West Virginia Wildlife from Eyewitness News

Archery Season

Bow season begins this Saturday.

October 15, 2008
Reporter: Patrick McMurtry
Videographer: Brad Rice

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There might not be anyone more optimistic than a bow hunter getting ready for deer season.
That's why you're probably going to be seeing a lot of people with smiles on their faces this year.

Scott Warner/DNR Biologist says:
"Bow season starts this year on October 18th and it's going to run all the way through the end of December. We have one of the longest running bow season in the eastern part of the United States and we expect over 125,000 archers to be out in the woods this y ear. In terms of forecast and outlook, it looks great this year."

That's great news for bow hunters, and mother nature did her part, too. There's plenty of food out there for the deer to fatten up on.

Scott Warner/DNR Biologist says:
"Early reports indicate that mast conditions are great overall, however the acorn production, especially white oak, is a little bit less this year which is better for bow hunters because we're loking for a concentration of deer this time of year. If you can get out and do a little scouting, especially a week or two before the season, you'll help yourself tremendously this year."

In the meantime, you need to start re-aquainting yourself with your equipment. If this is your first bow season, you need to know your limits.

Scott Warner/DNR Biologist says:
"If you're just picking up a bow for the first time, you need to know your limitations. If you can only hit something at 20 yards, that's probably the range you need to be hunting. If you can hit beyond that, that's up to the individual. Become familiar with your equipment, do a lot of practicing, go to a 3-d range and spend some time on the course."

No matter what, before you go out in the woods this year, make sure your equipment is in good shape, check your tree stands and remember all your safety and hunting regulations. See you in the woods-good luck. For West Virginia Wildlife, I'm Patrick McMurtry, Eyewitness News.