3/17/2010
SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. – With the start of the 2010 spring gobbler season approaching, the West Virginia State Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) will pay $200 cash rewards for information leading to the arrest and conviction of persons who illegally kill or possess a wild turkey. “This cooperative effort between the NWTF and the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources is designed to curtail illegal activities associated with the state’s wild turkey resource,” said Curtis I. Taylor, Chief of the Division of Natural Resources (DNR) Wildlife Resources Section.
The public is urged to contact their local conservation officer or their local DNR District Office if they see someone illegally killing a turkey or know of a person possessing an illegally killed turkey. The informant's identity will remain confidential.
“By reporting poaching incidents, the public can make a significant contribution to West Virginia's wild turkey management program,” Taylor said.
The West Virginia statewide spring gobbler season runs from April 26 through May 22. In addition, the one-day youth spring turkey season will be held on Saturday, April 24.
Hunters are reminded that it is illegal to bait wild turkey in West Virginia. The West Virginia State Chapter of the NWTF pays a reward of $100 for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of persons attempting to kill wild turkeys through the use of bait or who willfully destroy the nest or eggs of wild turkey.
“Unfortunately, baiting and trespassing continue to be the most common hunting violations reported in the Wildlife Resources Section's Annual Spring Gobbler Survey,” according to Taylor. "Baiting turkeys is illegal, unethical and creates disrespect for the great sport of spring gobbler hunting. I encourage turkey hunters to report any such activity to their local conservation officer."
Contact Information
Curtis Taylor
304-558-2771
wildlife@wvdnr.gov