Coming Events

West Virginia: Right-to-Carry Reciprocity Expands to Kansas

            SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Preliminary figures for the 2011 fall turkey hunting season show a harvest of 1,172 turkeys, according to Paul Johansen, assistant chief in charge of game management for the Wildlife Resources Section of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. The 2011 harvest was four percent higher than the 1,126 birds checked in during the 2010 fall season. 

            “Fall wild turkey harvests are highly influenced by annual reproduction and hard mast conditions,” stated Johansen.  “The reduced acorn crop of 2011 had birds more concentrated around specific food sources and easier to harvest than in 2010.  Although there were six fewer counties open to fall hunting in 2011, the harvest was slightly above the 2010 tally. Biologists had predicted that the harvest would be similar to higher because of the mast conditions and brood production and these predictions held true in 2011.”     

            Top counties for 2011 were Randolph (142), Greenbrier (91), Preston (76), Pocahontas (68) and Monroe (63). 

**DNR**

Editor’s note: The fall 2011 turkey harvest figures are shown on the following chart.

The Dirty Dozen

Compliments of the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance/ www.ussportsmen.org
1/9/12

As 2012 begins, it’s important to take note of groups that are working against your opportunities to hunt, trap, fish and enjoy the outdoors. To that effect, here is what we call The Dirty Dozen:

1)   Humane Society of the United States or HSUS—needs no commentary or introduction to hunters and trappers everywhere, but has been in the news and advertisements recently for sharing only one percent with animal shelters of the '187,515,301.00 the group raked in during 2010. Details are at http://www.ussportsmen.org/page.aspx?pid=2954.

2)   People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals or PETA—outrageous, radical and out of touch with mainstream America on issues related to pets, food, hunting, trapping, fishing and many other topics.  PETA also promotes a vegan lifestyle and has many programs to turn children against farming, hunting, trapping, fishing and other mainstream lifestyles.  This group paid legal fees for a convicted animal rights terrorist.

3)   Center for Biological Diversity—the CBD makes a living suing mainly the federal government, and then recouping those fees and more. CBD strives to expand the Endangered Species Act to include hundreds of animals and plants.  The group has also been involved in some seemingly tangential activities such as passing out condoms in a campaign about controlling the human population.

4)   Defenders of Wildlife—works to save and increase the number of wolves, prairie dogs, and other nuisance species roaming America. But there is no doubt Defenders' main focus is their misguided effort to protect and restore wolves throughout the Lower 48 States and in Alaska.  They do this without regard to the havoc caused by uncontrolled wolf populations to other wildlife such as moose, elk and mule deer.  According the group’s IRS 990, Defenders’ of Wildlife collected more than '29 million in revenue in 2010, spending more than '1.5 million on more fund raising during that period.

5)   American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals— ASPCA thinks hunting and trapping are cruel and should be outlawed everywhere, beginning with wildlife refuges.  It advances its anti-hunting agenda by lobbying legislators, government officials and policy makers to obtain support for anti-sportsmen legislation. The ASPCA encourages grassroots activists to take part in letter writing campaigns to legislators and encourages boycotts of products tested on animals.

6)   Sierra Club—Sierra Club and many of its chapters oppose access by roads to vast tracts of public lands and the group also opposes many scientific wildlife management practices. The Sierra Club’s Legal Defense Fund has frequently sued the federal government over those issues, then sought reimbursement for its legal expenses. Many of its chapters have actively opposed hunting.  For example, a New Jersey Sierra Club chapter has been a leader in opposing that state’s bear hunts. The Sierra Club Grand Canyon chapter worked to end all hunting in Arizona when Proposition 109 was being considered. The Sierra Club in California opposed bear hunting with hounds. Yes, actions speak louder than words - the Sierra Club and many of its chapters are anti-hunting.

7)   Friends of Animals— is opposed to deer, goose, wolf and other types of hunting according to its website information. The group has formed protests against deer management hunts in the Northeast and also formed a protest in Montana opposing wolf hunting.

8)   Wild Earth Guardians—is opposed to trapping and worked to end trapping on all public lands in New Mexico, according to the group’s website. WEG also actively opposes wolf and mountain lion hunting.

9)   Animal Welfare Institute—sued to stop trapping in Maine because of the Canada lynx. The AWI reports that it wants to “end the torture inflicted on furbearing animals by steel jaw leghold traps and wire snares.” The group’s website also reports that it “…wants to end cruel and irresponsible hunting and trapping, capture and killing for profit …” The group, active since 1951,  produces “Trapped Animal” and “Cull of the Wild” brochures filled with sensational mistruths to present its opposition to trapping and the fur industry.

10)  Animal Legal Defense Fund—opposes hunting and trapping and notes that “animals are entitled to basic legal rights in our society.” In other words, they believe a squirrel should be able to sue you for hunting it. This group’s IRS 2010 Form 990 reports revenue of more than '5 million – all to take away your outdoor heritage.

11)  In Defense of Animals—worldwide organization founded in 1983 that would like to see all hunting banned. It also strongly opposes trapping and other forms of animal use based on the opinion that these acts are unduly exploiting animals.

12)  International Fund for Animal Welfare—an international organization that has done considerable work to ban hunting with hounds and seal hunting.  It boasts of approximately two million members worldwide, and believes “all animals and humans are linked in fate.” It first gained notoriety when it campaigned to ban Canada seal hunts.

Keep the Dirty Dozen in mind when talking to other sportsmen and friends and family this year. To help the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance in its efforts to protect hunting, fishing, and trapping, consider a donation by visiting www.ussportsmen.org/donate.

12/22/11 

Trapping continues to be a hot topic in some regions, and a target for anti-trapping organizations everywhere. The robust fur markets in some regions of the country today are proof that trapping is here to stay for a long, long time. Trapping is definitely an important hobby, outdoors pursuit, and vital tool for wildlife managers.

If you need more reason to get outdoors, or want to improve the odds of survival for some popular and huntable animal species like rabbits, waterfowl, or wild turkeys, then take up trapping.

Traps can also help take and control problem species, like beavers, that inflict millions of dollars of damage to property or crops each year. These damages range from ruined timber, to flooded crops, to holes dug in dikes and dams. Then there’s the growing problem of missing pets—with coyotes being the culprits.

For example, one damage control specialist in Illinois recently reported that he had requests to trap and check the stomach contents of coyotes that were thought to have eaten pet dogs and prized cats in one region. In one case a coyote apparently ate a cat that was wearing a custom diamond encrusted collar.

There’s also the “smelly” issue of skunks. Anyone who has ever had a dog sprayed by a skunk wants trapping of the black and white creatures to begin immediately! It is also a fact that trapping helps prevent rabies and other threats to public health and safety brought on by a sharp rise in furbearer populations.

These include diseases spread by—or contracted by—foxes and raccoons. There are far more of these nuisance critters out in the fields and forests than the average citizen realizes. All you need to do to get a fractional estimate of the local population is look on and along the highways for road kill animals. You’ll probably see lots of raccoons, some foxes and a few coyotes, and in some places beavers, and the occasional bobcat. Raccoons have become very common in some areas and have caused homeowner problems by raiding bird feeders, trash cans, and pet food dishes.

The good news is that trapping supplies today are generally inexpensive and so are many resident trapping licenses.  Fur prices, however, remain generally low partly because of the weak economy. With high gas prices on top of those, there may be critters and opportunities for you and for your traps.

For more information on trapping, visit the Fur Takers of America at www.furtakersofamerica.com.

Wildlife Land Trust Not to Be Trusted

12/22/11

If you have never heard of the Wildlife Land Trust, now could be a good time to take note. This project is a subsidiary of the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), the country’s largest animal rights group.   This anti-hunting trust reported control or ownership of more than 100 “sanctuaries” in 38 states. 

Hunting and trapping are prohibited on these sites, many of which are donated to the HSUS.  In fact, they boast that “recreational and commercial hunting and trapping will always be prohibited”. 

Unfortunately, they garnered '5 million in donations last year alone for this trust.

Additional details, in case you want to determine if these anti-hunting properties are located near you, can be found at:  www.wlt.org. And in true HSUS fashion, you’ll spot a donation link if you go there.

            GRAFTON, W.Va. – Tygart Lake State Park lodge and restaurant will no longer close during the winter and now will be a year-round operation. According to Paul Redford, a district administrator with the West Virginia State Parks system, the decision to keep the lodge and restaurant open at Tygart Lake is due to not only the popularity of the park restaurant operated by the Boston Beanery, but also because of the number of calls requesting rooms during the time it has been historically closed for the season.

            “The restaurant’s success, as well as business we’ve turned away, warrants a two-year assessment for year-round operation,” Redford explained.  “We think the positives far out-weigh any challenges that would arise with keeping the lodge open during the winter months. We’ll reassess the success of year-round operations in 2014. Beginning January 1, this will be the first time in memory that Tygart Lake Lodge and restaurant will be open for business winter and year-round. The park’s cabins and campground are open from mid-April and closed during the winter months.”

           The Boston Beanery became the food service managers at Tygart Lake State Park Lodge in 2010. Featuring a wide variety of menu options not readily available in the Grafton area, the parking lot quickly yielded to an overflow parking situation that resulted in some unexpectedly positive growing-pains.  Restaurant managers are not surprised at the immediate success.  “We offer good food, great selections and a lake view that can’t be beat in our area,” said Ken Cole, CEO of the Boston Hospitality Group. They operate a number of restaurants under the name Boston Beanery in West Virginia as well as in Pennsylvania and Virginia.

            A variety of winter activities and events are already planned. A New Year’s Eve Dinner/Dance December 31, 2011; and a February 11 Valentine Dinner/Dance both offer overnight packages.  A Valentine Dinner and Evening is planned for February 14, 2012. 

            To learn more about Tygart Lake State Park or overnight lodge reservations, meeting or restaurant information, visit http://www.tygartlake.com/ or call 304-265-6144.

**DNR**

           

West Virginia Division of Natural Resources                          www.wvdnr.gov       Earl    Ray Tomblin,    Governor                                    Frank    Jezioro, Director       News    Release:    December 9, 2011       Facebook: WV Commerce -    State Parks               Hoy    Murphy, Public Information Officer 304-957-9365 hoy.r.murphy@wv.gov          Contact:    Curtis Taylor, Wildlife Resources Section  Chief         304-558-2771 DNR.Wildlife@wv.gov

Deer hunters in  West Virginia harvest 59,835 bucks during the buck firearms season

             SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Preliminary data collected from game checking  stations across the state indicate deer hunters in West Virginia harvested  59,835 bucks during the two-week buck firearms season, which ran from November  21 through December 3, according to Frank Jezioro, Director of the West  Virginia Division of Natural Resources (DNR).  The 2011 buck harvest  was 38 percent more than the 2010 harvest of 43,461.  The top 10  counties for buck harvest were as follows:  Preston (2,162), Randolph  (2,039), Jackson (1,960), Mason (1,931), Greenbrier (1,803), Roane (1,743),  Wood (1,703), Hampshire (1,661), Upshur (1,596) and Hardy (1,574).
               This year’s buck harvest is significantly higher than last year, with increases  occurring across all DNR districts. The largest percentage increases occurred  in the western and southern counties. This year’s preliminary buck harvest  remains 3 percent below the previous five-year average of 61,428.
               Wildlife biologists and  wildlife managers collected age-specific biological information at checking  stations in 12 counties this year. Preliminary analysis indicates antler  development was good and many hunters harvested older-aged bucks.  Other  contributing factors such as the exceptional acorn crop in the fall of 2010 and  deer densities more in balance with the habitat in many areas combined to make  this year’s deer season successful for many hunters.
               “White-tailed deer are a product of the environment,” Jezioro said.  “Too  many deer on a given tract of land will result in loss of body weight,  reduction in antler development, decrease in reproduction and sometimes  death due to starvation during winter months.  Hunters and landowners must  continually assess their expectations of the proper number of deer sightings  versus the visible impacts deer have on vegetation. We need help managing the  state’s deer herd by participating and encouraging antlerless deer harvests  where needed to benefit not only the deer herd, but all wildlife dependent on  our state’s woodland habitat.”
               Wildlife Biologists will analyze data from the combined 2011 deer seasons  (i.e., buck, antlerless, archery and muzzleloader) before making appropriate  recommendations for next year’s deer seasons.  These recommendations will  be available for public review at 12 regulations meetings scheduled for March  12 and 13, 2012 (see current 2011 - 2012 Hunting and Trapping Regulations  Summary page 5 or visit the WVDNR website  at www.wvdnr.gov  for scheduled times and  places).
               Director Jezioro reminds hunters that the traditional six-day antlerless deer  season in selected counties on both public and private land ends Saturday,  December 10.  Muzzleloader deer season begins December 12 and runs through  December 17. The Youth and Class Q/QQ antlerless deer season will be open on  Monday and Tuesday, December 26 and 27 in any county with a firearms deer  season, and will be followed by a four-day reopening of antlerless deer season  (December 28 - 31) in 42 counties or portions of counties (see 2011 - 2012  Hunting and Trapping Regulations Summary or visit the DNR Web site at www.wvdnr.gov for county and area listings).

