Coming Events

Gander Mountain Store in South Charleston to Host Archery in the Schools Program Training April 20 and 21; Sign-up Deadline April 9

            SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. – West Virginia Division of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Section (DNR) will hold its next Archery in the Schools (AIS) Program instructor training April 20-21 at the Gander Mountain Store in South Charleston, according to Jerry Westfall, DNR’s AIS Program Coordinator. 

            “Gander Mountain is happy to host another AIS Program training,” said Greg Walls, store manager for Gander Mountain.  “The DNR informed us of how successful their January AIS training was at our store and of the interest they received in another local training in the Kanawha Valley, so we extended an invitation to use Gander Mountain Store for the next AIS training as well.  We’ve seen the success and growth of the DNR’s AIS Program with the number of kids coming into our archery department.  We are happy to be assisting schools in the Kanawha Valley, and elsewhere by hosting this training.”

            The AIS Program is the DNR’s largest and fastest growing educational program. Since its inception in 2004, approximately 40,000 students have been introduced to archery as part of their physical education (PE) classes in 219 West Virginia schools. The program teaches Olympic-style target archery in both public and private schools’ Grade 4-12 PE classes. “But 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 Westfall.  “The DNR has 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, even before the April 9 deadline.”  As an added incentive, teachers taking this training may be eligible to receive Continuing Education Hours (CEH’s).

            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” (via check, money order, or exact currency only) during the first morning of the training. 

            To register for the AIS training at the Gander Mountain Store in South Charleston please call Billie Shearer at 304-558-2771; Billie.J.Shearer@wv.gov.  For general information on the AIS Program, you can visit the DNR’s AIS Web site at www.wvdnr.gov/archery  or call DNR’s AIS Program Coordinator Jerry Westfall at 304-558-2771; email Jerry.A.Westfall@wv.gov.    

**DNR**

Gander Mountain Store in South Charleston to Host Archery in the Schools Program Training April 20 and 21; Sign-up Deadline April 9

            SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. – West Virginia Division of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Section (DNR) will hold its next Archery in the Schools (AIS) Program instructor training April 20-21 at the Gander Mountain Store in South Charleston, according to Jerry Westfall, DNR’s AIS Program Coordinator. 

            “Gander Mountain is happy to host another AIS Program training,” said Greg Walls, store manager for Gander Mountain.  “The DNR informed us of how successful their January AIS training was at our store and of the interest they received in another local training in the Kanawha Valley, so we extended an invitation to use Gander Mountain Store for the next AIS training as well.  We’ve seen the success and growth of the DNR’s AIS Program with the number of kids coming into our archery department.  We are happy to be assisting schools in the Kanawha Valley, and elsewhere by hosting this training.”

            The AIS Program is the DNR’s largest and fastest growing educational program. Since its inception in 2004, approximately 40,000 students have been introduced to archery as part of their physical education (PE) classes in 219 West Virginia schools. The program teaches Olympic-style target archery in both public and private schools’ Grade 4-12 PE classes. “But 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 Westfall.  “The DNR has 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, even before the April 9 deadline.”  As an added incentive, teachers taking this training may be eligible to receive Continuing Education Hours (CEH’s).

            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” (via check, money order, or exact currency only) during the first morning of the training. 

            To register for the AIS training at the Gander Mountain Store in South Charleston please call Billie Shearer at 304-558-2771; Billie.J.Shearer@wv.gov.  For general information on the AIS Program, you can visit the DNR’s AIS Web site at www.wvdnr.gov/archery  or call DNR’s AIS Program Coordinator Jerry Westfall at 304-558-2771; email Jerry.A.Westfall@wv.gov.    

**DNR**

Administration Document Could Spell Trouble for Sportsmen

A leaked memo from the U.S. Department of the Interior reveals plans to set aside millions of acres of federal lands, currently open to a multitude of users, as new “National Monuments.”  Basically, these designations could be established by a stroke of President Obama’s pen with no oversight. 

The memo identifies approximately 13 million acres in nine western states for “National Monument” designation under the 1906 Antiquities Act.  The Act allows the President to make these designations without Congressional approval or local input. 

The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance (USSA) is deeply concerned as prior Monument designations have caused trouble for hunters and wildlife conservation.  For example, President Carter created millions of acres of National Park Service Monuments in Alaska which immediately closed the areas to sport hunting.  It took a subsequent act of Congress to undo many of these hunting closures.  President Clinton also created Monuments at the end of his term.  Wilderness activists have since blocked wildlife management projects in these areas arguing that conservation efforts are inconsistent with Monument purposes.

Although a Monument designation does not automatically limit hunting or other uses, experience has shown that this designation can have a negative impact on access and conservation efforts.  USSA holds that any change in public land use should only occur after open discussion with stakeholders allowing them to voice their concerns, if any.

 “President Obama campaigned on keeping government decisions transparent to the public and we ask that he honor that pledge by not making a decision on Monument designations without first hearing the opinion of America’s sportsmen and other concerned citizens,” said Rob Sexton, USSA vice president for government affairs.  “The USSA will be watching closely and respond immediately if sportsmen and others are kept in the dark.”

