2008 West Virginia Buck Season Fact Sheet
November 18, 2008
The West Virginia buck season is November 24 – December 6. It is open in all counties except Logan, Mingo, McDowell and Wyoming.- Approximately 320,000 licensed hunters will be in West Virginia’s woods during this season.
- Hunters should review the 2008-2009 Hunting and Trapping Regulations Summary for detailed instructions concerning bag limits and season dates. The regulations are online at www.wvdnr.gov
- A list of deer checking stations in West Virginia can be found online at www.wvdnr.gov/hunting/check_stations.asp
- The 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 deer gun tag (Class RG/RRG Stamp) is November 23. Class RG and Class RRG additional buck stamps can only be used to take an additional antlered deer in buck season. Unused Class RG and Class RRG stamps may not be used in antlerless or muzzleloader seasons.
- A concurrent antlerless deer season will be available in all or portions of 44 counties on private land only during the entire two-week buck season and beginning November 26 through the remainder of the buck season on specified public land. This is not a “hunter’s choice” season, because hunters must have purchased the proper antlerless deer license (Class N for residents and Class NN for nonresidents) to participate. Hunters may take only one deer per day; therefore, a buck and an antlerless deer may not be taken on the same day. Class N and Class NN antlerless stamps are no longer county specific. See the 2008-2009 Hunting and Trapping Regulations Summary for county and public lands specific regulations.
- All deer must be field tagged and checked in within 72 hours of the time of kill or within 24 hours of the close of the season, whichever comes first. Additional deer may not be taken until all previously taken deer have been checked. Only one deer may be taken per day during the buck season.
- Deer hunting in West Virginia generates a total annual economic impact of $233 million, 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 2007, deer hunters in West Virginia harvested 67,213 bucks during the two-week buck season, an increase of 1.7 percent from the previous year.
- Based upon scouting reports and mast production, DNR is looking for the buck kill to be slightly higher than last year. Poor weather conditions last year during the first week of buck season resulted in a large number of antlered deer carrying over to this hunting period, meaning more and bigger bucks will be harvested. Hunters who have done their pre-season scouting and have located food sources for deer will have the best chance of success.
- 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 30. 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 Web site at www.wvdnr.gov to find a participating meat processor.
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TPWD to Consider Sweeping Deer Hunting Regulation Changes
November 11, 2008
AUSTIN, Texas -The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has transitioned away from political boundaries for the purpose of monitoring white-tailed deer populations and toward biologically-based communities or Resource Management Units (RMUs).
The department has identified 33 unique RMUs across the state having similar soils, vegetation types and land use practices they believe will more accurately capture deer population dynamics. The intent is to develop deer season bag limit frameworks based on these units, although implementation will still track county boundaries to avoid confusion among hunters.
In a briefing of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission’s Regulations Committee, TPWD unveiled an extensive suite of potential regulation changes in deer harvest throughout much of the state. The department will be gathering public input on the possible proposals during the next couple of months and present to the commission in January a comprehensive set of proposals.
Those proposals will then go back out for official comment during a series of public hearings around the state next spring. A final decision will be made by the commission at its March 25-26, 2009 public meeting.
Expansion of Antler Restriction Regulations
One key potential change involves further expansion of the department’s successful antler restriction regulations into 52 additional counties where biologists have identified a need to provide greater protection of younger buck deer. In these counties, data indicates more than 55 percent of the harvested bucks are two-and-a-half years of age or younger, which creates an imbalance in the deer herd age structure.
According to Clayton Wolf, TPWD big game program director, based on data to date in the 61 counties where the rule is currently in effect, the antler restrictions have improved age structure while maintaining ample hunting opportunity.
