West Virginia hunting season 2026-2027 gives hunters a long lineup of opportunities, starting with early youth bear dates in September and archery deer and bear seasons on Sept. 26. From there, the calendar rolls into buck firearms, antlerless deer, black bear gun hunts, fall turkey, small game, furbearers and the January Mountaineer Heritage season. The state’s main game species include white-tailed deer, black bear, wild turkey, wild boar, squirrel, rabbit, grouse, raccoon, fox and coyote. Before you head out, it is smart to review the official West Virginia Hunting Regulations Summary because county rules, bag limits and legal methods can change from year to year.
Knowing season dates matters for more than planning weekends. In West Virginia, open counties, weapon choices, antlerless opportunities and youth privileges all vary by species and season. Licenses and stamps matter just as much. A resident with a Sportsman license may still need deer or bear-related stamps, while a nonresident often needs a base license plus the CS/LE stamp and species-specific add-ons. Hunt within the rules, tag and check game on time, and always confirm late updates with WVDNR before opening day.
✔ Hunting season dates
✔ Bag limits
✔ Legal hunting hours
✔ Required licenses
✔ Weapon restrictions
✔ Blaze orange rules
✔ Public land rules
✔ Hunter education requirements
Quick Overview
| Species | Season | Weapon | Best Months | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| White-tailed deer | Sept. 26, 2026-Jan. 17, 2027 (varies by method) | Archery, crossbow, firearms, muzzleloader, heritage arms | Oct.-Dec. | Base license plus deer stamps as needed |
| Black bear | Sept. 12-Dec. 31, 2026 and Jan. 14-17, 2027 (varies) | Archery, crossbow, firearms, heritage arms | Sept.-Dec. | Base license plus Bear Damage Stamp |
| Wild turkey | Oct.-Nov. 2026; Apr. 17-May 23, 2027 | Shotgun, bow, crossbow; heritage arms in season | Apr.-May, Oct. | Base license; nonresidents need turkey stamp |
| Wild boar | Sept. 26-Dec. 31, 2026 and Feb. 5-7, 2027 | Archery, crossbow, firearms | Oct.-Feb. | Valid hunting license combo that covers boar |
| Squirrel | Sept. 5, 2026-Feb. 28, 2027 | Rimfire/firearms as legal | Sept.-Nov. | Base license if required |
| Rabbit/hare | Nov. 7, 2026-Feb. 28, 2027 | Small-game legal arms | Nov.-Jan. | Base license if required |
| Grouse/quail/pheasant | Oct. 17, 2026-Jan. 2, 2027 | Shotgun and other legal small-game methods | Oct.-Dec. | Base license if required |
| Raccoon/fox/bobcat | Oct. 17, 2026-Feb. 28, 2027 | Hunting and trapping methods vary | Nov.-Jan. | Base license; some species require e-registration |
| Waterfowl/migratory birds | Separate migratory summary | Shotgun with nontoxic shot | Sept.-Jan. | HIP; duck stamp for waterfowl hunters 16+ |
Complete Hunting Dates for West Virginia Hunting Season 2026-2027
Big Game
- Deer
- Archery and crossbow: Sept. 26-Dec. 31, 2026
- Buck firearms: Nov. 23-Dec. 6, 2026
- Antlerless deer, split season in selected counties: Oct. 22-25, Nov. 23-Dec. 6, Dec. 10-13, Dec. 28-31, 2026
- Muzzleloader: Dec. 14-20, 2026
- Youth/Class Q/Class XS: Oct. 17-18 and Dec. 26-27, 2026
- Mountaineer Heritage: Jan. 14-17, 2027
- Zone variation: Logan, McDowell, Mingo and Wyoming are the four bow-only counties and are closed to buck firearms and muzzleloader deer hunting.
- Notes: Nine areas require an antlerless harvest before a second antlered deer can be taken in that same county.
