Virginia Deer Attractants

The Outdoor Report

Natural Deer Urine Attractants Illegal in Virginia – Alert to ALL Virginia Hunters…

To Virginia’s Deer Hunters,
As all of you hopefully know by now, the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries adopted a new regulation effective this fall that made it illegal to possess or use deer scents and lures that contain natural deer urine or other bodily fluids while taking, attempting to take, attracting, or scouting wildlife in Virginia.  The Department took this proactive action to help minimize the risk of introducing Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) into new areas in Virginia.  CWD poses a real and significant risk to Virginia’s deer herd.  It could also have a devastating impact on deer hunting which generates over $500 million dollars annually to the state’s economy.
Over the past months, there have been several articles in Virginia newspapers or in the national outdoor press by persons questioning the need for, and the science behind, Virginia’s CWD urine ban.  Unfortunately, these writers have based their opinions on distortions of the facts and truth about CWD.  The most basic fact that is omitted from these articles is that nearly all of the critics of the Virginia urine ban who have taken time to write have direct economic ties to the captive deer industry.  To quote Upton Sinclair, a Pulitzer Prize winning novelist, “It is difficult to get a man to understand something when his salary depends on him not understanding it.”  Let’s take a look at a few of their CWD facts and science.
The first item the urine ban naysayers will mention is research that suggests CWD transmission by urine is a low risk.  Low risk is not zero risk.  What they fail to mention is the rest of the story.  The infectious agents that cause CWD (prions) are shed by CWD-infected deer in urine, saliva, and feces and saliva and feces are reported to be higher risk than urine.  Deer urine is collected from captive deer by housing these deer on grates or slatted floors, and any other fluids shed by these deer (saliva, feces, etc.) are also collected.  Consequently, these deer urine products also contain both deer saliva and deer feces.  Furthermore, research has clearly demonstrated that environmental contamination from CWD-infected materials (urine, saliva, and/or feces) will continue to transmit CWD for years.  No CWD-infected animals even need to be present, only the environmental contamination from CWD-infected urine, saliva, and/or feces.
The second assertion the critics of the urine ban make is that the urine only comes from captive deer herds that have been continuously monitored for CWD for five consecutive years and are considered certified deer herds.  This statement is false.  Deer urine is not a regulated industry or product and there is no federal or state agency that can certify deer urine based products as CWD-free.
In fact, there is no CWD-free captive deer certification or monitoring program.  The five-year CWD monitoring program the urine supporters frequently mention is a loose reference to a voluntary national US Department of Agriculture (USDA) CWD captive herd certification program that was initiated in 2012.  Under this USDA program captive deer herds that have been monitored for at least five consecutive years are certified “as low risk for CWD”.  This national CWD monitoring program is administered by individual states whose state CWD monitoring programs are USDA approved.  Unfortunately, since 2012 CWD has been detected in at least four captive deer herds that were certified as low risk for CWD.   A fifth CWD certified captive deer herd withdrew from their state/USDA CWD monitoring program and was found to be CWD positive several months later.  When this fifth deer pen was depopulated 80% of the deer in it were CWD positive.  The national USDA CWD herd certification program commonly cited as the captive deer industry’s safety net is not mandatory and, more importantly, recent CWD events clearly show that it does not and cannot guarantee that captive deer herds are CWD-free.
Lastly, the most outlandish of the critics of the urine ban assertions is that the captive deer industry deer herds are less of a CWD risk than wild free-ranging deer.  To date, CWD has been found in more than 140 captive deer herds in 16 states and two Canadian provinces.
Over the past twenty plus years, the Department’s deer management staff has taken deer management positions and enacted regulations to be as proactive as possible with regards to trying to keep CWD out of Virginia.  Our goal with the urine ban is to minimize the risk of introducing CWD into new areas in Virginia to protect the long-term health of the Virginia deer herd and to protect our wild free-ranging fair chase Virginia deer hunting heritage for the current and future generations.

Matt Knox
Deer Program Coordinator
Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries
matt.knox@dgif.virigina.gov

Posted on November 20, 2015 at 1:04 PM

Tick Tock

Tick Tock

Yes, we are winding down. One more year is just about in the books. Winter is bearing down. Harvest season is nearly over. Venison is all that is left. The holiday season is upon us. I do not get too excited about Thanksgiving. It is always Thanksgiving; here.

I am sorry; but when I think about deer hunting the first thing that pops into my mind is cold. Boring and cold may describe it better. I have spent too many hours staring at a desolate hillside; hoping to just see some sign of life. Bleak and desolate seems to be the norm. A lone woodpecker can be the excitement of the day. Stare at your feet for a while; pull the wool up over your face for a while. Stare, stare, and stare. Hope for a glimpse of brown or white. Stare some more, doze off, wake up and stare. Shiver a little, eat something frozen from your backpack, and drink a little ice crystal water and stare.

You hear a few shots in the distance; nothing very close. Maybe they will stir something up. Probably not. Cold; will the sun ever reach this side of the hill? Your mind wanders and you stare some more. Silence, nothing is stirring not even a shrew. A goshawk lights in a tree; it stares. Nothing here. It flies away; headed towards the sun. Finally; it is late morning and sunlight reaches you. It feels so good, the shivers go away. You know in your rational mind that the temperature has only risen 2 degrees. You don’t care; there is light. Something rustles in the leaves; a vole. Birds begin to tweet, Squirrels begin to stir. There is life.

You hear something moving up the hollow. Ten minutes of eternity elapse before you can see what it is. Three gobblers glisten in the sunbeams as they slowly feed up the hill. They disappear from sight. A stick breaks and you are on high alert; then you see orange on the next ridge over. Two hunters are moving towards the top. You know what will happen; soon. The orange dots disappear over the ridgeline. You have been there before. Tick-Tock The anticipation level rises.

A speck of brown trots around the hillside; bad angle and you can see that it is a spike. You hold your ground and stare. The spike slows down and begins to feed in some grapes a hundred yards away. You wait. You know what will happen, soon. That comes from experience. High Noon, soon. Here they come, straight towards the saddle you have been standing in for the past 5 hours. Eight; no nine. Two decent bucks are amongst them. Two hundred yards, one-fifty, one hundred; they stop when they hit the low gap. Fifty yards; bang, It is over.

Field dress and drag straight down the ridge. Back the truck up into the ditch and drag the deer right into the truck bed. Experience once again. Drink your other quart of water that you left in the truck, eat your bag of almonds that you forgot you had. Happy ride home. Tick tock. It is coming soon.

