who uses defensive force knew or had reason to believe that an unlawful and forcible entry or unlawful and forcible act was occurring or had occurred.

(2) The presumption set forth in subsection (1) does not apply if:

(a) The person against whom the defensive force is used has the right to be in or is a lawful resident of the dwelling, residence, or vehicle, such as an owner, lessee, or titleholder, and there is not an injunction for protection from domestic violence or a written pretrial supervision order of no contact against that person; or

(b) The person or persons sought to be removed is a child or grandchild, or is otherwise in the lawful custody or under the lawful guardianship of, the person against whom the defensive force is used; or

(c) The person who uses defensive force is engaged in an unlawful activity or is using the dwelling, residence, or occupied vehicle to further an unlawful activity; or

(d) The person against whom the defensive force is used is a law enforcement officer, as defined in s. 943.10(14), who enters or attempts to enter a dwelling, residence, or vehicle in the performance of his or her official duties and the officer identified himself or herself in accordance with any applicable law or the person using force knew or reasonably should have known that the person entering or attempting to enter was a law enforcement officer.

(3) A person who is not engaged in an unlawful activity and who is attacked in any other place where he or she has a right to be has no duty to retreat and has the right to stand his or her ground and meet force with force, including deadly force if he or she reasonably believes it is necessary to do so to prevent death or great bodily harm to himself or herself or another or to prevent the commission of a forcible felony.

(4) A person who unlawfully and by force enters or attempts to enter a person’s dwelling, residence, or occupied vehicle is presumed to be doing so with the intent to commit an unlawful act involving force or violence.

West Virginia DNR

SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. --(Ammoland.com)-   West Virginia’s 2011 – 2012 waterfowl seasons will begin statewide on Sept. 1, 2011, with the opening of the early Canada goose season, according to Curtis I. Taylor, Chief of the Division of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Section.

The early season will end on Sept. 17. Shooting hours are one-half hour before sunrise until sunset.

All other general waterfowl hunting regulations apply to the September season. Hunters must possess a federal waterfowl stamp and a free Migratory Bird Harvest Information Program (HIP) registration card in addition to their regular hunting license. HIP registration is free and available from DNR offices and all hunting license outlets.

“Canada geese are found throughout West Virginia, but the largest concentrations are in the major river valleys where agriculture and suburban landscapes provide an abundance of open land,” Taylor said. “A recently harvested crop field near water would be an ideal and obvious place to hunt. However, hunters should not overlook those out-of-the way spots such as an isolated pasture or strip bench with a small pond.”

Hunters also should seek out hunting opportunities near towns, golf courses and similar areas that may like to see local goose populations reduced. Regular scouting, not only before the season but also during the season, is important because geese are very mobile and will move to isolated areas to avoid hunting pressure.

Because most goose hunting is found on private lands, it is important for hunters to maintain a good relationship with landowners. Some wildlife management areas also offer goose hunting, and hunters should contact the appropriate DNR District Office with questions about specific areas.

Waterfowl hunters are reminded of two important toll free numbers. Federal waterfowl stamps may be purchased with a credit card by calling 1-800-782-6724. Also, hunters who harvest a banded bird may call 1-800-327-2263 to report the bird and find out when and where it was banded. Banded birds may also be reported online at www.reportband.gov.

West Virginia Wild

West Virginia DNR

SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. – -(Ammoland.com)- In most West Virginia families, someone hunts and or fishes.

My grandchildren are like most youngsters across the state and most of the nation — they are fascinated by shooting.

Because of this fascination, we have an obligation to do a couple of things. The first is to decide if we want our children involved in hunting and shooting.

If the answer is yes, then the second thing we need to do is to prepare them properly. We must teach them gun and shooting safety. I started our children and grandchildren with basic safety instruction and with a pellet gun.

Like all sports, kids like action. If they are playing baseball they want to bat. If they are playing football they want to run the ball or tackle someone who has the ball. They lose interest quickly if they never hit the ball or if they are not part of the plays. With this in mind, I started our kids shooting with the silhouettes made for shooting with a 22 caliber rimfire rifle. Setting them in front of a proper backstop on a small board, they are able to shoot and see the targets get knocked down when hit. This type rifle practice prepares them for shooting the larger rifles when it comes time to go varmint or deer hunting.

Stressing good trigger control, breathing and sight alignment are lessons that will carry on into all of their hunting and shooting sports. One of the biggest mistakes people make is trying to teach shooting skills to children with a gun made for an adult. The better practice is to use a gun scaled down to the dimensions of a child. This usually means a gun with a shorter stock and shorter barrel. If the child is straining to reach the trigger or to see in the scope or iron sights, then he or she will not be able to concentrate on holding the gun properly.

When teaching any of the shooting activities, safety and protection of the child is uppermost in our minds. Make sure that everyone involved in the activity or around the activity has safe eye protection and good hearing protection. Above all, make sure you know where everyone around the activity is located when the shooting lessons begin. With our grandchildren I insist that all are seated with me and behind the gun or in the house. What you don’t want is for one of them to be wandering around and walk out in front of the gun barrel. I have seen instances where the shooter was concentrating so intently on what he was looking at through the scope that he never saw the person walk out in front of the gun until he saw them in the scope.

If you are able to shoot on your own property, make sure you have a good, earthen backstop for the bullets. You want as much dirt and as little rock as possible as the backstop. If you don’t have a safe place of your own to shoot, go to one of the many shooting ranges provided by the West Virginia Division Natural Resources. These ranges were built with this very need in mind for our hunters, and the ranges were built with dollars from the sale of hunting licenses and conservation stamps.

Lately, we have had some problems of littering at the ranges but, hopefully, we are getting this under control. If you treat these ranges as you would treat your own land then much of the problems will be avoided. I am sure you wouldn’t leave broken bottles, pop and beer cans and any amount of cardboard and paper on the ground at your own land, so don’t leave it behind at the ranges the DNR provides for your shooting needs.

