CHARLESTON — Changes to hunting regulations are going into effect today for deer, wild turkey and black bear seasons.
The changes, which were released in the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources’s annual Hunting and Trapping Regulations Summary, affect season dates, county openings and several statewide rules.
Key dates for the upcoming seasons include:
— Deer archery and crossbow season: Sept. 27 through Dec. 31
— Buck firearm season: Nov. 24 through Dec. 7
— Antlerless deer seasons: Open with some changes; hunters should check local county restrictions.
— Fall turkey season: Oct. 12-20, with select counties remaining open for an additional week.
— Black bear archery and crossbow season: Sept. 27 through Dec. 31
— Firearm black bear season: Same dates as buck firearm season, Nov. 24 through Dec. 7
In addition to season dates, hunters should be aware of new rules, including deer carcass transportation regulations in Grant County and baiting and feeding restrictions in Pendleton County.
The new regulations also remove minimum age restrictions for youth seasons and lift the maximum caliber limit for hunting coyotes at night. The Small Arms Hunting Stamp (Class A1) for handgun hunting has been eliminated. Hunters may now use UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) and one leashed dog to track and locate mortally wounded deer, bear, wild turkey and wild boar.
“These changes reflect our ongoing commitment to responsible wildlife management while supporting West Virginia’s strong hunting traditions,” WVDNR Director Brett McMillion said in a statement. “With world-class opportunities across the state, we encourage all hunters to take time to review the new regulations before heading afield this fall.”