This is my article for the November 2015 issue of Two-Lane Livin

(c) High Virginia Outdoors Photos (c) High Virginia Images All Rights Reserved

WV Firearms Antlerless deer hunting runs Oct. 22-24, 2015

Firearms antlerless deer hunting runs Oct. 22-24 on private land in most counties

SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. - West Virginia deer hunters can take advantage of an October three-day firearm antlerless deer season on private land again this year, according to Paul Johansen, chief of the Division of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Section (DNR). In counties having a firearms antlerless deer season, the season on private land only will run Oct. 22-24, 2015.
There are several advantages to hunters and the state's deer management program if hunters participate in this season. Many hunters may find the weather better for stand hunting since temperatures should be warmer than during late November and December. Hunters who hunt in one of the nine counties where hunters are required to harvest an antlerless deer prior to taking a second antlered buck can take advantage of harvesting an antlerless deer and not worry about filling this requirement later in the season. From a deer management perspective, every antlerless deer harvested early in the October season means there will be more food for the remaining deer over the winter months.
"The harvest of antlerless deer is the key to healthier, heavier and more productive deer herds," Johansen said. "To manage West Virginia's deer herd, hunters and landowners must continually assess their expectations of the proper number of deer sightings versus the impacts deer have on vegetation."
Hunters and landowners should encourage antlerless deer hunting where needed to benefit the deer herd and other wildlife dependent on our state's woodland habitat. Conversely, antlerless deer harvests can be reduced to stabilize or increase deer populations. The early opening date for antlerless deer hunting with a firearm is a good opportunity for hunters and landowners to accomplish their antlerless deer harvest objectives, according to Johansen.
Hunters are reminded that recording their harvest is an integral part of the DNR's ability to manage deer in West Virginia. Hunters have helped manage deer in the state since mandatory game checking began in 1929, and the information provided by hunters is the foundation for tracking deer herd trends and monitoring doe harvest impacts.
Hunters need to obtain their DNR identification number to use the new electronic game checking process that allows for game checks by phone, computer or smartphone, or by the traditional practice of locating a  license agent/check station.
For more details on license requirements, the new electronic game check process and all deer hunting seasons, please see the 2015-2016 West Virginia Hunting and Trapping Regulations Summary available at DNR offices and license agents across the state.  Or visit the Wildlife Resources Section on the web at www.wvdnr.gov.

DNR

ASSUMPTIONS & PRESUMPTIONS

ASSUMPTIONS & PRESUMPTIONS

We are finally getting into one of the two good parts of the year. Yep, the time between the dead gnats and the first snowflakes. Leaves are thinking about changing and our few remaining monarchs are hurriedly heading south. Frost is in the air. Autumn can be inhaled with each breath; kind of smells good doesn’t it? No more sticky, thick inhalations; it is now cool and crisp. Asters; I love asters, but they mean the end is near. Cold, dreary, black, white and gray loom on the horizon. Soon they will be here. I know you are now wondering what the other good part is. That would be the time between the last snowflake and the first consecutive eighty degree days. That is a long time off; we will not worry with that, now.

I have already been asked several times if I was ready for bow season. I imagine that since I haven’t touched a bow in around twenty-eight years; I’m as ready as I’ll ever be. It still amazes me that people think they know someone based on their perception of that person way back when they were growing up. I hear people in their sixties state that they know someone because they went to school with them Do you really think that they actually know anything at all about that person? People change and they change a lot once they are turned out into the real world. At least; I hope they did, if not they are headed for major disappointments in life. I spent a lot of my time locked in school staring out the window at turds floating down the orange creek and wishing that trout could live there. Thirty-five years later the turds are gone but the water still runs orange and there are no trout. I guess that is some progress, not much; but some. Things change.

I have never seen Star Trek, Star Wars or a single episode of Duck Dynasty. I do not watch people hunt or fish on TV; never have and never will. Absolutely zero interest there for me. People assume that since I grew up in the 70’s, hunt and fish that I do all of the above. Nope. In my past; I have made a living at different points of my life hunting, fishing or trapping. That was a young person’s life. Could I do any of that now? Maybe; but it would be painful. Do I like to deer hunt? No. I like to eat venison; therefore I deer hunt. I like to fly fish but hardly ever have time. I like to turkey hunt; but know what days to pick. I still think about the trap line from time to time; but I’m too old to beat stakes into rocks; I’ll pass on that. I am outside for a period of time just about every day. I am hunting but not in the manner that many perceive.

The next time you run into someone you thought you knew a quarter of a century or more ago; do yourself a favor and don’t make assumptions. Take the time to learn about the person you thought you knew. You may be in for a pleasant surprise; maybe not. People change, things change. Don’t get caught up in presumptions or other silly things.

(c)2015 High Virginia Outdoors Photos (c) High Virginia Images  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

This is my article for the 10/15 edition of Two-Lane Livin

Facebook Users Solve Another One

Facebook users help WV Natural Resources Police solve albino deer killing case in Boone County

MADISON, W.Va. – The West Virginia Natural Resources Police have solved an albino deer killing case in Boone County, thanks to help from Facebook users.
On Sept. 27, 2015, Natural Resources Police Officer Dakoda Chattin got a call from Boone County 911 advising that an albino deer had been shot and killed in someone's yard along Route 17. After interviewing witnesses, the only evidence available was that there were multiple suspects involved and they drove a smaller model gray truck.
The incident was posted on the Natural Resources Police Facebook page (www.facebook.com/DNRpolice) with a request for help from the public. That post was seen by nearly half a million people and was shared by more than 7,000. Information received following the post helped Officer Chattin learn of suspects who might have committed the crime.
After investigation and research into names provided by the public, Officer Chattin made contact with three suspects. They admitted in their statements that they had committed the unlawful act.
Charges include hunting without a license, hunting during closed season, carrying a loaded firearm in a motor vehicle, shooting from a motor vehicle, shooting from a public road, and illegal firearm for deer hunting.
"We continue to be impressed with how we've been able to solve crimes with the public's help," Natural Resources Police Col. Jerry Jenkins said. "The response has been beyond what we anticipated when we began using Facebook earlier this year. It's become a valuable tool for us to gather information about crimes and suspects. It shows how deeply the community of hunting and fishing enthusiasts in West Virginia cares about protecting wildlife and enforcing laws. We encourage anyone who sees anyone violating the state's wildlife laws to call 911 or their closest DNR district office."

