LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va –
It is that time of year when military and civilians alike dress head to toe as if preparing for a secret mission, hiding motionless for hours, waiting for their target to cross into their sights.
Bow hunting season opened at Langley Oct.3 for all active duty, retirees and Department of Defense employees. The whitetail deer bow hunting season ends Nov. 14.
Hunters must pay a $10 hunting fee, complete a hunting safety course and obtain a valid hunting license, said Tim McCardle, game warden. During bow season a hunter must hit a target three out of five times at 15 and 25 yards with a game warden present.
"The purpose for shooting targets with a game warden is to protect the animals from inexperienced hunters that need a little more practice," he said.
There are two hunts every Saturday; the first one begins one and half hours before sunrise and the latter one and a half hours before sun down. Names are drawn to assign hunters to one of 40 tree stands.
"I've hunted for nearly 15 years," said David Hopper, 1st Fighter Wing Public Affairs. "I used to drive several hours or pay hundreds of dollars to a hunting club. Once I found out that I could hunt on Langley it meant I could have the same enjoyment as before with less headache."
"Safety should be the number one priority for all hunters," said Mr. McCardle. "Before you release the quiver on a bow or squeeze the trigger on a rifle, make sure there is nothing in front or behind the intended target."
Langley takes safety seriously; anyone in violation could lose their hunting privileges on base.
For example, if anyone is seen walking to a stand with a loaded weapon (bow or shotgun) they will lose all hunting privileges on base, said Mr. McCardle. This ensures the safety of all hunters.
Each hunter is permitted one whitetail deer per hunt.
Shotgun season is Nov. 14 through Jan. 2. For more information, contact Outdoor Recreation at 764-7170.