Local experts provide safety tips for 2021-2022 hunting season. Fall has begun in West Virginia, bringing with it cooler temperatures, beautiful colorful leaves and the beginning of hunting season. Like any other state, a number of different rules and regulations are in place. However, many forms of hunting are currently available to residents. Hunting season for squirrel began on Sept. 11 and will continue through Feb. 28. “Small game has such a high reproductivity we can extend the seasons and have higher limit,” said Steve Rauch, District 1 wildlife biologist for the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. However, for most hunters in West Virginia, hunting means big game, such as deer and bear. Archery and crossbow season began on Sept. 25 and continue through Dec. 31. During archery season, hunters can take either an antlered or antlerless deer or a bear. Hunters should pick up a copy of the “Hunting and Trapping Regulations Summary” to familiarize themselves with the regulations before heading to the woods. The Hunting and Trapping Regulations Summary is available from a license agent, or a copy can be downloaded at the Department of Natural Resource website at www.wvdnr.gov. According to Ruach, hunting is not only a sport but, a great way to spend time in the woods. “The benefit of hunting is to be able to get outdoors and enjoy the woods, the fields, the water or whatever you may be hunting,” said Rauch. “It is spending time with family and other hunting friends and the opportunity to get wild game for food.” Avid hunter Joe Criss has been hunting for over 40 years. He hunts deer, squirrel turkey and rabbit. “I enjoy getting out in the woods and seeing the animals,” said Criss. “I like the solitude of it.” Criss is passing the love of hunting on to his children. Two of his three children enjoy the sport. His youngest daughter Kelcie is especially gung-ho about the activity. “Kelcie killed her first deer when she was 7,” said Criss. “That is one benefit of the crossbow era. She was able to get in the woods and get her first deer.” Hunting is also a way to manage wildlife, according to Rauch. “The best tool to control numbers is regulated hunting,” Rauch said. “Regulated hunting helps bring more of a balance with the deer and their habitat. We have been working to bring the deer population down from where it was. In years past, there have just been to many deer.” Last year in Marion County, hunters bagged 675 antlered deer with a gun, 548 deer with a bow or crossbow and 661 antlerless deer. There were also three bears killed in Marion County during archery/crossbow season. Rauch estimates that this year’s seasons will be similar to 2020. While many find the activity fun or relaxing, Rauch said that there are still plenty of ways in which hunters need to remain safe. And while in the woods with high-powered firearms, visibility is key to safety. “Anytime it is a deer firearm season the hunters are required to wear blaze orange,” Rauch said. “A bow hunter in gun season has to wear blaze orange. Other times, it is recommended to wear blaze orange when squirrel or rabbit hunting just for the visibility.” Hunting season is here. So whether one is looking for food for the table, time with family and friends or just some quiet time to enjoy nature, they should always know the regulations and be safe. https://www.wvnews.com/fairmontnews/news/local-experts-provide-safety-tips-for-2021-2022-hunting-season/article_b308f69c-25d4-11ec-a7ca-db4744e33f3a.html