West Virginia 2026-27 Hunting Season Dates
Quick answer
West Virginia's 2026-27 firearm deer season runs Nov 23-Dec 6, 2026.
Archery deer season runs Sep 26-Dec 31, 2026.
Fall turkey season runs Oct 10-18, 2026 (Select Counties), and Oct 26-Nov 15, 2026.
The tables below keep the rest of the listed seasons together by species, with source links back to West Virginia DNR.
- firearm deer
- Nov 23-Dec 6, 2026
- archery deer
- Sep 26-Dec 31, 2026
- fall turkey
- Oct 10-18, 2026 and Oct 26-Nov 15, 2026
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Key seasons by species
How to read West Virginia's seasons
County rules decide bucks-only versus antlerless
West Virginia's deer seasons are governed heavily at the county level, where rules differ on antlerless firearm days, concurrent seasons, and weapon type. A statewide date is only a starting point.
Confirm county-specific dates and antlerless rules with the official West Virginia Division of Natural Resources source.
We summarize official agency information and link to the source for verification. Regulations can change, and zone details matter. Always confirm final dates, bag limits, permits, and legal requirements with West Virginia DNR before hunting.
New 2026-27
federal openings
in West Virginia
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service opened or expanded hunting and fishing access at 2 stations in West Virginia. The final rule took effect August 31, 2026.
Deer
White-tailed Deer
Archery and Crossbow
Must be electronically registered.
White-tailed Deer
Antlerless Split Season
Second split of Antlerless season. Must be electronically registered.
Zone: Selected Counties
White-tailed Deer
Buck Firearms
Must be electronically registered.
White-tailed Deer
Antlerless Split Season
Third split of Antlerless season. Must be electronically registered.
Zone: Selected Counties
White-tailed Deer
Muzzleloader
Must be electronically registered.
White-tailed Deer
Youth/Class Q/Class XS Split Season
Second split of Youth/Class Q/Class XS season. Must be electronically registered.
White-tailed Deer
Antlerless Split Season
Fourth split of Antlerless season. Must be electronically registered.
Zone: Selected Counties
White-tailed Deer
Mountaineer Heritage (Winter 2027)
Combined Deer, Bear and Turkey season. Must be electronically registered.
White-tailed Deer
Youth/Class Q/Class XS Split Season
Split season; second split December 26-27. Must be electronically registered.
White-tailed Deer
Antlerless Split Season
Split season with multiple segments: Oct 22-25, Nov 23-Dec 6, Dec 10-13, Dec 28-31. Must be electronically registered.
Zone: Selected Counties
Turkey
Wild Turkey
Fall Split Season
Third split of Fall Turkey season. Must be electronically registered.
Zone: Select Counties
Wild Turkey
Mountaineer Heritage (Winter 2027)
Combined Deer, Bear and Turkey season. Must be electronically registered.
Wild Turkey
Spring 2027 Youth Season
Must be electronically registered.
Wild Turkey
Spring 2027 Bearded Only
Possession limit 2, season limit 2. Must be electronically registered.
Wild Turkey
Fall Split Season
Multiple splits: Oct 10-18, Oct 26-Nov 1, Oct 26-Nov 15. Must be electronically registered.
Zone: Select Counties
Wild Turkey
Fall Split Season
Second split of Fall Turkey season. Must be electronically registered.
Zone: Select Counties
Bear
Black Bear
Archery and Crossbow
Possession limit 2, season limit 2. Must be electronically registered.
Black Bear
Firearm Split Season
Fifth split of Bear Gun season. Must be electronically registered.
Zone: Selected Counties
Black Bear
Firearm Split Season
Sixth split of Bear Gun season. Must be electronically registered.
Zone: Selected Counties
Black Bear
Mountaineer Heritage (Winter 2027)
Combined Deer, Bear and Turkey season. Must be electronically registered.