Potentially affected counties include: Anderson, Angelina, Archer, Atascosa, Brazos, Brown, Chambers, Clay, Cooke, Denton, Ellis, Falls, Freestone, Grayson, Grimes, Hardin, Harris, Henderson, Hill, Hood, Hunt, Jack, Jasper, Jefferson, Johnson, Kaufman, Liberty, Limestone, Madison, McLennan, Milam, Mills, Montague, Montgomery, Navarro, Newton, Orange, Palo Pinto, Parker, Polk, Robertson, San Jacinto, Smith, Stephens, Tarrant, Trinity, Tyler, Van Zandt, Walker, Wichita, Wise, and Young.
Bag Limit Changes
The department is also looking at increasing the bag limit from one buck to two bucks in Baylor, Callahan, Haskell, Jones, Knox, Shackelford, Taylor, Throckmorton, and Wilbarger counties. Wolf noted this area of the state is characterized by relatively large tract sizes and light hunter density and the deer population has grown over the years as habitat has become more favorable to white-tailed deer.
In addition, the department is considering increasing the bag limit from four deer to five deer in Pecos, Terrell, and Upton counties. White-tailed deer densities throughout the eastern Trans-Pecos are very similar to densities on the Edwards Plateau, where current rules allow the harvest of up to five antlerless deer. This change would increase hunting opportunity while addressing a resource concern.
The department is also looking at increasing the bag limit in most Cross Timbers and Prairies and eastern Rolling Plains counties from three deer (no more than one buck, no more than two antlerless) or four deer (no more than two bucks and no more than two antlerless) to five deer (no more than 2 bucks). Counties affected include: Archer, Baylor, Bell (West of IH35), Bosque, Callahan, Clay, Coryell, Hamilton, Haskell, Hill, Jack, Jones, Knox, Lampasas, McLennan, Palo Pinto, Shackelford, Somervell, Stephens, Taylor, Throckmorton, Wichita, Wilbarger, Williamson (west of IH35), and Young.
Another possible change would increase the bag limit from three deer to five deer (no more than one buck) in selected counties in the western Rolling Plains. Although white-tailed deer densities are highly variable in this part of the state, areas containing suitable habitat have become saturated with deer and whitetails are expanding into marginal to poor habitat.
Browsing pressure is severe in these areas, where little woody vegetation exists within five feet of the ground. The proposal would provide additional hunting opportunity while addressing a resource concern. Counties affected include: Armstrong, Briscoe, Carson, Childress, Collingsworth, Cottle, Crosby, Dickens, Donley, Fisher, Floyd, Foard, Garza, Gray, Hall, Hardeman, Hemphill, Hutchinson, Kent, King, Lipscomb, Motley, Ochiltree, Roberts, Scurry, Stonewall, and Wheeler.
The department is also considering for the first time implementing a general open season in Dawson, Deaf Smith, and Martin counties (three deer, no more than one buck, no more than two antlerless).
Another issue where deer surveys indicate a need for change involves additional antlerless deer harvest opportunities. Therefore, the department is looking to increase antlerless deer hunting or “doe days” in the following areas:
- from 16 days to full-season either-sex in Dallam, Denton, Hartley, Moore, Oldham, Potter, Sherman and Tarrant counties;
- from 30 days to full-season either-sex in Cook, Hardeman, Hill, Johnson, Wichita, and Wilbarger counties;
- from four days to16 days in Bowie and Rusk counties;
- from four days to 30 days in Cherokee and Houston counties;
- from no doe days to four doe days in Anderson, Henderson, Hunt, Leon, Rains, Smith, and Van Zandt counties.
This proposal offers more hunting opportunity as well as making “doe days’ more consistent within each resource management unit (a suite of counties with similar population and habitat characteristics). Data indicate that the deer populations can withstand the additional harvest pressure proposed.
The department is also looking at expansion of the late antlerless and spike season into additional counties.