Whether recreational shooting or teaching a youngster to shoot in preparation of their first hunt, please abide by the rules posted at the ranges. Shoot only paper or clay birds if shooting with a shotgun. Take out everything you bring in to the range except what goes down the gun barrel in the way of bullets and or shot.

The fall hunting season is fast approaching with an early start to this year’s general bow season the bowhunters are already preparing. As you drive around the countryside and see bow targets, block targets and 3-D lifelike animal targets springing up in backyards like so many mushrooms, you know hunting season can’t be far behind. Take time now to teach proper gun use and safety and you will feel much more comfortable when that youngster ventures out with you for his or her first hunting adventure. And, don’t forget those little girls, they also like to shoot and hunt.

Frank Jezioro and family safely enjoying shooting.

NOTE: The WVDNR offers Hunter Education Classes for all ages across the state. Visit www.wvdnr.gov/lenforce/education.shtm to find a class near you.

West Virginia DNR

SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. --(Ammoland.com)- The West Virginia Wildlife Federation and the Division of Natural Resources are seeking hunters who own trophy white-tailed bucks that were legally taken in West Virginia with either bow or gun and have a Pope and Young or Boone and Crockett score of 150 or greater.

The purpose of this search is to establish a West Virginia Big Buck Display at West Virginia’s Celebration of National Hunting and Fishing Day, Sept. 24-25, 2011, at Stonewall Resort State Park near Weston in Lewis County.

This is the largest event held at a West Virginia state park, attracting thousands of visitors annually.

Interested hunters who have qualifying head or antler mounts should contact Keith Krantz at 304-637-0245 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. for additional information or a registration form.

Additional information and registration forms may also be found at www.wvdnr.gov; look under Special Opportunities, National Hunting & Fishing Days.

Participation will be limited to the first 30 qualifying trophy entries received. As an incentive for participation, hunters who display their trophy deer at the two- day event will be entered into an exclusive drawing for several valuable prizes.

West Virginia DNR

SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Officials with the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (DNR) are asking users of the state’s public shooting ranges to help curtail growing instances of damage to the property.

Of biggest concern are littering and gunfire damage to target frames, trash barrels, bench posts and other structures at the ranges.

DNR maintains nearly 30 public shooting ranges at numerous wildlife management areas, two state forests and other publicly accessible locations across West Virginia.

These ranges were built and are maintained using funds from the sale of hunting licenses and conservation stamps. They are popular with hunters who use them to practice and sight in their firearms prior to the state’s various hunting seasons. Although hunters pay the costs of the ranges with their license fees, these facilities are open at no charge to the public and are becoming more popular with recreational shooters.

Recent months have shown an increase in shooting range users damaging the facilities with high-powered firearms and ammunition for which the ranges are not designed, and bringing in inappropriate items which are not permitted under wildlife management area regulations such as household appliances, computer monitors, glass bottles, etc. Some shooters have been using these items as targets and not removing the debris when they leave. The result is that DNR’s wildlife managers are spending much of their time repairing the ranges and removing trash instead of maintaining and creating hunting and fishing opportunities, according to DNR Director Frank Jezioro. Shooters are reminded that current regulations prohibit the use of glass or metal containers as targets on any public shooting range. Only paper, clay and metal silhouette targets may be used on these ranges.

“Many of the recreational shooters do not have West Virginia hunting licenses, so they do not contribute to the upkeep of the facilities,” Jezioro said. “We’re asking that shooters take out what they bring in to the range, and that anyone who sees shooters abusing the shooting ranges report it to their local Natural Resources Police Officer.”

Jezioro said shooting range operations will continue as they are now and they will remain open to the public at no charge. However, shooting range users are urged to read and obey the posted rules so that the facilities remain in good condition and remain available for everyone.

A list of public shooting ranges maintained by DNR is available online at www.wvdnr.gov/hunting/SRanges.shtm.

West Virginia DNR

SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. – -(Ammoland.com)- Several important changes in the state’s fall hunting seasons for squirrel, white-tailed deer, black bear and wild turkey, as well as the new senior hunting, trapping and fishing license and a new otter trapping season, are included in the 2011-2012 West Virginia Hunting and Trapping Regulations Summary brochure, according to Division of Natural Resources Director Frank Jezioro.

The publication is now available at all West Virginia hunting and fishing license agents, DNR district offices, Elkins Operation Center and South Charleston Headquarters.

The 2011-2012 West Virginia Hunting and Trapping Regulations Summary is also available online at www.wvdnr.gov.

Hunters and trappers are encouraged to carefully review these regulations due to the numerous changes in hunting seasons, especially squirrel, wild turkey, bear and deer hunting, as well as otter trapping, which will be in place this fall.

Major changes for 2011- 2012 (see brochure for details) include:

• The statewide squirrel season will open on September 10, 2011.
• The statewide archery deer season will open on October 1, 2011.
• The West Virginia Chronic Wasting Disease Containment Area has been expanded to now include all of Hampshire County, that portion of Hardy County which lies north of Corridor H and WV Rt. 55 from Wardensville to the Virginia Stateline, and that portion of Morgan County which lies west of US Rt. 522.
• Black bear hunting seasons in 2011 include nine counties open September 26-28; 11 counties open September 26–October 1; seven counties open November 21–December 3 during the Buck Firearms Season; and all 55 counties open December 5-31. The daily bag limit is one bear and the season limit is two bears, provided at least one bear comes from Boone, Fayette, Kanawha, Logan, McDowell, Raleigh or Wyoming counties.
• Fall wild turkey hunting season has been reduced this year with 11 counties open October 22-29, seven counties open October 22–November 5, and 14 counties open October 22–November 19.
• The new Lifetime Senior Hunting /Trapping/Fishing License (Class XS), which is available beginning January 1, 2012, is required for resident hunters and anglers who reach the age of 65 on or after January 1, 2012, except that those seniors who hold a valid Class A-L or AB-L license will not need to purchase the Class XS license to hunt or trap.
• The otter trapping season will open on November 5, 2011, and close on February 29, 2012, with an annual bag limit of one otter, which must be checked at an official game checking station. Otter trappers should obtain a plastic CITES seal for each otter pelt they plan to sell out of state.
• Hunters can now use green, as well as amber and red artificial lights to hunt coyotes at night from January 1 through July 31.
• It is illegal to bait or feed wildlife on public land between September 1 and December 31 and during the spring gobbler seasons.