Deer Donation Totals for the Hunters Helping the Hungry Program

            SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Hunters donated 1,286 deer to the Hunters Helping the Hungry (HHH) Program during the 2009 hunting season, according to the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (DNR). This was a bit higher than the 2008 seasons’ donation total (1,149). 

            “Thanks to generous West Virginia hunters who donated deer to the HHH Program, many needy West Virginians will receive highly nutritious meals this year,” said Jerry Westfall, Program Coordinator. “The DNR, along with their partners, The Mountaineer Food Bank and The Huntington Area Food Bank, truly appreciate the generosity shown by these hunters, and acknowledge that, without their help, this program could not exist.”

            The DNR is reliant upon venison collection and distribution by Mountaineer Food Bank (Gassaway) and Huntington Area Food Bank. Two-pound packages of ground venison have been, and will continue to be, distributed to participating distribution centers such as food pantries, soup kitchens, senior centers, community centers, churches, orphanages and other institutions, throughout the state.  Although it is too late for non-enrolled centers to receive venison this season (because of the minimum 60-day application review process), those interested are encourage to enroll now so they may receive venison during the 2010 hunting seasons. Contact Mountaineer Food Bank at 304-364-5518 to discuss the application process needed to receive venison next season.

            “Although the DNR is very grateful for hunter-donated deer, the HHH Program still requires monetary donations to offset processing and distribution costs,” said Westfall. The DNR is restricted from using sportsmen’s license dollars to fund this program, and is completely dependent upon donations from concerned individuals, businesses, conservation organizations, foundations, and churches. 

            “Without this donated funding, we simply could not continue the HHH Program,” said Westfall. The DNR accepts monetary donations to the HHH Program year-round. Anyone wishing to make a monetary donation to the HHH Program should go to HHH Web page at:  www.wvdnr.gov/Hunting/HHH.shtm, or contact Billie Shearer at 304-558-2771.  Those wishing additional information on the HHH Program can contact Jerry Westfall at (304) 558-2771; jerry.a.westfall@wv.gov. 

**DNR**

Taxidermy 102 

Ever wonder what you need to do to prepare the best fish specimen before you take it to be mounted, what skill is involved with taxidermy (maybe you are interested in learning the trade), or how to preserve your trophy once you bring it home!

Saturday, March 20, 2010

9:00a.m.-2:00 p.m.

Room 308, Percival Hall

WVU Evansdale Campus

Morgantown, WV

'25.00 per person

Cost includes lunch on site!

To ensure your spot pre-register by March 15th: Contact Ann Anderson  

(304) 293-4343 or (304) 276-8950 or ann.anderson@mail.wvu.edu.

Course will be taught by award winning taxidermist Rick Dunlap from Buckhannon.  (He will demonstrate how he prepares a fish mount).

Rick Dunlap, Owner
Rt 1, Box 302-19
Buckhannon, WV 26201
Phone: 304-473-0752

Funds support: The Division of Forestry and Natural Resources Natural History Museum.

Administrator Jackson Unveils Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Action Plan

WASHINGTON – U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa P. Jackson has released an action plan to guide the Obama Administration’s historic efforts to restore the Great Lakes. The action plan, which the administrator unveiled at a Sunday meeting with governors from the Great Lakes states, lays out the most urgent threats facing the Great Lakes and sets out goals, objectives and key actions over the next five years to help restore the lakes.

“We have an historic opportunity to restore and protect these waters. This action plan outlines our strategy to protect the environmental, human health, and economic interests of the millions of people who rely on the Great Lakes,” said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. “We’re committed to creating a new standard of care that will leave the Great Lakes better for the next generation.”

“The Great Lakes are our region’s greatest natural resource, and I want to thank President Obama for his commitment to making the restoration of the Great Lakes a national priority,” said Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle, co-chair of the Council of Great Lakes Governors.  “Wisconsin is defined by the Great Lakes, and one of our greatest responsibilities is to preserve this important freshwater resource for future generations. This action plan sets a strong course of action as we confront tremendous challenges to not only protect, but also restore the Great Lakes.”

“The Great Lakes are one of our country’s greatest natural resources and economic assets,” said Ohio Governor Ted Strickland, co-chair of the Council of Great Lakes Governors. “We must protect and preserve our lakes for our families and outdoors enthusiasts, as well as the industries that rely on the waterways to transport their goods around the world. I look forward to working with my fellow governors and the Obama administration to continue tackling the challenges facing the Great Lakes now and in the future.”

Some 30 million Americans get their drinking water from the Great Lakes, and the lakes also support a multi-billion dollar economy based on fishing, boating and recreational activities. The lakes face significant challenges, including pollution and the threat of harmful species that threaten their health.

President Barack Obama has committed to making Great Lakes restoration a national priority. In February 2009, President Obama proposed '475 million for a Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, the most significant investment in the Great Lakes in two decades. The action plan, which covers FY 2010 through 2014 and was developed by 16 federal agencies as part of the federal inter-agency task force chaired by Administrator Jackson, will help guide the administration’s efforts to implement this historic initiative to restore and protect this natural and economic treasure.

