Joe Manchin III, Governor

Frank Jezioro, Director

News Release : August 8, 2005

Hoy Murphy , Public Information Officer (304) 558-3380 hoymurphy@wvdnr.gov

Contact: Curtis Taylor , Wildlife Resources Section Chief (304) 558-2771 wildlife@wvdnr.gov

Secure Permission from Landowners before Hunting

  As fall hunting seasons approach, the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds sportsmen and women to secure permission from landowners before hunting on private property and to respect the property of these landowners while afield.

  Hunters should remember that it is illegal to hunt upon the fenced, enclosed, or posted land of another person without written permission from that landowner. In addition, hunters are required to carry written permission while hunting on Sunday in counties where Sunday hunting is permitted.

  “To a large extent, the future of our state's hunting heritage depends upon the willingness of private landowners to allow hunting on their property,” said Curtis I. Taylor, Chief of the Wildlife Resources Section of DNR. “Hunters should always respect a landowner's rights and property, as well as obey any rules imposed by the landowner. A small token of appreciation shown by a hunter can go a long way toward ensuring future hunting access.”

  Hunters can show appreciation to a landowner by offering to help with chores, sharing a portion of their game, picking up litter, or simply sending a thank you card. A 2006 DNR Wildlife Calendar also makes a good gift. It is a good idea to seek permission to hunt well before the season begins.

  Although private lands comprise 90 percent of the acreage in West Virginia , there are more than 1.4 million acres of land open to public hunting. Hunters having difficulty locating a place to hunt can contact any DNR District Office, the Elkins Operations Center , or access the DNR's official Web site at www.wvdnr.gov to obtain information on West Virginia 's wildlife management areas, state forests and national forests.

**DNR**