The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) today announced that it has filed several proposed legislative rule changes with the Secretary of State’s Office and is inviting public comment on the proposals through July 24.

Members of the public may review the proposed rules online at sos.wv.gov/admin-law and are encouraged to submit written comments by email to DNRComments@wv.gov or by mail to:

WV Division of Natural Resources
ATTN: Wendy Greene
112 California Avenue
Charleston, WV 25305

The proposed legislative rule changes include:

Rules Governing Small Arms Hunting (58CSR14)

The WVDNR proposes repealing this rule, which is no longer needed following legislative changes made during the 2025 Regular Session. HB 2387 eliminated the requirement for an A1 pistol stamp to hunt with a handgun, and a separate rule change removed maximum caliber restrictions for nighttime coyote hunting. The rule and related documents can be viewed online here.

Wildlife Rehabilitation (58CSR21)

This new rule establishes standards for the state’s newly created wildlife rehabilitation program. It outlines application, training and permit requirements, care and housing standards and key definitions for wildlife rehabilitators. The rule and related documents can be viewed online here.

Special Boating Rule (58CSR26)

This proposed amendment would remove horsepower restrictions on six impoundments statewide and update the definition of electric motor. The rule and related documents can be viewed online here.

Prohibitions When Hunting and Trapping (58CSR47)

To simplify regulations, the WVDNR proposes moving minimum handgun barrel length requirements for hunting and provisions still needed from the soon-to-be-repealed 58CSR14 into this rule. The rule and related documents can be viewed online here.

To learn more about hunting, fishing and boating regulations in West Virginia, visit WVdnr.gov.