West Virginia Wildlife from Eyewitness News

Bow Hunting

Bow season is almost here, and the forecast looks great.

October 10, 2007
Reporter: Patrick McMurtry
Videographer: Brad Rice

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It's that time of year again, time to hit the woods and look for deer. Bow season's right around the corner and it looks to be a banner year.

Scott Warner/DNR Biologist says:
"We've always had a good bow season and this could be on the of the better ones we've had in a long time. Mast conditions look pretty good, not as abundant as they were last year, which is actually better for bow hunters. We want to encourage everyone to get out in the woods and get to know what areas you're going to be hunting and see what kind of mast conditions you have in the areas you're going to be hunting."

Last year the mast was so good, the deer didn't spend too much time looking around for food. That made hunting a little more challenging. It also made for a good year of antler growth.

Scott Warner/DNR Biologist says:
"Deer populations look to be good this year and antler development is a little bit better this year. We had a really good mast conditions last year and because of that, we had less winter mortality, better antler production and the deer are in better condition."

Lots of deer, in good shape with big antlers. Wow. But before you get too excited, warner says you need to take some time to make sure your equipment is safe and ready to go.

Scott Warner/DNR Biologist says:
"Make sure you're familiar with your equipment. If it's been a year since you've used your tree stand, get it out and make sure it's not missing something, a bolt or nut that's missing or may have fallen out. Always wear a safety harness, not only a harness, but the right kind."

That's right, safety first. Let's make this a safe year we'll look back on for all the big bucks we saw. For west virginia wildlife, i'm patrick mcmurtry, eyewitness news....See ya in the woods.