Coming Events

Archery in the Schools Program Instructor Training

August 11 and 12 in Charleston

            The Wildlife Resources Section of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (DNR), in cooperation with Kanawha County Board of Education, will host an Archery in the Schools (AIS) Program instructor training on August 11 and 12 at Kenna Elementary School in Charleston, according to Jerry Westfall, DNR’s AIS Program Coordinator.

            “It has been quite some time since an AIS Program training was held in the Kanawha Valley,” said Westfall.  “Thanks to the cooperation we have received from the Kanawha County Board of Education, we can once again provide AIS training to area physical education teachers and coaches, as well as others from around the state. We are very excited about the potential expansion of the AIS program by involving schools not yet participating. Based on the interest we have received so far, and the number of local schools, this training should be quite successful.”

            The AIS Program is the DNR’s largest and fastest growing educational program. Since its inception in 2004, more than 35,000 students have been introduced to archery as part of their PE classes in 183 West Virginia schools. The program teaches Olympic-style, target archery in both public and private school’s 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. As an added incentive, teachers taking this training may be eligible to receive Continuing Education Hours (CEH’s).”

            Please note 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. The deadline for signing up for the training is July 31.

            To register for the AIS training at Kenna Elementary, please call Billie Shearer at 304-558-2771; e-mail billieshearer@wvdnr.gov.  For more 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; e-mail jerrywestfall@wvdnr.gov.  

**DNR**

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                              Contact:     Greg R. Lawson (614) 888-4868 x 214 June 29, 2009                                                                           Sharon Hayden (614) 888-4868 x 226

Congress Introduces Legislation to Protect Hunting on Federal Lands Hunting’s Importance Reaffirmed (Columbus)-Companion bills, introduced yesterday in Congress, protect the rights of sportsmen to hunt on federal land while also recognizing hunting’s importance to all conservation. The Hunting Heritage Protection Act, is made up of Senate bill 1348, sponsored by Senator Saxby Chambliss (R- GA) and H.R. 3046, sponsored by Representative Denny Rehberg (R-MT).  Both pieces of legislation require that federal land be managed in a way that supports, promotes, and enhances access for hunting and mandates that an annual report be submitted to Congress detailing any limitations that are imposed on hunting federal lands.  It also will require a written notification be given to Congress prior to any agency action that limits hunting on large parcels of federal land consisting of 5,000 or more acres. “Sportsmen across America owe Senator Chambliss, Representative Rehberg, and other member of Congress many thanks for the steps they are taking to preserve our hunting rights,” stated USSA President and CEO Bud Pidgeon.  “In a time where access to suitable hunting land is becoming increasingly difficult, this legislation goes a long way towards curtailing that trend and guaranteeing current or increased hunting opportunities are available today and tomorrow.” Sportsmen should contact their Congressional elected officials and ask them to support the Hunting Heritage Protection Act.   Inform them that hunters and other sportsmen and sportswomen are great stewards of federal lands and should have full access to those lands whenever and wherever possible.  To find your Congressional officials, go to the Legislative Action Center.                                                The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance is a national association of sportsmen and sportsmen’s organizations that protects the rights of hunters, anglers and trappers in the courts, legislatures, at the ballot, in Congress and through public education programs.  For more information about the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance and its work, call (614) 888-4868 or visit its website, www.ussportsmen.org.

DNR to Host Sixth Annual Women in the Outdoors Event

July 25^th at Kanawha State Forest

            There is still time to register for the sixth annual Women in the Outdoors Event to be held at Kanawha State Forest on July 25,  according to Frank Jezioro, Director of the Division of Natural Resources. 

            “The focus of the event is to provide women an opportunity to learn outdoor activities with a hands-on experience,” Jezioro said.  “Although women make up half the population in West Virginia, they make up a much smaller percentage of those who enjoy outdoor activities.”

            During this one-day event, which is being co-sponsored by the National Wild Turkey Federation’s Women in the Outdoors program, women will have the opportunity to participate in four 90 minute classes throughout the day: archery, birding, biking, camping, first aid, fishing, fly tying, outdoor cooking, outdoor crafts, outdoor survival, shooting, stream ecology, “talkin’ turkey,” and “what’s in the woods.”

            “If you’ve ever wanted to learn an outdoor skill, but were unsure of the equipment needed or what’s all involved, this field day is a wonderful opportunity to explore these areas,” said event coordinator Billie Shearer.  

            Experienced volunteer instructors will provide hands-on training throughout the day.  In addition, women participating in the event will be eligible for door prizes, various raffles, and a silent auction that will include various items such as wildlife prints, sculptures, and quilts.

            A small registration fee of '50 is required to cover the cost of training, materials, lunch, one year subscription to the Women in the Outdoors Magazine, and a gift.  Ages 14-17 must attend with a parent or legal guardian.

            For more information concerning this event or to register, visit the DNR’s Web site at www.wvdnr.gov, call 304-558-2771 or email billieshearer@wvdnr.gov.

**DNR**

            Applications are being accepted for the controlled deer hunt scheduled for November 16, 17 and 18, 2009, at Stonewall Resort State Park, located in Lewis County near Weston, W.Va.

            “Monitoring of the deer population and subsequent consequent surveys conducted by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (DNR) wildlife and parks personnel, “revealed a high deer density on the state park property at Stonewall,” according to Sam England, Park Superintendent. “The excessive whitetail deer population damages places negative consequences for vegetation, creates environmental imbalance within the park and subjects the herd to increasingly poor browse and health conditions.”  The high population of deer creates environmental imbalance within the park and subjects the herd to increasingly poor browse and health conditions.”

            Cooperative efforts between the Parks and Recreation, Wildlife, and Law Enforcement sections of DNR and Benchmark Management Company, which operates the facilities for the state, were successful in conducting a controlled hunt in 2008.

             “We were able to successfully use a controlled hunt as a method of deer management in a public setting last year; however, history has shown that multiple successive hunts are necessary to reduce the population to appropriate levels,” according to Frank Jezioro, Director of  the Division of Natural Resources.  “The result will be good and responsible wildlife management that a controlled deer hunt can produce.” 

            The application and instructions for the Stonewall controlled hunt are posted on the DNR Web page at www.wvdnr.gov under Hunting, Stonewall Controlled Hunt.

            Applications also are available at all DNR district offices; DNR Operations Center in Elkins; DNR Offices in Building 74 Capitol Complex in South Charleston; WV State Park and Forest offices; the WV Wildlife Center at French Creek and at Stonewall Resort state park office. Applications are two-sided with the application on one side and information on the reverse.  Hunters also may complete the application online; however, applications must be printed, then signed and dated and mailed.  Completed applications must be mailed to the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, P.O. Box 67, Elkins, WV, prior to August 28, 2009. A random selection of approximately 50 hunters for each day will be made from applications received. Successful applicants will be notified after October 1, 2009. For additional information contact Stonewall Resort State Park at (304) 269-0524, or District 3 DNR Office at (304) 924-6211.

Controlled Hunt Application Information

            The controlled hunt at Stonewall Resort is open to West Virginia residents and holders of West Virginia Lifetime Licenses. Hunters may apply for a permit to participate in the Stonewall Resort State Park Controlled Deer Hunt to be conducted November 16, 17 and 18, 2009. 

            Hunters may apply individually or as part of a two-person party and may use any weapon legal for deer hunting in West Virginia. One (1) deer may be taken by each hunter. Only antlerless deer may be taken during this hunt, except that each day of the hunt an on-site lottery will be held which will allow up to four (4) hunters to hunt a deer of either sex. Instructions on the application must be followed. Applications must be signed, legible, complete, and postmarked by August 28, 2009.

            All applicants must designate the type of weapon (firearm or bow) and hunting method (free roaming or fixed stand) to be used on the application.  All persons applying as a party must hunt with the same type of weapon (firearm or bow) and use the same method of hunting (free roaming or fixed stand). Party hunters which include a Class Q hunter must hunt from the same Class Q stand.

            Each hunter must possess a valid West Virginia Hunting License (or be legally exempt from purchasing a license) on the day of the hunt. 

            The hunt area is divided into two zones; a Fixed Stand Zone and a Free Roaming Zone.  In the Fixed Stand Zone hunters must hunt from elevated tree stands (ladder or self-climbing) which they must provide, placed in designated trees.  In the Free Roaming Zone hunters may hunt from the ground or from portable tree stands and they are not limited to stationary location.  A safety belt is required to be worn while hunting from an elevated stand. Scopes are allowed on all legal firearms.

            There will be no waiting list or walk-ons. There will be approximately 55 applications for each hunt day randomly drawn in advance. Successful applicants will be contacted with more detailed information regarding this controlled hunt. Deer harvested do not count against a hunter’s annual deer season bag limit.

            West Virginia Division of Natural Resources hunting regulations will apply to this hunt. Hunting contributes to wildlife conservation while maintaining a healthy deer herd population.

**DNR**

Public Shooting Range on Sleepy Creek Wildlife Management Area to Reopen June 29 with Restricted Use

            The public shooting range at Sleepy Creek Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in Berkeley County will reopen for the use of shotguns only beginning June 29, 2009.  Last month, the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (DNR) had to temporarily close the rifle range on Sleepy Creek WMA because of a safety problem involving bullets intermittently hitting a home approximately ¼-mile down range.

            The DNR determined certain individuals were illegally placing targets on top of the bunkers instead of in front of them. In addition, some shooters were engaged in the rapid firing of semiautomatic rifles, which resulted in the rifle muzzles rising over a safe line of sight toward the bunkers. These unsafe and illegal actions created a downrange hazard and are direct violations of the posted range rules. Other safety violations were discovered, including indiscriminate firing, failure to control muzzle direction, shooting from non-designated areas on the range, shooting after range hours, etc. 

            “Once the DNR became aware of these potentially life threatening conditions, the agency had no alternative but to temporarily close the range and explore options for resolving these safety concerns,” said Rich Rogers, District Wildlife Biologist for the Eastern Panhandle.

