Find the Perfect West Virginia Hunting and Fishing License
A West Virginia hunting and fishing license is your ticket to unforgettable adventures in the Mountain State. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter, an avid angler, starting your hunting and fishing journey or looking for the perfect gift for an outdoor enthusiast, this guide has you covered. Learn which license is right for you, how to purchase it and how to upgrade your experience with collectible license cards.
Which License Should I Buy?
With several hunting and fishing license options to choose from, West Virginia has something for everyone. Not sure where to start? Here’s a quick breakdown of our most popular licenses:
Annual Licenses
Whether you want to hunt, fish or both, annual licenses are perfect for those who love year-round outdoor adventure. If you’re new to hunting, note that you’ll need to complete a hunter education course before purchasing an annual license. An annual license is your key to enjoying hunting and angling throughout the year in West Virginia.
Hunting and Trapping License – Join West Virginia’s rich hunting heritage and enjoy access to various game seasons, including deer, turkey and small game. Whether you prefer hunting with a firearm or bow and arrow, this license allows you to explore it all. Don’t forget—you can also trap fur-bearing animals with this license for an additional outdoor adventure.
Fishing License – Enjoy unlimited access to West Virginia’s pristine streams, rivers and lakes, and reel in trout, bass, catfish and more. From fly fishing in quiet mountain streams to casting your line in wide-open lakes, this license lets you experience fishing at its finest. Add a trout stamp to unlock even more opportunities for fishing adventure.
Combination License – For those who want it all, this combination license is the best option for sportsmen and women who want to enjoy hunting, trapping and fishing throughout the year.
Upgrade Your Annual Experience with a Three-Year License – Simplify your license-buying process with our Class XP3 License, which is a three-year Sportsman Hunting, Trapping and Fishing License and trout stamp. Perfect for avid outdoorsmen and women, this license eliminates the need to renew your annual license each year, helping you prepare for every season ahead.
Lifetime License
Our lifetime license provides the best long-term value for hunters and anglers, especially when bought before a child’s first birthday. This one-time purchase covers hunting, trapping and fishing for life and may be purchased online like any annual license. A lifetime of hunting and fishing adventures is only a click away.
Apprentice License
Our apprentice license is ideal for beginners who want to test the waters or woods. This unique license allows first-time hunters and anglers to join a licensed hunter for their first outing without completing a hunter education course.
Gift Certificates
Our digital gift certificates are convenient for hunters and anglers who want to purchase licenses for friends and family. They can be customized to include various license and stamp combinations and they’re instantly delivered via email to you or the recipient.
How to Buy a West Virginia Hunting and Fishing License
Buying a license is quick and easy. Visit our Electronic License System and log in or click “Enroll Today” and set up your profile. Once logged in, click Purchase a License, Tag, or Permit, add your desired licenses and stamps to the cart and complete any necessary surveys and accept any terms, click Pay Now and enter payment details on the secure payment screen. That’s all there is to it. Need help? Contact the WVDNR License Unit at 304-558-6200 for assistance.
Upgrade Your License With a Collectible License Card
If you already have a license, consider upgrading your experience with one of our collectible license cards. Available as an optional upgrade for only $8, our collectible license cards allow you to express your hunting and fishing preferences with a customized license featuring your favorite game species, license type and hunter education number.
These license cards make a great keepsake and are perfect for showing off your outdoor pride. They also help fund vital conservation awareness programs that support West Virginia’s fish and wildlife species.
Buy Your 2025 West Virginia Hunting and Fishing License Today
Ready to embark on an incredible year of outdoor adventures? Buy your 2025 license and stamps today and celebrate the joys of exploring West Virginia’s breathtaking landscapes while contributing to the preservation of its wildlife.