One last discussion about the recent plummet in
bucks harvested. Lots of people blame it on last winter’s snowfalls. I
do believe that this could have been a slight contributing factor, but
data proves that it is not a significant factor.
Take our highest elevations, for example. Year in
and year out, Randolph and Preston counties receive the heaviest
snowfalls in the state. Areas of Preston had over 250 inches of snow
last year. Many areas of Randolph had over 200 inches. This is two to
three times the snowfall in Calhoun and central West Virginia. Preston
County’s buck kill fell four percent this year. Randolph County’s
harvest fell six percent. If winterkill was the sole reason, surely the
counties with the most snowfall in the state would have the most drastic
reduction in harvest?
The late antlerless season runs from Dec. 29-31. I
urge hunters to go out and kill a doe. Check the head and make sure its
not a buck or button buck, if possible. This is a great opportunity to
balance the herd.
Enjoy your summer. Go wading one evening for a good
time.
Comments can be sent 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.)