CLARKSBURG, W. Va. (WBOY) — This weekend marks the beginning of Turkey season, so keep these important tips in mind for the fall of 2022.
During the fall season, one turkey of either sex may be shot with a gun, bow, or crossbow.
Anyone over fifteen who wants to hunt in West Virginia needs to have a valid hunting license and some sort of identification. Resident landowners hunting on their own land do not need a hunting license.
If you do not have one, a West Virginia Hunting license can be bought at WVhunt.com.
When is turkey season in West Virginia?
Prepare, hunters! West Virginia has multiple turkey hunting seasons all year long to suit the needs of both seasoned and inexperienced shooters. Let’s examine each season’s specifics and the rules you should be aware of.
Fall Turkey Season: A Split Approach
West Virginia’s Fall Turkey Season is split into two parts, giving hunters plenty of chances to bag a bird.
- Segment 1: October 8th – October 16th
- Segment 2: October 24th – November 13th
Important Note: This split season applies to specific counties Refer to the 2022-2023 Hunting and Trapping Regulations Summary for a complete list of participating counties
Spring Turkey Season: Bearded Birds Only
The Spring Turkey Season in West Virginia runs from April 17th to May 21st and focuses solely on bearded turkeys This means you can only harvest a turkey with a visible beard during this season
Youth Turkey Season: A Special Weekend
West Virginia also offers a dedicated Youth Turkey Season for young hunters. This season takes place on the weekend of April 15th and 16th, allowing young hunters to experience the thrill of turkey hunting.
Winter Turkey Season: A Mountaineer Heritage Experience
For a unique hunting experience, consider the Winter Turkey Season, which runs from January 12th to January 15th. This season is part of the Mountaineer Heritage program and allows hunters to harvest one deer, one bear, and one turkey during this specific period.
Bag Limits and Possession Limits: Know Your Limits
- Fall Turkey Season: 1 turkey per segment, with a maximum of 2 turkeys for the entire season.
- Spring Turkey Season: 2 turkeys for the entire season.
- Youth Turkey Season: 1 turkey.
- Winter Turkey Season: 1 turkey.
Remember: All harvested turkeys must be electronically registered (checked). Refer to the 2022-2023 Hunting and Trapping Regulations Summary for instructions on the electronic registration process.
Hunting Regulations: Essential Guidelines
To ensure a safe and ethical hunting experience, always follow these regulations:
- Hunting License and Stamp: A valid hunting license and turkey hunting stamp are mandatory for all turkey hunting seasons.
- Permits: For the Fall Turkey Season in specific counties, a special permit is required. Check the 2022-2023 Hunting and Trapping Regulations Summary for details.
- Harvest Reporting: Report your harvested turkey within 48 hours through the WV DNR website or by calling 1-844-WVCHECK.
- Hunter Education: All hunters born on or after January 1, 1975, must complete a Hunter Education course.
- Landowner Permission: Obtain permission before hunting on private property.
- Ethical Hunting Practices: Always follow ethical hunting practices, including proper shot placement and avoiding shooting from or across roads.
Additional Resources for Your Turkey Hunting Journey
- West Virginia DNR Hunting Regulations: https://wvdnr.gov/hunting-regulations/
- 2022-2023 Hunting and Trapping Regulations Summary: https://wvdnr.gov/hunting-regulations/2022-2023-hunting-and-trapping-regulations-summary/
- WV DNR Turkey Hunting Information: https://wvdnr.gov/hunting/turkey-hunting/
Happy Hunting!
With these guidelines in mind, you’re ready to embark on your turkey hunting adventure in West Virginia. Remember to prioritize safety, follow regulations, and respect the environment. Good luck!
It is illegal to do the following:
- Hunt with an air rifle less than .22 caliber
- Use electronic calls
- Hunt with the use of bait
2022 Spring Turkey Season Preview!! #turkeyhunting
FAQ
What are the dates for turkey season in West Virginia?
|
Species
|
Opening Date
|
Closing Date
|
|
*Turkey, Fall Split Season (Selected Counties – see the 2022-2023 Hunting & Trapping Regulations Summary)
|
October 8
|
October 16
|
|
|
October 24
|
October 30
|
|
|
October 24
|
November 13
|
|
*Turkey (Spring 2023 – Bearded Only)
|
April 17
|
May 21
|
Can you turkey hunt with a 22 in WV?
Is turkey hunting good in West Virginia?
When is wild turkey season in West Virginia?
FARMINGTON, W.VA. — West Virginia’s fall hunting season for wild turkey is scheduled to open Oct. 8. Fall turkey season will be open Oct. 8-16 in all 55 counties. The season will be open an additional week in seven counties, from Oct. 24-30, and for three additional weeks in 14 counties, from Oct. 24-Nov. 13.
How many counties are open to Turkey season 2022?
Thirty-four (34) counties are open to a 1-week fall turkey season ( Oct. 8-16, 2022 ). Seven (7) counties are open to a split two-week fall turkey season ( Oct. 8-16 and Oct. 24-30, 2022 ). Fourteen (14) counties are open to a split four-week fall turkey season ( October 8-16 and Oct. 24 – Nov. 13, 2022 ).
Can you hunt a Turkey in West Virginia?
Only 1 turkey of either sex can be taken during the fall season with a gun, bow or crossbow. The use of dogs is legal during the fall turkey season. All hunters 15 and older must have a valid West Virginia hunting license and a valid form of identification while hunting. Resident landowners hunting on their own land do not need a hunting license.
When does the 2023 spring turkey season start?
The 2023 spring turkey season starts April 17. If you’re looking for the best hunting locations for the spring turkey season, consider a trip to one of West Virginia’s Wildlife Management Areas. These public lands are a great place to experience all that West Virginia has to offer during the spring turkey season.