West Virginia Hunting License

How Do I Get My State Hunting License?

Depending on your age, you may be required to have the Hunter Education Card in order to legally buy a license or permit to hunt.

1. Complete the West Virginia hunter education certification requirements.
2. Choose the correct license type.
3. Buy the license through the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources website or a West Virginia–approved agent.

Types of West Virginia Hunting Licenses

West Virginia Resident

A resident is a person who has lived in West Virginia for at least 30 days. Non-resident full-time students who attend a college or university in West Virginia and active-duty military members who were residents prior to their entry into the service are considered residents.

All West Virginia residents age 15 or older must have a resident base or combination hunting license and the Conservation Stamp. Additional licenses may be required.

Non-Resident

All non-residents must have a non-resident base or combination hunting license and the Conservation/Law Enforcement Stamp. Additional licenses may be required.

Youth Hunting License

West Virginia residents who have not reached their 15th birthday are not required to have a hunting license. They must be accompanied by a licensed adult.

West Virginia residents ages 15 to 17 may purchase the Junior Sportsman Hunting/Trapping/Fishing License. Non-residents ages 8 to 17 may purchase the Junior Sportsman Hunting/Trapping /Fishing License.

Senior Hunting License

West Virginia residents who turned age 65 before Jan. 1, 2012, are not required to have a hunting license. However, they must have a West Virginia driver’s license or photo ID card.

West Virginia residents who turn age 65 on or after Jan. 1, 2012, are eligible for the lifetime Senior Hunting/Trapping/Fishing License. Additional licenses may be required.

Disability License

West Virginia residents and non-residents with a disability may be eligible for the Class Q or Class QQ special hunting permits. They must also have a base or combination hunting license. Visit the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources website for more details.

Military and Veteran License

Active-duty military members who are West Virginia residents are not required to have a hunting license while on leave.

Resident veterans who receive total permanent service-connected disability benefits, former prisoners of war, or resident disabled veterans who qualify under West Virginia Code 17A-10-8 are not required to have a hunting license.

Migratory Waterfowl Requirements

All hunters age 16 or older must purchase the Federal Duck Stamp when hunting migratory waterfowl. In addition, hunters are required to have proof of their participation in the Harvest Information Program (HIP).

License Expiration

Hunting licenses are good for the calendar year. West Virginia residents are able to purchase a lifetime hunting license.

Where to Buy a West Virginia Hunting License

• Visit the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources website.
• Call 304-558-2758.
• Visit a West Virginia Division of Natural Resources office or an approved license agent.