Youth Deer Hunting Opportunities Detailed
Youth hunters between the ages of 8-14 will have the opportunity to harvest an antlerless deer during three days in 2009. Youth deer hunting days will be Oct.. Dec. 26 and Dec. 28, according to Frank Jezioro, director of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources.
“Youth deer hunting days are an excellent opportunity to introduce young hunters to the sport of deer hunting,” said Jezioro. “The October deer hunting day is a good way to let young people experience deer hunting while temperatures are mild.
“In addition,” Jezioro continued, “foliage is at peak color and wildlife is very active. The days in late December coincide with a time of year when many families are together celebrating the holidays. The youth hunting days in December may allow young hunters to hunt with family members who are not able to participate at other times of the year.”
The special split youth deer season will be held on private land in all counties having a firearms deer hunting season and on 47 specified Wildlife Management Areas and three state forests listed on page 31 of the www.wvdnr.gov 2009-2010 Hunting and Trapping Regulations Summary. Youth hunters must be accompanied by a licensed adult at least 21 years of age who must also wear 400 square inches of blaze orange, cannot carry a gun or bow and must remain near enough to the youth to render advice and assistance.