West Virginia Hunting Seasons 2025-2026 – Dates, Licenses & Wildlife Management Areas
Welcome to the comprehensive guide for West Virginia’s 2025-2026 game calendar! Whether you’re a local sportsman who’s been chasing whitetails through the Mountain State’s hollows for decades or an out-of-state visitor planning your first adventure in the “wild and wonderful” terrain, this detailed rundown covers everything you need to know.
From archery opener through spring gobbler finale, we’ll walk through all the key dates, permit requirements, bag restrictions, and prime wildlife management areas that make West Virginia one of the Southeast’s premier destinations for outdoor enthusiasts. Let’s dive into what promises to be another fantastic year in the field.
📅 Quick Highlights
Here’s your at-a-glance snapshot of the major species and timeframes you’ll want to mark on your calendar:
Deer: Archery runs September 27 through December 31, with buck firearm action from November 24 to December 7. Multiple antlerless opportunities throughout fall and early winter.
Bear: Extended archery/crossbow period matches deer dates, plus scattered firearm periods by county starting as early as late August.
Turkey: Fall bird opportunities begin October 11 in select counties, while spring gobbler action kicks off April 20, 2026.
Small Game: Squirrel opens September 13, grouse starts October 18, and most upland species run through late February.
Waterfowl: Migratory bird dates follow federal frameworks – check the separate waterfowl guide for specific duck and goose timeframes.
Youth Opportunities: Special early periods for deer, bear, squirrel, and turkey give young hunters first crack at prime conditions.
Big Game Overview
Whitetail Deer Seasons
West Virginia’s deer program offers multiple methods and timeframes to accommodate different hunting preferences:
| Method | Opening Date | Closing Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Archery/Crossbow | September 27, 2025 | December 31, 2025 | Longest season, all counties |
| Buck Firearms | November 24, 2025 | December 7, 2025 | Two-week modern gun period |
| Antlerless (Select Counties) | October 23-26, 2025 | December 31, 2025 | Multiple split periods |
| Muzzleloader | December 15, 2025 | December 21, 2025 | One-week primitive weapons |
| Youth/Class Q/XS | October 18-19, 2025 | December 27, 2025 | Two separate weekends |
Bag Limits: Buck harvest depends on your license type and stamps. Most hunters can take up to two antlered deer during regular periods, plus one during Mountaineer Heritage if you participate. Antlerless limits vary by county and stamps purchased – typically up to three with proper Class N/NN permits.
Black Bear Opportunities
The Mountain State’s bruin population supports robust harvests across multiple timeframes:
| Method | Opening Date | Closing Date | Counties |
|---|---|---|---|
| Archery/Crossbow | September 27, 2025 | December 31, 2025 | Statewide where legal |
| Early Firearm Splits | August 30, 2025 | September 26, 2025 | Selected counties only |
| October Firearm | October 4-10 & 23-26, 2025 | Various | Check county regulations |
| General Firearm | November 24, 2025 | December 31, 2025 | Most bear counties |
| Youth Periods | September 13-14 & October 18-19, 2025 | Various | Special youth opportunities |
Bag Limits: Annual limit of two bears, but only one per day. At least one bear must come from the designated southern counties (Boone, Fayette, Kanawha, Logan, McDowell, Mingo, Raleigh, or Wyoming).
Wild Boar
Non-native hogs offer year-round control opportunities:
- Archery/Crossbow: September 27 – December 31, 2025, plus February 6-8, 2026
- Firearms: October 25 – November 1, 2025, plus February 6-8, 2026
- Bag Limit: One per license period
Turkey Dates
Fall Turkey Schedule
Fall bird opportunities vary significantly by county and run through multiple periods:
| Period | Opening Date | Closing Date | Counties |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Fall | October 11, 2025 | October 19, 2025 | Limited counties |
| Mid Fall | October 27, 2025 | November 2, 2025 | Additional counties |
| Extended Fall | October 27, 2025 | November 16, 2025 | Select areas |
Bag Limit: One either-sex bird during fall periods. Check pages 44-47 of the regulations for specific county openings.
