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West Virginia deer season 2026: the opener and free maps

When the firearm season opens

  • Buck firearms season: Monday, November 23 to Sunday, December 6, 2026

    Logan, McDowell, Mingo and Wyoming counties are closed to firearms deer hunting.

    Source: West Virginia DNR

Checked on the agency's site November 6, 2026. Archery, muzzleloader, youth and antlerless seasons, bag limits and unit rules differ: the regulations are what count, so read them before you go.

Legal shooting hours for big game in West Virginia, generally: 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. Some public lands and opening days differ.

Opening morning you'll likely be walking in before light and may have no signal. Download the maps for your spot ahead of time and Cartahaven shows your GPS position on them offline, so you can find your stand and the property line in the dark.

Free public land maps in West Virginia

All free maps in West Virginia

Before you go

Cartahaven is not affiliated with or endorsed by West Virginia DNR. Season dates come from the agency's page linked above.