In a bid to thwart poachers in Shenandoah National Park this hunting season, park officials will be closing sections of the Skyline Drive at night.

Shenandoah Superintendent Martha Bogle notes that the closures aren't unusual, that the park has been doing so for 29 years.

From November 9, 2009, through January 2, 2010, the Skyline Drive between Front Royal (Mile 0 at U.S. Highway 340) and Thornton Gap (Mile 31 at U.S. Highway 211), and between Swift Run Gap (Mile 65 at U.S. Highway 33) and Rockfish Gap (Mile 105 at U.S. Highway 250), will be closed daily between 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. The central portion of the Drive, between Thornton Gap and Swift Run Gap, will remain open for overnight access to Skyland Resort and Big Meadows Campground until those facilities close on November 29. Then, beginning November 29, 2009, through January 2, 2010, the entire length of the Skyline Drive will be closed daily from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 a.m.

"Closing portions of the Skyline Drive enables rangers to concentrate patrols on problem areas and to increase contacts along the park boundary," said Superintendent Bogle.

Along with the nightly closures, the park also offers rewards for tips that help catch poachers.

"A reward will be paid to anyone who furnishes information which leads to the conviction of any person who hunts, transports, or attempts to transport illegally taken wildlife within the park," said the superintendent.

Any one with information about such activities should call the nearest Ranger Station or Park Headquarters (toll free, 1-800-732-0911; or (540) 999-2227). The identity of persons furnishing information will be kept strictly confidential, and a person does not have to reveal his or her name.