W.Va. DNR promotes lifetime license giveaway for the holidays

Anglers and hunters who purchase a 2021 hunting and fishing license in December have a chance to win a lifetime license and other prizes from the W.Va. Division of Natural Resources.

The division, which offered a lifetime license giveaway for the first time last year, will give away two lifetime licenses this year, along with four state park getaways and eight gift bags, according to director Stephen McDaniel.

"The holidays are coming up and it's the season of giving, so we wanted to do something really special for our hunters and anglers," McDaniel said.

"Governor Justice asked us to make sure this year's giveaway was even better and that's why we're giving away two licenses and improving the way you enter the contest."

New this year is the availability of three new license options.

• Class XP (Annual License Plus Trout Stamp)
• Class X3 (Three-Year Sportsman License)
• Class XP3 (Three-Year Sportsman License Plus Trout Stamp)

"These new licenses are a great option for folks who want to renew early or lock in prices over a long term," McDaniel said.

To enter the lifetime license giveaway, a hunter or angler needs to purchase a Class X, Class XJ or one of the new licenses by Dec. 31, 2020.

Those who purchase a Class X, Class XJ or Class XP license will automatically be entered into the contest one time.

Those who purchase a Class X3 or XP3 will automatically receive three entries.

"Not only is this a great opportunity for you to renew your hunting and fishing license for 2021, but you can also gift a hunting and fishing license to your family and friends," McDaniel said.

Recipients of gift licenses are automatically entered into the contest.

To purchase a license as a gift, call the WVDNR Licensing Unit at 304-558-2758.

To win, entrants and recipients must be legal residents of West Virginia and meet all other eligibility requirements. Prize winners will be selected in a random drawing and announced in January 2021.

To learn more about the lifetime license giveaway, other prizes and contest rules, visit wvdnr.gov/giveaway.