 By Cory Boothe
Coryboothe@hotmail.com
Saturday, September 14th marks the opening of squirrel season in West Virginia. Recently, the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources moves squirrel season up from the traditional first Saturday of October opening day. This was done to increase hunter participation and create a longer season with many days of better weather. Most hunters welcome the change while others complain about heat and warbles.
Warbles are actually the larva of a botfly deposited under the squirrel's skin. This larva creates a sore spot on the squirrel's skin. Warbles are typically killed with colder weather and frost. Unfortunately, many squirrels with warbles are unnecessarily discarded. It is perfectly safe to eat a squirrel with warbles. Just cut around the spot and treat as any other squirrel.
At this time of the yea,r the squirrels will be in the Hickory. Squirrels will target hickory trees before moving on to oak and such. It's a wonderful site to see squirrels scurrying from hickory nut to hickory nut, especially for the smart hunter strategically placed near the ripe hickory tree.
The daily limit for squirrels is six with a possession limit of 24. Their is no season limit but you cannot have more than 24 at one time. The season lasts until January 31, 2014.
| 
