The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources has released its Hunting and Trapping Summary for the upcoming 2026-2027 seasons. The annual publication outlines important regulations and season dates designed to manage West Virginia’s wildlife resources while maximizing outdoor recreation.
“Hunting and trapping are a vital part of our state’s heritage and these updated regulations are designed to sustain both our wildlife populations and our outdoor traditions,” said Brett McMillion, WVDNR director. “We encourage everyone to review this year’s summary and get their licenses early so they can head into the woods this fall fully prepared for a safe and rewarding season.”
The regulations summary is available to download at WVdnr.gov/hunting-regulations. Hunters who wish to obtain a printed copy should contact their local hunting and fishing license agent or WVDNR district office. Copies are also available at the WVDNR’s operations center in Elkins and headquarters at the state Capitol in Charleston.
Hunters and trappers are strongly encouraged to carefully review the new summary, as it includes several notable modifications from previous years:
•Season dates and open counties for antlerless deer, fall turkey and black bear hunting seasons have changed.
•Deer carcass transport regulations for Grant County and baiting and feeding restrictions in Pendleton County are now implemented.
•Minimum youth age restrictions for the youth seasons have been removed.
•The maximum caliber restriction for hunting coyotes at night has been removed.
•The Small Arms Hunting Stamp has been eliminated for hunting with a handgun.
•An unmanned aerial vehicle can be used for tracking and locating mortally wounded deer, bear, wild turkey or wild boar.
•Only one leashed dog can be used for tracking and locating mortally wounded deer, bear, wild turkey or wild boar.
•Youth hunters and Class Q permit holders are now permitted to take one antlered deer during the special split youth and Class Q seasons.
In addition to reviewing the regulations, hunters who have not yet purchased their 2026 West Virginia hunting license and stamps are encouraged to do so before hunting and trapping seasons start this fall.
