West Virginia Fishing & Hunting

Fishing License Requirements

West Virginia: Valid fishing license required for residents and non-residents. Buy online or at retailers.

FISHING LICENSE REQUIREMENTS

WHO NEEDS A LICENSE
• All anglers 16+ (age varies by state)
• Residents and non-residents
• Both freshwater and saltwater (some states separate)

LICENSE TYPES
• Resident: Must prove residency (6-12 months typical)
• Non-Resident: Higher cost, same validity
• Tourist/Short-term: 1-day to 14-day options
• Lifetime: One-time purchase, significant savings

HOW TO GET A LICENSE
1. Online: State fish & wildlife website
2. Retailers: Sporting goods, bait shops, Walmart
3. Phone: Some states offer phone purchases
4. In-Person: Fish & game office

WHAT'S INCLUDED
• Basic fishing license covers most public waters
• Trout stamps/endorsements may be extra
• Saltwater endorsements may be required
• Some species require special tags (salmon, sturgeon)

RECIPROCITY
• Most states have NO reciprocity
• Must buy license for each state you fish
• Some border waters have agreements
• Check specific shared waters

CARRYING YOUR LICENSE
• Must carry while fishing
• Digital licenses accepted in most states
• Be prepared to show to game wardens

Hunting License & Hunter Education

West Virginia: Hunter education certificate required. License + tags for specific species. Seasons strictly enforced.

HUNTING LICENSE REQUIREMENTS

HUNTER EDUCATION
Required for all first-time hunters (any age):
• Classroom or online course
• Live-fire component in most states
• One-time requirement (valid nationwide)
• Takes 8-12 hours typically

LICENSE TYPES
• Base hunting license: Required for all hunting
• Species tags: Deer, elk, turkey, etc.
• Stamps: Waterfowl (federal + state)
• Permits: Special hunts, limited entry

FEDERAL REQUIREMENTS
• Federal Duck Stamp: Required for waterfowl
• HIP Registration: For migratory birds
• Both available with state license purchase

SEASON DATES
Strictly enforced - hunting outside season is poaching:
• Deer: Fall (varies by weapon type)
• Turkey: Spring and fall
• Waterfowl: Fall/winter
• Small game: Varies

BAG LIMITS
Daily and season limits for each species:
• Exceeding limits is a serious offense
• Must tag game immediately
• Report harvest as required

WHERE TO HUNT
• Public land: National forests, BLM, state lands
• Private land: Written permission required
• Posted land: Stay out without permission
• Safety zones: Near buildings, roads

CARRYING REQUIREMENTS
• License on person while hunting
• Tags attached to harvested game
• Hunter orange required (big game)

West Virginia Fishing & Hunting License

West Virginia requires license for both. Sunday hunting allowed. Trout stamps for stocked waters. Buck limit is 2 per year.

FISHING: License required age 15+ ($19 resident, $37 non-resident). Trout stamp for stocked waters. National Forest stamp for those waters. HUNTING: License required ($19 resident, $119 non-resident). Deer: 2 bucks per year, antlerless by stamp. Turkey: 2 per spring, 1 fall. Bear season available. Sunday hunting allowed. Hunter education required. W. Va. Code §20-2.