West Virginia DNR Proposes 2026 Hunting Season Changes, Seeks Public Input

McDowell County deer hunters have long been restricted to archery equipment during the Mountaineer Heritage season, but the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources is now proposing to expand what's legal in the woods. The agency's Game Management Division presented proposed changes to the Natural Resources Commission on March 12, and among the most significant for southern West Virginia is a plan to allow percussion side lock rifles and pistols, as well as flintlock rifles and pistols, to be used for hunting black bear and wild turkey during the Mountaineer Heritage season in Mingo, Logan, McDowell, and Wyoming Counties. Deer in those four counties would still be restricted to long bow or recurve bow during that season.

Biologists also proposed a special lottery hunt for black bears running August 29 through September 7, a 10-day season with guns that would be open with or without dogs. That hunt would be limited to Mingo, Logan, McDowell, and Wyoming Counties, with permits awarded by lottery. The existing four-week December gun bear season in those counties would remain unchanged from last year.

The antlerless deer season is also on the table. Biologists called for four changes to antlerless hunting this fall in Wood, Fayette, Raleigh, and Pendleton Counties, though the agency has not yet released the specific details of those modifications.

Trappers can expect a delayed but notable change to otter regulations. The Game Management Division proposed raising the daily otter limit to two and setting a possession limit of two per season, though that rule would not take effect until the 2027-2028 trapping season.

In Hancock County, two changes are proposed for Hillcrest Wildlife Management Area: removing the existing special muzzleloader deer season regulation and adding a buck firearms season in its place. No changes are proposed for West Virginia's fishing regulations in 2026.

WVDNR Director Brett McMillion urged hunters, trappers, and landowners to weigh in before the proposals are finalized. "Managing West Virginia's natural resources is a responsibility we all share, and public input is a critical part of that process," McMillion said. "Whether you attend a meeting or submit feedback online, we encourage everyone to take part in shaping the future of our state's outdoor traditions."

The agency held 12 in-person public meetings on March 10 and 11, running from 6 to 8 p.m. at locations across the state. Those who missed the meetings can still submit comments through the online questionnaire at WVdnr.gov/regulations-questionnaire. Written comments must reach the WVDNR by April 3. The agency can also be reached by phone at 304-558-6200 during regular business hours, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Hunters looking to purchase a 2025 West Virginia hunting license and stamps ahead of fall seasons can do so at WVhunt.com.