DNR

Class Q Roads Open

National Forest and Wildlife Management Area roads in West Virginia open to hunters with disabilities

SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. - Physically-challenged hunters possessing a Class Q/QQ hunting permit may hunt on designated roads throughout the Monongahela National Forest, portions of the George Washington/Jefferson National Forest in West Virginia and on selected wildlife management areas, according to Paul Johansen, chief of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (DNR) Wildlife Resources Section.
"The designation of these Class Q/QQ roads on national forest lands in West Virginia is a cooperative effort between the U.S. Forest Service and the DNR," Johansen said. "This highly successful program provides hunting access for physically-challenged sportsmen and women. For the past 20 years, these areas have been well received by hunters."
To participate in this program, hunters must possess either a Class Q (resident) or Class QQ (nonresident) permit issued by the DNR. Applications for these permits may be obtained at any DNR office or hunting and fishing license agent. In addition to the Class Q/QQ hunting permit, both resident and nonresident hunters must possess all applicable hunting licenses and stamps. Nonresidents hunting on national forest lands must also possess a National Forest Stamp (Class I).
Hunters with a Class Q/QQ permit must apply in person at the appropriate national forest district office or DNR district office and receive a letter of authorization. This documentation must be in the hunter's possession while hunting on the designated roads in the program.
The Class Q/QQ permit holders may be accompanied by no more than one assistant, at least 16 years of age, when hunting within a designated area. The assistant cannot hunt while accompanying the Class Q/QQ permit holder.
Authorized hunters will have access to specific gates via a special lock. While behind the gate, hunters must observe all national forest and/or state wildlife management area regulations and all state hunting regulations.
In addition to the special access areas, Class Q/QQ permit holders may participate in special Class Q/QQ antlerless deer hunts Oct. 17 and Dec. 26 and 28, 2015. This special split, antlerless deer season for Youth, Class Q/QQ and Class XS (Lifetime Senior Citizen) hunters will be held on private land in all counties having a firearms deer hunting season and on all public lands within these counties. The bag limit of one antlerless deer per day will not count toward the hunter's annual deer season bag limit.
The U.S. Forest Service and DNR are committed to providing quality hunting opportunities for physically-challenged hunters and welcome comments and suggestions from participating hunters. For more information concerning access to national forest or wildlife management area Class Q/QQ roads, contact the U.S. Forest Service (304-636-1800) or DNR (304-637-0245). Information is also available on the DNR's website (www.wvdnr.gov). Specific areas with designated Class Q/QQ roads are listed below.
Class Q/QQ roads available:
Cheat Ranger District (304-478-3251)

• Forest Road #933 Godwin Road – U.S. Route 219 south from Parsons, near the community of Moore. Turn north onto F.R. 933. Gated portion starts on left at top of ridge.
• #973 – Brushy Fork – From Parsons, take Route 17 north to Route 21 west, then west onto Route 8.  FR 973 is on the left.
• #153 / 153A -- Five Lick – Take U.S. 33 east from Elkins to Wymer. Turn north onto State Route 10 and drive about 2.5 miles. Turn left onto Forest Road 153.

Potomac Ranger District (304-257-4488)

• #814 Back Ridge – Drive west of Circleville on State Route 28 for 5.8 miles. Turn right on S.R. 28/10 and drive for 3.2 miles. Road 814 is on the left.

Greenbrier Ranger District (304-456-3335)

• #385 / 183B Little Beech Mountain – From Elkins, take U.S. 33 east approximately 10 miles to State Route 27 at Alpena. Turn right on S.R. 27 and go about 12 miles to Glady. Turn left onto S.R. 22 and go about 3 miles to F.R. 385 on the right.
• #224 Span Oak - From Bartow, take US. 250 east approx. 2 miles to State Rt. 28. Turn left on Rt. 28 and go about 2 miles, turn left on FR 14 (near 4-H Camp above Thornwood), go approx. 3.8 miles, turn left on S.R. 250/4 and go about 4 miles to FR 224 on the right.

Marlinton Ranger District (304-799-4334)

• #300 Marlin Mountain – From Marlinton, drive east on State Route 39 for 4 miles. Turn left onto S.R. 28. Drive 5 miles to F.R. 300 on the left.
• #251 Crooked Fork – From Marlinton, take U.S. 219 north approximately 12 miles. F.R. 251 is on the left.

White Sulphur Ranger District (304-536-2144)

• #298 Panther Ridge – From White Sulphur Springs, drive north on State Route 92 8.8 miles to S.R. 16, Blue Bend Road. Turn left and bear left at Camp Wood for 3.4 miles to Rocky Run Road. Turn right and drive uphill for 2.3 miles. Turn left onto F.R. 298 to gate just beyond the top of the hill.
• #882 Bear Track – From White Sulphur Springs, drive north on State Route 92 14.8 miles to S.R. 14, Lake Sherwood Road. Turn right and drive 3.7 miles to Rucker Gap Road. Turn right and drive uphill 0.8 miles. Turn left on F.R. 882.

Gauley Ranger District (304-846-2695)

• #946 Desert Branch – From Richwood, turn off Main Street at the Exxon. The road will force you left (the mill is on the right), then make an immediate right and follow it until it forces you left again. Cross the bridge that is in front of you, turn right onto Spencer Run Road, and FR# 946 is about ½ mile on the left.
• #273 Buckeye Branch – Take FR# 76 (Cranberry Road) to Big Rock campground and turn left onto FR# 81. Follow FR# 81 until you pass through an area of private camps, and FR# 273 is about a mile past on the left.

State Wildlife Management Areas with Available Roads:

• Bluestone Lake, Burnsville Lake, Elk River, Hillcrest, Hughes River, Lewis Wetzel, McClintic, Sleepy Creek and Stonewall Jackson Lake.

**DNR**

West Virginia Mast Survey and Hunting Outlook

West Virginia Mast Survey and Hunting Outlook

SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. - The 2015 "Mast Survey and Hunting Outlook" is available on the Division of Natural Resources' website and at DNR offices across the state, according to Paul Johansen, Chief of the Division of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Section.  Since 1971, the Wildlife Resources Section, in cooperation with volunteers from numerous other agencies, has conducted a fall mast survey to determine the abundance of mast produced by 18 species of trees and shrubs.
"The availability of fall foods has significant impacts on wildlife populations and harvests," said Johansen.  "Our biologists have used the mast survey data to demonstrate a strong correlation between mast conditions and deer, bear and turkey harvests. In addition to the impacts on harvests, the amount of food available each year can affect the reproductive success of numerous species which will affect population sizes in following years."
Production of acorns is significantly less than in 2014 and will have noticeable effects on the 2015–2016 hunting seasons. However, hickory, walnut, and beech produced mast well above the 44-year average. Considering all 18 species of trees and shrubs surveyed, food conditions are slightly above the long-term average.
"It is very important for hunters to scout and consider the type and amount of food available in the areas that they hunt," added Johansen. Hunters can find a wealth of facts in the 'Mast Survey and Hunting Outlook' and it should provide them valuable information before heading into the field."
Copies of the 2015 Mast Survey and Hunting Outlook may be found on the DNR website at www.wvdnr.gov under "Hunting."  Information analyzing mast conditions and wildlife harvests also is available on the website.