            The DNR is committed to reopening the public shooting range at Sleepy Creek WMA, Rogers said. The first step in this process will be to open the existing range to shotguns only beginning June 29. In addition, the DNR will continue to explore options to construct another range on Sleepy Creek WMA that will allow for the safe shooting of rifles and pistols.

            Like many of the public shooting ranges built and maintained by the DNR, the Sleepy Creek WMA range was constructed on a wildlife management area. Lands acquired for wildlife management areas are purchased with funds derived through the sale of West Virginia hunting and fishing licenses. This same source of funding (i.e., hunting and fishing license dollars) is used to construct and operate these public shooting ranges.

            The goal of the DNR’s public shooting range program is to improve the opportunity for sportsmen and women of all ages to become familiar with the safe handling of firearms and to provide safe and convenient public shooting range facilities for recreational shooting within a reasonable driving distance of everyone in the state. The ranges were first built as a convenience for hunters and a safe place for them to sight in their hunting guns.

            As time elapsed, more and more people began looking for places to enjoy the sport of recreational shooting. These activities are strongly encouraged and supported by the agency; however, when people do not abide by the rules of the range the DNR simply can’t assume the potential liability that these illegal acts create, according to Rogers.

            The current range problems at Sleepy Creek WMA involve both rifles and pistols, as both are now chambered for the same long range cartridges creating a potential downrange hazard.  Therefore, shotguns only will be allowed on the existing range at Sleepy Creek WMA. Concurrent with this action, the DNR is exploring other options to relocate and develop a new rifle and pistol range on Sleepy Creek WMA. 

            “The DNR simply cannot provide direct supervision of the range during all the hours it is open,” Rogers said.  “We have been in contact with legislators representing the Eastern Panhandle to explore possible solutions.  We have also called upon the National Rifle Association (NRA) for assistance in reviewing range operations and resolving these safety issues. One possible solution being investigated would be to construct a rifle and pistol range across the road from the present range. 

            “Both DNR staff and NRA representatives are working together to conduct field surveys to determine if this site, or other alternative locations, can be found that will be suitable for range development and operation. If a safe location can be found to relocate the rifle and pistol range, the next hurdle will be to secure adequate funding for range construction. While the DNR does not currently have monies budgeted to cover the estimated cost of construction for a new range at Sleepy Creek WMA, the agency is exploring funding options.”

**DNR**

State Police Identify Suspect in Lewis County Hunter Death
Posted Thursday, June 18, 2009 ; 02:46 PM | View Comments | Post Comment
Updated Thursday, June 18, 2009 ; 03:23 PM

Shawn Stewart Photo Credit: WVBF Troopers say a Pennsylvania man will face charges in the case. WESTON -- The West Virginia State Police have named a suspect in the hunting-related shooting death of a Lewis County man. Shawn Stewart, 32 of Walkersville, was killed on April 27, while turkey hunting at Stonewall Jackson Lake State Park. Robert Tobias, 58 of Millersburg, Penn., recently admitted to state police that he was responsible for the shooting. Searchers found an article of clothing near the Charles Run Cove area. Go to www.wboytv.com for the complete story

Enforcement of Boating Under the Influence Laws to be Stepped Up June 26-28

            Charleston W.Va. – Recreational boaters may want to think twice before reaching for that cold beer, especially the weekend of June 26-28. West Virginia Division of Natural Resources conservation officers, as part of a national coordinated effort of stepped-up enforcement known as Operation Dry Water, will be out in force looking for boat operators whose blood alcohol content exceeds the state limit of .08 percent. Operation Dry Water will include increased patrols, breathalyzer tests, and checkpoints as well as boater education.

            DNR Law Enforcement is the primary West Virginia agency charged by state law to enforce the state’s boating laws. All major rivers and lakes have patrol boats permanently assigned to them.

            "We want people to be safe and have fun while recreational boating," said Lt. Tim Coleman, DNR’s State Boating Safety Program coordinator. "Alcohol use has become the leading contributing factor in fatal recreational boating accidents. We recommend that boaters avoid drinking alcoholic beverages at all times, and we will have zero tolerance for anyone found operating a boat under the influence of alcohol or drugs on our waters."

            Alcohol can impair a boater’s judgment, balance, vision, and reaction time.  It can increase fatigue and susceptibility to the effects of cold-water immersion. Sun, wind, noise, vibration, and motion – “stressors” common to the boating environment – intensify the side effects of alcohol, drugs, and some prescription medications. United States Coast Guard statistics reveal that in 2007, 21 percent of all boating fatalities were a result of alcohol use.

            Impaired boaters caught this weekend can expect penalties to be severe.  In West Virginia they include fines and jail time.

            "There will be arrests this weekend, and some boaters will face the consequences of boating under the influence," added Lt. Coleman “But we'd much rather arrest someone than to have to tell their friends and family they're never coming back."

            Operation Dry Water is a joint program of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA), the U.S. Coast Guard, and several local law enforcement agencies. More information is available at www.operationdrywater.org.

**DNR**

            Charleston offices of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources are in the process of moving from the top three floors of Building 3 at the State Capitol Complex to a location in South Charleston. All state agencies currently housed in Building 3 are being relocated so the nearly 60-year old building can be completely rehabilitated by the Department of Administration during the next few years.

            The new address is 324 Fourth Avenue, South Charleston WV 25303. It is situated behind the South Charleston Library. All WVDNR telephone numbers, fax numbers, and e-mail addresses will remain the same.

            Moving began June 10 and is expected to be mostly completed by June 15. All services to the public will continue during the move, although customers may experience brief delays the next few days as the offices are relocated.

            “During this transition, please continue to call or e-mail DNR as normal, and we will respond as quickly as we can, but we do ask for your understanding as the move is completed,” said DNR Director Frank Jezioro. Jezioro said the new location will be convenient and the agency’s in-person services will be easily available to the public.

            Affected by the move are the Director’s offices; the Administration, Law Enforcement, Parks and Recreation, and Wildlife sections; and the Office of Land and Streams. The staff from District 5 Law Enforcement, who have been housed in a Nitro office building for the past few years, also are moving to the South Charleston location.

**DNR**

President Obama has announced that he will nominate Sam D. Hamilton to serve as the new Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS).

“Sam is an excellent choice to be the new Director of FWS,” stated William Horn, director of federal affairs for the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance.  “He’s been great to work with over the years and brings much common sense to an agency with huge responsibility over the future of our natural resources.”

Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar also showered support on Mr. Hamilton, who has worked in the FWS for 30 years and is currently a senior biologist and manager heading FWS’ Southeast Region.

In the press release announcing Hamilton’s pending nomination, Salazar stated that “Sam has vast experience with every aspect of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s mission, making him an ideal nominee to direct the agency.”

Hamilton, became Southeast Regional Director in 1997 and has had extensive responsibility for a '484 million budget and 1,500-person work-force that operates in 10 states as well as the Caribbean.  In that capacity, Hamilton managed 350 federally endangered and threatened species and 128 national wildlife refuges.

Permit Applications Available for Special Deer Hunt from National Radio Astronomy Observatory in Green Bank, West Virginia

            The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) in Green Bank, W.Va, has announced that applications are now available and are being accepted for the special resident- only controlled deer hunt at the NRAO site. This controlled hunt is organized and planned in cooperation with the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR).

            Submitting an application enters the hunter in a drawing for a maximum of two days on the NRAO site.  Applications for the drawing must be received by NRAO on or before August 3, 2009.  Successful applicants will be notified by mail and issued a special NRAO letter of authorization to deer hunt. Only hunters who have made application and have received a letter for a particular day or days can hunt.  “Walk-ons” will not be permitted to hunt.

            The controlled hunts, held for five days (October  3, 9, 10, 15 and 16) under the auspices of the WVDNR, will take place on four delineated areas ranging in size from 132 acres to 1,000 acres. Each area is designated: BOW ONLY; or MUZZLELOADER & SHOTGUN WITH SLUGS; or MUZZLELOADER ONLY. Applicants must choose a bow or which type of firearm they wish to use during the hunt on the application. 

            The maximum bag limit during the NRAO hunt is two antlerless deer (one per day), except that an on-site lottery will be held each day of the hunt which will allow five hunters to hunt a deer of either sex. These are BONUS deer and do not count toward the hunter’s annual licensed deer bag limit. However, participating hunters must possess appropriate W.Va. hunting licenses.  All deer harvested must be checked at the official game checking station located on the NRAO site. Due to the nature of the work at the Observatory, gasoline-powered vehicles are strictly controlled on the site.  Hunters may park only in designated parking areas, and all vehicles will be issued a “pass” for display on the windshield. Transportation from hunter check-in to some hunt areas is provided by the NRAO. For purposes of safety and biological study of harvested deer, all hunters must pass through the check-in station each morning before the day’s hunt. At the end of the day’s hunt, all hunters must exit through the check-out station.

            Applications may be picked up at any WVDNR District Office or may be requested by sending a self-addressed, stamped envelope to the National Radio Astronomy Observatory at P.O. Box 2, Green Bank, WV, 24944, Attention: Hunt Coordinator. An application and detailed instructions and regulations will be provided to each applicant.  Applications are also available by e-mail by sending a request to dwirt@nrao.edu; the same application, instructions and regulations will be sent in pdf format.  For information, call 304-456-2011 or 304-924-6211.

**DNR**

Special Antlerless Deer Archery and Muzzleloader Seasons to Take Place this September in West Virginia

            Archery and muzzleloader deer hunters in West Virginia will be able to enjoy additional antlerless deer hunting opportunities this fall, according to Frank Jezioro, Director of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. The Natural Resources Commission recently approved a special antlerless deer archery season and a special antlerless deer muzzleloader season that will take place on private lands only in selected counties where the harvest of additional antlerless deer is necessary for management purposes. Hunters should be aware of the following details associated with these special antlerless deer seasons.

