April 25th, 2017 by WCBC Radio
The Cumberland Times News reports West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice on Tuesday morning signed into law a bill that allows hunting on Sundays on private lands throughout the Mountain State. Hunters need written permission to be legal.
“This is wonderful, very positive,” said Paul Johanson, wildlife chief for the Division of Natural Resources. “Any day you can be out hunting is a good day and this allows the sportsmen and women of West Virginia some additional recreational days outside.”
The law takes effect in early August, shortly before the fall hunting seasons kick in.
Johanson pointed out that the ongoing spring gobbler season continues to operate under the existing law that allows Sunday hunting only in counties where it was approved by a county-wide vote. Jefferson is one such county.
Sunday hunting will also be an economic boost to the state, putting hunters on the road where they will make purchases, according to Johanson.
“Especially in the small, rural areas,” he said.
No seasons will be shortened because of the new law, Johanson said.
“There will be no biological impact to wildlife because of a few extra days of hunting,” he said. “And if there would be we’ll react to it.”
Del. Bill Hamilton, R-Upshur, chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee, told the Cumberland Times-News during the legislative session that he would like to see Sunday hunting expanded to federal and state lands next year.
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