Some of the most popular animals to hunt in West Virginia include white-tailed deer, black bear, turkey, and small game like squirrel and rabbit. Hunting is regulated by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, which sets season dates and other limitations to ensure the sustainable harvest of wildlife populations.
West Virginia offers a unique and challenging experience for outdoor enthusiasts. The mountain state boasts a diverse landscape that includes dense forests, rolling hills, and vast wetlands, providing a habitat for a variety of game species.
Whether you are a seasoned hunter or just starting, West Virginia has something to offer for everyone.
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Best Hunting Locations
Monongahela National Forest
This 900,000-acre forest is located in the Appalachian Mountains and is home to a wide variety of game species, including whitetail deer, black bear, wild turkey, and small game. Hunting is allowed in designated areas during the appropriate hunting seasons. The forests of West Virginia also offer diverse landscapes, ranging from dense forests to open meadows, providing opportunities for both still and stalking hunting.
Tygart Lake State Park
Tygart Lake State Park is located in northern West Virginia and offers hunting opportunities for white-tailed deer and small game. The park features rolling hills, forests, and wetlands, providing diverse habitats for wildlife. The park also offers access to Tygart Lake, which provides additional opportunities for waterfowl and deer hunting in the mountain state.
New River Gorge National Park
New River Gorge National Park is known for its stunning natural beauty and world-class whitewater rafting, but it also offers hunting opportunities for whitetail deer hunting and small game. The park’s diverse landscape includes forests, rocky cliffs, and wetlands, providing a habitat for a variety of game species. Hunting is allowed in designated areas during the appropriate hunting seasons, and hunters are required to follow park rules and regulations.
These three locations are among the best hunting spots in West Virginia and provide a unique and challenging experience for hunters. Before heading out, be sure to familiarize yourself with the state’s hunting regulations and obtain any necessary licenses and permits. This also applies to private land.
Hunting Regulations (West Virginia Division of Natural Resources)
Hunting in West Virginia is regulated by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. The regulations cover aspects such as hunting seasons, limits, hunting methods, and licensing requirements.
Hunting Seasons
Hunting seasons are established for different game species, and the dates and lengths of the seasons vary each year. For example, the hunting season for white-tailed deer typically runs from late September to early December.
Bag Limits
The state sets bag limits for each game species, which is the maximum number of animals that can be taken during the season. These limits help to ensure the sustainable harvest of wildlife populations.
Hunting Methods
In West Virginia, hunting methods are limited to archery, firearms, and trapping, depending on the species and hunting season.
Licensing Requirements
All hunters in West Virginia must obtain a hunting license unless they are exempt (such as minors or residents over the age of 65). Licenses can be obtained from authorized license agents or online through the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources.
It’s important for hunters to familiarize themselves with the state’s hunting regulations and to follow them strictly to ensure the responsible harvest of wildlife and the preservation of hunting opportunities for future generations.
Hunting Dates and Seasons
The hunting seasons in West Virginia vary by species and are established each year by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. Some of the most popular game species and their respective hunting seasons in West Virginia include:
White-tailed deer season: Typically runs from late September to early December.
Black bear: Typically runs from late September to late December.
Wild turkey: Typically runs from the spring, with a fall season also available.
Small game (such as squirrel and rabbit): Typically runs from late summer to early winter.
Waterfowl (such as ducks and geese): Typically runs from late fall to early winter.
It’s important to note that the dates of the hunting seasons can change from year to year, and hunters should always check the latest regulations before heading out. Additionally, some areas may have additional restrictions or limitations, so hunters should familiarize themselves with the rules and regulations specific to the area they plan to hunt.
FAQ
What animals can you hunt year-round in West Virginia?
No animal can be hunted year-round in West Virginia. Hunting seasons are established for different species and vary from year to year.
Is West Virginia a good place for deer hunting?
Yes, West Virginia is a good place for deer hunting, with a hunting season typically running from late September to early December.
Are there big bucks in West Virginia?
Yes, there are big bucks in West Virginia according to local deer hunters. The state has a reputation for producing trophy-sized deer.
Is West Virginia a good hunting state?
Yes, West Virginia is considered a good hunting state, with diverse wildlife populations and diverse opportunities for species such as deer, bear, turkey, and waterfowl.
Are the Wolves in West Virginia?
No, there are no wolves in West Virginia.
Are there wild boar in West Virginia?
Yes, there are wild boar in West Virginia, however, hunting wild boar requires a special permit and is limited to certain areas.
Can I hunt on public land in West Virginia?
Yes, hunting is allowed on designated public lands in West Virginia, such as state parks and national forests.
How many hunters are there in West Virginia?
According to the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, there are approximately 250,000 licensed hunters in the state.
Which counties are best for hunting in West Virginia?
The best counties for hunting in West Virginia can vary depending on the species being hunted and the time of year. Some popular hunting counties include Randolph, Pendleton, and Nicholas.
What weapons can I use for hunting in West Virginia?
The weapons allowed for hunting in West Virginia depend on the species and hunting season but typically include archery equipment, firearms, and trapping equipment.
Where can I look if I have questions about hunting in other states?
Check out our main page of US states with detailed guides for hunting in each state.