·         The special antlerless deer archery season will open on September 14, 2009, and close on September 19, 2009, and allow for the taking of one additional deer that must be checked on a Class RB or Class RRB Stamp.

·         The special antlerless deer muzzleloader season will open on September 21, 2009, and close on September 26, 2009, and allow for the taking of one additional deer that must be checked on a Class RM or Class RRM Stamp.

·         Both the special antlerless deer archery season and the special antlerless deer muzzleloader season will take place on private lands only in the following counties or portions thereof:  Barbour, Berkeley, Brooke, Cabell, Calhoun, Doddridge, Gilmer, Grant, Greenbrier (S of Rt. 60, S of I-64, S&E of Rt. 9, E of Rt. 219 at Renick, S of Rt. 11, W of Greenbrier R., S of I-64, W of Rt. 60/14), Hampshire, Hancock, Hardy, Harrison, Jackson, Jefferson, Kanawha (N or Elk R. & W of Corridor G), Lewis, Marion, Marshall, Mason, Mercer (E of I-77), Mineral, Monongalia, Monroe, Morgan, Ohio, Pendleton, Pleasants, Preston, Putnam, Ritchie, Taylor, Tyler, Wetzel, Wirt and Wood.

            “These special antlerless deer seasons will afford archery and muzzleloader hunters an excellent opportunity to hunt deer earlier in the year and during a time when weather conditions are generally milder,” Jezioro said.  “These seasons have the added advantage of allowing hunters and landowners to harvest additional antlerless deer from private lands where needed for management purposes.”

**DNR**

            Preliminary figures indicate West Virginia hunters harvested 9,485 bearded turkeys statewide during the recently completed 2009 spring gobbler season. This year’s spring harvest is approximately four percent below the 9,929 birds taken in 2008.

            The top five counties in 2009 were Mason (422), Preston (378), Harrison (310), Upshur (296) and Wood (273).  Thirty of the state’s 55 counties had lower harvests this spring when compared to 2008.  District 6 showed the greatest percentage decline (down 12 percent), followed by District 4 (down nine percent), District 5 (down three percent) and District 1 (down three percent).  Higher harvests were reported in District 2 (up three percent) and District 3 (up three percent).  District 1 reported the largest kill (2,130 birds), followed by District 4 (1,737), District 6 (1,700), District 5 (1,650), District 3 (1,426) and District 2 (842).

            “Just as we saw last year, the 2009 spring turkey season experienced many days of rain,” said Curtis I. Taylor, Chief of the Wildlife Resources Section of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources.  “This wet weather dampened hunter turnout, reduced gobbling activity and resulted in a lower than expected harvest.”

            Biologists had forecast a spring harvest of more than 10,000 gobblers for 2009, based on improved brood counts the past two years.  “Reports from field personnel during this spring season indicated hunting pressure was lower than normal,” said Taylor.  “Much of this decrease in hunting can be attributed to the very foul weather conditions.”  

            Looking on the bright side, wildlife biologists expect a good carryover of mature toms.  With more favorable weather conditions and sufficient fall foods, there should be an abundance of gobblers for the 2010 spring season.

**DNR**

DNR Lt. Tim Coleman Wins International Hunter Education Association Award in Recognition of Success Against Health Obstacles

            Lt. Tim Coleman of the Law Enforcement Section of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (DNR) recently won the prestigious Darrell Holt Memorial Award, presented by the International Hunter Education Association (IHEA). Lt. Coleman is the state coordinator for DNR’s Hunter Education and Boating Safety programs. The award was made in recognition of his courage in overcoming a life-threatening illness.

            In May 2008, Lt. Coleman was attending the IHEA conference near St. Louis when he became ill. He was found unresponsive in his hotel room and was rushed to a hospital. “The doctors did not think I would make it to morning and called my family to fly out to be with me,” Coleman said recently. “They were told there was a very good chance that I would pass before they arrived. I had a massive septic infection that had affected my organs and was slowly shutting them down.”

            However, Coleman fought to survive and spent the next five months in five different hospitals, including Cleveland Clinic, where he had a kidney removed. He was left virtually paralyzed in his extremities and was confined to a wheelchair for another month. Following several more months of physical therapy, he was able to get around on his own and returned to work in March 2009, nearly a year later.

            “I even requalified with my weapon and am now at full duty status,” Coleman said. “My family and I could not have made it without the support of DNR and the volunteers in the Hunter Education and Boating Safety programs.”

            The Holt Memorial Award is named for former Texas Hunter Education Coordinator Darrel Holt, who was diagnosed with leukemia in the early 1970s and was told he would succumb to the deadly disease within six months. He lived for 17 more years after a valiant fight, all the while undergoing experimental treatment and drugs. Despite his terminal illness, Holt established an outstanding program in Texas.

            “This award recognizes the hunter education coordinator or administrator who is working or has worked under conditions that call for a determination to succeed despite seemingly insurmountable obstacles such as physical disabilities, working conditions, accident, disease, personal hardship, etc.,” explained IHEA executive director Wayne East.

            Coleman was unable to attend the 2009 IHEA conference, so the award was presented to him in Charleston by DNR Director Frank Jezioro.

**DNR**

Seven Deer Test Positive for Chronic Wasting Disease During 2009 Spring Collections in Hampshire County, West Virginia

            Test results have detected the Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) agent in a total of seven white-tailed deer sampled during the 2009 spring collections in Hampshire County, according to the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (DNR).

            These most recent deer testing positive for CWD were collected by Wildlife Resources Section personnel working in cooperation with local landowners, and they were all located within the Hampshire County CWD Containment Area (i.e., that portion of Hampshire County located North of U.S. Route 50). The CWD agent previously has been detected outside the containment area in the adjacent portion of Hampshire County, and the area of known infected deer does continue to slowly expand.

            These collections have been designed to investigate and determine the prevalence and distribution of the disease in Hampshire County. In addition, wildlife biologists are carefully monitoring changes in the structure of the deer herd within the CWD containment area.

            The first case of CWD in West Virginia was confirmed on September 2, 2005.  Since then, DNR has been fully engaged in activities guided by its CWD Incident Response Plan, which is designed to accomplish the following objectives.

·         Determine the distribution and prevalence of CWD through enhanced surveillance efforts.

·         Communicate and coordinate with the public and other appropriate agencies on issues relating to CWD and the steps being taken to respond to this disease.

·         Initiate appropriate management actions necessary to control the spread of this disease and prevent further introduction of the disease.

            To date, CWD surveillance efforts conducted by the DNR have resulted in a total of 45 deer being confirmed positive for CWD in Hampshire County. Ongoing and extensive surveillance efforts being conducted by Wildlife Resources Section personnel throughout West Virginia have not detected CWD outside of Hampshire County.

             CWD is a neurological disease found in deer and elk, and it belongs to a family of diseases known as transmissible spongiform encephalopathies. The disease is thought to be caused by abnormal, proteinaceous particles called prions that slowly attack the brain of infected deer and elk, causing the animals to progressively become emaciated, display abnormal behavior and invariably results in the death of the infected animal. There is no known treatment for CWD, and it is fatal for the infected deer or elk. It is important to note that currently there is no evidence to suggest CWD poses a risk for humans or domestic animals.

            “Landowner and hunter cooperation throughout this entire CWD surveillance effort in Hampshire County continues to be excellent,” noted DNR Director Frank Jezioro.  “As we strive to meet this wildlife disease challenge and implement appropriate management strategies, the support and involvement of landowners and hunters remains essential. DNR is committed to keeping the public informed and involved in these wildlife disease management actions.

            “Our well trained and professional wildlife biologists, wildlife managers and conservation officers are working diligently to effectively address this wildlife disease threat, and we are collaborating with nationally recognized wildlife disease experts at the Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study in Athens, Georgia,” said Jezioro.

**DNR**

New Online Boating and Hunting Safety Courses Available June 1

            New and updated online courses will be available for both Boating Safety Education and Hunter Education classes beginning June 1, making it easier for outdoor sportsmen to take the required classes.

            “The online courses will feature new and animated graphics as well as narration,” said Lt. Tim Coleman, Statewide Safety Coordinator for the Law Enforcement Section of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources.

            The new courses can be found at www.wvdnr.gov under the “Hunter Education” and “Boating Education” links beginning June 1. There is a fee to take the courses online, but traditional classroom courses are still offered free through WVDNR.

            Anyone who takes the online Hunter Education courses must still attend a practical test day and take a written exam; however, instead of printing out 12 pages as is required now, students will receive a one-page “ticket” and instructions for contacting WVDNR to take the test.

            All persons born on or after January 1, 1975 must first successfully complete a certified Hunter Education course before purchasing a hunting license. For information about classes in your area, call 800-243-9968 or visit www.wvhuntered.com.

            All boaters born on or after December 31, 1986, must have the West Virginia boating license on board when the vessel is underway to satisfy the West Virginia boating regulations. For information about local Boating Education classes, call the nearest WVDNR District Office or the Charleston office at 304-558-2784.

**DNR**

            Conservation officers with the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources in District 5 (Boone, Cabell, Kanawha, Lincoln, Logan, Mason, Mingo, Putnam, and Wayne counties) have been successful in recent weeks issuing citations in a number of wildlife law violation cases, according to District 5 Captain Stephen Stewart.

Lengthy Spotlighting Case Ends in Conviction

            Weeks of investigation into a report of spotlighting ending successfully on April 2, 2009, when 19-year old Robert Corey Sparks of St. Albans, W.Va., was found guilty by Putnam County Magistrate Kylene Brown on four counts of spotlighting deer while in possession of a firearm. In addition to the '1,600 in fines and court costs, Magistrate Brown sentenced Sparks to 20 days in jail and an additional 200 days of day reporting. Sparks remains out on bond while he appeals his conviction to circuit court. Two other accomplices involved in the case had pled guilty earlier to related charges and paid fines. Officer First Class Jack Fayak assisted lead investigator Cpl. Denny Painter in the many weeks of investigation, which led to the successful prosecution of the three individuals involved in the criminal activities.

