SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WVDN) — The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) announced that two early firearms seasons for black bear are set to open Aug. 31 and Oct. 5 and reminded hunters to get ready by purchasing their license and stamps.
The first early season will be open Aug. 31 to Sept. 8 in Logan, McDowell, Mingo and Wyoming counties. The second will be open Oct. 5-11 in Boone, Fayette, Kanawha, Nicholas and Raleigh counties. Hunters may hunt with or without dogs during both seasons.
“Counties that will be open for early bear hunting are above their management objective, so additional bears need to be harvested in order for these areas to achieve their goal,” said WVDNR Director Brett McMillion. “The benefit of early seasons is that all bears are available to be harvested because den entrance is still two or more months away.”
Hunters who participate in the first season should look for bears near stands of black cherry that have fruit or in areas with abundant autumn olive. The second season occurs at the peak of acorn drop, so bears will be feeding heavily in these red oak stands.
Hunters who harvest a bear are required to submit a premolar tooth from each bear. Hunters who harvest a female black bear are also encouraged to save the reproductive tract or all the entrails and submit them to the WVDNR for a chance to receive a $20 gift card. The WVDNR uses data obtained from tooth samples and reproductive tracts to monitor the black bear population. To learn more, check pages 39–40 in the 2024–2025 Hunting and Trapping Regulations Summary or visit WVdnr.gov/black-bear-seasons-
Hunters can get a bear tooth envelope at their local WVDNR district office or at the Elkins Operation Center. Hunters who have saved bear reproductive tracts or entrails should keep them cool or freeze them and contact their nearest WVDNR district office to arrange a pick-up.
Resident hunters are also reminded to purchase a bear damage stamp along with their hunting license. Nonresident hunters are required to purchase a bear hunting license and bear damage stamp. Licenses and stamps are available online at WVhunt.com and at license retailers around the state.
For more information about bear hunting, check pages 37–42 in the 2024–2025 Hunting and Trapping Regulations Summary available to download at WVdnr.gov/hunting-regulations.