**DNR**

Tis the Season

Tis the Season

September is the month that traditionally ushers in hunting seasons in most of this country. September 1 has just about always meant the opening of dove season and the beginning of hunting season in general. I was born on that date, too. Maybe that was destiny, maybe not but it seemed appropriate for many years. I never was much on dove hunting but I was always out there somewhere during the month either with a bow or stalking the squirrel woods. My destination was usually somewhere in Virginia or Maryland. I followed the seasons from September until I pulled my water traps on February 28. I had that drive and had to be out there through the seasons. There were a couple of weeks to fish a little before it was time to head south for turkeys. But, it was a constant drive that never let up.

West Virginia didn’t use to have much to offer hunters as far as seasons go in September. I believe it was pretty much doves and maybe an early waterfowl season for many years. Things have changed over the years. We now have archery season for deer, bear and wild boar plus an early gun bear season in selected counties. Squirrel season opens on the 12^th and migratory bird seasons open during the month. There are plenty of things for the WV hunters to get ready and look forward to. I know I will be out there every day in search of the elusive Chicken of the Woods.

Things change and people change. I know that as I got older and gas prices got higher I slowed recreational travel almost to a dead stop. Travelling out of state to hunt ended for me; as did those hundred mile trap lines. It just was not feasible. I never thought that I would quit doing all of those things that were pretty much seasonal every day routines. They were my way of life; that is what I did and I did it for a long time. Nope, you never think you will give up doing things that you think you love to do. But, things change.

Sometimes, we get smarter as we get older. I for one never lost that drive I had to become a successful and consistent hunter and trapper. I just learned to channel that drive into other things. I imagine that I now hunt about 360 days per year and I enjoy it immensely. I am now out there on a daily basis usually not more than one or two hours hunting and looking. I find that very rewarding and I find lots of good stuff. I may be pursuing birds, butterflies or fungi; rarely is it planned. I may be out there just hunting a little quiet or the sound of flowing water. My senses are as sharp as or sharper than ever. I am able to stay tuned in throughout the year.

Yes, I still hunt some and I have all of the venison and turkey I need in the freezer. But, hunting season to me is just like gardening season. When it is time to harvest your crop, go do it, get it done and go right on to the next thing in line. It is always hunting season for me.

This is my article for the September 2015 issue of Two-Lane Livin

(c) 2015 High Virginia Outdoors  Photo (c)1982 High Virginia Images ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Migratory Game Bird Seasons To Begin

West Virginia's Canada goose and mourning dove seasons open Sept. 1, 2015

SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. - West Virginia's 2015–2016 migratory game bird seasons will begin statewide Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2015, with the opening of the early Canada goose and mourning dove seasons, according to Paul Johansen, chief of the Wildlife Resources Section of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (DNR). "This is a great way to start off your hunting seasons with a morning goose hunt and an afternoon dove hunt," said Johansen.
The dove season is split into three segments with this first segment running from Sept. 1 to Oct. 17. Shooting hours Sept. 1 are noon to sunset. For the remainder of the season, hours are one-half-hour before sunrise to sunset. The daily bag limit is 15 birds.
The early Canada goose season ends Sept. 12. Shooting hours are one-half-hour before sunrise until sunset with a bag limit of five. All waterfowl hunters, 16 years old and older, must possess a federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp or "Duck Stamp." Duck Stamps can be purchased from local post offices or with a credit card by calling 1-800-782-6724. All other general waterfowl hunting regulations apply to the September season.
Federal regulations require all licensed migratory bird hunters (including lifetime and senior citizens) to register with the Migratory Bird Harvest Information Program (HIP) and carry proof of registration while hunting. HIP cards are free and available from DNR offices, all hunting license agents and online at www.wvhunt.com.
"Several hundred doves and geese are banded with leg bands each year throughout West Virginia for population monitoring and research purposes," Johansen said. "It is very important that hunters who harvest a banded bird report these bands." Banded birds can be reported by calling 1-800-327-2263 or going online at www.reportband.gov. Hunters may keep the band and will receive information on when and where the bird was banded.
More information on West Virginia's migratory game bird seasons can be found in the 2015-2016 West Virginia Migratory Bird Hunting Regulations, which will be available from DNR offices and the DNR web site (www.wvdnr.gov) in late August.

**DNR**

DNR Regulations Error

Archery and Crossbow Deer Seasons Bag Limit Error in 2015-16 Hunting and Trapping Regulations Summary

SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. - The 2015-2016 Hunting and Trapping Regulations Summary contains an error on page 15 with regards to the archery and crossbow white-tailed deer maximum combined seasons bag limit. In the counties listed below, which are closed to the antlerless season, the maximum combined seasons bag limit is two either-sex deer, not three deer as printed. Those counties or parts thereof include:

Boone	Mineral (West Portion)
Clay (South of Elk River)	Pendleton (West Portion)
Fayette (West Portion)	Raleigh (West Portion)
Greenbrier (North Portion)	Tucker
Kanawha (South Portion)	Webster
Mineral (West Portion)

The Division of Natural Resources encourages hunters to refer to pages 22-23 of the Regulations Summary for maps and descriptions of the split counties and regrets any inconvenience this error may cause. Questions can be directed to any DNR district office, the Elkins Operations Center or the South Charleston office.

**DNR**

Natural Deer Urine Attractants Illegal in Virginia

Natural Deer Urine Attractants Illegal in Virginia

Effective July 1, 2015, it will be illegal to possess or use deer scents/lures that contain natural deer urine or other bodily fluids while taking, attempting to take, attracting, or scouting wildlife in Virginia.

