Hunters with optimistic outlook ready to take aim
STAFF REPORTSoon after sunrise this morning, the loud roar of rifle blasts echoed from the hills as hunters took to the woods in search of a trophy as the buck firearms season got under way. From now until Dec. 5, checking stations, lodging facilities, restaurants and numerous other retailers all across the state will be kept busy for this once-a-year "holiday" of sorts.
For many it's the thrill of the hunt that has them up and out the door before the light of day. For others it's a family tradition passed down from father to son - or father to daughter. And for some others, it's about taking home the buck with the biggest rack - and of course, bragging rights.
For one Upshur County man, hunting has been a way of life and a family tradition for many years.
Charles "Chuck" Suder said he has been hunting since he was a child, and is looking forward to continuing that this year.
Suder, who was raised in Upshur County, said he started going hunting with his father, Eugene Suder, and grandfather, Doc Suder, when he was 7 years old.
"The hunting tradition has continued on in my family," Suder said. "Both of my daughters, ages 13 and 10, are also avid hunters as well."
When it comes to deer hunting, Suder takes part in all of the seasons, including bow, muzzleloader and gun season. Suder works in the construction business, but still spends time with his family in the woods hunting.
Suder said he does most of his hunting in the Upshur County area and enjoys his time in the woods.
Suder reflected on his years of hunting and the biggest buck he ever shot. "The biggest Buck I ever shot was a 12-pointer," he said. "I remember it well, it was in 2004, and it was quite a thrill."
Jared Stanley, who grew up in Barbour County, will return home from Morgantown where he is attending West Virginia University. The 24-year-old and his family hunt on property they own in Taylor County.
Stanley, who is staying with his parents while on break from classes, said he's optimistic about this year's hunting excursion. The warm temperatures predicted this week aren't a problem for Stanley who says he won't minding not having to wear extra layers of clothing.
"I have seen a lot of deer along the highway and that is always a good sign," Stanley said. "Deer are moody and I have had different experiences in all kinds of weather."
Family time for the Stanleys won't end after the hunt.
"One day we will take off and eat lunch at my aunt's house and share stories from the week," Stanley said.
Since Cody Sharp,18, of Valley Head was about 3 years old, he has gone into the woods to hunt, and this week will be no different. Sharp, a Tygarts Valley High School student, plans to leave his house and climb into his tree stand around 5:30 each morning to search for deer near his home.
Sharp predicts that this year will be a good season because there's plenty of acorns and beech for the deer to eat. He's hoping to be able to kill two deer this week.
After nearly 15 years of hunting, Sharp estimates he's killed 50 to 75 deer. If he gets a deer - or two - Sharp plans to cut up and eat the meat.
Being in the woods and not having to listen to anyone is Sharp's favorite part of hunting season. But this year he said he plans to take his girlfriend along because she too wants to kill a deer.
Eleven-year old Trey Corcoran of Elkins is excited to go buck hunting for the first time. His mother's boyfriend, Richard Fretwell, is taking him to a family owned property just outside Elkins. Corcoran has spent the past few days sighting in his 20 gauge shotgun.
"I really want to kill a big deer," Corcoran said. "I'm excited to go hunting. I want to show everyone in the family that I can kill a deer. I know I got to get up pretty early, but getting up early doesn't bother me much because I get up early every morning for school. I just want get out there and see a deer and take it down."
