I read the post, and felt a little like most of you did. However, since I've been hunting in WV for almost 20 years...there's a few thing's I've come to understand. This exact scenario was probably repeated dozens of time's the same day around the state. The game laws in WV only allow 1 deer per day....yet dozens, if not more hunters regularly shoot 2 or 3. The club that I hunt in is on a family farm, and mostly family hunting, and we try and keep things to the book....however....I know a ton of folks in the area that would have done the same exact thing, or maybe even worse. You have to understand, that in some areas....that's just how they were raised...unfortunatley. Not pointing a finger at him specifically...just stating a fact.

In the areas that I hunt...we have a huge problem with poaching. There are people that don't even have a job...and they just ride around and hunt all over everyone whenever they want. Even using guns during bow season. Makes me sick. You wouldn't believe the amount of roadkills we've found over the years on our property....and all they take is the horns. <img src=icon_smile_sad.gif border=0 align=middle>

I know of alot of local folks around there, that regularly shoot as many deer as they can, and some of them NEVER check any of them in... and I mean NEVER. It's a joke. As a matter of fact, I know of some guys that have been hunting for over 20 years, and have never checked any deer in. WOW! I'd be too scared to get caught, but I guess living and growing up in VA...I have a differnt perspective. It gives the folks that stick by the book, a sour stomach. There are very few game wardens, and it's even harder to get the ones that are, to do anything. And then, all the people who live there know one another, so even if they do get reported and caught, they get off. I know a guy that got caught shooting EAGLE'S a while back(while awol from the navy, no less)....and he got off(his uncle was the judge). Unbelievable.

I will agree with his statement that there are WAY too many does, and shooting a couple extra is not going to hurt anything population wise, however...if you decide to do that, (even though it is not legal) you should at least find the deer you shot, before shooting another. You still owe it to any animal you shoot...to do your best to find it.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to stereotype everyone in WV, but WV is a different breed, for sure. Maybe it stems from growing up in poor areas, and hunting all the time, for food on the table. I know many folks that if they didn't, growing up, they wouldn't have had much meat on the table. Game laws didn't and still don't mean squat to them. Maybe that mentality is passed on...just a way of life?????? Who knows for sure.

I know alot of great folks there, that are ethical, by the book hunters....but like I said, many of the locals(at least in the areas that I hunt) would have done...and probably HAVE done, the same thing. Until the laws stiffen up, and the DNR gets more resources, and folks start actually following the game laws....it will be the same....(unfortunately).