Seeing lights in the woods? It’s probably just the WVDNR counting deer

Related video: 304 Today interview with WVDNR Officer Rader

CLARKSBURG, W.Va. (WBOY) — How many deer do you think are in West Virginia? The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) will be trying to find out over the next few weeks by literally shining a light on the issue.

In a release on Monday, the WVDNR announced that, during August and September, biologists will be conducting spotlight surveys across West Virginia to monitor the white-tailed deer populations. During these surveys, biologists will drive around in marked WVDNR vehicles, shining spotlights into the treeline to count the deer population in various rural areas.

The WVDNR said that these surveys are a “critical” part of its plan to manage the deer population in West Virginia by giving numbers that wildlife managers can use to estimate local population numbers, track trends and make “informed decisions about future hunting seasons and habitat conservation efforts.”

The surveys are set to begin just after sunset from Aug. 18-29, with another round at the same time from Sept. 15-26. These surveys will have WVDNR biologists driving along predetermined routes on county roads.

The WVDNR said that the public may notice marked WVDNR vehicles along the routes, but affirmed that “all surveys are conducted safely and responsibly, with precautions in place to limit disturbance to landowners and wildlife.”

Specific routes were not provided in the press release. 12 News has reached out to the WVDNR’s main office in Elkins, but did not receive an immediate reply.