Joe Manchin III, Governor

Frank Jezioro, Director

News Release : August 31 , 2006

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

Contact: Scott Warner, Wildlife Resources Section (304) 558-2771 wildlife@wvdnr.gov

Coyote Hunting Seminars by Tom Bechdel At National Hunting and Fishing Days Celebration September 23-24 at Stonewall Jackson Lake State Park

   Nationally-recognized predator hunter Tom Bechdel of Cambridge Springs, Pennsylvania, will return for the ninth year to present his popular coyote hunting seminars during the 2006 West Virginia Celebration of National Hunting and Fishing Days, to be held at Stonewall Jackson Lake State Park in Lewis County (Interstate 79 exit 91) September 23 and 24.

“There is a lot of interest in coyote hunting in West Virginia,” Bechdel said. “I’ll typically have more than 500 people in attendance at my seminars to learn what it takes to become successful. However, my seminars are a little different; I try to educate hunters on the life of a coyote, how to find them, how and when to call them, how to use electric and mouth calls, and how to use decoys. I cover all 12 months of the coyote's life, what he does, how he does it, and why. I will explain the different color phases of the Eastern coyote as compared to a Western coyote. This will be time well spent to learn of your new neighbor.”

National Hunting and Fishing Days is sponsored by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources and the West Virginia Wildlife Federation and is like no other event, with hands-on learning opportunities for youngsters and families in the area of wildlife and outdoor recreation. The objective of the event is to educate the non-hunting/fishing public on the benefits of hunting and fishing and how these activities support DNR’s efforts in wildlife conservation.

Nearly 20,000 wildlife enthusiasts will be in attendance to try their hand at everything from archery, shooting, fly-fishing, and kids fishing derby, to list only a few. In addition, attendees will also have opportunities to sit in on several other wildlife demonstrations or visit one of the hundred-plus vendors on hand. Admission is $3 for adults, $1 for children under age 15, and children 3 and under free. For more information call (304) 558-2771, or visit the DNR’s website at www.wvdnr.gov/hunting/nathuntfish.shtm .

**DNR**