2011-2012 West Virginia Hunting and Trapping Regulations

West Virginia DNR

SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. – -(Ammoland.com)- The application deadline for 14 open Natural Resources Police Officer (NRPO) positions statewide is this weekend, according to Lt. Tim Coleman of the Law Enforcement Section of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR).

All candidates are required to pass a Physical Agility Test (PAT) at West Virginia State University in Institute, W.Va., on Friday, June 10, 2011, or on Saturday, June 11, 2011. The tests start at 8 a.m. each day. 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 pushups 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.

Directions: Take Exit 50 (Institute) off I-64; turn left onto Route 25; turn right at the first traffic light onto Barron Drive; turn left onto Academic Drive and park in Lot G. Enter Fleming Hall through the Chester Burris entrance.

Full details about the job description and an online job application form can be found at www.wvdnr.gov/lenforce/employment.shtm. For more information, contact the WVDNR Law Enforcement Section at 304-558-2784 or email DNR.Law@wv.gov .

West Virginia DNR

SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. – -(Ammoland.com)- Preliminary harvest numbers for the 2011 spring gobbler season show a take of 9,216 bearded turkeys, a decline of 10 percent from the 2010 harvest of 10,209 birds.

Division of Natural Resources’ wildlife officials surmise a combination of inclement weather, high gas prices, and lower turkey numbers were major factors in the lower kill.

“Our biologists had predicted a slightly lower harvest based on poorer productivity in 2009,” said Curtis I. Taylor, Chief of the Wildlife Resources Section.  “Preliminary reports from field personnel also indicate a lower hunter turnout, probably due to high fuel prices and many rainy days during the season.”

The harvest was down 12 percent each in Districts 1 and 2, down 9 percent each in Districts 3 and 6, down 16 percent in District 5, and up slightly in District 4.

Top counties were Mason with a kill of 447, Preston (325), Kanawha (310), Jackson (291), and Wood (276).  Rounding out the top 10 counties were Marshall (254), Greenbrier (253), Harrison (242), Wyoming (242), Fayette (237), and Putnam (237).

The 2011 spring kill is the lowest since 1990, when 9,152 birds were checked.  “Let’s hope for a dry June so young poults will have high survival and bolster populations, although it will take several years of good brood production to get turkey numbers to levels they were 10 years ago,” Taylor said.

West Virginia DNR

SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. – -(Ammoland.com)- Applications are being accepted for 14 open Natural Resources Police Officer (NRPO) positions statewide, according to Lt. Tim Coleman of the Law Enforcement Section of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR).

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.

All candidates are required to pass a Physical Agility Test (PAT) at West Virginia State University in Institute, W.Va., on Friday, June 10, 2011, or on Saturday, June 11, 2011. The tests start at 8 a.m. each day. Walk-ons will be accepted.

The PAT consists of three parts: a 37.5 yard swim; an agility test consisting of completing a minimum of 18 pushups 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.

Directions: Take Exit 50 (Institute) off I-64; turn left onto Route 25; turn right at the first traffic light onto Barron Drive; turn left onto Academic Drive and park in Lot G. Enter Fleming Hall through the Chester Burris entrance.

Full details about the job description and an online job application form can be found at www.wvdnr.gov/lenforce/employment.shtm. For more information, contact the WVDNR Law Enforcement Section at 304-558-2784 or email DNR.Law@wv.gov .

West Virginia DNR

South Charleston, W.Va. -(Ammoland.com)- West Virginia residents are reminded that feeding black bears is a violation of state law, as well as a misguided disservice to our state animal, according to Colin Carpenter, black bear project leader for the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources.

“It is understandable that some people will illegally set out food so they can observe this often secretive animal,” Carpenter says. “However, these actions often lead to the destruction of the bear. Bear movements are tied to food sources and animals that roam in and around residential areas in search of food are less likely to stay if they do not find anything to eat.”

Capturing and moving bears that have become accustomed to humans is a costly and often ineffective way of addressing the problem, especially when faced with the possibility of merely moving a problem bear from one area to another. That is why wildlife agencies around the country tell people that a “fed bear is a dead bear.”

Bear populations have increased in both number and distribution in the past 20 years. Bears are now found in areas where they have been absent for decades and have been reported in all 55 counties. Multiple reports of sows with cubs have been received from the northern and western portions of the state.

New Jersey Bear Hunt

Human-bear interactions increase during the spring and summer for several reasons. Natural food sources are at their lowest point when bears leave their dens in the spring. Bears often spend several weeks feeding on green vegetation while continuing to lose weight. High-energy foods such as serviceberries, blackberries, raspberries, and blueberries do not become available until later in the summer.

In addition, the bear breeding season, which peaks from late June through July, puts many bears on the move. During the breeding season, males will cover large areas while searching for females. This is also the time of year when adult female bears will chase off their yearlings so that they may breed again. Human-related food sources are higher in calories and easier to obtain than natural foods. All bears, especially yearlings that are on their own for the first time, will take advantage of easy food sources. Bears will continue on their way if they do not find easy food sources.

Bears quickly become habituated to handouts in the form of trash, bird seed, pet food and feed placed out for other animals, and lose their fear of humans. Bears that have lost their fear of humans resort to raiding garbage, outdoor freezers, storage sheds, vehicles and other structures associated with people. Unfortunately, when these activities are repeated, DNR personnel are forced to humanely destroy the offending animal for safety reasons.

