Summer is winding down and the 2014 fall hunting seasons are almost here. The one-day, youth-only squirrel season will be held Sept. 6, 2014, and the statewide squirrel season opens Sept. 13, 2014 and runs through Jan. 31, 2015.
“Get back to your roots of hunting this season and pursue one of the state’s most plentiful small game species,” said Curtis l. Taylor, chief of the Wildlife Resources Section of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. ‘Hunters of all skill levels can brush up on their hunting techniques and enjoy a day in the outdoors. The Sept. 6 youth squirrel season provides hunters with an excellent opportunity to introduce youngsters to the traditional sport of squirrel hunting.”
Hunters should expect to see squirrel numbers similar to last year, based on the average hard mast crop of 2013. Hunters are reminded that success comes with proper scouting and locating areas with abundant mast conditions. The daily bag limit for squirrels is six, and the possession limit is 24.
During the special youth squirrel season, youth hunters under the age of 15 must be accompanied by a licensed adult. The accompanying adult cannot carry a gun or a bow and must remain near enough to the youth to render advice and assistance. Youth hunters age 15 to 17 must comply with all licensing requirements. All other licensing requirements will remain in effect and hunters should check the 2014-2015 hunting and trapping regulations for additional information.