***DNR***

[Editors:   Please see attached table with West Virginia’s buck harvest statistics for 2007  – 2011.]

West Virginia County Considering Mandatory Spay/Neuter for Dog Owners
 Sportsmen’s Calls Needed to Help Stop Unwarranted Ordinance
Commissioners in Mercer  County, West Virginia, are considering a  proposal that would require all dogs over six months of age be sterilized  unless the dog’s owner obtains a '50 unaltered dog permit for every dog that is  not spayed/neutered. An unaltered dog permit will only be issued if the County  Clerk determines the permit is for “a proper purpose,” that the dog is examined  by a veterinarian regularly, the dog is vaccinated annually, the dog is housed  “properly,” and that the owner does not have more than one violation of the  animal code within the last 24 months.  The ordinance does not state what  a “proper purpose” for owning an intact dog is or what “proper” housing might  be. “The terms ‘proper purpose’ and ‘proper housing’ aren’t  defined and could mean sporting dog owners could face different requirements if  they want to keep intact dogs depending on who the County Clerk is,” said  Jeremy Rine, U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance associate director of state services.  “Sporting  dog owners deserve to know what standards they are being held to and they  certainly can’t follow standards that are undefined and could change from  day-to-day.” Additionally, dog owners who wish to breed a dog must also  purchase a yearly '30 breeder permit for each dog the owner will breed.   The ordinance will generally prohibit breeders from breeding a licensed dog  more than once per year, prohibit them from selling or transferring a dog until  it is seven weeks of age or older, and will require breeders to register with the county the name, address, and telephone number of  any person who a dog is transferred to – even if the dog is simply given away. “This ordinance will only serve to hurt responsible dog  breeders within the county and could force  sporting dog owners to sterilize their prize hunting dogs,” said Rine.   “Sporting and other dog owners that live in or train or hunt their dogs in Mercer County should contact the Commissioners and  ask them to vote this overreaching ordinance down.” Take Action!  Sportsmen are encouraged to  attend a Tuesday, December 13th hearing on the ordinance and express their  opposition.  The hearing will start at 10:00 a.m. and will be held at the  Mercer County Commission, 1501 W. Main Street in Princeton. Sportsmen should also contact County Commissioners Joe  Coburn, Jay Mills, and Mike Vinciguerra and ask them to oppose the  ordinance.  They can be contacted at: Mercer County Commission
 1501 W. Main St, Suite 210
 Princeton, WV 24740 Phone: (304) 487-8308
 Fax: (304) 487-8370
 Email: mercercocommission@frontier.net  Privacy Policy <http://www.ussportsmen.org/page.aspx?pid=2644&srctid=1&erid=10541212&trid=e001c94b-1dcc-4519-a54a-cd129e0dc1e4>  | Unsubscribe <http://www.ussportsmen.org/page.aspx?pid=188&srctid=1&erid=10541212&trid=e001c94b-1dcc-4519-a54a-cd129e0dc1e4>

Contact: David Sternberg 215-814-5548 sternberg.david@epa.gov   EPA Notifies Four West Virginia Growers to Obtain Discharge Permits   (PHILADELPHIA – Nov. 30, 2011) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced today that it has notified four poultry growers in West Virginia to cease discharging pollutants from farms to waterways and obtain the necessary permits that are required by the Clean Water Act.   The agency believes that some farmers in the Shenandoah Valley and West Virginia could benefit from more information about the federal requirements to reduce polluted stormwater runoff.  EPA and national and state poultry industry associations are in discussions on developing a program to educate growers on water quality and compliance issues.   “Based on our experience, educating farmers on the requirements of the Clean Water Act goes a long way in helping them to protect and improve local water quality and increase compliance,” said EPA Regional Administrator Shawn M. Garvin. “We’ve had good results from working closely with integrators and trade associations, making sure farmers know how they can best reduce runoff and meet their regulatory responsibilities.”   EPA issued the orders following inspections this past June of five chicken and turkey operations in West Virginia. The inspections found that four of the five operations were concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) as defined by the Clean Water Act and that they had neither applied for nor obtained the required discharge permits. The fifth grower had already applied for the permit.   Also, at four of the facilities inspected, man-made ditches draining stormwater away from the poultry houses and sheds containing manure and compost allowed pollutants to discharge to waterways during rain events.    EPA’s actions are part of an ongoing initiative to improve water quality in local waterways and the Chesapeake Bay. For more information about the Chesapeake Bay watershed compliance and enforcement strategy visit http://www.epa.gov/compliance/civil/initiatives/chesapeakebay.html Note: If a link above doesn't work, please copy and paste the URL into a browser.

(PHILADELPHIA – Nov. 30, 2011) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced today that it has notified four poultry growers in West Virginia to cease discharging pollutants from farms to waterways and obtain the necessary permits that are required by the Clean Water Act.

The agency believes that some farmers in the Shenandoah Valley and West Virginia could benefit from more information about the federal requirements to reduce polluted stormwater runoff.  EPA and national and state poultry industry associations are in discussions on developing a program to educate growers on water quality and compliance issues.

“Based on our experience, educating farmers on the requirements of the Clean Water Act goes a long way in helping them to protect and improve local water quality and increase compliance,” said EPA Regional Administrator Shawn M. Garvin. “We’ve had good results from working closely with integrators and trade associations, making sure farmers know how they can best reduce runoff and meet their regulatory responsibilities.”

EPA issued the orders following inspections this past June of five chicken and turkey operations in West Virginia. The inspections found that four of the five operations were concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) as defined by the Clean Water Act and that they had neither applied for nor obtained the required discharge permits. The fifth grower had already applied for the permit.

Also, at four of the facilities inspected, man-made ditches draining stormwater away from the poultry houses and sheds containing manure and compost allowed pollutants to discharge to waterways during rain events.

EPA’s actions are part of an ongoing initiative to improve water quality in local waterways and the Chesapeake Bay. For more information about the Chesapeake Bay watershed compliance and enforcement strategy visit http://www.epa.gov/compliance/civil/initiatives/chesapeakebay.html

Note: If a link above doesn't work, please copy and paste the URL into a browser.

Trappers,

Trappers in West Virginia have been asked to participate in a study which collects DNA samples from coyotes.

Lauren Mastro, a biologist with USDA, Wildlife Services, National Wildlife Research Center is researching the genetic background of WV coyotes and needs help collecting samples. She needs a small section of hide or pelt. It doesn't need to have fur on it. (The inside of an ear or a piece off the lower half of the leg will work). It is very important that samples are kept cool and frozen as soon as possible. So, green/fresh fur that was skinned within 24 hours and frozen will work. Coyotes that were kept cool and frozen in the round will work. Hides that are partially dried or finished/tanned won't work.

Trappers can either remove a piece of pelt themselves (about a square inch) put it in a bag, labeled with the county it was caught in and freeze it. Or if they remove the lower leg for easier skinning, they can freeze the leg (with the skin still on it) in a bag labeled with the county. If you have questions or samples, please give her a call. She will work with you to pick up the sample(s). Samples need to be collected by the first week of January. She needs 2 samples from each of the following counties: Berkley, Boone, Braxton, Brooke, Cabell, Clay, Doddridge, Fayette, Grant, Hampshire, Hancock, Hardy, Jefferson, Lincoln, Logan, Marion, McDowell, Mingo, Morgan, Ohio, Putnam, Raleigh, Summers, Taylor, Tucker, Tyler, Upshur, Wayne or Wyoming.

She also needs 1 sample each from: Gilmer, Greenbrier, Kanawha, Mason, Mercer, Mineral and Webster. Lauren can be reached at: office (304) 636-1785 extension 17, cell (435) 890-9724, e-mail lauren.l.mastro@aphis.usda.gov

Thanks if you can help with this program.

Sincerely,

Janet Hodge

WVTA President

Bear poaching convictions in Preston County by WVDNR Law Enforcement

            TERRA ALTA, W.Va. – A father and son from Terra Alta, W.Va., have been convicted of several violations of West Virginia’s wildlife laws following a two-week black bear poaching/killing investigation in Preston County.

            The investigation was conducted by Natural Resources Police Officer Paul Ferguson after he received information from a confidential informant about a bear poaching. That investigation resulted in the arrest of Arnold Dalton, age 77, and his son Eric Dalton, age 47.

             Arnold Dalton was charged with and convicted of illegal possession of a black bear and conspiracy to violate Chapter 20 of the West Virginia Code (wildlife law). He pled guilty on Nov. 14, 2011. His fines and court cost totaled ' 1,341.60.

            Eric Dalton was charged with hunting without a bear stamp, illegally killing a black bear, illegal possession of a black bear, conspiring in a violation of Chapter 20. He pled guilty on Nov. 14, 2011, and his total fines, including court costs and replacement fees, were '4,163.20.

            The total fines, court costs and replacement costs assessed in this case were '5,504.80. The subjects may also have their hunting privileges suspended for two years.

**DNR**

November 17, 2011

House Natural Resources Committee Passes Legislation Protecting Sportsmen’s Access Columbus, Ohio – Today the House Natural Resources Committee passed H.R. 2834, the Recreational Fishing and Hunting Heritage and Opportunities Act. This bill would protect fishing, hunting and recreational shooting on federal lands. H.R. 2834 passed the Committee with strong bipartisan support by a vote of 29-14. This vital piece of legislation would require fishing, hunting and recreational shooting to be included in all federal land planning documents and would fix numerous inconsistencies in federal law that are being exploited by litigious environmental groups to reduce hunting opportunities on federal land. This bill is strongly supported by the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance, Safari Club International, the National Rifle Association, and millions of sportsmen across the country. “This legislation is vital given the Administration’s recent actions toward hunters and recreational sport shooters,” said Melissa Simpson, Director of Government Affairs for Safari Club International. “Sportsmen have repeatedly sought to collaborate with the federal agencies and have been greeted with proposed closures in areas such as the Sonoran Desert National Monument, where the BLM intends to close the entire one-half million acre national monument to shooters.  There are some 63 shooting sites within the monument, closure of which will end access for sportsmen.   Passage of H.R. 2834 is necessary to protect against these anti-hunting policies.” “Sportsmen are increasingly facing attacks aimed at stopping them from using public land,” said Bud Pidgeon, President and CEO of the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance.  “This bill closes the loopholes that anti-hunters have used time and time again to try to deny access for hunting, fishing and shooting.  Now is the time to put a stop to it.  We are extremely pleased and appreciative that the House Natural Resources Committee recognized the importance of this bill.”

·         The West Virginia firearm buck gun season is Nov. 21 – Dec. 3. It is open in all counties except Logan, Mingo, McDowell and Wyoming.

·         Approximately 330,000 licensed hunters will be in West Virginia’s woods during this season.

·         Hunters should review the 2011 - 2012 Hunting and Trapping Regulations Summary for detailed instructions concerning bag limits and season dates. The regulations are available at license agents, DNR district offices, or online at www.wvdnr.gov .

·         A list of wildlife checking stations in West Virginia can be found online at www.wvdnr.gov/hunting/check_stations.asp  

·         The firearm antlered deer bag limit during the two-week buck season is two (one on the base license and one on an RG [resident] or RRG [nonresident] stamp). A hunter may take no more than three antlered deer per calendar year in all archery and firearms seasons combined.

