If you’ve been itching to get back into the woods and experience the thrill of a good hunt, you don’t have to wait much longer. In just a few days, West Virginia’s statewide spring gobbler season will start.
The season will open Monday, April 15, and runs through Saturday, May 11. Turkey hunting is a tradition in the Mountain State, and the spring season can be both challenging and fun for hunters of all ages.
Many hunters say some of the best hunting is in the last week of the season when gobblers looking for mates are more likely to respond to calls. But don’t wait until the last minute to go out and bag your bird. Purchase your hunting license today and start planning your hunt!
Some important things to remember as you prepare for the season:
- Have a current 2019 West Virginia Hunting License, carry your Hunter Education Card and know your DNR identification number.
- Complete a Hunter Education class before purchasing a license. There are several scheduled across the state.
- Check in your harvested turkey by logging in to wvhunt.com.
- Review the West Virginia Hunting and Trapping Regulations Summary to make sure you are hunting legally.
- Enjoy your time outdoors and share your hunting tradition with friends and family.
Youth hunters under the age of 18 are encouraged to participate in a special one-day youth season on Saturday, April 13. This is a good opportunity for experienced turkey hunters to introduce a youngster to the sport.
The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources reminds sportsmen and women that hunting turkeys over bait and killing hens is illegal, unethical and disrespects the great sport of spring gobbler hunting. Turkey hunters are encouraged to report any such activity to their local Natural Resources Police Officer or call 911 to report the violation.
The West Virginia Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation pays a reward of $200 for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of anyone illegally killing wild turkeys.