Hunting in West Virginia offers rewarding experiences and numerous benefits for outdoor enthusiasts and new residents relocating from big U.S. cities due to the remote-work revolution. With abundant forests, diverse wildlife, and well-managed public hunting lands, West Virginia provides hunters with opportunities to pursue deer, turkey, bear, and small game in breathtaking Appalachian settings. Hunting in the Mountain State promotes sustainable wildlife management, supports local traditions, and allows families to bond while spending time in nature. For remote workers seeking a balanced lifestyle and a deeper connection to the outdoors, hunting in West Virginia delivers fresh air, self-sufficiency, and a chance to enjoy the peaceful wilderness that makes living in this scenic state so rewarding. Be sure to visit our Hunting Travel Guide for more information about hunting and hunting areas in West Virginia.
Officials at the W.Va. Division of Natural Resources have announced waterfowl regulations for the 2021-’22 season that include two changes over previous seasons. “First, the definition of ‘bait’ now includes any non-edible facsimile of an edible enticement, like plastic ear corn,” says state waterfowl biologist Mike Peters. “Second, a permit is no longer required to … Read more
West Virginia’s spring gobbler season is underway, and turkey hunters have even more opportunities to bag a bird this year. Mike Peters, wild turkey and migratory game bird project leader for the division, says the eight extra days are sure to be of benefit to hunters. “Our spring gobbler season includes eight extra days this … Read more
The W.Va. Division of Natural Resources has utilized proceeds from a February lottery wild boar hunt to purchase a UTV in support of the ongoing Elk Restoration Project, according to Elk Project Leader Randy Kelley. In conjunction with Natural Resource Partners, a special hunt was held between February 5-7 on the organization’s private lands in … Read more
Beginning this year, West Virginia’s statewide spring gobbler season will run for five weeks instead of four, according to Mike Peters, wild turkey project leader for West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. The 2021 season opens Monday, April 19, the third Monday in April but now ends Sunday, May 23, eight days later than last … Read more
Hunters in West Virginia harvested 38,776 antlered deer during its two-week buck firearms season in 2020, according to preliminary data collected through the electronic game checking system managed by the W.Va. Division of Natural Resources. Gary Foster, assistant chief of game management for the division, said state game biologists felt positive about the harvest, which … Read more
Waiting quietly alone in the dark woods, the approach of dawn can seem like an eternity. It can feel like time is standing still—holding its breath as night silently withdraws into the shadows, giving way to the break and light of day. In that moment, the old hunter heard a dog howl in ecstasy, signaling … Read more
Youth, senior, and Class Q/QQ hunters in West Virginia will be able to participate in a special hunting season for antlerless deer and a new season for black bear. Special seasons for antlerless deer and bear will run October 17-18, during which youth (ages 8-17), seniors, and Class Q/QQ senior hunters with Class XS licenses … Read more
The opening of West Virginia’s archery and crossbow deer season is still a few weeks away, but hunters can get in the woods as early as September 5 when special deer archery hunts open in municipalities around the state. These urban deer archery hunts—coordinated by cities, towns, homeowner associations, and the West Virginia Division of … Read more
Families looking for an alternative for school-based sports or a new outdoor activity their children have plenty of options in West Virginia, thanks to archery and other bow-shooting programs. With the COVID-19 pandemic creating uncertainty over participation in traditional team sports this school year, now is a great time to start, according to officials at … Read more
Hunters who wish to participate in a controlled waterfowl hunt at the McClintic Wildlife Management Area in Mason County have until midnight on August 11 to submit an application to the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. Successful applicants will be notified by mail by the second week of September and given their hunt day … Read more