- Black bear
- Archery and crossbow: Sept. 26-Dec. 31, 2026
- Gun seasons in selected counties: Aug. 29-Sept. 7, Sept. 19-25, Oct. 3-9, Oct. 22-25, Nov. 23-Dec. 6, Dec. 7-31, 2026
- Youth/Class Q/Class XS: Sept. 12-13 and Oct. 17-18, 2026
- Mountaineer Heritage: Jan. 14-17, 2027
- Notes: Season bag limit is two bears, but at least one must come from Boone, Fayette, Kanawha, Logan, McDowell, Mingo, Raleigh or Wyoming counties.
- Wild boar
- Gun split season: Oct. 24-31, 2026 and Feb. 5-7, 2027
- Archery and crossbow split season: Sept. 26-Dec. 31, 2026 and Feb. 5-7, 2027
- Elk
- No open season
- Moose, pronghorn, bighorn sheep, mountain goat, bison, javelina
- Not applicable in West Virginia
Turkey
- Fall turkey
- One-week counties: Oct. 10-18, 2026
- Split two-week counties: Oct. 10-18 and Oct. 26-Nov. 1, 2026
- Split four-week counties: Oct. 10-18 and Oct. 26-Nov. 15, 2026
- Spring gobbler (bearded only): Apr. 19-May 23, 2027
- Youth spring turkey: Apr. 17-18, 2027
- Special season: Mountaineer Heritage turkey Jan. 14-17, 2027
- Notes: Fall counties vary, so always check the county list before traveling.
Small Game
- Squirrel: Sept. 12, 2026-Feb. 28, 2027
- Youth squirrel: Sept. 5-6, 2026
- Cottontail rabbit: Nov. 7, 2026-Feb. 28, 2027
- Snowshoe/varying hare: Nov. 7, 2026-Feb. 28, 2027
- Woodchuck: Year-round
- Opossum/skunk/weasel: Year-round hunting; trapping season also applies
Upland Birds
- Ruffed grouse: Oct. 17, 2026-Feb. 28, 2027
- Bobwhite quail: Nov. 7, 2026-Jan. 2, 2027
- Ring-necked pheasant: Nov. 7, 2026-Jan. 2, 2027
- Hillcrest WMA pheasant: Nov. 14-Dec. 5, 2026
- Chukar, partridge, ptarmigan: Not regular West Virginia seasons
Waterfowl
WVDNR separates migratory birds into a different annual summary. The 2026-2027 hunting and trapping guide says hunters should use the separate migratory bird regulations for ducks, geese, coots, gallinules, rails, snipe and woodcock. Because that separate current-season document was not posted through the public regulations hub when this article was prepared, verify all migratory bird dates before hunting. At minimum, licensed migratory bird hunters need HIP registration, and waterfowl hunters age 16 or older need a federal duck stamp.
Furbearers
- Raccoon hunting: Oct. 17, 2026-Feb. 28, 2027
- Raccoon trapping: Nov. 7, 2026-Feb. 28, 2027
- Red and gray fox hunting/trapping: Nov. 7, 2026-Feb. 28, 2027
- Night fox with artificial light/night vision: Jan. 1-Feb. 28, 2027
- Bobcat hunting/trapping: Nov. 7, 2026-Feb. 28, 2027
- Mink/muskrat trapping: Nov. 7, 2026-Feb. 28, 2027
- Fisher trapping: Nov. 7, 2026-Jan. 31, 2027
- Beaver trapping: Nov. 7, 2026-Mar. 31, 2027
- Otter trapping: Nov. 7, 2026-Feb. 28, 2027
Predators
- Coyote hunting: Year-round
- Fox: Nov. 7, 2026-Feb. 28, 2027; night season Jan. 1-Feb. 28
- Wolf, mountain lion: No legal open season
Special Opportunities
- Youth squirrel: Sept. 5-6, 2026
- Youth bear: Sept. 12-13 and Oct. 17-18, 2026
- Youth deer: Oct. 17-18 and Dec. 26-27, 2026
- Youth spring turkey: Apr. 17-18, 2027
- Disabled/Class Q hunts: Included in split youth/Class Q seasons
- Apprentice hunting: Available through resident and nonresident apprentice licenses
- Veterans/military: Active-duty West Virginians on leave may hunt under free-license privileges but still need certain stamps
Hunting License Fees
| License Type | Resident Fee | Nonresident Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hunting & Trapping License | $19 | $119 (Class E statewide) | Base annual license |
