CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) today reminded hunters that the early black bear firearms season will open Aug. 30 in Logan, McDowell, Mingo and Wyoming counties.
“These early bear seasons give hunters an excellent opportunity to get out ahead of the busy fall schedule,” said WVDNR Director Brett McMillion. “With bears still active across their full range, hunters have a better opportunity for success while also helping us keep populations in balance.”
Counties that are open for early bear hunting are above their management objective and additional bears need to be harvested in order for these areas to achieve their goal. Hunters are encouraged to prepare for the unique season by purchasing their license and stamps at an authorized license agent or online at WVhunt.com.
Hunters in the August season are likely to find bears feeding near black cherry stands or in areas with abundant autumn olive. The next season, which is open in select counties on Sept. 20-26 often coincides with the peak of acorn drop, when bears feed heavily in oak stands if oak mast is available.
Hunters who harvest a bear are required to submit a premolar tooth from each bear. Those who harvest a female black bear are also encouraged to save the reproductive tract or all the entrails and submit them to the WVDNR for a chance to receive a $20 gift card. Data collected from tooth samples and reproductive tracts help biologists monitor the state’s black bear population.
Bear tooth envelopes are available at WVDNR district offices and the Elkins Operation Center. Hunters who save reproductive tracts or entrails should keep them cool or frozen and contact their nearest district office to arrange pickup.
Resident hunters are reminded that they must purchase a bear damage stamp along with their hunting license. Nonresidents must purchase both a bear hunting license and a bear damage stamp. For more details on bear hunting regulations, see pages 37-42 in the Hunting and Trapping Regulations Summary, available at WVdnr.gov/hunting-regulations.
