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The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources reports that 64,427 white-tailed deer were harvested during the recently completed antlerless deer season. This year’s preliminary count of the antlerless deer harvest is 31% less than the record harvest of 93,879 recorded in 1999.
"We are somewhat disappointed in this year’s doe harvest," said Bernie Dowler, Chief of the Division of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Section. "We were expecting a decrease in the antlerless harvest this year because of some changes to the season and the abundance of acorn mast which kept the deer widely disbursed and less vulnerable to the gun, but it appears the total kill was 6-11% lower than anticipated," Dowler noted.
The top ten antlerless deer counties were: Lewis (2,844), Upshur (2,832), Ritchie (2,768), Hampshire (2,671), Preston (2,668), Wetzel (2,295), Jackson (2,289), Roane (2,278), Harrison (2,242), and Mason (2,236).
Continued liberal doe harvests are the key factors relating to larger and healthier animals in the deer population. "Where necessary and deer populations are above their management objectives, we will continue to recommend appropriate antlerless deer harvest regulations," Dowler said. "As landowners and hunters begin to appreciate the need to harvest female deer, I am confident that deer populations in these targeted counties will be reduced to acceptable levels." Improvements in antler size, body weight and overall physical condition will also result from these management actions.
Hunters are reminded that the muzzleloader season runs through December 16. Deer of either sex may be taken with muzzleloaders in all counties or parts thereof open to the Class N antlerless deer season. All other counties open to muzzleloader hunting are restricted to bucks-only. Hunters are also reminded that the archery deer season runs through December 30. Hunters should consult the 2000-2001 West Virginia Hunting and Trapping Regulations for additional information.
Uploaded: 12/20/2000
Uploaded: 12/20/2000