WV Hunting Regulations Explained
Coming from out of state? West Virginia doesn't use numbered "hunting districts" like some states. Here's how our system actually works.
Regulations change yearly. This guide explains how WV organizes hunting rules. Always verify current season dates and bag limits at wvdnr.gov before you hunt.
Why This Matters If You're Visiting
If you're used to hunting in states with numbered hunting districts or zones, West Virginia might seem confusing at first. We don't have District 1, District 2, etc.
Instead, WV organizes hunting regulations by county. Different counties have different bag limits, season dates, and special requirements. Some Wildlife Management Areas have their own rules on top of that.
How WV Organizes Hunting Rules
Three main systems to understand.
1 Deer: County Categories
WV groups counties into categories based on deer population. This determines how many antlerless deer you can take and whether you need a permit or can just buy stamps.
- • "Unlimited Stamp" counties — Buy Class N/NN stamps, take up to 3 antlerless total
- • "Limited Permit" counties — Must apply ahead of time for a permit
- • "Earn-a-Buck" counties — Must harvest an antlerless deer before taking a second buck
2 Bear: Counties + Season Dates
Bear hunting isn't organized by zones. Instead, different counties open at different times. Southern coalfield counties open earliest (late August), then others open through fall.
- • Early August: Mingo, Logan, Wyoming, McDowell
- • October: Boone, Fayette, Kanawha, Nicholas, Raleigh
- • Bag limit: 1 per day, 2 per season (with conditions)
3 Turkey: Statewide Spring, Split Fall
Spring gobbler season is statewide — all 55 counties. Fall is different: it's split into segments where different counties open at different times based on turkey population.
- • Spring: All counties, bearded turkeys only, 2 bird limit
- • Fall: 3 segments — check which counties are open when
Hunting Around Our Area
We're in Braxton County, right off I-79 Exit 57. Here's what that means for regulations.
Braxton County (Our County)
- • Deer: Generally in the "unlimited stamp" category for antlerless
- • Bear: Open for firearms season (west of I-79)
- • Turkey: Spring statewide; check fall segment dates
- • DNR District: District 3 (call 304-924-6211 for questions)
Nearby Wildlife Management Areas
| WMA | From Shop | County | Special Rules |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elk River WMA | 15 min | Braxton | — |
| Burnsville Lake WMA | 20 min | Braxton | 14" antler spread |
| Stonewall Jackson Lake WMA | 40 min | Lewis | — |
14-Inch Antler Spread Requirement
Some WMAs and State Forests have a special rule to grow bigger bucks.
What This Means
On these areas, any buck you harvest during archery/crossbow season must have an outside antler spread of at least 14 inches (ear tip to ear tip). Also, you can only take one antlered deer total on these areas across all seasons combined.
Tip: An adult buck's ears are about 14-15 inches apart when alert. If the antlers don't extend past the ears, it's probably not legal on these areas.
Areas with 14" Spread Requirement
WMAs
- • Beech Fork Lake WMA
- • Bluestone Lake WMA
- • Burnsville Lake WMA ★
- • Little Kanawha River WMA
- • McClintic WMA
State Forests
- • Coopers Rock State Forest
- • Calvin Price State Forest
★ Burnsville Lake WMA is 20 minutes from our shop
Deer Bag Limits (Quick Overview)
The basics — check the DNR for your specific county.
Antlered (Bucks)
2
Annual limit for all regular deer seasons combined. (Changed from 3 starting 2024-25 season)
Antlerless (Does)
3
Annual statewide limit. Actual limit per county varies (1-3) depending on county category.
How to Look Up Your County's Rules
Three ways to find what you need.
Download the Regulations Booklet
The WV DNR publishes a free PDF every year with county-by-county breakdowns.
Download at wvdnr.gov →Use the Interactive Map
The WV Hunting & Fishing Interactive Map lets you click on any area to see regulations.
mapwv.gov/huntfish →Ask Us
We're a DNR license agent. Stop by, call, or just walk in — we'll help you figure out what you need for wherever you're hunting.
Call (304) 649-2607 →Common Questions
"I'm hunting two different counties on my trip. Do I need separate stamps?"
For antlerless deer, yes — you need a Class N or NN stamp for each county you want to harvest antlerless deer in. Some counties require advance permits instead of stamps. Buck tags work statewide.
"Do I need a bear permit?"
No special permit lottery anymore (ended in 2016). You do need a Bear Damage Stamp (Class DS) unless you're a resident landowner hunting your own property.
"What's the Game Check app?"
WV requires electronic check-in for harvested deer, bear, and turkey. Download the WV Game Check app before your hunt. You can also check in online or by phone.
"Can I hunt on Sunday in West Virginia?"
Yes! WV legalized Sunday hunting on private land in 2015 and expanded it to public land in recent years. Check current regulations for any remaining restrictions.
Confused? Stop By — We'll Help
We're a DNR license agent right off I-79 Exit 57. We can sell you your license, help you figure out what stamps you need, and answer your questions about hunting around here.
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Official WV DNR License Agent — Get your license here