WVDNR reminds bear hunters about early firearms seasons

CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) announced that two early black bear firearms seasons will begin on August 31 and October 5. Hunters are encouraged to prepare by purchasing the necessary licenses and stamps.

The first season runs from August 31 to September 8 in Logan, McDowell, Mingo, and Wyoming counties, while the second season is from October 5 to October 11 in Boone, Fayette, Kanawha, Nicholas, and Raleigh counties. During both seasons, hunters have the option to hunt with or without dogs.

According to WVDNR Director Brett McMillion, the counties designated for these early seasons are above their bear management goals, so it is important to harvest additional bears to meet these objectives. He noted that the advantage of early seasons is that bears are still active since they won’t begin to den until later.

For those hunting in the first season, bears can often be found near black cherry trees with fruit or in areas rich with autumn olive. The second season coincides with the peak time for acorn drop, leading to heavy bear activity in red oak forests.

Hunters are required to submit a premolar tooth from each bear they harvest. Additionally, those who take a female bear are encouraged to save the reproductive tract or internal organs and send them to the WVDNR for a chance to earn a $20 gift card. The information gathered from these samples helps the WVDNR track the black bear population. More details can be found on pages 39–40 of the 2024–2025 Hunting and Trapping Regulations Summary or by visiting WVdnr.gov/black-bear-seasons-regulations .

Bear tooth envelopes are available at local WVDNR district offices or the Elkins Operation Center. Hunters who have saved reproductive tracts or entrails should keep them cool or freeze them and contact their nearest WVDNR office to arrange a pickup.

Resident hunters need to obtain a bear damage stamp along with their hunting license. Nonresident hunters must purchase both a bear hunting license and a bear damage stamp. These licenses and stamps can be purchased online at WVhunt.com or at various retailers throughout the state.

Additional information about bear hunting is available on pages 37–42 of the 2024–2025 Hunting and Trapping Regulations Summary, which can be downloaded at WVdnr.gov/hunting-regulations .