| Apprentice Hunting License | $19 | $119 | Hunter ed not required, but supervision rules apply |
| Junior Sportsman | $16 | $16 | Resident XJ; nonresident XXJ |
| Sportsman License | $35 | — | Resident Class X |
| Sportsman Plus | $45 | — | Includes trout stamp |
| 3-Year Sportsman | $105 | — | Resident X3 |
| 3-Year Sportsman Plus | $135 | — | Resident XP3 |
| Senior License (Class XS) | $25 | — | Required for many residents 65+ born on/after Jan. 1, 1947 |
| Antlerless Deer Stamp | $10 | $27 | Class N / NN |
| Additional Archery Deer Stamp | $21 | $37 | Class RB / RRB |
| Additional Firearms Deer Stamp | $21 | $43 | Class RG / RRG |
| Additional Muzzleloader Deer Stamp | $16 | $37 | Class RM / RRM |
| Resident Big Game Stamp | $10 | — | Needed with Class A/AH for certain big game |
| Bear Damage Stamp | $10 | $10 | Required to hunt or chase bear unless exempt |
| Turkey Stamp | — | $32 | Nonresident Class WW |
| Archery Deer Stamp | — | $32 | Nonresident Class UU |
| Muzzleloader Deer Stamp | — | $32 | Nonresident Class VV |
| Small Game License | — | $27 | Six consecutive days; Class H |
| Bear Hunting License | — | $162 | Nonresident Class EE |
| CS/LE Stamp | — | $13 | Required for most nonresident hunters |
| National Forest Stamp | — | $2 | Needed on qualifying nonresident licenses |
| Lifetime Combination License | $805 | $3,036 | Resident AB-L / nonresident E-L base lifetime combo |
Note: Some lifetime child licenses and specialty lifetime options are also offered. Always double-check the exact class you need before purchase.
Important Hunting Regulations
- Hunters born on or after Jan. 1, 1975 must complete hunter education before buying a base license.
- West Virginia also offers apprentice licenses for first-time hunters.
- Youth under 15 may hunt without a license when accompanied by a licensed adult close enough to help.
- Youth 15-17 must meet normal licensing rules.
- The minimum age restriction for youth seasons has been removed.
- Youth big-game harvests must be checked under the youth hunter’s own account.
- Field-tag game before moving it from the kill site.
- Big game must be electronically checked within 72 hours, or within 24 hours after the season closes, whichever comes first.
- Written permission is required on posted, fenced, enclosed or purple-paint-marked private land.
- It is illegal to discharge a firearm within 500 feet of a school, church or dwelling, subject to narrow consent-based exceptions.
- During deer and bear firearms seasons, hunters generally need 400 square inches of blaze orange.
- During Mountaineer Heritage, blaze orange is required except in the four bow-only counties.
- Logan, McDowell, Mingo and Wyoming counties are the state’s bow-only deer counties.
- Air rifles are legal for small game and big-game firearms seasons; deer air rifles must meet firearm-season rules and be used only where firearm deer hunting is open.
- Spring turkey shooting hours end at 1 p.m.
- During spring turkey season, it is illegal to use dogs, bait or electronic calls.
- Hunters may not have an uncased firearm, bow or crossbow in the woods after 1 p.m. during spring gobbler season.
- Fall turkey baiting is also prohibited.
- Waterfowl hunters must use approved nontoxic shot.
- Licensed migratory bird hunters need a free HIP registration.
- Waterfowl hunters age 16 and older need a federal duck stamp.
- Baiting or feeding wildlife is illegal at any time on public land.
