WVDNR announces updates to dove hunting at two wildlife management areas

ROMNEY, W.Va. — The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources announced that mourning dove hunters no longer need to apply for a limited permit to hunt at the South Branch Wildlife Management Area in Hardy County on September 1-2.

“The change at South Branch WMA gives hunters more flexibility while allowing us to manage the area based on current wildlife populations and participation levels,” WVDNR Director Brett McMillion said.

The WVDNR maintains fields and early successional habitat at South Branch WMA to support mourning doves, as well as rabbits, turkeys and other wildlife. For questions about mourning dove hunting at the WMA, contact the Romney District Office at 304-822-3551.

WVDNR establishes controlled dove hunt at Stonewall Jackson WMA

Due to high demand, the WVDNR is establishing a new controlled mourning dove hunt at Stonewall Jackson WMA for September 1-2. Two designated dove fields will be restricted to permit-only hunting from state-controlled posts during those dates. Permits for the controlled hunt are nontransferable and applications are due by August 1.

The controlled hunting area will be clearly marked with signs and include designated hunting posts. Hunters must remain within 5 yards of their assigned post while hunting. Shooting hours for the controlled hunt will follow statewide regulations for mourning doves, even if other hunting seasons are open concurrently.

Mourning doves are small birds related to pigeons and classified as migratory game birds, which may be hunted in accordance with state and federal regulations. Additional information about this season and other migratory game bird hunting opportunities will be available in the 2026-2027 West Virginia Migratory Bird Hunting Regulations, which will be available by the end of August at WVdnr.gov/hunting-regulations.