Hunting stands as one of the West Virginia's most popular activities for residents and nonresidents alike.
West Virginia's Department of Natural Resources reports that over 350,000 people go hunting each year in the state.
Few activities are as bonding between family and friends as hunting. Keen hunting families often wish to introduce their children to hunting before the age of 18.
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One reason that parents apply for hunting permits for their kids pertains to the role of hunting in developing character. When children are at a malleable age and learning how they can build or lose morals it is imperative that positive character traits are reinforced.
Learning how to hunt requires teamwork, trust, perseverance, patience, and a strong appreciation of nature. Going hunting with an adult role model will help those character lessons stick in a kid's mind more than almost anything else.
Here are five things to know before applying for a West Virginian hunting permit for your kids:
1. All children who receive a hunting license are legally required to be accompanied by a licensed adult whenever they go hunting.
2. Before a child and their chaperone go hunting, they are required to obtain both a conservation stamp and a hunting and trapping license. The conservation stamp costs a small fee and the hunting and trapping license is free.
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3. If a child's parents are landowners or long term tenants the minor may hunt without a hunting license on that property. However, if they wish to hunt outside the borders of the property they must obtain a license.
4. If a resident is less than age 15, they may hunt without a license anywhere it is legal to hunt in West Virginia. A licensed adult must still accompany them.
5. When purchasing a license, it is possible to buy either an annual or a lifetime hunting license. There are unique lifetime licenses available for parents to purchase on their toddler's behalf.
These licenses do not mean that the toddler has permission to hunt, but that when he or she comes of age they will never have to buy an annual hunting license.
There is a lifetime hunting and trapping license and a lifetime hunting, trapping, and fishing license available to be purchased for an infant. The only stipulation is that the lifetime license must be purchased before the child turns two.
This article is for information only. Please check current regulations before hunting.
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