WV Sunday hunting...
 

First off, I'm not a resident of WV. However, I do own land there...and I hunt there, so the Sunday hunting issue affects me directly.

What do you residents feel is going to happen with the elections? With proposed HB 4142 each county is going to have to vote Sunday hunting "IN" not "OUT. That makes it imperative for those in favor to turn out at the polls. (Not sure if that bill will apply to the May elections)

My cousin's wife told me a few weeks back that she felt it wouldn't pass in Braxton county. She said that the majority of folks she heard talking about it weren't for Sunday hunting.

Do you guys think the majority is for or against it? How do you feel?

Thanks

RE: WV Sunday hunting...
 

Pro-Line: I'm not for sure whether it will pass or not. I live here and own land and I'm lucky enough to have a job that allows me to hunt as much as I want so to me Sunday hunting isn't a issue.

RE: WV Sunday hunting...
 

I can't believe they are making it easier to vote it out. I haven't heard of any complaining about the Sunday hunting this past season.

RE: WV Sunday hunting...
 

Pro-Line, I believe you are misinformed. The Sunday hunting law has already been passed, and it has to be voted out, not in. As of right now you can hunt on sundays.

RE: WV Sunday hunting...
 

I'm a hunter and a landowner.I think its sneaky the way sunday hunting got passed,it should have been a county by county vote.Farmers,landowners need at least one day a week to work or whatever without hunters about..In may vote NO for sunday hunting.

RE: WV Sunday hunting...
 

Cball...farmers and landowners don't have to let people hunt on Sundays. It's their perogative. You may say that people will hunt on the farmers land anyway(W/O permission). Well, they need to call the law...plain and simple. I'm sick of hearing the landowners complain about voilators and the CO's complain about nobody reporting violators.

Gobbler...I know you can hunt on Sunday now.
Rep. Kiss proposed this bill which sounds to be doing well in the house. It's lengthy...but basically says that if it passes, the county will have to vote Sunday hunting IN...instead of OUT. So, if this bill passes after May, Sunday hunting WILL NOT be legal this fall...there's no time for an election.

Here's the bill.

H. B. 4142

(By Mr. Speaker, Mr. Kiss, (By Request))
[Introduced January 24, 2002; referred to the
Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources then the Judiciary.]



A BILL to amend and reenact section five, article two, chapter twenty of the code of West Virginia, one thousand nine hundred thirty-one, as amended, relating to requiring a local option election on the issue of whether Sunday hunting should be permitted upon private lands in the county with the written consent of the landowner and providing that there shall be no Sunday hunting permitted upon private lands in the county with the written consent of the landowner unless and until the same is approved by a local option election.
Be it enacted by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That section five, article two, chapter twenty of the code of West Virginia, one thousand nine hundred thirty-one, as amended, be amended and reenacted to read as follows:


The rest just goes on to state other hunting laws that are already in effect.

In a nutshell, they are sneaking this one past just like the one last year was. Inform everybody you know...and call your rep.

RE: WV Sunday hunting...
 

Nobody in the Mountain State has heard of this bill? Lawmakers appear to be keeping this hush hush.

It was proposed on January 24th, 2002.

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RE: WV Sunday hunting...
 

If they change it and you have to vote it in I dont think it will pass at all. I can hunt any time as I am disabled but I still think you should be able to hunt on sundays but I have talked to a lot of hunters here in mercer co who are against it and most of the land owners so I dont think it will pass.

Personally I feel all the reasons they give are stupid and just an excuse if you want to stop hunting on sundays then lets also stop fishing selling any beer or whiskey oh yeah and lets stop playing golf and tennis put all that in the same bill and see how fast they agree to let us hunt.

Until it affects you most people dont care and the ones that dont hunt at all believe all this crap about the animals needing a day of rest and about all those people that take their children for long walks on sunday in the woods. I really wonder where those people are when I am out scouting before season when the weather is beautiful and warm and season isnt in.

Its all just an excuse so if they put that rider in the new bill to vote on it then goodby sunday hunting.

Just one man's opinion.

RE: WV Sunday hunting...
 

Most people I have talked to are against Sunday hunting even though they hunt, We feel it dosnt help the resident hunter but is meet to help the out of state hunter and draw more CASH into the state. But then again I dont tell people when to pray....

RE: WV Sunday hunting...
 

Proline the BRAXTON Co Commission voted to place a separate ballot in the 14 may primary election to allow people to vote for or against sunday hunting in Braxton Co most of the people I have talked to are planning to vote against it for verious reasons. I still have not made up my mind on the subject. Just if I tought youd like to know

RE: WV Sunday hunting...
 

3dnwv,
There are 10 reasons why you should vote FOR Sunday Hunting.

1. Gives you a <u>choice</u> to hunt or not to hunt. Remember that the hunting can only be done on private land and only then with the permission of the land owner. Therefore the landowner has the right the allow or refuse hunting on his own land. How will this conflict with anyone. The landowner should have the right to decide what happens with his own land. If he doesn't have a problem with a neighbor hunting on HIS land, why should you?

