All schools in Upshur County will close at 1 p.m. today. All B-UHS sporting events today are canceled.

WVDNR reminds hunters to prepare for fall hunting seasons

FRENCH CREEK, W.Va. — With fall hunting seasons opening across the state, the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources is reminding hunters to be safe and mindful of hunting ethics and regulations and to plan ahead before going out on a hunt.

“You can greatly improve your odds of having a successful hunt by scouting the area you want to hunt and checking your hunting equipment in advance,” said Vinnie Johnson, assistant district wildlife biologist for the WVDNR’s District 3 office at French Creek.

Johnson said understanding an area’s topography and habitat helps a hunter judge where wildlife travel and where cover is located.

Hunters should also identify where there are acorns, hickory, beech and other hard mast-producing trees because these food sources are highly sought after by game species, such as deer, bear and squirrel during this time of year.

Checking one’s equipment before going out to hunt is also important. Hunters should:

  • Shoot their weapon before a season starts with the same arrows or ammunition they plan to use while hunting. Changing arrow weights or an ammunition’s bullet weight could drastically affect accuracy.
  • Check gun sights to make sure they weren’t bumped or shifted while in storage.
  • Check bow strings for fraying and bow arms for cracks. If either breaks during a draw, there is the potential for serious harm.
  • Make sure broadheads are sharp, which will aid in a quick, ethical kill.
  • Check all tree stand straps and the safety harness for wear and replace anything that shows signs of fraying.

“As a sportsman, you want to make sure you are safe and that you have the equipment to make a good, clean kill if you get the opportunity,” Johnson said.

A final and important thing to do when preparing for hunting season is to know West Virginia hunting regulations. Hunters can download a copy at WVdnr.gov/hunting-regulations. They can also get a free copy at local WVDNR district offices and license vendors around the state. Hunters with any questions about rules and regulations, may call their local WVDNR district office Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Share this story:

RECENT Stories

Gloria Jean (Powers) Husk

Gloria Jean (Powers) Husk, an author, genealogist, and beloved member of her community, died at age 80 in Carrabelle, FL, and requested her ashes be scattered with her husband’s on Dog Island.

Elmer Karl Cross

Elmer Karl Cross, 94, a retired Mon Power foreman and avid outdoorsman from Peeltree, died April 21, 2025, leaving behind his wife of 75 years, a large family, and a legacy of community involvement.

Rocky Wayne White

Rocky Wayne White, an oil and gas driller known for his laughter and guitar talent, passed away April 23, 2025, survived by children, grandchildren, family, and remembered fondly by those who knew him.

This week’s Hank Ellis All-Stars: Landon Marple and Becca Pastorius

Landon Marple and Becca Pastorius were named Hank Ellis All-Stars for their outstanding performances in baseball and softball, respectively, leading their Buckhannon-Upshur teams with impressive hitting, pitching, and run production.

Softball Lady Bucs can’t hang on against Class AAAA No. 3 University in 13-5 loss

Despite an early lead and three RBIs from Alyssa Abel, Buckhannon-Upshur fell 13-5 to No. 3 University in six innings, hampered by four errors and a late-game offensive surge by the Hawks.

Baseball Bucs score three in the seventh to down Grafton, 7-4, fall to Morgantown by a 12-2 score

The Buckhannon-Upshur baseball team rallied with three runs in the seventh inning to beat Grafton 7-4 on Monday, but then suffered a 12-2 mercy-rule loss to Morgantown the following day.

Tennis Bucs lose matches to Lewis County and Elkins

The Buckhannon-Upshur tennis team fell to Lewis County 7-0 and Elkins 4-3 last week in Big 10 Conference play.

Tennis Lady Bucs drop outings to Lewis County and Elkins

The Buckhannon-Upshur tennis Lady Bucs fell to conference rivals Lewis County 5-2 and Elkins 4-3 last week, bringing their season record to 7-6 overall and 4-3 in the Big 10.

B-U’s Alyssa Abel selected to play in the North-South Girls Basketball All-Star Game

Buckhannon-Upshur senior Alyssa Abel, who led her team in scoring and rebounding and surpassed 1,000 career points this season, has been chosen to play for the North in the North-South Girls Basketball All-Star Game.

Wesleyan lacrosse tumbles to Virginia State, 21-7

Virginia State overwhelmed West Virginia Wesleyan 21-7 in women’s lacrosse, with eleven different players scoring and a dominant first quarter, while Nyah Elmer led Wesleyan with four points and eight draw controls.

Buckhannon man arrested after police find fentanyl stamps in vehicle

A man was arrested for felony possession with intent to deliver after police allegedly discovered wax stamps in his vehicle that tested positive for fentanyl.

Buckhannon pair charged after road rage incident leaves car damaged

A Buckhannon man and woman were arrested after a road rage incident in which they allegedly threw bottles at another vehicle, causing over $5,000 in damages and threatening the driver.