Hunting Seasons & Licensing · WV
West Virginia Hunting Seasons & Licensing
2025–2026 SeasonWest Virginia is known as a quality white-tailed deer and black bear hunting state with rugged mountain terrain and abundant public land. The Monongahela National Forest alone provides over 900,000 acres of public hunting access. The state has approximately 250,000 deer hunters and a growing bear population that supports a robust bear hunting season. West Virginia is also known for wild turkey hunting and a strong tradition of squirrel and grouse hunting in the hardwood forests.
Dates shown are for the 2025–2026 season based on the most recent published regulations. Always verify current dates with the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources before hunting.
Season Dates by Game Type
Big Game
| Species | Season | Dates | Bag Limit | Methods |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| White-tailed Deer | Archery | Sep 27 – Dec 31, 2025 | 1 antlered + 2 antlerless per archery season | Bow and arrow, crossbow |
| White-tailed Deer | Buck Firearms | Nov 24 – Dec 6, 2025 | 1 antlered (3 pts on one side minimum) | Rifle, shotgun, handgun, muzzleloader |
| White-tailed Deer | Antlerless | Various dates by county — Nov through Dec | Varies by county | Rifle, shotgun, muzzleloader, bow |
| White-tailed Deer | Muzzleloader | Dec 15 – Dec 21, 2025 | 1 deer | Muzzleloader only |
| Black Bear | General | Sep through Dec (varies by method and county) | 1 bear per year | Rifle, shotgun, bow, muzzleloader |
White-tailed Deer (Buck Firearms): Antler point restriction: 3 points on one side in most counties
Black Bear (General): West Virginia has one of the highest bear populations in the East. Hound hunting permitted. Separate archery, firearms, and hound seasons.
Turkey
| Species | Season | Dates | Bag Limit | Methods |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wild Turkey | Spring | Apr 14 – May 17, 2026 | 2 bearded turkeys | Shotgun, bow |
| Wild Turkey | Fall | Oct through Nov (varies by county) | 1 turkey either sex | Shotgun, bow, rifle |
Wild Turkey (Fall): Not all counties open for fall turkey
Upland Game Birds
| Species | Season | Dates | Bag Limit | Methods |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ruffed Grouse | General | Oct 11 – Feb 28, 2026 | 4 daily | Shotgun |
| Ring-necked Pheasant | General | Oct 18 – Jan 31, 2026 | 2 daily (roosters only) | Shotgun |
Ring-necked Pheasant (General): Stocked birds on select WMAs
Waterfowl
| Species | Season | Dates | Bag Limit | Methods |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ducks | General | Varies by zone — Oct through Jan | 6 daily (species-specific limits) | Shotgun (non-toxic shot required) |
Ducks (General): Federal duck stamp + HIP required. Atlantic Flyway.
Small Game
| Species | Season | Dates | Bag Limit | Methods |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cottontail Rabbit | General | Nov 8 – Feb 28, 2026 | 4 daily | Rifle, shotgun, handgun |
| Squirrel | General | Oct 11 – Feb 28, 2026 | 6 daily | Rifle, shotgun, handgun |
Licensing
| License Type | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Resident Hunting/Fishing Combo | $38 | — |
| Non-Resident Hunting License | $119 | — |
| Resident Deer/Bear/Turkey Stamp | $20 | — |
| Non-Resident Deer/Bear/Turkey Stamp | $60 | — |
| Non-Resident 6-Day Hunting License | $40 | — |
| Youth (under 15) | Free | With licensed adult |
| Senior (65+) | $3 | — |
| Federal Duck Stamp | $25 | Required for waterfowl |
Tags, Draws & Lotteries
Most West Virginia hunting licenses are available over the counter. No drawing system is required for standard deer, bear, or turkey. The state offers bonus antlerless deer stamps for additional doe harvest. Class N (antlerless) tags are available in select counties. There is no preference point system. WMA-specific hunts may have quota restrictions.
Harvest Reporting
West Virginia requires mandatory electronic game check for all deer, bear, turkey, and boar through the WV Game Check app, website, or by phone. Deer and turkey must be reported within the specified timeframe on the day of harvest. Bear must be presented for inspection at a check station within 24 hours. CWD surveillance is active — mandatory testing in designated CWD management areas.
West Virginia Wildlife Resources
- West Virginia Division of Natural Resources — Hunting Home →
- Current Hunting Regulations →
- Hunter Education →
- Violation Hotline: WVDNR Law Enforcement: 1-844-484-7367
- USFWS Waterfowl Frameworks →
Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only. Season dates, bag limits, license fees, and regulations shown here are based on the most recently published data from the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources and may not reflect last-minute changes, emergency closures, or special regulations. Always verify current regulations directly with your state wildlife agency before hunting. FirearmSelect does not provide legal advice and is not responsible for actions taken based on this information.