As opening dates for fall hunting seasons approach, the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) is reminding new hunters who were born on or after Jan. 1, 1975, that they need to complete a certified hunter education class before they can purchase a hunting license.

“The WVDNR’s hunter education class is an essential part of ensuring that all new hunters in West Virginia are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to hunt safely, ethically and responsibly,” said WVDNR Director Brett McMillion.

The two-day, 12-hour class is free and offered at various locations around the state. The class covers topics such as gun safety, wildlife management, ethics, survival, first aid, game identification and other need-to-know information. Once a hunter completes the class, they must also complete a hands-on firearm practical and pass a final exam under the supervision of a Natural Resources Police officer or volunteer hunter education instructor to become fully certified in hunter education.

“Even if a hunter isn’t required to take the hunter education class to purchase a hunting license in West Virginia, we encourage everyone to get their hunter education certification because it will allow them to hunt in other states that may have different hunter education requirements,” said Natural Resources Police Colonel Bobby Cales.

To learn more about West Virginia’s hunter education program, visit WVdnr.gov/hunter-education. To find and register for a free class, visit register-ed.com/programs/westvirginia.

West Virginia’s Fall Hunting Seasons

West Virginia offers several small and big game hunting seasons throughout the fall. The first hunting opportunity comes on Aug. 31 with the first split of the black bear firearms season. Additional black bear firearms seasons open in September through December. Squirrel season is the next to open (Sept. 14), followed by the archery season for white-tailed deer, black bear and wild boar (Sept. 28). Additional hunting seasons for wild turkey come in October. The early firearms season for antlerless deer opens Oct. 24, with additional dates in November and December. The buck firearms season is Nov. 25 – Dec. 8.

To learn more about West Virginia’s hunting seasons, download a copy of the Hunting Regulations Summary at WVdnr.gov/hunting-regulations. To purchase a West Virginia hunting license, visit WVhunt.com.