Hunting in West Virginia: 8 Animals to Hunt in the Summer

Summer is the season in West Virginia that has the fewest number of animals that hunting enthusiasts are legally allowed to hunt. This gives the wildlife time to recuperate and move back into all previously vacated land in time for the next hunting season.

However, for those itching to hunt it can be a drag. The summertime is a good time to review the hunter safety course, or to plan out the year ahead by scoping out new places and hunting gear. Many take the summer as a chance to go to their future hunting areas and to walk the land.

ALERT: Should Obama Have More Control Over Guns? Vote Now

This way they can plan where will be the best places to hunt in, and where animals are most likely to be once hunting season arrives.

Summertime also brings with it more free time for children, and more ways that parents need to find to entertain them. After a long school year, they will be more than ready to get outdoors.

Hunting provides a great solution that is enjoyable to both the young and the old. Summer is a good time for youth to attend hunter safety courses and to practice when not in the field.

Kids may enjoy going hiking to get familiar with terrain they may be shooting in. Wvtourism.com says that West Virginia trails are renowned for their wonderful views and numerous waterfalls.

The latter are a special treat during the summer that hunters will most likely not get to take advantage of in a different season. Here are several animals to legally hunt in West Virginia in the summer:

VOTE NOW: Is West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin Doing a Good Job?

1. Crows
Crows may be hunted over the summer only for nuisance reasons. The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources defines "nuisance crows" as, "crows committing depredations upon ornamental or shade trees, agricultural crops, home gardens, livestock, or wildlife, or when concentrated so as to constitute a health hazard and or other nuisance."

2. Coyotes
Coyotes are almost always legal to hunt during the year in West Virginia. The one exception to this rule is if the hunter is hunting past sundown using artificial light. That is only legal from the start of January to the end of July.

3. Skunks and Opossums
During summer, hunters may harvest skunks and opossums all summer.

4. Woodchuck and weasels
Woodchucks and weasels are legal to hunt during the full summer hunting season.

5. English Sparrows and Pigeons
It is legal to hunt English sparrows and pigeons all of summer

This article is for information only. Please check current regulations before hunting.

URGENT: Do You Support Obama's Plans for Stricter Gun Control? Vote Now

Related Stories:

• Hunting in West Virginia: Top Spots for Hunting in the Mountain State

• Hunting in West Virginia: 8 Things to Know About Urban Deer Hunting in Cities and Suburbs