“The unintentional feeding of black bears is something that can be prevented,” Carpenter says. “Garbage needs to be secured in a bear-proof facility and placed out for collection on the morning of pick-up, not the night before. Food scraps that produce large amounts of odor should be sealed in a plastic bag before being placed in the trash. Food scraps should not be placed in a compost pile during the summer months. Residents should remove all outside pet food at night, and bird feeders should be taken down, cleaned, and stored until late fall to further discourage bears from feeding around human habitation.”

Feeding of any wildlife should be avoided for numerous reasons, including, but not limited to, disease transmission, increased predation, habitat destruction around the feeding site, ethical concerns, and the animal’s overall health. Following these practical and common sense recommendations will reduce human-bear conflicts and assure that more of the state’s animals remain wild.

West Virginia Wild

West Virginia DNR

SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. – -(Ammoland.com)- I think it was Ben Franklin who said the wild turkey should be the national bird instead of the bald eagle.

He was probably right as the wild turkey has flourished and expanded its range even though heavily hunted, while the bald eagle had to have protection for its species to survive.

The second reason old Ben spoke up for the wild turkey was that our gobblers carry the national colors of red, white and blue.

So all of this was going through my mind as I sat on a fallen log at daylight the first Monday of the spring gobbler season, waiting for that first gobble.

I always like for the gobbler to sound off first, giving away its location. When nothing came from the high ridges and deep hollows, I decided that it was time to make a move.

As I walked along the old logging road, the forest creatures were coming to life. Birds were starting to chirp, chipmunks and squirrels were beginning to scurry around and deer were slinking off ahead of me. I was in mid-stride when an old long-beard gobbler rattled the ridge across from me. I stopped in my tracks to listen and, again, the old Tom sounded off.

Now I had him pinpointed. He was a little below my level, out around the road and on a flat where I had killed a gobbler a few years ago. This was a perfect location. I could set up along the road and be able to watch the road and about 50 yards of the flat where he was roosted. He would either come up the old road or out the flat. Either way, he would present a perfect 30 to 40 yard shot.

As I quietly cleared some of the sticks away from the tree where I wanted to set up, he continued to gobble on his own. In a minute or so I had a little spot cleaned out, my mask down and the gun on my knee. I was now ready and took out the old Lynch box call I have had since 1961. Years ago, I started to cut small notches on one side for the hens and one side for the gobblers. After about 20 notches I decided that if I kept it up at that rate there might be little left of the call.

I let out three or four soft yelps and immediately the old gobbler came right back at me. I waited a couple of minutes and hit the call again with the same response. I remember thinking that this was going to be too easy. I settled in and took up a conversation with the old gobbler. I would call and he would gobble. He would gobble and I would call. He would get silent and I would too. Sometimes he would outwait me and sometimes I would not call again until he gobbled.

He sounded ready, but something also seemed wrong. Then I heard it. A hen began to call and even cut right where I thought he was. He had a hen or two with him on the roost. I have found it difficult to call a gobbler away from a hen. I have had them leave a hen and come in and have had them come in with their hen. But most of the time I have had little success in this situation.

Our back and forth banter went on for about 15 minutes. Then, all of a sudden, he got completely silent. Experience has taught me that when the gobbler shuts up you need to sit perfectly still for one of two things is happening – the gobbler is either coming or going. Well, in this case he was going and taking the hen with him. I remained still for about 30 minutes and never heard him again.

Was I disappointed? Sure, I would have liked to have called him, but on the other hand my hunt would have ended the first hour of the first day of the season. But now I can get up again and head out in the dark to watch the sun usher in another glorious day.

If you have had similar experiences the first couple of days, don’t get discouraged. Most of the gobblers I have killed have been taken during the second week. So be careful out there and take a moment or two to observe all of nature’s blessing around you.

All of God’s creatures and plants combine to make May a prime time to be in the woods around the state.

To read more of this column, visit www.wvcommerce.org/wvwild

West Virginia DNR

South Charleston, W.Va. -(Ammoland.com)- The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources advises people to leave all young wildlife alone. “The spring season is the time of year when the woods and fields of West Virginia are full of new life,” said Gene Thorn, wildlife biologist at the West Virginia State Wildlife Center in Upshur County. “People have a great opportunity to view and enjoy young wildlife during this season, but it is especially important for the public to understand the need to avoid touching or disturbing these wild animals.”

Attempts to rescue or rehabilitate young wildlife are often counter-productive. Picking up or getting too close to wildlife greatly increases the chance of harm to the animal and/or the persons involved in this unwise practice. By touching young animals or close approach, humans leave scent that may attract predators. Wildlife viewing is an enjoyable and perfectly acceptable activity; however, the DNR recommends that this pastime be conducted from a safe distance and with the aid of binoculars.

“In addition to being detrimental to the welfare of young animals, handling wildlife can expose humans to various wildlife-associated diseases, parasites and other health-related risks,” said Thorn. “Rabies, roundworms and other parasites such as lice and ticks can be transmitted to humans through the improper handling of wildlife.”

The Wildlife Center and DNR district offices receive numerous calls each year concerning young wildlife, especially fawn deer that have been picked up by well-meaning residents. It is important to note that in almost every case, these young animals have not been abandoned. In fact, the offspring are often hidden as the adult searches for food, and this separation can last for a few hours or all day. Humans are poor substitute parents for wild animals, as young wildlife require special diets and learn survival skills from their parents. Removing the young wildlife from its natural environment almost certainly leads to death of the animal.

Many people often mistake a bedded fawn, with no mother in sight, as abandoned. Hiding the fawn and leaving it while the doe searches for food is an important survival tactic. The spotted pattern and coloration of fawns and their lack of scent afford protection to these young animals and make them difficult for predators to detect. If a predator happens to approach close to a fawn, the young deer will normally hold very still until the threat passes. If discovered by a predator, the fawn will wait until the very last moment before fleeing to safety. Fawns should always be left undisturbed and never be picked up by people.