- In the CWD Containment Area, deer baiting is prohibited and carcass transport of high-risk parts is restricted.
- WVDNR offers free CWD testing for adult deer harvested in the containment area.
- Successful bear hunters must submit a first premolar tooth by Jan. 31 after harvest.
- Bear gun seasons include Sunday closing days.
- No permit is required to bear hunt on Nathaniel Mountain or Short Mountain WMAs.
- Fox may be hunted at night with artificial light or night-vision technology from Jan. 1-Feb. 28.
- Coyote hunting is year-round.
- Concealed-carry permit holders may carry a concealed handgun for self-defense while hunting, but it may be used for hunting only when otherwise legal.
- Mountaineer Heritage season allows only side-lock percussion or flintlock rifles/pistols, longbows and recurve bows; no scopes on modern muzzleloaders, no in-lines, no compound bows, no crossbows.
- Nonresidents hunting qualifying National Forest lands may need the Class I stamp.
- Some antlerless deer opportunities on public land are limited by county, WMA or selection rules.
Best Hunting Places in West Virginia
Best Deer Hunting Areas
Sleepy Creek WMA offers large public acreage in the eastern panhandle, mixed hardwood habitat and solid deer, bear and turkey prospects. Public access is good, but the terrain can be steep and moderately challenging.
Bluestone Lake WMA in southern West Virginia is popular for deer, turkey and bear, with rugged country that rewards hunters willing to walk farther.
Best Turkey Hunting Areas
Nathaniel Mountain WMA is one of the better public-land names for deer, bear, grouse, squirrel and turkey. It is mountainous, public and best for hunters comfortable with big ridges.
Sleepy Creek WMA also stands out for spring and fall turkey because it combines forest cover, elevation changes and broad access.
Best Waterfowl Hunting Areas
McClintic WMA is one of the best-known public waterfowl names in the state because WVDNR runs controlled waterfowl hunt opportunities there. Expect marsh and wetland habitat, easy-to-moderate access and strong demand.
Major river corridors and managed wetland sites can also produce, but current-season rules should be checked carefully.
Best Small Game Areas
Bluestone Lake WMA and Nathaniel Mountain WMA both offer squirrel, grouse and rabbit-style habitat with big public acreage. Hunters like them because they can cover ground and target multiple legal species in one trip.
Best Public Hunting Lands
Monongahela National Forest gives hunters huge public-country options, backcountry pressure relief and classic mountain terrain.
West Virginia’s 96 WMAs together provide broad public access across the state, and the WV DNR interactive map is the easiest way to scout access points.
Best Wildlife Management Areas
Top names to start with are Sleepy Creek, Bluestone Lake, Nathaniel Mountain, South Branch and McClintic. Each is public, each supports multiple game species, and each rewards pre-season map work.
Bag Limits
| Species | Daily Limit | Possession Limit | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deer | Varies | Varies | Annual antlered limit is generally 2; 3 in the CWD area or for Class XS holders |
| Bear | 1 | 2 | Season limit 2; at least 1 must come from listed southern counties |
| Spring turkey | 1 | 2 | Bearded birds only; season limit 2 |
| Fall turkey | 1 | — | County-specific season structure |
| Wild boar | 1 | — | Split season |
| Squirrel | 6 | 24 | Youth possession 12 |
| Ruffed grouse | 4 | 16 | — |
| Bobwhite quail | 3 | 9 | Closed on Tomblin WMA |
| Cottontail rabbit | 5 | 20 | — |
| Snowshoe hare | 2 | 8 | — |
| Ring-necked pheasant | 2 | 2 | Cock birds only |
| Hillcrest WMA pheasant | 1 | 1 | Cock birds only |
| Raccoon (hunting) | 4 | None | 24-hour period runs 6 a.m. to 6 a.m. |
| Bobcat | — | — | Season limit 3 |
| Otter | — | — | Season limit 1 |
| Coyote | None | None | Year-round hunting |
Legal Hunting Hours
West Virginia uses species-specific shooting hours, so it pays to slow down and read the fine print before each opener.