Pre-season Turkey Hunting Citations Issued in Lincoln County

            Officer Shaun Townsend cited 56 year-old Joyce Stratton of Leet, W.Va. and a 16 year-old male for hunting during closed season on Saturday, April 25, the Saturday before the season opened on Monday, April 27. They first claimed that they thought turkey season opened up on Saturday the 25th, but the juvenile slipped up when he said he thought it seemed odd since turkey season always opened on a Monday, according to Officer Townsend.

Opening Day Turkey Hunting Citations

            On opening day of the spring turkey hunting season, April 27, Sgt. Terry Ballard and Cpl. Larry Rockel issued hunting law violation citations to 50-year old Ronald Newsom of Kermit, W.Va., on charges of turkey hunting over bait, and 59-year old Everett Marcum of Breeden, W.Va., for the dual offenses of turkey hunting with an electronic call and hunting from a motor vehicle. Both of these incidents occurred in Mingo County.  

            Boone County Conservation Officer Ed Goodson cited 21-year old James Atkins Jr. of Blooming Rose, W.Va., on a charge of hunting without a license.

            In Mason County, Corporals Gary Amick and Jeff Sweeney were staked out on a bait site that was discovered the week before opening day of the spring turkey season. They found two ground blinds in place with plenty of fresh corn close by.  Early Monday morning, the hunter appeared and moved into one of the blinds. Some time later a flock of turkeys came in and he shot two turkeys before the officers could move in. Fifty-four year old Kevin William Brown of Letart was cited for hunting turkeys over bait and exceeding the daily bag limit.  

            In Kanawha County, Cpl. Denny Painter issued a citation to 57-year old Delbert Wileman of St. Albans, W.Va. on a charge of carrying a loaded firearm inside a vehicle.

            In Wayne County, Conservation Officer David Hylton cited 61-year old Jesse Dale Lesher of Henlawson, W.Va., for carrying a loaded firearm inside a vehicle.

Kanawha County Citations

            On May 4th, Cpl. Gary Amick and Off. Chad Rains were working an anonymous game complaint in Kanawha County.  Upon investigation, the officers found enough evidence to charge 21-year old Nicholas Confere of Mammoth, W.Va., with two counts of illegal possession of turkeys, two counts of failure to check in a turkey, and two counts of failure to field tag. 

            “Hunting turkey over bait, hunting out of season, carrying loaded firearms in a vehicle, hunting without a license, and exceeding the bag limit are among the most common hunting law violations we run across,” said Capt. Stewart. “These laws are in place to protect the resource and the hunter, and we take them seriously. DNR encourages law-abiding hunters to report hunting law violations they witness to their closest DNR district office or to call 911 if they see a violation in progress so that we can provide a quick response.”

            The 2009 spring turkey hunting season in West Virginia ends Saturday, May 23.

**DNR**

West Virginia Division of Natural Resources

Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) Response Team

Receives Prestigious Award for Their Efforts to Manage the Disease

            The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources’ (WVDNR’s) Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) Response Team has received a prestigious Certificate of Recognition Award from the Northeast Section of The Wildlife Society. The award was presented during the 65^th Annual Northeast Fish and Wildlife Conference, which was held April 26-28, 2009, in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

            The CWD Response Team comprises the following WVDNR employees:  District Wildlife Biologist Richard E. Rogers, Deer Project Leader and Wildlife Disease Specialist Dr. James M. Crum, Assistant District Wildlife Biologist Allan J. Niederberger and Wildlife Manager Travis A. Metcalf.  In accepting the award, Rogers noted the outstanding assistance that other wildlife managers and wildlife biologists from across the state have made in WVDNR’s efforts to manage CWD. He was especially appreciative of the contributions made by Wildlife Resources Section and Law Enforcement Section personnel stationed in District 2 in the Eastern Panhandle.

            The discovery of CWD in Hampshire County represents a significant threat to the state’s white-tailed deer. While the disease does not cause an immediate widespread die-off of deer, if allowed to spread the CWD could cause long-term damage to the herd.  Those who have tried to predict the outcome of the disease on a deer population have described the disease as a 30 to 50 year epizootic. Due to the uncertain ramifications that CWD may have on the state’s white-tailed deer resource, WVDNR implemented appropriate actions as described in its CWD – Incident Response Plan.

            Rich Rogers, Jim Crum, Al Niederberger and Travis Metcalf have been the primary wildlife professionals responsible for implementing this plan. While there are many scientific uncertainties regarding the basic biology and ecology of CWD that may hinder development of efficient strategies for combating this disease in free-ranging deer, the actions outlined in this plan are designed to accomplish the following goals:

·         Determine the prevalence and the distribution of CWD through enhanced surveillance efforts.

·         Communicate and coordinate with the public and other appropriate agencies on issues relating to CWD and the steps being taken to respond to this disease.

·         Initiate appropriate management actions necessary to control the spread of this disease, prevent further introductions of the disease, and possibly eliminate the disease from the state.

            “Without question, the outstanding, professional efforts of the CWD Response Team have contributed significantly to the success of our agency’s surveillance and management programs,” noted Paul Johansen, Assistant Chief in Charge of Game Management for WVDNR.  “Their dedication, commitment and just plain hard work have allowed our agency to effectively address this serious wildlife disease threat.”

**DNR**

            The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources reminds people to leave young wildlife alone. 

            “It’s the time of year when the woods and fields of West Virginia are full with new life. If you are involved in outdoor recreation activities, do your part to ensure the survival of young wildlife by remembering the motto – ‘look but do not touch or disturb,’” said DNR Wildlife Resources Section Chief Curtis Taylor.

            Picking up baby wildlife or getting too close and disturbing the family unit greatly increases the chance that their offspring may become part of Mother Nature’s food chain. Should you come across young wildlife in your outdoor travels, do not touch or disturb them. Watching is perfectly acceptable, but do so from a safe distance with the aid of binoculars.

            If you find young wildlife that are alone and think they may have been abandoned, please remember that the mother is probably out gathering food. It takes a lot of energy to raise offspring, so the mother must leave to get enough food for her and the babies. This could take a few hours or all day, but the mother knows where her young are and she will return. Humans are poor substitute parents for wild animals. Young wildlife have special diets and they need to learn survival skills from their mothers, things people cannot duplicate. By observing wildlife at a safe distance with binoculars, you can learn how wild animals care for their young in a natural environment without compromising the animals’ safety.

            The DNR receives more calls about abandoned fawns than any other wildlife.   Unfortunately, many people often mistake a bedded fawn, with no mother in sight, as abandoned. Remember, not moving is an important defense tactic of fawns. Their spot pattern, coloration and lack of scent make the fawn difficult for predators to detect. If a predator comes by, the fawn will freeze until the threat has passed, or it will wait until the very last moment to flee to safety if spotted. Fawns should always be left undisturbed. If you are certain that the fawn’s mother is unable to care for it or has been killed, call your local DNR office, conservation officer, or wildlife manager.

            Another reason for not picking up wildlife is that diseases, parasites, and other health related risks are greatly increased with captive wild animals. Parasite transmission between pets and wild animals could result in the death of one or both animals. Rabies, roundworms and other parasites such as lice and ticks are transmitted to both pets and humans. Roundworms can cause blindness, paralysis, and even death in humans.

            As a final caution, please remember that state laws and regulations prohibit possession of wild animals without a permit. 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.

            “DNR wants you to enjoy nature’s bounty of beautiful and exciting wildlife in West Virginia. However, for your own health and safety and for the animals’ welfare please remember that young wild animals should stay wild,” said Taylor.

**DNR**

Training for Archery in the Schools Program at Cabela’s Wheeling retail store July 21-22;

Sign-up Deadline July 6

            An Archery in the Schools (AIS) training session for instructors will be hosted by the Wildlife Resources Section of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (DNR) July 21-22, 2009, at the Cabela’s store near Wheeling, W.Va., according to Jerry Westfall, DNR’s AIS Program Coordinator.

            “Cabela’s has always expressed an interest in assisting the DNR with getting more schools involved in the AIS Program, especially those in the northern panhandle,” said Westfall.  “The support we’ve received from Cabela’s has been tremendous and I can’t think of a better place to host this training. Incidentally, instructors may also find Cabela’s a fascinating place to shop for gift ideas after the training – considering it is one of the largest sporting goods stores in the state.”

            The AIS Program is DNR’s largest and fastest growing educational program. Since its inception in 2004, more than 35,000 students have been introduced to archery as part of their physical education (PE) classes in 183 West Virginia schools. The program teaches Olympic-style, target archery in both public and private schools Grade 4-12 physical education classes. 

            “However, 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.  “DNR 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 (CEHs) – provided they submit their paperwork to their principal before the end of the school year.” 

            “Cabela’s is looking forward to hosting this training and being part of this nationally recognized program,” said Matt Leary, Cabela’s department manager.  “Cabela’s West Virginia store was the first in the nation to host a similar training, and we are excited to continue to be a part of this quickly growing program.  A lot of credit also needs to be given to local officials and the DNR for bringing this training back to our store.  However, it’s about the kids; and, I’m excited to get youth involved in an activity they can enjoy for a lifetime.”

            Please note 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 Cabela’s, please call Billie Shearer at (304) 558-2771 or e-mail billieshearer@wvdnr.gov.  For more information on the AIS Program, you can visit DNR’s AIS Web site at www.wvdnr.gov/archery  or call DNR’s AIS Program Coordinator Jerry Westfall at (304) 558-2771; e-mail jerrywestfall@wvdnr.gov.  

