2/2/2011
SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. –The late part of winter presents an often overlooked opportunity for hunting in the Mountain State, according to Jeff McCrady, District 6 game biologist for the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. Rabbits, grouse, foxes, bobcats and raccoons remain in season through the end of February.
“For many hunters, this is the most enjoyable time to be afield,” McCrady said. “The holidays are long past and people just seem to have more time to get out.”
February can be a preferred time for avid
rabbit hunters. There is less vegetation to obscure the vision of hunters, the ground is normally damp enough to hold scent well, snow cover helps with locating rabbit sign, and the weather is generally cool enough to keep the beagles from getting overheated.
Grouse hunters prefer late season outings for some of the same reasons. The final weeks of February will be the last chance to work the dogs until next fall.
Raccoons are generally not very active during the cold winter nights; however, a warm spell can change everything. As winter’s grip begins to weaken and the days get longer, raccoons become more active. Hunters should be vigilant through the end of the season.
With prey being scarcer during the late winter months,
predators are generally more susceptible to predator calls. The imitated distress cries of a rabbit or other types of calls work well for
foxes,
bobcats and
coyotes this time of year. Predators might be a little easier to call in during the late winter months, but hunters still need to be mindful of the wind and hide well in order to be successful.
“With all of West Virginia's late season hunting opportunities, there is no reason for a case of cabin fever,” McCrady said. “Success can't be guaranteed, but fresh air and exercise can.”
Contact Information
Jeff McCrady, Wildlife Resources Section
304- 420-4550
dnr.wildlife@wv.gov