• WVDNR Opens Applications for Antlerless Deer and State Park Lottery Hunts

    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) announced today that applications are now open for the 2026 antlerless deer and state park controlled lottery hunts. Hunters who want to participate in these limited-permit opportunities must submit their applications online at WVhunt.com. “These lottery hunts are critical for managing West Virginia’s deer population…

  • West Virginia Unveils New Dates for Dove, Woodcock and Rail Hunting Seasons 

    CHARLESTON, W.Va. – West Virginia’s 2026-27 hunting season dates and bag limits for mourning dove, woodcock, snipe, sora and Virginia rails have been set. These seasons are set within the annual guidelines established by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.   Species Dates Daily Limit Possession Limit Mourning Dove       (3-way split) Sept. 1 – Oct. 11 15 45…

  • West Virginia Wildlife Center’s Popular ‘Rendezvous’ Celebration Returns This Month

    FRENCH CREEK, W.Va. – The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) announced the West Virginia Wildlife Center will host its 10th annual Rendezvous Celebration Friday, July 31, and Saturday, Aug. 1, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. The event will be held rain or shine and will feature an immersive living‑history experience spanning…

  • WVDNR Stocked 54 Ponds and Lakes with Channel Catfish

    Anglers are reminded to purchase a 2026 fishing license CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) today announced that the following waters were stocked with channel catfish during the weeks of June 22 and June 29: For more information about channel catfish stockings, visit at WVdnr.gov/fish-stocking. Anglers may also find out…

  • WVDNR Police Promotes Sober Boating Through Nationwide Operation Dry Water Campaign

    NRPOs to promote safe boating with sobriety checks during July 4 weekend CHARLESTON, W.Va. — As boating activity increases nationwide over the Fourth of July holiday, the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources’ Law Enforcement Section (WVDNR Police) is participating in Operation Dry Water, a national awareness campaign focused on educating boaters about the dangers…

  • West Virginia Division of Natural Resources Seeks Public Input on Proposed Wildlife Disease Management Changes

    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) today announced that it has filed one proposed legislative rule change with the Secretary of State’s Office and is inviting public comment on the proposals through July 27. Members of the public may review the proposed rules online at Pending Rules and are encouraged…

  • WVDNR Releases Hunting and Trapping Regulations Summary for 2026-2027 Seasons

    Updated guide details changes to season dates, weapon regulations and bag limits CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) today released its Hunting and Trapping Regulations Summary for the upcoming 2026-2027 seasons. The annual publication outlines important regulations and season dates designed to manage West Virginia’s wildlife resources while maximizing outdoor…

  • WVDNR accepting applications for Waterfowl Hunt at McClintic WMA

    Hunters have until Aug. 14 to apply for the October hunt CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) today announced that it is accepting applications for a controlled waterfowl hunt, scheduled to take place on Oct. 3-11 at McClintic Wildlife Management Area near Point Pleasant in Mason County. Waterfowl hunters who…

  • WVDNR Reports Spring Gobbler Harvests Increased 12.3% in 2026

    Harvests increased in all six WVDNR districts with statewide total topping 5-year and 10-year averages CHARLESTON, W.Va. — According to preliminary data released today by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR), hunters harvested 12,006 bearded turkeys during the spring gobbler season, a 12.3% increase over the 2025 season. The 2026 spring harvest also…

  • WVDNR to host free fishing derby at Bowden State Hatchery on June 13

    Annual event for kids ages 3-14 is part of West Virginia’s statewide Free Fishing Days weekend. CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) today announced it will host a free youth fishing derby at the Bowden Fish Hatchery on Saturday, June 13 as part of the state’s Free Fishing Days. “Watching…

  • West Virginia Division of Natural Resources Announces Winners of Gold Rush Giveaway

    Seven lucky anglers receive prize in annual giveaway CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) today announced the winners of the 2026 West Virginia Gold Rush giveaway. “We want to congratulate these seven lucky anglers for their incredible catches and extend our thanks to every angler who participated in this year’s…

  • Three new state fishing records broken in West Virginia this spring

    WVDNR highlights trophy catches as anglers gear up for summer fishing CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) today announced that three new state fishing records have been broken, highlighting the exceptional fishing opportunities available across the state as anglers head into the summer. The record-breaking catches include a 71-pound blue…

