Joe Manchin III, Governor

Frank Jezioro, Director

News Release : September 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

Youth Waterfowl Hunt September 24

Youth Squirrel Hunt October 1

  West Virginia 's youth waterfowl hunt has been set for September 24, 2005 , and the youth squirrel hunt is scheduled for October 1, 2005, according to Curtis I. Taylor, Chief of the Division of Natural Resources' Wildlife Resources Section.

  “These special youth hunts provide an excellent opportunity to introduce youngsters to the hunting heritage of West Virginians,” said Taylor. “The mild days of early fall are a great time to be afield with young hunters and to pass on to them the traditions of safe hunting and wildlife conservation.”

  Youth waterfowl and squirrel hunters must be less than 15 years of age on the days of the hunt. Youth hunters do not need hunting licenses; however, each youth must be accompanied by a licensed adult 21 years of age or older. The supervising adult may not hunt or carry a firearm or bow and must remain near enough to the youth to render advice and assistance. The daily bag limits for both the squirrel and waterfowl hunts are the same as during the regular seasons.

  For additional information, hunters should check the 2005-2006 West Virginia Hunting and Trapping Regulations and the 2005-2006 Migratory Bird Hunting Regulations. These publications are available at all license agents, DNR offices and the DNR's Web site at www.wvdnr.gov .

**DNR**