Saturday, December 11, 2010
Deer Hunting Stats For WV
West Virginia deer hunters killed 31 percent fewer bucks during the two-week gun season that ended Dec. 4 than they did last year, the Divisions of Natural Resources said Friday.
Preliminary data from game checking stations across the state indicate 43,226 bucks were killed during firearms season, down from 62,986 last year, said DNR Director Frank Jezioro. Preston County had the most bucks bagged at 2,030, followed by Randolph with 1,817 and Hardy with 1,350.
Declines occurred all over the state, Jezioro said, with the largest drops in the western and central counties.
Below-average production of acorns in 2008 and 2009, combined with an unusually harsh winter last year, had a significant affect on the deer population and the 2010 results.
Jezioro said too many deer in any one place will result in loss of body weight, reproduction loss and sometimes death due to starvation. Over time, overpopulation shrinks the size of the herd, reducing its ability to withstand a poor food supply and harsh winter weather. There is good news for deer this year, though: Their food supply has been abundant, and Jezorio said they're in good physical condition heading into winter.
DNR biologists will analyze data from all the 2010 deer seasons, including bow and muzzleloader hunts, before making any recommendations about regulations for next year. Those recommendations will be available for public review at 12 meetings scheduled for March 14-15, 2011.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 10:21 PM 
