West Virginia offers a diverse array of outdoor recreation opportunities that make it a top destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. From world-class whitewater rafting on the New and Gauley Rivers to scenic hiking and rock climbing in the iconic New River Gorge National Park, the Mountain State delivers thrilling experiences year-round. Visitors can also enjoy fishing, camping, mountain biking, and winter sports in the beautiful Appalachian Mountains. With its lush forests, winding rivers, and rich heritage, West Virginia offers a perfect setting for families, solo travelers, and outdoor enthusiasts seeking to explore breathtaking natural landscapes. Be sure to visit our guide for information about indoor and outdoor recreation in West Virginia.
The buck firearms season harvest in West Virginia was up 18 percent in 2022 compared to 2021, thanks to the weather and food availability, according to the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. The division reports that hunters harvested 49,662 bucks during the two-week buck firearms season, from Nov. 21 to Dec 4. During last … Read more
FARMINGTON, W.Va. — West Virginia’s 2022 fall turkey harvest increased by almost 46 percent over last year’s harvest, according to preliminary results released by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. Fall turkey hunters harvested 1,012 birds this past season compared to 694 birds last year. The fall 2022 harvest was just 0.24 percent below … Read more
West Virginia’s 2022 muzzleloader deer-hunting season will be open Dec. 12-18, and hunters who want to harvest an additional deer are reminded to buy appropriate stamps before the season starts. Holly Morris, an assistant district wildlife biologist for the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, lauded the benefits of the muzzleloader season. “The muzzleloader season … Read more
SUTTON, W.Va. — Beginning this week, hunters will have several opportunities to target deer and bear in December 2022. The next segments of West Virginia’s antlerless deer and bear firearms seasons are set to open early in the month. The next segment of West Virginia’s antlerless deer firearms season will be open Dec. 8–11 in … Read more
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice announced today that the West Virginia Division of Natural Resource’s lifetime license giveaway is back for the fourth year. Hunters and anglers who purchase an annual 2023 hunting, trapping or fishing license in December will automatically be entered into the drawing, according to Justice. “There’s a lot … Read more
FARMINGTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources is reminding hunters that they must bring deer harvested in Barbour, Jackson, Mason, and Upshur counties on Nov. 21-22 to a biological data collection station for carcass examination. Assisting in a study of deer in those counties, division personnel will collect data on harvested deer … Read more
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The next segment of West Virginia’s 2022 firearms season for hunting black bears opens Nov. 21 in 36 counties and parts of six other counties. The season runs concurrently with the buck firearms and antlerless deer seasons through Dec. 4. Only bear hunting without dogs is permitted during the season, according to … Read more
SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia’s two-week buck firearms season will open Nov. 21, 2022, and hunters who want a chance to harvest an extra buck must purchase their specialized stamps before the season starts. Resident hunters must purchase their Class RG, and non-resident hunters must purchase their Class RRG stamp by 11:59 p.m. on … Read more
The first segment of West Virginia’s wild boar firearms season will take place from Oct. 22-29 in Boone, Logan, Raleigh and Wyoming counties, according to Colin Carpenter, project leader for the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. Carpenter said hunters should begin looking in advance for stands of white oak on which the boars feed. … Read more
GRANDVIEW, W.Va. — Though travel to West Virginia is increasing statewide, a blogger best known for helping families with children find good hiking options says she’s fielding more inquiries about the nation’s newest national park. Ruthie Witmer, who operates the Instagram page at Mountainmamahiking, says the newly designated Endless Wall follows the rim of the … Read more
