CHARLESTON, W.Va. โ The W.Va. Division of Natural Resources will sponsor the annual West Virginia Hunting and Fishing Show, set for Jan. 23โ25 at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center, bringing thousands of hunters, anglers, and outdoor enthusiasts to the capital city.
West Virginia Hunting and Fishing Show returns to Charleston
The three-day event showcases leading outdoor brands, outfitters, and conservation organizations, and has become one of the stateโs largest gatherings focused on hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation. General admission tickets are $12 and are available at chaswvccc.com. Children ages 12 and under are admitted free.
Brett McMillion, director of the division, said the annual event is an ideal way to help showcase why West Virginia is ideal for hunting and fishing.
โThe West Virginia Hunting and Fishing Show is an incredible opportunity to bring together hunters and anglers and celebrate our stateโs natural resources and shared outdoor traditions,โ McMillion said. โWeโre proud to sponsor this important event and help showcase why West Virginia is a great place for hunting and fishing adventures.โ
W.Va. DNR sponsors West Virginia Hunting and Fishing Show
The show opens Friday, Jan. 23, from noon to 9 p.m., continues Saturday, Jan. 24, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and concludes Sunday, Jan. 25, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Officials will kick off the event on Friday with a special ceremony announcing the winners of the agencyโs fifth annual Big Buck Photo Contest. Throughout the weekend, agency staff will also score trophy deer mounts free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis. Hunters may bring multiple mounts, though each must be accompanied by a valid deer check tag.
Deer scoring hours are scheduled for Friday from 3 to 8 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
License sales and collectible cards
In addition, division staff will assist attendees with purchasing hunting and fishing licenses and ordering collectible license cards featuring popular game animals and sport fish. Proceeds from the specialty cards support conservation awareness efforts benefiting West Virginiaโs fish and wildlife resources. Collectible card designs may be previewed, and orders placed, at WVHunt.com.
The West Virginia Hunting and Fishing Show is hosted by the West Virginia Trophy Hunters Association, a nonprofit organization that has donated more than $1.25 million to support wildlife conservation, education, and the promotion of hunting and hunter rights across the state.
The annual show highlights the continued importance of outdoor recreation to West Virginiaโs culture and economy, while connecting sportsmen and women with the people, products, and programs that sustain the stateโs natural heritage.
Hunting in West Virginia
Hunting has long played a central role in West Virginiaโs culture, economy, and conservation efforts, linking generations of residents to the stateโs forests, fields, and waterways.
For many families, hunting is both a tradition and a practical source of food, while license sales and excise taxes on equipment provide critical funding for wildlife management, habitat restoration, and public land access.
The activity also supports rural economies through tourism, sporting goods sales, and guide services, helping sustain small communities across the Mountain State.
Beyond its economic impact, regulated hunting remains a cornerstone of conservation in West Virginia, balancing wildlife populations and fostering a strong stewardship ethic among hunters who view the outdoors not just as a resource, but as a heritage to be protected and passed on.
Fishing in West Virginia
Fishing is a defining part of life and recreation in West Virginia, shaped by the stateโs extensive network of rivers, streams, and mountain lakes that draw anglers year-round.
From coldwater trout streams in the highlands to warmwater fisheries for bass, muskie, and catfish, fishing supports both tourism and local economies while connecting residents and visitors to the outdoors.
License fees and federal sportfish restoration funds help finance habitat improvements, access sites, and fish stocking programs, ensuring healthy fisheries for future generations.
Equally important, fishing in West Virginia carries a strong cultural dimension, offering families and communities a shared outdoor tradition that emphasizes patience, conservation, and respect for the stateโs natural resources.
Quick Facts: West Virginia Hunting and Fishing Show 2026
The West Virginia Hunting and Fishing Show returns to Charleston Jan. 23โ25 at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center, with sponsorship from the W.Va. Division of Natural Resources.
One of the stateโs largest outdoor recreation events, the show features top hunting and fishing brands, conservation groups, the Big Buck Photo Contest, free trophy deer scoring, and on-site license sales. Tickets are $12, with free admission for children 12 and under.
Why it matters: The annual event highlights the cultural, economic, and conservation importance of hunting and fishing in West Virginia, while connecting thousands of sportsmen and women with programs that support the stateโs wildlife and outdoor heritage.
Where: Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center
When: Jan. 23โ25, 2026
Admission: $12; kids 12 and under free
Host: West Virginia Trophy Hunters Association
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