2. Fuels the anti-cause. No hunter or sportsman should ever be against this. If it passes it gives the antis a victory and possible fuel to place more restrictions (i.e. if its wrong on Sunday it must also be wrong on Saturday, etc).

3. Helps the working man. Why should you penalize a man or woman who works six days a week, provides for his family, the opportunity to enjoy their favorite past time the one day they have off. Those people, without Sunday hunting, have to regulate their hunting to vacations and holidays where they should be spending time with their family.

4. Keeps the honest man honest. Now lets be honest. Even though this past year has been the first year that you could legally hunt on Sunday, I know a few men that have hunted on Sunday in previous years. These are good men...one is actually a sheriff now. It was either that or no hunting at all. Work and providing for the family occupied the other time. Many of those who post here probably know a few themselves.

5. Makes pouching harder. Pouchers are going to pouch no matter what. Whether their is Sunday hunting or not will make no difference. If Sunday hunting is kept in place though, it seems to me the DNR will have to treat Sunday like any other day, instead of using that day for their off day.

6. 44 other states have no problem with it. Sunday Hunting seems to work fine in the states that do allow it.

7. Myth: Sunday Hunting will keep people from going to church. Fact: Those that are going to go to church will go to church regardless. God will always come before hunting. If you are religious, you know what I mean. You might sway a few, but not many. Besides if Sunday hunting is legal, you can always go afterwards.

8. Myth: Sunday Hunting will prevent outdoor recreation. Fact: Sunday Hunting will not prevent recreation. Remember...Sunday hunting can ONLY occur on PRIVATE land and only then with the written permission and knowledge by the landowner. Nobody takes long walks with the kids in the Fall (usu. cooler temps) on private land...it just doesn't happen. Besides, hiking, biking, and other outdoor enthusiasts can always use public land or their own land.

9. Myth: If you can't kill enough deer the other 6 days, why do you need a 7th. Fact: Not everybody can hunt those other 6 days. Most people work or have other committments. Is it fair that someone on welfare or getting some kind of government check that we taxpayers are providing get to hunt all week?

10. Myth: Too many deer will be killed. Fact: Sunday hunting was allowed this year, and no substantial increase in deer kills were seen. In fact the number of deer killed this year in WV was lower than the DNR was wanting. If a person is going to take 2-3 deer, they will still take 2-3 deer whether they have that extra day or not.

I hope this help with your decision. The fact is I have yet to hear ONE good reason why Sunday hunting should not be allowed. Vote wisely.

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RE: WV Sunday hunting...
 

Once you get a group of people against Sunday hunting in WV, PETA and other groups are like sharks...THEY SMELL BLOOD. They tried it here in Ohio. A couple years ago, Ohio legalized Sunday hunting. BUT BARELY. Several folks didn't like the idea of hunting on Sunday. Some were even hunters. They didn't realize that PETA and HSUS were funding some of the cause. They were circulating petitions pretending to be hunters that thought the animals needed a day of rest. These groups love to see fighting among the hunters.

Thanks for the update 3D. I hope you decide to vote for it...but it's your choice and you have your reasons. I'm just tired of driving 225 miles to hunt on Saturday only. However, if it does fail (which it probably will in Braxton)...I'll still be 20' up a tree come October 12th.

RE: WV Sunday hunting...
 

WVVet, Welcome to the board!!
I too agree with what you stated. I plan on voteing for it , although I primarily hunt only my acreage.

The hunters I have talked to here in Roane county seem to be mixed in there opinions for Sunday hunting. However, those are just the individuals I have personally talked to. More seem to be for it rather than against it. Will it pass??? I guess we shall see.

IMHO, When Hunters start voting against any Pro Hunting bills we are in effect not helping our cause.

RE: WV Sunday hunting...
 

...Here is my two cents worth,take or leave it,my vote is for the animals there should be no hunting on sundays they need peace and rest just like we do,why is not 6 days a week to chase the wild animals enough,and no im not a tree hugger,i just feel we presure them enough 6 days a week...:)..

..JESUS IS COMING BACK BE READY...

RE: WV Sunday hunting...
 

TOTOE...I respect your opinion...but are the animals really being pressured much during bow season? There's only a couple days you can hunt deer with a gun on Sunday anyway, and I sure didn't see/hear many small game hunters last year on Sunday.

I understand that many residents feel that Sunday hunting is only for non-res hunters...and that may be true. I am a non-res and It pretty much DOUBLES my hunting time on my farm. I pretty much only bowhunt, and most are weekend trips.

GOOD HUNTING!!!

