West Virginia Hunting Laws Licensing & Regulations

Hunting in West Virginia

Hunting is a significant source of revenue in West Virginia. Despite the fact that West Virginia is one of the smallest states in the country, more than 300,000 people participate in the state’s hunting season for large game such as deer, bears, turkeys, and other small game species.

Hunting Regulations in West Virginia

West Virginia, like the rest of the country, regulates hunting and trapping with laws and requirements that sportsmen must obey.

The following are some of the most important hunting restrictions in West Virginia:

West Virginia Hunting License

A state hunting license is required before you can hunt any game in West Virginia. West Virginia provides several hunting licenses for residents and non-residents. It is illegal to hunt without a current state hunting license.

West Virginia Tagging Requirements

Certain animals must be tagged after being hunted. Deer and turkeys are examples of these animals. Hunters must be aware of all tagging regulations for the sports they wish to participate in, and the animals must be appropriately tagged to avoid infringement.

Hunters must first obtain hunting tags before they can go hunting for animals such as turkeys and deer. The tag must be attached immediately after hunting the game and before the animal is transported from the hunting field.

Hunters must also label their tags with relevant information, such as a date, the zone where the hunting occurred, and any other pertinent information. The tag must be kept on the carcass when it is transported for storage or to the hunter’s home after the animal has been tagged. Furthermore, the tag must remain attached to the carcass while the hunter is still in camp.

Tag verification and validation

Validating game tags for animals, such as turkeys and deer, is required. The validation must be completed within 72 hours of playing the game. It is possible to do so using the West Virginia game check system.

Tags can also be validated by phone calls or the West Virginia Department of Fisheries and Wildlife’s website. If a check station is provided, hunters who harvest deer in specific Wildlife Management Areas can validate their deer tag within the WMA. It is the hunter’s obligation to determine whether a WMA has a deer check-in station and whether the station is open throughout the hunting season.

West Virginia Hunter Dressing Regulations

Orange and pink are the approved colors in West Virginia for certain game animals such as white-tailed deer, and it makes no difference what sort of hunting firearm is utilized. However, the quantity of pink or orange hue acceptable for hunting will vary depending on the type of hunting and if the hunter is on public or private property in West Virginia.

The following are some of West Virginia’s hunting clothing regulations:

Hunters on private state properties are permitted to wear at least 400 square inches of the required pink or orange color in body regions such as the chest, back, and head. According to this law, they can also wear an orange or pink cap with the required inch size.

Hunters who harvest deer during the lawful deer rifle season must wear at least 400 square inches of the pink or orange color on their head, chest, or back.

Hunters who shoot from stands or elevated floors on private land in the state are exempt from the dressing requirement. However, if private land authorizes the use of hunting rifles, there is an exception. In this situation, they must conform to the 400-square-inch minimum criteria for the orange or pink hue to be worn on their head, back, or chest when going to the stand or elevated floor and when returning.

Archery hunters who take wildlife on hunting lands that do not allow the use of guns are exempt from the dressing rule.

West Virginia Hunting Bag Limits

Hunters must adhere to the bag limit for the animal they wish to take as well as the hunting season in which they participate. Bag restrictions are used to limit the quantity of specific game animals that can be taken during the course of a hunting season.

Depending on the type of animal, bag limitations may be daily or seasonal. Daily bag limitations will limit the number of games that can be played in a single day. Seasonal bag limitations limit the number of games that can be taken between the beginning and conclusion dates of a hunting season.

Bag limits are set by the West Virginia Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and vary depending on the quantity of species available that year. Violating bag restrictions will result in consequences such as a fine or license revocation.

West Virginia allows open carry when hunting.

West Virginia allows open carry when hunting. You can also use any caliber of rifle while bow hunting.

Hunter Harassment Law in West Virginia

West Virginia has hunter harassment statutes in place to safeguard such behavior within the state.

Nobody in the state shall engage in the following activities on wildlife and in seas controlled by the government or private individuals where a hunting license is available:

To prevent the taking of such creatures, disrupt the authorized hunting of wildlife animals by hunters or fishing of aquatic animals by fishermen.
disturbing wild animals by engaging in activities or creating a barrier that alters animal behavior and interferes with hunting.
Disturb any hunter or fisherman who is lawfully carrying out his or her activity in order to dissuade or discourage them from doing so.
Trespassing on any wildlife or aquatic body with the goal of violating any provision of the hunter harassment statute.
Trespass on any privately owned, unnavigable water body with the intent to hunt any animal without first obtaining authorization from the landowner.

Hunting Licenses, Permits, and Tags in West Virginia

West Virginia hunting licenses are issued based on the applicant’s age and domicile; military members can also obtain licenses. Permits and tags are granted to hunters to allow them to take specified game animals.

The following licenses, permits, and tags are available in West Virginia:

Basic Season Permit

Holders of this license will be able to participate in several hunting seasons in West Virginia. This license, however, cannot be used to play large games. Residents and non-residents can purchase it for $15 and $150, respectively.

