Hunting safety tips and essential gear to help you enjoy turkey hunting in West Virginia.
Get ready for fall hunting adventures because West Virginia’s 2024 fall turkey season is set to open on Oct. 12. If you went turkey hunting in the spring, you should have everything you need to bag a fall bird, though you may want to change your tactics, adjust your approach and maybe even use a trained dog. Here are a few tips to help you enjoy a successful fall turkey season.
When is West Virginia’s fall turkey season in 2024?
October 12–20
West Virginia’s fall turkey season is open October 12–20 in all 55 counties. What makes this season unique is that select counties around the state are also open for additional weeks.
October 28 – November 3
Counties open for one additional week (October 28 – November 3) include Brooke, Hancock, Harrison, Jackson, Marion, Marshall, Mason, Monongalia, Ohio, Pleasants, Preston, Putnam, Taylor, Tyler and Wood.
October 28 – November 17
Counties open for an additional three weeks (October 28 – November 17) include Berkeley, Grant, Greenbrier, Hampshire, Hardy, Mineral, Monroe, Morgan, Nicholas, Pendleton, Pocahontas, Randolph, Tucker and Webster.
What to expect during fall turkey season
Wild turkeys are one of the most wary game birds in North America and are notorious for their keen senses and elusive nature. So, be ready to have your hunting skills tested. Our advice is to be patient, be stealthy and be able to call and mimic the calls of a wild turkey.
If you hunt turkey in the spring, you’ll need to change your tactics in the fall because turkeys don’t behave the same way year-round. For starters, you likely won’t be able to hear gobblers, who are more vocal in the spring as they attract mates. One advantage you do have during the fall season is that hens are legal to hunt and harvest
Two methods of fall turkey hunting require some leg work. First, one can scout areas looking for signs of scat and scratchings. A good place to start are in areas that produce a lot of masts. Set up in these areas in anticipation that birds will pass through the area again, calling occasionally to lure them in.
Another method is to locate flocks and scatter the birds by running towards them, either you or your dog. Once the birds are scattered, set up and use calls to bring the flock back together.
Essential fall turkey hunting gear
Having the right gear is critical for a successful fall turkey season. Along with a reliable shotgun, you’ll need camouflage clothing to blend in with your surroundings and avoid detection by these wary birds. Hunters may want to consider using a blind for additional camouflage.
Other essential gear for the fall turkey season includes quality turkey calls for luring in your quarry and getting them into range. We also recommend carrying a good pair of binoculars for scouting and spotting distant birds, a comfortable and sturdy pair of boots and socks for navigating the terrain and a hunting vest or backpack to keep your gear organized and easily accessible. A hunting knife, range finder and a good pair of gloves are also recommended. Last of all, you need a valid West Virginia hunting license, which is available at WVhunt.com.
Hunting safety tips to remember during West Virginia’s fall turkey season
When it comes to hunting during the fall turkey season, safety should be a top priority. It is crucial to always identify your target before shooting and to be aware of other hunters in the area. This means taking the time to make sure you are aiming at a turkey and not at another hunter or animal. Additionally, always wear appropriate safety gear and follow all regulations and laws to ensure you are hunting safely and legally.
Hunting with a friend or family member is also a great idea, as it can provide an extra layer of safety. If you go hunting alone, make sure you let someone know where you’ll be and when you expect to return. Lastly, staying alert and aware of your surroundings is important, and always practice firearm safety. By following these safety guidelines, you can help ensure you’ll have a safe and hopefully successful turkey season.
Fall turkey hunting regulations to remember
You may harvest one either-sex turkey during the fall season with shotguns, rifles, air rifles .22 caliber or larger, handguns, muzzleloaders, bows or crossbows with arrows or bolts equipped with a point having at least two sharp-cutting edges measuring in excess of 3/4 inch wide. The use of hunting dogs is legal during the fall turkey season, but it is illegal to use electronic calls or bait. Shooting hours are a half hour before sunrise to a half hour after sunset.
All hunters 15 and older are required to have a valid West Virginia hunting license, which can be purchased at WVhunt.com. Depending on the type of license you have, you may also need to purchase a Conservation Stamp (Class CS) and Big Game Stamp (Class BG). To learn more about turkey hunting regulations, check pages 43–44 in the 2024–2025 West Virginia Hunting and Trapping Regulations Summary.
Buy your license and plan your next hunting adventure today!
Make sure you’re ready for fall turkey season. Get your gear together, brush up on your turkey-calling skills and prepare for an unforgettable experience in the beautiful hills and valleys of West Virginia. Get your license today while there’s still time during this year’s fall turkey season. While you’re at it, elevate your hunting experience by opting to purchase a durable license card. This collectible card not only looks good but serves as a memento of your commitment to the sport and the conservation efforts that keep it thriving.