Country Roads Sporting Goods > Articles by: John
CategoriesTips & Tricks
Post By John

Gearing Up for Bow Season: Essential Prep for West Virginia Archery Hunters

As the lazy days of summer give way to the crisp air of fall, West Virginia’s bowhunters are eagerly anticipating the start of bow season. Archery and crossbow seasons for deer and bear are set to open on September 28, 2024 in West Viginia. With opening day just around the corner, now is the perfect time to start prepping. Let’s get into the essential things every West Virginia bowhunter should do to ensure a successful and safe hunting season.

 1.  Equipment Check and Maintenance

Since your bow is your most important piece of equipment, it deserves a thorough inspection before the season starts. Check for any signs of wear on the strings, cables, and cams. If you’re not confident in your ability to perform a full tune-up, consider visiting a local archery shop.

Don’t forget to inspect your arrows and broadheads. Make sure your arrows are straight and undamaged, and your broadheads are razor-sharp. Practice with the same broadheads you’ll use for hunting to ensure accuracy.

2. Physical Preparation

Bowhunting often requires holding a draw for extended periods and making precise movements. Strengthen your core and upper body with exercises like planks, push-ups, and resistance band training.

Regular target practice is crucial. Set up a practice routine that mimics hunting situations, including shooting from elevated positions and at various distances. Remember, ethical hunting means being confident in your ability to make a clean, quick kill.

3.  Scounting and Stand Placement

August is prime time for scouting. Look for signs of deer activity such as trails, rubs, and droppings. Trail cameras can be invaluable tools for understanding deer patterns. When placing stands, consider wind direction, natural funnels, and food sources.

4.  Essential Gear for West Virginia Bowhunters

While your bow is the star of the show, don’t neglect other essential gear. Invest in quality camouflage suitable for early season conditions in West Virginia. Scent control products are crucial, as early season hunts often mean warmer temperatures and more human odor.

Safety should always be your top priority. Falls from tree stands are the leading cause of injury to hunters. Always use a full-body safety harness and follow proper tree stand safety protocols.

5.  Understanding West Virginia Regulations

Familiarize yourself with West Virginia’s hunting regulations. The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources provides a comprehensive guide to hunting and trapping regulations. Pay special attention to bag limits, hunting hours, and any changes for the 2024 season. Make sure you have all necessary licenses and permits well in advance of opening day.

6.  Weather Considerations

Early fall in West Virginia can bring variable weather conditions. Be prepared for everything from warm, sunny days to cool, rainy mornings. Dress in layers to adapt to changing temps throughout the day. The National Weather Service provides detailed forecasts for hunting areas across West Virginia.

7.  Ethical Considerations

As responsible bowhunters, we have an obligation to make clean, ethical shots. Practice shooting from various positions and distances to make sure you’re comfortable with your effective range. Familiarize yourself with deer anatomy and proper shot placement. If you do wound an animal, be prepared to track it.

8.  Local Resources

Take advantage of local resources to hone your skills and connect with fellow hunters. The West Virginia Bowhunters Association offers information on local clubs and events. Many local archery shops also host pre-season clinics and shooting competitions.

Successful bowhunting is all about the prep. By starting early and paying attention to the areas I’ve provided, you’ll be well-positioned for a safe and rewarding archery season in Wild, Wonderful West Virginia. Remember that the journey is just as important as the harvest. Enjoy the preparation process, respect the land and the game, and cherish the time spent in our beautiful forests.

Happy hunting, and may your arrows fly true!

CategoriesTips & Tricks
Post By John

Maximizing Your Success During West Virginia’s Spring Turkey Season

Attention all turkey hunters! The spring turkey season in West Virginia is in full swing, having started on April 15th. If you haven’t had a chance to get out in the woods yet, don’t worry โ€“ there’s still plenty of time to bag a big tom before the season ends on May 19th. We want to help you make the most of the remaining weeks of the season with some expert tips and gear recommendations.