Big Game Permit

During their hunting season, this license will allow them to take a variety of large game. It is offered for $14 and $150 for locals and non-residents, respectively.

Bow Hunting Permit

This license is required for hunters who want to use archery to play games in West Virginia. It costs $10.5 and $26 for residents and non-residents, respectively.

Primitive Firearms Hunting Permit

Hunters in West Virginia who want to utilize archaic firearms to take game must obtain this license. It costs $10.5 and $26 for residents and non-residents, respectively.

LA Duck Permit

To take LA ducks, hunters must first have this license. It costs $5.5 and $25 for residents and non-residents, respectively.

Federal Duck Stamp Electronic

In order to take migratory poultry, including ducks, in West Virginia, you must first obtain a federal electronic duck stamp. It costs $27.22 and is available to both residents and non-residents.

Stamp from the Wild West of Virginia

This stamp is required for anyone who does not have a valid West Virginia hunting or fishing license and wishes to hunt or fish in the state. It costs $9.5 and is available to both residents and non-residents.

Wild West Virginia One-Day Stamp

This stamp is required for anyone who does not have a valid West Virginia hunting or fishing license and wishes to hunt or fish in the state. It is good for one day and costs $2 for both residents and non-residents.

Senior Hunting and Fishing Permit

This is a combo license that is accessible to older citizens in West Virginia. To apply for this license, you must be at least 65 years old. It will set you back $5.

Permit to Hunt in the WMA

A WMA hunting license is required to enter several Wildlife Management Areas in West Virginia. It costs $15 for residents and $15 for non-residents.

Permit for Small Game and Migratory Birds

This permit allows holders to hunt small game and migratory birds across the state. It is only good for one day and is only available to non-residents. It is priced at $29.

Permit for Deer Hunting

This permit entitles the possessor to hunt deer in West Virginia. It is only good for one day and is only available to non-residents. It is priced at $36.

Permit for Turkey Hunting

Holders of this permit may hunt turkeys in West Virginia. It is only good for one day and is only available to non-residents. It is priced at $36.

Permit to Hunt in a Preserve

Hunters with this permission will be able to access West Virginia hunting preserves. From October 1st to April 30th, the license is always accessible. It is only good for one day and is only available to non-residents. It is priced at $15.

Permit for a 5-day Native Basic Trip

This permit is only valid for 5 days and is only available to non-residents. Except for large games, the permission allows them to participate in a variety of activities. It is priced at $15.

Permit for a 5-day Native Big Game Trip

This permit is only valid for 5 days and is only available to non-residents. The permit allows them to participate in a variety of large games. It is priced at $14.

Native Bow Trip for 5 Days

This permit is only valid for 5 days and is only available to non-residents. The permission enables them to participate in the archery season. It costs $10.5 USD.

5-Day Native Primitive Firearms Expedition

This permit is only valid for 5 days and is only available to non-residents. They can participate in primitive firearm seasons with the permit. It costs $10.5 USD.

Trip to a Native Turkey for 5 Days

This permit is only valid for 5 days and is only available to non-residents. They are permitted to take a variety of turkeys under the terms of the permit. It is priced at $14.

5-Day Native Duck Expedition

This permit is only valid for 5 days and is only available to non-residents. They are permitted to take a variety of ducks under the terms of the permission. It is $5.50.

Fishing Licenses, Permits, and Tags in West Virginia

West Virginia fishing licenses, permits, and tags include the following:

License for Hook and Line Fishing

Residents who want to catch fish using hooks and lines must obtain this license. Non-residents are not permitted to use it. It is $2.50.

Basic Fishing Permit

This license is required for anyone who wishes to fish in various West Virginia bodies of water. Residents and non-residents can purchase it for $9.5 and $60, respectively.

License for Saltwater Fishing

This license allows holders to catch fish in West Virginia’s saltwater waters. Residents and non-residents can purchase it for $13 and $30, respectively.

One-Day Basic Trip Permit

This fishing permit is only valid for one day. Non-residents must pay a $5 fee to access it.

Basic Saltwater License for One Day

This fishing permit is only valid for one day. It is possible for non-residents to catch fish in salt water for $17.5.

Fishing License for Cans and Buckets

This license is required in West Virginia to catch fish with cans and buckets. Residents and non-residents can purchase it for $10 and $40, respectively.

Permit for Crab Trapping

A crab trapping license is required in West Virginia in order to trap crabs. The minimum amount of garbage gathered for this license is ten. It is offered for $15 and $60 for locals and non-residents, respectively.

Permit for Crawfish Trapping

A crawfish trapping license is required in West Virginia in order to trap crawfish. This license requires 35 tons of garbage to be harvested. It is offered for $15 and $60 for locals and non-residents, respectively.

Permits for Slat Trapping

A crab trapping license is required in West Virginia to trap crabs. This license requires a total of 5 fish to be harvested. It is offered for $20 and $80 for locals and non-residents, respectively.

Hunting Season in West Virginia

The hunting seasons in West Virginia are determined by the game species and the hunting weapons used to capture them.