Spring Gobbler Season
- General Season: April 20 – May 24, 2026
- Youth Season: April 18-19, 2026 (special two-day early period)
- Bag Limit: Up to two bearded birds during spring, combined with fall harvest cannot exceed three total for the year
Furbearer Opportunities
West Virginia’s diverse furbearer populations support both recreational and commercial trapping:
| Species | Season Dates | Method | Daily Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raccoon | October 18 – February 28 | Hunting | 4 per 24-hour period |
| Raccoon | November 1 – February 28 | Trapping | No limit |
| Red/Gray Fox | November 1 – February 28 | Hunt/Trap | No limit |
| Red/Gray Fox | January 1 – February 28 | Night hunting w/lights | No limit |
| Bobcat | November 1 – February 28 | Hunt/Trap | 3 per year |
| Mink/Muskrat | November 1 – February 28 | Trapping | No limit |
| Fisher | November 1 – January 31 | Trapping | 1 per year |
| Beaver | November 1 – March 31 | Trapping | No limit |
| Otter | November 1 – February 28 | Trapping | 1 per year |
| Coyote | Year-round | Hunt/Trap | No limit |
Special Notes: Night harvesting of fox with artificial light requires specific equipment and methods. Coyote offers year-round control with no closed period.
Small Game Section
Upland game provides excellent opportunities for both seasoned bird dogs and casual weekend outings:
| Species | Opening Date | Closing Date | Daily Bag | Possession |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Squirrel (All Types) | September 13, 2025 | February 28, 2026 | 6 | 24 |
| Squirrel (Youth) | September 6, 2025 | September 7, 2025 | 6 | 12 |
| Ruffed Grouse | October 18, 2025 | February 28, 2026 | 4 | 16 |
| Bobwhite Quail | November 1, 2025 | January 3, 2026 | 3 | 9 |
| Cottontail Rabbit | November 1, 2025 | February 28, 2026 | 5 | 20 |
| Snowshoe Hare | November 1, 2025 | February 28, 2026 | 2 | 8 |
| Ring-necked Pheasant | November 1, 2025 | January 3, 2026 | 2 | 2 |
Special Regulations: Pheasant harvests on Hillcrest WMA run November 8 – December 6 with reduced limits (1 daily, 1 possession). Quail season is closed on Tomblin WMA.
Complete Waterfowl Seasons
Migratory bird dates follow federal frameworks established by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. West Virginia participates in the Atlantic Flyway regulations:
Required Registration: All waterfowl hunters must complete Harvest Information Program (HIP) registration before pursuing any migratory species.
Primary Species: Ducks, geese, mourning doves, rails, gallinules, woodcock, and common snipe all fall under federal migratory bird regulations.
Detailed Dates: Specific opener and closer dates, plus daily bag limits for each species, are published in the separate West Virginia Migratory Bird Hunting Regulations document.
Zones: Some waterfowl species may have different dates in various parts of the state. Always verify local regulations before heading afield.
Other Available Game
Several additional species round out West Virginia’s diverse opportunities:
| Species | Season | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Crow | October 1 – November 22, 2025 | Split season |
| Crow | January 1 – March 7, 2026 | Second period |
| Nuisance Crows | Year-round | When causing crop/property damage |
| Skunk/Opossum | Year-round | No closed period |
| Woodchuck | Year-round | No closed period |
| Weasel | Year-round | Hunt year-round, trap Nov 1 – Feb 28 |
| European Starling | Year-round | Non-native species |
| English Sparrow | Year-round | Non-native species |
| Pigeon | Year-round | No restrictions |
Prohibited Species: Elk, porcupine, song birds, raptors (hawks, owls, falcons, eagles) have no open periods and may not be harvested.
Hunting Zones
West Virginia divides into multiple management districts, each with specific regulations and opportunities. The state maintains:
- 96 Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs)
- 8 State Forests open to sporting activities
- Cooperative agreements with National Forests and National Wildlife Refuges
Key Areas Include:
Northern District: Hillcrest WMA, Pleasant Creek WMA, Sleepy Creek WMA, Nathaniel Mountain WMA, plus Coopers Rock State Forest
Central District: McClintic WMA, Stonewall Jackson Lake WMA, Burnsville Lake WMA, Kanawha State Forest
Southern District: Bluestone Lake WMA, Panther WMA, R.D. Bailey Lake WMA, Chief Logan WMA
Complete Maps: The official WMA map on page 52 of the regulations shows precise boundaries and access points for all public properties. Many areas require special permits or have unique restrictions, so always check individual property regulations before your visit.
Public Land Tips: National Forest lands often offer the most extensive acreage, while WMAs provide concentrated management for specific species. Some locations like Colorado’s hunting areas offer similar diversity, but West Virginia’s mountainous terrain creates unique opportunities you won’t find elsewhere.
