Several important changes in the state’s fall hunting seasons for wild turkey and black bear, as well as the youth hunting seasons, are included in the new 2010-2011 West Virginia Hunting and Trapping Regulations Summary brochure, according to Division of Natural Resources Director Frank Jezioro.

The publication is now available at all West Virginia hunting and fishing license agents, DNR District Offices, Elkins Operation Center and South Charleston Headquarters

Hunters and trappers are encouraged to carefully review these regulations due to the numerous changes in hunting seasons, especially turkey, bear and deer hunting, which will be in place this fall.The 2010-2011 West Virginia Hunting and Trapping Regulations Summary is also available online at www.wvdnr.gov.

Major Changes for 2010-2011 include the following:

Black bear hunting seasons have been expanded this year with 10 counties open Sept. 27-29; nine counties open Sept.27 Oct. 2; 10 counties open Nov. 22 Dec. 4 during the Buck Firearms Season, and all 55 counties open Dec. 6-31.

The daily bag is one bear and the season limit is two bears, provided at least one bear comes from Boone, Fayette, Kanawha or Raleigh counties.

Fall wild turkey hunting season has been expanded this year with 13 counties open Oct. 23-30; 12 counties open Oct. 23 Nov. 6; and 14 counties open Oct. 23 Nov. 22.

A statewide Youth Small Game Season will be held on Oct. 2, 2010, open to all youth age 17 or younger for all small game species.

The participation age for the Youth Hunting Seasons (small game, antlerless deer and spring turkey) has been increased from less than 15 to less than 18 years of age.

All licensing requirements remain in effect for ages 15-17.