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State Guide

West Virginia Hunting Guide

Complete West Virginia hunting guide. West Virginia hunting seasons, license costs, bag limits, and regulations for all major game species. Updated for the current season.

Wildlife Agency

West Virginia Division of Natural Resources

Official Site

Hunter safety course required for first-time buyers

West Virginia Hunting Seasons

Whitetail Deer

Res: $19 Non-res: $119
Season Type Opens Closes
Archery Sep 30 Dec 31
Rifle Nov 20 Dec 3
Muzzleloader Dec 11 Dec 24

Bag limits: daily: 1, season: 3+ depending on stamp purchases

One antlered buck per weapon season. Additional antlerless with stamps. Excellent deer hunting with mostly public mountain land.

Turkey

Res: $19 Non-res: $119
Season Type Opens Closes
Shotgun Apr 15 May 20
Archery Oct 14 Nov 17

Bag limits: daily: 1, season: 2 (spring), 1 (fall)

Spring bearded turkey. Fall gobbler season. Strong Eastern turkey populations. Excellent public land in National Forests.

Bear

Res: $19 Non-res: $119
Season Type Opens Closes
Rifle Dec 4 Dec 10
Archery Sep 30 Dec 31

Bag limits: daily: 1, season: 1

Bear damage stamp required. Growing black bear population in the Allegheny Mountains. Dog hunting allowed.

Quail

Res: $19 Non-res: $119
Season Type Opens Closes
Shotgun Oct 14 Feb 28

Bag limits: daily: 4, season: No limit

Bobwhite quail. Populations declining statewide. Conservation efforts underway.

Planning Tools

West Virginia Hunting Guides

Whitetail deer in West Virginia mountain hardwood forest during the fall rut

destinations

West Virginia Deer Hunting: Public Land and Mountain Bucks

West Virginia Hunting FAQ

Do I need a hunting license in West Virginia?
Yes. All hunters in West Virginia must hold a valid hunting license from the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. Non-residents typically pay higher fees. A hunter safety course is required for first-time license buyers.
What is the hunting license cost in West Virginia?
West Virginia license costs vary by species. Whitetail Deer: resident $19, non-resident $119. Turkey: resident $19, non-resident $119.
When is deer season in West Virginia?
West Virginia deer seasons: Archery: Sep 30 - Dec 31, Rifle: Nov 20 - Dec 3, Muzzleloader: Dec 11 - Dec 24.
Does West Virginia require a hunter safety course?
Yes, West Virginia requires hunter education certification for all first-time hunters. The course covers firearm safety, hunting laws, wildlife conservation, and ethical hunting practices.
Who manages hunting regulations in West Virginia?
The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources manages all hunting licenses, regulations, and wildlife management in West Virginia. Their website (https://wvdnr.gov) has current season dates, license purchasing, and regulation booklets.