Early Archery Season

Bow Hunters Get Extra Hunting Time September 28, 2011 Reporter: Patrick McMurtry Videographer: Brad Rice

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The crisp, cool mornings are a sure sign deer hunting is right around the corner. This year, thanks to a major change in the hunting regulations, your chance to bag a buck, or a doe for that matter, comes a couple weeks earlier.

Scott Warner, a biologist with The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, says hunters have a unique opportunity this year. "Archery season this year will begin on October 15th, the earliest archery season has ever been established as long as its been regulated by the WVDNR. The reason we opened an early archery season is to provide additional opportunities which amounts to two weeks and for parents to take their kids out. "

While that gives you an extra couple of weeks to bag a deer, it also moves up the dates you need to get your deer stamps.

"Because we got it moved up two weeks by the commissioners, a lot of folks are saying we didn't know we needed stamps this early, so we are making a really good effort this year to encourage people to get their stamps now because after this Friday, it's too late to get your extra stamp." says Warner.

Also, don't forget that bear archery season still opens on the traditional October 15th date, so the earlier archery season doesn't apply to them. No matter what you're out hunting this year, they're going to be in good shape.

"As far as the hunting forecast, it's going to be really good this year. Last year's abundance of mast is going to help hunters in two ways, we're going to see more deer this year and the carry over this year, because the deer are in better condition going into winter, and we're also going to see carry over bucks this year." says Warner.

And Warner says there are going to be a lot of big bucks, too! Get ready, do your scouting and be safe, I'll see you in the woods.

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