State issues late season hunting guidance, dates matter for McDowell County hunters

State wildlife officials issued late season hunting guidance on December 16, 2025 that clarifies which seasons and segments remain open through December and into the final week of the year. For McDowell County the guidance highlights archery and crossbow seasons that remain active through December 21, and notes that select muzzleloader and split season windows can extend up to December 31 in some counties. Small game seasons and active bear season status are also detailed for the remainder of December.

The announcement places an immediate planning burden on local hunters and landowners. Weapon restrictions vary by segment, and an archery only segment will differ from a crossbow allowed segment and from any muzzleloader window that is still open. Some counties can include antlerless segments or separate split season dates later in December, so McDowell County hunters should check county specific calendars before making holiday plans. Hunters must carry a valid West Virginia hunting license and any required tags or stamps for the species and segment they pursue.

Practical resources are available through the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources website and its county pages and zone maps, which list exact dates, weapon restrictions, tagging rules and any special regulations or closures. Hunters who ignore county specific splits or who fail to follow tag rules risk citations and forfeiture of harvest privileges, and landowners should also confirm whether private land rules or posted permissions add constraints during late season segments.

Economically, holiday period hunting concentrates local spending on fuel, food, gear and short term lodging, and licensing revenue supports wildlife management programs and enforcement. For McDowell County businesses that serve hunters, even a short late season window can boost retail and service activity over the holidays. From a policy perspective, the timing of split season segments and antlerless opportunities reflects management decisions about population objectives and hunter opportunity, so seasonal calendars will continue to be adjusted based on biological monitoring and budget priorities.

Hunters in McDowell County should verify the county specific season calendar and Division of Natural Resources zone guidance before heading out, confirm license and tag requirements, and follow all weapon restrictions for the active segments through December and into late December where applicable.