CHARLESTON, W.Va. — September marks the start of youth hunting seasons in West Virginia. The first split of youth black bear season is Sept. 12-13 and the first split of youth waterfowl season is Sept. 19. The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) reminds hunters that the minimum age restriction for youth seasons has been removed.
“Hunting in West Virginia is a time-honored tradition passed down for generations. We encourage parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles to share their love for hunting and the outdoors with family members,” said WVDNR Director Brett McMillion. “West Virginia has youth seasons for squirrels, bears, deer and turkey to give our younger hunters a chance to experience hunting firsthand. The more opportunities they get, the more likely they’ll make it a life-long experience.
A second youth black bear season will run concurrently with a youth season for white-tailed deer on Oct. 17-18. The second youth waterfowl season date is scheduled for Oct. 31. The youth spring turkey season will be April 17-18, 2027.
Youth Season Minimum Age Restriction Removed
The Natural Resources Commission in 2025 removed the minimum age restriction for youth seasons. Youth hunters under the age of 15 must still be accompanied by a licensed adult who is 18 years of age or older and must remain close enough to provide guidance and assistance.
In addition, legislators approved a change to make it clear an adult assisting a youth hunter during any special youth season may handle the hunter’s firearm to provide safe handling advice and help. When assisting a youth hunter during a special youth season, the accompanying adult is still prohibited from carrying a firearm for the purpose of taking wildlife.
Youth hunters aged 15-17 must comply with all applicable state and federal licensing requirements and all youth hunters must check big game harvests using their own WVDNR account. Hunting licenses can be purchased, and game checks can be completed online at WVhunt.com.
For complete details about youth hunting in West Virginia, see pages 27, 34 and 40 of the Hunting Regulations Summary, available to download at WVdnr.gov/huntingregulations.