Explore West Virginia Outdoors: Hunting, Fishing, Wildlife & Parks

Acres of wide-open public lands. Expansive lakes and flowing streams. Abundant wildlife that calls the mountains home. This is West Virginia. A place where you can discover nature in a new way and enjoy world-class hunting and fishing opportunities.

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Hunting

Hunting

Retreat into the West Virginia wilderness for world-class hunting. Acres of wide-open public lands await for your next hunting excursion.

Fishing

Fishing

A fisherman’s dream, West Virginia is home to 20,000+ miles of streams and 100+ fishing lakes. Cast your line in wide-open lakes and expansive rivers.

Featured Articles

Basics for Avoiding Human-Bear Conflicts This Spring

Practical tips for protecting your home and living responsibly with black bears Black bears are a beloved part of West Virginia’s cultural identity and a vital member of the state’s mountain and forest ecosystems. As the state animal, black bears…

Safe Boating Adventures: Your Guide to Boating Safety in West Virginia

Lifejackets, responsible navigation and protecting West Virginia’s waterways With more than 2,000 miles of navigable streams and dozens of boatable lakes and impoundments, West Virginia is an incredible place for boating adventures. But before you rev up your engine, it’s…

Plan the Perfect Family Trip to the West Virginia Wildlife Center

Affordable Outdoor Fun and Learning for the Whole Family If you’re looking for an affordable, easy-to-plan family trip that offers opportunities to have fun and learn something new, the West Virginia State Wildlife Center is the perfect destination. Nestled in…

West Virginia Gold Rush 2025 Guide

Explore West Virginia’s most popular lakes and streams during Gold Rush Get ready for a reel adventure! The West Virginia Gold Rush is returning for its eighth year on April 1-12. This exciting annual event offers anglers of all ages…

Backyard pollinator garden tips to help you support native wildlife

Support native wildlife with these simple tips for creating a year-round pollinator habitat on your property. Did you know that pollinators are responsible for one out of every three bites of food you eat? Sadly, several natural and human-caused factors…

Spring into adventure at BOW spring workshop

2025 Becoming an Outdoors Woman Spring Workshop Preview Have you ever wanted to learn how to hunt, fish or explore the great outdoors but felt unsure how to get started? The WVDNR’s Becoming an Outdoors Woman spring workshop is the…

Your 2025 Guide to Spring Gobbler Season in West Virginia

Everything you need to know to prepare for a safe and successful spring turkey hunt in West Virginia West Virginia’s spring gobbler season kicks off with a two-day youth season on April 19–20, giving young hunters a chance to take…

4 Ways You Can Support Wildlife Conservation in West Virginia

How you can help protect West Virginia’s wildlife West Virginia’s diverse landscape is home to 57 species of amphibians and reptiles, 70 wild mammals, 178 species of fish, nearly 300 species of birds and numerous plants and fungi. Supporting wildlife…

Explore West Virginia with Online Hunting and Fishing Map

Interactive hunting and fishing map helps you plan outdoor adventures Are you new to hunting in West Virginia and need a place to practice your shot? Maybe you’re an experienced angler who wants to find your next favorite place to…

GIS Team: Powering Conservation and Outdoor Adventures

Behind the Scenes with the WVDNR’s Geographic Information Systems Team Behind every successful hunting trip, fishing expedition and wildlife conservation effort in West Virginia is the often unseen work of the WVDNR’s Geographic Information Systems (GIS) team. From tracking wildlife…

Start Your Hunting and Fishing Journey in 2025

Tips and resources to help you become a hunter and angler in 2025 If you’ve ever wanted to hunt or fish but didn’t grow up with those traditions, 2025 is a perfect time to get started. Learning the rules, gathering…

Field Report: Tracking Snowshoe Hares in West Virginia

How WVDNR biologists are uncovering the secrets of a hidden small game species In the quiet, snowy forests of West Virginia, the elusive snowshoe hare can be found hopping across the landscape. Known for their white seasonal coat and oversized…

WORLD-CLASS HUNTING & FISHING OPPORTUNITIES AWAIT IN #ALMOSTHEAVEN