NRAO Hunt Back On

A year ago, the National Radio Astronomy Observatory in Green Bank scrubbed plans for its annual controlled deer hunt in the property in Pocahontas County.    Officials said then that the deer herd in the area surrounding the multi-Million dollar high tech equipment was satisfactory.

Over the last year, that apparently has changed.  The NRAO announced recently it is accepting applications for a drawing for permits to hunt the property this fall.

The hunts are scheduled for October 3, 9, 10, 15, and 16th.  The DNR will provide close oversight of the event with controlled access at the gate and placement of hunters in designated hunting stands. 

The agency will create four separate hunting areas on the property.  Those areas will consist of tracts ranging from 132 acres to 1,000 acres.   The areas are designated bow only, muzzleloader and shotgun with slugs, and muzzleloader hunting only.  Sportsmen interested in applying will have to determine which implement they want to use at the time of their permit application. 

The maximum bag limit will be two antlerless deer, one per day, and those will NOT count against a hunters West Virginia license bag limit for 2009.   On the morning of each hunt, a drawing will be held for five antlered buck permits allowing those lucky hunters to shoot either sex of deer. 

Unlike in years past, the DNR says walkup registration for available slots left by no-shows will not be allowed this year.

To apply for the drawing, hunters can pick up a form at any DNR District Office or write to the observatory at NRAO, P.O.Box 2, Green Bank, WV 24944, attention Hunt Coordinator.   You can also send an e-mail requesting further instruction or call 304-456-2011.