The action plan directs aggressive action under five priority “focus areas” the task force has identified as vital for restoring the Great Lakes. They are:

·       Protection and cleanup of the most polluted areas in the lakes: The task force will work with state and municipal partners to clean up toxic hotspots so that these critical “working waterways” are put back to work for healthy fishing and recreation.

·       Combating invasive species: Invasive species pose a unique threat to the Great Lakes, and the plan outlines a number of steps to keep such species out of the lakes. For example, recognizing that Asian carp continue to be an emerging threat, we are planning to allocate additional funds under the Initiative to tackle this problem.

·       Protection of high priority watersheds and reduced runoff from urban, suburban and, agricultural sources: The Great Lakes are renowned for their beaches. Initiative funding will be targeted toward, among other things, reducing pollution so they can stay open more often for people to enjoy.

·       Restoration of wetlands and other habitats:  The action plan includes a first-ever assessment of the entire 530,000 acre Great Lakes coastal wetland, to help the task force begin to restore troubled areas; and

·       Implementation of accountability measures, learning initiatives, outreach and strategic partnerships: The task force will work closely with the Great Lakes states, non-profits, stakeholder groups and Canada to protect and restore the lakes.

The plan also provides accountability for the administration’s efforts in each of these five priority areas by including measures of progress and benchmarks for success over the next five years.

In November, EPA released a request for proposals (RFP) to solicit applications from a diverse group of participants and partnerships to support the goals of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. The deadline for applications was January 29, 2010. Since then, EPA has received more than 1,000 proposals for funding to support Great Lakes restoration activities. Funding through other agencies will be announced separately.

More information on the full plan: http://www.greatlakesrestoration.us

  This is a prime example of why County Humane Societies are working to get ordinances passed on Tethering dogs
around the State.These animals were chained to a tree with padlocks and left to die. A sportsman did not own these dogs.
A sportsman would have spent hundreds of dollars training this beautiful black lab and it would probably be living in
the house with the family.This is the kind of stuff that gives sportsmen a bad rap because these are working class dogs
that sportsman use. These dogs work for us and sometimes have been know to put their lives on the line for us in the
face of danger. Someone out there needs to adopt one of these animals if not both of them. They need our help. If you
have never experienced unconditional love, you need a dog. With a dog it doesn^t matter what time you get home or how
 long you have been gone they will always greet you with a wagging tail ready to show you they love you. Now lets show
them what sportsmen are really about and give them a good home.  Jim Summers WVWF

These dogs were shown on WCHS TV – “Dogs Left for Dead” show on Monday night, February 8, 2010. They are up for adoption however eue to these dogs being in Charleston, there is a 10 day hold on them. Commissioner Carper would love to find these dogs good, loving homes.

3.5 PERCENT RISE IN NSSF LICENSE SALES INDEX . . . In a year when one word, "fewer," described life in America -- fewer jobs, fewer home sales, fewer purchases -- hunters were responsible for generating a welcome "more" category, as hunting license sales rose by 3.5 percent in 2009 in states that make up NSSF's Hunting License Sales Index. The 12-state index comprises several states from four main regions of the United States. Nine of those states recorded hunting license sales increases from January through December of 2009 over the previous year, according to Southwick Associates, the research firm that monitored the license sales information. Full Story

• EXCISE TAXES UP 29% . . . According to the most recent Firearms and Ammunition Excise Tax Collection Report, released by the Department of the Treasury, firearm and ammunition manufacturers report excise tax obligations to be more than '115.8 million in the third calendar quarter of 2009, up 29 percent over the same time period reported in 2008. The increase follows a 52 percent increase in excise tax obligations from the previous quarter (2Q, 2009) and more than a year of record-high FBI background checks for firearm purchasers -- another strong indicator of firearm sales. The report, which covers the time period of July 1 through Sept. 30, shows that '29.85 million was due in taxes for pistols and revolvers, '37.09 million for long guns and '48.89 million for ammunition. Compared to the same quarter in 2008, collections were up 50.2 percent for handguns, 33.4 percent for ammunition and 11.5 percent for long guns. Encourage support for excise tax reform legislation: It is important that members of the firearms and ammunition industry urge their senators and representatives to support S 632 and HR 510 -- pro-conservation, pro-business, bipartisan legislation to bring equity to the excise tax payment schedule. Learn more through NSSF's Government Relations Web page.

 West Virginia DNR Announces Public Meetings in March to Discuss Proposed Hunting, Trapping and Fishing Regulations

           The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (DNR) will hold 12 public meetings across the state in March to provide hunters, trappers, anglers, landowners and other interested parties an opportunity to review and comment on proposed 2010 hunting regulations for white-tailed deer, wild turkey, boar and black bear; proposed 2011- 2012 general hunting and trapping regulations; and proposed 2011 fishing regulations. These meetings will be held from 6 – 8 p.m. on March 15 and 16, 2010, and the public is encouraged to attend.