Adapting to Late-Season Conditions

As the spring gobbler season progresses, weather conditions and turkey behavior can change significantly. Late-season gobblers tend to be more wary and less responsive to calls, making them challenging to locate and hunt. To increase your chances of success, consider the following tips:

  1. Scout smarter: Focus on areas with good food sources, like green fields and hardwood ridges, where turkeys are likely to feed throughout the day. Pay attention to signs of turkey activity, such as tracks, droppings, and feathers, to help you pinpoint their location.
  2. Adapt your calling: Use softer, more subtle calls to avoid spooking cautious toms. Soft clucks, purrs, and gentle yelps can be more effective than aggressive cutting and loud gobbling. Remember to vary your calling techniques and be patient, as late-season gobblers may take longer to respond.
  3. Be stealthy: Late-season turkeys are more alert and sensitive to human presence. Wear appropriate camouflage clothing, minimize movement, and choose your setup location carefully to avoid being detected. Consider using natural blinds or ground blinds to conceal your presence further.
  4. Hunt midday: As temperatures rise and turkeys become less active during early morning hours, focus your efforts on midday hunting. Gobblers may be more responsive to calls during this time, as they seek out hens for breeding.

Essential Gear for Late-Season Success

Having the right gear can make a significant difference in your success during the late spring gobbler season. Here are some essential items to consider:

  1. Calls: Experiment with different types of calls, such as box calls, mouth calls, and locator calls, to find what works best for you. Practice your calling techniques regularly to improve your skills and confidence in the field.
  2. Camouflage: Choose high-quality camouflage clothing that matches your hunting environment. Consider lightweight, breathable fabrics to stay comfortable in warmer late-season conditions. Don’t forget to cover your hands, face, and head to minimize the risk of being spotted by keen-eyed turkeys.
  3. Decoys: Realistic decoys can help draw in wary gobblers and give you a shot opportunity. Experiment with different decoy setups, such as using a combination of hen and jake decoys, to create a convincing scene. Remember to position your decoys strategically to ensure a clear shot and to avoid spooking approaching turkeys.
  4. Ammunition: Select high-quality shotgun shells specifically designed for turkey hunting, with a tight shot pattern and ample pellet count to ensure clean, ethical kills. Pattern your shotgun before the season to determine the most effective load and choke combination for your hunting situation.

Safety and Ethics

As with any hunting activity, safety and ethics should always be your top priorities when turkey hunting. Follow these guidelines to ensure a safe and responsible hunting experience:

  • Familiarize yourself with and follow all West Virginia turkey hunting regulations, including season dates, bag limits, and licensing requirements.
  • Respect private property and always obtain permission before hunting on someone else’s land.
  • Practice safe firearm handling at all times, including keeping your gun unloaded and the safety on until you’re ready to shoot. Be sure of your target and what lies beyond before taking a shot.
  • Avoid wearing red, white, or blue colors, which can be mistaken for a turkey’s head, and never shoot at movement or sounds alone.
  • Properly tag and report your harvested turkey as required by law, and consider donating any excess meat to local food banks or charities.

Sharing Your Experiences

We encourage you to share your success stories, photos, and experiences with the turkey hunting community. Connecting with fellow hunters can help you learn new techniques, discover prime hunting spots, and celebrate the joys of the spring gobbler season together. Consider joining local hunting clubs, participating in online forums, or attending turkey hunting events to expand your network and knowledge.

Remember, the spring turkey season is a time to enjoy the great outdoors, test your skills, and immerse yourself in the thrill of the hunt. Whether you bag a big tom or simply enjoy the sights and sounds of the forest, every moment spent in the woods is a valuable experience.

As you prepare for your late-season turkey hunting adventures, don’t hesitate to reach out to experienced hunters, wildlife biologists, or local conservation organizations for additional tips and advice. By continually learning and refining your techniques, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a successful and ethical turkey hunter.

