HUNTERS DESCEND ON SUNNY CAL - "Deer Camp" Declared Open

(11/23/2003)

Calhoun's population will double the next few days as out-of-state hunters will descend to the backwoods, most of them in search of a big buck deer.

Regular deer season by gun starts Monday and continues through December 6.

However, killing a doe is a viable option, with multitudes of the gender being chased around the fields and up and down the hills by rutting bucks.

Hundreds of trucks, sports utility vehicles, campers and trailers with recreational equipment were spotted coming into the county Saturday. Most were scouting for groceries or a hot meal, prior to settling at Deer Camp.

A short time after dark Saturday, I met at least ten vehicles traveling toward Hur on the rural road, a 1000% increase of traffic on the short stretch to Mt. Zion.

DNR says this could be a record year for buck kill.

The antler-less deer (doe) can also be killed between December 8-13 and a special four-day season December 24-27. There is a change, hunters can take two antler-less deer on the same day between December 8-13.

A hunter, using all methods from bow to muzzle-loaders, could kill up to nine deer a season.

The downed trees from last winter's ice storm will be a test of a hunter's stamina, getting the animal out of the woods.

CALHOUN'S DEER CHECKING STATIONS

Holbert's Store, Big Bend

Pit Stop, Mt. Zion

Rick's Place, Minnora

Five Forks Store, Five Forks

Speedy Mart, Arnoldsburg

ChaTis, Grantsville

Parson's One Stop

www.wvdnr.gov