Counties affected include: Archer, Armstrong, Baylor, Bell (West of IH35), Bosque, Briscoe, Callahan, Carson, Childress, Clay, Collingsworth, Comanche, Cooke, Coryell, Cottle, Crosby, Denton, Dickens, Donley, Eastland, Erath, Fisher, Floyd, Foard, Garza, Gray, Hall, Hamilton, Hardeman, Haskell, Hemphill, Hill, Hood, Hutchinson, Jack, Johnson, Jones, Kent, King, Knox, Lampasas, Lipscomb, McLennan, Montague, Motley, Ochiltree, Palo Pinto, Parker, Pecos, Roberts, Scurry, Shackelford, Somervell, Stephens, Stonewall, Tarrant, Taylor, Terrell, Throckmorton, Upton, Wheeler, Wichita, Wilbarger, Williamson (West of IH35), Wise, and Young. In Pecos, Terrell, and Upton counties, the proposed season would replace the current muzzleloader-only open season.
Biologists are also looking to implement a special muzzleloader season in additional counties, lengthen the existing muzzleloader season by five days to be equivalent in length with the special antlerless and spike buck seasons in other counties, and alter the current muzzleloader bag composition to allow the harvest of any buck (not just spike bucks) and antlerless deer without permits if the county has “doe days” during the general season.
Counties affected include: Austin, Bastrop, Bowie, Brazoria, Caldwell, Camp, Cass, Cherokee, Colorado, De Witt, Fayette, Fort Bend, Goliad (North of HWY 59), Goliad (South of HWY 59), Gonzales, Gregg, Guadalupe, Harrison, Houston, Jackson (North of HWY 59), Jackson (South of HWY 59), Karnes, Lavaca, Lee, Marion, Matagorda, Morris, Nacogdoches, Panola, Rusk, Sabine, San Augustine, Shelby, Upshur, Victoria (North of HWY 59), Victoria (South of HWY 59), Waller, Washington, Wharton (North of HWY 59), Wharton (South of HWY 59), and Wilson.
In response to a commission directive to seek additional opportunities for youth participation, the department is looking at extending the early youth only season to include the entire month of October and the late youth-only season by 12 days during January in selected counties to run concurrently with late antlerless and spike seasons. The intent of the proposal is to allow adults and children to hunt together during different special seasons.
The department is also considering a petition to implement a general open season (with antlerless harvest by permit only) in Grayson County. TPWD staff has determined that there is no biological necessity for retaining the current rule, which restricts lawful methods to archery equipment and crossbows, but will be seeking input from county residents prior to making any official proposal to the commission in January. The date and locations of scoping meetings in Grayson County have not been finalized.
Other Wildlife-Related Issues
Other wildlife-related issues that could be advanced by the department include potentially implementing an open general season in Parmer County for mule deer, contingent upon the results of winter surveys and the temporary suspension of the two-day October lesser prairie chicken season until population recovery supports a season.
Changes Possible in Freshwater Fishing Regs
In addition, several possible changes to freshwater fishing regulations were offered to the commission for consideration including: modifying blue catfish regulations on three reservoirs, modifying largemouth bass regulations on another and providing increased protection for alligator gar statewide.
Harvest regulations for blue catfish on Lake Lewisville, Lake Richland Chambers and Lake Waco currently reflect the statewide limits (12-inch minimum length limit and 25 fish daily bag limit). Possible proposed changes would consist of a 25 fish daily bag limit with a 30 to 45-inch slot length limit and harvest of only one blue catfish over 45 inches would be allowed. No harvest of blue catfish between 30 and 45 inches would be allowed.
Harvest regulations for largemouth bass on Lake Ray Roberts are currently a 14- to 24-inch slot length limit and a five fish daily bag (only one bass 24 inches or greater may be retained each day). Potential changes would consist of the statewide limits for largemouth bass (14-inch minimum length limit and five fish daily bag limit).
The department discussed possible regulation strategies that emphasize protection of adult fish, while allowing some limited harvest of trophy fish to ensure population stability while allowing utilization of the resource. Two possible regulation scenarios were highlighted. The first would consist of issuing tags that would limit the size and/or number of alligator gar an angler could harvest in one year. The other would involve setting a minimum length limit of 7 feet and a daily bag limit of one. Under either scenario, harvest through commercial activities would also be restricted.
