By Cory Boothe
Coryboothe@hotmail.com
West Virginia will have a doe season this Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Hunters must possess a valid class N stamp. The great news is this year hunters in West Virginia can harvest two deer a day providing only one can be an antlered deer.
Doe harvests is a vital part of deer management. West Virginia would see a drastic change in herd structure if pressure were taken off yearling bucks and placed on does. This doe season was previously held in December for a week.
The West Virginia Department of Natural Resources moved three days of the season to this time in October to increase harvest and add hunter participation. If enough does are taken at this time it can lead to a stronger rut.
Also, please sight in rifles accordingly. Hitting a pop can at 50 yards is not proficient. And, it is not taking full advantage of your gun's ability.
A modern high-powered rifle sighted in for two-hundred yards will take deer out to considerable distances if the shooter practices adequately.
I am not advocating long shots for any hunter who does not practice shooting at those distances. Whitetail deer are too precious to wound.
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