The Mountain State has become a popular destination for hunters across the country for wildlife-related recreation, contributing more than $750 million to our economy, according to the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources.
Because West Virginia is mostly rural with mixed hardwood forests and small farms, it is almost 100 percent ideal habitat for white-tailed deer, according to wildlife biologists at the DNR in Beckley.
Dense populations exist in each district, and liberal hunting seasons and catch limits increase the chances of a successful hunting adventure, the biologist explained.
In fact, some parts of the state are teeming with deer, causing conflicts with farmers and backyard gardeners. Increased construction and land development has brought deer and humans into the same areas, making life difficult for humans and animals alike.
Some of the same conflicts arise from black bear populations, which are also increasing in the Mountain State. The best advice for homeowners is to keep trash and other food items out of sight of omnivorous animals, including pet food and other edible sources.
Steps have been taken to reduce populations in areas where deer and bear numbers are above DNR’s management goals, while providing additional opportunities for the thousands of people who enjoy hunting in the state, the biologist said .
Those who enjoy hunting can also support this effort by inviting a friend who has never hunted before and teaching him/her the fun and excitement of a day in the wilderness.
Many young people have parents who are too busy or insecure when it comes to hunting, so experienced hunters can step in and offer to show newcomers how to enjoy an adventure in the woods.
It is an excellent opportunity to spend time with family and friends. More than 300,000 people in our state are hunters and they likely have friends and family out of state who might want to give it a try over the holidays or during a family reunion.
Safety is paramount in our country’s great hunting tradition.
In most cases, hunters must complete a Hunter Safety Education course before obtaining hunting licenses. These courses have been successful in reducing the number of hunting related injuries and fatalities during the hunting season and it just makes sense to ensure the hunting adventure is safe.
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To the morning!
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