In West Virginia, Thanksgiving generates as much discussion about deer as it does about turkey. This coming week marks the traditional start of West Virginia buck season – a time-honored family tradition in the Mountain State. This year’s West Virginia buck season is Nov. 24 through Dec. 6. In that span of just a couple weeks, approximately 320,000 licensed hunters will be trekking through our woods scouting that big buck. The majority of West Virginia families have at least one member who regularly participates in deer hunting season.

Hunting skills and traditions have been handed down through generations of West Virginians – we honor and respect our great natural surroundings and abundant wildlife. It’s not only a great way for parents and grandparents to share wonderful outdoor experiences with their children and grandchildren – it’s also a major contributor to our state’s economy.

Each year, West Virginia’s hunting-related expenditures for food, lodging, transportation and equipment bring in nearly $233 million to our economy. The economic benefit of hunting in the Mountain State is especially valuable because of the revenue it generates in our heavily wooded, rural areas – places not home to traditional urban industries. Hunting creates an estimated 5,000 jobs in our state.

Our hunters are also generous. So many of us enjoy the bounty of the table that comes from hunting success but very often those who choose not to use the meat from their harvest donate it to local food pantries or their needy neighbors. The “Hunters Helping the Hungry” program distributes deer meat through the Mountaineer Food Bank and the Huntington Food Bank, and has helped to put food on the table for so many needy West Virginians. Hunters who wish to donate deer meat or money to the Hunters Helping the Hungry program may call the state Division of Natural Resources at 304-558-2771 or visit the DNR web site at www.wvdnr.gov to find a participating meat processor.

As it is the start of the traditional buck gun season, I think it’s important to remember gun safety. Here are some gun safety tips that I hope all hunters remember when we head to the woods in the coming weeks. And, remember, if you were born on or after Jan. 1, 1975, you must first complete a certified hunter education course before you can buy a hunting license.

1. Treat every gun as if it were loaded. 2. Always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction. 3. Be sure of your target and what’s beyond it. 4. Be sure the barrel and action are clear of obstructions. 5. Unload firearms when not in use. 6. Never point a firearm at anything you don’t want to shoot. 7. Never climb a fence or tree or jump a ditch with a loaded firearm. 8. Never shoot a bullet at a flat, hard surface or water. 9. Store firearms and ammunition separately. 10. Avoid alcoholic beverages and other drugs before and during shooting.

Above all, be safe and enjoy your outdoor adventures! Happy Thanksgiving.