SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WVDN) — The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) announced today that its annual Big Game Bulletin, which includes harvest numbers for white-tailed deer, wild turkey, black bear and wild boar, is available to download at WVdnr.gov/big-game.
“The Big Game Bulletin is a helpful tool that gives hunters an overview of harvest numbers and trends,” said WVDNR Director Brett McMillion. “These harvest numbers also help our biologists monitor big game populations and recommend any needed changes in bag limits or season lengths so we can continue to sustain healthy populations of these important species.”
According to data in the report, hunters harvested more white-tailed deer during the 2024 seasons than last year while overall harvest numbers for other big game species decreased. Summaries from the report for each big game species are provided below.
Black Bears Harvest and Trends
Hunters harvested 2,479 black bears during the 2024 seasons, a 12% decrease from the 2,830 bears harvested in 2023. Despite the overall harvest decline, the bear population remains robust and liberal hunting seasons in eastern mountain counties have stabilized numbers. Non-hunting mortalities decreased by 19 percent, nuisance complaints dropped by 55 percent and damage claims decreased by 26 percent, which suggests effective management.
White-Tailed Deer Harvest and Trends
Hunters harvested 111,646 white-tailed deer during the 2024 seasons and January 2025 season, a 2 percent increase from the 109,246 deer harvested in the previous year and 1 percent above the five-year average of 110,296. While harvests in the buck-only firearms season dropped 7.7 percent, the overall deer harvest was buoyed by a 14% increase in antlerless harvests. Despite this increase in antlerless deer harvests, female deer harvests fell short of the 40 percent target for population stabilization.
Wild Turkey Harvest and Trends
Hunters harvested 12,780 wild turkeys in 2024 seasons, a 3.2% decrease from the 13,198 turkeys harvested in 2023. The spring gobbler harvest decreased 4.64% but came in ahead of the five- and 10-year averages of 10,937 and 10,913, respectively. The drop in spring harvests was offset by a strong fall season, in which hunters harvested 16.9% more turkeys than they did in 2023.
Wild Boar Harvest and Trends
Hunters harvested 91 wild boar during the 2024 season and February 2025 season, a 35 percent decrease from the 142 boar harvested in the previous year and the lowest harvest in five years. According to the report, bad weather and abundant white oak availability reduced harvests, but the February season continues to stabilize the population while offering hunting opportunities.
Publishing the Big Game Bulletin is funded by money collected through the sale of hunting and fishing licenses and by funds from Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration. In addition to including harvest numbers for each big game species, this year’s publication includes harvests by season and county area. Digital copies are available to download at WVdnr.gov/big-game.