·         The last day to purchase an additional buck deer gun tag (Class RG/RRG Stamp) is Nov. 20, 2011. Class RG and Class RRG additional buck stamps can only be used to take an additional antlered deer in firearm buck season. Unused Class RG and Class RRG stamps may not be used in antlerless or muzzleloader seasons.

·         All private land in counties having a firearms antlerless deer gun season (Class N for residents and Class NN for nonresidents) will be open Nov. 21 – Dec. 10 and Dec. 28 – 31. All public lands having an antlerless deer season will be open Nov. 23 – Dec. 10 and Dec. 28 – 31. Bag limits vary among counties and will be one, two or four antlerless deer. Only one deer may be taken per day, except that two antlerless deer may be taken on the same day during Dec. 5–10, 2011, on private land only, provided the first deer is legally checked prior to hunting a second deer.

·         All deer must be field tagged and checked in within 72 hours of the time of kill or within 24 hours of the close of the season, whichever comes first. Additional deer may not be taken until all previously taken deer have been checked. Only one deer may be taken per day during the buck season.

·         Black bear gun season will be open in Boone, Fayette, Kanawha, Monongalia, Morgan, Nicholas (private land) and Raleigh counties Nov. 21 – Dec. 3 during the buck season and concurrent antlerless deer season. A hunter may bag one bear and one deer on the same day during the concurrent seasons in those counties. In addition, the season bag limit for bears is two, provided that at least one bear must be taken in Boone, Fayette, Kanawha, Logan, McDowell, Raleigh, or Wyoming counties. See the 2011-2012 Hunting and Trapping Regulations Summary for details.

·         The traditional muzzleloader season will be Dec. 12 – 17. Muzzleloader hunting for antlered deer is open in all counties open to buck season. A deer of either sex may be taken with muzzleloaders in all counties open to the antlerless deer season. 

·         Hunters spend an estimated '285 million in West Virginia, much of it in the rural areas of the state that depend upon the deer seasons for a large portion of their annual income.

·         In 2010, deer hunters in West Virginia harvested 43,461 bucks during the two-week buck season, a decrease of 31 percent from the 2009 harvest. The 2010 antlerless season deer harvest decreased by 36.5 percent from 2009 for a total of 34,600.

·         WVDNR forecasts that the buck harvest will be higher for 2011. All regions should see a higher total harvest this year. The lower harvest and abundant mast conditions in 2010 should mean that there are plenty of mature, larger-racked bucks available in 2011.

·         Sunday hunting is legal in the following 14 counties on private land only: Boone, Brooke, Clay, Hancock, Jefferson, Lincoln, Logan, McDowell, Marshall, Mingo, Ohio, Wayne, Wetzel and Wyoming. The only Sunday that is open in these counties during the buck season is November 27. Hunters are reminded that deer gun seasons are closed in Logan, Mingo, McDowell and Wyoming counties.

·         Hunters are required to wear at least 400 square inches of blaze orange (about the size of a vest) as an outer garment for visibility and safety. Blaze orange camouflage patterns are legal as long as 400 square inches of blaze orange are displayed on the garment. A blaze orange hat is not required, but the hunter must have blaze orange visible from both the front and the back.

·         Hunting licenses may be purchased online at any time and printed out on a home computer printer. Go to the goWILD! Web site at www.wvhunt.com, fill out the application, and purchase it over a secure server with a credit card.

·         Hunters who wish to donate deer meat or dollars to the Hunters Helping the Hungry program, which distributes deer meat through the Mountaineer Food Bank and the Huntington Food Bank, should call 304-558-2771 or visit the DNR website at www.wvdnr.gov to find a participating meat processor.

**DNR**

Trappers,

We are testing a new e-news program. Our subscriber database has grown so large in the past year, that we're opting to try something new. We hope by using this method, we will be able to send more timely e-news notices to our members, so that all can keep up-to-date on the latest happenings with the WVTA.

We hope each of you have a successful trapping season this year. As a reminder, you are only allowed to take one otter this season.

The January Fur Auction will be held January 6-8, 2012, at the Gilmer County Recreation Center in Glenville, WV. Finished fur will be accepted Friday, 10am until 6pm, and Saturday, 9am until 6pm. Raw fur will be accepted only on Sunday, 9-11am.

Roots and herbs will be accepted on Friday and Saturday only.

If you have questions regarding the fur auction or any aspect of the WVTA, please let us know.

Sincerely,

Janet Hodge

WVTA President

            SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The 2011 “Mast Survey and Hunting Outlook” brochure is available at hunting license agents, West Virginia Division of Natural Resources offices and on DNR’s website, according to Randy Tucker, wildlife biologist for the DNR Wildlife Resources Section. Since 1970, the Wildlife Resources Section, in cooperation with volunteers from numerous other agencies, has conducted a fall mast survey to determine the abundance of mast produced by 18 species of trees and shrubs.

            “The availability of fall foods has a significant impact on wildlife populations and harvests,” said Tucker. “Our biologists have used the mast survey data to demonstrate the strong correlation between mast conditions and deer, bear and turkey harvests. In addition to the impact on harvests, the amount of food available each year can affect the reproductive success of numerous species which will affect population sizes in the following years.”

          Production of acorns and hickory nuts are well below the 41-year average and will have noticeable effects on the 2011-2012 hunting seasons. However, beechnuts and walnuts were well above their long-term average. 

            “It is very important for hunters to scout and consider the type and amount of food available in the areas that they hunt,” added Tucker. “Certain species of wildlife will move larger distances in search of food due to the reduced amount of mast in 2011. Hunters can find a wealth of facts in the ‘Mast Survey and Hunting Outlook’ and it should provide them valuable information before heading into the field.”

           Copies of the 2011 Mast Survey and Hunting Outlook may be found on the DNR website at www.wvdnr.gov under “Hunting.”  Information analyzing mast conditions and wildlife harvests is also available on the website.

**DNR**

Gentlemen,

I bring to your attention the following issue on public lands access and the ongoing battle to restrict sportsmen's rights.

Jim

USSA Director Sets Record Straight on Federal Public Lands Bill 9/14/11

Newly introduced H.R. 2834 (the Recreational Fishing and Hunting Heritage and Opportunities Act) is being supported by a ³who¹s who² of hunting groups for good reason: it is a necessary piece of legislation with a great upside for conservation. Unfortunately, the Obama administration is opposing the bill and is joined by several groups with a history of opposing sound wildlife management and other conservation principles.

House Resolution 2834, a U.S. Sportsmen¹s Alliance backed bill, was introduced recently in Congress. Those testifying in favor of the Act included Bill Horn, U.S. Sportsmen¹s Alliance Director of Federal Affairs.

His testimony revealed numerous benefits for anglers, trappers and hunters. And while there was no mention of roads, jeep, or anything else to do with travel by sportsmen on federal public lands included in H.R. 2834, there was the mention of wilderness. That word quickly triggered opposition from the government in concert with the Wilderness Society.

³The government and the Wilderness Society have publicly claimed this Act will open Wilderness areas to motorized vehicle use,² stated Horn. ³A Society spokesman states if hunters are retrieving game on Wilderness lands, you could ride your off-road jeep anywhere you choose. Nothing could be further from the truth. The bill is not about road construction, jeep trails or motor vehicle access. The absurd comments could be to grab attention, or to simply oppose hunting.²

During the hearing, U.S. Forest Service Deputy Chief Joel Holtrop admitted to being opposed to the bill without fully reading or understanding it.

³H.R. 2834 was only formally introduced three days before this hearing and the Department has not had sufficient time to conduct an in-depth analysis of the legislation as introduced,² he stated.

Predictably, environmental extremists are already misrepresenting the bill that¹s specifically worded and designed to ensure continued fishing, hunting, and shooting on Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) public lands. These lands total more than 400 million acres in the U.S. and provide critical opportunities for public fishing, hunting, and shooting activities. One feature of the bill declares that fishing, hunting, and shooting are ³necessary² to fulfill the purposes of those public land areas designated as Wilderness per the 1964 Wilderness Act.

The provision is needed to counter recent federal court rulings from San Francisco that reinterpreted the meaning of ³necessary² while creating precedents that fishing and hunting might be found to not be ³necessary² in these areas and be prohibited. The ³necessary² section of the bill restores the legal status for hunters and anglers that existed from 1964 until the recent San Francisco rulings.

The jeeps and off-road comments by the Wilderness Society in particular are clouding the real issue and will only confuse the public.

³This statement (about jeeps) is utter nonsense,² continues Horn. ³H.R. 2834 specifies that hunting is ³necessary² so that hunters (and anglers) cannot be run off Wilderness areas by federal judges deciding that these traditional activities are not necessary. The bill makes no reference to motorized vehicles and will not change existing limitations on motorized access on Wilderness lands.²

Environmental groups and the Obama administration through their opposition are distracting anglers and hunters from the potentially devastating consequences of the San Francisco court decisions along with the need to shield sportsmen from those bad rulings.

³And what¹s really ironic is that while the Wilderness Society is complaining about vehicles on public lands, the group is staging a bus tour of a national wildlife refuge in Montana on October 1,² said Horn. ³Nothing will make those elk flee, especially the bugling elk that are being targeted, like a busload of tourists filing off and gathering around or chasing to take a photo. The group should also take note that public lands roads and access make this ³event² possible.²

Take Action! Sportsmen and sportswomen should call their Congressman today and urge them to support H.R. 2834. Tell them that this Act will protect the integrity of federal public lands for future generations and deserves their support. To find your Congressman visit the Legislative Action Center at www.ussportsmen.org/lac.

            SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Reporting poaching and other fish and wildlife law violations just got easier. The Law Enforcement Section of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (DNR) has added a new website option for reporting activity that threatens fish, wildlife and critical habitat. Submitting a tip sends a message to DNR district office staff for response. The website can be found at www.wvdnr.gov/LEnforce/Poachers.shtm .

            "We have a limited number of Natural Resources Police Officers in the field, so the public plays a critical role in protecting our natural resources by reporting violations," said Lt. Col. Jerry Jenkins of the DNR Law Enforcement Section. "Submitting a report is a quick and easy way to report violations.”

            DNR law enforcement officers ask anyone who witnesses a potential violation to collect as much information as possible without confronting the individual under suspicion. Jenkins said helpful information includes license plate numbers, vehicle color and make, the type of violation, the time it occurred and a description of the individual or individuals involved.

            “Reporting a crime with this form is anonymous,” Jenkins said. “The Division of Natural Resources does not obtain any information that will identify the user of this system unless you are willing to give us your name and contact information.”

            Go to www.wvdnr.gov/LEnforce/Poachers.shtm for more information about how to report emergency and non-emergency fish and wildlife violations. The site includes instructions and direct links to the email and online reporting options.

**DNR**

            SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. – New for 2011 – the statewide squirrel season will open on Sept. 10, 2011, and run through Jan. 31, 2012, according to Curtis l. Taylor, Chief of the Wildlife Resources Section of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources.

            The season opener has been moved up four weeks from last year’s opening date, providing hunters with more time to pursue the state’s most popular small game species.

            “Weather conditions in September are usually warmer and more comfortable, making this new season opener a great opportunity to introduce a youngster to the sport of hunting,” said Taylor.

            In addition to warmer weather, September offers more hours of daylight, providing opportunity for evening outings after work or school. 

            Based on last year’s record hard mast crop, the hunting outlook for squirrels this fall looks excellent. Squirrels had abundant food supplies during the winter months, which led to increased numbers of bushytails this spring.

            The daily bag limit will remain at six and possession limit at 24. All licensing requirements will remain in effect and hunters should check the 2011-2012 hunting and trapping regulations for additional information.

**DNR**

GOVERNOR ISSUES A STATEMENT CONCERNING CABELA'S INC. EXPANSION ANNOUNCEMENT The outdoor retailer anticipates the store opening in summer 2012

            CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Pocket calendars published and distributed by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources and the Division of Forestry have dates, times and other information that have changed since the calendars were printed in late 2010.

·         An incorrect opening date for deer archery season appears on the 2011 pocket calendar.  Hunters are reminded that the traditional deer archery season opens on Oct. 1, 2011, and closes on Dec. 31, 2011.  This year’s earlier opening date for the deer archery season was approved by the Natural Resources Commission during its May 1 meeting. Deer of either sex may be hunted statewide with a bow during this traditional archery season. The daily bag limit is one (1) and the maximum season bag limit varies from three (3) to two (2) depending upon the county.

