Saturday is the opening of squirrel season, which continues through Jan. 31. It is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the fall colors, while putting food on the table. Some of my earliest memories of squirrel hunting involve my mother’s sweet potatoes and squirrel gravy.

Saturday, Oct. 17, is the start of big game hunting in West Virginia. Archery season for bear, deer, and wild boar comes in. Remember to pick up any additional stamps needed before the season starts. To me, this is a ridiculous regulation. Many other states allow a hunter to purchase an additional stamp after they harvest an animal, not before the season comes in.

Remember to be safe in the woods. Wear some blaze orange while squirrel hunting. Be positive of your target before you pull the trigger. If you are bow hunting, wear a safety belt the moment you start climbing.

I would love to hear stories of success while in the field. Email them to coryboothe@verizon.net.

Editor’s Note: Cory is the son of Ronzel and Karen Boothe of Russett. He is a 1996 graduate of Calhoun County High School and is a teacher at Meadow Bridge Elementary, Fayette County. He resides near Summersville.)