In addition more than 370,000 acres of Wildlife Management Areas and state forests are distributed though the state. These areas range in size from a few hundred acres to several thousand acres of prime, public hunting land. A Guide to Wildlife Management Areas in West Virginia describes each of these areas, and is available at all Division of Natural Resources, offices. The free brochure contains information on location, acreage, topography, vegetation, facilities and primary wildlife species occurring on the area. The Monongahela National Forest offers excellent opportunity for hunting snowshoe hares in the large expanses of rhododendron and red spruce thickets found at elevations above 3,500 feet.
Hares are numerous and provide some exciting hunting with good running dogs.
Access to good hunting areas can be seriously affected by deep snows, so hunters are advised to check on weather conditions prior to hunting. Grouse hunting with bird dogs and rabbit hunting with beagles can be at their finest during the months of January and February, provided that snow conditions are not too deep. Scent conditions during this time of year are often excellent and provide both hunters and their dogs with good field conditions. Hunters are also reminded that late season migratory bird hunting opportunities exist throughout the Mountain State. Hunters interested in taking advantage of the waterfowl season should consult the 1998-99 Migratory Bird Hunting Regulations available at all DNR offices.