Spring Gobbler Hunter Cabin Special at Bluestone State Park

HINTON, W.Va. – With Spring Gobbler Season in West Virginia beginning April 26, Bluestone State Park in Summers County has “called up” some reduced rental cabin rates for park guests and hunters alike. From April 26 – May 22, Bluestone is offering 20 percent off mid-week cabin rental rates.

Park Superintendent Brett McMillion recognizes that hunters often forget how close the Bluestone Wildlife Management Area (WMA) is to the state park's vacation rental cabins. “The WMA is another opportunity to enjoy outdoor adventure,” McMillion explains.

Located near Hinton, Bluestone State Park is buffered by the 2100 acre Bluestone Lake, noted for channel catfish, striped bass, crappie, largemouth, and bluegill; Bluestone State Park provides overnight cabin and camping accommodations; Bluestone Wildlife Management Area provides hunting opportunities – a Bluestone outdoor triple play.

Situated in Summers, Mercer and Monroe counties, the 18,019 acre Bluestone Wildlife Management Area’s topography ranges from flat bottomlands to steep mountains. The forest is predominantly oak-hickory and provides some of the eastern United States' best hunting opportunities for deer, squirrel, raccoon and wild turkey. Bluestone WMA is accessible by several major highways. Take exit 139 (Sandstone/Hinton) off I-64 to WV 20 south and drive 5 miles. From the I-77 south, take the Athens Road Exit (exit 14) to WV 20 north, and travel 22 miles. Wildlife Management Area maps are available at the Bluestone State Park office.

Cabin styles at Bluestone State Park vary from two-person cottage-like units to modern four-bedroom accessible cabins. Fully equipped for housekeeping, linens provided, this package generally appeals to individuals looking for some lake fishing and “a whole-lot-of-nothing-to-do but relax,” said McMillion. “For hunters looking for where to go spring turkey hunting, we have the answer: Bluestone WMA and our cabins here at Bluestone State Park.”

Hunting is prohibited on state parks. However, state forests and wildlife management areas are open for hunting. Some parks with overnight accommodations are close enough to public lands (WMAs) to provide a venue for guests who hunt. Hunting information and hunting (and fishing) license purchase is available online at www.wvdnr.gov or by contacting Division of Natural Resource District Offices.

When visiting Bluestone, cabin guests have an additional treat in store: indoor pool use at nearby Pipestem Resort is included in cabin rentals perks as well as tennis court and game court use at Pipestem. “It's a unique relationship to have two state parks close enough together to share amenities with guests,” says McMillion.” “It is a short 12-mile trip to Pipestem from Bluestone State Park and it's about 30 minutes to Bluestone Lake WMA.”

The Division of Natural Resources conducts an annual Spring Gobbler Survey. Spring turkey hunters interested in participating in the survey should contact: Division of Natural Resources Operations Center, c/o Dr. Randy Tucker, P.O. Box 67, Elkins, WV 26241, phone 304-637-0245, or e-mail randytucker@wvdnr.gov .

The Spring Gobbler rate is 20 percent off standard rental rates for two or more nights, Sunday – Thursday, April 26- May 22, 2010. To gobble up more information about “Spring Gobbler” cabin rentals at Bluestone or other area events and packages, call 1-800 CALL WVA or go online at www.wvstateparks.com