How many of us have heard the old-timers talk about
how hunting just isn’t what it used to be?
The lure of the past is often confusing. I am here
to tell you that the best times are now.
In 1985, Calhoun County turkey hunters harvested 61
turkeys. The lowest harvest in the last five years has been 141 for
Calhoun. In 2006, Calhoun hunters harvested 193 turkeys. Clearly, times
are much better for turkey hunting.
In 1980, the state had a total of 75 black bears
taken. This past season, 11 of our 55 counties recorded a harvest of
over 75 bears each. Randolph County led the way with 230 bears taken.
We consistently take over a thousand bucks per
season in Calhoun County, while in the ’80s, it was unheard of to do so.
Earlier, it was difficult to kill a buck while hunting hard. Now, you
can reasonably expect to kill a buck every season, if you put in the
time.
The state stocks more trout and we have more public
land to use for hunting.
Times are great for the sportsmen of West Virginia.
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.)