WV DNR News Release
2

L E G E N D
1 - General News
2 - Hunting News
3 - Fishing News
4 - Law Enforcement News
5 - Parks News


Earl Ray Tomblin, Governor
Frank Jezioro, Director

News Release: August 13, 2012

Facebook: WV Commerce - State Parks

Hoy Murphy, Public Information Officer (304) 957-9365 hoy.r.murphy@wv.gov

Contact:

Curtis I. Taylor, Wildlife Resources Section Chief 304-558-2771 DNR.Wildlife@wv.gov

Seasons Set for Dove, Rail, Snipe and Woodcock

            SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. – West Virginia’s 2012-2103 hunting season dates and bag limits for mourning dove, American woodcock, common snipe and Sora and Virginia rails have been established, according to the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (DNR).  These seasons are set within guidelines established annually by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Species

Dates

Daily Limit

Possession Limit

Mourning Dove
(3-way split)

Sept. 1 – Oct. 6
Oct. 22 – Nov. 10
Dec. 24 – Jan. 5

15

30

American Woodcock

Oct. 13 – Nov. 26

3

6

Common Snipe

Sept. 1 – Dec. 8

8

16

Sora & Virginia Rails

Sept. 1 – Nov. 3

25

25

            Shooting hours for dove are from noon to sunset September 1, 2012, (opening day of the first segment) and from one-half hour before sunrise until sunset for the remainder of the season.  Shooting hours for rails, woodcock and snipe are from one-half hour before sunrise until sunset.

            All licensed migratory bird hunters, including lifetime license holders and senior citizens, must also have a valid Migratory Bird Harvest Information Program (HIP) registration card.  The HIP card is available free at DNR offices and all license agents.  Hunters harvesting a banded bird should report their information by calling 1-800-327-2263 or providing their data online at www.reportband.gov.

            West Virginia’s 2012-2013 Migratory Bird Hunting Regulations brochure will be available at license agents and DNR offices in late August.

**DNR**