In West Virginia, most hunters are required to purchase a valid hunting license before heading out into the field. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule. In this article, we’ll explore who can legally hunt without a license in the state of West Virginia in 2024.
Residents Under the Age of 15
West Virginia residents who have not reached their 15th birthday are not required to have a hunting license. However, they must be accompanied by a licensed adult who remains in a position near enough to render advice and assistance.
Residents 65 Years of Age or Older
According to West Virginia Code 20-2-27, any resident 65 years of age or older is not required to have a license to hunt, trap, or fish during the legal seasons in West Virginia. In lieu of a license, these individuals must carry a valid West Virginia driver’s license or photo ID card issued by the DMV at all times while hunting, trapping, or fishing.
It’s important to note that there are two categories of residents 65 and older, based on their age as of January 1, 2012:
Residents who turned 65 before January 1, 2012: These individuals are not required to have a hunting license, but they must carry a valid West Virginia driver’s license or photo ID card.
Residents who turned 65 on or after January 1, 2012: These individuals are eligible for the lifetime Senior Hunting/Trapping/Fishing License (Class XS). While they are not required to purchase annual licenses, they may need to obtain additional stamps or permits for certain activities, such as hunting antlerless deer (Class N) or hunting with a handgun (Class A-1).
Disabled Residents and Non-Residents
West Virginia residents and non-residents with a disability may be eligible for the Class Q or Class QQ special hunting permits. They must also have a base or combination hunting license. For more details, visit the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources website.
Active-Duty Military Members
Active-duty military members who are West Virginia residents are not required to have a hunting license while on leave.
Resident Veterans
Resident veterans who receive total permanent service-connected disability benefits, former prisoners of war, or resident disabled veterans who qualify under West Virginia Code 17A-10-8 are not required to have a hunting license.
It’s important to note that even if you are exempt from purchasing a hunting license, you may still need to obtain additional stamps, permits, or certifications depending on your specific hunting activities. For example, all hunters age 16 or older must purchase the Federal Duck Stamp when hunting migratory waterfowl, and they are required to have proof of their participation in the Harvest Information Program (HIP).
Before heading out to hunt in West Virginia, be sure to familiarize yourself with the state’s hunting regulations and requirements. The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources website is a great resource for up-to-date information on licenses, seasons, and regulations.