Several important changes in the state’s fall hunting seasons for wild turkey and black bear, as well as the youth hunting seasons, are included in the new 2010-2011 West Virginia Hunting and Trapping Regulations Summary brochure, according to Division of Natural Resources Director Frank Jezioro.

The publication is now available at all West Virginia hunting and fishing license agents, DNR district offices, Elkins Operation Center and South Charleston Headquarters. You can also find it online.

Hunters and trappers are encouraged to carefully review these regulations due to the numerous changes in hunting seasons, especially turkey, bear and deer hunting, which will be in place this fall.

Among those changes:

- Black bear hunting seasons have been expanded this year with ten counties open September 27 through 29; nine counties open September 27 through October 2; ten counties open November 22 through December 4 during the Buck Firearms Season, and all 55 counties open December 6 through 31.

The daily bag limit is one bear and season limit is two bears, provided at least one bear comes from Boone, Fayette, Kanawha or Raleigh counties.

- Fall wild turkey hunting season has been expanded this year with 13 counties open October 23 through 30; 12 counties open October 23 through November 6; and 14 counties open October 23 through November 20.

- A statewide Youth Small Game Season will be held October 2, open to all youth age 17 or younger for all small game species.

- The participation age for the Youth Hunting Seasons (small game, antlerless deer and spring turkey) has been increased from less than 15 to less than 18 years of age. All licensing requirements remain in effect for ages 15 through 17.