First section of autumn 2025 black bear firearms season opens in West Virginia

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Officials at the W.Va. Division of Natural Resources today announced that the next segment of the state’s black bear firearms season will be open in select counties September 20-26.

Additional bear firearms season segments are scheduled for Oct. 4-10, Oct. 23-26, Nov. 24-Dec. 7, and Dec. 8-31, 2025. Archery and crossbow seasons for bear start Sept. 27. A special youth, Class XS, and Class Q season will also be held Oct. 18-19, 2025.

W.Va. DNR Director Brett McMillion said hunters will benefit from getting out early in the season.

“I want to encourage bear hunters to take advantage of the September seasons, which often coincide with the peak of acorn drop when bears are active and feeding heavily in oak stands,” McMillion said.

“These seasons not only give hunters several chances to experience bear hunting in West Virginia but also play a vital role in managing a healthy population.”

The state has also released its hunting outlook and mast survey.

Resident hunters must purchase a bear damage stamp in addition to their hunting license. Nonresidents must purchase both a bear hunting license and a bear damage stamp. Licenses and stamps are available at WVHunt.com.

Hunters who harvest a bear are required to submit a premolar tooth from each. Those who harvest a female are also encouraged to save the reproductive tract and all entrails, and submit them to the WVDNR for a chance to receive a $20 gift card.

Data collected from these submissions helps biologists monitor the state’s population. Tooth envelopes are available at division district offices and the Elkins Operation Center.

Hunters who save reproductive tracts or entrails should keep them cool or frozen and contact their nearest district office to arrange pickup.

Black bear hunting in West Virginia

Black bear hunting in West Virginia is one of the state’s most valued outdoor traditions and an essential part of wildlife management. West Virginia is home to one of the largest black bear populations in the eastern United States, with healthy numbers found across nearly every county.

As bear populations have grown and expanded, carefully regulated hunting has become the primary tool for balancing their numbers with available habitat, reducing conflicts with people, and maintaining healthy ecosystems.

For many hunters, the black bear is considered the ultimate big game challenge in the Mountain State due to its intelligence, strength, and elusive nature.

The hunting season structure is designed to offer opportunities while ensuring sustainability. West Virginia offers a variety of seasons, including those with and without the use of dogs, allowing hunters to choose between traditional methods and spot-and-stalk approaches.

Bag limits, season dates, and regional regulations are established annually by the W.Va. Division of Natural Resources, based on population surveys and mast conditions. These regulations ensure that harvest levels remain within safe biological limits, protecting the long-term health of the bear population.

Hunting Traditions

Beyond conservation, hunting is deeply rooted in West Virginia’s culture and economy. Hunters travel from across the state and beyond, supporting local businesses, including outfitters, sporting goods stores, and small-town restaurants.

Their meat is valued as a natural, locally sourced food, and hides and skulls are often preserved as trophies that symbolize both skill and tradition.

For many West Virginians, hunting is more than a recreational activity—it is a way to connect with the outdoors, continue family traditions, and make a direct contribution to wildlife conservation.

Through careful management and responsible hunting, the black bear will continue to be an enduring symbol of West Virginia’s wild landscapes.

For more details on bear hunting regulations, see pages 37-42 in the Hunting Regulations Summary, available at WVDNR.gov/hunting-regulations.