Gear up for West Virginia’s deer muzzleloader and Mountaineer Heritage seasons
West Virginia’s hunting seasons are steeped in tradition, and participating in the deer muzzleloader season in December and the Mountaineer Heritage Season in January provide incredible opportunities for you to connect with that heritage.
These unique seasons invite hunters to embrace traditional hunting techniques, hone their skills and end (or start) the year on a high note with a thrilling hunting experience. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or just starting out, this guide will help you make the most of these special seasons.
Deer Muzzleloader Season: Embrace the Challenge
Muzzleloader hunting is a step back in time, offering a more deliberate and rewarding approach to deer hunting. The 2024 deer muzzleloader season runs from Dec. 16–22. During this season, you may harvest up to two deer — one with a base license and one additional deer, provided you purchase an RM/RRM stamp before the season starts.
To make the most of this season:
Know Your Equipment – Whether you’re using an in-line or a more traditional side-lock rifle, it is crucial to practice loading, firing and cleaning your muzzleloader to ensure reliability in the field.
Plan for One Shot – Unlike modern firearms, muzzleloaders allow only a single shot. Be patient, and make sure your shot placement is accurate by practicing at your target at a public shooting range.
Understand Special Rules – If you are hunting in an area during an open deer firearms season, you must wear a minimum of 400 square inches of blaze orange.
Check Before You Hunt – Hunters are reminded that Logan, McDowell, Mingo and Wyoming counties are closed to all firearms deer hunting. Portions of Fayette, Raleigh and Wayne counties are open to antlered-only hunting. In Boone, Kanawha, Nicholas, Webster and portions of Clay and Greenbrier counties, hunters may harvest deer of either sex on their base license but only an antlered deer with an RM/RRM stamp or DT License.
For more information about the deer muzzleloader season, see pages 32–33 in the West Virginia Hunting Regulations Summary.
Mountaineer Heritage Season: Reliving History
Scheduled for Jan. 9–12, 2025, the Mountaineer Heritage Season celebrates traditional hunting methods with muzzleloading side-lock percussion or flintlock rifles, longbows and recurve bows. This season is open statewide, but Logan, McDowell, Mingo and Wyoming counties are restricted to archery-only hunting.
Here’s how to make the most of this special season:
Use the Right Equipment – Modern conveniences like scopes, in-line muzzleloaders, crossbows, and compound bows are prohibited. Stick to the approved gear for an authentic experience.
Know Bag Limits – Hunters may take one deer, one bear and one turkey during this season, provided all regulations and tagging requirements are followed. A hunter may take up to two antlered deer during the regular 2024 deer seasons and the following Mountaineer Heritage Season in 2025. A bear or turkey harvested during the Mountaineer Heritage Season does NOT count toward a hunter’s regular season bag limit.
Don’t Forget to Buy Your 2025 License – A valid hunting license for the new year is required for this season. Don’t forget to purchase your license early to avoid delays. Find the perfect West Virginia hunting license for you with our 2025 License Guide.
For more information about the Mountaineer Heritage Season, see page 35 in the West Virginia Hunting Regulations Summary.
Be Part of West Virginia’s Hunting Community
The muzzleloader and Mountaineer Heritage seasons offer unique opportunities to help manage West Virginia’s deer population, connect with the state’s hunting traditions and be part of the hunting community. If you still have deer tags to fill, now’s the time to put those skills to the test.
And don’t miss your chance to participate in the Big Buck Photo Contest. The contest closes on Jan. 10, 2025, which means your buck harvests from the deer muzzleloader season on the opening day of the Mountaineer Heritage Season are eligible.
Buy Your Hunting License and Stamps Today
These seasons are the perfect way to wrap up your year—or kick off the new one—with unforgettable outdoor experiences. Purchase your 2024 RM or RRM stamps for the muzzleloader season and your 2025 hunting license for the Mountaineer Heritage Season today.