West Virginia Hunting Seasons, 2023-2024

West Virginia offers several big game hunting seasons through the beautiful Appalachian Mountains. Aptly named the “Mountain State,” West Virginia gives hunters the opportunity to hunt in majestic solitude while pursuing deer, bear, turkey and small game.

Despite being a smaller state, West Virginia is home to more than 350,000 hunters who pursue game of all sizes each year. The state considers hunting to be a major economic booster — hunting-related expenses help fuel West Virginia’s economy by an estimated $270 million.

Whether you’re looking for game big or small, West Virginia’s scenic outdoors and plentiful wildlife offer the perfect hunting grounds.

West Virginia Wild Boar Seasons

Archery and CrossbowSept. 30-Dec. 31
Feb. 2-4
General SeasonOct. 28-Nov. 4
Feb. 2-4

West Virginia Deer Seasons

Buck FirearmsNov. 20-Dec. 3
Archery and CrossbowSept. 30-Dec. 31
AntlerlessOct. 26-29
Nov. 20-Dec. 3
Dec. 7-10
Dec. 28-31
MuzzleloaderDec. 11-17
Youth SeasonOct. 21-22
Dec. 26-27

**Season dates vary by zone and hunts may only be legal in select counties. For more information, visit the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources website.


West Virginia Turkey Seasons

Fall General SeasonOct. 14-22
Oct. 30-Nov. 19**
Spring General Season, Bearded OnlyApr. 15-May 19
Spring Youth SeasonApr. 13-14

**Season dates vary by zone. For more information, visit the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources website.

West Virginia Black Bear Seasons

Archery and CrossbowSept. 30-Dec. 31
FirearmsSept. 2-10
Oct. 7-13
Oct. 26-29
Nov. 20-Dec. 3
Dec. 4-31

**Season dates vary by zone. For more information about bear hunting locations and dates, visit the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources website.

West Virginia Small Game Seasons

SquirrelSept. 9-Feb. 29
Ruffed GrouseOct. 14-Feb. 29
Bobwhite QuailNov. 4-Jan. 6
Rabbit and HareNov. 4-Feb. 29
PheasantNov. 4-Jan. 6**
RaccoonOct. 14-Feb. 29

The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources has restrictions for year-round and seasonal hunting. Bag limits, special seasons and hunting regulations for West Virginia hunting seasons vary based on animal and season. For more information on obtaining licenses, permits and regulations, visit the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources website.