Essential gear, game regulations and tips for a successful hunt
West Virginia’s archery and crossbow seasons are right around the corner, offering hunters a thrilling opportunity to pursue white-tailed deer, black bear and wild boar across the state’s scenic mountains and forests. With seasons running Sept. 27 through Dec. 31, 2025, bowhunters get more time in the woods, fewer crowds and closer encounters to game than firearms seasons often allow.
Whether you’re a seasoned bowhunter or someone who hasn’t hunted in a few years, now is the time to gear up, review the hunting regulations and get your license. Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of this fall’s archery season.
Long Seasons, Big Opportunities
If you’ve never felt your heart pounding as a deer steps within range or as a black bear shifts its weight just yards away, West Virginia’s archery and crossbow seasons are your chance to experience the thrill and challenge of bow hunting.
With more than 90 days to pursue big game, West Virginia’s archery and crossbow seasons run longer than other seasons, giving hunters more chances to tag out. Because the seasons for deer, bear and boar overlap, you even have the chance to hunt multiple species during the same day in some areas. Just don’t forget that all harvested big game must be legally tagged and electronically registered at WVhunt.com.
White-tailed Deer
White-tailed deer are West Virginia’s most popular game species, and the archery and crossbow season offers a prime opportunity to hunt them. You can harvest up to three deer with a bow or crossbow — one on your base license and two more with RB/RRB stamps (one stamp per additional deer).
Deer of either sex may be taken during the archery and crossbow season. However, crossbows are not permitted in Logan, McDowell, Mingo, and Wyoming counties unless you have a Class Y permit. See pages 26-28 of the Hunting Regulations Summary for details.
Black Bear
Bowhunting for black bears is a rewarding, high-adrenaline pursuit. Hunters may take up to two bears annually, provided one is taken in Boone, Fayette, Kanawha, Logan, McDowell, Mingo, Raleigh or Wyoming County.
To hunt black bears, you must have a Bear Damage Stamp (Class DS) in addition to your base license. Dogs may NOT be used during archery or crossbow seasons. For more info, see page 40 in the Hunting Regulations Summary.
Wild Boar
Wild boar hunting is legal only in Boone, Logan, Raleigh and Wyoming counties. During this challenging but exciting season, hunters may harvest one wild boar per year across all seasons. These elusive animals are tough to pattern, so look for signs of fresh wild boar activity and thick cover near food sources. For more info, see page 45 in the Hunting Regulations Summary.
Where to Hunt: Public Lands and Prime Archery Spots
West Virginia has nearly 1.5 million acres of public hunting land across 96 Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs), nine state forests and sprawling national forest lands. In other words, you’re never too far from your next hunting adventure.
To plan a hunting trip on public land, use our interactive hunting map, which includes information about access points, amenities and available game. If you plan to hunt on private land, make sure you have written permission from the landowner and follow all hunting regulations.
What Makes a Prime Archery Spot?
When choosing a hunting location, look for areas with natural cover and minimal pressure from other hunters. If you plan to hunt from a tree stand, choose a location that provides good visibility and allows you to take clear shots. Always use a safety harness when hunting from a treestand. Other things to watch out for include:
- Food sources, travel corridors and bedding areas
- Ridges, saddles or creek bottoms that funnel animal movement
- Signs of deer activity: rubs, scrapes and tracks
- Dense cover for bear and boar
Scout early and always set up with the wind blowing away from where you expect animals to approach.
What You Need to Hunt with a Bow in West Virginia
In addition to finding a good hunting location, make sure you have the right gear. Not only does it enhance your accuracy and efficiency in the field but also ensures you comply with state hunting regulations. Here’s some of the basics you’ll need.
Hunting License and Stamps
Hunters who are 15 and older must have a valid base hunting license and the correct stamps for the species they plan to pursue. Hunters under the age of 15 may hunt without a license when accompanied by a licensed adult.
Depending on your license and the game you plan to pursue, you may also need one or more of the following:
- Conservation Stamp (Class CS)
- Big Game Stamp (Class BG)
- RB/RRB stamps for extra deer (limit of two and must be purchased before opening day)
- Bear Damage Stamp (Class DS)
Buy all required licenses and stamps online at WVhunt.com by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 26.
Legal Archery Equipment
Taking the time to choose the right gear will make your hunting experience safer, more enjoyable and successful. Just make sure you give yourself plenty of time to check your gear and practice your shot before the season starts.
- Crossbows must have a minimum 125-pound draw weight and safety mechanism
- Arrows and bolts must be at least 16 inches long with broadheads at least 3/4 inch wide and with two sharp-cutting edges
- Explosive or poisoned tips are illegal
- Only single-string crossbows are allowed
- Devices that hold bows at full draw require a modified bow permit
To learn more about rules and regulations regarding arrows, bolts and bow and crossbow features, see page six in the Hunting Regulations Summary.
Other Hunting Gear Essentials
In addition to a reliable bow or crossbow, the following items are
- Camouflage clothing and insulated boots
- Rangefinder for accurate distance judgment
- Field dressing kit to prepare harvested game
- Safety harness is required if you hunt from a tree stand
Lastly, don’t forget to wear at least 400 square inches of blaze orange during overlapping firearm deer seasons, unless you are in a bowhunting-only area. To review firearms deer season dates and areas, check the Hunting Regulations Summary.
Haven’t Hunted in a While? Take the Shot This Fall!
With long seasons, exciting species and beautiful public lands to hunt, there’s no better place than West Virginia to hunt this fall. Get ready today:
✅ Check season dates and regulations.
✅ Buy your West Virginia hunting license and stamps.✅ Start scouting and planning your hunting adventures.