West Virginia Hunting License Requirements: What Every Hunter Needs to Know
June 19, 2026
West Virginia’s rugged mountains, dense hardwood forests, and sprawling public lands make it one of the most rewarding states in the country to hunt. Whether you’re after white-tailed deer, black bear, wild turkey, or small game, you need to understand the state’s licensing rules before you ever step into the field.
This guide covers everything you need to know about hunting license requirements in West Virginia — who needs one, what it costs, how to buy it, and what special permits or stamps apply to your hunt. All fee information reflects the 2025–2026 license year (July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026) as published by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR).
Who Needs a Hunting License in West Virginia
In West Virginia, anyone who wishes to hunt wildlife must generally possess a valid hunting license issued by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR). This requirement applies to residents and non-residents alike, with some distinctions based on age, residency status, and the species being hunted.
Hunters who are 15 years of age or older are required to have a valid hunting license to pursue most game species. Those under the age of 15 may hunt without a license only when accompanied by a licensed adult who is close enough to provide advice and assistance.
All nonresidents (except those who have a West Virginia lifetime license), regardless of age, are required to possess a nonresident license. This is an important distinction — even if a nonresident is under 15, they must still obtain the appropriate nonresident license unless they hold a West Virginia lifetime license.
Certain species-specific rules apply. For example, hunting migratory birds requires a federal migratory bird hunting and conservation stamp in addition to the state license. You must also carry your license on your person at all times while in the field.
Important Note: Season dates and bag limits apply to all hunters — including those who are exempt from the license requirement. Holding a license does not override harvest regulations.
Exemptions From Hunting License Requirements in West Virginia
West Virginia provides a narrow set of exemptions from the standard hunting license requirement. These exemptions are tied to residency status and land ownership — not to age alone.
West Virginia resident children may hunt on their resident parents’ property without a license. Resident parents may hunt on their resident children’s property without a license. This family landowner exemption only applies when both parties are West Virginia residents.
West Virginia resident landowners can hunt on their own property without a license. Season dates and bag limits still apply. However, this exemption does not extend to nonresident property owners.
Nonresidents, even though they own and pay taxes on property in West Virginia, cannot hunt on the property they own in West Virginia without first obtaining a nonresident license.
Key Insight: The resident landowner exemption does not waive the Big Game Stamp requirement. Even exempt hunters must still possess the appropriate stamps for deer, bear, and turkey.
Holders of a West Virginia lifetime license are also exempt from purchasing annual licenses, and certain senior citizens who qualified under older state programs received free lifetime licenses. Residents who turned 65 before January 1, 2012, received free lifetime licenses. Those turning 65 on or after that date pay $25 for a Senior Class XS license that includes bear damage and trout stamps.
Resident vs. Non-Resident Hunting Licenses in West Virginia
The distinction between resident and nonresident status has a significant impact on both what licenses you need and what you pay. West Virginia defines residency as being domiciled in the state, and the WVDNR enforces this distinction strictly.
A resident who purchased a license during the year and holds a valid resident license when they move out of the state may continue to use the resident license for the rest of the calendar year. Only senior citizens over 65, Class Q, and veterans surrender their hunting privileges when leaving the state.
Resident licenses are significantly less expensive than nonresident licenses. As of the 2025–2026 license year, resident licenses start at $19 (Class A) or $35 (Sportsman), while nonresident licenses are $119.
Nonresident hunters between the ages of 8 and 17 may purchase a nonresident junior sportsman license (XXJ) for $16 along with a CS/LE stamp for $13 to take one buck gun, one archery or crossbow, and one muzzleloader deer during the traditional seasons.
| Hunter Type | Base License Class | Approximate Cost (2025–2026) | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident (adult) | Class A | $19 | Hunting and trapping; stamps required for big game |
| Resident Sportsman | Class XS / Sportsman | $35 | Hunting, trapping, and fishing combined |
| Resident Senior (65+) | Class XS | $25 | Includes bear damage and trout stamps |
| Resident Junior (15–17) | Class XJ | Reduced rate | Combined hunting, trapping, and fishing |
| Nonresident (adult) | Class E | $119 | Full hunting and trapping privileges |
| Nonresident Junior (8–17) | Class XXJ | $16 + $13 CS/LE stamp | Supervised; limited deer harvest |
Types of Hunting Licenses in West Virginia
West Virginia offers several types of hunting licenses tailored to different categories of hunters. These licenses accommodate residents, non-residents, youth, seniors, and specialty hunters, ensuring that everyone can find the appropriate authorization for their hunting activities.
Here is a breakdown of the primary license classes available through the WVDNR:
- Class A – Resident Hunting and Trapping License: The standard annual license for adult West Virginia residents aged 15 and older. Covers hunting and trapping of most legal game species with appropriate stamps.
- Class XS – Resident Senior Hunting, Fishing and Trapping License: A Class XS license entitles the licensee to hunt and trap for all legal species of wild animals and wild birds, to fish for all legal species of fish, and to take frogs in all counties of the state, except as prohibited by the rules of the Director or Natural Resources Commission and when additional licenses, stamps, or permits are required.
