The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources recently announced that turkey hunting will return to West Virginia on April 21 when the spring gobbler season opens across the state.

During the season, which will run for five weeks until May 25, hunters may harvest one bearded bird per day with a season bag limit of two. All hunters 15 and older are required to have a valid West Virginia hunting license, unless they are hunting under resident landowner privileges, and must carry a valid form of identification while hunting. A West Virginia hunting license can be purchased at WVhunt.com.

“Spring gobbler season is a time-honored tradition in West Virginia, offering hunters an exciting challenge and a chance to connect with nature,” said WVDNR Director Brett McMillion. “As hunters prepare for their hunts in the coming weeks, we want to urge them to take advantage of the youth season because it’s a great opportunity to introduce kids to the joys of hunting and make lasting memories together.”

West Virginia’s two-day youth spring gobbler season is set to open April 19. During the season, youth hunters ages 8-17 may harvest one bearded bird per day, which counts towards their season bag limit of two. Youth hunters 8-14 must be accompanied by a licensed and unarmed adult, who must remain close enough to render advice and assistance. Youth hunters 15-17 must comply with all licensing requirements.

Hunters are reminded that hunting turkeys over bait and killing hens without beards is illegal during the spring season. Turkey hunters are encouraged to report any such activity to their local Natural Resource Police Officer or call 911 to report the violation. The West Virginia Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation pays a $100 reward for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of anyone killing a turkey illegally.

For more information about the youth and regular spring gobbler seasons, check page 43-44 of the West Virginia Hunting and Trapping Regulations Summary, available to download at WVdnr.gov/hunting-regulations.

Spring Gobbler Survey

Hunters are also encouraged to participate in the WVDNR’s spring gobbler survey, which helps wildlife biologists gather information for managing the state’s wild turkey population. Hunters are encouraged to complete the survey through the Survey123 mobile or desktop app. Additional information about this year’s survey will be emailed to turkey hunters and posted on the WVDNR website once the season starts. To learn more about the survey, visit WVdnr.gov/surveys.