| Department of Natural Resources officials are creating about
a dozen of the state's wildlife management areas into trophy-deer playgrounds for hunters.
The goal is to make West Virginia a hotbed for hunters from across the USA who want to hunt big deer.
However, the plan could place new restrictions on hunting in several of the state's wildlife management areas.
People could hunt and kill only male deer with a certain antler size.
Division of Natural Resources director Frank Jezioro said the department hopes to have identified a handful of prospective big-game areas by March and then will turn the idea over to the state's hunters for feedback.
"We think it's something that's long overdue here," he said.
Jezioro said his office is working to find tracts large enough, likely in the 8,000-acre to 10,000-acre range, to support the project
INTERNET HUNTING BANNED IN WV
Maryland is joining WV and a number
of states to ban Internet hunting.
It's a modern version of the rustic sport in which people viewing a web site can remotely fire a gun at live game.
What a concept.
At least 10 states have passed laws prohibiting the practice.
West Virginia Governor Manchin signed a bill banning Internet hunting last May.
Opponents say it flies in the face of the sport and is dangerous.
They say
there's a risk of inaccuracy that could lead to animals being wounded or suffering.
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