Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: MONDAY, February 27, 1995 TAG: 9503010008
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: 6 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: BILL COCHRAN
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
1 - West Virginia's Snowshoe-Silver Creek ski resort has received 35 inches of snow during February. That's 10 inches more than in February 1994, which speaks eloquently of the prospects for the spring skiing season in the Southeast. That season begins with the coming of March.
"Skiing is expected to continue at the Showshoe Ski area into the early part of April," said Joe Stevens, the resort's ski reporting supervisor. Last year, the resort ran out of skiers before it ran out of snow. When it closed its ski operation on April 10, there was a 40- to 60-inch base and 100 percent of the terrain was open.
Along with good spring skiing conditions come attractive reductions in the price of lift tickets and rentals. Massanutten calls its late-season promotion "March Madness." You can get a weekday lift ticket there for $10.
A day for talking turkey
4 - So you think you are a pretty good turkey caller. Good enough, anyway, to fool an old tom. But how do you rate with other accomplished callers?
You can find out at the Virginia Highlands Hunting Expo and Turkey Calling Contest, Saturday at Carroll County High School in Hillsville.
Sponsored by the Virginia Highlands Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation, the annual event will have four calling contests during its 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. program. The competition will range from a junior event for youngsters 15 and under to an open division sanctioned by the national federation.
Inbetween you can take in seminars by turkey calling expert Tom Stuckey of Roanoke. There will be raffles, exhibits and an auction.
For details, contact Namon Strickland, 703-398-2669, or Linvol Webb, 703-398-3253
Raising bucks for the turkey
9 - Last year, the Roanoke Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation raised $26,500 for turkey research and habitat programs. That was the second best of any chapter in the state.
This year, the organization is bringing out some big guns in an effort to be first. During its March 9 banquet at the Roanoke Marriott, participants will take home 11 guns from auctions, giveaways and drawings. Wildlife art and other items also will be featured.
Tickets for the 6 p.m. event are available at Trebark Outfitters, Blue Ridge Sporting Supplies and Valley Guns or can be purchased by telephone on a Visa or MasterCard by calling Trebark Outfitters, 774-9007. The cost is $40 or $60 for couples, which includes membership in the federation. The meal is $15 for youngsters 17 and under.
Taking aim at hunting seasons
16 - It is time to establish new hunting regulations, or at least examine the old ones. That process, which is conducted every two years by the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, is scheduled to begin in earnest March 16 and 17 in Richmond.
At that time, the department's board will hear recommendations and proposals from its staff on seasons and bag limits. Public input also will be accepted, but only on March 16, beginning at 10 a.m. The meeting will take place at the Department of Environmental Quality, 4900 Cox Road.
The proposals that come out of the meeting will be the subject of 11 public hearings across the state in April. They will include 7-10 p.m. stops in Abingdon on April 3 at Abingdon High School; in Roanoke County, April 4 at Cave Spring High School; and in Fisherville, April 5 at Wilson Memorial High School.
The proposals will receive a final hearing May 4 and 5 in Richmond .
The last first day for trout
18 - No more circles on the calendar for the opening day of trout season. March 18 is scheduled to be the last opening day. After that it is a year-round season, with no beginning or end.
That thought is bringing joy to some anglers, sadness to others. State fish officials say the year-round season will mean more efficient use of trout hatcheries and will provide anglers better sport.
Meanwhile, stocking for the final first day has been under way for about two weeks, said George Duckwall, the fisheries biologist supervisor for the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries.
by CNB