WV DNR coyote regulations

[Frogman]

In previous posts some of us WV coyote hunters have expressed our frustration with some of the WV Dept. of Natural Resources coyote hunting regulations. I recently received a letter asking for my comments on possibly changing some of those regulations.

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/23122994/sectional%20questionnaire.pdf

I am hoping they will consider making the following changes:

1. "allow the hunting of approved widlife species at night with a pistol, revolver or rifle up to a .22 caliber centerfire and shotguns using shot shells of #2 shot or smaller." Currently we are limited to .22 rimfire and #4 shot or smaller??

2. "allow the use of any artificial light for hunting at night for raccoon, skunk, oppossum, coyote and fox." Currently we are limited to the use of red, green or amber lights and fox are not legal to be hunted at night.

3. "During closed small game season, coyotes may only be hunted in open fields. Guns must be cased while being transported to and from the open field." "I would like to suggest removing the restriction for hunting coyotes only in open fields when no small game seasons are in. As an avid coyote caller it is very difficult to call coyotes into open fields in the daytime. It would help if we could hunt them in the woods and thickets where they are most comfortable."

If WV hunters would please print the attached request for comment, look through it, and respond to those things listed above, perhaps we could get some of these regulations changed. Please print and return your comments to the address listed in the cover letter!

Also the DNR holds annual regional meetings to allow people to comment on these items. Please try to attend the meeting nearest to you. The meeting here in Parkersburg will be Tuesday evening March 13 at 7:00 PM at the Parkersburg Municipal Building as it stands now!

Last year I had a similar letter that indicated that DNR was considering some of these changes. But when the regulation booklet came out the only change made was to allow us to use green lights along with red and amber??? These things just take time to change I guess??

Thanks for taking the time to respond to this!! Maybe if we all comment they will make some changes??



Jim

[Hidehunter]

I printed this off this morning.  I'll be right there with ya Jim.  I have complained about our regs for a while now.  Everybody complains about the coyotes but our regs are almost as if they dont want us to be successful.  I know they are afraid of poachers getting caught and using the excuse 'Im coyote hunting'  but lets face it...poachers are gonna poach whether this law is changed or not.

[FinsnFur]

I know they are afraid of poachers getting caught and using the excuse Im coyote hunting'  but lets face it...poachers are gonna poach whether this law is changed or not.

Thats your baby right there. and like you said, "poachers are gonna poach whether this law is changed or not".
But allowing people in the woods with pistols and spot lights at night invites deer poaching no matter where you are, but lets face it West Virginia is probably second to Maryland for poachers so your DNR is gonna be skittish.

Plus alscalls lives there...so ...I mean you see what I'm saying? 

[Carolina Coyote]

Pretty much got the same type Regulations in South Carolina, even after some studies show that Coyotes are killing up to 60% of the Fawns, not to even mention the Rabbits, Turkey, Quail,  House  Pets , Live Stock,and other Game, it makes you wonder who is pushing the Regulations, ( PETA ? Insurance Company's ?   DNR ? To me its and infringement on Hunters, Recently a City Park  not to far from me was closed because of Coyotes. Just to much Government. Even if you try to talk to Officials they treat you like you are some kind Criminal and don't know what you are talking about, I guess we have to blame it on GWB. CC