Joe Manchin III, Governor

Frank Jezioro, Director

News Release : August 8, 2006

Hoy Murphy, Public Information Officer (304) 558-3381 hoymurphy@wvdnr.gov

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

2006 Season Dates Established for Mourning Dove, Woodcock, Snipe and Rail

West Virginia’s 2006 hunting season dates and bag limits for mourning dove, woodcock, common snipe and sora and Virginia rails have been set according to the Wildlife Resources Section of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. These seasons are set within guidelines established annually by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Shooting hours for dove are from noon to sunset on September 1, the opening day of the first segment, and from 1/2 hour before sunrise until sunset, prevailing time, for the remainder of the season. Shooting hours for rails, woodcock and snipe are from 1/2 hour before sunrise until sunset.

All licensed migratory bird hunters, including lifetime license holders and senior citizens, must also have a valid Migratory Bird Harvest Information Program (HIP) registration card. HIP registration is available free at all license outlets.

Banded birds should be reported by calling 1-800-327-band (2263) or online at www.pwrc.usgs.gov (select “Bird Banding Lab”).

West Virginia’s 2006-2007 Migratory Bird Hunting Regulations brochure should be available from license agents and DNR offices in late August.

**DNR**