Hunting

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.

A Wild Turkey In West Virginia

West Virginia’s fall wild-turkey season opens Oct. 13

West Virginia’s fall wild-turkey season opens Oct.13 — the third year that all 55 counties will have at least a one-week fall season and the first fall turkey season during which Sunday hunting is permitted on both private and public lands. “Fall seasons are based on county-specific spring gobbler season harvest, excluding the 14 traditional … Read more

A youth learns to cast at Stonewall Resort State Park. Photo courtesy W.Va. Dept. of Commerce.

W.Va.’s largest hunting-fishing show set for Sept. 22-23

Outdoor enthusiasts are invited to Stonewall Resort State Park in Lewis County for West Virginia’s Celebration of National Hunting and Fishing Day Sept. 22-23, 2018, according to the W.Va. Division of Natural Resources. The event is the largest outdoor hunting-and-fishing show in the Mountain State, with approximately 100 vendors exhibiting hunting, fishing and conservation-related merchandise … Read more

An archer in the West Virginia forest draws his bow. Photo courtesy W.Va. Dept. of Commerce.

2018 archery and crossbow seasons in W.Va. open Sept. 29

Archery and crossbow seasons for white-tailed deer, black bear, and wild boar will open Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018, in West Virginia, and its archery and crossbow deer and bear seasons will run through Dec. 31. The wild boar archery and crossbow season is a split season, with the first segment also from Sept. 29 to … Read more

A bull elk roams a meadow in Logan County in southern West Virginia (WV).

Tours of new W.Va. elk preserve set for Sept., Oct. 2018

The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources will lead 20 guided tours of the Mountain State’s new elk-reintroduction site near Logan, West Virginia, in September and October 2018, according to Stephen McDaniel, director of the division. Public tours will start at Chief Logan Lodge and include a visit to the Tomblin Wildlife Management Area, where … Read more

A West Virginia hunter sights his gun.

DNR: Hunters should scout pre-season, check equipment

September marks the beginning of many hunting seasons, and officials at the W.Va. Division of Natural Resources are reminding hunters to prepare by scouting, inspecting equipment, and sharpening their skills. “By late August you should be able to gauge fall mast conditions in the areas you hunt,” says Ethan Barton, a wildlife-biologist stationed in Romney. … Read more

A hunter in West Virginia awaits his quarry.

Applications available for deer hunts at nine W.Va. state parks

Applications to participate in controlled deer hunts necessary to manage herds at nine West Virginia state parks are being accepted through Sept. 9. The hunts are scheduled throughout the fall at Pipestem, Stonewall, Beech Fork, North Bend, Twin Falls, Cacapon, Canaan Valley, Lost River, and Watoga, according to West Virginia State Parks Chief Sam England. “Previous controlled … Read more

A young hunter enjoys the autumn season in West Virginia. Photo courtesy W.Va. Dept. of Commerce.

DNR reminds hunters about ethics, landowner permission

In anticipation of fall hunting season, the W.Va. Division of Natural Resources is reminding hunters and trappers to prepare for a safe and enjoyable season and to refresh themselves on hunting ethics. “Hunting ethically and legally preserves our image as sportsmen and women and promotes good stewardship of our natural resources,” said Gary Foster, assistant … Read more

DNR officials are encouraging hunters and trapper to review changes in the Fall 2018 Hunting and Trapping Guide.

Significant changes made to W.Va. fall hunting regulations

Important changes to West Virginia’s fall hunting seasons are included in the new 2018-2019 West Virginia Hunting and Trapping Regulations Summary, which officials at the state Division of Natural Resources are encouraging hunters and trappers to carefully review. Numerous regulation changes will be in place this fall, including those that will affect turkey, bear, boar, raccoon … Read more

A family visits the National Hunting and Fishing Day display in West Virginia.

DNR seeks big bucks and trophy fish for display

The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources is asking hunters and anglers to enter showcase pieces for its big buck and trophy fish display at the National Hunting and Fishing Day celebration at Stonewall Resort State Park on Sept. 22-23. Mounted trophy white-tailed bucks with a Pope-and-Young or Boone-and-Crockett score of 140 or greater that were … Read more