10/21/2009
Physically challenged hunters possessing a Class Q/QQ hunting permit may hunt on designated roads throughout the Monongahela National Forest, portions of the George Washington/Jefferson National Forest in West Virginia and on selected wildlife management areas, according to Curtis Taylor, Chief of the Wildlife Resources Section of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (DNR).
“The designation of these Class Q/QQ roads on National Forest lands in West Virginia is a cooperative effort between the U.S. Forest Service and the DNR,” noted Taylor. “This highly successful program provides hunting access for physically challenged sportsmen and women, and these areas have been well received by hunters.”
To participate in this program, hunters must possess either a Class Q (resident) or Class QQ (nonresident) permit issued by the DNR. Applications for these permits may be obtained at any DNR Office or Hunting and Fishing License Agent. In addition to the Class Q/QQ hunting permit, both resident and nonresident hunters must possess all applicable hunting licenses and stamps. Nonresidents hunting on National Forest lands must also possess a National Forest Stamp (Class I).
Hunters with a Class Q/QQ permit must apply in person or by mail at the appropriate National Forest District Office or DNR District Office and receive a letter of authorization. This letter of authorization must be in the hunter’s possession while hunting on the designated roads in the program. Hunters applying by mail must include a copy of their Class Q/QQ permit.
The Class Q/QQ permit holders may be accompanied by no more than one assistant, at least 16 years of age, when hunting within a designated area. Assistants may change from one trip to the next, but all assistants must be listed on the letter of authorization. The assistant may hunt with the Class Q/QQ permit holder, but he or she must be out of the vehicle while hunting and possess appropriate hunting licenses as required by state law. A hunting license is not required for the assistant if he or she is not hunting.
All state hunting regulations are to be observed while hunting these designated areas. Authorized hunters will have access to specific gates via a special lock. While behind the gate, hunters must observe all National Forest and/or State Wildlife Management Area regulations. Off-road driving is prohibited.
In addition to the special access areas, Class Q/QQ permit holders may participate in special Class Q/QQ deer hunts on Oct. 31, Dec. 26 and Dec. 28. These special deer hunts will take place on designed wildlife management areas and state forests as outlined on pages 30-31 of the 2009-2010 West Virginia Hunting and Trapping Regulations Summary.
The U.S. Forest Service and DNR are committed to providing quality hunting opportunities for physically challenged hunters and welcome comments and suggestions from participating hunters. For more information concerning access to National Forest or Wildlife Management Area Class Q/QQ roads, contact the U.S. Forest Service (304-636-1800) or DNR (304-637-0245). Information is also available on the DNR’s Web site (www.wvdnr.gov). Specific areas with designated Class Q/QQ roads are listed below.
Class Q/QQ Roads Available on National Forest Lands:
Cheat/Potomac Ranger District, Parsons, WV (304-478-3251)
- Goodwin Run (Forest Road #933) Tucker County
- Bonifield Run (Forest Road #929) Tucker County
- Five Lick (Forest Road #153/153A) Randolph County
- Back Ridge (Forest Road #814) Pendleton County
Greenbrier Ranger District, Bartow, WV (304-456-3335)
- Little Beech Mountain (Forest Road #385, 183A) Randolph County
- Span Oak (Forest Road #224) Pocahontas County
Gauley Ranger District, Richwood, WV (304-846-2695)
- Left Branch (Frosty Gap) (Forest Road # 731) Pocahontas County
- Spice Run (Forest Road #787) Webster County
Marlinton/White Sulphur Ranger District, Marlinton, WV (304-799-4334)
- Crooked Fork (Forest Road #251) Pocahontas County
- Middle Mountain (Forest Road #790) Pocahontas County
- Panther Ridge (Forest Road #298) Greenbrier County
- Bear Track (Forest Road #882) Greenbrier County
North River Ranger District, Bridgewater, VA (540-432-0187)
- Dry River Hollow Road (Forest Road #151H) Pendleton County
State Wildlife Management Areas with Available Roads:
Bluestone WMA, Burnsville Lake WMA, Elk River WMA, Hillcrest WMA, Hughes River WMA, Lewis Wetzel WMA, McClintic WMA, Sleepy Creek WMA, Stonewall Jackson Lake WMA, and Wallback WMA.
Contact Information
Curtis Taylor
304-558-2771
wildlife@wvdnr.gov