Black Bear
Firearm Split Season
Multiple splits: Aug 29-Sep 7, Sep 19-25, Oct 3-9, Oct 22-25, Nov 23-Dec 6, Dec 7-Dec 31. Must be electronically registered.
Zone: Selected Counties
Black Bear
Youth/Class Q/Class XS Split Season
Split season; second split October 17-18. Must be electronically registered.
Black Bear
Firearm Split Season
Second split of Bear Gun season. Must be electronically registered.
Zone: Selected Counties
Black Bear
Firearm Split Season
Third split of Bear Gun season. Must be electronically registered.
Zone: Selected Counties
Black Bear
Youth/Class Q/Class XS Split Season
Second split of Bear Youth/Class Q/Class XS season. Must be electronically registered.
Black Bear
Firearm Split Season
Fourth split of Bear Gun season. Must be electronically registered.
Zone: Selected Counties
Waterfowl
25 listed rowsCanada Geese/White-fronted Geese
Regular - Second Segment
3-way split: Oct. 3-18, Nov. 7-15, Dec. 8 - Jan. 31. Nontoxic shot required.
Zone: Statewide
Coots
Regular - Second Segment
Same season dates as ducks (3-way split: Oct. 3-11, Nov. 7-15, Dec. 21 - Jan. 31). Nontoxic shot required.
Zone: Statewide
Ducks
Regular - Second Segment
3-way split: Oct. 3-11, Nov. 7-15, Dec. 21 - Jan. 31. Daily bag of 6 ducks includes no more than 4 mallards (no more than 2 female), 2 black ducks, 3 pintails, 3 wood ducks, 2 redheads, 2 canvasbacks, 4 sea ducks (including no more than 3 scoters and 3 long-tailed ducks). Scaup sub-limit applies. Nontoxic shot required.
Zone: Statewide
Mergansers
Regular - Second Segment
Same season dates as ducks (3-way split: Oct. 3-11, Nov. 7-15, Dec. 21 - Jan. 31). Nontoxic shot required.
Zone: Statewide
Scaup
Regular - Second Segment (included in duck bag limit)
Scaup included in duck daily bag limit.
Zone: Statewide
Snow and Blue Geese
Regular - Second Segment
3-way split: Oct. 3-18, Nov. 7-15, Dec. 8 - Jan. 31. Nontoxic shot required.
Zone: Statewide
Gallinules
Regular - Second Segment
2-way split: Oct. 3 - Oct. 11 and Dec. 2 - Jan. 31.
Zone: Statewide
Canada Geese/White-fronted Geese
Regular - Third Segment
3-way split: Oct. 3-18, Nov. 7-15, Dec. 8 - Jan. 31. Nontoxic shot required.
Zone: Statewide
Snow and Blue Geese
Regular - Third Segment
3-way split: Oct. 3-18, Nov. 7-15, Dec. 8 - Jan. 31. Nontoxic shot required.
Zone: Statewide
Coots
Regular - Third Segment
Same season dates as ducks (3-way split: Oct. 3-11, Nov. 7-15, Dec. 21 - Jan. 31). Nontoxic shot required.
Zone: Statewide
Ducks
Regular - Third Segment
3-way split: Oct. 3-11, Nov. 7-15, Dec. 21 - Jan. 31. Daily bag of 6 ducks includes no more than 4 mallards (no more than 2 female), 2 black ducks, 3 pintails, 3 wood ducks, 2 redheads, 2 canvasbacks, 4 sea ducks (including no more than 3 scoters and 3 long-tailed ducks). Scaup sub-limit applies. Nontoxic shot required.
Zone: Statewide
Mergansers
Regular - Third Segment
Same season dates as ducks (3-way split: Oct. 3-11, Nov. 7-15, Dec. 21 - Jan. 31). Nontoxic shot required.
