Hunting Regs

Make Sure You Know the Rules! August 3, 2011 Reporter: Patrick McMurtry Videographer: Brad Rice

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EYEWITNESS ONLINE WEBCAST VIDEO

Hunting rules and regulations change from year to year, but for 2011, there are some major changes you definitely need to know about in advance. Deer hunters listen up, you'll be happy to know you'll be able to hit the woods a little earlier, but you won't be able to bait deer in many places. First the scoop on an earlier archery season.

Chris Ryan, a biologist with The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, explains the major changes. "We also moved up the opening of archery season for deer, either sex, starting on October 1st. This is going to be the first time in modern recent history that somebody can go hunting this early and I think it will be very popular for sportsmen."

So don't make the mistake of putting off getting your license and wind up forgetting about the earlier opening of bow season. Here's another major change to the deer hunting regulations.

"There have been some major changes in terms of baiting. On public lands, you're no longer able to bait during the big game season or Spring turkey season, so there is no baiting at that time on public land, but on private land, you can still bait if you like." says Ryan.

Another big change involves small game: squirrels, and, again, this change gives you an earlier chance to go hunting.

"We have squirrel season opening September 10th. That's a great time to take your kids out, it gives you a whole extra month and we gave parents that opportunity." says Ryan.

The earlier season means you can get out longer in the evening making for a more pleasant hunt. Those aren't the only changes this year, so make sure you get a copy of the 2011 hunting and fishing regulations from the DNR or you can go online and check out the changes.

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