            “Again this year, these meetings have been designed to use an ‘Open House’ format,” said DNR Director Frank Jezioro. “This informal meeting style allows people to attend at their convenience during the scheduled meeting times, learn of proposed regulation changes, discuss these proposals with wildlife and fisheries biologists and conservation officers, and comment on the proposed regulations and other wildlife-related issues.”

            As in the past, written comments from the public on these proposed hunting, trapping and fishing regulations will also be encouraged. Deadline for written comments is April 9, 2010. Anyone interested in attending the meetings scheduled in their areas should note the following list of meeting dates and locations:

Monday, March 15, 2010

·         Fairmont – East Fairmont High School (Commons Area)

·         Martinsburg – James Rumsey Technical Institute (Cafeteria)

·         Summersville – Summersville High School

·         Lewisburg – Brier Inn

·         Milton – West Virginia Pumpkin Park (4-H Building)

·         Spencer – Spencer Community Building

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

·         Glen Dale – John Marshall High School

·         Moorefield – Moorefield Middle School (Cafeteria)

·         Buckhannon – Buckhannon-Upshur High School

·         Mullens – Twin Falls State Park (Chinquapin Room)

·         Logan – Chief Logan State Park Conference Center

·         Parkersburg – City Building/Lobby

**DNR**

            Hurricane Lake in Putnam County is again being stocked with trout beginning in January, according to Curtis I. Taylor, Chief of the Wildlife Resources Section of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. The lake will be stocked once in January and again in March.

            Hurricane Lake was stocked with trout until 2002, when road construction and lake renovations caused stockings to cease.  The lake is in a very populated area, and fishing pressure is expected to be heavy, as it was when previously stocked.

            Hurricane Lake was inadvertently omitted from the 2010 Fishing Regulations as being on the stocking schedule.

**DNR**

WV Becoming an Outdoors-Woman Program Plans Spring Workshop April 23-25

            The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources announces that the spring Becoming an Outdoors-Woman Workshop at Canaan Valley Resort State Park will be April 23-25, 2010.

            Have you ever wanted to learn a new skill but have never had the opportunity to try?  Or, have you wanted to take up an outdoor sport but were afraid to purchase all the equipment and then find out later that you hated it?  Well, the West Virginia Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (WV BOW) Program is definitely for you!  Women who are at least 18 years old can learn a new outdoor skill.

            This spring BOW will offer outdoor classes that include archery, biking, shooting, camping, fly tying, fishing, nature walk, self defense and outdoor cooking, to list a few.  Registration is now open with a fee of '150, which covers lodging, some meals, and some class materials during the workshop.  

            For more information or to register for the workshop, please contact BOW at 304-558-2771 or Billie.J.Shearer@wv.gov.   The registration form can be downloaded at www.wvdnr.gov/hunting/bow.shtm

Sixteen Additional Deer Test Positive for Chronic Wasting Disease In Hampshire County, West Virginia

            Preliminary test results indicate the Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) agent was present in 16 hunter-harvested deer collected in Hampshire County during the 2009 deer firearms hunting season.

            “As part of our agency’s ongoing CWD monitoring effort, samples were collected from 1,091 hunter-harvested deer brought to game checking stations in Hampshire County and one station near the southern Hampshire County line in Hardy County,” noted Frank Jezioro, Director for the W.Va. Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR).

            The 16 CWD positive deer included one 4.5 year-old doe, one 2.5 year-old doe, one 1.5 year-old buck, 10 2.5 year-old bucks, and three 3.5 year-old bucks. Thirteen of the latest positive deer were harvested within the Hampshire County CWD Containment Area (i.e., that portion of Hampshire County located North of U.S. Route 50).  However, three were located outside the containment area but still within Hampshire County.  The area in Hampshire County from which CWD has been detected continues to expand, and the number of infected deer detected this year is 2.5 times more than last year.

            CWD has now been detected in a total of 62 deer in Hampshire County (i.e., two road-killed deer, one in 2005 and one in 2008; four deer collected by the WVDNR in 2005; five deer collected by the WVDNR in 2006; one hunter-harvest deer taken during the 2006 deer season; three deer collected by the WVDNR in 2007; six hunter-harvested deer taken during the 2007 deer season; 11 deer collected by the WVDNR in 2008; six hunter-harvested deer taken during the 2008 deer season; eight deer collected by the WVDNR in 2009; and 16 hunter-harvested deer taken during the 2009 deer season). 

            “The WVDNR will continue to update management actions designed to control the spread of this disease, prevent further introduction of the disease, and possibly eliminate the disease from the state as information from deer testing within West Virginia is gathered and scientists across the country provide more information on how to combat CWD in white-tailed deer,” Jezioro said.