Coastal Fisheries to Look at Flounder, All-Water Guide Licenses and Consistency
Despite a relatively good year for flounder coastwide this year, TPWD Coastal Fisheries biologists remain concerned about a long-term downward trend in the abundance of southern flounder in Texas bays. Gill net catch rates have fallen from a rate of .14 fish per hour in 1982 to about .03 fish per hour lat year.
State fisheries biologists have already met with commercial and recreational fishermen to discuss possible changes to flounder regulations, and have planned a series of public scoping meetings to outline management options and receive input from anyone with an interest in the issue.
Management tools at the department’s disposal include decreasing the bag limit, increasing minimum size limit, area or time closures and quotas.
Also subject to scoping in the coming months is a proposal to change the requirements for a TPWD All-Water Guide license, which currently calls for the applicant to hold a USCG Operator of an Uninspected Passenger Vessel, or “Six-Pack” license. The changes would apply to applicants who wish to guide paddle craft trips only.
The draft proposal presented to TPW Commissioners includes requirements that licensees — in lieu of holding a USCG license — successfully complete TPWD Boater Safety training, hold current CPR and First Aid certifications and successfully complete ACA Level II Essentials of Kayak Touring and Coastal Kayak Trip Leading, or BCU Three-Star Sea Kayak and Four-Star Leader Sea Kayak certifications.
Finally, Coastal Fisheries biologists presented several issues pertaining to achieving consistency between state and federal regulations for sharks and reef fish such as gray triggerfish, greater amberjack and gag grouper.
Dates have not yet been set for public scoping meetings on the proposals to change the guide license requirements for paddle craft guides, or for changes in migratory and reef fish regulations to achieve consistency with federal regulations.
Scoping meetings have been scheduled for possible changes to flounder regulations.
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Prairie Smoke Dunes Scientific and Natural Area open to deer hunting in 2008
September 26, 2008
Deer hunters have a new opportunity this fall in Norman County. The Prairie Smoke Dunes State Scientific and Natural Area (SNA), which has only been open to occasional special management hunts in the past, is now open for all regular 2008 deer seasons including early antlerless.
The 1,280-acre SNA, located about five miles south of Fertile, lies within deer permit area 265, an intensive deer area. During the regular seasons, a hunter may bag up to five deer, using any combination of valid licenses or permits, and up to two additional deer during the early anterless season.
According to Earl Johnson, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) area wildlife manager in Detroit Lakes, deer population numbers are very high in and around the SNA.
“The mosaic of agricultural and non-agricultural lands has created perfect deer habitat,” said Johnson. “Deer populations are well above goals. We’re hoping that a good harvest will help reduce the number of deer/vehicle collisions and reduce habitat degradation and crop losses due to deer in the area.”
Hunters should note that although Prairie Smoke Dunes is open to hunting, the area has been set aside as an SNA because of its natural attributes and rare resources. These are managed by statute to preserve their exceptional scientific and educational value. Therefore, no person may damage vegetation on SNAs, and no motor vehicles may be used. Portable stands and elevated scaffold may be used only if it is removed each day at the close of shooting hours and does no damage to trees or other vegetation. Nails, spikes, screws or other devices that damage the bark of trees are prohibited.
Other regulations also remain in effect throughout the hunting seasons. The following are prohibited on SNAs: camping or picnicking, burning of any kind, disposal of garbage, refuse, sewage or trash, pets, and consumption of alcoholic beverages.
Johnson said he is hopeful that this season’s hunt is a success and that hunters will respect SNA rules. “Appropriate use of the SNA by hunters will increase the probability of future hunting opportunities there,” he said.
Prairie Smoke Dunes SNA is a glacial remnant once part of Lake Agassiz. It includes bur oak and northern pin oak remnant sand savanna and open dune faces on which aspen are encroaching. Western Prairie Fringed Orchid, a federally threatened species, has been found there.
