WVDNR releases updated summary of hunting and trapping regulations for 2024-2025 seasons

Updated hunting regulations for white-tailed deer, wild turkey and black bear will go into effect July 1. The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) announced the changes as it released the West Virginia Hunting and Trapping Regulations Summary for 2024–2025.

“With world-class deer seasons and other big and small game hunting opportunities underway in West Virginia, hunters have much to be excited about this fall, and we want to encourage everyone to become familiar with these important changes and plan accordingly,” said WVDNR Director Brett McMillion.

An updated summary of the regulations can be downloaded at WVdnr.gov/hunting-regulations.

Hunters wishing to obtain a printed copy should contact their local hunting and fishing licensing agent or WVDNR district office.

Copies will also be available at the WVDNR Operations Center in Elkins and at its headquarters in South Charleston until July 1.

The most important changes include:

– The dates for the antlerless deer hunting season and the districts in which hunting takes place have changed (see pages 15–20).

– The dates for the fall wild turkey hunting season and the counties where they can be hunted have changed (see page 44).

– The season dates and districts in which black bears may be hunted with firearms have changed (see page 41).

– The annual bag limit for antlered deer for all regular deer hunting seasons is two, except that three antlered deer may be taken in the West Virginia chronic wasting disease restricted area by Class XS license holders.

– Regulations regarding the transport of deer carcasses have already been implemented in Jefferson County.

– Nighttime coyote hunting is only permitted on private land with the written consent of the landowner from September 1 to December 31.

In addition to reviewing the updated regulations, hunters should also purchase a 2024 West Virginia hunting license and tags before the fall season begins at WVhunt.com.

To learn more about WVDNR licensing products, such as permanent license cards, visit WVdnr.gov/2024-licenses.