10/28/2010
SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Deer hunters are reminded that a concurrent bear season without dogs will occur from Nov. 22 – Dec. 4 in all or parts of 10 counties, according to Colin Carpenter, Black Bear Project Leader for the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Section. Morgan, Hampshire, Nicholas (private land), Greenbrier (private land) and Mercer counties were added this year in addition to Kanawha, Boone, Fayette, Raleigh and Monongalia counties for concurrent bear hunting during the traditional buck-gun season.
“Counties that will be open for bear hunting during the buck-gun season are above their management objective and need additional bears harvested to achieve their goal,” said Carpenter. “In addition, timing is critical when setting bear hunting seasons, and the concurrent buck-gun bear season will occur when the maximum number of hunters are in the woods. The abundant mast crop of 2010 will mean that many bears will still be out of their dens and available for harvest. These special seasons offer an additional opportunity for hunters to harvest a bear and we hope that they take advantage of this chance.”
Bear hunting opportunities do not end after the buck-gun season. All or parts of 24 counties will be open for bear hunting with or without hounds Dec. 6 - 31. In addition, all or parts of 37 counties will be open for bear hunting without hounds Dec. 6 - 31. For the first time since 1964, all 55 counties will have a firearms bear season Dec. 6 - 31.
Hunters are reminded to purchase their bear damage stamps as well as an appropriate hunting license. Details concerning bear hunting seasons can be found on pages 36-39 of the 2010-2011 Hunting and Trapping Regulations Summary.
Contact Information
Colin Carpenter, Wildlife Resources Section
304-558-2771
dnr.wildlife@wv.gov