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    The Division of Natural Resources (DNR) invites churches around West Virginia to participate this weekend in the Share the Harvest Sunday, according to Jerry Westfall, DNR Coordinator for the Hunters Helping the Hungry (HHH) Program.

            Since 1999, the West Virginia Council of Churches and the DNR have sponsored the Share the Harvest Sunday to raise funds for the HHH Program. This year, on Sunday, November 4, approximately 3,000 churches will be asking members of their congregation to contribute $1 to the HHH Program.

            “WVDNR’s HHH Program, which began in 1992, has allowed hunters to donate venison to needy West Virginians by dropping-off excess, harvested deer at participating meat processors,” said Westfall. “Although DNR receives donated venison from generous hunters, there are still processing and distribution costs associated with providing the needy venison. Share the Harvest Sunday allows church members to donate to HHH to offset these costs, ensuring needy West Virginians receive these highly nutritious meals. Share the Harvest Sunday makes an extremely valuable contribution to the HHH Program. Simply, the HHH Program could not operate without Share the Harvest Sunday!”

            Some churches participating in Share the Harvest Sunday may opt to collect money on a Sunday other than November 4. For instance, a few churches decide to take up donations the Sunday proceeding Thanksgiving, and the start of West Virginia’s buck season, as this is the time many students and former West Virginians return to their home state. Church members or other individuals wanting to make donations to HHH Program outside of the Share the Harvest Sunday can also do this at any time. The choice of when to participate in Share the Harvest Sunday is up to the church (and the individual), but the result is the same – West Virginia church members making a real contribution to the HHH Program and to feeding needy West Virginians!

            For more information about the HHH Program, click the HHH link on the www.wvdnr.gov Web site, or contact Jerry Westfall at (304) 558-2771; jerrywestfall@wvdnr.gov .

     The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds hunters to get their gear ready for the upcoming spring gobbler hunting season. The four-week season opens April 28 and closes on May 24, according to Bill Igo, the DNR’s wild turkey project leader. Igo recommends spring gobbler hunters make sure they are prepared with proper clothing, a shotgun that is appropriately patterned, and adequate hunting gear (e.g., turkey calls, knife, rain gear, compass/GPS unit, matches, maps and a pencil for completing field tags). Hunters are advised not to wear clothing with the colors of red, white or blue – the colors of a mature gobbler’s head and neck area.

            A special one-day, youth spring gobbler hunt opens on April 26, just prior to the regular Monday season opening. Youth participating in this hunt must be at least eight years of age and no more than 14 years old on the day of the season. The youth must be accompanied by a licensed adult of at least 21 years of age, who cannot carry a gun or bow and must remain close enough to render advice and assistance to the youngster. The only legal weapon that can be used by a youth hunter is a shotgun with shot sizes 4, 5 or 6. Last year, youth hunters harvested 298 toms during the one-day youth spring gobbler season. “This special youth hunt provides an ideal opportunity for seasoned hunters to introduce young people to the joys of spring turkey hunting,” said Igo. “In addition to having a great day afield, these adult mentors pass along their hunting knowledge, create great memories and keep the fine hunting tradition alive for the next generation of hunters.”

            Wildlife biologists are predicting a slightly higher harvest of birds this spring when compared to last year’s kill of 9,965. “West Virginia’s brood count was up 12 percent in 2006 over the previous year, but was an average brood count when compared to the last 5 years,” Igo said. “Our data indicate brood counts accurately predict spring turkey harvests two years down the road. With more two-year old birds in the population this spring, a slight increase in overall harvest is expected.”

            Igo also advises hunters to be aware that radio transmitters and/or leg bands have been placed on some gobblers. These marked birds are part of a statewide gobbler survival study to determine causes of mortality, effects of hunting and gather more biological data designed to assist the DNR in its efforts to effectively manage the state’s wild turkey resource. Hunters harvesting a banded or radioed bird should contact their local DNR District Office or the Elkins Operations Center.

            The DNR, in conjunction with the West Virginia Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation, is also conducting the Annual Spring Gobbler Hunting Survey. Cooperating turkey hunters submit daily records of their hunts and complete a brief questionnaire. A hunter does not have to kill a gobbler to provide useful data. Much of the survey information collected involves what a hunter hears, sees or has an opinion about. Any hunter interested in participating in the survey is encouraged to contact Patty Fordyce, West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, PO Box 67, Elkins, WV 26241, telephone: 304-637-0245