An alternative yearly ritual draws hunters to the great outdoors as the leaves start to decorate the West Virginia mountains in vivid shades of amber and gold. Not only does the cool autumn air announce the arrival of a new season, but it also marks the beginning of bowhunting season, which archers look forward to.
Bowhunters find heaven in the heart of Appalachia, where the undulating hills whisper tales of history and wildness. This is a profession requiring expertise, patience, and respect for the natural world—not just a hobby. Our most recent blog article is your go-to resource for enjoying West Virginia’s archery season, providing a quiver full of advice to make sure you’re ready for the journey ahead.
So, when does bow season start in west virginia?
West Virginia’s 2023–2024 bow season begins on September 30, 2023. The season ends on December 31, 2023.
West Virginia’s archery season opens on the last Saturday in September. The crossbow season opens on the last Saturday in September and ends on the last day in December.
West Virginia has several other deer hunting seasons, including:
- Buck firearms: November 21 and December 4
- Archery and crossbow: September 24 and December 31
- Antlerless: October 26 and 29, 2023
West Virginia also has bow-only hunting counties, including McDowell, Mingo, Wyoming, and Logan. These counties were designated in 1979 due to a decline in deer population.
So, let’s get started.
Contents
- 1 When Does Bow Season Start In West Virginia?
- 2 The Importance of Knowing Opening Dates for Bow Season
- 3 County-Specific Opening Days for Bow Hunting in West Virginia
- 4 Different Regulations for Specific Types of Game During Bow Season
- 5 Obtaining Necessary Licenses and Permits for Bow Hunting in West Virginia
- 6 Safety Measures to Follow During Bow Season
- 7 Ethical Hunting Practices during Bow Season in West Virginia
- 8 Conclusion
When Does Bow Season Start In West Virginia?
The official commencement for bow season targeting deer, bear, and wild boar in West Virginia is Saturday, September 30th. This start date aligns with the state’s typical scheduling, which is the last Saturday in September, stretching through until December 31st.
There’s a caveat, however: specific counties may have varying opening days, so it’s imperative for hunters to verify the dates for the county they intend to explore.
Essential Dates for West Virginia Bow Hunters
Be keen to note, each county may diverge slightly within a range from September 23rd to October 2nd.
Here’s a brief table detailing the general start, exception examples, and the notable Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge start:
| General Statewide Bow Season Start | September 30th |
| County-Specific Variations | Between September 23rd and October 2nd |
| Canaan Valley NWR Start | September 1st |
Preparing for the Season
Before you venture out, confirm that you’re equipped with a valid hunting license and a bow stamp. Purchasing these is possible online or at authorised retailers.
The importance of safety can’t be overstated—ensure you’re donned in the correct safety attire and are clued up on the foundational principles of archery safety.
Ethical Hunting Practices
Embarking on a hunt calls for a respect of the land and a commitment to ethical hunting. This involves abstaining from excessive game harvesting and ensuring that each shot is calculated for a swift and humane end.
Before you set foot in the woods, it’s crucial to scrutinise the regulations specific to your chosen county or area. Non-compliance could lead not just to legal repercussions but also to detrimental impacts on the ecosystem.
The Importance of Knowing Opening Dates for Bow Season
For West Virginia’s archery aficionados, being clued up on the bow season’s commencement is more than just a date in the diary; it’s the keystone of a successful hunt. Let’s delve into the whys and wherefores:
| Preliminary Scouting | Identify and familiarise with hunting spots. | Early preparation avoids competition and missteps. |
| Equipment Maintenance | Assess and mend your archery gear. | Prevents mishaps and ensures peak performance. |
| Practice Sessions | Regularly refine archery skills. | Builds proficiency for the real deal. |
| Trail Camera Use | Strategically place and retrieve cameras. | Gathers actionable intelligence on deer movement. |
| Expectation Management | Interpret summer deer sightings wisely. | Avoids setting unrealistic hunting goals. |
| Strategic Setup | Prepare hunting grounds and stands. | Ensures a comfortable, stealthy hunting experience. |
County-Specific Opening Days for Bow Hunting in West Virginia
West Virginia’s bow hunters, take heed. Let’s zero in on the county-specific opening days for bow hunting in your neck of the woods. The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (DNR) fine-tunes these dates, striking a balance between sport and wildlife stewardship. Remember, each county’s opener is tailored to keep the deer folks flourishing and to give you a fair shot at the chase.
