Gov. Justice Announces West Virginia’s Archery and Crossbow Seasons Open Sept. 28

CHARLESTON, WV — Gov. Jim Justice on Sep 19th, reminds hunters to prepare for archery and crossbow seasons for white-tailed deer, black bear, and wild boar, which will open on Sept. 28.

Hunters are encouraged to purchase their license and stamps at WVhunt.com before the seasons start.

“With the start of archery and crossbow seasons, West Virginia’s fall beauty will be on full display, giving hunters the perfect opportunity to experience the thrill of the outdoors,” Gov. Justice said. “I encourage everyone to get their licenses early and make the most of this incredibly exciting season. As a lifelong  outdoorsman, I can tell you this is one of my favorite times of the year.”

White-Tailed Deer
Hunters may harvest one deer with a base license and up to two additional deer with a Class RB or RRB stamp. Resident landowners hunting on their own property and Class DT license holders don’t need to purchase additional stamps. In nine counties, hunters must harvest an antlerless deer before taking a second antlered deer. In archery-only counties (Logan, McDowell, Mingo and Wyoming), hunters may take up to two deer, with only one being antlered.

For more information about the deer archery and crossbow seasons, see pages 26–28 in the West Virginia Hunting Regulations Summary available to download at WVdnr.gov.

Black Bear
Hunters may take two bears annually if at least one is harvested in Boone, Fayette, Kanawha, Logan, McDowell, Mingo, Nicholas, Raleigh or Wyoming counties. The daily bag limit is one. A base license and Bear Damage Stamp (Class DS) are required for residents, while nonresidents also need a Bear Hunting License (Class EE), Conservation/Law Enforcement Stamp (CS/LE) or Class EE-L and a National Forest Stamp (Class I) if hunting on national forest lands.

For more information about the bear archery and crossbow season, see page 40 in the West Virginia Hunting Regulations Summary available to download at WVdnr.gov.

Wild Boar
West Virginia’s wild boar season is only open in Boone, Logan, Raleigh and Wyoming counties, with a season limit of one boar. A second split of the season is Feb. 7–9, 2025. To hunt in February, hunters will need a 2025 license, which will go on sale in December.

For more information about the wild boar season, see page 45 in the West Virginia Hunting Regulations Summary available to download at WVdnr.gov.

Bowhunter Survey
Bowhunters from last season are encouraged to participate in the WVDNR’s annual bowhunter survey, which helps gather data for wildlife management. Survey invitations will be emailed the week of Sept. 23.

Hunters are also reminded that all big game must be tagged and electronically registered. Hunters harvesting two deer in one day do not need to check the first before taking the second.

All hunters 15 and older are required to have a valid West Virginia hunting license, unless hunting under resident landowner privileges. Hunters also must carry a valid form of identification. To purchase a hunting license and stamps or upgrade an existing license with an optional durable license card, visit WVhunt.com.