            So far, the following disease management actions have been placed into operation by the WVDNR within Hampshire County:

·        Implemented CWD testing efforts designed to determine the prevalence and distribution of the disease;

·        Established antlerless deer hunting regulations designed to increase hunter opportunity to harvest female deer, adjust deer populations to desired levels and reduce the risk of spreading the disease from deer to deer;

·        Established deer carcass transport restrictions designed to lower the risk of moving the disease to other locations;

·        Established regulations designed to prohibit the feeding and baiting of deer within the affected area and reduce the risk of spreading the disease from deer to deer.

            “Despite our agency’s best efforts, we continue to struggle with CWD in Hampshire County,” said Jezioro. “I am particularly concerned that some individuals are not complying with regulations prohibiting the feeding and baiting of deer within the Hampshire County CWD Containment Area.” 

            The WVDNR intends to renew its outreach efforts with the public on the critical need for compliance with this regulation. In addition, appropriate enforcement actions will be taken if these problems are not resolved.

            “As we strive to meet this wildlife disease challenge and implement appropriate management strategies, the continued support and involvement of landowners and hunters will be essential,” Jezioro said. “The WVDNR remains committed to keeping the public informed and involved in these wildlife disease management actions as we go forward.”

**DNR**

Economic Impact

Economic Impact of Black Bear Hunting in

West Virginia

During 2006, hunters in West Virginia purchased 23,383 black bear damage stamps. The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) entered the names and address of these individuals into a database. In May 2007, the WVDNR conducted a systematic random survey of these individuals to determine the effectiveness of early hunting seasons, hunter participation and distribution, and the economic impact black bear hunting in West Virginia. These data were analyzed as part of the project leader’s dissertation at West Virginia University. Economic data were analyzed by Dr. Randy Childs with the Department of Economics at West Virginia University. Below are the highlights from the economic section of the survey:

Total impact from instate hunters during the harvest season: '7,556,889

Total impact from out of state hunters during the harvest season: '1,314,539

Total impact from hunting equipment for black bear hunting: '4,207,643

Total impact from home expenses of dogs and maintenance: '20,342,263

Total impact of black bear dog training season: '18,426,271

TOTAL IMPACT OF BLACK BEAR HUNTING IN WV: '51,847,605

WVDNR Physically Challenged Advisory Board to Meet at South Charleston Headquarters on April 6 at 3 p.m.

            The next regular meeting of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources Physically Challenged Advisory Board (PCAB) is scheduled for Tuesday, April 6, at 3 p.m. at the WVDNR Headquarters at 324 4^th Avenue in South Charleston. Items to be discussed are:

·         legislative action updates;

·         presentations by DNR personnel from Wildlife, Law Enforcement and State Parks sections;

·         other business, including public comment.

            The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources strives to provide reasonable access to its programs and facilities to the physically challenged in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The DNR develops and maintains fishing access sites and hunting areas for the physically challenged. The Law Enforcement Section offers Hunter Education classes designed for hunters with special needs.

The purposes of the Physically Challenged Advisory Board are:

·         to advise the Division of Natural Resources on matters pertaining to the accessibility of all Division programs and services by physically challenged persons;

·         to identify and evaluate needs of physically challenged persons and communicate them to the Division;

·         to increase public awareness and sensitivity to the needs of physically challenged persons; and

·         to communicate with individuals and other organizations and agencies with similar purposes.

            Information regarding access to the DNR's facilities and programs can be obtained by contacting the South Charleston Office, Elkins Operations Center or any of the district offices.

**DNR**

            Preliminary figures for the 2009 fall turkey hunting season show a harvest of 1,244 turkeys. This is slightly higher than the 1,206 turkeys checked in during the 2008 fall season. The eastern Mountain Region of the state reported a fall turkey harvest increase, with District 3 mountain counties up 16 percent and District 4 mountain counties up 20 percent. The fall turkey harvest declined 10 percent in the northern counties of District 1 and declined 15 percent in the eastern panhandle counties of District 2. The top five counties for fall turkey harvests were Monroe (116), Nicholas (114), Greenbrier (99), Preston (82) and Mason (81).

            Wildlife biologists had predicted a similar to slightly higher fall harvest based on good brood counts in the traditional fall counties of the Mountain Region and poor food conditions in other parts of the state. These conditions tend to concentrate birds in large flocks, making them more susceptible to hunters. “The 2009 fall turkey harvest came in as predicted based upon our field reports and data,” reported Paul Johansen, Assistant Chief in Charge of Game Management. “Less than ideal weather conditions occurred in some portions of the state during the first week of the season, and this may have hampered hunters,” Johansen noted. “However, poor mast conditions served to concentrate birds making them more available to hunters throughout the season.”

[If your e-mail reader does not show the following summary table of the 2009 West Virginia Fall Turkey Harvest, you can see it in the “News” section on the WVDNR Web site at www.wvdnr.gov. If it is not there when you check, try again later.]

**DNR**

            Preliminary counts of game checking tags indicate West Virginia hunters harvested a total of 154,524 white-tailed deer during the recently completed bucks-only, antlerless, muzzleloader, archery and youth/Class Q deer seasons, according to West Virginia Division of Natural Resources Director Frank Jezioro. This year’s total harvest was 5.5 percent below the 2008 deer harvest of 163,603. Hunters killed a total of 63,590 bucks during the firearms deer season, 54,617 antlerless-season deer, 27,558 archery-season deer and 8,759 muzzleloader-season deer during the 2009 deer hunting seasons.