            For information about the West Virginia fall hunting seasons, hunters are urged to check the 2011- 2012 Hunting and Trapping Regulations Summary, available at all license agents or online at www.wvdnr.gov .

·         Beginning Oct. 1, 2011, outdoor burning will be prohibited until after 5 p.m. during fall and spring forest fire seasons.  All fires must be extinguished by 7 a.m.  No outdoor burning will be allowed from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. during forest fire seasons.  Until now, outdoor burning hours started at 4 p.m.

·         In addition to changes in the forest fire season burning hours, the Legislature has increased the maximum fine for illegal burning or escaped fires from '300 to '1,000.  Fines now range from a minimum of '100 to a maximum of '1,000.  A new civil penalty of '200 also will be assessed; money collected from the civil penalty will supplement the agency’s wild land fire suppression budget. 

            For more information about the state’s outdoor burning laws and fire safety, visit the Division of Forestry’s website at www.wvforestry.com.

**DNR**

Friday, July 15, 2011

This week, the House of Representatives Appropriations Committee approved amendments blocking the use of federal funds to implement two controversial schemes by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and it rejected amendments proposing two of gun control groups’ other top priorities.  In addition, the full House adopted a provision protecting gun possession on Army Corps of Engineers land. First, on Wed. July 13, by a vote of 25 to 16, the committee approved Rep. Denny Rehberg’s (R-Mont.) amendment to the 2012 Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies appropriations bill, prohibiting the BATFE from requiring firearm dealers in states bordering Mexico to file reports on certain rifle sales. The Justice Department had announced earlier in the week that the BATFE would soon begin requiring dealers to file the reports on individuals who buy two or more detachable-magazine semi-automatic rifles larger than .22 caliber within a period of five business days. “For more than a decade, efforts to track rifle purchases and create a national gun registry have failed to gain support in Congress, so the ATF is working to implement these regulations using rules written by unelected bureaucrats,” Rep. Rehberg said. "I'm going to keep this government accountable to the people." By a vote of 28-19, the committee also approved Rep. John Carter’s (R-Texas) amendment to stop BATFE from prohibiting the importation of shotguns that have one or more various features disliked by the BATFE, most of which are common to firearms used for protection or sport. Such features include adjustable stocks and extended magazine tubes. Rep. Carter, like Rep. Rehberg, is a member of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus, and believes that “federal gun regulations often create burdens for law-abiding citizens and infringe upon constitutional rights provided by the Second Amendment.” Anti-gun Rep. Nita Lowey (D-N.Y.) was not so successful with her amendment to authorize the Attorney General to prohibit the possession of firearms by anyone whose name appears on the FBI’s secretive terrorist watchlist. Her proposal failed by a vote of 27-18, indicating that a majority on the committee understands the many problems with this idea.  Chief among those is that 95 percent of people on the watchlist are already prohibited from possessing firearms in the U.S. because they are not citizens or legal residents of the United States. In March, a similar amendment pushed by Rep. Mike Quigley (D-Ill.) was rejected by the House Judiciary Committee by a vote of 21-11. Joining Lowey in defeat was Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), whose amendment to gut the law that limits BATFE firearm trace data to law enforcement agencies failed by a vote of 27-20. Schiff alleged that the law—the Tiahrt Amendment, hated by gun control groups—had impeded the congressional investigation of BATFE’s "Fast and Furious" debacle. However, members of Congress leading that investigation disagreed. In a letter to House Appropriations Chairman Hal Rogers (R-Ky.), Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Calif.), Chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform, and Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), ranking member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, said, “the Tiahrt provision has not impeded our investigation. The provision has not been cited by anyone from whom we have sought information as a reason to deny our requests.”  Next, in a Thurs. July 14 voice vote on the House floor, the House adopted an amendment to the Energy and Water Appropriations bill (H.R. 2354—which passed the House on July 15) prohibiting expenditures to enforce the Army Corps of Engineers regulation that bans gun possession on the 11 million acres of land and water the Corps manages.  The amendment, sponsored by Reps. Paul Gosar (R-Ariz.), Bob Gibbs (R-Ohio) and Jason Altmire (D-Pa.) will enhance self-defense rights for law-abiding Americans who hunt, camp and fish on Corps property.  (Rep. Gibbs, joined by the other lawmakers, has previously sponsored H.R. 1865, the "Recreational Lands Self-Defense Act," to overturn the Corps' anti-gun rule.)  Commenting on the amendment, Rep. Altmire noted, "It is important for sportsmen to be able to defend themselves while they legally hunt and fish on property that the Corps owns and operates, much of which is in rural areas without adequate law enforcement." Though none of these votes settle the respective issues—the pro-gun amendments will still have to pass the Senate, and more anti-gun amendments are always possible—all are setbacks for gun control supporters who had been encouraged by talk of the Obama administration planning to bypass Congress and implement a variety of gun control schemes “under the radar.” The Brady Campaign also hoped the rifle sales reports requirement would be followed by a new “assault weapon” ban and a law prohibiting private sales of firearms, the latter of which President Obama alluded to in March.  As all of these issues move through the legislative process, we'll keep you informed of new developments; in the meantime, if your U.S. Representative voted to support gun owners' rights on these votes, please be sure to say "Thank you!" You can call your U.S. Representative at (202) 225-3121, or you can use the "Write Your Representatives" tool at www.NRAILA.org to find contact information.

            SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Officials with the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (DNR) are asking users of the state’s public shooting ranges to help curtail growing instances of damage to the property. Of biggest concern are littering and gunfire damage to target frames, trash barrels, bench posts and other structures at the ranges.

            DNR maintains nearly 30 public shooting ranges at numerous wildlife management areas, two state forests and other publicly accessible locations across West Virginia. These ranges were built and are maintained using funds from the sale of hunting licenses and conservation stamps. They are popular with hunters who use them to practice and sight in their firearms prior to the state’s various hunting seasons. Although hunters pay the costs of the ranges with their license fees, these facilities are open at no charge to the public and are becoming more popular with recreational shooters.

            Recent months have shown an increase in shooting range users damaging the facilities with high-powered firearms and ammunition for which the ranges are not designed, and bringing in inappropriate items which are not permitted under wildlife management area regulations such as household appliances, computer monitors, glass bottles, etc. Some shooters have been using these items as targets and not removing the debris when they leave. The result is that DNR’s wildlife managers are spending much of their time repairing the ranges and removing trash instead of maintaining and creating hunting and fishing opportunities, according to DNR Director Frank Jezioro. Shooters are reminded that current regulations prohibit the use of glass or metal containers as targets on any public shooting range. Only paper, clay and metal silhouette targets may be used on these ranges.

            “Many of the recreational shooters do not have West Virginia hunting licenses, so they do not contribute to the upkeep of the facilities,” Jezioro said. “We’re asking that shooters take out what they bring in to the range, and that anyone who sees shooters abusing the shooting ranges report it to their local Natural Resources Police Officer.”

              Jezioro said shooting range operations will continue as they are now and they will remain open to the public at no charge.  However, shooting range users are urged to read and obey the posted rules so that the facilities remain in good condition and remain available for everyone.          

            A list of public shooting ranges maintained by DNR is available online at www.wvdnr.gov/hunting/SRanges.shtm.

**DNR**

7/13/11

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has announced a proposal to provide additional hunting opportunities on 10 National Wildlife Refuges.  Included in the proposal are expanded hunting opportunities at the following Refuges:

Arapaho National Wildlife Refuge (CO) – would allow elk hunting

Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge (LA) – would allow migratory bird hunting of waterfowl and coot

Coldwater River National Wildlife Refuge (MS) – would allow migratory bird hunting of ducks and geese; upland game hunting of squirrel, rabbit, and raccoon; and big game hunting of deer and hogs

Crane Meadows National Wildlife Refuge (MN) – would allow deer and turkey hunting

Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge (MN) – would open new areas to migratory bird, upland game, and big game hunting

Northern Tallgrass Prairie National Wildlife Refuge (MN/IA) – would open new areas to migratory bird, upland game, and big game hunting and allow additional species of migratory birds and upland game to be hunted

Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge (MN) – would allow turkey and deer hunting and would open new areas to migratory bird hunting

Currituck National Wildlife Refuge (NC) – would allow deer and hog hunting

Trinity River National Wildlife Refuge (TX) – would open new areas to deer, feral hogs, rabbit, and squirrel hunting

Ouray National Wildlife Refuge (UT) – would allow turkey and elk hunting

In 1997, the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance pushed for changes in law ensuring that hunting and fishing were priority public uses on compatible Refuge lands.  Through USSA’s leadership, the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act was signed into law.  The language of the Refuge Improvement Act has been essential in opening new Refuge lands to sportsmen.

More than 300 National Wildlife Refuges allow hunting.

Recently, the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation, along with the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service and other defendants, won an important court victory protecting hunting on Refuge lands.  The case, filed by anti-hunting groups, sought to stop hunting on a number of Refuges.  Click here to read more about the recent Refuge lawsuit victory.

“The proposed expanded hunting opportunities on these Refuges are a testament to the long term work of the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance and the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation and shows how both organizations fill a vital need for sportsmen,” said Bud Pidgeon, USSA and USSAF’s President and CEO.  “USSA’s work before Congress on the Refuge Improvement Act in 1997 and USSAF’s hard fought win in the courts in the Refuge lawsuit have helped clear the way for allowing these new hunting opportunities on our public lands. “

Take Action!  Sportsmen can submit comments supporting these expanded hunting opportunities electronically by clicking here and then clicking on the “Submit a Comment” tab.  Comments must be submitted by August 4, 2011.

Comments can also be mailed to:

Public Comments Processing, Attn: FWS-R9-NSR-2011-0038
Division of Policy and Directives Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
4401 N. Fairfax Drive, MS 2042-PDM
Arlington, VA 22203

Hunting Season Changes Explained in New 2011-2012
W.Va. Hunting and Trapping Regulations Summary

            SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Several important changes in the state’s fall hunting seasons for squirrel, white-tailed deer, black bear and wild turkey, as well as the new senior hunting, trapping and fishing license and a new otter trapping season, are included in the 2011-2012 West Virginia Hunting and Trapping Regulations Summary brochure, according to Division of Natural Resources Director Frank Jezioro. The publication is now available at all West Virginia hunting and fishing license agents, DNR district offices, Elkins Operation Center and South Charleston Headquarters. The 2011-2012 West Virginia Hunting and Trapping Regulations Summary is also available online at www.wvdnr.gov.

            Hunters and trappers are encouraged to carefully review these regulations due to the numerous changes in hunting seasons, especially squirrel, wild turkey, bear and deer hunting, as well as otter trapping, which will be in place this fall.  Major changes for 2011- 2012 (see brochure for details) include:

·         The statewide squirrel season will open on September 10, 2011.

·         The statewide archery deer season will open on October 1, 2011.

·         The West Virginia Chronic Wasting Disease Containment Area has been expanded to now include all of Hampshire County, that portion of Hardy County which lies north of Corridor H and WV Rt. 55 from Wardensville to the Virginia Stateline, and that portion of Morgan County which lies west of US Rt. 522.

·         Black bear hunting seasons in 2011 include nine counties open September 26-28; 11 counties open September 26–October 1; seven counties open November 21–December 3 during the Buck Firearms Season; and all 55 counties open December 5-31. The daily bag limit is one bear and the season limit is two bears, provided at least one bear comes from Boone, Fayette, Kanawha, Logan, McDowell, Raleigh or Wyoming counties.

·         Fall wild turkey hunting season has been reduced this year with 11 counties open October 22-29, seven counties open October 22–November 5, and 14 counties open October 22–November 19.

·         The new Lifetime Senior Hunting /Trapping/Fishing License (Class XS), which is available beginning January 1, 2012, is required for resident hunters and anglers who reach the age of 65 on or after January 1, 2012, except that those seniors who hold a valid Class A-L or AB-L license will not need to purchase the Class XS license to hunt or trap.

