Updated hunting regulations for white-tailed deer, wild turkey and black bear went into effect on July 1, the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources has announced with the release of its 2024–25 West Virginia Hunting and Trapping Regulations Summary.
“With West Virginia’s world-class deer seasons and other small and big game hunting opportunities, hunters have a lot to look forward to this fall, so we want to encourage everyone to review these important changes and plan accordingly,” said Brett McMillion, WVDNR director.
The updated 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 Elkins Operation Center and South Charleston headquarters.
Major changes include the following:
- Antlerless deer season dates and open counties have changed (see pages 15–20).
- Fall wild turkey season dates and open counties have changed (see page 44).
- Season dates and open counties for black bear firearms hunting seasons have changed (see page 41).
- The annual antlered deer bag limit for all regular deer seasons combined is two, except that three antlered deer may be taken in a West Virginia CWD Containment Area by Class XS license holders.
- Deer carcass transport regulations are now implemented for Jefferson County.
- Coyote night hunting is permitted only on private land with written consent of the private landowner from Sept. 1 to Dec. 31.
In Pendleton County, the antlerless deer season is scheduled for Oct. 24 – 27, Nov. 25 – Dec. 8, Dec. 12 – 15 and Dec. 28 – 31. The archery and crossbow for deer will be Sept. 28 – Dec. 31 with buck firearm season Nov. 25 – Dec. 8 and muzzleloader season Dec. 16 – 22.
A split fall wild turkey season will be held in Pendleton County. Turkeys may be harvested Oct. 12 – 20 and Oct. 28 – Nov. 17.
Hunters may hunt bear with or without dogs from Dec. 9 – 13 in Pendleton County.
In addition to reviewing the updated regulations, hunters are reminded to purchase their 2024 West Virginia hunting license and stamps before the seasons start this fall. To purchase a license and stamps, visit WVhunt.com. To learn more about the WVDNR’s license products, such as durable license cards, visit WVdnr.gov/2024-licenses.