Antlerless Deer Season

            The 2009 antlerless deer season, which includes the youth/Class Q deer hunts, was 2.8 percent below 2008 but 4.8 percent above the five-year average of 52,095.  “It is important to note that a major component of our agency’s deer management strategy is to regulate the harvest of antlerless deer in individual counties to raise or lower the future deer population,” said Jezioro. The top 10 counties for antlerless deer harvests are: Lewis (2,565), Jackson (2,509), Preston (2,419), Mason (2,238), Ritchie (2,098), Wood (2,068), Harrison (1,946), Monroe (1,731), Braxton (1,654) and Hardy (1,612).

Muzzleloader Deer Season

            The 2009 muzzleloader harvest of 8,759 was 150 deer more than the 2008 harvest but 7.4 percent below the five-year average of 9,464. The top 10 counties for muzzleloader deer harvests are: Preston (450), Lewis (408), Jackson (339), Braxton (331), Randolph (299), Mason (290), Wood (282), Grant (267), Harrison (264) and Ritchie (254).

Archery Deer Season

            The bowhunters’ take of 27,558 deer was 12 percent below the 2008 harvest of 31,408 but four percent above the five-year average harvest of 26,465. The top 10 counties for archery deer harvests are: Randolph (1,077), Preston (1,048), Kanawha (930), Nicholas (840), Wood (833), Jackson (815), Greenbrier (813), Fayette (743), Raleigh (731) and Logan (728).

[If your e-mail reader does not show the following summary table of the 2009 West Virginia Deer Harvest, you can see it in the “News” section on the WVDNR Web site at www.wvdnr.gov. If it is not there when you check, try again later.]

**DNR**

            West Virginia hunters harvested 1,828 black bears during the combined 2009 archery and firearms seasons, according to Chris Ryan, Supervisor of Game Management Services for the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. The preliminary harvest data for the combined seasons in 2009 is the second highest harvest on record behind only 2008.

            “Multiple factors contributed to this most recent bear harvest,” said Ryan. “West Virginia has a tremendous bear population that allows for a variety of different hunting opportunities. The poor statewide mast conditions allowed archery hunters to better pattern bear movements as the bruins were looking for concentrated food sources. However, poor mast conditions and a larger than normal December snowfall pushed bears into their winter dens, thereby making them unavailable to gun hunters.”

            Hunters took a record 987 bears during the 2009 archery season. This was the first time in history that the archery harvest topped 800, let alone reaching the 900 mark. Biologists predicted that this would be a record bow harvest because of the statewide mast conditions and the remarkable bear population. The top five counties were Randolph (118), Webster (92), Nicholas (77), Greenbrier (77), and Preston (73).

            Firearms hunters harvested 841 bears during the 2009 combined gun seasons. West Virginia DNR biologists have demonstrated a direct relationship between mast conditions and bear gun harvests. The poor mast conditions coupled with the larger than normal snowfall and reduced hunting opportunities resulted in a predictable lower gun harvest in 2009.  Top five counties were Randolph (112), Fayette (86), Pocahontas (74), Pendleton (70), and Raleigh (58).

**DNR**

[If your e-mail reader does not show the following summary table of the 2009 West Virginia Black Bear Harvest, you can see it in the “News” section on the WVDNR Web site at www.wvdnr.gov. If it is not there when you check, try again later.]

            SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. - The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Section is requesting original wildlife art for the 2011 edition of the award-winning DNR Wildlife Calendar, according to Curtis Taylor, Chief of the Wildlife Resources Section of the Division of Natural Resources. The deadline for submission of artwork is Feb. 15, 2010. A 35-mm color slide or a high resolution electronic image of each entry must be submitted by this date. Artists may send in multiple entries.

            “This is our 26th calendar and it offers a wonderful opportunity for artists to feature their work. Besides distribution in West Virginia, our calendars are enjoyed by people all over the United States and are sent to countries around the world,” Taylor said.

            Artists are encouraged to submit paintings of a wide variety of wildlife topics. These may depict popular game and fish species, landscapes, or feature the state’s diverse array of wildlife.  Paintings depicting lesser-known animals such as snakes, frogs, turtles, salamanders, bats, songbirds, small mammals as well as nongame fish are also encouraged. 

            Artists are reminded that the calendar format is horizontal with measurements of 14 inches by 11 inches and should keep this ratio in mind when creating paintings. Paintings not chosen in previous years may be resubmitted. “Just because the artwork is not selected one year, doesn’t mean it will not be selected in the future,” Taylor said. “Often, there are several submissions of a particular species or season and only one can be used in a given year.”

            “We encourage all artists, especially those from West Virginia, to submit their work,” said Taylor. A '100 prize is awarded for every month’s painting and '500 for the cover. Paintings are chosen based on overall composition and quality, along with anatomical and contextual accuracy.  The quality of the submitted slide or electronic image is very important for judging the artwork. 

