Special Split Youth, Class Q and Class XS Antlerless Deer Season Opens Oct. 19

SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WVDN) — The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources announced today that the first segment of a special antlerless deer season for youth hunters, Class Q permit holders and senior citizens with a Class XS license will be open Oct. 19–20. The season will be open on public and private lands in 51 counties.

“Providing opportunities like this is just one of the ways we are making sure that hunting in West Virginia is inclusive and accessible to everyone regardless of their age or ability,” said WVDNR Director Brett McMillion. “We hope eligible hunters will take advantage of this time to get out and enjoy a hunting adventure.”

Youth hunters ages 8–17, hunters 65 and older with a Class XS license and those with a Class Q permit are eligible to participate in the season. Hunters aged 8–14 must be accompanied by a licensed adult and hunters 15–17 must comply with all licensing requirements. All participants must wear at least 400 square inches of blaze orange.

The daily bag limit is one antlerless deer per day, with a total of four antlerless deer allowed over both segments of the special season. Deer harvested during this season do not count toward the annual bag limit, and a Class N/NN license is not required. Each deer must be field-tagged and registered within 24 hours of harvest. Registration can be done online, by phone or at a license agent.

A second segment is scheduled for Dec. 26–27. For more information, check page 29 in the West Virginia Hunting Regulations Summary, available online at WVdnr.gov/hunting-regulations . Hunters who still need to purchase a license may do so at WVhunt.com .

Class Q Permit Holders Have Access to Select Roads
Class Q permit holders are reminded that select access roads on public lands, including 11 roads in national forests and 12 in state wildlife management areas, are open for hunters with disabilities. These roads are gated and accessible only to Class Q hunters.

To apply for a Class Q permit, hunters must have a permanent and irreversible respiratory, cardiovascular or lower extremity use limitation and submit a certified application from a licensed physician. Once approved, hunters receive a permit card, gate key and letter of authorization.

Class Q hunters may hunt from a stationary vehicle in designated areas but must follow all hunting regulations. For more information about the program, including a list of Class Q access road sites, visit WVdnr.gov/class-q-hunting .

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