Chronic wasting disease (CWD) poses a significant risk to the long-term health and stability of the Virginia white-tailed deer populations. Since it was first found east of the Mississippi in Wisconsin in 2002, CWD has been found in a total of eight eastern states, including Virginia. To date, the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGIF) has spent over one million dollars on CWD monitoring and management efforts. Importation bans on whole carcass and certain carcass parts (i.e., brain and spinal cord) from high-risk CWD areas (including areas or states infected with CWD or any North American enclosure intended to confine deer) are already in place in Virginia, along with a ban on interstate movement of captive deer and elk. Reducing the use of natural deer urine attractants by prohibiting the possession or use while afield for the purposes of taking or attempting to take, attracting, or scouting will further minimize the risk of introducing CWD into a new area of Virginia.

Why is the use of deer urine attractants risky?

The infectious proteins (i.e., prions) known to transmit CWD have been found in the urine, feces, and saliva of infected individuals. To make these commercial scents, urine from captive elk and/or deer kept outside of Virginia is collected over a grate system that does not prevent contamination from either feces or saliva. The "urine" product is not treated chemically or with heat to kill the infectious proteins because these treatments would also secondarily destroy the desired scent characteristics. The infectious proteins causing CWD are extremely resistant to degradation and may persist in the environment for years in contaminated soil, thereby posing a disease transmission risk to deer for extended lengths of time. Additionally, many of the facilities are located in areas or states with CWD. Deer in Virginia that taste or sniff these products may actually be exposing themselves to CWD harbored by deer living hundreds of miles away that were used to collect the infected urine.

Why did the Department decide to ban these urine-based products?

The VDGIF is taking a pro-active approach on this issue and has banned possession and use until it is proven that prions are not spread in commercial deer urine products, rather than continue to risk introducing CWD to new areas until it is confirmed that urine attractants do spread prions. VDGIF's intent with this regulation is to protect our deer hunting heritage by ensuring that future generations have the same opportunities to deer hunt as are available to Virginians today and to protect the long-term health and stability of the Virginia deer herd. Both of these goals can be achieved, in part, by trying to minimize the areas in Virginia infected with CWD.

What does "possess or use" a natural deer urine attractant mean?

It will still be legal for products that contain natural deer urine or other bodily fluids to be purchased and sold in Virginia. However, it will not be legal for individuals to have these products in their possession or on their person while afield for the purposes of taking or attempting to take, attracting, or scouting any wild animal in Virginia.

Can I collect and use urine and/or tarsal glands from deer I kill in Virginia?

You cannot use these fluids afield anywhere in Virginia. Possession or use of any natural deer urine, feces, blood, gland oil, or other bodily fluid while afield for the purposes of taking or attempting to take, attracting, or scouting any wild animal becomes illegal in Virginia starting July 1, 2015.

Are there any legal alternatives to natural deer urine lures?

Yes, there are synthetic products that can be used to attract or lure deer but do not pose any secondary risks for CWD transmission to Virginia white-tailed deer. These products are readily available at sporting goods stores and online retailers.

Why should I worry about CWD in Virginia?

Population models predict that CWD will lead to significant declines in deer populations over time. Current research in Wyoming suggests that white-tailed deer numbers are significantly lower in diseased areas than in areas where CWD has not yet been diagnosed, and CWD infection prevalence has risen to nearly 25 percent in adult bucks in some areas of Wisconsin since the initial discovery of CWD in 2002.
Not only are deer an important part of Virginia's natural heritage, they are also important to the economy. Deer hunting in Virginia generates over $600 million in economic activity, according to data from the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service's 2011 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation for Virginia. Over 20,000 jobs were related to hunting in Virginia in 2011, according to a report by the National Shooting Sports Foundation.
This prohibition on the possession or use of deer urine attractants while afield was enacted in order to protect Virginia's deer populations and our Virginia deer hunting heritage by ensuring that future generations have the same opportunities to deer hunt as are available to Virginians today. Get more information on CWD here.

Duck Hunting

I went duck hunting Sunday and Monday the frigid temperatures and snowfall really narrow your choices as to hunting spots. i carefully planned my trip and with thoughtful planning was able to limit my exposure to sub-zero temperatures. I was able to sneak up on over one hundred and fifty mallards on Sunday and about the same number of Canada Geese on Monday. There were a few Gadwalls, Hooded & Common Mergansers and a Green-winged Teal thrown in for good measures. i found a big clump of Cracker Ducks, too.

It wasn't very difficult to harvest the variety and numbers I needed to take home. I didn't even get very cold; although I was only wearing Ventilators with wool socks. I didn't have to spend more than about 10 minutes outside to reach my limit. How was I so successful in such a short period of time? I planned well and went to my favorite spot for duck hunting. The local sewage treatment plant. That is where the duck action is. Ducks and sewage plants go together like Old Bay and blue crabs. When I think of all of those real duck hunters out there chomping down on a nice juicy Breast of Mallard; I always think of where the juice really comes from. And Smile.
(c)2015 High Virginia Outdoors Photos (c) High Virginia Images ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

I ROLLED MY OWN

.280 Remington

I enjoy watching some of the upper-North made for TV reality shows. The scenery is usually pretty good and you can actually see bits and pieces of life in remote regions.  The statement is invariably made that they have seven months of winter and a short four month growing season.  I always think; that’s about what we have here. I always think to myself that yes, they do have some brutal weather conditions but as far as I’m concerned once it is froze up; it doesn't make much difference how much colder it gets. They don’t have to get up and drive to a job miles away six days per week, either. They all have put away stores of smoked salmon and a moose and a couple of caribou sure can be stretched a lot farther than a couple of whitetails. I always believe that they don’t quite have it as hard as they would like for us to believe.

I was watching an episode recently; they were loading ammo for a moose hunt. The statement was made that they couldn't just go to the store and buy their ammo like everyone in the lower 48 can. Yeah, right. During the past decade it has been a challenge to find the ammo you actually want. I always have started in September to try and purchase my needed ammo supply. Some years I have been able to get what I wanted and other times I have had to settle for something that will just do. I found what I needed this year actually in-stock. But, I needed to buy tires. Alas a week later none was to be had. That was my final straw.

I broke out my reloading press which had been idle since 1987. I started gathering supplies and was lucky enough to find everything that I needed; locally! I already had a few hundred used cases for my two rifles; so I was set to go. One week later, I had more ammo loaded up than I will ever have a need for. Yep, a lifetime supply and more accurate than store bought. I’ll never have to go through the annual trying to find it hassle again. That feels real good.

I defrosted my freezer today and it really made me think. Down in the frozen depths were mushrooms, trout, asparagus, blackberries, strawberries, corn, beans and ramps. None of these were purchased from a store. There was a turkey and a little bit of venison in there, too. The venison is definitely running a bit low; but I’m sure that will change over the next couple of months. I have to admit that there are a few bags of store bought frozen peas in there. There are plenty of sugar snap peas, but I’m not shelling out a winter supply of the others. Been there and done that. That is also the reason I don’t grow black-eyed peas anymore, too.

