GHENT, WV (WVNS) — Hunting has long been considered a right of way for some. A way to unite families for others. Maybe it’s just a way to enjoy Mother Nature in Appalachia in all her glory.
Some West Virginia hunting seasons are already in session, but more are just around the corner!
According to the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) Hunting and Trapping Guide, the various hunting seasons are spread throughout the year. However, the animals available to be hunted or trapped differ.
When some people think of hunting, their minds turn to white-tailed deer, squirrel, and even turkey. What outdoor newbies may not realize is the sheer number of Mountain State critters that can be killed or caught, and the strict seasons they fall into.
Birds like the ruffed grouse can only be hunted from October 15, 2022 to February 28, 2023. Another bird, the bobwhite quail, can only be hunted from November 5, 2022 to January 7, 2023 .
There are different seasons when animals can be hunted and when they can be caught. For example, raccoons can be hunted from October 15, 2022 through February 28, 2023. This is an earlier start date than you can begin hunting, which begins November 5, 2022.
Certain animals can be hunted and trapped simultaneously within a season. Bobcats can be hunted and trapped from November 5, 2022 through February 28, 2022.
Each season in West Virginia includes a daily bag limit, a possession limit, and a season limit. The daily bag limit is how many of that particular animal can be killed in a calendar day. The possession limit is the number of a single animal you can have in your possession at one time; it’s a combined total of your daily intake and anything you have around the house. The season limit is the amount of an animal taken during the entire season.
Below is a list of the different animals and their respective season dates in West Virginia.
- Wild pig (Weapons Only) (Split Season) – October 22 to October 29, 2022 and February 3 to February 5, 2023.
- Wild pig (archery and crossbow) – September 24 to December 31, 2022 and February 3 to February 5, 2023.
- Deer (Firearms) – November 21 to December 4, 2022
- Deer (archery and crossbow) – September 24 to December 31, 2022
- Deer (no horns) – Split seasons from October 20 to December 31, 2022.
- Deer (Muzzleloader) – December 12 to December 18, 2022
- Deer (Youth) (Split Season) – October 15 to October 16, 2022 and December 2 to December 27, 2022
- deer, bear and turkey (Mountain Heritage) – January 12 to January 15, 2023
- Wear (archery and crossbow) – September 24 to December 31, 2022
- Wear (Gun) – Seasons run from September 3 to December 31, 2022 county by county
- Wear (Youth) – October 15 to October 16, 2022
- Turkey (Fall) (Split Season) – October 8 to October 16, 2022 & October 24 to October 30, 2022 & October 24 to November 13, 2022
- Turkey (Spring 2023) (Bearded only) – April 17 to May 21, 2023
- Turkey (Youth Season 2023) – April 15 to April 16, 2023
- Squirrel (Black, Grey, Albino and Fox) – September 10, 2022 to February 28, 2023
- Squirrel (Youth Season) – September 3 to September 4, 2022
- ruffed grouse – October 15, 2022 to February 28, 2023
- quail (Hunting Closed at Tomblin WMA) – November 5, 2022 to January 7, 2023
- cottontail rabbit – November 5, 2022 to February 28, 2023
- Snowshoes or variable hare – November 5, 2022 to February 28, 2023
- ring-necked pheasant (rooster birds only) – November 5, 2022 to January 7, 2023
- Raccoon (Hunt) – October 15, 2022 to February 28, 2023
- Raccoon (Capture) – November 5, 2022 to February 28, 2023
- red fox/grey fox (hunting and traps) – November 5, 2022 to February 28, 2023
- Wildcat (hunting and traps) – November 5, 2022 to February 28, 2023
- mink/muskrat (Capture) – November 5, 2022 to February 28, 2023
- Fisherman (Capture) – November 5, 2022 to January 31, 2023
- Beaver (Capture) – November 5, 2022 to March 31, 2023
- Otter (Capture) – November 5, 2022 to February 28, 2023
- Raven (Annoying Crows) (Split Season) – October 1 to November 19, 2022 and January 1 to March 4, 2023
- Coyote (Hunt) – All year
- Coyote (Capture) – November 5, 2022 to February 28, 2023
- Skunk/Opossum/Marmot/Weasel/English Sparrow/European Starling/Pigeon – All year
- Skunk/Possum/Weasel (Capture) – November 5, 2022 to February 28, 2023
There are still some animals throughout the Mountain State that do not have an open season attributed to them. This is mainly due to its endangered species status or an ongoing repopulation project. Songbirds and insectivorous birds, owls, hawks, falcons, and eagles may not be hunted or trapped at any time in West Virginia. Heavy fines and possible jail time are the result of hunting a prohibited animal.
Before you head out into the woods or hit that trail, make sure you know all the rules and regulations while hunting. The most important thing is to stay safe!
For more information on specific bag limits and WV hunting and fishing regulations, you can visit the WVDNR website and find the West Virginia DNR Hunting and Trapping Regulations Summary 2022-23.