CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WVDN) — The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) today announced that the state’s four-day Mountaineer Heritage Season for deer, bear and turkey is now open. Hunters are reminded that they need to purchase a 2026 license to participate in this season, which runs Jan. 8-11.
“West Virginia’s Mountaineer Heritage Season is a celebration of our state’s deep-rooted hunting traditions,” said WVDNR Director Brett McMillion. “We invite hunters to participate in this unique season and step back in time, experience the challenge of using primitive weapons and enjoy our state’s beautiful winter wilderness.”
The Mountaineer Heritage season is open in all 55 counties. Hunters may only use primitive-style weapons. Percussion side lock and flintlock rifles or pistols and long or recurve bows are permitted, however, only long and recurve bows are legal in Logan, McDowell, Mingo and Wyoming counties. Modern muzzleloaders with a scope are not permitted anywhere for this season.
Mountaineer Heritage Season Regulations
During the Mountaineer Heritage season, hunters may harvest one deer, bear and turkey. A hunter may take no more than two antlered deer during the regular deer seasons and the following Mountaineer Heritage Season combined. Only one antlered deer may be taken during the archery and Mountaineer Heritage seasons combined in Logan, McDowell, Mingo and Wyoming counties. A bear or turkey harvested during this season does not count toward a hunter’s annual bear season bag limit or their spring or fall turkey season bag limits.
During the Mountaineer Heritage Season, hunters must wear at least 400 square inches of blaze orange, unless they are hunting in West Virginia’s four bow-hunting-only counties (Logan, McDowell, Mingo and Wyoming).
Unless otherwise exempt, all hunters 15 years and older must carry a valid West Virginia hunting license and a valid form of identification while hunting. Licenses can be purchased online at WVhunt.com.
For more information about the Mountaineer Heritage Season, hunters should consult the Hunting Regulations Summary, available to download at WVdnr.gov/hunting-regulations.
