West Virginia Hunting Seasons & Licensing: What You Need To Know

West Virginia offers some of the best hunting in the country. Whether you're looking for deer, bear, or elk, there's a season and license for you.

In this blog post, we will go over all of the information you need to know about West Virginia hunting seasons and licenses. We'll provide a summary of each season as well as the licensing requirements.

So whether you're a first-time hunter or an experienced pro, read on for all the information you need to get out in the field!

Hunting In West Virginia

West Virginia is a state with a long tradition of hunting. Some of the most popular game animals in West Virginia include deer, turkey, bear, and elk. The state offers many different hunting seasons for these and other big game animals.

Whether you are a resident or non-resident of West Virginia, there are a few things you need to know before heading out on a big game hunt. First, you will need to obtain a hunting license. You can do this by visiting the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources website or by contacting their office directly.

Once you have your license, be sure to review the regulations for the specific hunting season you plan to participate in. These regulations can be found on the DNR website or in the hunting regulations booklet, which is available at most sporting goods stores.

West Virginia offers many different types of big game hunting seasons, so there is sure to fit your schedule and interests. The most popular hunting season is the deer season, which runs from early November through late December.

Other popular hunting seasons include the bear season, turkey season, and elk season. Whatever type of big game hunting you are interested in, be sure to check the regulations and get your license in advance so you can enjoy a safe and successful hunt.

West Virginia Wild Boar Seasons

Archery	Sept. 24-Dec. 31 and Feb. 4-6
General Season	Oct. 23-30 and Feb. 4-6

West Virginia Deer Seasons

Buck Firearms	Nov. 22-Dec. 5
Archery and Crossbow	Sept. 25-Dec. 31
Antlerless	Oct. 21-24, Nov. 22-25, Dec. 9-12 and Dec. 28-31**
Muzzleloader	Dec. 13-19
Youth Season	Oct. 16-17 and Dec. 26-27

**Season dates vary by zone and hunts may only be legal in select counties. For more information, visit the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources website.

West Virginia Turkey Seasons

Fall General Season	Oct. 9-17, Oct. 25-Nov. 14**
Spring General Season, Bearded Only	Apr. 18-May 22, 2021
Spring Youth Season	Apr. 16-17

**Season dates vary by zone. For more information, visit the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources website.

West Virginia Black Bear Seasons

Archery	Sept. 25-Dec. 31
Firearms	Aug. 29-Dec. 31**

**Season dates vary by zone. For more information about bear hunting locations and dates, visit the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources website.

West Virginia Small Game Seasons

Squirrel	Sept. 11-Feb. 28
Ruffed Grouse	Oct. 16-Feb. 28
Bobwhite Quail	Nov. 6-Jan. 2
Rabbit and Hare	Nov. 6-Feb. 28
Pheasant	Nov. 6-Jan. 2**
Raccoon	Oct. 16-Feb. 28

How To Get A Hunting License In West Virginia?

Depending on your age, you may be required to have the Hunter Education Card in order to legally buy a license or permit to hunt.

Complete the West Virginia hunter education certification requirements.
Choose the correct license type.
Buy the license through the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources website or a West Virginia–approved agent.

West Virginia License Expiration

Hunting licenses are good for the calendar year. West Virginia residents are able to purchase a lifetime hunting license.

Where to Buy a West Virginia Hunting License

Visit the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources website.
Call 304-558-2758.
Visit a West Virginia Division of Natural Resources office or an approved license agent.

The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources has restrictions for year-round and seasonal hunting. Bag limits, special seasons and hunting regulations for West Virginia hunting seasons vary based on animal and season. For more information on obtaining licenses, permits and regulations, visit the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources website.