Greetings, fellow Mountaineers and lovers of the great outdoors! Allow me to introduce myself: My name is Brandon Cook, and I am delighted to be joining Mountaineer Media as a Contributor.

I am thrilled to step into the virtual world and take you all on an exciting journey that combines my passions for hunting, fishing, conservation, and cooking. You can expect a diverse blend of content from me as we hike this path together.

For as long as I can remember, the call of the wilderness has been a significant part of my life. From the sprawling forests to the tranquil lake shores, there is an undeniable connection that draws me outdoors. Whether it's the thrill of the chase during a hunting expedition or the soothing rhythm of casting a fly line into a mountain stream, these experiences have shaped who I am today.

So, whether you're an experienced hunter, an avid angler, a conservation advocate, or a culinary enthusiast, I invite you to join me on this exciting expedition. Let's explore the beauty of the Wild 'n Wonderful state, support the cause of conservation, and embark on a culinary adventure that will tantalize our taste buds and nourish our souls. Welcome to my world, where the wilderness meets the table, and every step is a testament to the profound connection we share with our natural surroundings.

Hunting season in West Virginia is just around the corner, so to kick things off, I've made a short list of the important dates hunters should be aware of this Fall:

White-Tailed Deer

• Archery and Crossbow: Sept. 30 - Dec. 31

• Buck Firearms: Nov. 20 - Dec. 3

• Antlerless Firearms Split Season: Oct. 26-29, Nov. 20 - Dec. 3, Dec. 7-10, Dec. 28-31

• Muzzleloader: Dec. 11-17

• Youth Antlerless (Firearm, Muzzleloader, Archery, and Crossbow): Oct. 21-22, Dec. 26-27

Black Bear

• Archery and Crossbow: Sept. 30 - Dec. 31

• Firearms (Selected Counties Only): Sept. 2-10, Oct. 7-13, Oct. 26-29, Nov. 20 - Dec. 3, Dec. 4-31

• Youth Split Season: Sept. 16-17, Oct. 21-22

Wild Turkey

• Fall Split Season (Selected Counties Only): Oct. 14-22, Oct. 30 - Nov. 5, Nov. 6-19

For detailed information on the above dates, please refer to the WV DNR 2023-24 Regulations.

Thumbnail picture credit: WV DNR