We hope these tips and recommendations help you make the most of the remaining weeks of the spring turkey season in West Virginia.ย 

Stay safe, have fun, and happy hunting!

CategoriesLifestyle
Post By John

Leave No Trace: Preserving Nature Through Sustainable Practices

As outdoor enthusiasts, we have a responsibility to protect and preserve the natural spaces we cherish.ย  At Country Roads Sporting Goods, our mantra is “Leave No Trace,” which means enjoying the outdoors while minimizing our environmental impact.ย  By following the Leave No Trace principles, we can make sure that future generations will have the opportunity to experience the same pristine wilderness we do today.

What is Leave No Trace?

Leave No Trace (LNT) is a set of seven principles that provide a framework for minimizing our impact on the environment while enjoying outdoor activities.ย  These principles were developed by the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics and have been adopted by outdoor adventurers, organizations, and public land management agencies worldwide.

Mama black bear with cub

The Seven Principles of Leave No Trace

By adhering to the following seven principles, we can minimize our impact on the environment and ensure that the outdoors remains a beautiful and sustainable resource for generations to come.

Plan Ahead and Prepare

  • Familiarize yourself with the area you’ll be visiting, including regulations, weather conditions, and potential hazards.
  • Prepare for extreme weather, emergencies, and injuries.
  • Schedule your trip to avoid times of high use and minimize group size.

Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces

  • Concentrate use on existing trails and campsites.
  • Walk single file in the middle of a trail, even when the trail is wet or muddy.
  • Keep campsites small and focus activity in areas where vegetation is absent.

Dispose of Waste Properly

  • Pack it in and pack it out.ย  Check your campsite and rest areas for trash or spilled food. Pack out all trash, leftover food, and litter.
  • Deposit solid human waste in catholes dug 6 to 8 inches deep, at least 200 feet from water, camp, and trails. Cover and disguise the cathole when finished.
  • Pack out toilet paper and hygiene products.

Leave What You Find

  • Preserve the past: examine, but do not touch, cultural or historic structures and artifacts.
  • Leave rocks, plants, and other natural objects as you find them.
  • Avoid introducing or transporting non-native species.

Minimize Campfire Impacts

  • Use a lightweight stove for cooking and enjoy a candle lantern for light.
  • Where fires are permitted, use established fire rings, fire pans, or mound fires.
  • Keep fires small. Only use sticks from the ground that can be broken by hand.
  • Burn all wood and coals to ash, put out campfires completely, then scatter cool ashes.

Respect Wildlife

  • Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not follow or approach them.
  • Never feed animals. The wrong food can damage their health, alter natural behaviors, and expose them to predators and other dangers.
  • Protect wildlife and your food by storing rations and trash securely.

Be Considerate of Other Visitors

  • Respect other visitors and protect the quality of their experience.
  • Be courteous. Yield to other users on the trail.
  • Take breaks and camp away from trails and other visitors.
  • Let nature’s sounds prevail. Avoid loud voices and noises.

Navigating the Complexities of Sustainable Hunting – Leave No Trace and Deer Feeders

At Country Roads Sporting Goods, our mission is to promote sustainable outdoor practices and educate our customers about the importance of minimizing environmental impact.ย  As a company that serves hunters, we recognize the complex relationship between hunting, wildlife conservation, and the Leave No Trace principles.

The LNT principles provide a framework for enjoying the outdoors responsibly while minimizing our impact on the environment. These guidelines, which include respecting wildlife and leaving natural objects undisturbed, have been widely adopted by outdoor enthusiasts and organizations worldwide.ย  However, as a company that sells deer feeders, we understand that there may appear to be a contradiction between the LNT principle of respecting wildlife and the use of feeders. Critics argue that deer feeders can alter natural foraging behaviors, contribute to the spread of disease, and create an unnatural dependence on human-provided food sources.ย ย On the other hand, many hunters view deer feeders as a tool for supporting healthy wildlife populations, particularly in areas where natural food sources are limited. Proponents argue that responsible use of feeders, combined with sustainable hunting practices, can contribute to conservation efforts through hunting license fees and taxes that support wildlife management.

