Upcoming youth, Class Q and senior citizen special split antlerless deer seasons open Oct. 21-22

News Release
October 15, 2023

SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The first segment of West Virginia’s special antlerless deer season for youth hunters, Class Q permit holders and senior citizens with a Class XS license will be open Oct. 21-22 on public and private land in the 51 counties open to firearms deer hunting. A second segment is scheduled for Dec. 26-27.

“This special season is an excellent opportunity for youth, seniors and other eligible hunters to pursue antlerless deer when deer hunting pressure is significantly lower,” said Brett McMillion, director of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. “Providing opportunities like this is just one of the ways we are making sure that hunting in West Virginia is inclusive and accessible to everyone regardless of their age or ability. We hope eligible hunters will take advantage of this time to get out and enjoy a hunting adventure.”

Youth hunters ages 8-17 may participate in this special antlerless deer season. Hunters 8-14 must be accompanied by a licensed adult who may not hunt or possess implements for the taking of wildlife. Hunters 15-17 must comply with all licensing requirements. Hunters 65 and older who have a lifetime hunting, trapping and fishing license (Class XS) may participate in this special antlerless deer season. Hunters with a disability must have a Class Q permit.

Hunters who still need to purchase a license may do so at WVhunt.com.

All hunters participating in this season, accompanying adults and all other hunters afield during these four days must wear at least 400 square inches of blaze orange. The daily bag limit is one antlerless deer per day and no more than four antlerless deer may be harvested during the season. Deer harvested during this special season do not count toward the hunter’s annual deer season bag limit. Class N/NN licenses are not required for this antlerless deer season.

Each harvested deer must be field tagged and electronically registered within 24 hours of the close of each segment of this split season and before the pursuit of additional deer. Deer can be checked online at WVhunt.com, by calling 844-WVcheck or by visiting a license agent.

For more information about the special antlerless deer season, check the West Virginia Hunting and Trapping Regulations Summary, available at WVDNR district offices, license agents and online at WVdnr.gov/hunting-regulations. To learn more about special hunting privileges for Class Q hunters, visit WVdnr.gov/hunting/class-q-hunting.