SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WVDN) — The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) is reminding hunters and trappers that hunting and trapping seasons for several small game and fur-bearing species are set to close on Feb. 28.
Hunting seasons set to close include those for squirrel, ruffed grouse, cottontail rabbit, snowshoe hare, raccoon, red and gray fox and bobcat. Trapping seasons that will close include those for raccoon, red and gray fox, bobcat, mink and muskrat, otter, skunk, opossum, coyote and weasel.
Trappers who harvest a beaver, bobcat, fisher or otter must electronically check their catches within 30 days after the close of their respective seasons. A WVDNR-issued game check confirmation number must be recorded in writing with the trapper’s name and address and stay attached to each pelt or whole animal until sold, tanned, processed into commercial fur or mounted.
Trappers must also obtain a Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) seal for each bobcat and otter pelt harvested in West Virginia. Federal law requires this seal on all bobcat and otter pelts shipped to international markets. Trappers may obtain a CITES seal from the Elkins Operations Center or their local WVDNR district office. Contact information is available at WVdnr.gov/contact.
River Otter Research Project
The WVDNR is also reminding trappers about its otter research project to examine annual survival, harvest rates, habitat use and movement rates. Trappers who harvest a radio-tagged otter should contact Holly Morris at the District 4 office at 304-256-6947 to report the tag number and return the transmitter. More information about the otter research project, including photos of tags and transmitters, can be found on page 5 of the 2024–2025 West Virginia Hunting and Trapping Regulations Summary.
Successful otter trappers who deliver a legally harvested and electronically registered skinned otter carcass to a WVDNR district office will be eligible to receive a $20 gift card. Call your local district office to arrange a pick-up if you are unable to deliver the carcass. Collected biological samples will assist biologists in making decisions regarding future trapping seasons.
Hunters and trappers 15 and older are required to have a valid West Virginia hunting license and form of identification while hunting. To purchase a hunting and trapping license, visit WVhunt.com. For more information about small game season dates and limits, consult page 2 in the 2024–2025 Hunting and Trapping Regulations Summary at WVdnr.gov/hunting-regulations.
