Hurry up, turkey hunters! West Virginia is a great place to pursue this thrilling sport because of its breathtaking scenery and large numbers of wild turkeys. But it’s important to know the exact seasons, rules, and advice for a successful hunt before you grab your shotgun or bow. With the help of this guide, you will have all the necessary knowledge to organize your wild turkey hunting trip in West Virginia.
Navigating the Seasons: When Can You Hunt Wild Turkeys in WV?
West Virginia offers two distinct wild turkey hunting seasons: fall and spring. Every season has its own rules and opportunities, so it’s important to know the specifics.
Fall Turkey Season:
- Dates: The fall season varies depending on the county. Some counties have a one-week season (October 8-16, 2022), while others have a split two-week season (October 8-16 and October 24-30, 2022) or a split four-week season (October 8-16 and October 24 – November 13, 2022).
- Regulations: Baiting is strictly prohibited during the fall season.
- Counties: Consult the 2022-2023 Hunting and Trapping Regulations Summary for a detailed breakdown of counties and their respective season dates.
Spring Turkey Season:
- Dates: The statewide spring gobbler season runs from April 17 – May 21, 2023.
- Youth Season: A dedicated youth spring gobbler season is held on April 15 and 16, 2023, for hunters between the ages of 8 and 17.
- Regulations: Rifles are not permitted during the youth spring gobbler season. Only shotguns, bows, or crossbows with arrows or bolts having a minimum point width of 3/4 inch are allowed. Shot size restrictions have been removed.
- Class XS License Holders: These license holders are not eligible to participate in the youth spring gobbler season.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Is baiting legal for turkeys in West Virginia?
A: No, baiting is prohibited for both the spring and fall turkey seasons.
Q: Can I use a rifle during the youth spring gobbler season?
A: No, rifles are not permitted. Only shotguns, bows, or crossbows with arrows or bolts having a minimum point width of 3/4 inch are allowed.
Q: Can Class XS license holders participate in the youth spring gobbler season?
A: No, Class XS license holders are not eligible.
Additional Resources:
- 2023-2024 West Virginia Hunting Seasons: This comprehensive document provides detailed information on all hunting seasons, including dates, bag limits, and regulations for various species, including wild turkeys.
- Wild Turkey FAQs: This section on the WVDNR website addresses frequently asked questions about wild turkey hunting in West Virginia, offering valuable insights for both seasoned and novice hunters.
Tips for a Successful Wild Turkey Hunt:
- Scouting: Spend time observing turkey activity and identifying potential hunting spots before the season begins.
- Camouflage: Wear appropriate camouflage clothing to blend in with your surroundings.
- Calling: Mastering turkey calls can significantly increase your chances of attracting birds.
- Patience: Turkey hunting requires patience and persistence. Be prepared to wait for the right opportunity.
- Safety: Always prioritize safety by wearing blaze orange during the fall season and following all hunting regulations.
West Virginia offers a fantastic opportunity for wild turkey hunting, with diverse seasons and abundant populations. By understanding the regulations, planning your hunt carefully, and employing effective techniques, you can experience the thrill of this exciting sport and enjoy the bounty of West Virginia’s natural resources. Remember to always prioritize safety and respect the environment while pursuing your passion for turkey hunting.
WILD TURKEY – FALL SEASON/REGULATIONS
- In thirty-four (34) counties, the one-week fall turkey season begins in October. 8-16, 2022).
- There is a two-week fall turkey season that runs from October 8–16 and is open in seven (7) counties. 24-30, 2022).
- In fourteen (14) counties, there will be two distinct four-week fall turkey seasons (October 8–16 and Oct. 24 – Nov. 13, 2022).
- Please refer to the 2022–2023 Hunting and Trapping Regulations Summary for more details.
No. Baiting for turkeys in both the spring and fall hunting seasons is prohibited.
WILD TURKEY – SPRING SEASONS/REGULATIONS
• Statewide spring gobbler season from April 17 – May 21, 2023.
• The dates for spring gobbler hunting in 2023 are April 15 and 16, for hunters aged 8 to 17.
No, you can only use shotguns, bows, or crossbows. The bolts or arrows used in these weapons must have two sharp cutting edges and a point that is at least 1/4 inch wide. Shot size restrictions have been removed.
No. Holders of Class XS licenses are only allowed to hunt during the youth bear and antlerless deer seasons. The Class XS license privilege does not apply to other youth seasons (e. g. youth spring gobbler season, youth small game season).