**DNR**

          The invasive algae known as Didymo has been found in Seneca Creek near its confluence with Whites Run, according to Mike Shingleton, Assistant Chief, West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Section. An angler fishing in Seneca Creek had earlier sent DNR a picture of what he believed was Didymo. DNR personnel investigated the Didymo report and collected samples from Seneca Creek.  Whites Run was also inspected in its lower reaches, but nothing resembling Didymo was observed. The Seneca Creek samples were sent to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources for confirmation. All samples contained Didymo.

            In 2008, Didymo’s presence was confirmed from Elk River, Gandy Creek, and Glady Fork.

            Didymo is a common name for Didymosphenia geminata, a freshwater diatom species that can form extensive mats on stream beds. The thick mats can cover native algae and aquatic insects, making fishing very difficult. These thick mats appear slimy, but feel more like cotton or wool fabric. The algal mats are also called “rock snot” and can be white, yellow or brown in color – but not green, as is most algae. The algae form stalks that attach to rocks.  While the algae eventually die and break off, the stalks persist and may impact stream habitats and aquatic organisms for weeks or months.

             Didymo can be attached to waders, paddles and boats. Felt-soled boots and waders are likely the worst culprit in the spread of these algae. The porous material stays damp and the algae cells can remain alive in the damp felt bottoms.  DNR encourages anglers and all others to take precautions against moving Didymo and other potential invasive species from one water body to another. While anglers and boaters may be responsible for the introduction of some unwanted species, they also are the most important line of defense in minimizing the spread of aquatic invasive species by following a few simple steps. 

·         Before leaving a stream, scrub mud and debris off of boots and fishing gear.

·         Disinfect boots and equipment by scrubbing or soaking in five percent salt solution (two cups of salt in 2.5 gallons of water) for one minute and then let dry completely.  You may also scrub equipment with dishwashing detergent and rinse well.

·         Allowing equipment to completely dry for at least 48 hours will also kill Didymo, but realize that felt bottoms of boots may require longer drying times.

·         Soak items in very hot water (140° F).

·         Freeze overnight.

            Anglers are encouraged to report unusual algal mats that may be Didymo to DNR district offices and the Elkins and Charleston offices.  Information is also available on the DNR Web site at www.wvdnr.gov/Fishing/didymo.shtm.

**DNR**

WVDNR Tags Crappie in Stonewall Jackson Reservoir

            More than 700 Stonewall Jackson Lake crappie have been tagged by West Virginia Division of Natural Resources fisheries biologists as part of a research project to determine angler catch and harvest in this valuable Lewis County fishery, according to DNR Director Frank Jezioro.

            Fish were collected with boat-mounted electro-fishing units and tagged in March 2009 with green tags at the base of the fish’s dorsal fin.  Each tag is uniquely numbered and has the DNR address noted. 

            Anglers are asked to clip the tag at the insertion into the fish and provide the DNR either the tag or tag number, and information on the date the fish was caught and if the fish was harvested or released. Information can be mailed to the WVDNR, 2311 Ohio Ave, Parkersburg, WV 26101, e-mailed to fishtags@wvdnr.gov or by calling (304) 420-4550.  A small reward is provided for returned tags.

            Funds for this study and other ongoing studies are provided from the Federal Aid for Sport Fish Restoration and West Virginia fishing license revenues, according to Bret Preston, Assistant Chief of Warmwater Fisheries for DNR.  “Results from these and all DNR-conducted studies are useful in the wise management of the state’s fishery resources, as well as providing quality-fishing opportunities statewide,” Preston said.  

**DNR**

SALES REMAIN STRONG FOR MANUFACTURERS . . . Firearm and ammunition manufacturers paid more than '98 million in excise taxes in the fourth quarter of 2008, up 31.2 percent over the same period in 2007, according to figures released earlier today by the U.S. Department of the Treasury. From Oct. 1 to Dec. 31, '27.6 million was collected for pistols and revolvers, '35 million for long guns and '35.5 million for ammunition. Compared to the same period in 2007, collections were up 70.1 percent for handguns, 11.4 percent for long guns and 31.1 percent for ammunition. Excise tax collections are a key economic indicator for the industry. The taxes are calculated as a percentage of wholesale receipts, paid quarterly by firearm and ammunition manufacturers, and earmarked for state wildlife conservation and habitat restoration programs. A total of '345.2 million was collected in excise taxes in 2008, up 13.9 percent from the '303.2 million collected the previous year. These statistics are based solely on U.S. civilian sales and do not include sales to military, police, etc.View Full Chart for 2007-08

            Anyone who wants to report hunting or fishing law violations is advised to follow a new procedure announced by the DNR Law Enforcement Section. “We are doing this to ensure a quicker response to the public,” said Lt. Col. Jerry Jenkins of DNR Law Enforcement.

            For non-emergency calls or questions, or to report questionable hunting or fishing activity, telephone calls should be made directly to the closest of six DNR District Offices.

            For emergencies or to report game law violations in progress, calls should go to local 911 centers, which can communicate directly with local law enforcement officers for response.

            “In the past, DNR had a 1-800 number for reporting game violations, but that proved to be inefficient and expensive in recent years,” said Jenkins. “By calling directly to the District Offices or the local 911 centers, the public will be assured of receiving the fastest and most accurate responses possible.”

WVDNR District Offices

Barbour County Men Charged with Wildlife and Marijuana Law Violations

           Two Barbour County men have been found to be in violation of wildlife and drug laws following their arrest by Division of Natural Resources conservation officers. Both received fines and one was arraigned and sent to jail.           

On Tuesday, April 21, 2009, Barbour County Conservation Officer Andy Lyons located two turkey bait sites near the community of Junior, W.Va. Officers Lyons and Robert Waybright checked one of the illegal bait sites on the opening day of spring gobbler season Monday, April 27, and found two Belington, W.Va., residents, Charles M Hutzler, age 49, and Gregory Skidmore, age 35, hunting turkey over bait. Approaching the site, the officers detected a strong odor of marijuana coming from the hunters’ blind.

            During the investigation, Hutzler admitted to killing two jake (juvenile male) turkeys approximately two weeks prior to opening of the gobbler season. A consent to search Hutzler’s residence was obtained. The officers not only confiscated two jake beards from the illegally killed turkeys but also seized the talons, skull, and cape of an illegally possessed hawk. In addition to drug paraphernalia, 18 potted marijuana plants were seized from Hutzler’s laundry room.

            Skidmore and Hutzler were taken before Barbour County Magistrate Kathy McBee.  Hutzler was charged with felony cultivation and manufacture of a controlled substance. Magistrate McBee set Hutzler’s bond at '10,000 and he was taken to the Tygart Valley Regional Jail. Hutzler was also charged with two counts of illegal killing of turkey, one count of hunting turkey over bait, and one count of illegal possession or parts thereof of a hawk.

            Skidmore pled guilty to two charges; he was assessed a '100 fine and '159.53 court costs for hunting turkey over bait and placed on six months probation and assessed '159.53 for possession of marijuana.

            The hunter’s blind, chairs, decoy turkeys, tripod/video equipment and two shotguns (one 12 gauge and one 20 gauge) were impounded.

            West Virginia State Police and Barbour County Sheriff’s department assisted in the search and disposition of evidence.

            Photos can be viewed at: www.wvdnr.gov/news.shtm .

**DNR**

Ammo Makers Shed Light on Shortage

The National Shooting Sports Foundation has received numerous calls regarding shortages of ammunition. Many of these callers have expressed concern that the supply of ammunition is not able to keep up with the current demand. In order to provide the best information possible on the issue of ammunition availability, NSSF interviewed ammunition manufacturers across the United States. Here's what has been learned.

OHIO CONSIDERS PROGRAM TO INCREASE HUNTER ACCESS . . . The Ohio Department of Natural Resources' Division of Wildlife has teamed up with the Ohio Farm Bureau to consider a pilot program that will help manage local deer herds and expand hunter access. The two agencies are exploring the possibility of developing a Web-based deer hunter access program. Through the program, which would be run on a trial basis in selected counties, landowners could review a searchable database of deer hunters and select hunters to whom they would grant hunting permissions. A survey, available at wildohio.com, will help determine deer hunters' interest in participating in such a program.

BY J.R. Robbins

Determining what a Travel Management Plan (TMP) does depends on who you ask.

Ask a Forest Service official, and he’ll say it’s a way to balance the conflicting expectations of millions of visitors to national forests while protecting the land and wildlife under their administration.

Ask a soil scientist and he’ll say it’s a way to prevent soil erosion and sedimentation of waterways.

Ask a hunter, and he’ll say it’s one more roadblock to access—a bureaucratic reaction to a minority of irresponsible people that could penalize an overwhelmingly responsible majority.

Fundamentally, a TMP designates roads and trails as being opened, limited, or closed to motorized vehicles—including cars, pickups, ATVs, off-highway vehicles (OHVs), etc. As the plans are developed, a number of alternatives are often considered based on environmental assessments and public input—types of vehicles allowed, closing entire trails or just sections, closing for the entire year or allowing seasonal openings, inclusion or exclusion of “unauthorized trails,” etc. The final decisions are documented on a Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM).

The Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service, which together manage 449 million acres of land, are in the process right now of creating TMPs for every unit of land they manage.

TMPs can work dramatically against hunter access. Right now, BLM is considering closing 139 miles of roads and trails in Arizona’s Middle Gila Canyons. And in March, 186 miles of trails in Montana’s Badger-two Medicine area were closed to motorized traffic.

Gary Marbut, President of the Montana Shooting Sports Association, said, “The effect of the road closures is that the Forest Service is creating larger and larger chunks of essentially unavailable land—de facto wilderness. The chief problem is game retrieval. Many of us are still fit enough to hike into the interior of these larger and larger blocks of public property, but we’d have no hope of packing an elk back out. This turns hunting on public property into a rich man’s sport, practically available only to those who can afford to keep horses year-round, or who can afford to hire outfitters for game retrieval.

