• Natural Resources Commission to Meet on Nov. 12

    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 announced that the next quarterly meeting of the Natural Resources Commission is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 12 at 6 p.m.  The meeting will be open to the public at a physical…

  • WVDNR to stock 40 state waters during fall trout stocking season

    Anglers are reminded to purchase a fishing license and trout stamp CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) today announced its fall trout stocking schedule, affording anglers the opportunity to fish during the peak fall foliage season. During the weeks of Oct. 19 and 26, the WVDNR will stock about 40,000…

  • West Virginia State Parks and Recreation Endowment Board to Host Meeting Oct. 20

    Meeting is open to the public at WVDNR headquarters in Charleston CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia State Parks and Recreation Endowment Fund will host a meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 20 at 1 p.m. The meeting is open to the public and takes place at the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources office, located at…

  • Fall turkey season begins October 10

    Licenses can be purchased online at wvhunt.com CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) today announced that turkey hunting will return to West Virginia when the fall season’s first segment opens in all 55 counties on Oct. 10. The first segment of the fall turkey season is open Oct. 10-18 in…

  • WVDNR anticipates higher deer harvest due to lower mast production

    2026 Hunting Outlook and Mast Survey available online CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) announced today that hunters preparing for fall seasons may now consult the 2026 Hunting Outlook and Mast Survey, which details the abundance of wild fruits and nuts produced by 18 species of trees and shrubs and…

  • Ohio River produces yet another state record blue catfish

    Ravenswood man’s 72.75 pound catch on Aug. 29 breaks the state weight record CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) today announced a state record for blue catfish was set on Aug. 29 by Tyler Harmon of Ravenswood, W.Va. Harmon caught the 48.15 inch, 72.75 pound blue catfish on the Ohio…

  • Record-Shattering Pumpkinseed Sunfish Caught in West Virginia

    August 6 catch breaks records set in June and July CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources today announced the state record for pumpkinseed sunfish was set on Aug. 6, by Robert Glover of Morgantown, W.Va. “The pumpkinseed state record category was established in 2024 along with redbreast, redear, black crappie and…

  • WVDNR announces dam modifications at Bear Rock Lakes WMA 

    Fishing access will close temporarily during construction CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources today announced that dam modification work has begun at Bear Rock Lakes Wildlife Management Area in Ohio County. These improvements are designed to bring the dams into full compliance with the West Virginia Dam Control and Safety Act.…

  • WVDNR Announces New Wildlife Disease and Mortality Online Reporting Tool

    CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources announced today that the agency is implementing a new online tool for reporting wildlife disease and mortality in West Virginia, using the data collection program ArcGIS Survey 123. “This application will allow the public to report potentially sick or diseased wildlife, providing important information for…

  • West Virginia Natural Resources Commission to meet July 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, July 30, at 6 p.m. The meeting will be held simultaneously in each of the…

  • 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…