Joe Manchin III, Governor
Frank Jezioro, Director

News Release : August 10, 2007

Hoy Murphy, Public Information Officer (304) 558-3381 hoymurphy@wvdnr.gov
Contact: Curtis Taylor, Wildlife Resources Section Chief (304) 558-2771 wildlife@wvdnr.gov

2007 Season Dates Established for Mourning Dove, Woodcock, Snipe and Rail

West Virginia’s 2007 hunting season dates and bag limits for mourning dove, woodcock, common snipe, sora rail and Virginia rail have been finalized, according to 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 ½ hour before sunrise until sunset, prevailing time, for the remainder of the season. Shooting hours for rails, woodcock and snipe are from ½ 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 1-800-327-2263 or online at www.pwrc.usgs.gov and select Bird Banding Lab.

West Virginia’s 2007-2008 Migratory Bird Hunting Regulations brochure should be available from license agents and DNR offices in late August.

**DNR**