Below is a snapshot of varying county opening days for white-tailed deer with the stick and string for the 2024 season. Should you be after black bear, those dates might differ, so best check with the DNR directly, or have a gander at their website. And mind you, some places have extra rules to follow, like antler point restrictions or doe days.
Here’s a table that’ll give you the lowdown on when you can start nocking arrows for the 2024 bow season in a selection of counties across West Virginia:
| County | Opening Day | Notes |
| Upshur County | September 21, 2024 | Week earlier than most |
| Wayne County | October 5, 2024 | Week later to avoid the rush |
| Kanawha County | September 28, 2024 | Aligned with state-wide date |
| Monongalia County | September 28, 2024 | Watch for specific region restrictions |
| Greenbrier County | September 28, 2024 | Special doe season dates available |
Keep in mind, these dates are just a snippet, and the full list of county-specific dates can be found on the DNR website. It’s key to double-check your county’s opener before you set out.
Now, don’t go stirring up a hornet’s nest by flouting the local start dates or ignoring those extra rules—stick to the straight and narrow, or you might find yourself in a pickle with fines or more.
Different Regulations for Specific Types of Game During Bow Season
Bow hunting season in West Virginia presents a tapestry of opportunities for those with a passion for archery.
Deer Hunting with Bow
Season Dates:
- Generally starts on the last Saturday in September
- Concludes on December 31st
- County-specific nuances exist, with variances between September 23rd and October 2nd.
Bag Limits:
- Defined by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR)
- Subject to change based on population studies
Special Regulations:
- Mandatory field tagging of harvested deer
- Blaze orange is not required during archery-only seasons
Bear Hunting with Bow
Season Dates:
- Specific to certain counties
- Opening days vary and are designated by WVDNR
Bag Limits:
- Established based on research to ensure sustainable bear populations
Special Regulations:
- Only certain counties open for bear archery hunting
- Reporting of harvests required
Small Game Hunting with Bow
Season Dates:
- Overlap with deer/bear seasons for species like rabbits and squirrels
Bag Limits and Regulations:
- Differ by species; consult WVDNR for specifics
Licenses and Permits
Requirements:
- Valid hunting license and bow stamp
- Purchase online or from licensed agents
Safety and Ethical Hunting
Clothing:
- Blaze orange during firearms seasons; check for exceptions
Reporting:
- If a sick or diseased animal is encountered, report it to WVDNR
Special Areas
Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge:
- Extended season from September 1st to December 31st
Here’s a table to encapsulate the bow hunting season for different game in West Virginia:
| Game Type | Season Dates | Bag Limits/Special Regs |
| Deer | Last Sat in Sept – Dec 31 | Varies by county, field tagging required |
| Bear | County-specific | Varies, harvest reporting required |
| Small Game | Concurrent with deer/bear seasons | Species-specific limits |
Obtaining Necessary Licenses and Permits for Bow Hunting in West Virginia
To engage in bow hunting in West Virginia, you’ll need to arm yourself with the appropriate paperwork.
