Get ready for fall hunting adventures by preparing to field tag and check in your game
With big game seasons open around West Virginia, it’s important to remember your responsibility to field tag and electronically check in your harvest. Thanks to technology, this process has never been easier. In this blog, we’ll cover everything you need to know before you head into the field this fall.
Be Prepared To Field Tag And Check In Your Game
Get everything in order for a successful and compliant hunting trip by making sure your WVDNR account is up to date, purchasing required licenses and stamps and printing field tags, all of which can be done via the WVDNR’s Electronic Licensing System (ELS) at WVhunt.com. You can also purchase a license in person at an authorized license agent.
Big Game species requiring online check-ins include deer, bear, turkey and boar. Each species has specific check-in requirements, so make sure you know what you are required to do so you are in compliance with regulations and don’t run into any last-minute problems or errors.
Being aware of species-specific requirements can help you plan your hunt and give you confidence that your harvest will be legal. Proper online check-in also ensures that wildlife data is correctly recorded, which helps our biologists manage and conserve West Virginia’s game populations
Checking In Your Game
Proper preparation pays off when it’s time to check your game in the field. Once you make a harvest, you must complete a field tag and attach it to the animal before you move the carcass. This tag must remain with the animal until it’s electronically checked. Field tags must include your name, address, license number (if required), date, time and harvest location. Having this information ensures you have all necessary details ready when you access the electronic game checking system.
The best way to check in a harvest is at WVhunt.com. If you are in an area with limited service, you can use a landline to call 1-844-WVCHECK to check in your game. Hunters are no longer required to transport their harvest to a check station.
To check game, you need your WVDNR ID. Don’t know your number? It can be found printed on your annual license, online at WVhunt.com by visiting an authorized license agent, or calling the WVDNR Customer Service Unit. After you complete the electronic game check process, a 13-digit number will be assigned that confirms the game has been checked in properly. The game check confirmation number must be written down on your field tag. This number must remain with the carcass until it is dressed for consumption.
Reminder: Youth hunters, even if exempt from purchasing a license, are required to report game checks using their own WVDNR account.
Requirements For Electronically Checking Deer
Each harvested deer must be electronically checked and the 13-digit confirmation number, along with the hunter’s name and address, must be attached to the deer before it is transported beyond the county adjacent to the county in which it was killed. This must be done within 72 hours from when the deer was killed or 24 hours from the close of the respective season, whichever comes first.
Requirements For Electronically Checking Bear
Each harvested bear must be electronically checked and the 13-digit confirmation number, along with the hunter’s name and address, must be attached to the bear within 24 hours after the kill. Hunters also are required to submit a first premolar tooth from each bear to the WVDNR by Jan. 31 of the year following the kill.
Requirements For Electronically Checking Turkey
Each harvested turkey must be electronically checked and the 13-digit confirmation number, along with the hunter’s name and address, must be attached to the carcass before it is skinned or transported beyond the county adjacent to the county in which it was killed. This must be done within 72 hours from when it was killed or 24 hours from the close of the respective season, whichever comes first.
Requirements For Electronically Checking Boar
Each harvested boar must be electronically checked within 24 hours of the kill. The 13-digit confirmation number, along with the hunter’s name and address, must be attached to the carcass and remain with it until it is dressed for consumption.
Using Your Mobile Device to Check Your Game
- Open your preferred web browser on your smartphone or tablet and visit WVhunt.com.
- Enter your username and password to log in. You may also log in by clicking “Look Up Your Account” and entering your social security or driver’s license number and date of birth.
- If you do not have an account, follow the prompts to create one by providing necessary details such as your personal information and contact details.
- Once logged in, click the button labeled “Submit a Game Check.”
- Enter the required details, including the type of game, location and date of harvest. Depending on the species, you may need to specify the sex of the animal, antler size (for deer), weapon used, etc. Review the information for accuracy and submit your game check.
- After submission, you will receive a confirmation of your game check. Save or print this confirmation for your records.
Buy your license and stamps and get ready for fall hunting adventures today!
Checking in your big game harvests is a crucial part of hunting in West Virginia. It helps ensure accurate wildlife management, supports conservation efforts and keeps you compliant with state hunting regulations. Before heading out on your next hunting adventure, make sure you:
- Buy Your Licenses and Stamps: Get everything you need online at WVhunt.com or in person at an authorized license agent.
- Update Your WVDNR Account: Verify your details, print your field tags and ensure your account is ready when you check in your game.
- Know the Requirements: Familiarize yourself with species-specific check-in requirements to avoid last-minute issues.
Ready for fall hunting adventures? Visit WVhunt.com today to set up your account, purchase your licenses, and prepare for a successful season!