As a final caution, remember that state laws and regulations prohibit the possession of wildlife without a permit. Under any circumstances, when you pick up a young animal in the wild you have taken it into your possession. The fines for illegal possession of a fawn deer, black bear cub, baby raccoon, squirrel or any other species taken or possessed during the closed season, range from $20 up to a maximum of $1,000 and/or up to 100 days in jail.

“We want everyone to enjoy wildlife in West Virginia,” said Thorn. “For your own health and safety and to protect the state’s wildlife, remember these wild animals should be left alone and allowed to stay wild.”

West Virginia Citizens Defense League

West Virginia --(Ammoland.com)- Yesterday, the “Charleston Defendants” in WVCDL’s lawsuit challenging the constitutionality and statutory validity of a variety of local gun control ordinances in the cities of Charleston, south Charleston, and Dunbar filed a motion to dismiss.

Today, all defendants in WVCDL’s lawsuit challenging the constitutionality and statutory validity of Martinsburg’s city building gun ban filed a motion to dismiss.

We are still awaiting responses from the South Charleston & Dunbar defendants, which are due on April 15, 2011.

Both motions to dismiss and other relevant documents in this cases are available here.

Before I receive questions, we did not make any mistakes in posting the 2 motions to dismiss and their supporting briefs on WVCDL’s web site. Charleston and Martinsburg did make identical–and equally laughable–claims that WVCDL and its members do not have “standing” to sue because there is allegedly no real, credible, and immediate threat of criminal prosecution of any of you if you choose to violate the ordinances that WVCDL is challenging.

These arguments are factually absurd and grossly misstates the legal standard for “pre-enforcement challenges” to a law. The arguments made by both Charleston and Martinsburg concerning their allegations that WVCDL and its members lack standing to sue are absurd.

Dick Heller (who we are proud to call a fellow WVCDL member) did not have to unlawfully bring his handgun into the District of Columbia, illegally possess it, and argue his successful challenge to DC’s former handgun ban from a jail cell. Neither did Otis McDonald in his successful challenge to Chicago’s former handgun ban.

In Medimmune, Inc. v. Genentech, Inc., 549 U.S. 118 (2007), the Supreme Court of the United States, in an opinion written by Justice Scalia, held that “where threatened action by government is concerned, we do not require a plaintiff to expose himself to liability before bringing suit to challenge the basis for the threat-for example, the constitutionality of a law threatened to be enforced. The plaintiff’s own action (or inaction) in failing to violate the law eliminates the imminent threat of prosecution, but nonetheless does not eliminate Article III jurisdiction.”

I encourage you to click the previous link and read pages 11 and 12 of the PDF file.Please note that if you choose to read the Charleston and Martinsburg motions to dismiss, the extensive body of case law they cite in support of their arguments almost entirely predates the Supreme Court’s decision in Medimmune v. Genentech.

In addition to their baseless arguments on the issue of standing, the Charleston Defendants attempted to mount a defense of the legality of Charleston’s ordinances under state law. However, in doing so, they confirmed WVCDL’s view that those ordinances are without appropriate statutory authority to be valid as a matter of state law. Martinsburg, on the other hand, did not even attempt to mount a defense of its ordinance.

These recent filings confirm WVCDL’s belief in the strength of its cases. Soon, the courts will enter scheduling orders specifying the time frame for briefing and oral arguments and a ruling on this motion. This, however, will be just one of many steps in the litigation process.

Finally, in light of the allegations by both Charleston and Martinsburg that WVCDL and its members apparently do not face a real, credible, and immediate threat of criminal prosecution under any of the ordinances that are being challenged, WVCDL and the other plaintiffs have extended both cities very generous offers to settle their respective cases. Both Charleston & Martinsburg have been extended settlement offers under which they would agree to repeal the challenged ordinances. After all, if Charleston and Martinsburg are not enforcing their ordinances and WVCDL’s members have nothing to fear–as Charleston & Martinsburg appear to want make the courts believe, at least for the purposes of WVCDL’s lawsuits–then why not go ahead and resolve this unfortunate misunderstanding and cleanse their respective city code books of what are apparently just dead letters?

At least we can dream. WVCDL’s legal cases are strong and we are confident of victory, no matter how long it takes.

About:
The West Virginia Citizens Defense League (WVCDL) is a nonpartisan, nonprofit, all-volunteer, grassroots organization of concerned West Virginians who support our individual right to keep and bear arms for defense of self, family, home and state, and for lawful hunting and recreational use, as protected by the state constitution and the Second Amendment of the United States Constitution. Visit: www.wvcdl.org

West Virginia Citizens Defense League

West Virginia --(Ammoland.com)- Our new U.S. senator, Joe Manchin is noncommittal on President Obama’s nomination of anti-gun zealot Andrew Traver to be Director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.

This is the same Joe Manchin who ran an infamous TV ad last fall in which he killed two birds with one stone by touting his NRA endorsement and highlighting his opposition to Cap and Trade legislation by nailing a copy of the bill to a tree and using it for target practice.

Well, Joe, 4 days after you were sworn in as our newest United States senator, the NRA–whose endorsement you so highly touted in your “Dead Aim” TV ad–took dead aim at the Traver nomination. Meanwhile, the Brady Bunch praised it.

However, 4 months later, you still have not taken a position–much less kept your promise to “always defend West Virginia.”

The following is a letter Senator Manchin sent me responding to an e-mail I personally sent him and Senator Rockefeller (from whom I don’t expect as response since Rockefailure is an anti who has well-deserved F ratings from NRA and GOA):

March 10, 2011

[address redacted]

Dear Mr. Mullins,

Thank you for contacting me and sharing your concerns about the President’s nomination of a new Director of the Bureau of Alcohol, tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). Hearing from West Virginians is very important to me, and I appreciate your input on this issue.

