Residents of Tucker County may have awakened October 10th to the sound of hunters gathering gobblers to fill freezers for Thanksgiving. Fall Turkey Season began Oct. 10 in West Virginia.
“We encourage hunters to take the opportunity to reconnect with the outdoors and pursue one of West Virginia’s most elusive game birds,” said WVDNR Director Brett McMillion. “There’s nothing like bagging your own wild turkey for Thanksgiving dinner. It’s a wonderful tradition to share with family and friends, and we remind everyone to stay safe, follow season regulations and make the most of West Virginia’s unmatched autumn woods.”
From Oct. 10 to the 18th is the first segment in all 55 counties. A second segment will be open Oct. 26 to Nov. 1 and provides an additional week of opportunity in 16 counties. A third segment will be open Oct. 26 to Nov. 15 and provides three additional weeks of hunting in 14 counties. Tucker County is included in the Oct. 10 to the 18th and Oct. 26 to Nov. 15 category for hunters.
During the fall turkey season, only one bird of either sex can be harvested using a bow, crossbow or gun. These restrictions include air rifles that are .22 caliber or larger. Hunting hours range from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. Hunters are prohibited from the use of electronic calls, bait or dogs.
The DNR reports the most common violations WVDNR police officers observe during turkey hunting seasons are the following:
• Hunting over bait
• Hunting without a license
• Improper license
• Making false application for license
• Exceeding the limits
• Failure to field tag turkey
• Illegal possession of wildlife
• Hunting without permission
Reward for information leading to arrest and conviction of a person found guilty of illegally killing a turkey – $200.
Hunters aged 15 and over are required to have a valid West Virginia hunting license and valid form of identification while hunting. Licenses can be purchased across the state at agents or online at wvhunt.com.
