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West Virginia hunters could take more white-tailed deer this fall as a smaller wild food supply prompts big game to move more, according to an October 1 release from the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources.
The agency’s 2026 Hunting Outlook and Mast Survey tracks mast, the wild fruits and nuts produced by 18 tree and shrub species. Its mast index stands 14% below the statewide long-term average and 16% below last year.
“Overall hard mast production, especially red oak and black oak, is down this year and is expected to be less abundant across the state,” Avery Echevarria, mast survey project leader for the agency’s Wildlife Resources Section, said in the release.
The release explains that increased movement makes big game easier to find. Soft mast production rose from 2025 but remained slightly below its long-term average. That increase may temper the effect of reduced hard mast.
The outlook also projects higher raccoon, gray squirrel and fox squirrel harvests. For black bears, it forecasts an increase for archery hunters but a slight decline during firearms season. Wild boar harvests are expected to fall, while wild turkey and ruffed grouse harvests should resemble last year’s.
This year’s deer forecast reverses the one in My Buckhannon’s coverage of the 2025 survey, which predicted a lower harvest.
Hunters can download the report online. The release says hunters 15 and older must carry a valid West Virginia hunting license and valid identification. Licenses are available from license agents or at WVhunt.com.