The nominee, Andrew Traver, is currently the Special Agent in Charge (SAC) of the ATF’s Chicago Field Division. As you know, the Director of the ATF is appointed by the President, but his nomination is subject to confirmation by the full Senate. While the nomination of Andrew Traver has not yet come up for a vote, please be assured that I will keep your concerns in mind as I follow this confirmation process closely.

Again, thank you for taking the time to add your voice to this important discussion. If I may be of further assistance to you, please do not hesitate to contact my office.

With Warmest Regards,

Joe Manchin III
United States Senator

ACTION ITEM: Tell Senator Manchin to OPPOSE Traver Nomination
Since Senator Joe Manchin is noncommittal on President Obama’s nomination of anti-gun zealot Andrew Traver to be Director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, it is obvious that he needs to “hear from West Virginians” and receive out input on this issue.

Please click on one of the following links and either sign a pre-written message or write your own message telling Senator Manchin that you OPPOSE the nomination of Andrew Traver to be the Director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives:

* NRA
* GOA

About:
The West Virginia Citizens Defense League (WVCDL) is a nonpartisan, nonprofit, all-volunteer, grassroots organization of concerned West Virginians who support our individual right to keep and bear arms for defense of self, family, home and state, and for lawful hunting and recreational use, as protected by the state constitution and the Second Amendment of the United States Constitution. Visit: www.wvcdl.org

West Virginia Citizens Defense League

West Virginia --(Ammoland.com)- The 2011 regular session of the West Virginia Legislature ended at midnight with good news and bad news for West Virginia gun owners.

The good news: Once again, as we have done every year since 2007, WVCDL helped stop every anti-gun bill that surfaced.

The most serious threat we faced this year was HB 2346, which would have significantly expanded disqualifications from firearm possession for domestic violence protective orders issued in ex parte “emergency” hearings where the respondent does not have the right to be heard and vastly expand the categories of “protected persons” with regard to whom a protective order would bar firearm possession.

The bad news: This year, the Legislature did not pass a single bill that could be described has being even mildly “pro-gun.” We were not surprised that neither HB 3125 nor SB 543 were acted upon given their length and the delays in the bill drafting office. However, there were many other smaller, “bite size” bills the Legislature could have taken up to give at least a token gesture to gun owners, but they did not do so. Even the most innocuous bills, such as HB 3087 and SB 387 (relating to retired law-enforcement officers) each passed their respective houses of origin but went nowhere in the other house.

One small consolation: given the political turmoil surrounding the state Senate’s controversial rule changes to strip Senate President Earl Ray Tomblin of his senatorial powers and duties while he acts as Governor pursuant to Article VII, § 16 of the state constitution until a special election later this year and the potential litigation surrounding the constitutionality of this arrangement, at least we have nothing to lose if the state Supreme Court declares everything done by the Legislature over the last 60 days null and void.

Below, I offer more specific discussion of what we learned this year and how we will adapt going forward.

HB 2346 Helped Expose Anti-Gun Delegates
This year is not the first time we have had to deal with the contents of HB 2346. Last year, the same bill was introduced as HB 4422. Last year, the House Judiciary Committee held a public hearing on HB 4422 on WVCDL Lobby Day and our testimony in opposition to the bill led the committee to take no action on it. This year, the committee passed HB 2346 with no prior notice. However, the leadership of the House of Delegates blocked further action on this bill by placing it on the inactive calendar.

Both 2010 HB 4422 and 2011 HB 2346 were sponsored by several delegates who claim to be pro-gun, but really are not. Some of the sponsors of the bill changed their minds and did not sponsor it again this year. However, among the 4 sponsors of HB 2346, 3 of them–including House Judiciary Committee Chairman Tim Miley, D-Harrison, who was the lead sponsor of both bills–have consistently received “A” ratings from and the endorsement of the National Rifle Association. In addition to Chairman Miley, the other “pro-gun” sponsors of this abominable bill were Delegates Michael Ferro, D-Marshall, and Clif Moore, D-McDowell. The fourth sponsor of HB 2346, Delegate Bonnie Brown, D-Kanawha, is so vehemently anti-gun that she has long held a well-deserved “F” rating from the NRA and has never attempted to portray herself otherwise.

In 2008, WVCDL exposed Delegate Moore’s duplicity during a House Judiciary Committee hearing on a proposed casino carry ban that WVCDL played a critical role in defeating. Unfortunately, very few people in McDowell County know that know where Delegate Moore really stands.

To date, we have not received a satisfactory explanation of why Delegate Ferro again cosponsored HB 2346.

Finally, we come to House Judiciary Committee Chairman Tim Miley. Given his record, the best we can now say about Delegate Miley is that he’s playing it both ways on gun issues. He has long pretended to be pro-gun. However, like many self-proclaimed “pro-gun” legislators, Delegate Miley never participated in WVCDL’s legislative candidate surveys. Nevertheless, when former chairbeing Carrie Webster was appointed to the bench at the end of 2009 and Delegate Miley became chairman, many of us hoped that there would be a thaw in the House Judiciary Committee’s longstanding neglect (at best) or outright hostility to considering more pro-gun legislation. After 2 sessions, I am hard-pressed to tell the difference between Chairman Miley and his predecessor.

In our Legislature, committee chairmen set the agenda and the other members of the committees are powerless to bring a bill before the committee if the chairman does not want it heard.

Based on a combination of WVCDL legislative candidate survey responses and private conversations I have had with several nonparticipating members, I can tell you that if we could have an open vote among the house Judiciary Committee’s 25 members, we could literally get anything we want passed in committee and likewise could get literally anything we want passed on the floor of the House of Delegates if it could get through the committee–and neither vote would be close.

I have heard some people blame the problems we are having with the House Judiciary Committee on strong anti-gun sentiments among the committee’s staff, which has influenced Chairman Miley. That is not only not an excuse, but an underscoring of the problem we face. In politics, personnel is policy. If a politician of a political viewpoint surrounds himself primarily by people of different views, over time, his views will tend to gravitate toward those of his closest advisors. Moreover, Chairman Miley is a very intelligent man and is a practicing attorney with many more years of experience than I.