I believe that if you sit back and think about it; we are in the same league as the homesteaders in the upper-North, Maybe they will put us on TV and we will become rich and famous. Not in one of those silly monster shows, either. Happy Thanksgiving and be thankful for what you have and what you can produce.

This is my November 2014 Article for the printed edition of Two-Lane Livin

(c) 2014 High Virginia Outdoors Photos (c) 2014 High Virginia Images ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

West Virginia 2014 Mast Survey and Hunting Outlook

Northern Red Oak

SOUTH CHARLESTON, West Virginia – The 2014 "Mast Survey and Hunting Outlook" is available on the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources website and printed copies will soon be available at DNR offices across the state, according to Curtis I. Taylor, Chief of the Division of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Section.  Since 1971, the Wildlife Resources Section, in cooperation with volunteers from numerous other agencies, has conducted a fall mast survey to determine the abundance of mast produced by 18 species of trees and shrubs.
"The availability of fall foods has significant impact on wildlife populations and harvests," said Taylor. "Our biologists have used the mast survey data to demonstrate the strong correlation between mast conditions and deer, bear and turkey harvests. In addition to the impacts on harvests, the amount of food available each year can affect the reproductive success of numerous species which will affect population sizes in following years."
Production of acorns is much improved over 2013 and will have noticeable effects on the 2014-2015 hunting seasons. However, hickory and beech produced mast well below the 43-year average. Considering all 18 species of trees and shrubs surveyed, food conditions are at the long-term average.
"It is very important for hunters to scout and consider the type and amount of food available in the areas that they hunt," added Taylor. "One of the primary traits of this year's mast crop is its consistency across the landscape. Hunters can find a wealth of facts in the 'Mast Survey and Hunting Outlook' and it should provide them valuable information before heading into the field."
Copies of the 2014 "Mast Survey and Hunting Outlook" may be downloaded from the DNR website at www.wvdnr.gov under "Hunting." Information analyzing mast conditions and wildlife harvests also is available on the website.

**DNR**

Seems to me that they should also include a commodity index for the price of corn.

Two New WMA's

Cranberry (c) 2012 High Virginia Images

Two New Wildlife Management Areas Open to the Public

SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The newly established Little Canaan Wildlife Management Area (WMA) and Sideling Hill WMA have been incorporated into the state’s WMA system, according to Curtis I. Taylor, Chief of the Wildlife Resources Section of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources.

“The addition of these two WMAs will provide hunting, trapping and fishing opportunities to sportsmen and women as well as other outdoor enthusiasts,” Taylor said.
Little Canaan WMA (3,168 acres), located near Davis in Tucker County, was acquired from the Canaan Valley Institute (CVI) with monies generated from the sale of hunting and fishing licenses, and funds from the West Virginia Outdoor Heritage Conservation Fund. The property is accessible from the Camp Seventy Road (CR 32/18) as well as from State Route 32. The WMA is primarily forested and provides hunting opportunities for deer, bear, grouse, woodcock and turkey. With its proximity to the Canaan Valley region, this WMA provides a unique diversity of habitats, including the “Little Canaan” wetland complex. Additionally, approximately three miles of the Blackwater River run through the WMA, providing fishing for trout, rock bass and other species. A physically challenged fishing pier is located on the Blackwater River with access from the Camp Seventy Road. Additional information on the Little Canaan WMA is available from the DNR District 1 Farmington Office at 304-825-6787.
Sideling Hill WMA (2,507 acres) is located near Largent in Morgan County. Prior to acquisition by the state, the land had previously been leased to a well-established hunting club with three generations of hunters who had been stewards of the tract for many years. The WMA can be accessed from Milo School Road (CR 9/14), Magnolia Road (CR 18), and State Route 9. The WMA is heavily forested and will be managed for forest game species such as deer, turkey and squirrel. The sale of hunting and fishing licenses provided the funding source for this new WMA. Additional information on the Sideling Hill WMA is available from the DNR District 2 Romney Office at 304-822-3551.
DNR staff has started marking the boundaries and developing maps for these two new WMAs. Additional management efforts to be incorporated into the areas include improving public access, habitat management projects, and installation of entrance and other informational signs.
**DNR**

Youth Antlerless Deer Season

Youth, Class Q/QQ, and Class XS Antlerless Deer Season To Open

SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources reminds hunters that there is a split, three-day special antlerless deer season for Youth, Class Q/QQ permit and Class XS permit hunters scheduled for this fall. The first segment of this season is one day, October 20, and the second segment is two days, December 26-27. The season is open on private and public lands in counties having a firearms deer hunting season.

Youth hunters ages 8-17 may participate in this special antlerless deer season; however, hunters ages 8-14 must be accompanied by a licensed adult. Hunters ages 15-17 are required to have a base hunting license. Senior citizens 65 years and older who have purchased their lifetime senior hunting/trapping/fishing license (Class XS) also may participate in this special antlerless deer season. Hunters participating in this season must wear at least 400 square inches of blaze orange.
The daily bag limit during this special season is one antlerless deer per day for a total of three antlerless deer for the season. These harvested deer do not count toward the hunter’s annual deer season bag limit. All harvested deer must be checked at an official game checking station within 24 hours of the close of each segment of this special split season and before hunting an additional deer during the second segment of this season.
“This season provides a great opportunity to get young hunters out into the field,”noted Frank Jezioro, Director of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. The accompanying adults can focus their attention on these young hunters and make sure they are having a safe and enjoyable experience. “Other eligible hunters who participate in this special antlerless deer season can avoid the competition and pressure that may occur during the regular deer seasons,” said Jezioro.
Refer to the 2012-13 Hunting and Trapping Regulations Summary for further details on the special split antlerless deer season for Youth, Class Q/QQ and Class XS hunters. Hunters also may contact any DNR district office with any questions.
**DNR**

ENCORE TUNE-UP

TUNE UP YOUR ENCORE

I have been using a Thompson-Center Encore for all of my hunting for the past 12 years. Yes, there are limitations, but for my purposes, it is a good fit. Not once during this time; have I needed or wished for another shot. I don’t hunt bean fields, clear-cuts or vast, open areas. I hunt the woods of the eastern mountains.  In these conditions, a firearm is carried a lot more than it is shot.  I don’t need a heavy rifle, capable of bench-rest accuracy, nor do I  need a lot of unnecessary firepower.  I have never been stricken by magnumites, and don’t enjoy having my eyes crossed every time I pull the trigger.  I have owned five different barrels for my Encore, and everyone has proved satisfactory. I have also found a few inexpensive and simple ways to make an Encore even better, as a hunting rifle.

