Hunters took 3,233 deer in October’s two-day special youth, Class Q and Class XS seasons in West Virginia, according to preliminary figures from the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. Youth hunters accounted for 2,764.
The youth total included 1,383 antlered deer and 1,381 antlerless deer, the agency said.
“We are very pleased with the opportunity that is available for the youth, Class Q and Class XS hunters to participate in this special season,” DNR Director Brett McMillion said in the release. “This is a great season for introducing youth to hunting, and the weather conditions were a wonderful bonus this year.”
This was the second year hunters under 18 could participate and the first in which youth and Class Q hunters could take one antlered deer, the DNR said. The agency attributed the increased harvest to those changes, poorer mast crops and favorable weather.
Harvests exceeded five-year averages by 111% for youth, 27% for Class Q hunters and 31% for Class XS hunters, according to the agency.
The second split runs Dec. 26-27. Season details appear on page 27 of the 2026-27 Hunting and Trapping Regulations Summary.
The DNR reminds hunters 15 and older that they must carry a valid West Virginia hunting license and valid identification while hunting. Licenses are sold by agents statewide and at WVhunt.com.
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