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TROUT STOCKING THROUGH MAY Trout stocking begins January 5 and continues through May. Stockings will be completed as weather, road conditions and manpower allow. Anglers fishing in January are generally most successful using salmon eggs, worms and power bait. These baits should be fished near the bottom and with a very slow retrieve. Warm, dry clothing will make fishing more enjoyable and will reduce the danger of hypothermia. Because of possible icy conditions, anglers should also exercise caution along the edges of streams and lakes. Anglers are reminded that they will need a 2004 fishing license and trout stamp. Anglers can purchase their licenses and stamps online at www.wvfish.com . For up-to-date stocking information, anglers can call 558-3399 or logon to www.wvdnr.gov . The 2004 Fishing Regulations brochure has a listing of stocked waters, indicating the frequency of the stocking for each stream or lake. Brochures are available at license agents on online as www.wvdnr.gov . LATE SEASON HUNTING OPPORTUNITIES Hunters are reminded that late season hunting opportunities are available throughout the Mountain State until the end of February. West Virginia offers approximately 1.5 million acres of quality public land. A Guide to Wildlife Management Areas in West Virginia, available at all DNR offices, is a free brochure that contains information on location, acreage, topography, vegetation, facilities, and primary wildlife species occurring on the area. Ruffed grouse, squirrel and cottontail rabbits are the favorite quarry for late season hunters. During the late season, hunters should concentrate their efforts around the thickest cover in the area to find these popular small game species. Deep snows can limit the access to good hunting areas. Hunters are advised to check on weather and road conditions prior to hunting. The hunting for game birds, squirrels and rabbits can be the finest of the year, provided that snow conditions are not too deep. Hunters are reminded that they must purchase a 2004 hunting license, available at all license agents and online at www.wvhunt.com SPRING GOBBLER SEASON The 2004 West Virginia Spring Gobbler Season begins April 24 and runs for four weeks, ending May 22. The bag limit is 2, with no more than one bird harvested in a day. DNR conducts an annual Spring Gobbler Survey. Hunters interested in participating should contact DNR Operations Center, c/o James Pack, P.O. Box 67, Elkins WV 26241, or telephone (304) 637-0245, or e-mail jpack@dnr.state.wv.us For more information call (304) 558-2771 or visit www.wvdnr.gov
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