West Virginia Bow Hunting: Mountain Whitetails
📅 2026 Season & License Info
Archery Season Open
October 1
Archery Season Close
December 31
Min Draw Weight
35 lbs
Resident License
$19/yr
Non-Resident License
$100/yr
Top Species
Whitetail Deer, Black Bear, Wild Turkey, Elk (reintroduced)
📍 Top Public Hunting Spots
Monongahela National Forest
Whitetail Deer, Bear, Turkey
Mountainous eastern WV. Remote backcountry hunting with minimal pressure. Quality bucks.
Kanawha State Forest
Whitetail Deer, Turkey, Bear
Near Charleston. Accessible public hunting with good deer numbers.
Burnsville Lake WMA
Whitetail Deer, Turkey, Bear
Central WV. Corps of Engineers land. River bottom hunting adjacent to lake.
⚖️ West Virginia Archery Regulations
- •Minimum draw weight: 35 lbs
- •Elk reintroduction in Monongalia County — future hunting opportunity
- •Sunday hunting allowed
- •WV has no antler point restrictions statewide
💡 Expert Tips for West Virginia
- →West Virginia's mountain terrain naturally grows mature bucks — rugged country means less hunting pressure
- →The Monongahela National Forest rivals any public land in the East for wilderness hunting feel
- →Bear hunting in WV is excellent — one of the top bear hunting states east of the Mississippi
- →Elk were reintroduced in 2016 — hunting opportunity is years away but growing
🏛️ Official Wildlife Agency & Sources
Hunting seasons, tag quotas, and bag limits are established by state wildlife agencies and change annually. For official regulations, proclamations, and license purchases, consult:
West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR)
Official State Wildlife Agency
Status: 2026 Season Guide