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RE: WV Sunday hunting...
 

well were i hunt we werent allowed to hunt on sunday even tho it was legal they said they didnt want teh pressure on the animals so we went to some other land but i didnt notice many hunters hunting on sunday i know alot of em just dont thik its right some have thigns to do but I JUST CANT FIND A PLACE TO HUNT!!! lol i alrad killed my buck by tuesday so it didnt matter

RE: WV Sunday hunting...
 

totoe,
You really need to go back up and reread my previous post. If we hunters don't stick together on this, it will be much harder to pass ANY hunting-favorable legislation in the future. When lawmakers see us standing as a united front, it makes for a very powerful statement. When they see us divided, hunting issues become less important.

As for giving deer a day of rest, the fact is that with the exception of the first Sunday of bow season and perhaps the first Sunday in gun season, their are only limited number of hunters afield anyway. The deer aren't under contant pressure. Now their probably are exceptions, but I think that overall there are fewer hunters to be found on Sunday.

Also totoe, one more question....how would you feel about having the &quot;off&quot; day as Monday instead of Sunday?

RE: WV Sunday hunting...
 

.I love you all,but im still not for sunday hunting,and im not sending letters and calling DNR protesting..so if you like sunday hunting go hunt on sunday....:)...

..JESUS IS COMING BACK BE READY...

RE: WV Sunday hunting...
 

wvvet,

You speak words of wisdom. Thanks for the great post.

There is an important eleventh reason why we should have Sunday hunting: The future of hunting. Children have to attend school during the workweek, and often don't get home until it's too late for an afternoon hunt. The option of hunting on Sundays on private land will give them an extra day to enjoy our great sport. For many, it might be the difference between getting hooked on hunting or not. Clearly, the option to hunt on Sundays on private land is much better for the future of hunting.

RE: WV Sunday hunting...
 

TOTOE...That's a refreshing attitude. I admire your kindness.

Hope you're gearing up for the gobblers. I'll be out there as much as I can...but it'll be hard to top last year.

GOOD HUNTING!

RE: WV Sunday hunting...
 

DougMD,
Good point. #11 it is. Thanks for the input.

totoe,
Thanks for replying. I do respect your opinion. Sorry if it sounded like I was jumping all over you. I feel everyone should have the CHOICE whether to hunt or not. As a landowner that works six days a week, I would like the opportunity to hunt my own land when I get the chance. That's all I really want. I do believe, however, that if the Sunday hunting bill passes, it WILL eliminate Sunday hunting in many counties.

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RE: WV Sunday hunting...
 

...So scopes can be used on muzzeloaders this coming season? That would be good news to me, since I can then use my T/C Encore scoped for Maryland's seasons...

RE: WV Sunday hunting...
 

Doug, I've heard that they are not. It was asked on the Conservation Officer site, and he didn't know anything about it. It has not been passed yet..I do know that.

You heading to your camp anytime soon?

RE: WV Sunday hunting...
 

OK Al. I was thinking it might have just now passed due to the context of his statement. It would be nice...

My wife is due in about two weeks, but the doctor says it'll probably be earlier, since she was 1 centimeter dilated this past Friday. Plus, we're moving into our new house at the end of March. Therefore, I likely won't be able to get back to camp until May. I want to cut shooting lanes for one of my stands, and find a nice cabin site. I was going to have the cabin built right where my trailer is, but it wouldn't perc. Why tear down the trailer and overhang/deck when I can have the cabin built elsewhere on the property where it percs, and use both it and the trailer, depending on who's hunting where in the morning.

How about you? I see you're excited about the turkey season. Good luck to you! I hope the turkeys keep making a comeback where I am at. We are seeing more and more every year. Also, do you have any offseason projects to do?

RE: WV Sunday hunting...
 

Doug...Good luck with the baby. I'm sure everything will be fine.

As far as any projects go...I really don't have any. Our camp is pretty much self-sufficient. We had some water problems until last summer when I took a week and redid every bit of plumbing in the place. Now it's in good shape. All I have to do is go there, turn on a breaker, turn on the water heater, and I'm set.

In the end of April I'll be going down to turkey hunt and look for some mushrooms. Can't wait!

Keep us posted on the baby.

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RE: WV Sunday hunting...
 

Jim...Well I'll be doggone. I must apologize---you're right. The link you posted didn't work for me, but I found it. Here's what it says.


The Legislature didn't deal with the Sunday hunting controversy this year, but lawmakers did pass bills regulating other aspects of hunting.
One bill allows muzzleloading firearms to include telescopic sights. The House's version applied only to seniors and the disabled, but the Senate amended it to allow anyone to use telescopic sights.
Lawmakers also passed a bill that allows anyone with a permit to carry a concealed handgun while hunting, hiking or camping.
Another bill would allow Ohio hunters and fishermen to cross the state borders without obtaining separate West Virginia licenses. However, Ohio would have to enter into a reciprocal agreement with the state before it takes effect.
Lawmakers also expanded bear licenses to include trapping.
Governor Wise is expected to approve all of the bills.