Hunters of mourning doves who wish to participate in a controlled hunt at South Branch Wildlife Management Area in Hardy County have until midnight on July 30 to apply, according to the release fromthe W.Va. Division of Natural Resources.
The hunting of mourning doves in the preserve is by permit only on Sept. 1, 2, and 4, and hunters will be randomly selected by drawing and assigned a day to hunt and a shooting station for one day, free of charge.
Hunters may bring two guests, and no permits will be necessary to hunt doves after Sept. 4.
Hunters may register through the division's electronic license system and may apply online at WVHunt.com.
Hunters may log in to their accounts, click “Enter Lottery” on the home screen, and select “Enter” to the right of “South Branch Dove Hunt.” They may also apply by calling the division's District 2 headquarters at 304-822-3551.
Successful applicants will be notified by mail by Sept. 1. A map showing the location of shooting stations will be included with notification of a successful drawing.
For season dates and additional information, consult the 2017-18 West Virginia Migratory Bird Hunting Regulations. Migratory bird regulations will be available at division offices by early August and will be posted on the its website.
