Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, March 18, 1990 TAG: 9003222382
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B11 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: BILL COCHRAN OUTDOOR EDITOR
DATELINE: RICHMOND LENGTH: Medium
So they are going to let hunters help them decide.
Following a spirited debate Friday, the board proposed a liberal statewide early muzzle-loading season, which would put black-powder shooters in the woods a week ahead of the regular deer season. Several members, however, said their approval of the proposal would depend on how well the idea is received by hunters prior to a final vote scheduled May 11.
One organization already is gearing up to make its wishes known.
"What we are going to do is ask muzzle loaders to write their board member and let them know how they feel," said Dr. John Eby of Roanoke, secretary of the Virginia Muzzle Loader Rifle Association.
State game biologists had recommended to the board that the early season apply only to counties east of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
"That would be putting too much pressure on the public hunting lands," Bob Duncan, a staff spokesman, said of an early season west of the Blue Ridge.
Board Chairman Eli Jones Jr. of Tazewell agreed, saying it would be foolish to add a week of hunting in the far Southwest where efforts continue to build the herd.
Support for the statewide season came from Leon Turner, board member from Roanoke. Hunters in the west shouldn't be charged $12 for a muzzle-loading license without expecting something from it, he said.
The proposed early hunting dates, Nov. 12-17, would be in addition to the 10-year-old late-December-early January muzzle-loading season.
Board members proposed that the muzzle-loading license contain one deer tag good for a buck only during the black powder season.
The new license was not requested of the General Assembly by the game and fish board, but James Remington, executive director, said "We welcome the additional revenue."
Estimates show that the license could net the agency one-quarter-million dollars annually.
In addition to a muzzle-loading license, black powder hunters would have to buy a regular hunting license. It is undecided if a big game license also would be required.
Denny Quaiff of the Virginia Deer Hunters Association said it was a good idea for the board to seek public input on the season, since many hunters remain unaware of the new license.
John Stockman of the Virginia Bowhunters Association asked that bowhunting be included in the early muzzle-loading season. However, the board decided not to consider the request until next year.
by CNB