Plan your year of outdoor adventures in West Virginia with these can’t-miss hunting and fishing opportunities
West Virginia offers endless opportunities for hunters, anglers and outdoor enthusiasts to connect with nature and create unforgettable memories. From thrilling hunting seasons to exciting fishing events and unique wildlife experiences, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in 2026. To help you plan, we’ve compiled a guide to some of the year’s biggest hunting seasons, fishing dates and outdoor recreation events. So, grab your West Virginia Wildlife Calendar and start planning your next outdoor adventures!
Hunting Highlights for 2026
Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or new to the woods, 2026 is packed with opportunities to enjoy West Virginia’s diverse hunting seasons. Buy your 2026 license and start planning your hunting adventures today!
Mountaineer Heritage Season
Start your year with a unique hunting experience! This primitive-weapons-only hunting season for deer, bear and turkey is open January 8-11. Do you think you have what it takes to harvest game with a side-lock percussion or flintlock rifle, muzzleloader, longbow or recurve bow? Check out our Guide to Mountaineer Heritage Season to learn more.
Spring Gobbler Season
Get your turkey calls ready and set up your blinds because West Virginia’s spring gobbler season is April 20 to May 24. If you enjoy hunting big game, you don’t want to miss this season because it’s the last one until the fall. Don’t forget to take advantage of the April 18-19 youth season and introduce your kids or grandkids to this exciting tradition. Check out our Guide to Spring Turkey Season to learn more.
Youth Seasons
In addition to the youth spring gobbler season, West Virginia offers special youth hunting opportunities for bear, deer, squirrel and waterfowl. While dates for the 2026-2027 hunting seasons won’t be released until later in 2026, the bear season for youth hunters (two segments) is usually in mid-September and October. The youth season for deer (two segments) is usually in mid-October and the two days following Christmas. The youth season for squirrel is usually in early September.
Buck Firearms Season
If you’ve never participated in West Virginia’s buck firearms season, make 2026 the year you get in the game! Season dates will be released later in 2026, but it’s never too early to start getting started. If you’re new to hunting and have never purchased a license, plan to complete a free hunter education course in the new year. Not only is the class a requirement for purchasing a hunting license for anyone born on or after January 1, 1975, the course material will prepare you to hunt safely and responsibly, and hopefully with success!
Fishing Events You Can’t Miss
From trout-filled streams to trophy bass waters, West Virginia’s fishing calendar is packed with events and opportunities for anglers of all skill levels. Buy your 2026 license at WVhunt.com and start planning your fishing adventures today!
Winter and Spring Trout Stockings
Get ready to enjoy West Virginia’s world-class fishing! Trout stockings return to select streams, rivers and lakes starting in January. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or new to the sport, trout stockings provide a great opportunity to cast your line in some of the best fishing waters in the country and catch a beautiful trout. All anglers 15 years and older are required to have a West Virginia fishing license and trout stamp when fishing for trout. Get them today at WVfish.com.
West Virginia Gold Rush
April marks the return of the West Virginia Gold Rush for the ninth year. During this incredible event, we stock more than 50,000 golden rainbow trout at select lakes and streams around the state, including waters in or near 15 state parks and forests. To learn more about the West Virginia Gold Rush, visit WVdnr.gov/goldrush.
Free Fishing Days
West Virginia’s Free Fishing Days in 2026 are June 6-7. If you’ve never fished before or it’s been a while since you’ve cast a line, these two days are a perfect opportunity for you to enjoy a fishing trip. If you’re already a licensed angler, bring a friend or family member who’s never fished before and let them experience the thrill of fishing—no license required.
Monster Trout Contest
During the weeks of October 19 and October 26, 2026, our fisheries staff will stock select lakes and streams around the state with more than 40,000 pounds of trophy-size and monster trout as part of the annual Monster Trout Contest. Catch a tagged monster and enter for your chance to win prizes, including a lifetime fishing license.
Outdoor Adventures and Special Events
In addition to hunting and fishing seasons and dates, West Virginia’s outdoor calendar includes many other events that celebrate the state’s natural beauty and outdoor heritage.
First Day Hike
Start the New Year on the right foot with a First Day Hike at a West Virginia state park or state natural area. These free guided hikes, held annually on January 1, are part of a nationwide initiative led by America’s State Parks to encourage people to get outdoors. To find a hike at a state park near you, visit wvstateparks.com/calendar.
West Virginia Hunt and Fish Show
One of the biggest hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation expos in West Virginia returns to the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center on January 23-25, 2026. Hosted by West Virginia Trophy Hunters Association, this fun event features the West Virginia Whitetail Hall of Fame, vendors, seminars and everything you need to plan your next outdoor adventure.
Groundhog Day at the Wildlife Center (February)
Will we have an early spring or extended winter in 2026? Attend the 49th annual Groundhog Day Celebration at the West Virginia State Wildlife Center on February 2, 2026 to see French Creek Freddie, the state’s unofficial weather prognosticator, make his prediction. While you’re there, purchase an annual pass to the Wildlife Center and plan to return in the spring or summer to see the center’s native wildlife in a natural setting.
Claudia L. Workman Wildlife Education Center (Summer)
Learn more about the flora and fauna of West Virginia or enjoy a scenic hike through the Forks of Coal State Natural Area’s three miles of trails at the Claudia L. Workman Wildlife Education Center in Alum Creek. This family-friendly facility is a great place for school and homeschool field trips and weekend outings. The center is free and open to the public, and hours are Tuesdays through Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
National Hunting and Fishing Day (September)
Join us for West Virginia’s National Hunting and Fishing Day celebration at Stonewall Resort on September 19, 2026, for an action-packed day of family fun and outdoor thrills. Check out the live demonstrations, hunting and fishing vendors and the Outdoor Youth Challenge, which gives kids a chance to win a lifetime hunting and fishing license.
Start Planning Your 2026 Adventures Today
Whether it’s your first time in the woods or your hundredth trip to the stream, there’s always something new to experience in West Virginia’s great outdoors.
Ready to make 2026 your best outdoor year yet? Mark your calendar with these can’t-miss seasons and events, check out our License Guide, and buy your hunting and fishing license today.