Wildlife biologists with the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) have compiled preliminary figures for the 2022-23 hunting season.
Not unexpectedly, bear, deer and fall turkey harvests all decreased from the previous season.
“In addition to recent hunting seasons designed to reduce populations in some areas, harvest decreases observed this past season could be related to several factors outside of managers’ control: hunter participation, weather and particularly, food conditions,” said wildlife division chief Dr. Gary Anderson. “This past fall saw an abundant acorn crop that was widespread across much of the state, likely leading game to move less in search of food and making them less visible and vulnerable to hunters.”
Harvest reporting by successful . . . .
