West Virginia Department of Natural Resources

May - June 2008
West Virginia Division of Natural Resources

Hunting Turkeys Over Bait Illegal In West Virginia
CHARLESTON, WV — Citations for illegal baiting for turkeys before and during the annual spring gobbler season may be on the increase this year, according to Col. David Murphy, Law Enforcement Section Chief of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources.
"We receive numerous reports of baited areas just prior to and during the early days of the spring gobbler season. For the past few years, it seems to be more widespread," Col. Murphy said. "We urge anyone who has any information about turkey hunting over bait to report it by calling the West Virginia DNR Law Enforcement Section’s hotline number at 1-800- 638-4263 or a local district office. Illegal activity can also be reported to the Law Enforcement Section’s e-mail address: Law@wvdnr.gov.”
West Virginia law prohibits hunting, trapping or taking turkey by the aid of baiting, or on or over any baited area. Baiting is the placing, exposing, depositing, distributing or scattering of corn, wheat or other grain, or other feed so as to constitute for turkeys a lure or attraction to, on, or over any areas where hunters are attempting to take them. A baited area shall remain a baited area for 10 days following complete removal of all the baited materials.
The penalty for conviction of illegal baiting of wild turkey is a $20 - $300 fine and/or 10 - 100 days in jail, plus $160.50 court cost.
The West Virginia spring gobbler season is April 28 – May 24, 2008, in all counties. Hunting regulations are available at all hunting license agents or online at www.wvdnr.gov.

Four Deer Test Positive for CWD
CHARLESTON, WV — Test results have detected the Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) agent in four additional deer collected during the first week of the 2008 spring collections in Hampshire County, according to the West Virginia Division of Natural Resoures. The deer were collected by sharp-shooter teams working in the Slanesville/Augusta area of the county. No new positive samples have been detected so far in the Yellow Springs area. The object of the collections is to continue to define prevalence and distribution of the disease as well as monitoring changes in the structure of the deer herd in the containment area near Slanesville, where CWD has been detected the past few years.
Spotlight surveys conducted in the fall of 2006 and 2007 indicate similar deer densities in and outside of the containment area where special collections are occurring. Wildlife biologists conducting the surveys noted the only difference is that the herd inside the containment area, which is north of Route 50, is comprised of younger animals with a higher number of fawns. Special collections do not seem to be affecting total numbers, but do seem to be having an affect on age structure and reproductive rate which is seen as a positive aspect of the program. Younger animals should theoretically be less capable of transmitting the disease.

Field sampling is not yet fully completed for the year; however, the Division of Natural Resources would like to thank all cooperating landowners in Hampshire County for having the foresight, patience, and intelligence to participate in this program. If any Hampshire County containment area landowner would still like to participate by allowing biologists to collect two or three deer on their property, they should contact the District 2 office in Romney at 304-822-3551. There are still many areas where no deer have been collected that are in danger of becoming higher prevalence reservoirs for chronic wasting disease.
CWD is a neurological disease found in deer and elk, and it belongs to a family of diseases known as transmissible spongiform encephalopathies. The disease is thought to be caused by abnormal, proteinaceous particles called prions that slowly attack the brain of infected deer and elk, causing the animals to progressively become emaciated, display abnormal behavior and invariably results in the death of the infected animal. There is no known treatment for CWD, and it is fatal for the infected deer or elk. It is important to note that currently there is no evidence to suggest CWD poses a risk for humans or domestic animals.

Camping in West Virginia State Parks and Forests
CHARLESTON, WV — West Virginia's state parks and forests offer camping experiences from primitive tent sites to full-hook up service. Campgrounds are located at most state parks, forests and wildlife management areas, and special programs and discounts are available. Visit www.wvstateparks.com for a listing of campgrounds, rates, and interesting things to do while there. It is advisable to check with the individual facility in advance for confirmation of availability. The season usually runs from mid-April to October.
Camping rates are different for each park. Although the majority of campsites are rented on a first come first serve basis, up to 50 percent of the sites at many parks and forests are available for seasonal reservations. Campsite reservations may be made by writing or by calling toll free 1-800-CALL-WVA and requesting the park, forest or wildlife management area of your choice. Reservations may be made up to two days in advance and must be secured by deposit (entire rental fee plus $5 handling fee). A minimum of two nights, (up to a maximum of 14 nights) is required when making a reservation. Other restrictions may apply, so check with the park, forest or wildlife management area if you have questions.

Campground Fee Increase in Wildlife Management Areas
CHARLESTON, WV — Effective immediately, campground fees on Pleasant Creek, Teter Creek, Lewis Wetzel, Sleepy Creek, Nathaniel Mountain, Short Mountain, Handley, Chief Cornstalk, McClintic and Conway Run Wildlife Management Areas in West Virginia will be $10 for a group of six or fewer and $2 for each additional person, according to Curtis I. Taylor, Chief of the Wildlife Resources Section of the Division of Natural Resources.
“The increase is necessary due to the increased costs in fuel, labor and maintenance. The expenditures required to keep the campgrounds open have far exceeded the income received at these facilities,” said Taylor.
The new fees are commensurate with those campgrounds operated by the State Park system and the U.S. Forest Service with similar accommodations.

Fishing Season is Year-Round in WV
CHARLESTON, WV — Whether you’re seeking secluded wilderness trout fishing or a family vacation, a quality angling experience awaits you in the Mountain State. More than 20,000 miles of streams and over 100 public fishing lakes provide anglers of all ages with a wide variety of prospects. Year-round fishing, including an open-season for trout, is available. West Virginia offers catch-and-release and fly-fishing-only streams to challenge the enthusiast, as well as shoreline fishing, boat launching, and facilities for the physically challenged throughout the state. All children under 15 fish for free.

Governor Signs Hunter Safety Education Bill
CHARLESTON, WV — West Virginia Governor Joe Manchin III has signed a bill helping to ensure the state’s continued rich hunting heritage.
Signed into law on April 1, Senate Bill 9 directs the West Virginia Board of Education to develop a hunter safety program for use in the state’s public schools.
The program, which will be conducted by an instructor certified by the Division of Natural Resources, may be offered over a two-week period to students in grades 6-12. The program can be part of physical education classes, the general education curriculum or offered to students at the end of the school day.
Participation in the program is voluntary for students and anyone not wanting to take part will participate in another educational activity.