Regardless of whether Chairman Miley is a closeted anti or has simply been grossly negligent in his personnel decisions, we have a serious problem in the House of Delegates that is going to have to be remedied by Delegate Miley’s constituents in Harrison County. Chairman Miley must shape up or we must persuade his constituents to ship him out.

About:
The West Virginia Citizens Defense League (WVCDL) is a nonpartisan, nonprofit, all-volunteer, grassroots organization of concerned West Virginians who support our individual right to keep and bear arms for defense of self, family, home and state, and for lawful hunting and recreational use, as protected by the state constitution and the Second Amendment of the United States Constitution. Visit: www.wvcdl.org

Message to All West Virginia Gun Owners from the 2011 Legislative Session - Join or Die

West Virginia Citizens Defense League

West Virginia --(Ammoland.com)- It’s that simple–and I don’t mean necessarily join WVCDL (although that would help).

I mean that all gun owners in West Virginia are going to have to unite behind future legislative initiatives if we are going to break the growing legislative logjam that shows no signs of breaking on its own.

This year, WVCDL revamped its legislative strategy by condensing our entire legislative agenda into one bill. For several years, we wrote and got many different bills introduced, mostly going nowhere. We had been urged by various legislators and staffers to focus our efforts on one or two bills each year. So, we took that advice and placed our primary focus behind one bill this year.

Despite our new strategy, various legislators and individuals not affiliated with WVCDL chose to once again attempt to pursue separate legislation. None of them got anywhere–not even retired law enforcement officers who only wanted adequate legislation in place to ensure access to qualification programs for nationwide concealed carry for “qualified retired law enforcement officers’ under federal law.

Between now and the 2012 legislative session, WVCDL is going to urge all pro-gun legislators to simply not introduce any gun-related legislation other than the West Virginia Gun Owner Protection Act.

Why?
See the picture above. For the last few years, gun owners pursuing various legislative initiatives have simply not hung together. However, we have done magnificent jobs of hanging separately.

Next year, we want the West Virginia Gun Owner Protection Act to be the only game in town for the House & Senate Judiciary Committees to consider if they feel enough heat to get serious about addressing gun rights issues.

Lest there be any misunderstandings, the West Virginia Gun Owner Protection Act is not being offered on a “take it or leave it,” “all or nothing” basis”–far from it. However, at the rate our Legislature is acting, there is not a single person on this earth today who will live to see 1/4 of the issues we have identified as needing legislative attention debated–much less enacted into law. There is a legislative logjam that we must clear–and it is not going away until we do the hard work of clearing it.

There’s a lot we can debate, discuss, amend, etc. However, right now, the legislative process simply is not working at all. Anyone who is serious about debating and attempting to influence public policy knows that a bill 1/10 the size of HB 3125 and SB 543 is not going to emerge from the legislative process and become law precisely in the same form as it was introduced. However, with that said, we’re simply not going to concede half our agenda before we’ve even introduced a bill. The West Virginia Gun Owner Protection Act is the product of a sophisticated, strategic legislative strategy through which we want to get the most we can possibly get at a particular point in time, even if we must temporarily set some issues aside for the future to get many other things that can be obtained now.

In short, in order for West Virginia gun owners to make any truly significant legislative progress in the future, we must make the West Virginia Gun Owner Protection Act the basis of legislative negotiations, rather than present law. We must make those who are either oppose or indifferent to us propose modest changes to a bill we have written, rather than let them make us play small ball and make only modest changes to a body of law they have written over many decades. Even if we have to accept several amendments that temporarily set us back, we need to at least pass a bill that will put in place the legal architecture for us to return in the future and seek what we had to temporarily set aside before with short, concise bills that I can assure you are simply not possible due to broader issues with the law that would be corrected if we can get just half of the West Virginia Gun Owner Protection Act enacted into law.

This means that retired law enforcement officers are going to have to stop having bills like HB 3087 and SB 387 introduced separately (similar–in fact, better, provisions are already included in the West Virginia Gun Owner Protection Act).

This means that the prosecuting attorneys are going to have to stop having bills like HB 3087 and SB 306 separately introduced.
In the interests of full disclosure, HB 3087 was a WVCDL bill from 2008, which we stopped advancing as a standalone measure and rewrote before incorporating it into the West Virginia Gun Owner Protection Act, and SB 306 is part of that bill.

This means that our veterans and active service members who are right to want to be able to use their honorable discharge or proof of current military service in lieu of a (largely redundant) separate concealed handgun training class have to stop having bills like HB 3237 separately introduced. The West Virginia Gun Owner Protection Act already includes this language.

This means that my good friends, Senator Dave Sypolt and Delegate Gary Howell –despite how adversely they are affected by the current law-- must drop their standalone legislation to repeal or relax the State Capitol Carry ban: SB 340 (full capitol carry ban repeal), HB 2457 (parking lot storage for CHL holders only), and HB 3093 (Capitol carry ban repeal, but only for constitutional officers and state employees who have a CHL).

Finally, this means that anyone else who thinks they can have a standalone bill dealing with a comparatively tiny and simple gun-related issue should think long and hard about the effect a standalone bill will have on the broader gun rights agenda.

As I said above, we gun owners are doing a magnificent job of hanging separately. Now, I suggest we try hanging together.

About:
The West Virginia Citizens Defense League (WVCDL) is a nonpartisan, nonprofit, all-volunteer, grassroots organization of concerned West Virginians who support our individual right to keep and bear arms for defense of self, family, home and state, and for lawful hunting and recreational use, as protected by the state constitution and the Second Amendment of the United States Constitution. Visit: www.wvcdl.org

West Virginia Citizens Defense League

West Virginia --(Ammoland.com)- In the coming weeks and months, WVCDL is going to begin organizing into various local chapters throughout the state that will regularly meet and organize on the local level.