STOP THE DRIFT

The factory hinge pin, which holds the barrel and frame together is the first step in reaching accuracy potential.  There is a small amount of inherent drift, every time the action is opened and closed.  This movement is very slight, but to achieve accuracy, you must start with the same alignment of barrel and frame, on every shot.  The Encore Locker-Pin was designed by Cecil Epps of Precision Rifle to solve this problem.  This product makes sure that the mechanical lock-up of the Encore action is exactly the same from one shot to the next.  The Locker-Pin is comprised of three parts; installation is as simple as removing the old pin, replacing it with the new Locker-Pin and tightening an Allen screw with the supplied Allen wrench.  The Locker-Pin is available from sources listed at the end of this article and will cost around $40.00.

RELIEVE THE PRESSURE

Encore fore ends bind on the frame and create pressure.  I really don’t know what effects this has on accuracy, but it can’t help anything.  It is a very simple problem to solve.  All of my fore ends are synthetic.  I use a rotary tool to grind away the excess material from the inside of the fore end ears.  Keep checking your work, until you have clearance on both sides.  Make sure you wear a dust mask while grinding. The whole process should take about 15 minutes.  I haven’t worked on any wood stocks. I would use sandpaper to do the same thing and seal with linseed oil. This process is mandatory to provide clearance for the Locker-Pin.

MAKE IT CRISP

Nothing effects accuracy as much as a poor, sloppy trigger pull.  Send your frame to a good gunsmith; with experience in Encore actions.  They will be able to tune-up your trigger pull and smooth everything out.  E.A. Brown does this for around $75.00.  Your groups will shrink with these three simple methods and around $125.00 in expenses.  Your confidence as a single shot hunter will also improve.  My barrels are all standard factory barrels and will shoot MOA from a cold barrel with three shot groups.  I need to stress cold barrel again and I mean cold.  Not warm. After they heat up, strays tend to begin.  Remember; it is a single shot, hunting gun.

SENSIBLE CALIBERS

The Encore is lightweight; that is why it is a joy to carry all day.  Don’t make the mistake of choosing the biggest and baddest caliber that it is chambered for.  Muzzle blast and excessive recoil do not translate into an accurate lightweight hunting gun.  You will shoot better and harvest more game; if your mindset will let you choose a .308 over a .300 Winchester Magnum. I have personally been using a 7mm-08 over the past six seasons and it has preformed above my expectations.  Caliber choices for the Encore are nearly unlimited.  Factory barrels are offered in many popular calibers. Custom barrel makers offer just about any chambering; that you can dream up.

E. Arthur Brown Co, Inc. www.eabco.com     Precision Rifle www.prbullet.com

Hallelujah

I just read that the "hunting" method of baiting; which is so prevalent in our area has been made illegal on public lands, beginning on September 1. It is about time. Somebody somewhere must have had a rod implanted in their spine. Now, I hope that this will be enforced; stringently. What will the Master-baiters do now?

I also saw that the statewide squirrel hunting season will open on September 10. I personally do not think this is a good idea. I do not believe that the season will be utilized. It is just TOO hot. It seems to me that squirrel hunting is nowhere near as popular as it once was. Probably one factor is that they can't be baited in and you actually have to utilize some hunting skills. I personally haven't hunted squirrels since 2004; when they cut down all of the trees around here. It was once; something I looked forward to and enjoyed. But; it is hard to justify when you can't just go over on the hill and hunt. Those 50 mile round trips to the woods, add up quickly.

The Last Day of Spring Gobbler Season

Last Day of the Season


The alarm clock sounded at 2:45. The plan was to leave an hour early and get back into the head of a particular hollow in the black dark. Hopefully this tactic wouldn’t spook some turkeys which had been roosted along an access road. The only way in. At 4:50 I awoke. Way too late. I think I may just pass on the mornings hunt. No, maybe I’ll go over to another place. No, I don’t want to deal with the owl hooters and four-wheelers, Maybe I’ll go over on the hill. Hate hunting there. Talking to myself, running options through my head.

In the truck ay 5:05 headed to the original destination; I know that I’ll get there too late. It is a mile or more into the head of the hollow; where I want to be. I hurry up the road and reach the top of the first hill, it is 5:32 and one is gobbling already. I hurry on towards the next ridge. I can hear two other gobblers in the distance, as I close in on the nearest bird. At 5:55 I settle in above the gobbler. It now sounds as if there are two there. Silence, more silence, I yelp softly. They double gobble and are all ready on the ground and headed my way. I yelp a few more times. Silence.

I look down the ridge and here they come; three big gobblers. For some reason, I was expecting jakes. They are closing in fast and I’m in a super uncomfortable spot. Safety off, gun pointed in the right direction, one arm wrapped around a sapling, this spot really sucks. No time to change. Yelp, gobble, boom. It is over; the other two gobblers attack the downed bird. They jump in the air and come down upon their fallen comrade, spurs digging in in fury. One struts around the deceased, the other picks up the dead gobblers head and slams it on a rock. I stand up and everything is once again quiet. I look at my watch, it is 6:26. Two gobblers are gobbling in the distance as I walk back to the truck. A nice way to end the 2011 spring gobbler season. There are good days and bad days; but you will never experience the good ones, if you don’t go.

Posted by High Virginia Outdoors

Boykin Spaniel Turkey Dog Training

TRAINING THE BOYKIN AS A TURKEY DOG

By J. Carson Quarles

Turkey hunting, both in the fall and spring, is a disease and one which I have been afflicted by for over 50 years. I first caught the disease with fall hunting. Most states that allow fall hunting permit harvesting either gobblers or hens. In spring hunting, only the gobbler is fair and legal game.



Fall hunting is permitted in 43 states. Ironically, five of the states that prohibit fall hunting have very high wild turkey populations. Some turkey biologists say that the average life of a wild turkey is about two and one half years. Predators keep the average life of the turkey to this level. To me, it seems rather silly not to allow fall hunting since predators are so lethal.





Hunting turkeys in the fall, I think, is more challenging than hunting the gobbler in the spring. Some hunters will no doubt disagree but in the fall the turkeys are more alert, cautious and leery of any strange sight, movement or noises. The turkey’s eyesight and hearing is beyond anything imaginable. Any noise or movement by a hunter means the turkey is gone, period.



