SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Hunting and trapping seasons for several small game and fur-bearing species in West Virginia will open on November 2, 2024.
Brett McMillion, director of the W.Va. Division of Natural Resources, says the season represents the state's diverse outdoor adventure.
“West Virginia has a hunting season for everyone, and our trapping opportunities just add to the number of options folks have for enjoying outdoor adventures in the fall and winter,” McMillion said.
“These seasons also provide an excellent chance for experienced hunters to share their knowledge, so we encourage everyone to invite a new hunter along for the adventure.”
Small game hunting is allowed during West Virginia’s deer seasons, except for the first three days of buck firearms season, when trapping fur-bearing animals is permitted.
Hunters should note that during buck season, slugs and No. 4 shot or smaller can only be carried if the hunter is also legally hunting deer or bear.
Legal firearms for small-game hunting include a combination rifle and shotgun. Hunting with any centerfire rifle, rimfire larger than .22 caliber, or air rifles other than .22 caliber is illegal.
Additionally, shots larger than No. 4 or solid ball ammunition are prohibited in counties not that are not open to buck firearms season.
2024 Trapping Regulations
Trappers harvesting beaver, bobcat, fisher, and otter must electronically check their catches within 30 days after the close of the respective season.
A state-issued game check confirmation number must be recorded in writing with the trapper’s name and address and be attached and remain attached to each pelt or whole animal until sold, tanned, mounted, or processed into commercial fur.
Trappers must also obtain a Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) seal for each bobcat and otter pelt harvested in West Virginia.
Federal law requires this seal on all bobcat and otter pelts shipped to international markets. Trappers may obtain a seal from the Elkins Operations Center or their local district office. Contact information is available at WVDNR.gov/contact.
2024-2025 River Otter Research Project
State officials are also reminding trappers about an otter research project that will examine annual survival, harvest rates, habitat use, and movement rates. Radio-tagged otters are legal game during trapping season.
Trappers who harvest a radio-tagged otter should contact Holly Morris at the District 4 office at 304-256-6947 to report the tag number and return the transmitter. More information about the otter research project, including photos of tags and transmitters, can be found on page five of the 2024–2025 West Virginia Hunting and Trapping Regulations Summary.
Successful otter trappers who deliver a legally harvested and electronically registered skinned otter carcass to a division district office will be eligible to receive a $20 gift card.
Hunters who are unable to deliver the carcass should call their local district office to arrange a pick-up. Collected biological samples will assist biologists in making decisions regarding future trapping seasons.
Hunters 15 years old and older must have a valid West Virginia hunting license and form of identification while hunting. To purchase a hunting and trapping license, visit WVHunt.com.
For more information about small game season dates and limits, consult page 2 in the 2024–2025 Hunting and Trapping Regulations Summary at WVDNR.gov/hunting-regulations.
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