·         The otter trapping season will open on November 5, 2011, and close on February 29, 2012, with an annual bag limit of one otter, which must be checked at an official game checking station. Otter trappers should obtain a plastic CITES seal for each otter pelt they plan to sell out of state.

·         Hunters can now use green, as well as amber and red artificial lights to hunt coyotes at night from January 1 through July 31.

·         It is illegal to bait or feed wildlife on public land between September 1 and December 31 and during the spring gobbler seasons.

**DNR**

14 positions open statewide

            SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Applications are being accepted for 14 open Natural Resources Police Officer (NRPO) positions statewide, according to Lt. Tim Coleman of the Law Enforcement Section of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR).

            NRPOs in the WVDNR Law Enforcement Section are responsible for the prompt, orderly and effective enforcement of all laws and rules of the state and have full law enforcement authority statewide. Of primary importance is the protection of West Virginia’s wildlife to the degree that they are not endangered by unlawful activities

            To be considered for this position, candidates must be willing to relocate and work in any county in the state; must be willing to work all shifts and be on call; and understand that this is a statewide position, and as such, that the county of assignment may not be guaranteed.

            Minimum qualifications include graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with preference given to majors in natural sciences, law enforcement, criminology, or criminal justice, or candidates may substitute previous employment as a law enforcement officer under certain circumstances.

            All candidates are required to pass a Physical Agility Test (PAT) at West Virginia State University in Institute, W.Va., on Friday, June 10, 2011, or on Saturday, June 11, 2011. The tests start at 8 a.m. each day. Walk-ons will be accepted.

            The PAT consists of three parts: a 37.5 yard swim; an agility test consisting of completing a minimum of 18 pushups in proper form in one minute and completing 27 sit-ups in proper form in one minute; and a 1.5 mile run in 15 minutes, 20 seconds or less. Failure to satisfactorily complete any part of the test is cause for disqualification and will eliminate candidates from further consideration.

            Directions: Take Exit 50 (Institute) off I-64; turn left onto Route 25; turn right at the first traffic light onto Barron Drive; turn left onto Academic Drive and park in Lot G. Enter Fleming Hall through the Chester Burris entrance.

            Full details about the job description and an online job application form can be found at www.wvdnr.gov/lenforce/employment.shtm. For more information, contact the WVDNR Law Enforcement Section at 304-558-2784 or email DNR.Law@wv.gov .

**DNR**

            SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources advises people to leave all young wildlife alone. “The spring season is the time of year when the woods and fields of West Virginia are full of new life,” said Gene Thorn, wildlife biologist at the West Virginia State Wildlife Center in Upshur County. “People have a great opportunity to view and enjoy young wildlife during this season, but it is especially important for the public to understand the need to avoid touching or disturbing these wild animals.”

            Attempts to rescue or rehabilitate young wildlife are often counter-productive.  Picking up or getting too close to wildlife greatly increases the chance of harm to the animal and/or the persons involved in this unwise practice. By touching young animals or close approach, humans leave scent that may attract predators. Wildlife viewing is an enjoyable and perfectly acceptable activity; however, the DNR recommends that this pastime be conducted from a safe distance and with the aid of binoculars.

            “In addition to being detrimental to the welfare of young animals, handling wildlife can expose humans to various wildlife-associated diseases, parasites and other health-related risks,” said Thorn.  “Rabies, roundworms and other parasites such as lice and ticks can be transmitted to humans through the improper handling of wildlife.”

            The Wildlife Center and DNR district offices receive numerous calls each year concerning young wildlife, especially fawn deer that have been picked up by well-meaning residents.  It is important to note that in almost every case, these young animals have not been abandoned. In fact, the offspring are often hidden as the adult searches for food, and this separation can last for a few hours or all day. Humans are poor substitute parents for wild animals, as young wildlife require special diets and learn survival skills from their parents.  Removing the young wildlife from its natural environment almost certainly leads to death of the animal.

            Many people often mistake a bedded fawn, with no mother in sight, as abandoned.  Hiding the fawn and leaving it while the doe searches for food is an important survival tactic. The spotted pattern and coloration of fawns and their lack of scent afford protection to these young animals and make them difficult for predators to detect. If a predator happens to approach close to a fawn, the young deer will normally hold very still until the threat passes. If discovered by a predator, the fawn will wait until the very last moment before fleeing to safety. Fawns should always be left undisturbed and never be picked up by people.

            As a final caution, remember that state laws and regulations prohibit the possession of wildlife without a permit. Under any circumstances, when you pick up a young animal in the wild you have taken it into your possession. The 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.

            “We want everyone to enjoy wildlife in West Virginia,” said Thorn.  “For your own health and safety and to protect the state’s wildlife, remember these wild animals should be left alone and allowed to stay wild.”

**DNR**

            SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. – West Virginia residents are reminded that feeding black bears is a violation of state law, as well as a misguided disservice to our state animal, according to Colin Carpenter, black bear project leader for the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources.

            “It is understandable that some people will illegally set out food so they can observe this often secretive animal,” Carpenter says.  “However, these actions often lead to the destruction of the bear.  Bear movements are tied to food sources and animals that roam in and around residential areas in search of food are less likely to stay if they do not find anything to eat.”

            Capturing and moving bears that have become accustomed to humans is a costly and often ineffective way of addressing the problem, especially when faced with the possibility of merely moving a problem bear from one area to another.  That is why wildlife agencies around the country tell people that a “fed bear is a dead bear.”

            Bear populations have increased in both number and distribution in the past 20 years.  Bears are now found in areas where they have been absent for decades and have been reported in all 55 counties.  Multiple reports of sows with cubs have been received from the northern and western portions of the state. 

            Human-bear interactions increase during the spring and summer for several reasons.  Natural food sources are at their lowest point when bears leave their dens in the spring.  Bears often spend several weeks feeding on green vegetation while continuing to lose weight. High-energy foods such as serviceberries, blackberries, raspberries, and blueberries do not become available until later in the summer.

            In addition, the bear breeding season, which peaks from late June through July, puts many bears on the move. During the breeding season, males will cover large areas while searching for females. This is also the time of year when adult female bears will chase off their yearlings so that they may breed again. Human-related food sources are higher in calories and easier to obtain than natural foods.  All bears, especially yearlings that are on their own for the first time, will take advantage of easy food sources.  Bears will continue on their way if they do not find easy food sources.

            Bears quickly become habituated to handouts in the form of trash, bird seed, pet food and feed placed out for other animals, and lose their fear of humans.  Bears that have lost their fear of humans resort to raiding garbage, outdoor freezers, storage sheds, vehicles and other structures associated with people.  Unfortunately, when these activities are repeated, DNR personnel are forced to humanely destroy the offending animal for safety reasons.

            “The unintentional feeding of black bears is something that can be prevented,” Carpenter says.  “Garbage needs to be secured in a bear-proof facility and placed out for collection on the morning of pick-up, not the night before. Food scraps that produce large amounts of odor should be sealed in a plastic bag before being placed in the trash. Food scraps should not be placed in a compost pile during the summer months.  Residents should remove all outside pet food at night, and bird feeders should be taken down, cleaned, and stored until late fall to further discourage bears from feeding around human habitation.”

            Feeding of any wildlife should be avoided for numerous reasons, including, but not limited to, disease transmission, increased predation, habitat destruction around the feeding site, ethical concerns, and the animal’s overall health. Following these practical and common sense recommendations will reduce human-bear conflicts and assure that more of the state’s animals remain wild.

**DNR**

Sportsmen Win Major Courtroom Battle Protecting Hunting on Public Lands

(Columbus) – Federal Judge James S. Gwin  has ruled in favor of sportsmen by denying a  lawsuit aimed at closing hunting on dozens of units of the 100 million acre National Wildlife Refuge System. 

This long running case began in 2003 when the Fund for Animals, which later merged with the Humane Society of the United States  (HSUS), filed a lawsuit to stop hunting on 39 refuges.  The U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance Foundation (USSAF), along with other organizations, intervened on behalf of sportsmen.  Anti hunting groups later expanded the lawsuit to include more 50 refuges.     

Judge Gwin’s ruling stops  HSUS' attempt at using the National Environmental Policy Act to close hunting on these refuges.  In making the decision  the judge  noted that  “Plaintiffs, however, are not entitled to an inviolate sanctuary for their preferred uses – Congress has determined that, to the extent possible, hunters, fishers, observers, photographers, and educators must share the refuges.”

The judge's ruling relied heavily on language  in the 1997 Refuge Improvement Act, championed  by  the U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance,  which made hunting, fishing and other wildlife oriented activities priority uses on refuge units. The Act also mandated hunting and fishing activities be "facilitated". 

It is unknown at this time if HSUS will appeal the ruling. 

"The majority of refuges were created to be open to hunting but relentless attacks by anti-hunting groups forced Congress to spell it out in law," said Rob Sexton, USSAF vice president for government affairs.  "Now, the courts have once again ruled that hunting is a priority use of refuge land wherever and whenever compatible with wildlife management."

The U.S. Sportsmen’s Legal Defense Fund (SLDF), the legal arm of the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation, has worked since the beginning of this case to defend the rights of hunters and has collaborated with other groups including Safari Club International (SCI). Together, the SLDF and SCI are co-counsels and also represent Ducks Unlimited, the National Rifle Association, Izzak Walton League, Delta Waterfowl Foundation, and California Waterfowl Association.

National Wildlife Refuges provide excellent opportunities for sportsmen to pursue waterfowl, big game, furbearers, and much more.  Hunting is a popular public activity on refuge land and a practical means of maintaining optimal wildlife populations.  

The National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966 empowered the  Fish and Wildlife Service  to open refuges to hunting when compatible with the purposes for which the refuges were established.  In 1997, National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act went a step further.  It ensures that refuges are managed for wildlife conservation and that hunting and fishing are priority public uses on refuge units.

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.

            SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Resident hunters and anglers who reach 65 years of age on or after January 1, 2012, will need to purchase the new Class XS Senior Sportsman’s Lifetime License to hunt, fish or trap in the state, according to Frank Jezioro, director of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources.  The West Virginia Legislature has established the new lifetime license to permit the DNR to capture more federal revenue for its fish and wildlife management programs.

            The one-time fee for the Class XS Senior Sportsman’s Lifetime License will be '25. Purchase of the Class XS license will allow seniors to hunt for small game, turkey and bear, and for deer during the archery, youth, buck-gun and muzzleloader seasons.   License holders will also be able to fish for both trout and warmwater fish.  No other state-issued licenses or stamps will be required for these activities. 

            Jezioro emphasized that the license will not be required for those who are already 65 years of age or older, and it will not change the existing privileges of landowners or those who hold other lifetime licenses.  Except for landowners, all seniors currently over 65 years of age who wish to participate in antlerless deer seasons or harvest additional deer must continue to buy the required stamps for those options.  The pistol license will continue to be required of all individuals who wish to hunt with a pistol.

            Class XS Senior Sportsman’s Lifetime License holders will be eligible to hunt during the annual Special Split Youth and Class Q/QQ season typically held the last day of October, and for two days after Christmas.  Senior sportsmen who are exempt from buying the license may wish to voluntarily purchase the Class XS license to participate in this season. 

            “This license will help us recover the dollars our citizens have already spent on hunting equipment,” explained Jezioro. “The federal government collects a tax on all hunting and fishing equipment sold, and returns it to the states based partially upon the number of license holders they have and the state’s land area. The new license will allow West Virginia to count seniors as license holders and qualify for a bigger share of the federal money. This is expected to bring in much-needed dollars that are crucial to continued efforts of DNR wildlife programs.”

            The DNR will spend the additional revenue from the new Class XS lifetime license for activities that especially benefit senior sportsmen, such as additional access for the mobility-impaired, improvements to and operation of the state’s fish stocking program, and construction of additional shooting ranges.  Responding to legislative intent, the agency also will explore other ways to provide additional benefits to Class XS license holders.