The objective of fall hunting is to harvest a turkey, any way you can, be it flying, running or standing still. Hunting without a dog, that means you have to out maneuver (ambush) turkeys for a shot. It is very, very difficult to sneak close to turkeys for a shot. The most common way is to somehow scatter the flock and then spend hours some time trying to call one back. Wild turkeys like to stay flocked together so some time during the day after being separated they will want to get back together.



Flushing or “busting up a gang” can be done by shooting in the air when close enough to them or running towards the flock and screaming at them. After the flush, the next task is to build a ground blind with tree laps, logs, etc. and then settle in from one to four or five hours and try to call a bird back and harvest it. The hunter will use the “lost” call of a turkey.



Flushing and scattering the gang is the key to possible success of the hunt. This is where the turkey dog comes in to play. The purpose of using a dog to turkey hunt is two fold: first, find the turkeys by sight or trailing by nose and scatter the gang; second, catch a crippled bird if that should happen.



In the USA, 29 states permit fall turkey hunting with dogs. My state, Virginia, has permitted the use of dogs for years.



There are various breeds and cross breeds of turkey dogs. Standard breeds such Setters, pointers, and springers are used. One popular cross breed was developed by John Byrne, a friend of mine who lives in an adjoining county in Virginia. Over a number of years John cross bred a setter, pointer and a plot hound. The pointer and setter for the nose and the hound for barking. These are good turkey dogs; I have hunted with a friend over his dogs.



Another cross bred is breeding a Boykin with another bird dog. I understand these make good turkey dogs but it does nothing to preserve the breed and integrity of the Boykin. I do not approve of this cross breeding.



Now to the Boykin Spaniel as a turkey dog. Actually, while the Boykin is not the most popular turkey dog due to its lack of awareness by turkey hunters, the Boykin Spaniel was bred and developed for turkey hunting and retrieving. According to an article in the 1992 September-October issue of Turkey Call, the Boykin spaniel is a cross of a Cocker spaniel, Water spaniel, Chesapeake Bay retriever and Springer spaniel and was developed in the early 1900’s.



Brandy (Brandywine of Edisto) was my first Boykin ppaniel turkey dog.



For 11 years, she was recognized as one of the best turkey dogs in the State of Virginia. When she was 14 I had to put her down; a day that I will never forget.



Wife Norma and I now have litter mates, Missy and Mandy who are 3-year-old Boykin Spaniel turkey dogs. They are good turkey dogs and we have had good luck harvesting turkeys with them.



Training a Boykin Spaniel for turkey hunting must start as a puppy. It is hard to train a turkey dog after it is ten months or a year old. I tried this with a couple year old pointers many years ago. After three years of training, I had reasonable success. They were just too set in their ways to train.



The first question is to decide or determine if the Boykin is going to be an inside or outside dog. I used to be of the old school and believe that you could not have an inside dog as a hunting dog. This is totally erroneous; my first Boykin Brandy proved that theory wrong. She was a champion turkey dog and at the same time owned the house, including sleeping on the bed with her mom and dad.



After it has been decided to have an inside Boykin turkey dog, you can then begin fundamental training. My opinion is that a puppy that is born in either November or December affords the opportune time table to have the Boykin ready for the fall season to start. It will be about ten months old for its first turkey hunting season.



Training should begin when about 10 to 12 weeks old. Inside training for blind behavior can begin as a puppy. It must be remember that flushing turkeys is only part of a turkey dogs required expertise. Equally important is blind training. They must be trained to lay still and be perfectly quiet in a turkey blind for hours.



Blind training can be started by sitting on the floor somewhere in your house and having the puppy lay quietly and under control for extended periods of time. Inside, you can teach them the basic commands of sit, lay, stay and what the word “no” means. If you do the proper job of binding with your Boykin, these elements of training become easy.



At ten weeks, the puppy is ready to do some outside training. The key tool for training is a wild turkey wing. Saving wings and putting them in the freezer for training later is a planning must.



The first exposure to the turkey wing is simple—tie a wing to about 10 feet of small rope and let the puppy chase it while you pull it away from it. Letting him/her catch it and chew on the wing gives the puppy the smell and taste of a wild turkey. You can also put the puppy somewhere in the house and drag the turkey wing out of its sight and let it trail the ground scent. This will start the puppy learning to trail the scent of a turkey.



It is imperative to get the young Boykin in the woods as quick as possible. Let them range and explore the woods as a puppy. While out in the woods, periodically sit down with the young dog and do some yelping on a caller to acquaint it with the sound of a turkey. I also use the turkey caller to call my dog back to me when I think it has been gone too long in the woods.



It is imperative that you get the Boykin into turkeys at an early age—within six to nine months. While hunting season is closed, put some feed (corn or oats) in an area that will attract turkeys. Watch the use of the area by the turkeys and then arrange to walk the young Boykin into the turkeys and let it flush the birds.



Hopefully, it will bark on the flush; some dogs will and others will not.



Brandy was a real barker and would burn their butts. Missy and Mandy will sometimes. If the Boykin does not bark as a rule, you have to watch for flying turkeys on the flush.



When turkey dogs get out of sight and flush turkeys, never move from the spot that you were when the Boykin left. They will return to the spot they left you. Not waiting on them can confuse them; they may not find you when they come back. They will usually circle back behind you, get your scent and come to your rear. This is very important when hunting turkey dogs in high wind.



If you have done most of what I have outlined, I think the young Boykin is now ready to actually hunt. If the Boykin is now about ten months or a year old, it is prime time to begin to help you harvest fall turkeys. Down a bird any way you can at this stage of its training—flying or running on the ground. On its first kill experience, let the Boykin tear into a down bird. Let it pull feathers, bark at it, lick blood and in general really rough it up. This instills the kill instinct in the Boykin and makes it want to hunt turkeys for its master.



The Boykin as a turkey dog is a natural. It possesses great traits that are needed for turkey hunting. The Boykin is fast, has a great nose, is highly intellegent, ranges far enough but not too far and is easy to train. Its small statue and dark color is a major blind advantage.



Finally, a couple of do’s and don’ts. Do not scold a Boykin excessively. If you have bound with them, simple no’s to them will correct them. Never, never, never, never whip a Boykin or use a shock collar. Boykins are very temperamental and you can break their hunting spirits if mistreated. Give them praise, love and hugs. For this, they will do anything to please their master.

This article was written for the Boykin Spaniel Society Newsletter and was used with permission from the author, J. Carson Quarles of Roanoke, VA.  (C) J.Carson Quarles