Zone: Statewide
| Season | Dates | Status |
|---|---|---|
| BrantRegular · StatewideNontoxic shot required. | Upcoming | |
| Canada GeeseEarly Season · StatewideEarly Canada Geese season. Nontoxic shot required. | Closed | |
| Canada Geese/White-fronted GeeseRegular - First Segment · Statewide3-way split: Oct. 3-18, Nov. 7-15, Dec. 8 - Jan. 31. Nontoxic shot required. | Closed | |
| CootsRegular - First Segment · StatewideSame season dates as ducks (3-way split: Oct. 3-11, Nov. 7-15, Dec. 21 - Jan. 31). Nontoxic shot required. | Closed | |
| DucksYouth Waterfowl · StatewideTwo single days: Sept. 19 and Oct. 31. Youth under 18. Youth under 15 must be accompanied by a licensed adult 18+. The accompanying adult may not hunt or possess a firearm. | Closed | |
| DucksRegular - First Segment · Statewide3-way split: Oct. 3-11, Nov. 7-15, Dec. 21 - Jan. 31. Daily bag of 6 ducks includes no more than 4 mallards (no more than 2 female), 2 black ducks, 3 pintails, 3 wood ducks, 2 redheads, 2 canvasbacks, 4 sea ducks (including no more than 3 scoters and 3 long-tailed ducks). Scaup sub-limit applies. Nontoxic shot required. McClintic WMA and Green Bottom WMA have special hours/permit rules Oct. 3-11, 2026. | Closed | |
| DucksYouth Waterfowl · StatewideTwo single days: Sept. 19 and Oct. 31. Youth under 18. Youth under 15 must be accompanied by a licensed adult 18+. The accompanying adult may not hunt or possess a firearm. | Closed | |
| GallinulesRegular - First Segment · Statewide2-way split: Oct. 3 - Oct. 11 and Dec. 2 - Jan. 31. | Closed | |
| MergansersRegular - First Segment · StatewideSame season dates as ducks (3-way split: Oct. 3-11, Nov. 7-15, Dec. 21 - Jan. 31). Nontoxic shot required. | Closed | |
| ScaupRegular - First Segment (included in duck bag limit) · StatewideScaup included in duck daily bag limit. | Closed | |
| ScaupRegular - Third Segment (included in duck bag limit) · StatewideScaup included in duck daily bag limit. | Upcoming | |
| ScaupRegular - Fourth Segment (included in duck bag limit) · StatewideScaup included in duck daily bag limit. | Upcoming | |
| Snow and Blue GeeseRegular - First Segment · Statewide3-way split: Oct. 3-18, Nov. 7-15, Dec. 8 - Jan. 31. Nontoxic shot required. | Closed |
Dove
Mourning Dove
Regular - Second Segment
3-way split: Sept. 1 - Oct. 11, Nov. 2 - Nov. 15, Dec. 7 - Jan. 10. Shooting hours one-half hour before sunrise to sunset.
Zone: Statewide
Mourning Dove
Regular - Third Segment
3-way split: Sept. 1 - Oct. 11, Nov. 2 - Nov. 15, Dec. 7 - Jan. 10. Shooting hours one-half hour before sunrise to sunset.
Zone: Statewide
Mourning Dove
Controlled/Permit - Stonewall Jackson WMA
Controlled hunting on two designated mourning dove fields, restricted to dove hunting from state-controlled hunting posts, by permit only. Permits are nontransferable. Applications due by August 1, 2026. Hunting must occur within five yards of assigned posts. Shooting hours follow statewide mourning dove hours.
Zone: Stonewall Jackson WMA
Mourning Dove
Regular - First Segment
3-way split: Sept. 1 - Oct. 11, Nov. 2 - Nov. 15, Dec. 7 - Jan. 10. Shooting hours noon to sunset on opening day of first segment; one-half hour before sunrise to sunset remainder. Stonewall Jackson WMA has controlled dove hunting by permit only Sept. 1-2, 2026 on two designated fields. South Branch WMA no longer under special regulations for dove hunting.
Zone: Statewide
Pheasant
Ring-necked Pheasant
General (Cock Birds Only)
Possession limit 2, season limit none. Cock birds only.