At Country Roads Sporting Goods, we acknowledge this complexity and believe in providing our customers with the information they need to make informed decisions. While we respect the individual choices of hunters, we also want to emphasize the importance of using deer feeders responsibly and in a way that aligns with the principles of Leave No Trace.

If you choose to use a deer feeder, we recommend the following practices to minimize your impact:

  • Follow all local regulations and guidelines regarding the use of deer feeders.
  • Place feeders away from natural water sources and sensitive habitat areas.
  • Use feeders sparingly and as a supplemental food source rather than a primary one.
  • Clean and maintain feeders regularly to prevent the spread of disease.
  • Avoid using feeders during times of the year when natural food sources are abundant.

As a company, we remain committed to promoting sustainable outdoor practices and educating our customers about the importance of Leave No Trace. We believe that by having an open and honest dialogue about the complexities of hunting and wildlife conservation, we can work together to find solutions that support both outdoor recreation and the health of our natural environment.

We encourage all of our customers to familiarize themselves with the Leave No Trace principles and to incorporate them into their outdoor adventures whenever possible. By being mindful of our impact and taking steps to minimize it, we can ensure that future generations will have the same opportunities to enjoy the beauty and richness of the great outdoors.

At Country Roads Sporting Goods, we are committed to promoting sustainable outdoor practices and educating our customers on the importance of Leave No Trace. We encourage you to incorporate these principles into your outdoor adventures, whether you’re hiking, camping, hunting, fishing, or enjoying any other activity in nature.

Remember, it’s our collective responsibility to be good stewards of the environment. By following the Leave No Trace principles, we can continue to enjoy the beauty and benefits of the great outdoors while preserving it for future generations.ย 

Join us in our mission to “Leave No Trace” and help spread the word about sustainable outdoor practices.

CategoriesFishing
Post By John

Get Ready for Spring Fishing Season in West Virginia!

It’s almost that time of year again folks – fishing season is right around the corner here in beautiful West Virginia! Starting in March, anglers from far and wide will flock to our rivers, streams, and lakes as the weather warms up and the fish start biting. There’s nothing quite like landing that first trout or bass of the new season. Trust me, I share your excitement – let’s get ready for some spectacular spring fishing!

Prime Fishing Spots

When it comes to prime fishing destinations in WV, you can’t go wrong with spots like the Elk, Greenbrier, Blackwater, Cheat, New, and Gauley Rivers. Other great options include the South Branch and Cacapon River. For lake fishing, check out Stonewall Jackson Lake and Cacapon Lake. These waters are stocked full of trout, smallmouth bass, walleye, musky, panfish, and more.

Targeted Species

Trout lovers will find ripe opportunities starting in March, as rivers are stocked with brook, brown, and rainbow varieties. As temperatures warm in April and May, target smallmouth bass running up from deeper pools into tributaries. Other spring favorites include walleye, rock bass, bluegill, and musky. Remember to check local fishing regulations for size and possession limits.

Gear and Bait

When fishing WV moving water, lighter tackle around 6 to 10 lbs test allows bait to drift naturally in currents. Bring an assortment of crankbaits, inline spinners, and swimbaits to cover all conditions. As for live bait, nightcrawlers, minnows, and crayfish tend to produce well. Tip jigs with plastic trailers soaked in smelly bait like PowerBait for added fish-attracting scent.

Tricks and Tips

  • Focus on eddies behind boulders where fish wait to ambush prey.
  • Allow your bait to drift freely to mimic natural movement.
  • Vary retrieves until you trigger strikes.
  • Pay attention to sudden drop-offs that hold fish.
  • Check conditions before heading out – avoid muddy flood water.
  • Take safety precautions like wearing a life jacket and not fishing alone.
  • Get your gear prepped and licenses ready – we can’t wait to see photos from your successful fishing adventures this season!

Let the spring bite commence!

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