Hunting License:
A hunting license is your ticket to pursue game in both the wilds and on private turf, with the landowner’s nod of approval.
| Type | For Whom | Where to Get One |
| Resident Hunting License | Local enthusiasts | WVDNR website or authorized agents |
| Non-Resident Hunting License | Out-of-state hunters | WVDNR website or authorized agents |
| Senior Citizen License | Seasoned locals aged 65+ | WVDNR website or authorized agents |
| Youth License | Young archers under 18 | WVDNR website or authorized agents |
Bow Hunting Stamp:
Bag this stamp to legitimize your bow hunting capers for a full year, from July 1st through to June 30th.
| Stamp | Validity | Purchase Points |
| Bow Hunting Stamp | Annual (July 1 – June 30) | WVDNR website or authorized agents |
Archery Stamp Validation Permit:
A must-have for deer season, granting you the freedom to hunt with your trusty bow.
| Permit | Usage | Acquisition |
| Archery Stamp Validation Permit | Deer hunting with archery gear | Annually renewed, available online or via authorized agents |
Safety Measures to Follow During Bow Season
Safety must always be at the forefront of any bow hunter’s mind, especially during the dynamic and sometimes unpredictable bow season in West Virginia. Below are some vital safety measures to keep in mind:
| Regulation Adherence | Acquire proper licenses, follow season dates, wear hunter orange for visibility. |
| Gear Maintenance | Regular bow and arrow checks, understand equipment range, practice for proficiency. |
| Tree Stand Use | Inspect for stability, always harness up, be cautious when ascending/descending. |
| Communication | Inform someone of your hunting plan, use signals, establish clear hunting boundaries. |
| Physical Fitness | Stay in good shape, wear suitable attire, pack safety gear like a first aid kit. |
By keeping these measures in check, you’re not just ensuring your own safety, but also that of your fellow hunters and the sustainability of the wildlife populations.
Ethical Hunting Practices during Bow Season in West Virginia
In the keen air of West Virginia’s bow season, the ethical archer stands as a paragon of integrity. Here’s a table laying out the best practices for ensuring a responsible hunt:
| Before the Hunt | During the Hunt | After the Hunt |
|---|---|---|
| Scout the terrain and observe wildlife patterns. | Only shoot when you have a clear, ethical shot at the animal’s vitals. | Follow through with a quick retrieval and humane dispatch if necessary. |
| Check and maintain your bow to perfection. | Keep distances within your accurate shooting range to avoid wounding. | Respect the quarry by utilising as much of it as possible. |
| Brush up on current regulations and obtain all necessary permits. | Respect property boundaries and seek permission where required. | Dispose of any refuse properly, including spent broadheads and casings. |
| Take hunter education courses to sharpen your knowledge and skills. | Identify your target beyond all doubt and what lies beyond it. | Report any poaching or unethical behaviour you witness to authorities. |
These actions are the marrow of ethical hunting: they respect the spirit of the wild and the rules of fair chase. They echo the words of wise stewards who’ve trodden these woods before us.
Remember, a true sportsman’s trophy isn’t simply the deer brought home but the honour in how the hunt was conducted.
Conclusion
Our post aims to walk fans through the fundamentals of this beloved time as the fall leaves herald the beginning of West Virginia’s bowhunting season. Finally, keep in mind that, with certain county-specific exceptions, the state’s bow season for deer, bear, and wild boar begins on September 30. It’s crucial to be ready for the season; get your hunting license and bow stamp, and put safety and moral hunting practices first.
It is crucial to understand when the bow season opens since this information forms the basis for efficient scouting, equipment upkeep, training sessions, placement of trail cameras strategically, and reasonable expectations for hunting. For the most up-to-date information, visit the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (DNR) website since each county may have different dates and extra requirements.
Although there is a lot of anticipation for the last Saturday in September, each county may have a different date. For example, Upshur County begins one week sooner, and Wayne County one week later. The purpose of these modifications is to preserve harmony between the heritage of hunting and the preservation of nature.
In conclusion, West Virginia’s bow season is about more than simply hunting; it’s about appreciating Appalachian tradition, getting back in touch with the natural world, and showing respect for animals. Make sure you’re ready for an adventurous and attentive season, whether you’re crawling through the underbrush or sitting in a tree stand.