            Beyond the planned benefits to seniors, Director Jezioro concluded that, “As a soon-to-be senior sportsman myself, I take comfort in the thought that my purchase of the new senior lifetime license will help all West Virginia sportsmen, from grandparents to grandkids, to continue enjoying the hunting and fishing tradition that is so much a part of the fabric of our lives.  That means a lot to me and, I believe, to most sportsmen in the state. ”  

**DNR**

                GOVERNOR’S ONE SHOT WHITETAIL DEER HUNT

SETS NEW RECORD DONATIONS

Donations given to the Hunters Helping the Hungry Program

CHARLESTON, W.Va.— Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin today announced the Governor’s One Shot Whitetail Deer Hunt raised a record '75,000 in donations for the Hunters Helping the Hungry (HHH) program. The event, held Dec. 5 and 6 at Stonewall Jackson Resort State Park in Lewis County, has been held the past four years to raise money for HHH, which is administered by the Division of Natural Resources.

“The Governor’s One Shot Committee set a very ambitious monetary goal for last year’s event and I congratulate them on their success,” Gov. Tomblin said during a check presentation at the Capitol on March 2. “I also want to thank all those who participated, from the hunters to the business sponsors, because they put food on the table for many West Virginia families. While I look forward to this year’s hunt, which will be the event’s fifth anniversary, I’d like to encourage West Virginians to make year round donations to our food pantries.”

The first event, held in 2007, raised '17,000, the second in 2008 raised '35,000, and the third in 2009 raised '50,000.

The HHH program allows hunters to donate legally-harvested deer to certified processors so the meat can be distributed to soup kitchens, food pantries, shelters, senior centers, missions, churches and community centers around the state. The HHH program has been highly successful since it began in 1992, providing more than 100,000 meals to the neediest of West Virginians. However, the program also requires cash donations to pay for processing and distribution costs to benefit these needy individuals.

The One Shot event is sponsored by DNR and the One Shot Committee. Private individuals and businesses donate money for the opportunity to participate in guided antlerless deer hunts on private property near Stonewall Jackson Resort State Park and end the event with an auction and an award banquet. All venison from the hunt, along with profits from the sponsorships, goes to HHH.

“While we want to thank all our dedicated volunteers for their hard work and time, it simply couldn’t have happened without the generous support of the many corporations and individuals who are willing to put their money where their mouths are,” said DNR Director Frank Jezioro. “They stepped up again this year and were overly generous in bidding on the many articles donated for auction at our event and purchasing the corporate tables for the banquet. Having different organizations underwrite most of the cost of the event enables us to give the major portion of the money raised directly to the HHH program.”

Gov. Tomblin and Director Jezioro also commended the landowners who allowed the participants to hunt on their property, providing not only a place to hunt, but also an opportunity to remove antlerless deer from overpopulated areas. Special thanks went to the many guides, who gave of their time to help the participants find the deer and assist with the harvest.

“We are already planning for this year’s event,” Jezioro said. “We have been contacted by new people and corporations that want to be part of next year’s Governor’s One Shot event for Hunters Helping the Hungry. At this time of giving there can be no greater gift than helping to feed less fortunate West Virginians.”

More information about the HHH program can be found at www.wvdnr.gov/Hunting/HHH.shtm or by calling 304-558-2771.

            SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. – West Virginia hunters harvested a record 2,392 black bears during the combined 2010 archery and firearms seasons, according to Paul Johansen, Assistant Chief in charge of Game Management for the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. The preliminary harvest data for the combined seasons in 2010 was 14 percent higher than the previous record of 2,069 established in 2008.

            “As predicted in the 2010 Hunting Outlook, mast conditions had a tremendous influence on this year’s record bear harvest,” said Johansen. “Traditionally, favorable mast conditions lead to lower archery harvests.  However, abundant food sources kept many bears active into early winter.  In addition, there were numerous counties opened to extended hunting seasons designed to help those counties reach management objectives.” 

            Hunters took 454 bears during the 2010 archery season. The top five counties were Randolph (44), Preston (39), Webster (38), Fayette (33) and Nicholas (25).

            Firearms hunters took a record harvest of 1,938 bears during 2010. Hunters took 462 bears in September, 309 during the concurrent buck/bear season and 1,167 during the traditional December season. Top five counties were Greenbrier (219), Pendleton (192), Randolph (190), Pocahontas (175) and Webster (135).

**DNR**

(If your e-mail reader won’t let you see the following bear harvest table, go to www.wvdnr.gov and click on “Current News.”

            SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Preliminary test results indicate the Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) agent was present in 10 hunter-harvested deer collected during the 2010 deer firearms hunting season. 

            “As part of our agency’s ongoing CWD monitoring effort, samples were collected from 1,056 hunter-harvested deer brought to game checking stations in Hampshire County and one station near the southern Hampshire County line in Hardy County,” said Frank Jezioro, Director of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (DNR). 

            The 10 CWD-positive deer included two 2.5 year-old does, two 1.5 year-old bucks, five 2.5 year-old bucks, and one 3.5 year-old buck. Nine of the latest positive deer were harvested within the borders of Hampshire County. However, one was harvested in Hardy County near the border with Hampshire County. The area in West Virginia from which CWD has been detected continues to expand, as evident with the latest CWD positive deer from northern Hardy County.  The number of infected deer detected in West Virginia in 2010 now totals 22, two less than the number of infected deer detected in 2009.

            CWD has now been detected in 83 deer in Hampshire County and one deer in Hardy County for a total of 84 CWD-positive deer in West Virginia. The DNR will continue to update management actions designed to control the spread of this disease, prevent further introduction of the disease, and possibly eliminate the disease from the state as information from deer testing within West Virginia is gathered and scientists across the country provide more information on how to combat CWD in white-tailed deer.

            “The detection of the positive CWD deer in Hardy County is discouraging,” said Jezioro.  “As we strive to meet this wildlife disease challenge and implement appropriate management strategies, the continued support and involvement of landowners and hunters will be essential.” 

            An expansion of the current ban on supplemental feeding and baiting of deer in Hampshire County is being considered with the occurrence of this CWD-positive deer in Hardy County. Current research indicates that supplemental feeding and baiting of deer increases the chance of disease transmission far above the normal clustering of deer on natural and agricultural feeding areas. The DNR remains committed to keeping the public informed and involved in wildlife disease management actions.

**DNR**

            The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources has updated the West Virginia Sport Fish Consumption Advisory for 2011. DHHR partners with the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection and the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources to develop consumption advisories for fish caught in West Virginia.

            Fish consumption advisories are updated each year to help West Virginia anglers and their families make educated choices about eating the fish they catch.

            More information on the fish consumption advisories is available online at www.wvdhhr.org/fish or the 2011 Division of Natural Resources fishing regulations at http://www.wvdnr.gov/fishing/Regs11/2011_Fishing_Regs.pdf.  A paper copy of the 2011 advisory may be obtained upon request from the Office of Environmental Health Services by calling 304-558-2981. 

            The 2011 advisory is the result of reviewing recent fish tissue data and re-analysis of historical data.  The following changes to the 2011 advisory are as follows:

§         Fish Creek - Advisory limiting consumption of smallmouth bass (less than twelve inches) for one meal a month has been changed to all sizes due to new information indicating higher mercury levels.

§         Potomac River and the North Branch of the Potomac - Advisories for all nongame fish have been removed due to new information indicating lower   dioxin levels. The 2011 statewide consumption advisories should be followed.

§         Shenandoah River - Advisory for channel catfish (greater than seventeen inches) has changed from do not eat to one meal a month due to new information indicating lower polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB’s) levels.

§         Shenandoah River – Advisory for smallmouth bass (all sizes) at one meal a month has been added due to new information indicating an increase in mercury levels.

§         South Fork of the South Branch of the Potomac – Advisory for smallmouth bass (less than twelve inches) at one meal a month has been dropped due to new information indicating lower mercury levels. The 2011 statewide consumption advisory for smallmouth bass should be followed.

§         Summersville Lake - Advisory for walleye (all sizes) for six meals per year has been changed to one meal a month due to new information indicating lower mercury levels.

            Low levels of chemicals like PCBs, mercury, selenium and dioxin have been found in some fish from certain waters. An advisory is advice and should not be viewed as law or regulation. It is intended to help anglers and their families decide: where to fish, what types of fish to eat, how to limit the amount and frequency of fish eaten and how to prepare and cook fish to reduce contaminants.

            Women of childbearing age, children and people who regularly eat fish are particularly susceptible to contaminants that build up over time. Individuals falling into one of these categories should be especially careful to follow the guidelines.

            This advisory covers only sport fish caught in West Virginia waters. Safety regulations and advisories for fish in the marketplace are the responsibility of the United States Food and Drug Administration.  For more information you can contact the FDA at

http://www.fda.gov/Food/FoodSafety/Product-SpecificInformation/Seafood/FoodbornePathogensContaminants/Methylmercury/ucm115662.htm

1/7/11

The U.S. Forest Service is now accepting comments on a proposed gun hunting ban for areas of the Huron-Manistee National Forest in Michigan. 

In September, the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the Forest Service’s regulations required that it consider banning hunting with firearms on lands designated as “semi-primitive” within the Huron-Manistee National Forest.

The Court feels that the noise associated with gun hunting could harm the quality of the recreational experience of hikers, backpackers, and cross country skiers.  Additionally, the Court ruled that the Forest Service had to consider closing these areas if other public hunting land was available for gun hunting nearby.

As a result of the court ruling, the Forest Service began a formal review to determine if it should move forward with a gun hunting ban on these areas.  Currently, the Service is considering two options: 

1. a “No-Action” alternative which would allow hunting to continue without change; and

2. a “Modified Closure” alternative that would implement either a complete or partial ban on hunting with guns in the semi-primitive areas.

Take Action!  Sportsmen should submit comments to the Forest Service supporting the “No-Action” alternative that would continue to allow hunting with firearms on areas designated as semi-primitive.  Sportsmen can mail comments to:

Lee Evison, Forest Planner, Huron-Manistee National Forests
1755 S. Mitchell Street
Cadillac, MI 49601

Sportsmen can also fax comments to Lee Evison at (231) 775-5551 or email comments to comments-eastern-huronmanistee@fs.fed.us. 

Please include your name and address with your comments.  Emailed comments must include “Forest Plan SEIS” as the subject line of the email.  All comments must be received by February 11, 2011.

            SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Hunters are advised that Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) was detected in Virginia in 2009; therefore, special carcass transportation regulations become effective and whole deer harvested in Virginia may not be transported into West Virginia, according to Frank Jezioro, Director of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR). Hunters who harvest deer in Virginia may bring into West Virginia only the meat from which all bones have been removed, the cape, antlers or antlers and skull plate from which all meat or tissue has been removed, cervid canines and finished taxidermy heads.

            CWD is a neurological disease found in deer and elk that 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. It is important to note that currently there is no evidence to suggest CWD poses a risk for humans or domestic animals.

            The discovery of CWD in Hampshire County, West Virginia, in 2005 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, 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. Part of this plan includes prohibiting hunters from bringing in whole animals and certain tissues from areas known to have positive cases of CWD.

            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.

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

**DNR**

USSA Urges U.S. Forest Service to Fix Forest Planning Regulation 

On October 26th, the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance (USSA) and a coalition of nineteen other leading conservation groups sent a letter to the U.S. Forest Service requesting that it rewrite certain regulations.  That language was recently used by a Federal Court to render an anti-hunting decision. 

The court ruling, by the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals, requires the Forest Service to consider banning hunting with guns on lands designated as “primitive” or “semiprimitive.”  In its decision, the Court ruled that two parts of the Forest Service’s planning regulations required that the Forest Service consider banning gun hunting in these designated areas.

The Court determined that hunting with guns and the noise associated with gun hunting could harm the quality of the recreational experience of hikers, backpackers, and cross country skiers.

 Second, the Court ruled that the Forest Service was required to consider closing these areas to gun hunting in places where there is other public, non-Forest land nearby that is open to gun hunting.  This could require the Forest Service to close lands currently open for gun hunting when new state or federal hunting lands are opened.

Further, the Court’s depiction of hunting is almost as disappointing as the actual ruling itself.  The Court commented that the Forest Service should consider whether birdwatchers should be able to enjoy these Forest lands “without ducking for the occasional gunshot.”

 “This ruling could allow anti-hunters across the nation to file lawsuits seeking to close hunting on Forest lands by simply claiming that gun hunting disturbs their quiet use of the land or that there is other land nearby that is open for hunters to use.” said Rob Sexton, USSA vice president for government affairs.  “We are urging the Forest Service to fix these misguided regulations." 