- Class XJ – Junior Sportsman License: Available for residents aged 15 to 17, providing comprehensive hunting, trapping, and fishing privileges.
- Class E – Nonresident Hunting and Trapping License: A Class E license is a nonresident hunting and trapping license and entitles the licensee to hunt and trap all legal species of wild animals and wild birds in all counties of the state, except as prohibited by rules of the Director or Natural Resources Commission and except when other licenses, stamps, or permits are required.
- Class H – Nonresident Small Game License: A Class H license is a nonresident small game hunting license and entitles the licensee to hunt small game in all counties of the state for a period of six consecutive hunting days chosen by the licensee.
- Class EE – Nonresident Bear Hunting License: Non-residents must purchase the Class EE Bear Hunting License at $162. This includes Class E (general hunting) privileges. It is separate from the regular $119 Class E hunting license.
- Apprentice Licenses (Class AH / AHJ / AAH / AAHJ): Class AH is the Resident Apprentice Hunting License, which allows residents to hunt under the supervision of a licensed hunter without completing a hunter education course. Class AHJ is the Junior Apprentice Hunting License for residents aged 15 to 17, allowing supervised hunting without prior hunter education. Nonresident equivalents include Class AAH and Class AAHJ.
- Lifetime License: The lifetime license provides the best long-term value for hunters and anglers, especially when bought before a child’s first birthday. This one-time purchase covers hunting, trapping, and fishing for life and may be purchased online like any annual license.
West Virginia also offers a Class Q / QQ Special Use Permit for hunters with qualifying disabilities. Hunters with permanent and irreversible respiratory, cardiovascular, and/or lower extremity use limitations may be eligible for a Class Q/QQ special use permit through the WVDNR. Applications must be certified by a licensed physician to be considered for approval by the agency.
If you plan to hunt turkey in West Virginia, be sure to review the specific season dates and stamp requirements before heading out, as regulations vary by season type.
How Much a Hunting License Costs in West Virginia
The following fee information reflects the 2025–2026 license year (July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026) as reported by the WVDNR and third-party sources verified against WVDNR data. Always confirm current fees at wvdnr.gov before purchasing.
| License Type | Resident Fee | Nonresident Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Hunting and Trapping (Class A / Class E) | $19 | $119 |
| Sportsman Combination (Hunt, Trap, Fish) | $35 | N/A |
| Senior License (Class XS, age 65+) | $25 | N/A |
| Junior Sportsman (Class XJ / XXJ, ages 15–17) | Reduced rate | $16 + $13 CS/LE stamp |
| Nonresident Bear Hunting (Class EE) | N/A | $162 |
| Nonresident Small Game 6-Day (Class H) | N/A | $25 |
If you already have a license, you can upgrade your experience with one of the WVDNR’s collectible license cards. Available as an optional upgrade for only $8, these collectible cards allow you to express your hunting preferences with a customized license featuring your favorite game species, license type, and hunter education number.
Pro Tip: Purchasing online through WVhunt.com adds a $2 transaction fee, but you receive your license instantly and can begin hunting right away without waiting for a physical card to arrive.
Hunters planning trips across state lines may also want to review West Virginia fishing license requirements if they intend to combine their outdoor activities during the same trip.
Special Permits, Tags, and Stamps in West Virginia
A base hunting license alone does not authorize you to hunt all species in West Virginia. Many game animals require additional stamps, tags, or permits purchased on top of your base license. Understanding these add-ons is essential to hunting legally.
A Big Game Stamp is required for deer, bear, and turkey. This stamp must be purchased in addition to your base license before pursuing any of these species. Additional stamps expand your harvest privileges beyond what the base license allows.
WV hunters get one buck in firearms season, with additional deer possible through stamps: archery ($21), muzzleloader ($16), and antlerless ($7 resident / $27 nonresident) stamps. Additional gun deer stamps are $21 resident / $43 nonresident.
Key stamps and permits include:
- Conservation/Law Enforcement Stamp (Class CS/LE): Required for most hunters in addition to the base license.
- Bear Damage Stamp (Class DS): Nonresidents who plan to hunt only bear must purchase a nonresident bear hunting license Class EE ($162), a Bear Damage Stamp DS ($10), and a Conservation/Law Enforcement Stamp ($13), unless they hold a Class DT license.
- Antlerless Deer Stamp (Class NN): Hunters must possess a valid Class NN stamp to hunt antlerless deer.
- National Forest Stamp (Class I): A Class I ($2) stamp is needed for hunting on a National Forest.
- Federal Migratory Bird Stamp (Duck Stamp): A federal migratory waterfowl stamp and a Harvest Information Program (HIP) card are required for waterfowl hunting.
- Wild Boar: West Virginia has Russian wild boar on select Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) that can be hunted year-round with no bag limit. A valid hunting license and Big Game Stamp are required.
Beginning July 1, 2025, migratory e-Stamps are available for purchase at duckstamp.com/e-stamp, in addition to 30 other states that sell e-Stamps.
If you plan to hunt dove in West Virginia, note that doves are a migratory species and require both the state license and the federal HIP card.
