Tag: Outdoors

NPS Hosts Guided Hikes in Southern W.Va. for Holiday Weekend

The National Park Service is offering Ranger-Guided hikes in Summers and Fayette Counties this holiday weekend. All ranger programs are free unless otherwise noted. The NPS suggests hikers wear comfortable walking shoes. Hikers might also consider bringing water, snacks, camera and binoculars Below is a list of this weekend’s featured ranger programs:

In Summers County, interested hikers should meet at the base of Pipestem Resort State Park tramway at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, July 5, 2014. From there rangers will guide two hikes:

Bluestone Walk            

  • Time: 10:00 am – 11:30 am.
  • This two mile total walk within the Bluestone National Scenic River provides sights of flora and fauna of the area and regional history. Hikers should bring $2.00 for the return tram ride.

Bluestone Turnpike Hike

  • 10:00 am – 4:00 pm.
  • This 10 mile walk along the Bluestone Turnpike Trail explore the beauty and diversity of this remote area The trail runs along the Bluestone River to Bluestone State Park. A free shuttle will be provided for the return trip to Pipestem State Park. NPS says hikers should wear sturdy hiking shoes, bring lunch, and plenty of water. To make requested reservations call 304-466-0417.

In Fayette County, interested hikers can meet at the Thurmond Depot Visitor Center both Saturday, July 5 and Sunday, July 6 at 11:00 a.m.

Historic Thurmond Tour

  • 11:00 am – 12:00 pm.
  • This half mile walk is an informal of one of the New River Gorge’s most renowned towns, Thurmond. Rangers will explain the history behind this once bustling railroad town, hearing stories of days gone by.

For more information about area National Park Service sites, stop by any New River Gorge National River visitor center or the NPS website.

Open Season in 51 Counties Begins Nov. 25th

It’s that time of year again!

For two weeks, beginning Monday, Nov. 25 and ending Saturday, Dec. 2, it’s open season in 51 counties across the state as hunters hit the woods looking for that prize buck.

About 330,000 hunters will participate in West Virginia’s buck firearm season and will spend an estimated $230 million here, particularly in rural areas, but before you hit the woods, the state Division of Natural Resources has some rules and regulations they want you to be aware of:

-Hunters are limited to two bucks during the two week firearm season and may only take three during an entire calendar year, including both firearm and archery seasons.

-November 24 is the last day to purchase an additional buck deer gun tag

-A hunter may harvest two deer per day, but only one antlered deer per day

-A concurrent bear gun season will be held in 29 counties

-Sunday hunting is legal on Dec. 1 in the following 14 counties: Boone, Brooke, Clay, Hancock, Jefferson, Lincoln, Logan, McDowell, Marshall, Mingo, Ohio, Wayne, Wetzel and Wyoming.

-Hunters are required to wear at least 400 square inches of blaze orange on an outer garment for visibility and safety and the color must be visible from both the front and back

Make sure you read up on the DNR’s hunting and trapping regulations and locate your official game checking stations before you head to your favorite hunting spot.

Don’t forget your state hunting license and remember, only 51 counties participate in the open buck firearm season. Deer gun seasons are closed in Logan, Mingo, McDowell and Wyoming Counties.

Consider donating your harvested deer to help feed West Virginians in need. Contact the Hunters Helping the Hungry to find a meat processor in your area.

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