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.
ROMNEY, W.Va. — Mourning dove hunters no longer need to apply for a limited permit to hunt at the South Branch Wildlife Management Area in Hardy and Hampshire counties. They will now be able to hunt doves in two fields in the Stonewall Jackson Wildlife Management Area in Lewis County. Both two-day hunting seasons are … Read more
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia hunters harvested 2,469 black bears during the combined 2025 archery, crossbow, and firearms seasons, according to preliminary figures released this week by the W.Va. Division of Natural Resources. The total is nearly identical to last year’s harvest, falling just ten bears short of the 2024 total of 2,479. Wildlife officials … Read more
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The W.Va. Division of Natural Resources announced the winners of the 2025 West Virginia Big Buck Photo Contest during the opening ceremony of the West Virginia Hunting and Fishing Show at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center. Now in its fifth year, the contest highlights the state’s hunting traditions while promoting ethical … Read more
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The W.Va. Division of Natural Resources will sponsor the annual West Virginia Hunting and Fishing Show, set for Jan. 23–25 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 … Read more
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The winter woods in West Virginia are echoing with the traditions of an earlier era as the state’s four-day Mountaineer Heritage Season for deer, bear, and turkey opened Thursday. The special season runs Jan. 8–11 and is open across all 55 counties, offering hunters the opportunity to pursue game with primitive-style weapons … Read more
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A bumper crop of nuts and acorns and localized outbreaks of hemorrhagic disease contributed to a significant decline in the West Virginia buck harvest during its firearms deer season in 2025. According to the W.Va. Division of Natural Resources, hunters harvested 33,775 antlered deer during the state’s two-week buck firearms season, which … Read more
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrissey has declared November “Wild Game Meat Donation Month” in the Mountain State. The proclamation recognizes hunting as a tradition in West Virginia and highlights its role in increasing food security through the “Hunters Helping the Hungry” program. “Hunting in West Virginia is an important part of who … Read more
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Wild turkey hunting will return to West Virginia when the fall season’s first segment opens in all 55 counties on October 11, according to officials at the W.Va. Division of Natural Resources. Brett McMillion, director of the division, says he hopes more wild turkeys appear on dining room tables throughout West Virginia … Read more
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Several migratory bird hunting seasons will open in West Virginia in October, a rite of autumn for many hunters. From October 4-12, hunters may pursue ducks, coots, gallinules, and mergansers, though hunters should note that scaup are included in the daily bag limit for ducks, says Brett McMillions, director of the W.Va. … Read more
ELKINS, W.Va. — Officials at the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources announced today that hunters preparing for fall seasons may now consult the 2025 West Virginia Hunting Outlook and Mast Survey. The report and survey detail the abundance of wild fruits and nuts produced by 18 species of trees and shrubs that support wildlife … Read more
