WVDNR reports spring gobbler harvests increased 12.3% in 2026

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – According to preliminary data released by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, hunters harvested 12,006 bearded turkeys during the spring gobbler season, a 12.3% increase over the 2025 season.

The 2026 spring harvest also exceeded the five-year average of 10,812 by 7.3% and the 10-year average of 11,243 by 6.8%.

“This year’s spring gobbler season was a resounding success, highlighting the incredible hunting opportunities available in West Virginia,” said WVDNR Director Brett McMillion.

Harvests in all six districts increased over last year. Hunters in District 1 harvested the most birds with 2,838, followed by District 6 with 2,072, District 4 with 1,983, District 5 with 1,981, District 3 with 1,783 and District 2 with 1,394.

The top five counties with the highest turkey harvest were Mason with 523, Preston with 436, Jackson with 404, Harrison with 372 and Marshall with 335.

During the two-day youth season, youth hunters harvested 875 turkeys, including 607 on Saturday and 268 on Sunday, which is a 28.3% increase over the 2025 season. The youth harvest made up approximately 7.3% of the total harvest. Youth harvests are included with county totals in the table linked below.

“We are excited to see such a significant jump in youth participation,” McMillion said. “Passing down these outdoor traditions to the next generation is vital to the future of conservation in our state, and this season shows that the future of hunting in West Virginia is bright.”

Click here to see West Virginia’s county-by-county spring turkey harvests for the last five seasons.

The WVDNR is also reminding hunters that there is still time to report their spring gobbler hunting activity for inclusion in the 2026 Annual Spring Gobbler Survey. For more information about the survey, visit WVdnr.gov/surveys. To learn more about hunting in West Virginia or to buy a hunting license, visit WVdnr.gov.