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.
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Officials at the W.Va. Division of Natural Resources today announced that the next segment of the state’s black bear firearms season will be open in select counties September 20-26. Additional bear firearms season segments are scheduled for Oct. 4-10, Oct. 23-26, Nov. 24-Dec. 7, and Dec. 8-31, 2025. Archery and crossbow seasons … Read more
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Officials at the W.Va. Division of Natural Resources announced today that archery and crossbow seasons for white-tailed deer, black bear, and wild boar will open on Sept. 27. WVDNR Director Brett McMillion is reminding hunters to purchase licenses early, follow new regulations, and to electronically check all harvests. “The start of West … Read more
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Officials at the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources have announced that future meetings of the state’s natural resources commission will begin at 6 p.m. to make it easier for the public to participate. The decision follows the success of the July 24 commission meeting, which was the first to be held … Read more
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia officials are reminding hunters with disabilities that special access roads in national forests and state-owned wildlife management areas are open specifically to them. Brett McMillion, director of the W.Va. Division of Natural Resources, said that designating hunting areas for disabled hunters is a program that encourages everyone to hunt. “Hunting … Read more
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — With the first slate of youth hunting seasons set to open in September, the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources reminded hunters that the minimum age restriction for youth seasons has been removed. Brett McMillion, director of the division, says that natural resources officials hope to encourage families to pass on the … Read more
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia has set new season dates and new regulations for the 2025-2026 migratory game bird hunting seasons, which open Sept. 1, in accordance with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s annual guidelines. Brett McMillion, director of the W.Va. Division of Natural Resources, said the adjustments provide hunters several advantages when it … Read more
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — An early bear firearms season will open August 30, 2025, in Logan, McDowell, Mingo, and Wyoming counties in south-western West Virginia, according to the director of the W.Va. Division of Natural Resources. Early bear firearms season benefits busy hunters Division Director Brett McMillion is reminding hunters that the early bear firearms season … Read more
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The W.Va. Division of Natural Resources is now accepting applications for its 2025 deer hunt lotteries. Hunters interested in harvesting antlerless deer in limited permit areas are encouraged to apply online before the September 5 midnight deadline. These deer lottery hunts provide an excellent opportunity for both West Virginia residents and nonresidents … Read more
SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The final segment of West Virginia’s 2024-2025 residents-only firearms and archery-and-crossbow seasons for wild boar will be open in Boone, Logan, Raleigh, and Wyoming counties Feb. 7–9. Brett McMillion, director of the W.Va. Division of Natural Resources, said a hunt for the rare species, which roams and isolated mountain region in … Read more
SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Hunters in West Virginia harvested 17 percent more fall turkeys in 2024 than in 2023, according to officials at the W.Va. Division of Natural Resources. Division director Brett McMillion said the increase is evidence of the success of the state’s long-range management plan. “West Virginia is truly a top destination for turkey … Read more