Hunter Education Requirements in West Virginia
West Virginia requires most hunters to complete a certified hunter education course before they can purchase a base hunting license. This is a one-time requirement — once you are certified, you do not need to repeat the course.
Both resident and nonresident hunters born on or after January 1, 1975, must show proof of completing a certified hunter education course prior to purchasing a base license. If you were born before January 1, 1975, you are not subject to this requirement.
Hunter education teaches valuable safety essentials, including proper firearm handling, tree stand safety, wearing blaze orange for visibility, and understanding the hunting laws for the state.
West Virginia offers two primary pathways to fulfill the hunter education requirement:
- In-Person Instructor-Led Course: The traditional West Virginia Hunter Education Course is about 12 hours in length and is usually given over a number of weeknights and/or weekends. This course is offered free of charge through the WVDNR.
- Online Course with Hands-On Exam: Anyone 10 years or older may opt to take an approved online hunter education course. The online option with a hands-on/written portion is a two-step process. You complete the online portion at your own pace, then attend a hands-on practical exam to receive your certification card.
Before obtaining your certification and hitting the field, you will need to complete your state’s in-person requirements. Completing the online course alone is not sufficient — you must also pass the practical exam.
After completing the course and passing the hands-on written test, the WVDNR will send your hunter safety card in the mail. All U.S. states, provinces, and other countries that have mandatory hunter education requirements will accept the West Virginia Hunter Education Card. Likewise, West Virginia accepts certifications from other jurisdictions that meet IHEA-USA requirements.
Pro Tip: If you lose your hunter education card, you can obtain a replacement by contacting your local WVDNR Law Enforcement Office. A $10 fee applies for duplicate cards.
Apprentice License Option: If you want to try hunting before completing the full course, West Virginia’s apprentice license program provides a supervised pathway. The apprentice license is ideal for beginners who want to test the waters or woods. This unique license allows first-time hunters and anglers to join a licensed hunter for their first outing without completing a hunter education course. Apprentice hunters must remain within arm’s reach of their licensed mentor at all times while in the field.
Hunters from other states looking to compare education and licensing rules across state lines can also review requirements in neighboring states such as Virginia or explore guides for states like Ohio, Tennessee, and North Carolina.
How to Buy a Hunting License in West Virginia
The WVDNR offers several convenient options for purchasing your hunting license. Whether you prefer to buy online, over the phone, or in person, the process is straightforward once you have your hunter education certification in hand.
The easiest way to buy your West Virginia hunting license is online through the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. You will get your license instantly and can start hunting right away.
Option 1 – Online via WVhunt.com:
- Visit the WVDNR’s Electronic License System and log in or click “Enroll Today” to set up your profile. Once logged in, click Purchase a License, Tag, or Permit, add your desired licenses and stamps to the cart, complete any necessary surveys, accept any terms, click Pay Now, and enter payment details on the secure payment screen.
- Pay with a credit or debit card. A $2 transaction fee applies.
- Print your license or save it digitally on your device.
Option 2 – By Phone: Call 304-558-2758. A $2 transaction fee applies.
Option 3 – In Person: Licenses are also available at approximately 175 retail agents, county clerks, and Walmart stores statewide. In general, sporting goods stores, hardware stores, and Walmart stores offer hunting licenses in West Virginia.
If you need help selecting the right license or have questions about your account, you can contact the WVDNR License Unit at 304-558-6200 for assistance.
Key Insight: You must carry your hunting license on your person at all times while hunting. Wildlife officers can ask you to show both your license and your hunter education card, and you are required to comply.
Hunters who enjoy both hunting and fishing can save time and money by purchasing a combination license in a single transaction. For details on the fishing side of those combo licenses, see the full guide to West Virginia fishing license requirements.
License Validity and Renewal in West Virginia
Understanding when your license is valid — and when it expires — is just as important as knowing which license to buy. Hunting with an expired license carries the same legal consequences as hunting without one.
The current hunting license year runs from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026. This is the period for which all current license costs apply. Annual licenses expire at the end of this period and must be renewed for the following season.
You will need a new hunting license every year, unless you have a lifetime license. Your 2025 WV hunting license will not be valid in 2026. Make sure to purchase the correct license for the season you intend to hunt.
Lifetime licenses are the only exception to the annual renewal requirement. The lifetime license provides the best long-term value for hunters and anglers, especially when bought before a child’s first birthday. This one-time purchase covers hunting, trapping, and fishing for life and may be purchased online like any annual license.
For senior hunters, the Class XS license provides similar long-term value. A Class XS license entitles the licensee to hunt and trap for all legal species of wild animals and wild birds and to fish for all legal species of fish in all counties of the state, except as prohibited by the rules of the Director or Natural Resources Commission and when additional licenses, stamps, or permits are required.
When renewing annually, you do not need to retake the hunter education course. Your certification is permanent. Simply log into your WVDNR account at WVhunt.com, select your license type and desired stamps, and complete your purchase before the new season opens.
Hunters who spend time in multiple states each year may want to bookmark license requirement guides for other states they frequent, including Pennsylvania, Michigan, Indiana, and Colorado, to stay compliant wherever your hunting season takes you.