The Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) Board meets this Thursday in Henrico to discuss possible changes coming to several regions in the state. All four DWR committees, including the Wildlife and Boat Committee, will meet Wednesday to discuss the proposals to be sent before the board Thursday. Following decisions made by the board, proposals will then go out for public comment.
The most significant change in Botetourt County is the length of general firearms deer season, nearly doubling from 15 days to 28 days on private land, following the Saturday prior to the third Monday in November. The change will not affect the season on public land (National Forest and DWR Wildlife Management Areas). On National Forest and department-owned lands in Botetourt County, the general firearms deer season will be limited to the last day only for either-sex deer hunting. The voice of the public is definitely wanted by the DWR on this two-week deer season extension and on any of the other proposals the board rules on this week.
There also is a proposal regarding bear hunting regulations. According to the meeting agenda, the bear open season in Botetourt County will be reduced by 25 days, with the new season proposed being from the Friday following the fourth Monday in November (Nov. 28) and for two consecutive days following, and 12 days immediately prior to and including the first Saturday in January.
The reason for the shortened bear open season is the result of a mange increase in the black bear population. According the DWR, the mange problem has reduced the overall black bear harvest in Botetourt County from 95 in 2023 to 47 last year. DWR is not reducing the time in the woods with the hunters and their dogs, but reducing the kill season or consumption season for two weeks.
In the bear hound training season, it will be lawful to chase black bear with dogs, without capturing or taking, from August 1 through the last Saturday in September in Botetourt County.
Following the board’s approval of regulation proposals, email blasts will be sent out to DWR subscribers and local hunters with current and past licenses. Public comment will also be available on the DWR website.
These changes are aimed at managing wildlife populations and ensuring sustainable hunting practices in Botetourt County and throughout Virginia.
~ Fincastle Herald staff report
