Joe Manchin III, Governor
Frank Jezioro, Director

News Release : August 16, 2007

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 22-23 At Stonewall Jackson Lake State Park

Nationally-recognized predator hunter Tom Bechdel of Cambridge Springs, Pennsylvania, will return for the tenth consecutive year to present his popular coyote hunting seminars during the 2007 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 22nd and 23rd.

“There is a lot of interest in coyote hunting in West Virginia,” Bechdel said. “Typically, more than 500 people attend 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.

This event provides activities that include 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 Web site at www.wvdnr.gov and look under Special Opportunities

**DNR**