  • WVDNR Urges Life Jacket Use During National Safe Boating Week

    Agency promotes safe boating practices as summer season begins CHARLESTON, W.Va. — To help promote National Safe Boating Week, the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR), in partnership with its Law Enforcement Section, is reminding boaters about the importance of wearing life jackets and safe boating practices. National Safe Boating Week, observed this year…

  • WVDNR stocks 83 waters during week of May 4

    Anglers are reminded to purchase a 2026 fishing license and trout stamp CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) today announced that the following lakes and streams were stocked with trout during the week of May 4: While daily trout stockings are not announced in advance, the WVDNR publishes a list…

  • WVDNR Reminds Public to Leave Young Wildlife Alone

    Handling of wild animals discouraged and violates state law CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) today reminded the public to leave young wildlife alone, noting that handling wild animals can harm them, spread disease and violate state law. “Watching wildlife is one of the many joys of outdoor recreation in…

  • WVDNR Announces Updates to Dove Hunting at 2 Wildlife Management Areas

    Dove limited hunt permits no longer required at South Branch while controlled hunt launches at Stonewall Jackson this fall ROMNEY, W.Va. — The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) today announced that mourning dove hunters no longer need to apply for a limited permit to hunt at the South Branch Wildlife Management Area in…

  • WVDNR releases updated boating regulations for 2026

    Changes include removal of horsepower restrictions on several lakes CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) today announced the following changes to boating regulations, effective immediately: These changes were approved by the West Virginia Legislature during the 2026 Regular Session. For more information on boating safety and regulations, visit wvdnr.gov/lands-waters/boating.

  • Green Bottom Wildlife Management Area Boat Ramp Reopened

    WVDNR exploring upgrades to public access site in Cabell County CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) announced today that the public boat ramp located on Green Bottom Wildlife Management Area in Cabell County has reopened after a short closure.  WVDNR officials are exploring plans for future upgrades to the facility.…

  • Reedsville man catches record chain pickerel

    27.95-inch, 5.65-pound fish caught at private Preston County pond in April CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) today announced that Matt Born of Reedsville, West Virginia, has caught a new state record chain pickerel. Born landed the 27.95-inch, 5.65-pound fish on April 21 using a homemade spinner on a 4-pound…

  • Buckhannon teen catches record-breaking golden rainbow trout

    Hunter Rohr’s catch during the annual West Virginia Gold Rush event sets a new length and weight record CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) today announced that 15-year-old Hunter Rohr of Buckhannon, W.Va., caught a state record golden rainbow trout during WVDNR’s annual Gold Rush event. The trout set a…

  • West Virginia Division of Natural Resources opens registration for Becoming an Outdoors Woman spring workshop

    Popular event for outdoor enthusiasts set for May 1-3 at Twin Falls Resort State Park CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) today announced that registration is now open for its Becoming An Outdoors Woman (BOW) spring workshop, scheduled for May 1-3 at Twin Falls Resort State Park. BOW is a…

  • West Virginia Natural Resources Commission to meet April 30

    Public invited to attend in-person at six locations or watch via livestream CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) today reminded the public that the next quarterly meeting of the Natural Resources Commission will be Thursday, April 30, at 6 p.m. The meeting will be held simultaneously in each of the…

  • Kanawha County man catches record-breaking tiger trout

    Catch marks new length record for tiger trout in West Virginia CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) today announced that John Terry of Gallagher, W.Va. has set a new state record for tiger trout. Terry caught a 29.13-inch, 11.04-pound tiger trout on March 19 from Seneca Lake in Pocahontas County…

  • WVDNR Natural Resources Police Officer Named NWTF Officer of Year

    NRPO Cody Smith receives Sharp Spur Award for protecting West Virginia’s wild turkey resources CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) announced today that the West Virginia Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) has named Cody Smith its 2026 Natural Resources Police Officer of the Year. Officer Smith, who…

  • WVDNR Wildlife Specialist Named West Virginia Wildlife Manager of the Year

    West Virginia chapter of National Wild Turkey Federation recognizes Heath Miles, a WVDNR wildlife specialist who manages 2 Wildlife Management Areas in Mason County CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) today announced that the West Virginia Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) has named Heath Miles its 2026…