West Virginia Lifetime Fishing License: Is It Worth the Investment in 2024?

As an avid angler in West Virginia, you may have considered investing in a lifetime fishing license. With the regular price of a combination hunting, trapping, and fishing license costing $35 in 2024, the idea of a lifetime license may seem like a significant upfront cost. However, if you plan to fish regularly in the Mountain State, a lifetime license can provide substantial long-term savings and convenience.

Understanding the Lifetime License Options

The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) offers several types of lifetime licenses for residents, including:

• Combination Hunting, Trapping & Fishing (Class AB-L): $570.00
• Fishing (Class B-L): $325.00
• Fishing-Infant (Class B-L-I): $163.00 for children under 2 years old
• Trout Fishing (Class O-L): $150.00

These lifetime licenses serve in lieu of the equivalent annual licenses, providing a one-time payment for a lifetime of fishing privileges in West Virginia.

Calculating the Long-Term Savings

To determine if a lifetime fishing license is worth the investment, let’s consider a few scenarios:

1. Scenario 1: You’re 45 years old and plan to fish until you’re 75. If you buy a regular fishing license every year, you would pay $1,050 over the course of 30 years. With a lifetime license costing $325, you would save $725 by the time you reach 75.
2. Scenario 2: You’re 50 years old and plan to fish until you’re 75. Even in this case, a lifetime license at $325 is still cheaper than buying regular licenses for 25 years, which would total $875.
3. Scenario 3: You have a newborn child or grandchild and want to secure their fishing future. You can purchase a lifetime fishing license for an infant anytime before their second birthday for only $163. If they fish until they’re 75, they would save $2,100 on the base license alone, not including any future license fee increases.

These examples demonstrate the significant long-term savings that a lifetime fishing license can provide, especially if you plan to fish regularly for many years or want to secure a lifetime license for a child.

Convenience and Peace of Mind

In addition to the financial benefits, a lifetime fishing license offers convenience and peace of mind. You never have to worry about renewing your license each year or missing out on fishing opportunities due to an expired license. This is particularly valuable for avid anglers who fish frequently throughout the year.

Moreover, your license fees directly support wildlife and habitat conservation efforts in West Virginia, ensuring that you can continue to enjoy fishing in well-managed waters for years to come.

How to Purchase a Lifetime License

As of December 2023, you can now purchase lifetime licenses online through the WVDNR’s Licensing and Game Check System. Simply log in to your account or create a new one, select the desired lifetime license, and complete the checkout process.

If you prefer to submit a paper application, you can print the appropriate form from the WVDNR website, complete it, and mail it to the address listed along with any required documentation.

For West Virginia residents aged 65 or older who have previously purchased licenses online, the Senior Lifetime License (Class XS) can be purchased directly through your online account.

Whether you’re a lifelong angler or just starting your fishing journey, a lifetime license can be a smart investment in your outdoor recreation and conservation efforts in West Virginia. By considering your long-term fishing plans and the potential savings, you can make an informed decision about whether a lifetime license is right for you in 2024.