Lottery hunts provide hunters with unique hunting opportunities
Each year, the WVDNR issues a limited number of permits for controlled deer hunts at select state parks, and limited Class N/NN antlerless deer hunting on some public hunting lands and counties around the state. If you’re looking to make the most out of your fall hunting adventures, then you should consider applying for one of these lottery hunts.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about lottery hunts, from the application process to what you can expect if you’re selected. We’re here to help you decide if taking the time to apply for one of these special hunts is worth it — and spoiler alert: it absolutely is!
What is a lottery hunt?
A lottery hunt is a regulated hunting opportunity where a limited number of permits are issued through a random drawing. Each of these hunts are designed to manage wildlife populations and some even offer hunters a chance to enjoy additional hunting opportunities on normally restricted public lands without affecting their regular season bag limits.
If selected, hunters are granted access to hunt in specific areas that are otherwise off-limits or the opportunity to take a deer where hunting is otherwise restricted. These additional opportunities offer a unique and rewarding experience and a chance to fill their freezers with meat or donate a deer or two to our Hunters Helping the Hungry Program.
How To Apply For A Lottery Hunt Permit
Hunters must use their existing Electronic Licensing and Game Checking System (ELS) account or create one to apply for a lottery hunt permit. Once logged in, applicants must select “Enter a Lottery Drawing” and choose one of the available options.
State Park Lottery Hunt Application and Selection Process
For the 2024 season, controlled hunts are scheduled for Beech Fork, Bluestone, Cacapon and Twin Falls Resort state parks. Applications will be accepted between July 15 and August 31 and must be submitted online at WVhunt.com. Each application is $15 and can be submitted for one or two people. You may apply for multiple hunts, but you may only enter each hunt once.
Permits will be drawn randomly on September 3 and successful applicants will be notified between September 6–23. If chosen, you must confirm your intent to participate in the hunt. If chosen for more than one concurrent hunt, you can’t split the three days between two or more parks. You’ll need to choose which one you want. Successful applicants will be contacted with more detailed information closer to the date of their controlled hunt.
Each hunter must possess a valid West Virginia hunting license within one week of being contacted or be legally exempt from purchasing a license. West Virginia hunting regulations apply to all controlled hunts.
State Park Lottery Hunt Details
Beech Fork State Park
When: Nov. 4-6 / Nov. 11-13
Permits Issued: 13 / 13
Weapons Permitted: Archery, Air Rifle or Muzzleloader
Details: Hunters must take an antlerless deer first, then may harvest one of either sex after.
Bluestone State Park
When: Nov. 4-6
Permits Issued: 15
Weapons Permitted: Archery, Air Rifle or Muzzleloader
Details: Hunters must take an antlerless deer first, then may harvest one of either sex after.
Cacapon Resort State Park
When: Nov. 6-8
Permits Issued: 30
Weapons Permitted: Archery Only
Details: Hunters must take an antlerless deer first, then may harvest one of either sex after.
When: Nov. 13-15
Permits Issued: 30
Weapons Permitted: Archery, Air Rifle or Muzzleloader
Details: Archery or Muzzleloader allowed to take two does. Drawings for 5 buck tags per day. Hunters may choose to pull a buck tag.
Twin Falls Resort State Park
When: Nov. 6-8 / Nov. 11-13
Permits Issued: 15
Weapons Permitted: Archery Only
Details: Hunters must take an antlerless deer first, then may harvest one of either sex after.
Antlerless Class N/NN Deer Season Lottery Hunts
In addition to state park lottery hunts, the WVDNR also issues a select number of permits each fall for antlerless deer hunting opportunities at various locations around the state, including land in state and national forests and wildlife management areas. Resident landowners do not need a permit to hunt on their own land in the limited permit counties.
Applications will be accepted between July 15 and September 6 and must be submitted online at WVhunt.com. Hunters may apply as individuals or as a group.
Starting on Sept. 15, all applicants will be able to see whether they received a permit by logging into their ELS account. Applicants who are selected will also be notified by mail by the first week of October.
For the 2024 season, successful applicants may hunt antlerless deer on private and public land on Oct. 24-27, Nov. 25 to Dec. 8, Dec. 12-15 and Dec. 28-31 at the following locations:
- Camp Creek State Forest
- Greenbrier State Forest
- Hillcrest WMA
- National Forest Land (Pocahontas County)
- Public Land (Randolph County)
- Boone County
- Clay County (South Portion)
- Greenbrier County (North Portion)
- Kanawha County (North Portion)
- Kanawha County (South Portion)
- Nicholas County
- Webster County
Submit Your Lottery Hunt Applications Today
Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to enhance your hunting season and help manage your wildlife resource. Submit your lottery hunt application today at WVhunt.com for a chance to secure your spot in one of West Virginia’s state parks or limited permit Class N/NN counties or public lands.