Jan. 11, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Hoy Murphy
304-558-2003
hmurphy@wvcommerce.org
Winter activities for men
Now that we’re into the new year and past the holidays, it’s time to start looking around for excuses to get back outside, even if the weather is cold and the ground is covered with snow. In fact, this may be a great time to get some alone time, or to get together with others who share the same interests in the outdoors.
Hunting and fishing shows
- The Central West Virginia Hunting and Fishing Show will be Jan. 19-20, 2008, at the Flatwoods Days Inn Conference Center near Sutton in Braxton County. This popular trade show draws thousands of people from across the state to buy and sell hunting and fishing goods, and the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources will be there to score the antlers on that big buck you took last fall. Hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $5 per person. Call 304-765-2032, ext. 101, for more information, or contact Cathy Carr at cathy@flatwoods.com
- The West Virginia Hunting and Fishing Show will be Jan. 25, 26 and 27, 2008, at the Charleston Civic Center. Organized annually by the West Virginia Trophy Hunters Association, this is the 21 st year of the biggest indoor event of its kind in the state. More than 230 booths will be set up to bring hunters and anglers into contact with organizations that provide them with goods and services related to those activities. While there, make sure to stop by the popular West Virginia Whitetail Hall of Fame, a giant display made up of deer trophies brought in by individuals to show off the largest racks harvested the past few years. This is also an opportunity to have the Division of Natural Resources score that big rack you took last year. Hours are noon to 9 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $6 for adults, $1 for children ages 6-12, and free for children under 6. Visit www.wvtrophyhunters.com for more information.
Dunbar Critter Dinner – Feb. 16, 2008
Each year more than 4,000 West Virginians come to Dunbar in Kanawha County to enjoy a wide variety of tasty critters, cooked up West Virginia style. You can sample deer, turkey, squirrel, bear, gator, rabbit, halibut, trout, frog legs and others that might surprise you. You’re guaranteed an afternoon of fun and culinary adventure. Hours are noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 16, and admission is five cans of nonperishable food to be donated to the Dunbar Food Pantry, or you can make a cash donation. The location is the Dunbar Recreation Center at 2601 Fairlawn Drive. Call Connie Fulknier at 304-776-0223 for more information.
Fishing
Unlike most states, West Virginia has a continuous fishing season, and the winter months provide some of the best fishing opportunities of the year. January and February are great fishing months because there’s less angler pressure, while at the same time, stocking trucks are making their way from the hatcheries to many of the state’s streams and lakes. It’s easy to track the trout stocking schedule by calling the Trout Stocking Hotline at 304-558-3399 or logging on www.wvdnr.gov/Fishing/Stocking/DailyStock.shtm . Don’t forget that you need a 2008 fishing license after Jan. 1. Inexpensive short-term licenses are available at your local license agent or online at www.wvfish.com if you want to take your out-of-state buddy to your favorite fishing hole. For more information about fishing in West Virginia, call 304-558-2771 or visit www.wvdnr.gov.
Small Game Hunting
You got all that great hunting equipment for Christmas, but you can’t use it for big game hunting until next fall. That’s all right, because you can try it out doing some small game hunting in January and February. Squirrel season runs through Jan. 31, and you can hunt raccoon and rabbits through Feb. 29. February can be a preferred time for serious rabbit hunters because there is less vegetation to obscure their vision, the ground is always damp enough to hold scent well, and the weather is generally cool enough to keep the beagles from getting over heated. Raccoons are generally not very active during cold winter nights; however, a warm spell can change everything. As the winter begins to weaken and the days become longer, raccoons will become more active. With all of West Virginia’s late season hunting opportunities, there is no reason for a case of cabin fever. Success can't be guaranteed, but fresh air and exercise can. Don’t forget to buy your 2008 hunting license after Jan. 1. You can purchase it online at www.wvhunt.com or from your local license agent. For more information about the small game hunting seasons, contact the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources at 304-558-2771 or visit www.wvdnr.gov.
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