All schools in Upshur County will close at 1 p.m. today. All B-UHS sporting events today are canceled.

Archery and crossbow seasons open Sept. 27 in West Virginia

The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) announced today that archery and crossbow seasons for white-tailed deer, black bear and wild boar will open on Sept. 27. Hunters are encouraged to prepare now by purchasing their licenses and stamps at WVhunt.com before the seasons begin.

“The start of West Virginia’s archery and crossbow seasons is one of the most anticipated times of the year and provides an incredible opportunity to introduce new hunters to the sport, reconnect with family traditions and enjoy the outdoors,” said WVDNR Director Brett McMillion.

To help hunters prepare, the WVDNR is reminding the public of several important matters pertaining to these seasons:

  • Electronic Checking: All big game must be field tagged and electronically checked at WVhunt.com. Completing the check promptly after harvest ensures accurate reporting and helps the WVDNR monitor wildlife populations.
  • Deer Stamps: Hunters who want a chance to take up to two additional deer during the archery season must purchase their Class RB or RRB stamps before the season begins.
  • Deer Carcass and Baiting Restrictions: Carcass transportation restrictions are now in effect in Grant County, while baiting and feeding restrictions apply in Pendleton County.
  • Wounded Game Recovery: An unmanned aerial vehicle can be used to track and locate mortally wounded deer, bear and wild boar. Only one leashed dog can be used for this purpose.
  • Hemorrhagic Disease in Deer: Hunters should also be aware of ongoing reports of hemorrhagic disease (HD) in some deer populations across the state. HD is a naturally occurring virus that can affect white-tailed deer, and the WVDNR is monitoring the situation closely. For more information, including guidance on reporting suspected cases, visit WVdnr.gov/hemorrhagic-disease.
  • Deer Bowhunter Survey: Hunters who participated in last year’s deer archery season are invited to participate in the WVDNR’s annual bowhunter survey, which provides valuable data that supports wildlife management and helps improve future hunting opportunities. Invitations will be emailed beginning the week of Sept. 22.
  • Hunting Outlook and Mast Survey: Due to an increase in hard mast production, harvests during the archery and crossbow seasons are expected to be lower in 2025. To learn more, download the report at WVdnr.gov/mast-survey.

To learn more about season dates, bag limits and county-specific regulations, check the West Virginia Hunting Regulations Summary, available to download at WVdnr.gov/hunting-regulations.

All hunters 15 and older are required to have a valid West Virginia hunting license, unless hunting under resident landowner privileges. Hunters also must carry a valid form of identification. To purchase a hunting license and stamps, visit WVhunt.com.

Share this story:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

City of Buckhannon calendar for the week of January 19, 2026

Buckhannon’s week of Jan. 19 includes MLK Day closures (waste collection still on schedule), curbside recycling pickup Tuesday at 6 a.m., and a Consolidated Public Works meeting Thursday with in-person and virtual options.

Upshur County Sports Calendar

This week’s Upshur County sports calendar lists middle and high school basketball, wrestling, and college matchups for Jan. 19–25, highlighted by multiple Buckhannon-Upshur and West Virginia Wesleyan contests.

Basketball ‘Cats gain first win off the year as they beat West Virginia State, 97-91

West Virginia Wesleyan earned its first win of the season, defeating West Virginia State 97-91 behind Jerell Jean-Baptiste’s 32 points, hot three-point shooting, and a 30-of-37 performance from the free-throw line.

Wesleyan women use strong second half to pull away from Yellow Jackets for 86-67 win

Wesleyan erupted for 33 third-quarter points and shot 55.2 percent overall to defeat West Virginia State 86–67, led by Emma Witt’s 31 points, as the Lady Bobcats improved to 8–4 (6–3 MEC).

Buckhannon honors 99-year-old Rosie the Riveter with key to the city

Buckhannon honored 99-year-old Neva Lee Reed Snyder, a WWII Rosie the Riveter who helped keep American aircraft flying, with the city’s highest honor: the key to the city. Unable to attend, family accepted as Mayor Robbie Skinner praised her courage, patriotism and legacy.

This week’s Hank Ellis All-Stars: Olivia Blonn and Xavier Robinette

Olivia Blonn and Xavier Robinette have been named Hank Ellis All-Stars for their outstanding performances in wrestling and basketball.

Upshur County recovers $300,000 in taxes as delinquent property owners beat deadline

Upshur County officials say most delinquent 2024 property tax accounts were paid before the Nov. 1 deadline. Chief Tax Deputy Heather Sparks outlined what was redeemed and how taxpayers can still reclaim property through the State Auditor’s Office.

Westfall reaches 1,000-point milestone as Bucs roll past Wheeling Park, 67-57

Senior Jerin Westfall scored a game-high 34 points, reached the 1,000-point career mark, and hauled in 15 rebounds as Buckhannon-Upshur defeated Wheeling Park 67-57.

Strawberry Festival Queen Kourtney Jones crowned 2026 WV Association of Fairs and Festivals Queen

Wesleyan nursing student and 2025 Strawberry Festival Queen Kourtney Jones was crowned the 2026 West Virginia Association of Fairs and Festivals Queen on Jan. 10 in Charleston. She’ll serve as the statewide ambassador for fairs and festivals throughout 2026.