Click here to view a copy of the letter sent by USSA and the nineteen other conservation groups to the Forest Service.

Special Areas in West Virginia Accessible to Physically Challenged Hunters with Class Q/QQ Permits

            SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Physically challenged hunters possessing a Class Q/QQ hunting permit may hunt on designated roads throughout the Monongahela National Forest, portions of the George Washington/Jefferson National Forest in West Virginia and on selected wildlife management areas, according to Curtis I. Taylor, Chief of the Wildlife Resources Section for the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources.

            “The designation of these Class Q/QQ roads on national forest lands in West Virginia is a cooperative effort between the U.S. Forest Service and the DNR,” noted Taylor.  “This highly successful program provides hunting access for physically challenged sportsmen and women, and these areas have been well received by hunters.” 

            To participate in this program, hunters must possess either a Class Q (resident) or Class QQ (nonresident) permit issued by the DNR. Applications for these permits may be obtained at any DNR office or hunting and fishing license agent. In addition to the Class Q/QQ hunting permit, both resident and nonresident hunters must possess all applicable hunting licenses and stamps. Nonresidents hunting on national forest lands must also possess a National Forest Stamp (Class I).

            Hunters with a Class Q/QQ permit must apply in person at the appropriate National Forest District Office or DNR District Office and receive a letter of authorization, which must be in the hunter’s possession while hunting on the designated roads in the program.

            The Class Q/QQ permit holders may be accompanied by no more than one assistant, at least 16 years of age, when hunting within a designated area. Class Q/QQ permit holders are required to furnish information on their assistant(s) such as name, address, phone number, drivers license and hunting license number if hunting. The assistant may hunt with the Class Q/QQ permit holder, but he or she must be out of the vehicle while hunting and possess appropriate hunting licenses as required by state law. A hunting license is not required for the assistant if he or she is not hunting.

            Authorized hunters will have access to specific gates via a special lock. While behind the gate, hunters must observe all national forest and/or state wildlife management area regulations, and all state hunting regulations. 

            In addition to the special access areas, Class Q/QQ permit holders may participate in special Class Q/QQ deer hunts on Oct. 30 and Dec. 27-28, 2010. These special deer hunts will take place on designated wildlife management areas and state forests as outlined on pages 29-30 of the 2010-2011 West Virginia Hunting and Trapping Regulations Summary.

            The U.S. Forest Service and DNR are committed to providing quality hunting opportunities for physically challenged hunters and welcome comments from participating hunters. For more information concerning access to national forest or wildlife management area Class Q/QQ roads, contact the U.S. Forest Service (304-636-1800) or DNR (304-637-0245).  Information is also available on the DNR’s website (www.wvdnr.gov). Specific areas with designated Class Q/QQ roads are listed below.

Class Q/QQ Roads Available on National Forest Lands:

Cheat/Potomac Ranger District, Parsons, WV (304-478-3251)

·         Goodwin Run (Forest Road #933) Tucker County

·         Bonifield Run (Forest Road #929) Tucker County

·         Five Lick (Forest Road #153/153A) Randolph County

·         Back Ridge (Forest Road #814) Pendleton County

Greenbrier Ranger District, Bartow, WV (304-456-3335)

·         Little Beech Mountain (Forest Road #385, 183A) Randolph County

·         Span oak (Forest Road #224) Pocahontas County

Gauley Ranger District, Richwood, WV (304-846-2695)

·         Left Branch (Frosty Gap) (Forest Road #731) Pocahontas County

·         Spice Run (Forest Road #787) Webster County

Marlinton/White Sulphur Ranger District, Marlinton, WV (304-799-4334)

·         Crooked Fork (Forest Road #251) Pocahontas County

·         Marlin Mountain (Forest Road #300) Pocahontas County

·         Panther Ridge (Forest Road #298) Greenbrier County

·         Bear Track (Forest Road #882) Greenbrier County

North River Ranger District, Bridgewater, VA (540-432-0187)

·         Dry River Hollow Road (Forest Road #151H) Pendleton County

State Wildlife Management Areas with Available Roads:

Bluestone WMA, Burnsville Lake WMA, Elk River WMA, Hillcrest WMA, Hughes River WMA, Lewis Wetzel WMA, McClintic WMA, Sleepy Creek WMA, Stonewall Jackson Lake WMA and Wallback WMA.

**DNR**

Federal Bill to Protect Traditional Fishing Tackle Introduced

Bill Includes Further Protections for Traditional Ammunition
9/30/10

A bill recently introduced in the U.S. Senate would protect traditional fishing tackle from being banned by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) while offering additional protections for traditional ammunition.

The bill, S. 3850, was introduced on September 28 by Senator Blanche Lincoln (D- AR) and comes after a petition was filed seeking to ban both traditional ammunition and fishing tackle.  The petition was filed under the Toxic Substance Control Act of 1976 (TSCA) by several groups, including the Center for Biological Diversity and the American Bird Conservancy. 

The EPA previously announced, in a letter to the petitioners, they did not have the legal authority to ban traditional ammunition.   However, in that same letter, they indicated that the EPA does have the authority to review the second portion of the petition regarding traditional fishing tackle.

Senate Bill 3850 will exempt traditional fishing tackle, in a way similar to traditional ammunition, from being regulated under the TSCA.  The legislation also includes language strengthening the protections for traditional ammunition by clarifying that its components remain exempt.

Numerous recreational fishing groups have already signaled their support for the legislation and cited concerns that a ban on traditional fishing tackle will result in fewer fishing licenses sold and less dollars being spent on fishing gear.  With license sales and excise taxes on fishing gear making up the majority of fishery conservation funding, any reduction in fishing activity will have a negative impact on future conservation efforts.

“The scientific evidence is simply not there to justify such a costly move as banning traditional ammunition and tackle,” said Rob Sexton, U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance vice president for government affairs.  “The harm caused by these types of bans could devastate fishing and wildlife conservation for generations to come.”

Other groups echo Sexton’s statement.  

"If the petition is accepted as presented, all lead in all fishing tackle would be banned, which would substantially increase the cost of recreational fishing and negatively impact angler participation across the country," said American Sportfishing Association (ASA) Vice President Gordon Robertson.  "Senator Lincoln's legislation will help to ensure that future regulations on fishing tackle are established in response to scientific data instead of unjustified petitions."

Take Action! Sportsmen should contact their U.S. Senators immediately and ask that they join Sen. Lincoln in sponsoring this legislation and seek its passage.   Tell them that a ban on traditional fishing tackle is not scientifically warranted and that it will result in much less funding for fishery conservation.  Also tell them that further protections for traditional ammunition should be included in order to avoid future attacks that could limit wildlife conservation funding as well.

To find your Senator’s contact information, please visit www.ussportsmen.org/LAC.

CONSOL Energy Inc. leases property to DNR to establish Marion County wildlife management area

Dedication Scheduled for Sept. 24

            FAIRMONT, W.Va. – Hunters, anglers and other outdoors enthusiasts in the northern part of the state soon will have a place to enjoy their activities closer to home. The Wildlife Resources Section of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) has announced the establishment of a new wildlife management area in Marion County, according to Frank Jezioro, director of the WVDNR.  “The Dents Run Wildlife Management Area (WMA) has been leased to the WVDNR by CONSOL Energy Inc. for the public’s enjoyment and benefit,” said Jezioro.

            Dents Run WMA is the first such publicly accessible area managed for wildlife-associated recreation to be established in Marion County.

            “Because of the large number of hunters and anglers who reside in this region of the state and the scarcity of public lands in Harrison, Marion and western Monongalia counties, this lease arrangement will be an important component of our agency’s wildlife management area system,” Jezioro said. “The opportunity provided by CONSOL Energy Inc. for hunters, anglers and other outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy this land through this lease arrangement is commendable.”

            “Such a project illustrates that a private/public partnership can be a showcase for wildlife habitat enhancement and environmental stewardship," said J. Brett Harvey, CONSOL Energy Chairman, President and CEO. "CONSOL Energy^s involvement in this project with the State of West Virginia is but another example of the beneficial use of surplus property for recreational and outdoor sports activity on land that once supported an underground coal mine. CONSOL is very gratified to be a part of this and prior such efforts to ensure that our surplus assets are put to good use and for the benefit of the local community."

            The Dents Run WMA lies in western Marion County and consists of 1,226 acres. Access to the Dents Run WMA is by way of County Route 1 (Buffalo Road) and County Route 5 (Dents Run Road), with the WMA lying approximately 1.5 miles from Mannington. The WMA, which is primarily forested, will provide hunting opportunities for deer, wild turkey, squirrel, waterfowl and other game species. In addition, a 30-acre impoundment will provide the public with warmwater fishing opportunities.

            A special dedication recognizing this generous lease by CONSOL Energy Inc. to the State of West Virginia is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 24, at 10 a.m.  The dedication site is located along County Route 5 (Dents Run Road), approximately 1.8 miles from its intersection with County Route 1 (Buffalo Road). The dedication will be held on the lake side of the dam, approximately 0.25 miles from Dents Run Road, along the access road (Hibbs Run Road).  A WVDNR vehicle will be parked along County Route 5 on the morning of September 24th to offer further directions, if necessary.  The public is cordially invited to attend this event.

            To obtain additional information and/or maps of the Dents Run WMA, contact the WVDNR District 1 Office in Farmington at 304-825-6787.

**DNR**

            SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The District 2 Fishing Guide, the first in a series, is now available, according to Frank Jezioro, Director of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources.  The guide to public fishing and boating access sites and trout-stocked waters was produced by the DNR Wildlife Resources Section. District 2 includes eight counties in the Eastern Panhandle region. 

            “Outdoor enthusiasts have been asking for something like this for a while, and we are really excited to offer the first one now,” said Jezioro. 

            The large, color brochure features a map showing fishing and boating access sites on public lakes, rivers and streams. An icon at each site identifies whether the site has a boat ramp, carry-down boat access, or is just a fishing access site. Sections of streams stocked with trout are highlighted. Tables provide valuable information on each access site, including GPS coordinates, type of access and parking area, and handicapped accessibility. Lists of float trips on the Cacapon and South Branch rivers are included, and trout stocking information is detailed. 

            “The remaining five district guides are on the drawing board, and anglers and boaters can expect them over the next two years,” said Jezioro.

            The District 2 Fishing Guide is free and available at DNR District Offices, the DNR Elkins office, and the DNR main office in South Charleston. To find your nearest district office, check the Hunting or Fishing Regulations brochure, or go to www.wvdnr.gov.

**DNR**

            SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) has made the Draft West Virginia Elk Management Plan available for public review and comment. A copy of the draft plan can be found on the WVDNR’s website at the following address: www.wvdnr.gov/Publications/Draft_Elk_Plan.pdf.  Written comments from the public are encouraged and will be received by the WVDNR, Wildlife Resources Section, through Oct. 31, 2010.

            The need for the development of an Elk Management Plan in West Virginia has been elevated in recent years as a result of Kentucky’s active elk restoration program, which was initiated in 1997. Kentucky’s elk management area encompasses 16 counties and borders the counties of Mingo and Wayne in West Virginia. During the past few years, the WVDNR has received occasional elk sightings in several counties within the southern region of West Virginia.

            “The WVDNR is proposing to establish an Elk Management Area that will encompass seven counties, or portions thereof, in the Southern Coal Fields region of the state,” according to Curtis I. Taylor, Chief of the WVDNR Wildlife Resources Section. “The Elk Management Plan allows for an elk population to become established within this designated area using a passive management approach. The draft plan also provides guidelines for future management actions relating to this species.”  

            Feasibility studies evaluating habitat quality and sociological issues relating to the potential for elk reintroduction in West Virginia were completed in 2005. These studies, funded by the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, identified the Southern Coal Fields region as a potential elk restoration area.

            The WVDNR welcomes written comments on the Draft West Virginia Elk Management Plan. These comments should be postmarked by Oct. 31, 2010, and mailed to the following address: Public Comments - Elk Management Plan, Attn: Supervisor of Game Management, WVDNR, P.O. Box 67, Elkins, WV 26241. 

            Individuals seeking additional information relating to the plan should contact a wildlife biologist at their local WVDNR District Office or at the Elkins Operation Center.

