West Virginia releases its 2025 hunting outlook and mast survey report

ELKINS, W.Va. — Officials at the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources announced today that hunters preparing for fall seasons may now consult the 2025 West Virginia Hunting Outlook and Mast Survey.

The report and survey detail the abundance of wild fruits and nuts produced by 18 species of trees and shrubs that support wildlife in West Virginia, and forecast game harvests for the upcoming year.

According to the survey, the 2025 mast index is two percent above the statewide long-term average and 16 percent above the 2024 average, according to Avery Korns, mast survey project leader for the division’s wildlife resources section.

“Hard mast production, especially acorns from white oak and chestnut oak, is up this year and expected to be abundant and widespread across the state,” Korns said.

“However, soft mast production was variable and many species showed decreases across most or all of the surveyed ecoregions.”

Mast in West Virginia

There are two main categories for mast in West Virginia.

• Hard mast: Includes acorns, hickory nuts, beech nuts, walnuts, and other hard-shelled seeds. These are important fall and winter foods for species like deer, bear, turkey, and squirrels.

• Soft mast: Includes fleshy fruits such as blackberries, grapes, cherries, pawpaws, and persimmons. These are typically eaten by birds, bears, raccoons, and many other species in the summer and early fall.

When mast is abundant, Korns said, big game tend to move less and remain more dispersed, making them harder for hunters to locate.

Reduced soft mast can cause wildlife to move more in search of food, creating localized opportunities in later months for hunters who do advance scouting.

Because mast production influences wildlife behavior, harvests for white-tailed deer and raccoons are predicted to be lower in 2025.

According to the survey, the overall black bear harvest is predicted to be higher. Hunters can expect similar harvests for wild turkey, wild boar, gray and fox squirrels, and ruffed grouse in 2025 compared to 2024. Black bear firearms season opens this month in West Virginia.

The West Virginia Hunting Outlook

W.Va. Division of Natural Resources Director Brett McMillion said the annual report is a must-read for hunters.

“Every hunting season in West Virginia comes with unique opportunities and challenges, so I encourage folks to use this report to their advantage, plan accordingly, and enjoy a great hunting season this fall,” McMillion said.

Hunting plays a vital role in West Virginia’s culture, economy, and natural resource management. Generations of families have passed down the tradition, making it a cornerstone of outdoor life in the Mountain State.

Beyond its cultural significance, hunting contributes millions of dollars each year to the state’s economy through license sales, equipment purchases, and tourism.

These funds directly support wildlife conservation programs, habitat improvement projects, and the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, ensuring that both game and nongame species benefit from sustainable management.

Equally important, hunting helps keep wildlife populations in balance with available habitat. Species such as white-tailed deer and wild turkey can quickly grow beyond the land’s carrying capacity without regulated harvest, leading to crop damage, forest regeneration issues, and increased risk of vehicle collisions.

Through carefully set seasons and bag limits, hunters provide an effective, science-based tool for maintaining healthy ecosystems. In this way, hunting not only sustains West Virginia’s outdoor heritage but also supports the long-term health of the state’s wildlife and natural landscapes.

The annual mast survey, conducted by active and retired staff from the division and the West Virginia Division of Forestry, can be downloaded at WVDNR.gov/mast-survey.

All hunters 15 years of age and older are required to have a valid West Virginia hunting license and a valid form of identification while hunting. Licenses can be purchased at license agents across the state or online at WVHunt.com.