            The 2010 West Virginia Wildlife Calendar, featuring a male turkey on the cover, is available at WVDNR District Offices, newsstands, convenience marts and retail food stores throughout the state.  For a listing of retail stores that sell the calendar visit www.wvdnr.gov/Wildlife/WildlifeCalendar. 

            To obtain 2011 calendar art rules or to purchase a 2010 calendar, please contact the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, Wildlife Calendar Art, P.O. Box 67, Elkins, WV 26241, phone 304-637-0245.  Make checks payable to WVDNR in the amount of '14 for each calendar, which includes shipping and handling (W.Va. residents add '.60 for tax).  Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover are also accepted. 

**DNR**

WEST VIRGINIA RIFLE TEAM RETURNS TO NCAA PROMINENCE . . . "West Virginia's rifle team is the only Mountaineers squad to have won an NCAA championship -- 14, in fact. And it's the only team with its own line item in the state budget: a '100,000 annual appropriation that represents a none-too-subtle rebuke to a university that dropped its most decorated sport in 2003," The Washington Post reports in recent feature story. Read full article.

December 3, 2009

Dear West Virginia Wildlife Federation Affiliate,

            The West Virginia Wildlife Federation (WVWF) is announcing our 56th Annual Meeting at the West Virginia Hunt Show at the Charleston Civic Center.  The meeting will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, January 23, 2010. In accordance with the Federation’s By-laws, elections of officers are to be held at the Annual Meeting.

            Resolutions by members and affiliates are also approved at this meeting. Organizations or individuals may submit resolutions postmarked no later than 30 days prior to the meeting, to be included on the agenda. Please send nominations and resolutions to:

                                                                        Charlie Nichols

                                                                        4706 West Washington St.

                                                                        Cross Lanes, WV 25313

Backup documentation for resolutions is appreciated.

            Anyone wishing to nominate an individual for a position of office in the WVWF should do so in writing to the nomination Committee. Nominations can be made from the floor at the annual meeting as well.

Please send nominations to:

                                                 WVWF

                                                 P.O. Box 1054

                                                 Weston, WV 26452

            Persons planning to attend should contact:

                                                Bob Wines 304-266-8717, or Joe Calvert 304-573-7379       

            Each affiliate of the West Virginia Wildlife Federation is authorized to have two delegates to the meeting with full voting privileges. Of course everyone is welcome.

            The WVWF will be recommending changing our By-Laws to accommodate County Directors.  This change will allow better contact and support with the sportsmen of the state.

            The WVWF would like to thank you for being a part of a team committed to preserving our hunting and fishing heritage, promoting good wildlife management, the preservation of our streams and rivers, and supporting our public officials in the wise management of our natural resources.

            The WVWF urges you to affirm your commitment to these goals and renew your affiliation in 2010-2011.  The WVWF made a lot of progress in 2009 and fought a lot of conservation battles.  Some of them we won and some we did not.  The preservation of our natural heritage comes at a cost and to be an effective team we need your support.

            The WVWF is monitoring and attending meetings on the Dunkard Creek fish kill.  This fish kill was apparently associated with the introduction of golden algae into the watershed.  This alga only grows in brackish water and apparently the high total dissolved solids in the stream allowed the algae to grow and spread in the stream then release toxins to produce the fish and mussel kill.  The fish kill and introduction of algae (probably from the gulf coast states) may have been associated with drilling in the Marcellus Shale and high total dissolved solids in streams.  The WVWF believes we need to extract our minerals and natural gas for energy needs but we also need to do it in a responsible manner.  The pollution of our streams is not an option.  Golden alga has been found in several streams impacted by treated acid-mine drainage and associated with drilling in the Marcellus Shale.  We will continue to monitor this growing problem and participate in meaningful regulations to remediate the problems.

            A well-financed wilderness coalition led by Congressman Rahall pushed through a wilderness bill this year making more of your national forest off limits to wildlife management, the treatment of acid streams, and limiting sportsmen access.  The WVWF was able to get three areas removed from wilderness status – Cheat Mountain, East Fork of the Greenbrier and Seneca Creek.  The wilderness coalition will not give up; their ultimate goal is an Allegheny Highlands National Park complete with no hunting signs.

            A senior citizen license failed to get support from the House Natural Resources Committee for the second straight year.  This denied West Virginia sportsmen our deserved share of the tax on firearms and ammunitions (Pittman-Robertson or P-R funds).  And since the sales of firearms and ammunition were high the past couple of years, this would have amounted to a windfall of money for fish and wildlife management in West Virginia.  The return of these P-R funds as well as the tax returns on fishing equipment called Dingell-Johnson or D-J funds are dependent on license sales. The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources has negotiated a deal with Federal Aid that would have allowed a one-time license fee of '15 for senior citizens turning 65 to be invoiced for 10 years (about '5-'6 per license holder per year).  Monies for stocking trout and wildlife management paid by West Virginians went to other states because of this decision.

