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

DNR reminds hunters and trappers about furbearer seasons, river otter research project

Photo courtesy W.Va. DNR

SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. — With the raccoon hunting season underway, the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources today reminded hunters and trappers that the state’s various furbearer trapping and small game hunting seasons will open on Nov. 4.

Small game hunting and trapping seasons set to open Nov. 4 include those for red and gray fox, bobcat, mink, muskrat and beaver, otter, cottontail rabbit and snowshoe or varying hare. The raccoon trapping season also will open on Nov. 4.

Trappers harvesting beaver, bobcat (both hunter and trapper harvested), fisher and otter are reminded they must electronically check their catches within 30 days after the close of the respective season. A WVDNR-issued game check confirmation number must be recorded in writing with the trapper’s name and address and must be attached and remain attached to each pelt or whole animal until sold, tanned, processed into commercial fur or mounted.

Information provided by hunters or trappers when checking game is used to monitor harvest and assist in future game management in West Virginia. Decisions regarding season lengths, opening and closing dates and bag limits depend on accurate data obtained from these tags.

Trappers are also reminded to obtain a Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) seal for each bobcat and otter pelt harvested in West Virginia. The plastic seal is necessary only if the pelts are being shipped out of the state. Federal law requires the seal on all bobcat and otter pelts if they are eventually shipped to international markets. A CITES seal may be obtained from the Elkins Operations Center and any WVDNR district office. Call ahead to ensure that personnel authorized to seal pelts will be available.

West Virginia River Otter Research Project
The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources also reminded trappers about its river otter research project and that radio-tagged otters are legal game during trapping season.

During the summer of 2023, WVDNR biologists began a two-year river otter research project examining annual survival, harvest rates, habitat use and movement rates. Trappers who harvest a radio-tagged otter, should call Holly Morris at the District 4 office at 304-256-6947 to report the tag number and return the transmitter. For more details, including photos of tags and transmitters, see page five of the West Virginia Hunting and Trapping Regulations Summary.

Successful otter trappers who deliver a legally harvested and electronically registered skinned otter carcass to a WVDNR district office will be eligible to receive one $20 gift card for their usable otter carcass. Biological samples will assist biologists in making decisions regarding future trapping seasons.

For more information and closing dates for various species, check the West Virginia Hunting and Trapping Regulations Summary, which is available at WVDNR district offices, license agents and online at WVdnr.gov/hunting-regulations. To purchase a hunting and trapping license, visit WVhunt.com.

Share this story:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

Upshur County Sports Calendar

This week’s Upshur County sports calendar lists multiple Buckhannon-Upshur basketball and wrestling games and middle school matchups Jan. 13–17, plus West Virginia Wesleyan and West Virginia State college basketball contests.

Basketball ‘Cats remain winless after 99-74 loss to Pioneers

Glenville State’s balanced offense and hot shooting overwhelmed West Virginia Wesleyan, handing the Bobcats a 99-74 loss and leaving Wesleyan winless at 0-13.

Wesleyan women fall on the road to Glenville State, 95-84

Glenville State defeated West Virginia Wesleyan 95–84 as the Pioneers’ depth, 34 points off turnovers, 35–6 bench advantage and 19–6 second-chance edge overwhelmed the Bobcats despite 61.8% shooting from the field.

Helen Lea Reed

Helen Lea Reed, 86, formerly of Buckhannon, died January 10, 2026, in Elkins; a devoted mother, former switchboard operator and Troop Mother, she is survived by five children, siblings, grandchildren, and other relatives.

Wayne Sanford Smith

Wayne Sanford Smith, 73, a retired MonPower lineman, ordained Baptist minister, renowned gunsmith and avid hunter, died January 10, 2026, and is survived by his wife Cheryl, four children, grandchildren, siblings and extended family.

Goldilocks Pediatrics opens in Buckhannon, offers ‘just right’ care for every child

A new pediatrics office is now welcoming families in Buckhannon. Goldilocks Pediatrics officially opened this month, offering individualized care, well-child visits, sports physicals and sick appointments.

Glenn J. Yerkey

Glenn J. Yerkey, 93, a Korean War Army veteran and retired Goodyear master mechanic from the Brushy Fork community, died January 9, 2026, and will be cremated with a memorial and inurnment to be announced.

Patricia Koon Craven

Patricia Koon Craven, a retired nursing professor at West Virginia Wesleyan College and member of Buckhannon First Baptist Church, died January 7, 2026, after a long illness, survived by her son Jeffrey and other relatives.

Mary Francis Dagley

Mary Francis Dagley, 93, of Buckhannon, WV, a lifelong homemaker and Sand Run Baptist Church member who enjoyed travel, square-dancing and family, died January 9, 2026; she is survived by her children, grandchildren and extended family.