SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.VA. — A special resident-only controlled deer hunt at the Green Bank Observatory in Green Bank, W.Va. has been scheduled for Oct. 28-29 and Nov. 3-4, the Observatory and West Virginia Division of Natural Resources announced today.
All hunters who wish to apply must do so online at wvhunt.com. Applications must be submitted by midnight on Aug. 29. Hunters that do not already have an account will need to create one before applying.
After logging into their DNR account, hunters should select “Enter a Lottery Drawing” on the home screen and select the day or days they would like to apply for by selecting “Add.” Once a selection is made, click “Proceed to Checkout.”
To complete the application, select “Complete” and choose either “individual” or “party” (up to four members in a party including the captain) then select archery/crossbow or shotgun/muzzleloader under the hunt locations and click “Save.” Make sure to check the box agreeing to the terms for purchase. There will be no charge to hunt but select “Pay Now” to apply for the hunt.
Successful applicants will be notified by mail and issued a special letter of authorization from the Observatory with detailed instructions and regulations. Only hunters who have made an application and have received a letter for a particular day or days may hunt. Walk-ons will not be permitted to hunt.
The four days of controlled hunts will take place within delineated areas ranging in size from 132 acres to 1,000 acres. The maximum bag limit during the hunt is one antlerless deer per day. Additionally, an onsite lottery will be held each day of the hunt and five hunters will be selected to hunt an either-sex deer. Deer harvested on the site do not count toward the hunter’s annual licensed deer bag limit. However, participating hunters must possess an appropriate base West Virginia hunting license or be exempt from having to purchase a license. All deer harvested must be checked at the official game checking station located on site.
Due to the nature of the work at the observatory, gasoline-powered vehicles are strictly controlled on the site. Hunters may park only in designated parking areas and all vehicles will be issued a pass that must be displayed on the windshield. Transportation from hunter check-in to some hunt areas will be provided by the GBO. For purposes of safety and biological study of harvested deer, all hunters must pass through the check-in station each morning before the day’s hunt. At the end of the day’s hunt, all hunters must exit through the check-out station.
For information about the hunt, call 304-456-2011 or 304-637-0245.