            We also expect to see another push to put captive deer pens under the jurisdiction of the Department of Agriculture where regulations would be lax and the chances of more diseased deer in the state increased.  The WVDNR has put a lot of effort and monies into vigorous regulation of these deer pens.  While the origin of chronic wasting disease cannot be determined, the fact is that the disease was first discovered in captive deer and elk pens in Colorado and Wyoming and moved across the continent in documented cases of the disease in captive pens.  Sportsmen cannot afford to allow this disease or other exotic diseases from captive animals to spread in the state.

            Watch for “Action Alerts” from the WVWF and West Virginia Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation this year.  When you see an action alert that concerns you, contact your local legislators. Sign up for “Action Alerts” at www.wvwf.org.

            On the positive side, The WVWF continues to co-sponsor the National Hunting and Fishing Day celebration at Stonewall Jackson State Park. This year’s event (Sep 26-27) was bigger and better than ever.  Our emphasis the past couple of years has been to introduce our youngsters to hunting and fishing skills.  There was a whole host of activities for our youth this year in a “Jakes Day” type of event. We expect to continue this event in the future.

            We hope to see you at the Annual Meeting in Charleston.

Sincerely yours,

Jim Evans

President 2009

West Virginia Wildlife Federation

Preliminary data collected from
game checking stations across the state indicate deer hunters in West Virginia
harvested 62,491 bucks during the two-week buck firearms season, which ran from
Nov. 23 through Dec. 5, according to Division of Natural Resources Director
Frank Jezioro. The 2009 buck harvest was 7 percent less than the 2008
harvest of 67,365. The top ten counties for buck harvest were as follows:
Jackson (2,493), Lewis (2,215), Preston (2,123), Roane (2,116), Mason (2,105),
Ritchie (1,979), Braxton (1,896), Randolph (1,896), Greenbrier (1,896) and Wood
(1,853).

            This
year’s buck kill is somewhat lower than last year, primarily as a result of a
decline in the buck harvest in DNR Districts 1 and 2, which encompass the
northern and northeastern counties of the state. The harvest was similar to
last year in the remaining four DNR districts. Overall, the 2009 harvest
increased in 16 counties and declined in 35 counties (see accompanying
chart. If you cannot read it in your e-mail reader, go to the “News” section of
the WVDNR Web site at www.wvdnr.gov ). 

           
 Wildlife biologists will analyze data from the combined 2009 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 15
and 16, 2010 (see current 2009-10 Hunting and Trapping Regulations Summary page
5 or visit the DNR Web site at www.wvdnr.gov 
for scheduled times and places). 

         White-tailed
deer are a product of the environment. 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.
Over time, these declines in herd condition will actually reduce the deer
herd’s resiliency to poor mast conditions and harsh winter weather. 

  
         Jezioro reminds hunters that
the traditional six-day antlerless deer season in selected counties on both
public and private land ends Saturday, Dec. 12. Muzzleloader deer season begins
December 14 and runs through Dec. 19. The Youth and Class Q/QQ antlerless deer
season will be open on Saturday and Monday, Dec. 26 and 28 in any county with a
firearms deer season.  This will be followed by a three-day reopening of
antlerless deer season (Dec. 29-31) in 45 counties or portions of counties and
on selected wildlife management areas (see 2009-10 Hunting and Trapping
Regulations Summary or visit the DNR Web site at www.wvdnr.gov
for county and area listings). 

 

**DNR**

Buck harvest figures for individual counties are
included in the following table. 




 

  

  
County
  
  

  
2005
  
  

  
2006
  
  

  
2007
  
  

  
2008
  
  

  
2009
  
 
 

  

  
Barbour
  
  

  
1,138
  
  

  
1,527
  
  

  
1,380
  
  

  
1,413
  
  

  
1,318
  
 
 

  

  
Brooke
  
  

  
477
  
  

  
479
  
  

  
386
  
  

  
427
  
  

  
374
  
 
 

  

  
Hancock
  
  

  
452
  
  

  
447
  
  

  
361
  
  

  
357
  
  

  
345
  
 
 

  

  
Harrison
  
  

  
1,494
  
  

  
1,810
  
  

  
1,508
  
  

  
1,680
  
  

  
1,745
  
 
 

  

  
Marion
  
  

  
1,119
  
  

  
1,443
  
  

  
1,114
  
  

  
1,489
  
  

  
1,124
  
 
 

  

  
Marshall
  
  

  
1,593
  
  

  
1,648
  
  

  
1,126
  
  

  
1,339
  
  

  
1,321
  
 
 

  

  
Monongalia
  
  

  
1,683
  
  

  
1,953
  
  

  
1,474
  
  

  
1,927
  
  

  
1,511
  
 
 

  

  
Ohio
  
  

  
473
  
  

  
505
  
  

  
438
  
  

  
485
  
  

  
414
  
 
 

  

  
Preston
  
  

  
2,254
  
  

  
2,616
  
  

  
2,309
  
  

  
2,618
  
  

  
2,123