- General daytime hunting: For deer and most small-game/upland hunts, expect standard daylight hours.
- Big game: Deer and similar daytime big-game hunts generally follow half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset.
- Fall turkey: Official turkey guidance uses half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset.
- Spring turkey: Half an hour before sunrise to 1 p.m.
- Waterfowl: Follow the separate migratory bird summary for exact legal shooting hours.
- Night hunting: Fox has a defined night season with artificial light or night-vision technology from Jan. 1-Feb. 28.
- Exceptions: Spring gobbler hunters cannot carry an uncased weapon in the woods after 1 p.m., and some bear and turkey seasons include Sunday closing days.
Hunter Education Requirements
If you were born on or after Jan. 1, 1975, West Virginia requires you to complete hunter education before buying your first base hunting license. The state offers free in-person courses and paid online classroom options, but online students still must attend an in-person written and hands-on exam session to finish certification. Students who have not reached their 10th birthday by the written test date do not receive permanent certification. For the official process, class listings and duplicate card help, use the West Virginia Hunter Education Program.
Apprentice licenses are the main exemption path for beginners who want to try hunting first. They are meant for first-time hunters, require accompaniment by a licensed adult and do not replace normal season, tagging or safety rules.
Public vs Private Land Hunting
On private land, you need written permission if the property is posted, fenced, enclosed or marked with purple paint. Carry that permission with you.
On public land, the main options are WMAs, state forests, National Forest lands and selected access sites. West Virginia manages 96 wildlife management areas and more than a million acres of public hunting ground. National Forest hunting can trigger an added stamp requirement for qualifying nonresident licenses. Some public-land deer opportunities are also limited by county or special area rules, so do not assume every open county is open on every parcel. Use the WV DNR map tools before you go, and always match your county, land type and stamp set.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does hunting season start in West Virginia?
Youth bear opens Sept. 12, 2026, and the statewide archery/crossbow deer and bear seasons open Sept. 26, 2026.
Do I need a hunting license in West Virginia?
Most hunters do. Youth under 15 and certain landowners or exempt groups may qualify for exceptions.
Can nonresidents hunt in West Virginia?
Yes. Nonresidents can hunt, but they usually need a base license, the CS/LE stamp and any species-specific stamps.
Can you hunt on Sundays in West Virginia?
Some seasons allow Sunday hunting, but not all. Fall turkey and certain bear gun segments include Sunday closing days.
Can I use a crossbow in West Virginia?
Yes, but deer crossbow use is tied to the archery/crossbow season and county rules. The four bow-only counties have added limits.
Do I need hunter education?
Yes, if you were born on or after Jan. 1, 1975, unless you are hunting on an apprentice license.
Can I bait deer in West Virginia?
Not on public land, and not in the CWD Containment Area. Always check local deer rules before placing feed.
Can I hunt at night in West Virginia?
Night opportunities are limited. Fox has a defined night season, and other species should be checked carefully in the current regulations.
What is the blaze orange requirement?
Firearms deer and bear hunters generally need at least 400 square inches of blaze orange.
Final Thoughts
West Virginia hunting season 2026-2027 gives hunters a lot to work with, from long deer and bear windows to youth dates, heritage hunting and strong public-land access. The keys to a smooth season are simple: buy the right license class, add the right stamps, match your county to the right season, and do not overlook WMA or CWD rules.
Hunt safely, respect landowners, tag and check every harvest on time, and remember that regulations can change late. Before any specific trip, verify the latest county lists, migratory bird dates and special restrictions with WVDNR. If you also hunt neighboring states, our Virginia hunting season guide is a useful next read.
- Important Virginia Hunting Dates and 2026-2027 Season Regulations - August 13, 2026
- Vermont Hunting: 2026-2027 Dates and Season Rules - August 13, 2026
- Prepare for Wyoming Hunting: 2026-2027 Season Dates and Regulations - August 13, 2026