To reach the Prairie Smoke Dunes SNA from Fertile, go five miles south on Minnesota Highway 32, then one mile west on gravel road (across from County Road 7). Park at the gated pull-off near large cottonwood trees. Hike one-quarter mile north to the dunes.
For further details about Prairie Smoke Dunes, the SNA Program or deer hunting seasons and regulations, visit mndnr.gov.
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Pennsylvania Game Commission Offers Online Treestand Safety Tips
September 16, 2008
As treestand use is a popular part of archery deer seasons, as well as a growing part of other deer seasons, the Pennsylvania Game Commission is offering hunters the opportunity to take a free, voluntary online treestand safety course. To take the course, go to the agency’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us), click on “Education” in the left-hand column of the homepage, then click on “Treestand Safety Course” in the “Education” box in the upper right-hand corner of the page.
“Treestand safety has evolved over the years as new research and statistics become available,” said Keith Snyder, Game Commission Hunter-Trapper Education Division chief. “What were once considered to be ’safe’ treestand safety practices 10 years ago are simply not considered ’safe’ today.
“By reviewing this 15-minute interactive, narrated treestand safety course, a hunter will learn about the latest Treestand Manufacturers Association’s safety standards and guidelines.”
Snyder noted that, in 2000, the Game Commission incorporated a specific treestand safety segment into its basic Hunter-Trapper Education course, which is required for all first-time license buyers regardless of age, as well as its voluntary Bowhunter education course.
“One of the key messages is the importance of a have and using a full-bodied fall restraint device or harness,” Snyder said. “According to the Treestand Manufacturers Association, 82 percent of treestand-related deaths were attributed to the fact that the hunter was not using a fall-restraint devise.”
Snyder noted that other treestand safety messages include:
Stay away! - Avoid permanent stands; they weaken with age, damage trees and are eyesores.
Smart choice! - Used stands certified by the Treestand Manufacturers Association (TMA). They are commercially designed and tested to meet high standards.
Read the directions! - Read and follow manufacture’s guidelines. Practice with stands before hunting.
Look carefully! - Inspect all stands and climbing equipment before each use.
Choose wisely! - Select only suitable trees. Avoid dead trees or those with loose bark.
Buckle up! - Use a fall-restraint device, preferably a full-body harness, any time your feet leave the ground! This includes climbing up and down the tree. Choose a harness that will keep you upright and will not restrict your breathing.
Keep it short! - Make sure there is no slack in the fall-restraint tether when you are in a sitting position.
Hold on tight! - Maintain three points of contact with the climbing system, ladder or tree at all times while climbing.
Climb safely! - Use a haul line to pull up gear. If hunting with a firearm, make sure it is unloaded and the muzzle is covered! Never attach the line near the trigger or trigger guard.
Ask a friend! - Use 3 persons to set-up any ladder-type treestand.
Hunt with a plan! - In the event of a fall, be prepared to help yourself. Have someone contact authorities if you don’t return at an established time.
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Pennsylvania Bowhunters Await Fall Deer Archery Season
September 16, 2008
HARRISBURG – There really isn’t much commotion in the days leading up to and for the start of Pennsylvania’s six-week fall archery deer season, which begins Oct. 4. According to the Pennsylvania Game Commission, if passersby didn’t see bowhunters entering or leaving the woods, most wouldn’t know whitetail hunting had begun in the Commonwealth.
“Hunting deer with a bow has always been a passion – or at least a favorite pastime – for hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvanians,” said Carl G. Roe, Game Commission executive director. “On the first day of the season, thousands of hunters will take to the woods in order to start filling their freezers with venison. It also marks the time when bowhunters begin to be rewarded for all the time they’ve spent on ranges practicing, scouting and running trail cameras in recent months.
“The start of our archery deer season also represents the beginning of relief for some landowners who are sustaining crop and property damage from deer. This is especially true for people who live in Pennsylvania’s developed areas around Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, where deer populations remain exceedingly high.”
