What is a DNR ID Number?

Each customer will be assigned a DNR ID Number in the system that is good for the rest of their life.  It is a unique number that identifies that customer within the system.

How do I get a DNR ID Number?

The easiest and most efficient way is for hunters/trappers to visit WVhunt.com.  They may also visit a license agent or a DNR office or call a DNR office.

Where is my DNR ID Number located on my annual license?

Your DNR ID Number is located in the upper left hand corner of your annual license.

I thought the DNR ID Number was a 13-digit number?

No, the game check confirmation number is 13 digits.  The DNR ID Number can be anywhere from 1 to 6 digits.

I am a lifetime license holder, how do I get my DNR ID Number?

You should call or visit a DNR district, Elkins or South Charleston office, or visit a license agent.  They will verify your information for accuracy and activate your account. 

Have the field tag requirements changed?

No, the field tagging requirements have not changed. Hunters are still required to field tag their animal.

How do hunters/trappers check in their game?

Online at wvhunt.com, by calling 1-844-WVCHECK (1-844-982-4325) or by visiting a license agent.

I just visited my old checking station and they couldn’t help me. Why not?

There are no longer Official Game Checking Stations or paper check tags.  However, those locations can still offer a valuable service to hunters and encourage business by providing telephone access to the toll-free number, allowing Internet use for hunters to access wvhunt.com and holding contests or hanging photos.  Businesses that are not license agents (i.e., former check stations) may charge for use of their phone or Internet just like any other service. 

What information do I need to use the telephone game check option?

Hunters/trappers MUST have their DNR ID Number to use the telephone game check option.  When they make the call it will ask them for their DNR ID Number and the last 4 digits of their Social Security Number.  This will enable the system to match their record.  If they don’t have a DNR ID number, they must use wvhunt.com or visit a license agent and it will register them the first time they use the system.

What do hunters get after completing the game checking process?

Hunters/trappers will get a 13-digit game check number that will serve as their confirmation that they have completed the game checking process.  If they forget or lose their number, they may look it up on their home screen under “View Game Checks.”  The game check number should be written on their field tag or on a sheet of paper with their name and address, and time, date and county of kill, and attach it to the animal.

I’m a landowner. How will the system know if I’m checking game in as a license holder or as a landowner?

A hunter/trapper will be asked if they want to check the animal as a licensed hunter, landowner, or as someone not required to purchase a license (youth, senior who turned 65 before 1/1/12, etc.).

Is my DNR ID Number different if I check game on my license rather than as a landowner?

No, each person has one (1) DNR ID Number no matter if they are checking the animal as a landowner, on their license, or are exempt from purchasing a license.  You use your DNR ID Number and then choose how you would like to check it (license, landowner, exempt) just as a hunter/trapper always did on the old game checking tags.  

How will this affect the bag limit for respective species?

The new game checking process doesn’t affect the bag limits.  Those are set annually by the Natural Resources Commission and are published in the Hunting and Trapping Regulations.

I harvested my animal during an urban archery hunt. How do I check it in?

The Urban Archery Season is listed under “Season” because it is a separate season set by the Natural Resources Commission.  After selecting Urban Archery it will pop up the respective cities within that county that have urban hunts.  For example, after selecting Kanawha County and Urban hunts, South Charleston and Charleston will pop up.

My WMA isn’t listed as an option – what do I do?

We will update the WMAs once a year around Labor Day for the upcoming seasons.  If the state has purchased property since that time, it will not show up as a selection and hunters should pick “other.”

Does the new system still require animals to be checked within certain time frames?

Yes, certain time frame requirements still apply for certain species.  See the Hunting and Trapping Regulation Summary for specific regulations by species.

Do I have to physically bring my harvested animal to a license agent?

No, hunters and trappers are no longer required to bring their animals to a location.

Is there any reason I would have to physically bring my harvested game to a specific location?

Yes, the Director of the Division of Natural Resources may suspend electronic check in certain areas for the following reasons:
1) epizootic disease among wildlife, 2) biological necessity requiring physical inspection of wildlife, 3) circumstances determined necessary to protect the state’s wildlife resources, or 4) any other emergency that may require physical inspection of wildlife. As of April 20, 2015 none of those reasons have been enacted.

What time will the systems be available?

The telephone and website are available 24 hours a day to make it more convenient for hunters and trappers.  License agents will be available during normal business hours.

What happens if someone else tries to use my number?

Hunters/trappers are required to log in or use their DNR ID Number AND the last 4 digits of their Social Security Number on the telephone.  Therefore, it will protect against someone entering an incorrect DNR ID Number.

Do youth hunters need to check game on their own account?

Youth hunters, even if exempt from purchasing a license, are required to report game checks on their own account.