“Twenty years ago,” Marbut continued, “there were enough points of road access to these lands that a person would have a decent chance of getting a 4x4 within three or four miles of a downed elk, making the retrieval possible, even if difficult. Now, with the many road closures, there are lots of places where it would be necessary to pack a downed elk 10, 20 or 30 miles through rugged, mountainous terrain—simply not possible for the usual hunter.”

The issue of game retrieval is critical, one that Susan Recce, NRA-ILA’s Director of Conservation, Wildlife and Natural Resources, has fought for in a number of TMPs. She noted, “The agencies are inconsistent from one plan to another. Some plans provide for retrieval, some don’t.”

In general, according to rules published in the Federal Register [(36CFR212.51 (b)], TMPs do allow for “the limited use of motor vehicles within a specified distance of certain designated routes…solely for the purpose of big game retrieval.” Local officials have some discretion in determining that distance and those routes, but they are cautioned, “The Forest Service expects responsible officials to apply 36CFR 212.51 (b) sparingly to avoid undermining the purposes of the travel management rule …”

Recce even feels that TMPs could be in conflict with an Executive Order issued by President Bush in August 2007—“Facilitation of Hunting Heritage and Wildlife Conservation.” This order called for federal agencies to facilitate the expansion and enhancement of hunting opportunities and management of game species. Closing the trails does just the opposite. 

Trail closings can affect local businesses, too. Facing proposed closures of trails in Tennessee’s Nantahala National Forest, Helen and Chuck Davis, who owned a cabin rental outfit, put up “For Sale” signs. “We are facing a difficult decision,” Ms. Davis told the Cherokee Scout. “We have everything up for sale. We are struggling. This is due to bad government decisions.”

TMPs are not isolated inconveniences cropping up somewhere across the country from you. It’s a nationwide issue—OHV users went from 5 million in 1972 to 52 million in 2006, according to one study. And the chief of the Forest Service has identified unmanaged recreation—which includes cross-country OHV usage—as one of the four most critical threats to national forests today. TMPs are being developed at the Ranger District or Field Office levels. If there is no TMP in place on the BLM or Forest Service land where you hunt, you can bet one is coming. Each will be open for public comment—and it’s critical that hunters get involved in that process.

“Hunters are in the best position to know how a draft TMP would affect the roads and trails they use during hunting season, and they need to provide that information to the agencies,” said Recce, who has provided NRA’s comments on many TMPs. “The public participation process begins with the announcement of the agency’s intent to prepare a plan,” she continued, “so the public has input before a draft plan is written. Once written, the public can comment on the alternatives for management that are addressed in the plan. Hunters have to be active players throughout the planning process. They have to take charge of protecting their own interests.”

How do you find out when a TMP in your area is opening up for comment? NRA-ILA sends out email alerts on major issues that affect gun owners, including TMPs.  To receive these emails, visit www.nraila.org, move your mouse to “Take Action” in the upper right, and click on “Email Signup.” 
(Also visit: http://www.blm.gov/wo/st/en/prog/Recreation/recreation_national/travel_management.html to learn more about BLM’s plans and http://www.fs.fed.us/recreation/programs/ohv/index.shtml  for the Forest Service TMP overview. )

TMPs have the potential to close down thousands of miles of roads and trails that sportsmen need to get into ever-shrinking public hunting lands, and there is substantial public sentiment in favor of closures. Yet in many cases hunters have been strangely quiet on the issue. In nearly a year of accepting public comment on the Humboldt-Toiyabe TMP, Forest Service officials received a grand total of 19 letters from citizens.

That’s no way to make sure hunters’ concerns are heard.

            The new 3-D Archery Course at Cacapon State Park in Morgan County is now open for the 2009 season. The course, which was unveiled to the public in fall 2008, highlights a fresh recreational opportunity in West Virginia State Parks – shooting sports. 

            “The 3-D range is a great addition to our wobble clay shotgun sport range which opened in 2007,” said Brad Reed, Assistant Park Superintendent at Cacapon. “Our shotgun wobble clays range has been very popular with the local community and our overnight park guests,” Reed said. “The 3-D archery course has attracted new visitors to Cacapon and provides our regular customers another great recreational opportunity.”

            Cacapon Resort is one of the West Virginia state park system’s traditional parks teetering on 21^st Century trends. “It’s a park where eras collide says Reed. “On one hand, our lodge and cabins reflect the 1950s when families used state parks for reunions, vacation, and to visit. Today we balance our past and history, which includes Civilian Conservation Corps structures in almost pristine condition and still in use, with current trends and updates.” Some of those updates include wireless access, accessibility, and computerized reservations.

            “Funny thing, I’ve always heard ‘the more things change, the more they stay the same’ and at Cacapon, people continue to find this park a destination to relax, get outside, and play,” said Reed. “It’s all about the getting away to someplace comfortable.”

            The additions of the wobble clay and 3-D archery, as well expanded activities programs and nature center, hiking, horseback riding, and golf opportunities, invite renewed interest in a grand West Virginia state park. 

             The 3-D archery range is open seven days a week by reservation. It features 21 3-D foam targets featuring “game animals” native to West Virginia. The targets differ in styles and sizes from ground hogs all the way to the massive black bear. Shooting distances range from 15 to 40 yards. Customers must bring their own archery equipment.  For more information or for reservations, call Cacapon Resort State Park at 304-258-1022 or visit online www.cacaponresort.com.

            Cacapon Resort State Park is in close proximity to the major population center of the east coast, as well as many scenic and historic features.

·         http://www.cacaponresort.com/cacapon.pdfFrom Washington, D.C., take the Beltway to I- 270 North, Merge onto I-70 West toward Hagerstown, Merge onto US - 522 South to Cacapon Resort State Park.

·         From Interstate 81 (Winchester, VA) take U.S. Route 522 north 27 miles to the park.

·         From the north on Interstate 81 (Pennsylvania), take Interstate 70 west to Hancock, MD, then U.S. Route 522 south at Hancock, towards Berkeley Springs. The park is located nine miles south from the town of Berkeley Springs.

·         From the west on Interstate 68 to Hancock, MD, to 522 South towards Berkeley Springs. The park is located 9 miles south from the town of Berkeley Springs.

**DNR**

HOUSE BILL WOULD SAFEGUARD MILLIONS OF ACRES; VOICE SUPPORT . . . Legislation that would help safeguard millions of acres of land by allowing property-owners to receive strong tax benefits for donating conservation easements that protect natural or historic resources has been introduced by U.S. Reps. Mike Thompson (D-Calif.) and Eric Cantor (R-Va.). The current tax incentives for donations are expiring. "This is a very important piece of legislation that will help to preserve our agricultural and hunting lands from overdevelopment," said Lawrence G. Keane, NSSF senior vice president and general counsel. HR 1831, "The Conservation Easement Incentive Act," has broad bi-partisan support and enjoys 93 co-sponsors. Visit the NSSF Cap Wiz site to send a letter of support to your congressman.

PETA is used to shocking people with bizarre publicity stunts. However, new information showing that the animal rights group kills thousands of adoptable pets provides a different kind of shock than usual.

The Center for Consumer Freedom (CCF) has fired another salvo against the animal rights group. The CCF previously highlighted PETA’s record of killing thousands of animals while hypocritically engaging in protests worldwide against animal cruelty. 

The latest public records obtained by the CCF from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services paint a grisly picture. According to the CCF review, in 2008, of the 2,216 adoptable animals PETA took into custody, only seven actually were adopted. A shocking 2,124 were killed. That amounted to a 95.8% kill rate.

The CCF has created a new website highlighting the story, PETA Kills Animals. The CCF also seeks to tap into public anger over PETA’s hypocritical animal rights’ agenda by pushing for the group to lose its tax exempt status.  

This effort includes an online petition to be forwarded to the Internal Revenue Service Commissioner that urges PETA’s tax exempt status be revoked. 

The petition outlines many of PETA’s outrageous stunts and states: “By repeatedly and continuously giving financial support to individuals and organizations devoted to domestic terrorism, PETA has demonstrated that it is incapable of conducting itself in a manner expected of nonprofit groups receiving federal tax subsidies.”

Posted On March 25, 2009

WASHINGTON DC – Today the nonprofit Center for Consumer Freedom (CCF) published documents online showing that People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) killed 95 percent of the adoptable pets in its care during 2008. Despite years of public outrage over its euthanasia program, the animal rights group kills an average of 5.8 pets every day at its Norfolk, VA headquarters.

According to public records from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, PETA killed 2,124 pets last year and placed only seven in adoptive homes. Since 1998, a total of 21,339 dogs and cats have died at the hands of PETA workers.

Despite having a '32 million budget, PETA does not operate an adoption shelter. PETA employees make no discernible effort to find homes for the thousands of pets they kill every year. Last year, the Center for Consumer Freedom petitioned Virginia’s State Veterinarian to reclassify PETA as a slaughterhouse.

CCF Research Director David Martosko said: “PETA hasn’t slowed down its hypocritical killing machine one bit, but it keeps browbeating the rest of society with a phony ‘animal rights’ message. What about the rights of the thousands of dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens that die in PETA’s headquarters building?”

Martosko added: “Since killing pets is A-OK with PETA, why should anyone listen to their demands about eating meat, using lab rats for medical research, or taking children to the circus?”

CCF obtained PETA’s “Animal Record” filings since 1998 from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Members of the public can see these documents at PetaKillsAnimals.com.

(Skeptical? Click here to see the documents.)

In addition to exposing PETA’s hypocritical record of killing defenseless animals, the Center for Consumer Freedom has publicized the animal rights group’s ties to violent activists, and shed light on its aggressive message-marketing to children.

The Center for Consumer Freedom is a nonprofit coalition supported by restaurants, food companies, and consumers, working together to promote personal responsibility and protect consumer choices.

USSAF and NWTF Join Forces to Promote Outdoor Appreciation

Signature Outdoor Education Programs to Collaborate

(Columbus) - The U S Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation (USSAF) and the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) are joining forces to bring the excitement of outdoor sports to America’s youth.