Bowhunters who have purchased and received antlerless deer licenses to hunt in Wildlife Management Units 2B, 5C and 5D will once again get an early start on the rest of the state. They may begin hunting for antlerless deer only in these WMUs beginning Sept. 20. There also are two late fall archery antlerless deer seasons in WMUs 2B, 5C and 5D that run from Nov. 17-29, and Dec. 15-23.
Statewide, including WMUs 2B, 5C and 5D, archers can hunt antlered or antlerless deer from Oct. 4 to Nov. 15, and the late statewide archery deer season runs from Dec. 26 to Jan. 10.
Pennsylvania’s deer archery season made its debut in 1951, and was developed to provide additional recreational opportunities to hunters. Today, it is an essential tool for deer managers in their never-ending efforts to reduce deer populations in suburbia near Philadelphia and Pittsburgh and other cities. In fact, bowhunting often represents the only way residents in many suburban communities can get low-cost relief from deer populations.
Of course, there’s quite a difference between hunting in the nooks and crannies of suburbia and the big woods of the state’s mountainous northern tier. One offers a backdrop of backyards and woodlots flanked by endless roads and serenaded by the drone of endless activity. The other provides a chance for a hunter to submerge himself or herself in all things wild.
Choosing a hunting location is really a matter of hunter preference and tolerance, and often is related to accessibility. If a hunter’s primary goal is to harvest a deer, he or she can do that in any county of the state. But if a hunter is looking for a huge buck, a large population of deer, or a wilderness experience, then the choices become more involved.
“The great thing about hunting, especially in the fall archery season, is that you have a lot of flexibility in deciding where you want to hunt and what you want to hunt for,” explained Calvin W. DuBrock, Game Commission Bureau of Wildlife Management director. “If you’re interested in seeing sizeable numbers of deer, without spending a lot of time walking into a woodland interior, then hunting in suburbia may be to your liking. If you prefer wilderness settings and fewer hunters, the big woods should be your destination.”
The Game Commission encourages hunters to spend as much time as possible afield this fall prior to and during the hunting seasons to pattern deer movements and identify areas where fall foods are abundant. Hunt as often as you can, and scout every time you head afield. Try to figure out which food sources deer are using. And pay attention to prevailing wind direction. These adjustments really can make a difference.
There is no reason to believe that deer hunting will be any easier this fall, although drought-like conditions in some areas of the state may make it easier to pattern deer movements to food and water sources. An early leaf drop also may increase your ability to see deer at a distance. Gypsy moth caterpillar defoliation on hundreds of thousands of forestland acres again has limited acorn production in stands of oak.
“Hunters should expect to find deer populations similar to those they encountered last year,” said Dr. Christopher Rosenberry, who supervises the Game Commission’s Deer Management Section. “But they should keep in mind that fall is a time of transition and adjustment for deer, and that what they experienced afield last year or saw over summer may be different this autumn for a variety of reasons, including deer behavior, food availability and landscape changes.
“Don’t be surprised if a buck you have been watching all summer and fall ‘disappears’ in October. Based on our research in Pennsylvania, there is a good chance he’ll travel an average of three to five miles from your area, but the good news is there probably is another buck from some other place headed into your hunting area.”
Since most of Pennsylvania is comprised of private property and most hunters hunt on private property, it stands to reason that getting permission to hunt private property, particularly in urban/suburban areas, is important. But, in addition to securing good hunting territory, a hunter is reducing conflicts between deer and landowners. It is a chance for hunters to showcase the importance of hunting.
“Archers in Pennsylvania’s more developed areas can be ambassadors for ethical and effective deer management,” Rosenberry said. “They have opportunities to get into areas where gun hunters cannot because of the reduced 50-yard safety zone restriction. We encourage archers living in these areas to look into gaining access to help reduce deer impacts in these areas. But please respect landowners and their neighbors, because your actions can influence the future of hunting in your area.”
Other ways to increase your chances for success afield include heading into the interior of large tracts of public land open only to foot travel, or hunting on weekdays before work when fewer