A simple guide for new and experienced hunters to stay legal, support conservation and enjoy a successful season
There’s nothing quite like the moment you step into the woods on a crisp fall morning. Your gear’s ready, your spot is picked out and your anticipation is high. But before you take a shot, there’s one step every West Virginia hunter needs to have down — how to properly field tag and check your harvest.
Electronic game checking is simple, quick and crucial. It’s not just about following rules but about keeping wildlife populations healthy, ensuring hunting traditions thrive and making sure your hard-earned harvest is part of the bigger conservation picture. Whether you’re new to hunting or have plenty of experience in the field, this guide will help you be ready for a successful check in.
Why Game Checking Matters
Every time you check in a harvest, you’re contributing to something bigger than yourself. For example, harvest data is used by wildlife biologists to track population trends, set future hunting seasons and make science-based decisions to protect game for years to come. Without accurate data, it’s harder to make science-based management decisions that benefit both hunters and wildlife.
Game checking is also the law. Failing to check in your game could mean fines or the loss of your hunting privileges. But more than that, it’s a chance to take part in a tradition that blends personal responsibility with stewardship of the land.
Get Ready Before You Hunt
Checking your game is easy when you’re prepared. 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 electronic 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. A little preparation now can save you a lot of stress later, especially if you’re in an area with unreliable cellphone service.
How to Field Tag and Electronically Check Your Harvest
The moment you harvest an animal, your role shifts from hunter to game reporter. Here’s how it works.
- Complete a field tag immediately. Before moving the carcass, attach a tag with your name, address, license number (if required), date, time and harvest location. That tag must stay with the animal until it’s checked. Having this information ensures you have all necessary details ready when you access the electronic game checking system.
- Check your game electronically. While hunters are no longer required to transport their harvest to a check station, they must electronically check their game at WVhunt.com or by calling 1-844-WVCHECK. To do so, you’ll need your WVDNR ID, harvest details and species-specific info.
- Record your confirmation number. After checking in, you’ll get a 13-digit number. Write it on your field tag and keep it with the animal until it’s dressed for consumption.
In addition to following the above rules for checking in your game, make sure you remember the following deadlines for reporting your harvests. And remember! Youth hunters, private landowners and others who are legally exempt from purchasing a license must check in their own harvest using their own WVDNR account.
| Species | Game Check Deadline | Additional Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| White-tailed Deer | Within 72 hours of harvest or 24 hours after the season ends, whichever comes first. | None |
| Black Bear | Within 24 hours of harvest. | Submit a first premolar tooth to the WVDNR by Jan. 31. |
| Wild Turkey | Within 72 hours of harvest or 24 hours after the season ends, whichever comes first. | None |
| Wild Boar | Within 24 hours of harvest. | None |
Pro Tips for a Smooth Check-In
Whether you’re new to hunting or a seasoned outdoorsman, these pro-tips make a big difference in keeping the game-checking process quick and hassle-free.
- Use your phone in the field when you have service, so it’s done right away.
- Know your WVDNR ID before you go. Find it on your license, online or by calling WVDNR Customer Service. If you do not have an account, visit WVhunt.com and follow the prompts to create one by providing necessary details such as your personal information and contact details
- Double-check your details before submitting to avoid mistakes.
- Save your confirmation in your phone and on your field tag until the animal is processed.
Buy your license and stamps and get readyBuy Your License and Be Part of the Tradition Today!
Checking in your big game harvests is a crucial part of preserving West Virginia’s hunting traditions, ensuring our forests and fields remain rich with wildlife for those who come after us. So before your next hunting adventure, take a few minutes to get ready.
- 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.
When the moment comes to check in your harvest, you’ll be ready and you’ll know you’ve done your part for West Virginia’s wildlife and the future of hunting in our state.