West Virginia Bear Season 2026-27
West Virginia bear season dates start with Sep 26-Dec 31, 2026. The table below keeps every listed bear row together with zones and notes where available.
Quick answer
West Virginia's listed 2026-27 bear season runs Sep 26-Dec 31, 2026.
Firearm Split Season Black Bear opens Oct 3, 2026 and closes Oct 9, 2026.
Youth/Class Q/Class XS Split Season Black Bear opens Oct 17, 2026 and closes Oct 18, 2026.
The tables below keep the rest of the listed seasons together by species, with source links back to West Virginia DNR.
Bear
Black Bear
Archery and Crossbow
Possession limit 2, season limit 2. Must be electronically registered.
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
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
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Nearby bear seasons
West Virginia Bear Season FAQ
When does bear season open in West Virginia?
August 29, 2026 is the earliest listed bear opener in West Virginia — firearm split season black bear runs Aug 29-Sep 7, 2026. Confirm zone and permit details with West Virginia DNR.
What are the 2026-27 bear season dates in West Virginia?
West Virginia lists 10 bear season windows: Firearm Split Season Black Bear (Aug 29-Sep 7, 2026); Youth/Class Q/Class XS Split Season Black Bear (Sep 12-13, 2026); Firearm Split Season Black Bear (Sep 19-25, 2026); Archery and Crossbow Black Bear (Sep 26-Dec 31, 2026); Firearm Split Season Black Bear (Oct 3-9, 2026); Youth/Class Q/Class XS Split Season Black Bear (Oct 17-18, 2026); Firearm Split Season Black Bear (Oct 22-25, 2026); Firearm Split Season Black Bear (Nov 23-Dec 6, 2026); and more. Always verify against West Virginia DNR before hunting.
Are there different bear seasons in West Virginia?
Yes — West Virginia lists separate bear seasons for Firearm Split Season Black Bear, Youth/Class Q/Class XS Split Season Black Bear, Archery and Crossbow Black Bear, Mountaineer Heritage (Winter 2027) Black Bear. Each can carry its own dates, zones, and weapon rules; see the table above and West Virginia DNR.
Do I need a license to hunt bear in West Virginia?
Yes. West Virginia generally requires the appropriate hunting license, and bear hunting may also require tags, permits, stamps, or zone authorizations. Confirm requirements with West Virginia DNR.