West Virginia Explorer

2024 fall turkey harvest up 17 percent in West Virginia, officials say

Hunting

December 18, 2024

Will Reedy

SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. —  Hunters in West Virginia harvested 17 percent more fall turkeys in 2024 than in 2023, according to officials at the W.Va. Division of Natural Resources.


Division director Brett McMillion said the increase is evidence of the success of the state’s long-range management plan.

“West Virginia is truly a top destination for turkey hunting, and our thriving turkey populations are a testament to the success of sustainable wildlife management,” McMillion said.

“These efforts ensure that hunters, whether seasoned or just starting out, can continue to enjoy abundant opportunities for years to come. We encourage everyone to experience the incredible hunting opportunities our state offers by purchasing a 2025 license and planning a trip in the new year.”

According to preliminary hunting data from the division’s electronic licensing and game-checking system, fall turkey hunters harvested 1,130 birds in 2024 compared to 967 birds in 2023.

The fall 2024 harvest was also 17 percent above the five-year average of 968 birds and similar to the 10-year average of 1,132 birds.

Although fewer counties have a two-week season this year due to a lower spring harvest, the fall harvest was consistent with long-term averages.

Click here to download West Virginia’s 2025 fall turkey harvest numbers by county.

Fall turkey harvest numbers are influenced by hunter participation but also depend on the current year’s brood production and mast conditions.

This year’s brood survey results were 4.5 percent above last year’s and 5.1 percent above the five-year average, indicating that the 2024 harvest might be slightly above last year’s.

Five out of six districts reported increased fall turkey harvest compared to last year. District 3 had the highest harvest with 289 birds, followed by District 1 with 191, District 4 with 180, District 2 with 169, District 5 with 160, and District 6 with 141.

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