The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) announced that police officers from its Law Enforcement Section trained and assisted 43 young hunters during the state’s antlerless deer season for youth as part of the agency’s ongoing initiative to recruit new hunters to the sport.

“I want to thank the many volunteers, landowners and Natural Resources Police officers who supported these hunts and made this fun and educational day possible,” said WVDNR Natural Resources Police Chief Col. Bobby Cales. “Youth hunts allow us to build up the next generation of hunters, develop long-lasting relationships between our agency, hunters and communities across West Virginia and promote conservation and outdoor skills among youth.”

During the hunts, WVDNR Police officers from each of the agency’s six districts taught special needs, underprivileged and community youth about firearms safety, ethical hunting practices and personal responsibility in the outdoors. As part of the day’s experience, each participant was served lunch and received an orange safety vest.

“Our Natural Resources Police officers continue to set a high standard for outreach and education,” said WVDNR Director Brett McMillion. “By investing in our youth, we are not only teaching youth hunters about hunting safety and ethics but also ensuring that West Virginia’s outdoor traditions remain strong for generations to come.”

Youth hunts are a key component of the WVDNR’s Law Enforcement Section efforts to promote responsible hunting and conservation education. In September, the agency earned the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies’ Conservation Law Enforcement Award for excellence in public relations and youth outreach.

For more information about the WVDNR’s R3 initiative, visit WVdnr.gov/r3.