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

West Virginia hunters harvest 2,479 black bears in 2024

The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) announced that hunters in West Virginia harvested 2,479 black bears during the combined 2024 archery, crossbow and firearms seasons.

The preliminary harvest for the combined 2024 seasons was lower than the 2,830 bears taken in 2023. As predicted by the 2024 Mast Survey and Hunting Outlook, the archery/crossbow harvest remained consistent with the previous year. However, the overall bear firearms harvest was lower than in 2023, despite a higher harvest during the September and October season segments.

Click here to download 2024 black bear harvest numbers.

During the first segment of the 2024 archery and crossbow seasons (Sept. 28 – Nov. 24), hunters harvested 899 bears. Of these harvests, 431 were taken with vertical bows and 468 were taken with crossbows. The top five counties for archery/crossbow harvests were Fayette and Preston (55 each), Webster (48), Boone (43), Nicholas (42) and Wyoming (40).

During the firearms season, hunters harvested 1,580 bears. This included 611 bears taken during the September and October seasons, 166 bears during the September youth, Class Q, XS season, 20 bears during the October youth, Class Q, XS season, 57 bears during the concurrent antlerless deer/bear season and 368 during the three early firearms seasons.

Additionally, hunters harvested 271 bears during the concurrent buck-gun bear season and 697 bears during the traditional December season. One bear was harvested with a muzzleloader during the Mountaineer Heritage Season. The top five counties for firearms harvests were Nicholas (167), Boone (153), Kanawha (115), Fayette (109) and Logan (92).

For more information about hunting opportunities in West Virginia, hunters should consult the 2024–2025 West Virginia Hunting and Trapping Regulations Summary, available to download at WVdnr.gov/hunting-regulations. Hunting licenses may be purchased online at WVhunt.com.

Share this story:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

Soccer ‘Cats end year with 2-1 victory over Davis & Elkins

West Virginia Wesleyan closed its 2025 season with a 2–1 win over Davis & Elkins, keyed by goals from Chris Gonzalez and Blair Sinclair and crucial saves from goalkeeper Matteo Marciani.

Wesleyan women upset by Senators 1-0 in regular-season finale; knocked out of MEC Tournament

Wesleyan’s women were eliminated from the MEC Tournament after falling 1–0 to Davis & Elkins in the regular-season finale despite outshooting the Senators and pressuring late.

Sikara Sokel’s solo exhibition ‘Luminescence’ opens Nov. 7 with opening reception at CAC Gallery in Buckhannon

The Colonial Arts Center’s CAC Gallery will host “Luminescence,” a solo exhibition of painter Sikara Sokel from Nov. 7 to Dec. 13, 2025, with a free opening reception and artist talk on Nov. 7.

Mary “Bert” Dean

Mary “Bert” Dean, 83, of Buckhannon, WV, died Nov. 5, 2025; she is survived by four daughters, a brother, numerous grandchildren and great‑descendants, two cats, and was a longtime member of Sand Run Baptist Church.

Annual Veterans Day Parade set for Nov. 11 in downtown Buckhannon

The annual Veterans Day Parade will be held on Tuesday, November 11, with line-up at 8:30 a.m. at the Charles W. Gibson Library. The parade will be followed by a Veterans Day Program at Jawbone Park at 11 a.m.

Vandalia Health Davis Medical Center honors first DAISY Award recipient for nursing excellence

Vandalia Health Davis Medical Center honored Erin Wamsley, RN, as its first DAISY Award recipient for extraordinary nursing excellence and compassionate care at a ceremony with colleagues and family.

Stanley E. Mullins

Stanley E. Mullins, 80, of Buckhannon, WV, a former truck driver, died Nov. 4, 2025; he is survived by his wife Lucy, children, numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, siblings, and extended family, with services Nov. 7.

This week’s Hank Ellis All-Stars: Alivia Cogar and Conner McKim

This week’s Hank Ellis All-Stars are B-U’s Alivia Cogar, who posted 10 kills and 22 digs in regional action, and Conner McKim, whose goal-line stop sealed a 60-57 win over Preston. #buckhannon
WVWC Volleyball

Volleyball Lady ‘Cats drop first set to Concord then rallies to win a 3-1 contest

West Virginia Wesleyan rallied from a first-set loss to defeat Concord 3–1 (16–25, 25–17, 25–16, 25–22), led by Bhrooke Axe’s 18 kills and strong defense from Alexis Moeschler.