MASON COUNTY — Local hunters no doubt have their tree stands and camouflage ready to go as the opening of West Virginia’s traditional antlered (buck) gun season arrives on Monday, Nov. 19.

According to Curtis I. Taylor, Chief of the Wildlife Resources Section of the Division of Natural Resources (DNR), West Virginia’s buck gun season provides a wealth of recreational opportunities for resident and nonresident hunters and has a tremendous economic impact on the state’s economy. It was also noted that the 2012 buck gun season continues until Dec. 1.

“Hunters should enjoy a great deer season in 2012,” said Taylor. “Because our traditional November firearms deer season opens the Monday before Thanksgiving every year, the season opening can be as early November 19 and as late as November 25. This year is one of the early opening years, which is closer to the peak deer rut. This date gives hunters an advantage because bucks are more vulnerable to being harvested closer to the rut.”

In 2011, Mason County was listed in the top ten counties regarding deer harvest numbers, with 1,986 in buck gun season, 2,125 in antlerless season, 320 in muzzleloader season, and 750 in archery season. As a result, Mason County was listed as having the second highest deer harvest with 5,181 deer.

“Hunters can harvest an additional buck with the purchase of the appropriate stamp,” Taylor added about the 2012 season. According to the DNR, resident hunters wanting the extra buck should purchase the Class RG stamp, which must be purchased prior to the beginning of the season. The cost of the stamp is $21, and must be accompanied by a Class A and CS, A-L, AB-L, X, XS, XJ or free license.

It was also reported by the DNR that resident landowners have the privilege of harvesting an extra buck without purchasing the RG stamp if they are hunting on their own property. Nonresident hunters wanting an extra buck must purchase a RRG stamp prior to the beginning of the season, and the cost is $43. The RRG stamp must also be accompanied by the Class E or XXJ license. It was also stated that nonresident hunters who own land in West Virginia are not exempt from purchasing a license or the extra buck stamp, even if hunting on their own property.

For more information on any deer hunting season regulations and licenses, hunters should consult the 2012–2013 Hunting and Trapping Regulations and Summary available at license agents and at www.wvdnr.gov.