ELKINS, W.Va. (WVDN) — The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) announced today that hunters preparing for fall seasons may now consult the 2025 Hunting Outlook and Mast Survey, which details the abundance of wild fruits and nuts produced by 18 species of trees and shrubs and forecasts game harvests for the coming year.
According to the survey, the mast index is 2 percent above the statewide long-term average and 16 percent above 2024.
“Hard mast production, especially acorns from white oak and chestnut oak, is up this year and expected to be abundant and widespread across the state,” said Avery Korns, mast survey project leader for the WVDNR’s Wildlife Resources Section. “However, soft mast production was variable and many species showed decreases across most or all of the surveyed ecoregions.”
When mast is abundant, big game tend to move less and remain more dispersed, making them harder for hunters to locate. Reduced soft mast can cause wildlife to move more in search of food, creating localized opportunities in later months for hunters who do advance scouting.
Because mast production influences wildlife behavior, harvests for white-tailed deer and raccoon are predicted to be lower in 2025. According to the survey, the overall black bear harvest is predicted to be higher. Hunters should see similar harvests for wild turkey, wild boar, gray and fox squirrel and ruffed grouse in 2025 compared to 2024.
“Every hunting season in West Virginia comes with unique opportunities and challenges, so I encourage folks to use this report to their advantage, plan accordingly and enjoy a great hunting season this fall,” said WVDNR Director Brett McMillion.
The survey, which is conducted by active and retired staff from the WVDNR’s Wildlife Resources Section and West Virginia Division of Forestry, may be downloaded at WVdnr.gov/mast-survey.
All hunters 15 and older are required to have a valid West Virginia hunting license and valid form of identification while hunting, which can be purchased at license agents across the state or online at WVhunt.com.
