West Virginia’s youth waterfowl season has been set for Sept. 26, 2009, and the youth squirrel season is scheduled for Oct. 3, 2009, according to Curtis I. Taylor, Chief of the Wildlife Resources Section of the Division of Natural Resources.

“These special youth hunts provide an excellent opportunity to introduce youngsters to our state’s strong hunting heritage,” said Taylor. “The mild days of early fall are a great time to be afield with our youth, and provide an excellent opportunity for experienced hunters to mentor our youngsters on the various aspects of hunting such as the safe handling of firearms, hunter ethics and wildlife conservation.”

Youth Waterfowl Season Sept. 26
Youth waterfowl hunters must be less than 16 years of age on the day of the hunt to participate in the youth waterfowl season. Youth hunters age 14 and under are not required to have a hunting license. Those who have reached their 15th birthday must possess a valid state hunting license (A, XJ, XXJ, AB-L or A-L) and HIP registration card, or be a qualified resident landowner. The youth must be accompanied by a licensed adult at least 21 years of age. Landowners over 15 years of age are not exempt from the requirement to carry a valid migratory bird hunting and conservation stamp, commonly called the duck stamp. The daily bag limit for the waterfowl hunt is the same as during the regular season with several species restrictions.

Youth Squirrel Season Oct. 3
Youth squirrel hunters must be less than 15 years of age on the day of the hunt to participate in the youth squirrel season. Youth hunters are not required to have a hunting license; however, they must be accompanied by a licensed adult 21 years of age or older. The supervising adult may not hunt or carry a firearm or bow and must remain near enough to the youth to render advice and assistance. The daily bag limit for the youth squirrel season is six squirrels.

For additional information, hunters should check the 2009-2010 West Virginia Hunting and Trapping Regulations and the 2009-2010 West Virginia Migratory Bird Hunting Regulations.  These publications are available at all license agents, DNR offices and the DNR’s Web site at www.wvdnr.gov.