West Virginia’s shooting season for various wildlif deer hunting in West Virginia follows:

Deer hunting season in West Virginia

Archery Hunting Season (September 1st to January 31st)
Muzzleloader Hunting Season (October 10th to January 31st)
No-Dog Firearms Hunting Season (17th of October to 24th of January)

The seasons for deer hunting in West Virginia vary depending on the state hunting zone. Hunters should contact the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources to confirm particular dates for their hunting season.

Wild Turkey Hunting Season in West Virginia

General Hunting Season (April 2nd to May 2nd)
Youth and Disabled Hunting Season (March 27th to March 28th)

Small game hunting season in West Virginia

Open Season for Raccoon Hunting
Open Season for Opossum Hunting
Open Season for Bobcat Hunting
Squirrel Hunting Season (October 3rd to February 28th and May 1st to May 23rd)
Rabbit hunting season lasts from October 3rd to February 28th.
Season for quail hunting (November 21st to February 28th)

Bag restrictions for small games differ depending on the species. Hunters can go to the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources website to learn about bag limitations for the games they intend to take.

Wildlife Games and Fishing in West Virginia

West Virginia’s wildlife and games include the following:

West Virginia deer hunting

West Virginia has a lot of white-tailed deer, and the state does a good job of keeping them alive for hunting. As a result, white-tailed deer are the most commonly harvested game in the state. They are widely spread throughout the state and can be found in practically all places, including some coastal areas.

Turkey hunting in West Virginia

Turkey hunting is more popular in West Virginia today than it was in previous decades. Wild turkeys can be found in practically every section of the state and in every suitable habitat.

Duck hunting in West Virginia

Duck hunting in West Virginia is done in wetlands such as ponds, rivers, and lakes. Hunters who have access to wildlife refuge areas can also go duck hunting there. Ducks prefer shallow areas of bodies of water.

Dove hunting in West Virginia

Mourning Dove hunting is highly prevalent in West Virginia, and it is the most popular species of dove found in the state. They can be observed perching in trees or on phone cables outside of residential areas. They also spend a lot of time roaming the grounds, especially while hunting for food.

Bobcat hunting in West Virginia

The West Virginia Bobcat Refuge is the state’s sole wildlife area where bobcats can be found. Bobcats are the only species of wildcat found in West Virginia and live in wooded areas.

Raccoon hunting in West Virginia

Raccoons are widely distributed in West Virginia because they can live in almost any habitat. They can be found in densely forested areas, woodland regions, and pine areas. Raccoons are easily identified by hunters due to their black masks on their faces and their characteristic yellow and black tails.

Shooting ranges in West Virginia

The following are some of the public shooting ranges in West Virginia:

Putnam County Gun Club is a non-profit organization.
Sports at Sleepy Creek
Savannah Lane Shooting Association is a shooting club in Savannah, Georgia.
Wadcutters.
Outdoor Education Center and White Horse Firearms
Sporting Gun Club.
Sport Ranges at Oak Flat

Hunting Land in West Virginia for Sale and Lease

West Virginia hunting lands for sale include the following:

Mason County has 213.44 acres of good hunting land, around 25 minutes from Leon.
42 acres in Albright, West Virginia (Preston County).
215 acres in Terra Alta, West Virginia (Preston County).
Branchland Lincoln County, 116 acres, is roughly 45 minutes from Huntington and a little more than an hour from Charleston.
76.5 acres in Tunnelton, West Virginia (Preston County).
8.1 acres in Milam, West Virginia (Hardy County)
21 acres in Augusta, West Virginia (Hampshire County)
237 acres in Proctor, West Virginia (Marshall County).

West Virginia hunting lands for lease include the following:

A yearly membership of 12 people is required by June 30th for a hunting land lease in Fayette County spanning 2600 acres.
Hunting leases on 300 acres are available in Hardy County, West Virginia.
In Jefferson County, 145 acres are available for archer hunting for deer, turkey, ducks, and predators.
A hunting lease on 130 acres in Upshur County is offered, with a tree home and hunting privileges for two persons. There is no electricity and only a wood stove to keep warm.
58 acres in Wirt County on Courtney Ridge with easy access to wooded locations

Public Hunting Lands in West Virginia

West Virginia’s public hunting lands include the following:

Lincoln County has 6,000 acres for hunting turkey, predators, and exotics.
388 acres in Webster County for duck and exotic hunting.
3061 acres in Fayette County for turkey, dove, duck, and predator hunts.
85 acres in McDowell County for whitetail deer, turkey, and exotic hunting.
Wayne County has 7531 acres for hunting whitetail deer, turkey, doves, ducks, predators, and exotics.
Mineral County has 6202 acres for hunting whitetail deer, turkey, predators, and exotics.
Putnam County has 7061 acres for hunting whitetail deer, turkey, and exotics.
6202 acres in Mineral County for whitetail deer, turkey, predators, and exotics hunting.
Marshall County has 242 acres for hunting whitetail deer, turkey, ducks, predators, and exotics.