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Officials accepting applications for controlled deer hunts

CAIRO — Applications are being accepted for controlled deer hunts at state parks in West Virginia, including North Bend State Park in Cairo, the West Virginia Department of Commerce has announced.

Applications will be accepted through Sept. 9 for North Bend, Beech Fork, Cacapon Resort, Canaan Valley Resort, Lost River, Pipestem Resort, Stonewall Resort, Twin Falls and Watoga state parks. The events are scheduled throughout the fall.

“Previous controlled hunts have been successful in helping us manage deer populations at our parks,” Sam England, chief of West Virginia state parks, said. “It is an effective and efficient way to maintain a biologically and socially balanced deer herd in areas with overpopulation.”

Applications must be submitted online at www.wvhunt.com. Applicants must use their existing Electronic Licensing and Game Checking System account or create one.

Upon logging in, applicants must select “State Park Lottery Hunts” and then choose one of the hunting options for each $15 application fee. Each application can be for one or two people.

Drawings for the hunts will start on Sept. 10. Successful applicants will be notified between Sept. 14 and 21.

Each application is for a three-day harvest opportunity using archery/crossbow or muzzleloader rifles, depending upon the dates, hunt types and designated areas. Rather than specified hunting stands for each hunter, as used in past controlled hunts, all hunters will be provided a map and will be able to roam and hunt within the designated hunting zones. Deer harvested do not count against a hunter’s annual deer season bag limit.

Rules, hunting dates and hunting methods are available on the electronic licensing system. For additional information about a specific park hunt, call the park.

Hunters will be required to confirm participation in the hunt. They must also possess a valid West Virginia Hunting License (or be legally exempt from purchasing a license) within one week of being contacted. Successful applicants will be contacted with more detailed information regarding the controlled hunt.

Division of Natural Resources hunting regulations will apply to all managed hunts.

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