BECKLEY, WV (WOAY) – People have been gearing up for Buck Firearm Season since it wrapped in 2024.
They have until December 7 to feed their heart and souls. This Mountain State pastime has a major effect on the economy.
“All that’s come about by money people here spend because they love to hunt, they love their shooting, they love the outdoors,” said Flat Top Arms President Ronnie Wood.
Hunters say it’s in their genes.
“To want to go hunting. Once you get started, it’s addictive, in a sense. Great family time and to grasp how big it can be and really is to us,” Wood said that West Virginia used to be a vast landscape of mountains and woods. “Much of the state today is leased by hunters for hunting property.”
It’s important to have the right hunting gear.
“Here at our store, we sell your rifle, we sell you ammunition, you need a sling, you need a scope. It’s incredible the amount of money that’s spent,” he says $35 will get you a typical sportsman package. “And the thousands upon thousands of people who buy licenses.”
According to Wood, if not for those dollars, we would not have all the hunted white tailed deer, turkeys, and other wildlife.
“It also supports the defense of eagles, hawks, and other protected species. And we have now introduced elk into our state,” he said, intending to bring back that season after more than 100 years.
Where you stay during your hunt is also an expense.
“A home, a second home, or property that you bring your friends, family, and business people to,” said Wood. “It can also be travel-trailers, camper houses or the like.”
And don’t forget fuel, food, hotels, and restaurants.
“It’s millions and millions of dollars,” he said. “And there’s a tax put on firearms, ammunition, and archery equipment that many state citizens don’t know about.”
The Pittman-Robertson Act then distributes hundreds of millions of dollars to West Virginia wildlife restoration efforts, habitat management, and hunter education programs.
According to Wood, people spend immense interest/energy, time, and money on their Buck Firearm Season sport.
“You may not have ever thought about what’s put into the clothing, boots, shoes, gloves, and outer garments,” he said. “It just doesn’t end what you can spend on your hunting.”
Buck Firearm Season taps into everything.
“Can’t think of an area that it doesn’t,” said Wood. “It’s big, really big.”