Permits, Tags & Licenses Details
Base License Requirements
| License Type | Resident | Non-Resident | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class A (Annual) | $19 | $75 | Basic license |
| Class AH (Annual Combo) | $25 | $88 | Includes fishing |
| Class XXJ (Youth 15-17) | $5 | $16 | Junior sportsman |
| Class Q (Disabled) | $5 | N/A | Special qualification required |
| Class XS (Senior 65+) | $5 | N/A | Born before Jan 1, 1947 |
Essential Stamps and Add-Ons
Species-Specific Stamps:
- Class N/NN: Antlerless deer permits (varies by county)
- RG Stamp: Second buck firearm harvest
- RB Stamp: Additional archery deer (up to 2)
- RM Stamp: Muzzleloader deer harvest
- DS Stamp: Bear harvest permit
- WW Stamp: Turkey harvest permit
- BG Stamp: Archery/muzzleloader deer for Class A/AH holders
Special Considerations:
- Military Personnel: Active duty receive free licenses
- Former POWs: Lifetime free sporting licenses
- Resident Landowners: May pursue game on their own property without license
- Youth Under 15: Free when accompanied by licensed adult
License Purchase Options
Online: Visit wvhunt.com for 24/7 access
Retail Locations: Licensed agents throughout the state
Lifetime Options: Available for residents and non-residents at various age brackets
Important: All licenses are valid from July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026. Purchase early to avoid last-minute rushes, especially for popular stamps like antlerless deer permits.
West Virginia Game Calendar Quick FAQ
Q: Can I use a crossbow during archery periods?
A: Yes, crossbows are legal during all designated archery timeframes in West Virginia. No special permit required.
Q: Do land owners need licenses to pursue game on their own property?
A: Resident landowners may engage in sporting activities on their own land without purchasing licenses. Non-resident landowners must buy appropriate permits.
Q: What’s the difference between Class N and Class NN antlerless deer stamps?
A: Both allow antlerless deer harvest, but availability and valid counties may differ. Check the specific county listings in the regulations for which stamp applies where.
Q: Can youth hunters participate in regular periods, or only special youth dates?
A: Young sportsmen can participate in both youth-only periods and regular timeframes, provided they have proper licenses and supervision when required.
Q: Are there any restrictions on hunting methods during modern firearm periods?
A: Each timeframe specifies legal weapons. During “firearms” periods, modern rifles, shotguns, and muzzleloaders are typically allowed. During “archery” periods, only bows and crossbows are legal.
Q: How do I know which counties are open for specific species?
A: The regulations include detailed county-by-county charts for deer, bear, and turkey. Always verify your intended location appears on the appropriate list before making plans.
Q: Do I need hunter education to purchase a license?
A: West Virginia requires hunter education certification for most license types. Check current requirements, as some exemptions exist for certain age groups and license classes.
Related Resources and State Comparisons
For sportsmen interested in multi-state adventures, nearby opportunities include Pennsylvania’s extensive seasons which often complement West Virginia timeframes well for extended trips.
Essential Links:
- Official WV DNR website: wvdnr.gov
- License purchase: wvhunt.com
- Hunter education courses: West Virginia DNR Hunter Education
- WMA maps and details: Available through WV DNR
- Federal migratory bird information: US Fish & Wildlife Service
Stay Connected: Follow WV DNR social media for real-time updates on conditions, regulation changes, and prime opportunities throughout the year.
Conclusion
West Virginia’s 2025-2026 calendar offers something for every outdoor enthusiast, from the bow hunter seeking solitude in September’s early archery period to the spring gobbler chaser enjoying May’s peak breeding activity. With nearly 100 wildlife management areas, multiple weapon types, and generous bag limits on most species, the Mountain State continues earning its reputation as a premier destination.
The key to success lies in preparation – grab your licenses and stamps early, scout your intended areas during closed periods, and always double-check county-specific regulations before heading afield. Whether you’re after a mature whitetail buck, your first black bear, or simply want to introduce young hunters to the outdoors, West Virginia’s diverse opportunities and stunning mountain landscapes provide the perfect backdrop.
Mark your calendar, plan your adventure, and get ready for what promises to be another memorable year pursuing game in “wild and wonderful” West Virginia. The seasons are set, the opportunities are abundant, and the mountains are calling.
Remember to bookmark this guide and check back regularly for any regulation updates or changes that might affect your plans. Here’s to safe, successful, and ethical sporting adventures in the year ahead!