Initially, we will be focusing on the 4 counties from which the presiding officers and Judiciary Committee chairmen of each house of the Legislature reside: Wayne, Harrison, Marshall, and Kanawha counties.

While we will organize into local chapters in other counties, over the next year, it is going to be critical that we get as many residents of these 4 counties as possible involved in WVCDL as their local delegates or senators hold the fate of most gun-related bills in the Legislature.

In the Senate, Judiciary Committee Chairman Corey Palumbo is a committed anti who simply will not advance serious pro-gun legislation without pressure from leadership. However, Kanawha County residents must still let him know you’re watching him very carefully. Most importantly, those of you in Kanawha County are closest to the capitol and can play a key role in hearings held with short notice.

Right now, we do not know who is going to be the presiding officer of the Senate next year. There is an open question as to whether Senator Tomblin will return to the Senate presidency full-time if he loses the special election for Governor this year. Depending on this outcome, Senator Kessler will likely either become the Senate President or would be returned to his former position as Judiciary Committee Chairman if Senator Tomblin returns to the Senate. Therefore, those of you in Marshall County have an important tole to play.

In the House of Delegates, Speaker Rick Thompson claimed to be a CHL holder when he called me last year to try to avoid explaining why he ultimately did not take the WVCDL Legislative Candidate Survey. However, he made the call on putting HB 2346 on the inactive calendar after it got out of committee. In terms of his leadership style, Speaker Thompson claims to take a hands-off approach to managing his committee chairmen, except when he occasionally cracks the whip. Those of you in Wayne County have an important role to play here.

Those of you in Marshall and Wayne counties should take note of the fact that, legally, West Virginia’s concealed handgun license reciprocity agreement with Ohio is and has always been hanging by a thread doe to the very poor manner in which our licensing law is written and the requirements that Ohio law imposes for establishing reciprocity. I do not discuss this issue much publicly for obvious reasons. When Ohio first passed their concealed carry law in 2004, then-Attorney General Jim Petro (R) determined that West Virginia’s licensing law did not meet Ohio’s standards. three years later, when West Virginia revised its reciprocity law and jump-started its expansion of reciprocity with other states, then-Attorney General Marc Dann (D) took the most flexible interpretation he could of Ohio’s law and sign the reciprocity agreement that remains in place.

Two elections–and two Attorneys General–later, the Ohio AG’s office is now occupied by Mike DeWhine, er, DeWine, (R)–who has, at best, an extremely strained relationship with the Ohio pro-gun community. In 2006, when he was running for reelection to the U.S. Senate, DeWine was the only Republican running for the U.S. Senate in the entire country to get the endorsement of the Brady Bunch–and Sherrod Brown, who won, was certainly not a pro-gun guy, either. In his 2010 AG campaign, DeWine attempted to reinvent himself to try to appeal to gun owners. . Regardless, so far, we have been extremely fortunate that Ohio has not placed our reciprocity agreement under serious review. Until Ohio adopts a more permissive reciprocity law, the reciprocity agreement that permits the 1/4 of West Virginia residents who live in counties bordering Ohio to cross the river with little legal difficulty, is skating on very thin ice.

Finally, we return to House Judiciary Committee Chairman Tim Miley. Those of you in Harrison County must let Delegate Miley know that his past conduct is unacceptable and that he has one more regular legislative session left to prove himself worthy of your support. It’s shape up or ship out time for Delegate Miley–and YOU in Harrison County have to be the ones to deliver that message to him.

WVCDL is looking for members or volunteer to be county or regional (depending on the concentration of WVCDL members and other factors) local chapter leaders. Responsibilities of WVCDL local chapter leaders include organizing and holding local membership meetings on a regular basis, meeting with local legislators, and occasionally contacting your local media. If you are interested in being a WVCDL local chapter leader in your county or region, please click here and send us a short e-mail.

About:
The West Virginia Citizens Defense League (WVCDL) is a nonpartisan, nonprofit, all-volunteer, grassroots organization of concerned West Virginians who support our individual right to keep and bear arms for defense of self, family, home and state, and for lawful hunting and recreational use, as protected by the state constitution and the Second Amendment of the United States Constitution. Visit: www.wvcdl.org

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. --(Ammoland.com)- U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Special Agent in Charge Paul J. Vido and Huntington Police Department Chief W.H. “Skip” Holbrook, along with several members from the law enforcement community joined today to announce a major, long-term undercover law enforcement effort targeting the Fairfield West area of Huntington.

A total of 55 defendants have been charged with federal crimes including illegal firearm possession, drug trafficking and other offenses. Arrest warrants have been issued for each individual involved in the criminal activity.

The criminal probe began in April 2010, targeting numerous traffickers of stolen firearms and individuals who participated in illegal drug transactions in and around Huntington. The investigation, conducted by federal and local agents, resulted in the seizure of illegal drugs with a street value of over $500,000 and more than 100 firearms.

U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin stated, “When I took office the middle of last year, I made fighting violent drug crime in Huntington my top priority. This operation, charging 55 defendants, underscores the substantial ongoing effort that we are making to help the citizens of Fairfield West and the city of Huntington take back their streets.”

More than 200 federal, state and local agents took part in the firearms and narcotics take-down effort. The defendants include drug traffickers, members and associates of drug trafficking organizations, convicted felons, as well as several local gang members.

“Because of the hard work and dedication of the undercover agents, 110 firearms and over one half million dollars of illegal drugs were taken off the streets of Huntington,” ATF Special Agent in Charge Paul J. Vido said. “Today’s enforcement actions proved that ATF will do everything in our power to protect our neighborhoods and communities. Criminals beware and be prepared to face the consequences.”

Huntington Police Department Chief W.H. “Skip” Holbrook stated, “This operation is a testament to how much can be accomplished in a coordinated effort. This operation deals a major blow to the criminal element here in Huntington. This is a great day for the citizens of Fairfield West, the city of Huntington and this region as a whole.”