Elk hunting is a popular sport in West Virginia. Every year, thousands of hunters take to the woods in search of these majestic creatures. While elk hunting can be a challenging and rewarding experience, there are a few things you should know before you head out. In this blog post, we will explore elk hunting in West Virginia. We will discuss the best times to hunt, what gear you need, and how to stay safe while you’re in the woods. So whether you’re a seasoned hunter or a beginner, read on for everything you need to know about elk hunting in West Virginia.
Elk Hunting Laws in West Virginia
In order to hunt elk in West Virginia, hunters must obtain a valid hunting license and elk tag. The season for hunting elk runs from mid-September to early December, and the bag limit is one elk per hunter.
There are several special regulations that apply to elk hunting in West Virginia. Hunters are required to wear at least six square inches of fluorescent orange material on their head, chest and back combined when hunting during the firearms season. In addition, all tree stands and ground blinds must be plainly marked with fluorescent orange tape or flagging at least four feet high above the ground.
Baiting of elk is prohibited in West Virginia. Using dogs to pursue or take elk is also not allowed. Finally, it is illegal to shoot an animal from a moving vehicle, including boats and ATVs.
Violation of any of these laws can result in hefty fines and possible revocation of hunting privileges. So make sure you know the rules before heading out into the field!
Do you need a license to hunt Elk in West Virginia?
In order to hunt elk in West Virginia, you must have a valid hunting license. You can purchase a license online or at any hunting and fishing license vendor. A resident hunting license costs $19 and is valid for one year from the date of purchase. A non-resident hunting license costs $39 and is also valid for one year from the date of purchase. If you are a resident senior citizen (age 65 and over), you can purchase a discounted hunting license for $10. You will need to provide proof of age and residency when purchasing this license.
Elk Hunting Seasons in West Virginia
The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources sets the hunting dates for elk in West Virginia. The season starts in early September and runs through the end of December.
During the fall, male elk are in their peak breeding condition and their antlers are fully grown. For this reason, hunters typically target bulls, or male elk, during the fall hunting season.
In order to hunt elk in West Virginia, hunters must possess a valid West Virginia hunting license as well as an Elk Management Area Permit. These permits can be obtained from any authorized license agent or online through the West Virginia DNR website.
Can you hunt Elk at night in West Virginia?
In West Virginia, elk hunting is only allowed during the day. However, there are some areas where night hunting is allowed for other animals, such as coyotes. If you want to hunt elk at night, you will need to get a permit from the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources.
Bag limits for hunting Elk in West Virginia
In West Virginia, the bag limit for elk is two per hunter. The minimum size for an antlered elk is five inches. For an antlerless elk, the minimum size is six inches. There is also a season limit of one elk per year.
Legal ways to hunt Elk in West Virginia
There are a few things to consider when planning your elk hunt in West Virginia. First, what season do you want to hunt? There are three elk hunting seasons in West Virginia: Archery (September 7-30), Early Muzzleloader (October 12-20), and General Firearms (November 23-December 8). You will need to purchase the correct license for the season you plan to hunt.
Next, you need to decide what kind of Elk you want to hunt. In West Virginia, there are two types of Elk: Rocky Mountain Elk and Eastern Elk. Rocky Mountain Elk are typically found west of I-79, while Eastern Elk are found east of I-79.
If you plan on hunting Rocky Mountain Elk, you will need a Class A License. If you plan on hunting Eastern Elk, you will need a Class B License.
Be sure to check the regulations for the county you plan to hunt in as well. Each county has different rules and regulations regarding elk hunting. Some counties may have additional seasons or limits on the number of elk that can be harvested.
Now that you have your license and know where you’re going to hunt, it’s time to start planning your trip!
Can you use dogs to hunt Elk in West Virginia?
Elk are the largest members of the deer family, and can weigh up to 700 pounds. Adult bulls have antlers that can spread six feet across. Elk are native to western North America and were introduced to West Virginia in 1901.
Dogs can be used to hunt elk in West Virginia, but there are some regulations that must be followed. Only certain breeds of dogs are allowed, and they must be registered with the state. The dogs must also be equipped with GPS collars so that they can be tracked while hunting.
When using dogs to hunt elk, it is important to remember that they are working animals and need to be treated as such. They should be well-trained and in good physical condition before being taken out into the field. Hunting with dogs can be a great way to take down an elk, but it is important to do your research and make sure you are following all of the rules and regulations.
Can you hunt Elk from a vehicle in West Virginia?
In West Virginia, you can only hunt elk from a vehicle if you have a valid disability permit. This permit allows you to use a motor vehicle to chase or herd elk while you are participating in an organized hunt.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, elk hunting in West Virginia can be a challenging but rewarding experience. There are a few things to keep in mind when planning your hunt, but with a little preparation and research, you can have a successful and enjoyable hunt.
If you’re looking for a challenging hunt that will test your skills, then elk hunting in West Virginia is definitely for you. With its remote location and difficult terrain, this is not a hunt for the faint of heart. But if you’re up for the challenge, then you’ll be rewarded with some of the most beautiful scenery and wildlife in the country. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your West Virginia elk hunt today!
