WVDNR announces important migratory game bird season dates

SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va (WVDN)  — The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources announced that new hunting regulations and season dates for migratory game birds will go into effect on Sept. 1 in accordance with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s annual guidelines.

The 2024–2025 migratory game bird seasons are scheduled as follows:

• Mourning dove: Sept. 1 to Oct. 13, Nov. 4-17, Dec. 16 to Jan. 17
• Sora and Virginia rail: Sept. 1 to Nov. 9
• Wilson’s snipe: Sept. 1 to Dec. 16
• Early Canada goose: Sept. 1-15
• Canada goose, white-fronted geese, snow and blue goose: Oct. 1-20, Nov. 11-16, Dec. 9 to Jan. 31
• Duck, coots and merganser: Oct. 1-14, Nov. 11-16, Dec. 23 to Jan. 31
• Scaup: Oct. 1-14, Nov. 11-16, Dec. 23 to Jan. 11, Jan. 12-31
• Gallinules: Oct. 1-14, Dec. 7 to Jan. 31
• Woodcock: Oct. 12 to Nov. 23 and Dec. 2-5
• Brant: Jan. 2-31

Hunters are also encouraged to take note of the two youth waterfowl season dates, which are scheduled for Sept. 21 and Nov. 9.

Federal regulations require all licensed migratory bird hunters, including lifetime license holders and senior citizens, to register with the Migratory Bird Harvest Information Program and carry proof of registration while hunting. HIP cards are free and available at all hunting license agents and online at WVhunt.com .

Waterfowl hunters 16 years and older must also possess a federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp, also known as a duck stamp, which must be signed by the hunter across the stamp’s face. Duck stamps can be purchased from your local post office, by calling 800-782-6724 or by going to USPS.com/shop .

Hunters are reminded to report harvested banded birds online at reportband.gov . For more information about West Virginia’s migratory game bird seasons, hunters should consult the 2024–2025 West Virginia Migratory Bird Hunting Regulations summary, available at WVDNR district offices and at WVdnr.gov/hunting-regulations .

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