The two partner organizations will collaborate by bringing together their signature outdoor education programs, the JAKES program and the Trailblazer Adventure Program, to offer more opportunities for American children and their families to enjoy outdoor sports than ever before.

The NWTF’s JAKES program, or Juniors Acquiring Knowledge, Ethics, and Sportsmanship offer youth 17 and under a chance to learn about the outdoors. The JAKES program has regional and local events designed to teach kids the skills necessary to be successful and safe in the outdoors.

Last year, over 800 JAKES events were held across the country.

 “At many 2009 Trailblazer Adventure Day sites, the NWTF JAKES program will be a featured station, with attendees having the ability to register for an upcoming JAKES program on the spot,” said George Thornton, NWTF CEO. “This partnership will afford youth and their families more opportunities to learn more about conservation and outdoor sports while at the same time highlighting both organizations successful youth programs.”

The award winning Trailblazer Adventure Program is the largest scale outdoor program of its kind, having brought the thrill of outdoor sports to more than 700,000 youth and families since 2001.

 “In a time where fewer children and their families get outdoors, it’s essential for programs like JAKES and Trailblazer to work together on reversing this trend,” said USSAF Bud Pidgeon. “Once a child and their family get a taste of the outdoors, they’re going to want to stay there.”

About NWTF

The National Wild Turkey Federation is a national nonprofit conservation and hunting organization that, along with its volunteers, partners and sponsors, has worked for the conservation of the wild turkey and preservation of the hunting tradition. When the NWTF was established in 1973, there were only 1.3 million wild turkeys. Today that number stands at more than seven million birds throughout North America, and hunting seasons have been established in 49 U.S. states, Canada and Mexico.

About USSAF

The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation protects and defends America’s wildlife conservation programs and the pursuits – hunting, fishing and trapping – that generate the money to pay for them. The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation is responsible for public education, legal defense and research. Its mission is accomplished through several distinct programs coordinated to provide the most complete defense capability possible. For more information about the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation and its work, call (614) 888-4868 or visit its website, www.ussafoundation.org. For more information about the Trailblazer Adventure program, e-mail trailblazer@ussportsmen.org or visit www.trailblazeradventure.org.

            Trout anglers now have a new interactive tool at their fingertips to help them locate a stream stocked with trout, according to West Virginia Division of Natural Resources Director Frank Jezioro. An avid trout angler himself, Jezioro says this program provides all the information needed to plan a fishing trip. 

            The information can be found by going to the DNR home page at www.wvdnr.gov, then looking under the “Fishing” heading and clicking on “Trout Stream Map.” 

            Once on the Web site, you can search the state by specific stream or lake, by county, or by city. You can narrow down the search if you just want to find catch-and-release or fly-fishing-only areas. Once you locate the stream you will find information on stocking frequency, description of the stocked section of stream, and driving directions from major highways. Using the state map on the Web site, you can zoom in or out to access a more detailed map which uses aerial photography. You can also move easily from one section to adjacent areas using the panning tool. In addition, the map identifies public fishing access sites.

            The map opens a new window to allow you to easily go back to the DNR home page. You can also use the links at the top of the map page to quickly access the daily trout stocking report, fishing regulations, or buy a fishing license.

            “This online map demonstrates the capabilities of our staff,” Jezioro said. “We have very talented folks who work hard to provide the public with useful information that allows them to take advantage of the abundant natural resources our state has to offer.”

            This Web mapping application was developed and maintained in cooperation with the West Virginia State GIS Technical Center wvgis.wvu.edu.

**DNR**

Contact Your Federal Legislators to Stop Ban on Lead in National Parks   Sportsmen nationwide must immediately contact their U.S. representatives and senators. Ask your congressman and two U.S. senators to urge the Obama Administration to stop the National Park Service from its plan to stop the use lead ammunition and fishing tackle on its lands. The park service, which administers many lands that permit hunting and fishing, including National Preserves, National Recreation Areas and National Rivers, announced March 10 that it would ban lead ammunition and sinkers from its lands. Acting NPS Director Dan Wenk stated that the NPS goal is to eliminate all lead in ammunition and tackle by the end of 2010.   Over 20 million acres of NPS land is open to hunting and would be adversely impacted by this decision. This decision is seen as a blatant anti-hunting move.  It is clearly designed to limit hunting by imposing high priced alternative products like tungsten, copper, and steel. It will reduce available conservation dollars as sportsmen reduce purchases of hunting and angling gear. Take Action!  Sportsmen are urged to contact their congressperson and their senators and tell them to ask the Obama Administration to oppose this measure. Tell them banning lead will destroy both part of America’s heritage and reduce conservation dollars.  To find your Representative’s phone number use the Legislative Action Center.

            The Division of Natural Resources (DNR) recently announced hunters donated 1,149 deer to the Hunters Helping the Hungry (HHH) Program during the 2008 hunting season – very close to last season’s donation total (1,224). 

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

            Venison is collected and distributed by Mountaineer Food Bank (Gassaway) and Huntington Area Food Bank. Two-pound packages of ground venison are 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, those interested are encouraged to enroll now so they may receive venison during next season. Contact Mountaineer Food Bank at (304) 364-5518 to discuss the application process needed to participate.

            “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 by 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 donation to the HHH Program, or wishing more information, should go to the HHH Web page at:  www.wvdnr.gov/Hunting/HHH.shtm, or contact Jerry Westfall at (304) 558-2771; jerrywestfall@wvdnr.gov . 

**DNR**

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE             Contact: Greg R. Lawson (614) 888-4868 or glawson@ussportsmen.org
February 19, 2009                                        Doug Grassian (407) 566-2216 or doug.grassian@espn.com

(Columbus) - BASS announced today that BASS Youth and the United States Sportsmen’s Alliance, in conjunction with Trailblazer Adventure Program, have formalized a relationship to further outdoor education among youth at Boy Scout of America Camps and other organizations nationwide.

BASS Federation Nation members and local Federation Nation clubs will set up education stations at the camps, including BASS CastingKids elements such as casting techniques, baiting and lure selection, fish identification, game and fish regulations, sportsmanship, boating safety, conservation and outdoor ethics, as part of the Trailblazer Adventure Program.

“We are looking to augment the reach of our Trailblazer Adventure Program and working with BASS is just a natural fit,” said Bud Pidgeon, president and chief executive officer of U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance. “Introducing youth to the fun associated with the outdoors is critical, and this relationship serves as an effective way to reach new audiences.”

The Trailblazer Adventure Program is the largest scale outdoor program of its kind, having brought the thrill of outdoor sports to more than 700,000 youth and families since 2001. In 2008, the Trailblazer Adventure Program hosted 75 events in 34 states and hosted more than 179,000 participants.

Since 1983, BASS has provided programs through the BASS Federation Nation for children to learn about conservation, natural resources, fishing and competition through the Junior Bassmasters, including the introduction of CastingKids in 1991.

“It’s exciting to collaborate and expand on each organization’s capacity to positively impact the well-being of our children and the environment,” said Tom Ricks, vice president and general manager, BASS. “With the generous contribution of their personal time, BASS Federation Nation members will foster this partnership’s immediate nationwide impact, connecting more children to some of our most traditional pastimes.”

For more information, contact BASS Communications at (407) 566-2208 or visit www.Bassmaster.com. Visit www.espnoutdoorsmedia.com for BASS/ESPN Outdoors’ latest releases, photos and more.

For those of us that have quizzed Senator Rockefeller on Wilderness issues in West Virginia this may not come as a total shock but I couldn’t help but report the following information on West Virginia’s junior Senator voting against, yes against, reaffirming the rights of the residents of Washington, D.C. to own firearms. How a United States Senator from West Virginia can get away with voting to oppose Second Amendment rights to citizens in the United States is befuddling to me. Nonetheless Senator Rockefeller’s vote speaks for itself. The junior Senator voted nay to restore Second Amendment rights in the District of Columbia. Senate Amendment 575 on Senate bill 160 was introduced by Nevada Senator John Ensign (R). Fortunately the amendment passed but 36 Senators opposed emphatically affirming the recent Supreme Court decision of District of Columbia v. Heller.

 The amendment, attached to S.160, the "D.C. Voting Rights Act", will repeal restrictive gun control laws passed by the District of Columbia's (D.C.) city council in defiance of the landmark D.C. v. Heller Supreme Court decision. The vote margin was 62-36 with one Senator abstaining.

 I plan to write the Senator about his vote….not that his staff will understand the letter. After all I wrote him three times adamantly opposing additional Wilderness designation on the Monongahela National Forest only to have him (actually I believe it was his staffers response) thanking me for my support of increasing Wilderness on the Mon. Additional correspondence could not get the Senator’s attention and I finally had to call the office in Charleston and D.C.

 We all know how that legislation turned out. Below is a link if you care to see how the vote went.

Feb. 5, 2009  
Deer harvested at One Shot Hunt helps needy families

Contact: Sara Payne Scarbro, 304-558-3848

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The governor and first lady today presented a '35,000 check to the Hunters Helping the Hungry (HHH) program. These funds were made possible by the proceeds, including entry fees, sales of banquet tickets, raffles and generous donations from corporations and businesses, from the second annual Governor’s One Shot Whitetail Hunt.

The money will be used to help offset the program’s costs of processing and distributing the venison, donated by generous hunters, to food pantries, soup kitchens, and needy families across the state. West Virginia native Brigadier Gen. Charles E. “Chuck” Yeager, U.S.A.F., Ret., was the guest of honor for a second year. He joined 23 other participants who made up the 12 teams in the hunt.

“The annual One Shot allows individuals to help those in need, while also having fun and enjoying the sport of hunting,” said Gov. Joe Manchin. “This event truly showcases our state’s great whitetail deer hunting opportunities, but also the good will of our people. I am very proud that this December’s hunt was more successful than the first one, and I look forward to this year’s event.”

