FEBRUARY
Bluestone Lake WMA
Rabbits
Rabbits and grouse represent some of the last hunting season holdouts. Let's focus on rabbits, since prospects are currently better for cottontails than grouse. And Bluestone Lake is a place to try right now for good results -- even though much of this area is forested.

Nevertheless, there are some good spots out there wherever old fields and brush converge with succulent summer grasses. Just as for doves, rabbit hunters need to seek out the state's rather limited farmland and surface coalmine reclaims. For the latter, the ones with 10-plus years growth along the brushy shrub feathered edge of the forest are good bets.

Reverting farms are awesome places, too. The oft-considered exotic roses, honeysuckles and lespedezas can become very friendly to rabbits during the cold and snowy times. The thicker, brushier and the more brutal these areas are, the better.

The 17,632-acre Bluestone Lake WMA is more famed for its turkeys, fishing and forests. However, it does have enough elbowroom in its expanse for rabbit hunting opportunities. This WMA is located in the state's southeastern District 4 in Summers County. The vast Crumps Bottom sector is accessible off SR 20 south out of the town of Hinton. For additional details, contact the District office at (304) 256-6947.

Good hunting!

Find more about West Virginia fishing and hunting at: WVgameandfish.com