State Guide

West Virginia Hunting Guide 2026

Complete West Virginia hunting guide for 2026: seasons, license costs, draw odds, GMU boundaries, bag limits, and regulations. Compare every game species at a glance.

Wildlife Agency

West Virginia Division of Natural Resources

Official Site

Hunter safety course required for first-time buyers

West Virginia Hunting Seasons

Whitetail Deer

Res: $19 Non-res: $119

Season Type	Opens	Closes
Archery	Sep 30	Dec 31
Rifle	Nov 20	Dec 3
Muzzleloader	Dec 11	Dec 24

Bag limits: daily: 1, season: 3+ depending on stamp purchases

One antlered buck per weapon season. Additional antlerless with stamps. Excellent deer hunting with mostly public mountain land.

Turkey

Res: $19 Non-res: $119

Season Type	Opens	Closes
Shotgun	Apr 15	May 20
Archery	Oct 14	Nov 17

Bag limits: daily: 1, season: 2 (spring), 1 (fall)

Spring bearded turkey. Fall gobbler season. Strong Eastern turkey populations. Excellent public land in National Forests.

Bear

Res: $19 Non-res: $119

Season Type	Opens	Closes
Rifle	Dec 4	Dec 10
Archery	Sep 30	Dec 31

Bag limits: daily: 1, season: 1

Bear damage stamp required. Growing black bear population in the Allegheny Mountains. Dog hunting allowed.

Quail

Res: $19 Non-res: $119

Season Type	Opens	Closes
Shotgun	Oct 14	Feb 28

Bag limits: daily: 4, season: No limit

Bobwhite quail. Populations declining statewide. Conservation efforts underway.

Planning Tools

Tag-to-Trail Planner — interactive map: public land, harvest records, water, burns
Hunt Cost Calculator — budget your full hunt cost
Application Timeline — never miss an application deadline
Preference Point Tracker — track points across all your states

West Virginia Hunting Guides

destinations

West Virginia Deer Hunting: Public Land and Mountain Bucks

West Virginia Hunting FAQ

Do I need a hunting license in West Virginia?

Yes. All hunters in West Virginia must hold a valid hunting license from the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. Non-residents typically pay higher fees. A hunter safety course is required for first-time license buyers.

What is the hunting license cost in West Virginia?

West Virginia license costs vary by species. Whitetail Deer: resident $19, non-resident $119. Turkey: resident $19, non-resident $119.

When is deer season in West Virginia?

West Virginia deer seasons: Archery: Sep 30 - Dec 31, Rifle: Nov 20 - Dec 3, Muzzleloader: Dec 11 - Dec 24.

Does West Virginia require a hunter safety course?

Yes, West Virginia requires hunter education certification for all first-time hunters. The course covers firearm safety, hunting laws, wildlife conservation, and ethical hunting practices.

Who manages hunting regulations in West Virginia?

The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources manages all hunting licenses, regulations, and wildlife management in West Virginia. Their website (https://wvdnr.gov) has current season dates, license purchasing, and regulation booklets.