CLARKSBURG, W.Va. - The state estimates that the West Virginia economy gets a big boost from the annual buck firearms season.
The Division of Natural Resources estimates that more than 330,000 hunters will spend a total of $230 million in the state during the two-week season, which begins Monday. That spending means $34 million in tax revenue.
The DNR also estimates that 5,700 West Virginians are employed as a result of the hunting industry.
The Exponent Telegram reports that motels throughout the north-central region of the state are already booked.
Hunters travel from neighboring states to stalk deer in West Virginia woods.
Wes Garton owns the McFly Outdoors chain, and he recalls a hunter who drove to the state from Alaska to join in the hunt.