CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) - More than 20 three-day managed deer hunts will take place in 10 West Virginia state parks this fall, a significant expansion that’s drawn sharp criticism from wildlife consultants and biologists.
The head of the state’s Parks Section, Sam England, tells news outlets that the increase from recent years’ single-day hunts in one or two parks is aimed at protecting the parks from deer. He says all 10 parks have an overabundance of deer, threatening native species.
That assertion is disputed by Chief Logan State Park’s longtime wildlife consultant, Dr. Scott Siegel, who says the deer population has “dramatically” decreased in the park. He recently presented a petition with more than 1,600 signatures from hunters and non-hunters protesting the decision to Department of Natural Resources Director Stephen McDaniel.
Siegel says McDaniel said he might reconsider the Chief Logan decision.
The hunts will take place at Beech Fork, Cacapon, Canaan Valley, Chief Logan, Lost River, North Bend, Pipestem, Stonewall, Twin Falls and Watoga state parks.
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