The 2007 One Shot event produced '17,000 for the HHH program, and the 2008 hunt, which was held in central West Virginia Dec. 7-8, 2008, more than doubled that amount. The hunt was for antlerless deer only, and the deer harvested at the event were donated to the HHH program, with the meat distributed to needy families across the state by the Mountaineer Food Bank in Gassaway and the Huntington Food Bank.

“DNR is restricted from using sportsmen’s license dollars to fund this program, and is completely dependent upon donations by generous individuals, businesses, conservation organizations, foundations, and churches, as well as the One Shot Whitetail Hunt,” said DNR Director Frank Jezioro. “Without these contributions, we simply could not continue the HHH Program, and we thank all those who helped.”

The 2008 season marked the 17th consecutive year that the Division of Natural Resources has sponsored the HHH program, which provides thousands of pounds of donated venison to hungry West Virginians each year. More information about HHH can be found at www.wvdnr.gov or by calling 304-558-2771.

Feeding programs from the state’s 55 counties can receive venison. For more information about the distribution, please contact the Mountaineer Food Bank at 304-364-5518.

Deer Management Threatened in Indiana Bill Sets Arbitrary Increase for Deer Harvests 2/6/09   A new Indiana bill increasing the bag limit for deer in thirty counties has substituted politics for scientific wildlife management. House Bill 1585 was introduced by Representative Bill Friend (R- Macy). The bill politicizes wildlife management by permitting the legislature, not the state wildlife management agency, to have jurisdiction over setting seasons and bag limits. According to the bill, the Director of the Division of Fish and Wildlife is mandated to double the seasonal bag limit for deer in each of the thirty counties that experienced the highest number of deer-vehicle collisions as reported by the state police department. The new limits would begin in the 2009 hunting season and continue through the end of the 2011 season. According to Rick Story, senior vice president of the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance, “It’s a slippery slope whenever politicians get involved in wildlife management. It is a highly scientific process that should be handled by the responsible agency and not be made a political football.”

            West Virginia hunters harvested a record 2,064 black bears during the combined 2008 archery and firearms seasons, according to Chris Ryan, Black Bear Project Leader for the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. The preliminary harvest data for the combined seasons in 2008 was 14 percent higher than the previous record of 1,804 established in 2007.

            “Numerous factors contributed to this record bear harvest,” said Ryan. “West Virginia has a tremendous bear population that allows for a variety of different hunting opportunities. The expansion and increase in the bear population has led to the extension of hunting seasons designed to keep counties in line with their management objectives. With the cooperation of hunters, wildlife managers can maintain and/or adjust bear populations to desired management levels by implementing appropriate hunting regulations.”

            Hunters took 477 bears during the 2008 archery season. The top five counties were Randolph (56), Nicholas (37), Preston (36), Webster (32), and McDowell (24).

            Firearms hunters took a record harvest of 1,587 bears during 2008. Hunters took 670 bears during the September season. Top five counties were Pendleton (72), Randolph (66), Hardy (62), Pocahontas (60) and Greenbrier (52). Hunters took 109 bears during the concurrent buck gun season. Top five counties were Kanawha (32), Raleigh (27), Boone (25), Fayette (24) and Monongalia (1).  Hunters took 808 during the traditional December season. The top five counties were Pocahontas (128), Greenbrier (105), Pendleton (102), Randolph (76), and Webster (68).

Legislation Imposes Costly Restrictions on Sporting Dog Breeders
1/20/09

Two new bills introduced in Illinois and Minnesota continues the antis’ trend to put hunting dog breeders in the crosshairs by ostensibly targeting abusive commercial dog breeders.

The measures feature language failing to distinguish between commercial dog breeders and sporting dog breeders. They also include restrictive regulations that will drive up the costs of doing business.

The USSA urges sportsmen nationwide to watch for similar proposals emerging in other state legislatures.

In Illinois, State Representative John Fritchey (D-Chicago) and State Senator Dan Dan Kotowski (D- Mt. Prospect) announced their intention over the weekend to introduce legislation regulating puppy mills.  The legislation as written goes far beyond regulating abusive, commercial breeding operations and targets sporting dog kennels, as well.

Specifically, the bills subject kennel owners to criminal background checks, finger printing, extensive record keeping, and daily sanitization requirements.  The bill places rigorous restrictions on the numbers of dogs that can be housed in each kennel.  A maximum of only 20 unspayed or neutered dogs can be kept in a kennel at a time with no more than three adults being kept in the same enclosure.  This flies in the face of many accepted sporting dog rearing practices in which dogs are housed with their packs.

Other problems for sporting dog kennel owners include:

possible citation of owners for a dog who knocks over its water dish;

a mandate that the fencing on outdoor dog runs be free of rust;

ridiculous  temperature regulations for the housing enclosures;

a requirement that all dogs be euthanized by a licensed veterinarian, causing dogs to suffer while a licensed vet is found to perform the procedure.

Meanwhile, in Minnesota, a bill, S.F. 7, has been introduced in the Senate by Senator Don Betzold (DFL- Fridley) and would create many of the same problems.  

As with similar legislation that the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance has fought  in Pennsylvania and Ohio, the Illinois and Minnesota  bills paint with far too wide a brushstroke.  Instead of focusing on abusive commercial breeders, the bills fail to distinguish between types of kennels.  Many sporting dog breeders will be forced out of business due to increased compliance costs or to overzealous enforcement.

 Sportsmen in Illinois and Minnesota need to contact their state legislators today.  Tell them to ensure sporting dog kennels are protected before they pass any legislation dealing with “puppy mills.”   To contact your legislator use the Legislative Action Center.

West Virginia Hunters Harvest 162,371 Deer in 2008

             Preliminary counts of game checking tags indicate West Virginia hunters harvested a total of 162,371 white-tailed deer during the recently completed bucks-only, antlerless, muzzleloader, bow and youth/Class Q deer seasons, according to Division of Natural Resources Director Frank Jezioro. This year’s total harvest was 11 percent above the 2007 deer harvest of 145,937 and ranks as the 15^th highest total on record. Hunters killed 68,540 bucks, 54,704 antlerless season deer, 30,749 archery season deer and 8,378 muzzleloader season deer during the 2008 season.

Antlerless Deer Season

             The 2008 antlerless deer season, which includes the youth/Class Q deer hunts, was 25 percent above 2007, due in part to the increase in hunter opportunities to take antlerless deer.  “It is important to note that part of the deer management strategy is to regulate the harvest of antlerless deer in individual counties to raise or lower the deer population,” said Jezioro. The top 10 counties were: Preston (2,843), Jackson (2,173), Mason (2,155), Wood (2,118), Lewis (2,051), Harrison (1,921), Wetzel (1,866), Ritchie (1,792), Barbour (1,728) and Monongalia (1,676).

             “Continued doe harvests are the key to healthier, heavier, and more productive deer herds. Guided by our deer harvest management plan, we will continue to recommend appropriate antlerless harvests for the benefit of not only the deer herd, but also all wildlife dependent on our state’s woodland habitat," said Jezioro.      

Muzzleloader Deer Season

             The 2008 muzzleloader harvest of 8,378 was nine percent above the 2007 harvest and ranks as the 16^th highest total on record.  The increase in harvest is attributed in part to the increased number of counties open to either sex muzzleloader hunting. Generally, antlerless deer make up 80 percent of the muzzleloader season harvest. The top 10 counties were: Braxton (538), Lewis (392), Preston (320), Mason (299), Ritchie (297), Jackson (279), Roane (270), Gilmer (267), Wood (264) and Barbour (245).

Archery Deer Season

             The bow hunters take of 30,749 deer was12 percent above the 2007 harvest of 27,440 and ranks as the 6^th highest on record. The top 10 counties were: Preston (1,434), Randolph (1,268), Kanawha (878), Nicholas (870), Monongalia (854), Mason (825), Greenbrier (788), Wyoming (746), McDowell (741), and Jackson (733).

(Note: If your e-mail viewer does not properly display the deer harvest chart below, you can see it on the WVDNR Web site at http://www.wvdnr.gov/news.shtm )

**DNR**

Trappers,

NAFA (North American Fur Auctions) held their first sale of the season

on January 7, showing "early market uncertainties." Only raccoon,

beaver, coyote and muskrat were offered for sale. You can view their

prices at http://www.nafa.ca/auction/archive/NAFA_09-01-07_WF_USD.pdf

and you will need Adobe Acrobat reader (www.adobe.com) to view the file.

2008 West Virginia Fall Turkey Harvest Down

            Preliminary figures for the 2008 fall turkey hunting season indicate that 1,128 birds were harvested this fall. This represents a 25 percent decline from last year’s fall harvest of 1,511. The largest harvest declines were reported in the western counties of District 6 (down 62 percent) and the southeastern counties of District 4 (down 61 percent). More moderate harvest declines were reported in the central and eastern counties of District 3 (down 20 percent) and the eastern-panhandle counties of District 2 (down 10 percent).  District 1, located in the north-central and northern-panhandle regions of the state, reported an overall harvest increase of 15 percent. Mason County, the only county open to fall turkey hunting in District 5, reported a 48 percent harvest increase.

            The counties reporting the highest turkey harvests this fall include:  Randolph (108), Mason (99), Preston (89), Greenbrier (79) and Pocahontas (74). 

            Wildlife Biologists had forecast a lower fall turkey harvest based upon poor poult production in the spring and abundant food sources this fall which tend to scatter flocks and make them less accessible to hunters. “Prior to the season, it was predicted the fall wild turkey harvest might drop as much as 15 percent,” noted Paul Johansen, Assistant Chief in Charge of Game Management.  “Wet, windy weather during the first week of the season, particularly in our southeastern counties, probably reduced hunter turnout and hampered those who did venture forth, causing a larger than expected decrease in our fall turkey harvest.”

**DNR**

County and District harvest figures follow.