Ring-necked Pheasant
General (Cock Birds Only)
Possession limit 1, season limit none. Cock birds only.
Zone: Hillcrest WMA
Quail
Bobwhite Quail
General
Possession limit 9, season limit none. Closed on Tomblin WMA.
Grouse
Ruffed Grouse
General
Possession limit 16, season limit none.
Rabbit
Cottontail Rabbit
General
Possession limit 20, season limit none.
Snowshoe or Varying Hare
General
Possession limit 8, season limit none.
Squirrel
Gray, Black, Albino and Fox Squirrel
General
Possession limit 24, season limit none.
Gray, Black, Albino and Fox Squirrel
Youth Season
Possession limit 12, season limit 12.
Furbearer
Raccoon
Hunting
Bag limit of 4 is for the 24-hour period of 6 a.m. to 6 a.m.
Beaver
Trapping
Must be electronically registered.
Bobcat
Hunting and Trapping
Must be electronically registered.
Fisher
Trapping
Must be electronically registered.
Mink, Muskrat
Trapping
Otter
Trapping
Must be electronically registered.
Raccoon
Trapping
Red Fox, Gray Fox
Hunting and Trapping
Skunk, Opossum, Coyote, and Weasel
Trapping
Red Fox, Gray Fox
Hunting Night with Artificial Light/Night Vision Technology
Small Game
Skunk, Opossum, Woodchuck, Weasel, English Sparrow, European Starling and Pigeon
Hunting
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Year-round season.
Big Game
Wild Boar
Archery and Crossbow Split Season
Split season; second split February 5 - February 7, 2027. Must be electronically registered.
Wild Boar
Firearm Split Season
Second split of Wild Boar Gun season. Must be electronically registered.
Wild Boar
Archery and Crossbow Split Season
Second split of Wild Boar Archery and Crossbow season. Must be electronically registered.
Wild Boar
Firearm Split Season
Split season; second split February 5 - February 7, 2027. Must be electronically registered.
Migratory Birds
Sora and Virginia Rails
Regular
Shooting hours one-half hour before sunrise to sunset.
Zone: Statewide
Wilson's Snipe
Regular
Shooting hours one-half hour before sunrise to sunset.
Zone: Statewide
Woodcock
Regular - First Segment
2-way split: Oct. 17 - Nov. 21 and Nov. 30 - Dec. 8. Shooting hours one-half hour before sunrise to sunset.
Zone: Statewide
Woodcock
Regular - Second Segment
2-way split: Oct. 17 - Nov. 21 and Nov. 30 - Dec. 8. Shooting hours one-half hour before sunrise to sunset.
Zone: Statewide
Coyote
Coyote
Hunting
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Year-round season. Additional regulations see page 6 in the Hunting Regulations Summary.
Other
Crow
Hunting Split Season
Split season; second split January 1 - March 6, 2027. Nuisance crows may be killed at any time.
Crow
Hunting Split Season
Second split of Crow season. Nuisance crows may be killed at any time.
Elk, Porcupine, Song and Insectivorous Birds, Owls, Hawks, Falcons and Eagles
General
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
No open season.
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West Virginia Hunting Season FAQ
When does deer season start in West Virginia?
Archery deer season runs Sep 26-Dec 31, 2026. Firearm deer season runs Nov 23-Dec 6, 2026. Dates can differ by zone and permit; confirm with West Virginia DNR.
When is West Virginia's firearm deer season?
Firearm deer season runs Nov 23-Dec 6, 2026. Check zone and permit details with West Virginia DNR before hunting.
When does spring turkey open in West Virginia?
Spring turkey season runs Apr 19-May 23, 2027. Youth and other special hunts, where listed, open earlier.
Do I need a license to hunt in West Virginia?
Yes. Hunters generally need the appropriate West Virginia hunting license, and some seasons may require tags, permits, stamps, or zone-specific authorizations. Confirm final requirements with West Virginia DNR.
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