**DNR**

Oral Arguments Heard in Maine Trapping Case Appeal
9/9/10

The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation (USSAF) completed oral arguments during a legal hearing in the U.S. Court of Appeals on behalf of Maine trappers.  The long-standing case prompting the hearing will have a far reaching impact by establishing whether anti-hunting groups seeking to manipulate the Endangered Species Act (ESA) will be able to block hunting and trapping seasons across the nation.

“This is the latest in a long line of steps taken by the USSAF and our partners to protect not only trappers in Maine, but sportsmen nationwide,” said Rob Sexton, USSAF vice president for government affairs while referring to the oral arguments made on September 8.  “If the anti-hunters win, they will use this example in court room after court room across the nation to deny trapping and hunting everywhere.”

In November of 2009, Judge John A. Woodcock, Jr. of Maine’s Federal District Court denied the injunction sought by Animal Welfare Institute and the Wildlife Alliance of Maine to stop the state’s trapping season.  The groups had originally filed suit against the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife in 2008, arguing that that Maine’s trapping regulations provided insufficient protection for the Canada lynx, a species listed as threatened under the ESA, and thus required the season to be stopped. 

The USSAF, along with the Maine Trappers’ Association, Fur Takers of America, National Trappers’ Association, and several individual sportsmen, argued that the antis must show that Maine’s trapping practices were a threat to the Canada lynx population. 

The opinion of Judge Woodcock closely followed the arguments made by the USSAF and others by requiring that plaintiffs looking for an injunction to shut down a trapping (or hunting or fishing) season prove not only the incidental take of ESA-protected species, but also “irreparable harm” to the lynx population.  Judge Woodcock concluded that the take of individual members of a reasonably numerous protected species does not necessarily meet the requirement of irreparable harm.  He also indicated that the take of lynx occurring in Maine foothold traps, typically catch-and-release incidents, did not constitute irreparable harm in this case.  Consequently, Judge Woodcock declined the injunction and the trapping season was able to take place.

This decision would make it difficult for antis to shut down hunting and trapping in other states based upon the incidental take of a single animal that falls under ESA protection.  The precedent is so important that the antis filed an appeal in December, 2009 seeking to reverse the decision.  This prompted the USSAF and others to file a new set of legal briefs in order to defend the hard fought victory.

According to Sexton, “We continue to feel confident in our case and will keep pressing ahead to be sure the ESA is not hijacked by those that want to shut down practically all sportsmen activities

            SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. – As hunters begin going afield scouting for that perfect spot, the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (DNR) urges everyone to be an ethical and responsible hunter, according to Curtis I. Taylor, Chief of the DNR Wildlife Resources Section. 

            Jim Posewitz, in his 1994 book “Beyond Fair Chase,” defines an ethical hunter as “A person who knows and respects the animals hunted, follows the law, and behaves in a way that will satisfy what society expects of him or her as a hunter.”

            “As modern sportsmen and women, we are descendants of people, who less than 100 years ago, witnessed dwindling wildlife populations due to unregulated hunting and widespread habitat destruction” Posewitz wrote. “They believed the only thing that could save many wildlife species from going extinct was the sportsmen conservationist. This was a hunter, with high ethical standards who believed in fair chase and who would follow laws and regulations established to protect wildlife populations. It also involved insightful sportsmen, like Teddy Roosevelt (credited with coining the word conservation), who saw the need to protect areas for wildlife and hunting. Furthermore, it was these past sportsmen that recognized the need to financially support wildlife, and habitat recovery and enhancement programs.”

            To this day, many of the state fish and wildlife agencies throughout the country, including West Virginia, rely almost solely on money generated from hunting and fishing license sales and from a federal excise tax placed on hunting and shooting sports equipment, ammunition and fishing equipment (Pittman-Robertson Act and Dingle-Johnson Act) to support their wildlife programs and operations. “Sportsmen and women share a rich heritage and one that we can all be very proud of, as we have footed the bill for most of the fish and wildlife programs in West Virginia and throughout the nation,” Taylor said.

            “As we begin another fall hunting season, let’s make every effort to uphold the proud hunting tradition we have inherited. Conduct yourselves as responsible and ethical hunters, being sound stewards of the land and our wildlife resources. This can be accomplished by obtaining written permission from the landowner, offering the landowner some of your harvested game, lending a helping hand on the farm in which you have permission to hunt, letting them know you appreciate the opportunity to hunt on their land, and by adhering to the hunting regulations. Let’s always remember that how you conduct yourself while afield reflects on us all, so let’s not do anything to jeopardize the hunting tradition.”

**DNR**

Agency Will Review Ban on Lead Sinkers
9/1/10

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has denied a petition seeking the ban of the production and distribution of traditional ammunition.  However, the agency has not yet denied the petition that seeks to ban the use of lead in fishing sinkers.

In a letter sent August 27 to the lead ban petitioners from Steve Owens, EPA assistant administrator for the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention, he indicated that the agency did not have the necessary legal authority to review traditional ammunition.   Owens indicated that the EPA does have the statutory authority to review the second portion of the petition that was seeking a ban on lead fishing sinkers and would respond soon on the question.

The denial of the petition was lauded by numerous key groups. 

Stephen L. Sanetti, the President of the National Shooting Sports Foundation said, “This is a tremendous victory for all sportsmen, hunters and gun-owners.”

Those thoughts were echoed by Rob Sexton, U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance vice president for government affairs.

“The engine that drives wildlife conservation is fueled by the dollars generated by the American sportsman” said Sexton.   “This is certainly a positive ruling for all who care for and cares about wildlife.”

 On August 3, the Center for Biological Diversity (CBD), the American Bird Conservancy, and several other groups filed a petition under the Toxic Substances Control Act, which regulates dangerous chemicals.  It claimed that the use of traditional ammunition is dangerous to certain types of wildlife, including numerous birds, which scavenge on parts of game that remain in the field.

While hunters have been given a reprieve, fishing with lead sinkers is still under fire.  Anglers concerned over the possibility of having lead sinkers banned are encouraged to express their opinions by clicking here and clicking on the comment section.

Anglers’ Questions Linger in Wake of Executive Order

For months, many anglers across the nation have been concerned about a pending federal management plan for the oceans and Great Lakes waters being developed by the Interagency Ocean Policy Task Force.  This week, President Obama issued an executive order which largely adopts and implements the final recommendations made by the task force.  Despite addressing some of the concerns raised by sport anglers, many questions still linger about how the plan will be implemented by the Administration.

The task force, which was created in June of 2009, was commissioned to develop a new framework for managing the nation’s oceans and Great Lakes waters. One of the primary recommendations was the creation of a new federal council designed to enhance and coordinate ocean governance called the National Ocean Council (NOC).  The NOC will be made up of top Obama Administration officials, including the Secretaries of State and Defense.

Many anglers were relieved to find out that unlike the task force’s interim report, released in September of last year, the final recommendations included several references to recreational uses of ocean and Great Lakes waters, including angling.  However, many still question the amount of input anglers will have with the NOC as President Obama’s executive order again this week lacked any references to the benefits of recreational angling.  In addition, questions also remain regarding the creation of yet another government agency involved with managing public waters.

According to Jim Donofrio, the Executive Director of the Recreational Fishing Alliance, “Not only does this new National Ocean Council threaten to override our current federal fisheries management process, it threatens the integrity of our regional fishing councils and creates an overarching bureaucracy which could summarily dismiss all input from stakeholders.”

As Mike Nussman, President and CEO of the American Sportfishing Association states, “We are pleased to see that the Task Force included recreational fishing and boating as part of the National Ocean Policy. However, we wish that the Task Force would have gone further and established public access to these great resources as a national priority. It is vital that we remain vigilant and involved in the design and implementation process.”

“While we appreciate that the Administration has acknowledged the many contributions made by America’s sport anglers to conservation, there remain concerns over the new mechanisms being created to manage our water resources,” commented Bud Pidgeon, U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance president and CEO.  “It will be absolutely essential that the Administration maintain an open door to the angling community as the NOC proceeds in its tasks.”

Proposed Shavers Fork Catch-and-Release Area to be Topic of WVDNR Open House Meeting July 26 in Elkins

            ELKINS, W.Va. – The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (DNR) is asking for public comments on a proposed trout catch-and-release area on Shavers Fork in Randolph County.  The proposed area would be approximately one mile in length and is located in the vicinity of the Stuart Recreation Area near Elkins.  Catch-and-release regulations would be in effect year-round.

            Shavers Fork is a popular stocked trout fishery and attracts many anglers and tourists. Trout are stocked on a weekly schedule during the spring from just upstream of the Route 33 bridge downstream to the bridge at Cheat River Inn. Trout are also stocked at the Stuart Recreation Area; however, trout stocking at Stuart’s ceases when the concessionaire opens the area for camping and day use access by vehicles and begins charging a fee. This typically occurs in mid-April. Some anglers currently pay the fee or access the river by use of a trail. Trout typically persist throughout the summer months in the proposed catch-and-release area.

            “The proposed catch-and-release regulations will provide a unique fishing opportunity for those anglers who desire to fish such areas,” according to DNR Wildlife Resources Section Chief Curtis Taylor. “Stuart Recreation Area is a popular family destination.”

              Shavers Fork in this area is a relatively low to moderate gradient stream, with easy streambank access. It is expected that family fishing excursions will be enhanced by the proposed catch-and-release regulations.

            The “Open House” will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Monday, July 26, 2010, at the DNR’s Operations Center, located on Ward Road in Elkins. The public is encouraged to attend to learn more about the proposal and provide comments.

**DNR**

Gov. Manchin Celebrates Donation of Jim Compton Elk River Public Access Site

            MONTERVILLE, W.Va. – On Saturday, June 26, Gov. Joe Manchin led a public celebration recognizing the donation of land for a new public fishing access site on the Elk River near Monterville in Randolph County. The land has been owned for many years by Grafton Coal Company of Bridgeport, W.Va.

            C.E. “Jim” Compton, founder of Grafton Coal Company, was a well-known philanthropist, entrepreneur and advocate for West Virginia. He loved the Elk River, fished it often and wanted everyone to know of its beauty and natural resources. The newly named 80-acre Jim Compton Elk River Public Access site was donated to the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources by the Compton and Corton families and Grafton Coal Company as a living tribute to Mr. Compton’s legacy and strong advocacy of West Virginia.

            The donation ensures permanent public fishing access to key segments of the upper Elk River. Gov. Manchin told those in attendance, including members of the Compton and Corton families, employees of Grafton Coal Company, DNR Director Frank Jezioro and staff, local business leaders and trout fishermen, that “this generous donation guarantees that current and future generations of trout anglers will always be able to enjoy fishing one of the state’s best and most popular trout streams. “ 

            The Governor also stressed the important economic role that tourism will play in the state’s future.  Before concluding, a memorial plaque recognizing the donation and in remembrance of Jim Compton was dedicated at the site.  

**DNR**

            Preliminary figures indicate West Virginia hunters harvested 10,006 bearded turkeys statewide during the recently completed 2010 spring gobbler season. This year’s spring harvest is approximately two percent above the 9,787 birds taken in 2009.  It is the first time the spring harvest exceeded 10,000 since 2006.

            The top five counties in 2010 were Mason (536), Marshall (316), Putnam (315), Lincoln (278), and Harrison (269).  Four of the state’s districts had slight declines; however, two districts showed an increase in harvest from last year. Harvests in the western and southwestern portions of the state were higher in 2010.  District 5 showed the greatest percentage increase (35), while District 2 had the largest decrease at 12 percent.

            “Our biologists predicted a very similar kill in 2010 based on brood reports,” said Curtis I. Taylor, Chief of the Wildlife Resources Section of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources.  “Normal weather conditions across much of the spring season enabled hunters to have plenty of time afield.  In addition, a good carryover of mature toms provided many mornings of recreation for Mountain State hunters.”

            Biologists had forecast a spring harvest of approximately 10,000 gobblers for 2010 based on past data.  The lack of available mast during fall 2009 may have affected gobbling in some regions but the overall population survived the winter in good shape.  

           With more favorable winter weather conditions and sufficient fall foods, there should be an abundance of gobblers for the 2011 spring season, Taylor predicted.

**DNR**