When Does Rifle Season Start in West Virginia?
When Does Rifle Season Start in West Virginia?
Rifle season is a time-honored tradition in West Virginia, and for good reason. The state is home to some of the best hunting in the country, and rifle season offers a chance to bag a big buck or doe. But when does rifle season start in West Virginia?
The answer to that question depends on the type of game you’re after. For white-tailed deer, rifle season typically starts in early November and runs through the end of January. For black bears, rifle season starts in late September and runs through the end of November. And for turkeys, rifle season starts in early April and runs through the end of May.
Of course, the specific dates of rifle season can vary from year to year, so it’s always a good idea to check with the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources for the latest information.
But no matter when rifle season starts, it’s a time to get out in the woods and enjoy the great outdoors. So grab your rifle and your hunting gear, and head to West Virginia for some exciting rifle hunting!
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| Date | Species | Time |
|---|---|---|
| September 11 | Deer | 8:00 AM |
| October 1 | Antelope | 8:00 AM |
| October 15 | Bear | 8:00 AM |
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Rifle Season Dates in West Virginia
Rifle season in West Virginia is a time-honored tradition for many hunters. It is a chance to get out in the woods and enjoy the great outdoors, while also trying to bag a big game animal. The rifle season dates in West Virginia vary depending on the species you are hunting.
General Rifle Season Dates
The general rifle season for deer in West Virginia runs from November 15 to December 5. The season for elk runs from November 15 to December 31. The season for bear runs from October 1 to November 30.
Special Rifle Season Dates
There are also a number of special rifle season dates for deer in West Virginia. These dates are designed to allow hunters to target specific deer populations, such as antlerless deer or deer in certain areas. The special rifle season dates for deer in West Virginia are as follows:
- Antlerless deer: October 1 to November 14
- Urban deer: November 15 to December 5
- Chronic wasting disease (CWD) management zone: November 15 to December 5
Late-Season Rifle Season Dates
The late-season rifle season for deer in West Virginia runs from December 6 to January 31. This is a great time to hunt for deer that have been pushed out of the woods by the snow and cold weather.
Species Available During Rifle Season
The following species are available during rifle season in West Virginia:
- Deer
- Elk
- Bear
- Squirrel
- Rabbit
- Quail
- Dove
- Turkey
Deer
Deer are the most popular game animal in West Virginia. There are two main types of deer in West Virginia: white-tailed deer and mule deer. White-tailed deer are found throughout the state, while mule deer are only found in the western part of the state.
Elk
Elk were reintroduced to West Virginia in the early 1990s. There are now a small number of elk in the state, and they are only found in the Monongahela National Forest. Elk hunting is a very popular activity in West Virginia, and the state has a limited number of elk hunting permits available each year.
Bear
Bear are found throughout West Virginia, but they are most common in the mountainous areas of the state. Bear hunting is a popular activity in West Virginia, and the state has a limited number of bear hunting permits available each year.
Other Species
Squirrel, rabbit, quail, dove, and turkey are all available during rifle season in West Virginia. These species are all relatively easy to hunt, and they provide a great opportunity for hunters of all skill levels.
Rifle season in West Virginia is a time-honored tradition for many hunters. It is a chance to get out in the woods and enjoy the great outdoors, while also trying to bag a big game animal. The rifle season dates in West Virginia vary depending on the species you are hunting, but there are plenty of opportunities to get out and enjoy the hunt.
When Does Rifle Season Start In West Virginia?
Rifle season for deer in West Virginia typically begins in late October and runs through the end of January. The exact dates vary by region, so be sure to check the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources (WVDNR) website for specific information.
Hunting Regulations for Rifle Season
There are a number of regulations that hunters must follow during rifle season in West Virginia. These regulations cover everything from permits and licenses to bag limits and hunting methods.
Permits and licenses
All hunters in West Virginia must have a valid hunting license. Licenses can be purchased online, at sporting goods stores, or at the WVDNR headquarters in Charleston.
In addition to a hunting license, hunters who want to participate in rifle season for deer must also have a deer permit. Deer permits are issued by lottery, and the number of permits available in each region is based on the estimated deer population.
Bag limits
The bag limit for deer in West Virginia is one antlered deer per day. Hunters are also allowed to take one antlerless deer per day, but there is no limit on the number of antlerless deer that can be taken during the entire season.
Hunting methods
Hunters are allowed to use a variety of methods to hunt deer during rifle season, including:
- Still hunting
- Spot and stalk
- Drive hunting
- Tree stands
- Ground blinds
Safety precautions
Hunters should take all necessary precautions to stay safe while hunting. This includes wearing bright clothing, being aware of your surroundings, and following all safety rules.
Where to Hunt Rifle Season in West Virginia
There are a number of great places to hunt rifle season in West Virginia. Here are a few of the best options:
- National forests
The Monongahela National Forest and the George Washington National Forest offer some of the best hunting in West Virginia. These forests are home to a variety of deer species, including white-tailed deer, mule deer, and elk.
- State parks
West Virginia has a number of state parks that offer excellent hunting opportunities. These parks include:
- Blackwater Falls State Park
- Canaan Valley State Park
- Pipestem Resort State Park
- Seneca Rocks State Park
- Private hunting lands
If you don’t have access to public hunting lands, you can also hunt on private hunting lands. There are a number of hunting guides and outfitters in West Virginia who can help you find a private hunting lease.
Rifle season in West Virginia is a great time to get out and enjoy the great outdoors. With a little planning, you can have a successful and safe hunting season.
When does rifle season start in West Virginia?
Rifle season for deer in West Virginia begins on November 15th and ends on January 31st.
What are the different types of rifles that can be used during rifle season?
Any rifle that is legal to own in West Virginia can be used during rifle season. However, there are some restrictions on the caliber of rifle that can be used. For example, rifles with a caliber larger than .30-06 Springfield are not allowed.
What are the bag limits for deer during rifle season?
The bag limit for deer during rifle season is one antlered buck per day.
What are the other hunting seasons for deer in West Virginia?
In addition to rifle season, there are also archery season, muzzleloader season, and youth season for deer in West Virginia.
Where can I find more information about hunting regulations in West Virginia?
The West Virginia Department of Natural Resources is the best source of information about hunting regulations in West Virginia. You can find more information on their website at https://www.wvdnr.gov/.
rifle season in West Virginia starts on the first Saturday in November and ends on the last day of January. The season is divided into two parts, with the early season running from November 1 to December 31 and the late season running from January 1 to January 31. The early season is open for deer, bear, and elk, while the late season is open for deer, bear, and turkey. Hunters are required to have a valid hunting license and to follow all applicable hunting regulations. For more information on rifle season in West Virginia, please visit the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources website.