West Virginia Hunting License: Cost, Requirements & How to Apply
Complete guide to West Virginia hunting licenses — costs, seasons, and how to buy through WVDNR.
West Virginia Hunting License — Quick Facts
- Resident license: from $19.00 — Non-resident: from $119.00
- Managed by: West Virginia Division of Natural Resources
- License year: 2026-2027 (valid for dates within this period)
- Hunter education required for first-time buyers — complete online
- Discounts available for: senior, youth, disabled veteran, active military
- Buy online 24/7 at https://www.wvhunt.com/
West Virginia Hunting License Fees (2026-2027)
West Virginia offers exceptional hunting managed by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR). The Mountain State features rugged Appalachian terrain with mixed hardwood forests, river valleys, and mountain meadows supporting thriving populations of white-tailed deer, black bear, wild turkey, and small game. West Virginia is one of America's best-kept hunting secrets — affordable, wild, and uncrowded. The Class A resident hunting and trapping license costs just $19, and the combo Class X (hunt + fish + trap) is $35. Non-residents pay $119 for the annual license. The state uses a stamp system for additional deer, turkey, and bear tags. West Virginia is known for producing large-racked bucks from its mountainous terrain and has one of the healthiest black bear populations in Appalachia. Hunter education is required for anyone born on or after January 1, 1975.
| License Type | Resident | Non-Resident | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Class A Resident Hunting/Trapping | $19.00 | — | Calendar year | |
| Class X Resident Hunt/Fish/Trap | $35.00 | — | Calendar year | |
| Class E NR Annual Hunting/Trapping | — | $119.00 | Calendar year | |
| Class EE NR Bear Hunting | — | $162.00 | Season | Bear Damage + CS/LE stamps required |
| Class H NR Small Game (6-day) | — | $27.00 | 6 consecutive days | |
| Resident Senior Hunt/Fish/Trap (65+) | $25.00 | — | Calendar year | Class XS, includes bear damage + trout |
| Class XJ Resident Junior (15-17) | $16.00 | — | Calendar year | |
| Class XXJ NR Junior (15-17) | — | $16.00 | Calendar year | |
| CS/LE Conservation Stamp (NR) | — | $13.00 | Calendar year | Required for all non-residents |
| Resident Additional Gun Deer Stamp | $21.00 | — | Season | |
| NR Additional Gun Deer Stamp | — | $43.00 | Season | |
| NR Archery Deer Stamp | — | $32.00 | Season | |
| NR Turkey Stamp | — | $32.00 | Season | |
| Bear Damage Stamp | $10.00 | $10.00 | Calendar year |
Prices from West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. Last verified: 2026-04-01. Always confirm current fees with the official state agency before purchase.
When does your West Virginia license expire? See our license validity guide →
Hunter Education Requirements
Required for anyone born on or after January 1, 1975
How to Buy a West Virginia Hunting License
- 1
Complete Hunter Education
If required, complete a state-approved hunter education course before purchasing your license.
- 2
Gather Required Documents
Have your government-issued photo ID, Social Security Number, and proof of residency (if applicable) ready.
- 3
Visit the Official Portal
Go to West Virginia Division of Natural Resources or an authorized retail agent (Walmart, sporting goods stores).
- 4
Select License Type & Pay
Choose the appropriate license type for your needs, add any required endorsements or tags, and complete payment.
- 5
Print or Save Your License
Print your license or save a digital copy. You must carry your valid license while hunting in West Virginia.
Need help? Call West Virginia Division of Natural Resources at 304-558-2771
Not sure what you need? Use our License Cost Calculator to get a personalized estimate →
Step-by-step: How to buy your hunting license online for any state →
West Virginia Hunting Seasons (2026-2027)
| Species | Method | Start Date | End Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| White-tailed Deer | Archery | September 26 | December 31 | 2026 dates |
| White-tailed Deer | Buck Firearms | November 23 | December 5 | 2026 dates |
| White-tailed Deer | Antlerless | December 17 | December 31 | 2026 dates |
| White-tailed Deer | Muzzleloader | December 7 | December 13 | 2026 dates |
| Black Bear | General | September 26 | December 31 | 2026 dates; Season varies by county |
| Turkey | Spring | April 19 | May 22 | 2027 dates |
| Turkey | Fall | October 10 | November 21 | 2026 dates |
| Grouse | General | October 10 | February 28, 2027 | 2026-27 dates |
| Duck | General | October 17 | January 31, 2027 | 2026-27 dates |
View full West Virginia season regulations on WVDNR
Compare deer tag costs and season dates across all 50 states →
Compare turkey license costs and season dates across all states →
Discounts & Exemptions
| Group | Benefit | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Senior | Reduced ($25) | Class XS for residents 65+ (who turned 65 on/after Jan 1, 2012) |
| Youth | Reduced ($16) | Junior hunt/fish/trap license for ages 15-17 — both resident and NR |
| Disabled Veteran | Free | WV veterans with permanent total disability — free lifetime license |
| Active Military | Resident rates | WV residents on active duty |
West Virginia Hunting Regulations Overview
Bag Limits
Check species-specific bag limits in the West Virginia official regulations. Limits vary by species, management unit, and season.
Legal Methods
Approved hunting methods include firearm, archery, and muzzleloader. Crossbows are legal. Specific rules apply to each method.
Safety Requirements
Blaze orange is required during firearms deer season.
Shooting Hours
Hunting is generally permitted from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. Check local variations.
- 400 square inches of blaze orange required during buck firearms season.
- West Virginia is one of the best bear hunting states in Appalachia.
- Sunday hunting now allowed on private land statewide.
- Electronic game checking required for all harvested deer, bear, and turkey.
Read full West Virginia regulations on WVDNR
Not sure if you qualify for a discount? Take the Eligibility Quiz →
Recommended West Virginia Hunting Gear
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West Virginia Hunting License FAQ
How much does a hunting license cost in West Virginia?
A resident hunting license in West Virginia starts at $19.00. Non-resident licenses start at $119.00. Additional tags and endorsements may be required depending on the species you plan to hunt.
Do I need hunter education to hunt in West Virginia?
Yes, West Virginia requires hunter education for first-time buyers. Required for anyone born on or after January 1, 1975 The state accepts hunter education certificates from other states.
Can non-residents hunt in West Virginia?
Yes, non-residents can purchase a West Virginia hunting license. The non-resident general hunting license costs $119.00. Some special tags or units may have limited non-resident allocations.
What is the deer season in West Virginia?
Archery: September 26 – December 31. Buck Firearms: November 23 – December 5. Antlerless: December 17 – December 31. Muzzleloader: December 7 – December 13
Are there free hunting licenses in West Virginia?
Yes, West Virginia offers free or reduced-cost licenses for: disabled-veteran (WV veterans with permanent total disability — free lifetime license).
Can I buy a West Virginia hunting license online?
Yes, you can purchase a West Virginia hunting license online through the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources website at https://www.wvhunt.com/. Licenses may also be available at authorized retail locations.