18,289 acres of central WV hunting - deer, turkey, bear, grouse, and waterfowl.
Stonewall Jackson Lake Wildlife Management Area surrounds a major USACE lake in Clay County with extensive public hunting opportunities. Mature hardwood forest, lakeside habitat, and forest edges that hold deer, turkeys, bears, and waterfowl year-round. Class-Q hunting designation provides expanded access. Nearby Stonewall Resort State Park offers lodging and camping alternatives.
Archery: Sept 27 - Dec 31 | Buck Firearms: Nov 24 - Dec 7 | Muzzleloader: Dec 15-21
Primary game species. Hunt the ridges overlooking lake edges and forest openings. Lake shoreline habitat creates productive edges.
Bag Limit:
1 antlered buck per year; must have minimum 14-inch outside antler spreadSpring: April 20 - May 24 | Fall: Oct 11-19
Lake bottomlands hold roosting birds. Position yourself on the same elevation contour and call aggressively across the drainage.
Bag Limit:
Spring: 2 bearded birdsFall (check county dates)
Present in the area and expanding population. Mast production in oak-hickory forest. Requires Class BG and Bear Damage stamps.
Bag Limit:
Varies by seasonCheck WV DNR duck and geese seasons
2,650-acre lake provides excellent waterfowl habitat. Multiple put-ins available through USACE facilities.
Bag Limit:
Follow state daily limitsOctober 18 - February 28
Regenerating timber cuts and dense young growth. Population declining statewide but huntable here.
Bag Limit:
Daily limit: 4Access: I-79 Exit 67, Route 19 North
Terrain: Mature forest, forest edges, lake shoreline habitat
82 miles of shoreline provide extensive hunting opportunities. Edge habitat between forest and water holds both deer and turkey.
Target Species:
Access: Multiple parking areas and trail access points
Terrain: Oak-hickory forest, ridges, benches
Older growth timber interspersed throughout. Good trail network for exploring interior areas.
Target Species:
Access: USACE boat ramps and parking areas
Terrain: Drainage areas, forest corridors, water access
102 square miles of watershed habitat feeds the lake. Excellent for bear and waterfowl.
Target Species:
300-yard rifle range within the WMA for sighting-in rifles and target practice. Verify hours and any fees with WV DNR District 3.
Multiple parking lots at lake access points and trail trailheads throughout the WMA.
Adjacent state park offers lodging, camping, dining, and recreational facilities. NO CAMPING allowed in the WMA itself - use resort or nearby USACE facilities.
Boat ramps, day-use areas, and parking managed by US Army Corps of Engineers. Check recreation.gov for detailed facility information.
One of 14 WV WMAs with expanded vehicle access for disabled hunters. Apply through District 3 Office.
Target:
Deer (archery, firearms), Grouse, Waterfowl
Tips:
Peak rut Nov 10-18. Hunt forest edges overlooking open water and clearings. Waterfowl migrate through in late fall.
Target:
Turkey (gobblers), Waterfowl migration
Tips:
Set up near lakeside bottomlands before dawn. Gobblers roost in big timber near water. Listen for 6:15 AM sound-off.
Target:
Late deer, Small game, Rabbit
Tips:
Less pressure. Hunt thick cover away from frozen lake. January-February best for grouse. Waterfowl concentrate at open water.
WV hunting license required. Class BG stamp for deer/turkey/bear. Bear Damage Stamp required for bear hunting.
Required within 24 hours via WVhunt.com or 1-844-WVCHECK. Cell service at resort areas.
400+ square inches during firearms deer season. Required for safety.
Camping is prohibited in the WMA. Use Stonewall Resort State Park, nearby USACE campgrounds, or Briar Point Campground for overnight trips.
Sighting-in allowed at the 300-yard rifle range. No target shooting on WMA land.
Portable stands only - must be non-bark penetrating and removed after each hunt.
No ATVs except where posted or Class Q access approved.
Respect USACE property restrictions and safety zones around dam, spillway, and developed facilities.
Make sure you have everything you need for a successful hunt!
Get your hunting license, stock up on ammo, and we'll point you to the best spots on the WMA.
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