CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WVDN) — The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) announced today that the state’s muzzleloader deer hunting season will run from Dec. 16–22 and reminded hunters to purchase an RM or RRM stamp before the season starts if they want a chance to harvest an additional deer during the season.
“West Virginia’s muzzleloader season offers an exciting opportunity to enjoy one last hunting adventure in our beautiful outdoors, fill your tags and make memories that will last a lifetime,” said Brett McMillion, WVDNR Director. “We encourage all of our deer hunters to get out into the woods and take advantage of this special season.”
Hunters are also reminded that bucks harvested during the muzzleloader season are eligible for entry into the WVDNR’s Big Buck Photo Contest. Hunters are invited to submit a photo with a buck they harvested during a 2024 hunting season along with a short account of their hunt for a chance to win prizes. Detailed rules and entry forms are available at WVdnr.gov/photocontest.
Deer Muzzleloader Season Rules and Regulations
During West Virginia’s muzzleloader season, antlered deer are legal in all counties that have a buck firearms season, and deer of either sex are legal in all counties or parts thereof that have a Class N/NN antlerless season. Logan, McDowell, Mingo and Wyoming counties are closed to all firearms deer hunting, including the muzzleloader deer season.
In Berkeley, Greenbrier (south portion), Hampshire, Hardy, Jefferson, Mineral (east portion), Monroe, Morgan and Wood counties, hunters are required to take an antlerless deer within the county, during any regular deer season open to antlerless deer hunting, before harvesting a second antlered deer within the county. Hunters are also reminded that beginning with the 2024 deer seasons, no more than two antlered bucks can be harvested during the regular deer seasons and the 2025 Mountaineer Heritage Season combined, except that three antlered deer may be taken in a West Virginia CWD Containment Area or by Class XS license holders. All hunters afield during this week are required to wear a minimum of 400 square inches of blaze orange.
A single-shot muzzleloading pistol or rifle, having a bore diameter of .38 caliber or larger, using an encapsulated propellant charge that loads from the breech and the projectile is loaded from the muzzle, is legal for use during the muzzleloader deer season.
For more information about the muzzleloader deer season and other hunting opportunities in West Virginia, hunters should consult page 32 in the 2024–2025 West Virginia Hunting Regulations Summary, available to download at WVdnr.gov/hunting-regulations. Hunters who need to register their WVDNR ID number, buy a license or electronically check game, should visit WVhunt.com.
