Youth Squirrel Hunt this Saturday in WV

Youngsters across the state of West Virginia will get the first crack at the bushy tails among the branches this weekend.  Saturday will be the state’s youth squirrel hunting day.   The day has become popular among young hunters in the state. 

"Early youth seasons are designed to get kids in the woods by giving them an incentive," said Jim Evans of the DNR.  "They’re the only ones allowed to be hunting.  It’s incentive to get kids and their parents out into the woods and introduce them to hunting."

Introducing children to hunting is fast becoming the top priority of many state wildlife agencies.    Studies show a continued decline in the number of young hunters.  It’s a trend that doesn’t bode well for the future of those wildlife agencies or for wildlife in general if it isn’t turned around.

"A lot of states have these youth hunts and they are apparently quite popular," said Evans.  "We see quite a bit of participation."

Evans says one thing in favor of those kids who do show up in the woods at dawn Saturday will be an abundance of squirrels.  Last year’s strong mast crop upped reproduction in 2007 and a lot of squirrels made it through the winter healthy and hearty. 

With the increased opportunities to hunt deer, turkey, and bear in the Mountain State, squirrel hunting has lost some of the stature in once held enjoyed.  Evans believes it’s still a great adventure for young hunters to cut their teeth.

"Squirrel hunting is a very good type of hunting, especially to introduce young people to and for the elderly as well," explained Evans. "You can hunt without a lot of physical exertion and it’s very enjoyable early in the fall, the weather is very pleasant."

The key rule with the youth day hunt is that only the youth is allowed to be hunting.   Anyone under the age of 14 can participate, as long as they are accompanied by a licensed hunter over the age of 21.    Other game laws and bag limits apply as with any other hunting in West Virginia.