White-tailed Deer

White-tailed deer are the most sought after, big game species in West Virginia. Every year, more than 200,000 resident and non-resident hunters take to the woods to hunt whitetails. White-tailed deer are found in every county and in every habitat in the Mountain State. The opportunities to hunt whitetails in West Virginia are as diverse as the habitats in which they live. Hunters can pick the type of hunting experience they are looking for and cater their hunt to meet their needs.

Deer seasons in West Virginia span more than four months. The intensity of the hunt can range from urban, backyard hunts in some of our cities and homeowners associations to a true wilderness experience on one of our two national forests. Hunters can also explore one of 96 state-owned or leased wildlife management areas that encompass over 493,000 acres. 

For hunters looking for an opportunity to harvest an older buck, West Virginia has seven wildlife management areas designated as “older-age deer management areas.” Bucks on these areas need to have a 14-inch outside antler spread to be legal for harvest. In addition, West Virginia has four counties that are designated “archery-only” for deer hunting, where large-antlered bucks are harvested each year. 

For specific hunting season dates, bag limits other information, go the current Hunting and Trapping Regulations Summary.

 Black Bears

The growth and expansion of the black bear population in West Virginia is one of the state’s greatest conservation success stories. In the early 1970s, black bears were limited to parts of ten of the eastern mountain counties and believed to number fewer than 500 individuals. Changes to hunting seasons based on field research coupled with maturing forests have allowed the black bear population to expand across the mountain state. Current population estimates put West Virginia’s bear population near 15,000 animals, and bears have been harvested in 53 of 55 counties in recent years. 

West Virginia offers some of the most liberal bear hunting opportunities in the lower 48 states. Bear seasons begin in late August and continue until early January the following year. For specific hunting season dates, bag limits other information, go the current Hunting and Trapping Regulations Summary.

Wild Turkeys

The growth of West Virginia’s wild turkey population is another conservation success story. Wild turkeys had become restricted to the most remote regions of the eastern mountain counties, following the wide-scale logging and subsequent fires that were common in the state during the first two decades of the 1900s. Early wild turkey research revealed wild-trapped birds were far superior to pen-raised stock for establishing wild turkey populations. The first trapped wild birds were released on Coopers Rock State Forest in 1950 and helped establish turkey population. 

Trapping methods improved over time and became highly efficient with the use of mortar and rocket-propelled nets. Wildlife biologists and managers trapped and released hundreds of wild turkeys in suitable habitats around the state. By 1989, West Virginia had finished its trap-and-transfer program with turkeys successfully established in all 55 counties.

Turkey hunting opportunities are plentiful in the Mountain State. For specific hunting season dates, bag limits other information, go the current Hunting and Trapping Regulations Summary.

Wild Boar

European wild boar were released in the Spruce-Laurel drainage of Boone County in the spring of 1971. The animals were originally released to provide the people of southern West Virginia with a big game species to hunt when deer, bear and turkey were scarce. Although it was believed that the animals would spread wildly like feral swine around the country, these animals never strayed far from their original release area.

A hunting season for wild boar occurs in Boone, Logan, Raleigh and Wyoming counties. Hunting is limited to West Virginia residents. For specific hunting season dates, bag limits other information, go the current Hunting and Trapping Regulations Summary.

Featured Articles

Survival Skills: Ten Things to do When Lost in the Woods

The cool nights, crisp winds, and colorful foliage is a clear sign fall has descended upon the Mountain State. With the onset of this beautiful season, outdoor enthusiasts eagerly gear up to embrace the natural resources this state has to…

Why you need to buy RB/RRB stamps before the deer archery season

The start of West Virginia’s 2023 deer archery season is Sept. 30, which means time is running out to purchase your hunting license and RB/RRB stamps if you want to harvest additional deer. Hunting licenses and stamps can be purchased…

Motorists should take extra caution while driving during fall months

As fall arrives, the days get shorter, temperatures start to drop, leaves start to turn and white-tailed deer become a lot more active. That’s why we want to remind you to stay alert and drive with extra caution. November is…

Get a behind the scenes look at how the 2024 WV Wildlife Calendar was made

The 2024 edition of the West Virginia Wildlife Calendar is now available to purchase online at WVstateparks.com and at select retail locations around the state! If you’re not familiar with West Virginia’s award-winning calendar, it features beautiful paintings of state…

WV State Wildlife Center turns 100! Celebrate Sept. 16.

Nature enthusiasts and families, mark your calendars for September 16 as we celebrate a remarkable milestone: the 100th anniversary of the West Virginia State Wildlife Center! Nestled in the heart of West Virginia’s scenic beauty, the West Virginia State Wildlife…

Nature Care: Leave Young Wildlife Alone

With abundant wildlife, it’s not uncommon for people to cross paths with a wild animal in West Virginia, especially during the spring and summer months. While the sight of wildlife can certainly be exciting, the WVDNR wants to remind people…

WVDNR, Trout Unlimited partnership rejuvenates WV streams

The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources has a longstanding relationship with Trout Unlimited Chapters and its State Council in West Virginia. Each year over the last two decades, volunteers have contributed several thousands of dollars to support the WVDNR’s…

Your Spring Fishing Guide to West Virginia

Tips, best fishing spots and helpful reminders to get you ready for your spring fishing adventures in Almost Heaven, West Virginia. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or new to the sport, May is a great time to go fishing in…

Your guide to spring turkey season in West Virginia

Hunting safety tips, essential gear and best hunting locations to help you enjoy turkey hunting in West Virginia It’s been a long winter, but spring is here and so is one of the most exciting events in West Virginia’s hunting…

WVDNR announces top teams, archers for 18th Archery in the Schools state tournament

More than 750 students from nearly 70 schools participated in the annual tournament. CHARLESTON, W.VA. — The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources announced on Thursday results from the 18th WVDNR Archery in the Schools State Tournament. The top high school…

9 go-to lakes and streams to help you plan your Gold Rush trip

Nine easy-to-access Gold Rush stocking locations where you can cast your line for a last minute trip. With 50,000 golden rainbow trout, 68 stockings and a chance to win a lifetime fishing license, the West Virginia Gold Rush is the…

7 bucket list items to help you plan your Gold Rush trip

Explore West Virginia’s natural beauty and catch a prized golden rainbow trout with our ultimate Gold Rush fishing trip bucket list. The sixth annual West Virginia Gold Rush is March 28 – April 8. This exciting event offers anglers an…