Regulated hunting is the most important tool for managing game birds and mammals. Hunting seasons are established (i.e. length of season, harvest limits, sex of legal bird/mammal for harvest) based on sound scientific research and the biology of the game species and to maximize hunting opportunities. recreational opportunities for hunters. In addition, sociological parameters such as bear complaint nuisance, deer damage, and other management issues for many game species are evaluated in relation to establishing hunting seasons.
In West Virginia, the Natural Resources Commission (NRC) is responsible for setting open seasons, length of seasons, sex and bag limits, which are called exempt rules because they do not require approval. of the West Virginia Legislature. Seasonal changes and recommendations from wildlife biologists and wildlife managers are presented annually to the WVDNR director for approval and are presented to the public for comment during public regulations meetings held around the country. condition. Annual season frameworks, bag limits, public input from public policy meetings, and other topics are presented to the NRC at its spring meeting (big game seasons) and summer meeting (small game seasons). for next year) for approval. or rejected.
For specific hunting season dates, bag limits and other information, go to the current Summary of hunting and trapping regulations.
