The Mountain State is a prime spot to flex your bird hunting abilities. This compact guide provideÂs all the info you’ll need for dove hunting in West Virginia during the 2024-2025 season. It tackleÂs everything from rules and peÂrmits to the best hunting hotspots.
Key Dates and Laws for West Virginia Dove Game
It’s vital to know the present seÂason dates and rules from the WeÂst Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR). Let’s geÂt a brief overview:
- First Segment: September 1st (noon) -October 9th (sunset)
- Second Segment: November 16th – November 24th (one-half hour before sunrise to sunset)
- Third Segment: December 21st – January 19th (one-half hour before sunrise to sunset)
Pro Tip: Always double-check the official WVDNR hunting regulations for the most up-to-date season dates and any regulation changes https://wvdnr.gov/.
Dove Regulations in West Virginia
- Bag and Possession Limits: The daily bag limit for doves in West Virginia is 15, with a possession limit of 45.
- Shooting Hours: Dove hunting hours are generally from half an hour before sunrise to sunset during all segments.
- Shotguns and Ammunition:Â Only shotguns no larger than 10 gauge are permitted for doves. The use of lead shot is prohibited on all state-owned or managed lands.
Obtaining Your West Virginia Dove License
To legally hunt doves in West Virginia, you’ll need a valid hunting license. Here’s a breakdown of the license options and costs:
- Resident Hunting License: $35.00
- Non-Resident Hunting License: $150.00
- One-Day Hunting License (Residents Only): $20.00 (valid for a single calendar day)
Licenses can be conveniently purchased online through the WVDNR’s Electronic Licensing & Game Check System https://wvdnr.gov/buy-a-license/, or at authorized license vendors across the state.
Additional Considerations for Dove Games in West Virginia
- HIP Registration: All migratory bird hunters, including dove hunters, must register with the Harvest Information Program (HIP) before heading afield. Registration is free and can be done online at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service website https://www.fws.gov/.
- Hunter Education Course: First-time hunters in West Virginia, regardless of age, are required to complete a hunter education course certified by the International Hunter Education Association (IHEA) before purchasing a hunting license.
Finding the Best Dove Spots in West Virginia
West Virginia boasts diverse landscapes, offering a variety of habitats suitable for dove seeking. Here are some top locations to consider, categorized by region:
Eastern Panhandle:
- Morgantown Area: Fields surrounding agricultural areas near Morgantown can attract good numbers of doves. Public hunting opportunities can be found on lands managed by the West Virginia Division of Forestry.
- Shepherdstown:Â The rolling farmlands around Shepherdstown provide ample dove opportunities. Check with local landowners for permission to hunt on private property.
Northern West Virginia:
- Ohio River Valley:Â The bottomlands and agricultural fields along the Ohio River create a prime dove habitat. Public hunting opportunities exist on wildlife management areas managed by the WVDNR.
- Tygart Valley Wildlife Management Area:Â This expansive WMA near Grafton offers diverse hunting opportunities, including doves in open fields and agricultural areas.
Central West Virginia:
- Elkins Area: The Elkins vicinity boasts numerous farms and agricultural fields that attract doves. Public hunting options can be found on the Monongahela National Forest lands.
- Canaan Valley:Â The Canaan Valley Wildlife Management Area provides a mix of habitats suitable for doves. Be sure to follow specific regulations for hunting within the WMA.
Southern West Virginia:
- Summers County:Â The agricultural lands around Hinton and Meadow Creek in Summers County offer good dove opportunities. Public hunting options are available on the Bluestone State Park Wildlife Management Area.
- Greenbrier Valley: The fertile valleys and surrounding farmlands in the Greenbrier Valley attract doves throughout the fall. Public hunting opportunities exist on the Watoga State Park Wildlife Management.
West Virginia Dove Hunting Season
The West Virginia dove hunting season is divided into three segments. The first segment runs from September 1st (noon) to October 9th (sunset). The second segment occurs from November 16th to November 24th, with hunting hours from one-half hour before sunrise to sunset. The third segment spans from December 21st to January 19th, also with hunting hours from one-half hour before sunrise to sunset.
