For the outdoorsman or woman, there’s nothing quite like a good day of hunting. And in West Virginia, there’s no shortage of places to hunt. But if you’re looking for a particular type of game, you might have to do a little more research. In this blog post, we will explore squirrel hunting in West Virginia.
From the best time of year to hunt to the best locations, we will cover everything you need to know to have a successful hunt. So whether you’re a seasoned hunter or new to the sport, read on for everything you need to know about squirrel hunting in West Virginia.
Squirrel Hunting Laws in West Virginia
In West Virginia, it is legal to hunt squirrels with a shotgun, a rimfire rifle, or a muzzleloader. There are also a limit of 6 squirrels that can be killed in a day.
However, there are some restrictions on where you can hunt squirrels. You cannot hunt them within 500 feet of any public road or within 100 feet of any occupied dwelling.
If you want to bait squirrels, you can do so only with shelled corn, wheat, or oats. You cannot use any other type of bait, and the bait must be placed at least 10 feet off the ground.
Do you need a license to hunt Squirrel in West Virginia?
In order to hunt squirrel in West Virginia, you must have a valid hunting license. You can purchase a hunting license online through the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources website or at any authorized license agent.
A hunting license is not required if you are under the age of 16, a landowner, or a farmer who is hunting on their own property.
Squirrel Hunting Seasons in West Virginia
The squirrel hunting season in West Virginia runs from September 9th, 2023 through February 29th, 2024. There is a daily bag limit of six squirrels, and a possession limit of 24. There is no season limit for hunting Squirrels in West Virginia.
During the Youth season, which runs from September 2nd, 2023 through September 3rd, 2023, the daily bag limit, Possession limit, and Season limit, all remain 6.
Squirrels are most active during the early morning and late afternoon hours, so these are the best times to go hunting.
However, they will also feed throughout the day if food is scarce. The best place to look for squirrels is in areas with a lot of trees and dense brush cover.
Can you hunt Squirrel at night in West Virginia?
In West Virginia, you can only hunt squirrel during the day. The best time to hunt squirrel is in the early morning or late afternoon when they are most active.
Bag limits for hunting Squirrel in West Virginia
In West Virginia, the bag limit for squirrel hunting is six per day. This limit applies to all species of squirrels combined, including red, gray, and fox squirrels.
Legal ways to hunt Squirrel in West Virginia
There are a few things to remember when hunting squirrel in West Virginia. First, always check the regulations set forth by the Division of Natural Resources (DNR) to make sure that you are following all of the legal requirements.
Secondly, there are two main types of squirrels in West Virginia: the gray squirrel and the red squirrel. The best time to hunt either type is during the fall, when they are actively searching for food to stockpile for winter.
When it comes to equipment, small caliber rifles or shotguns are typically used for squirrel hunting. The most important thing is to use ammunition that is appropriate for your gun and that will not damage the meat.
Many hunters also like to use tree stands or ground blinds when hunting squirrel, as it gives them a better vantage point and allows them to be more stealthy.
As far as bait goes, acorns are a favorite among squirrels. You can either place them around your stand/blind or near an active nest. If you choose to use bait, be sure to check with the DNR regulations to ensure that you are not breaking any laws.
Squirrel hunting can be a fun and challenging way to spend a day in the woods. By following the legal requirements and using the proper equipment, you can ensure a successful and enjoyable hunt.
Can you use dogs to hunt Squirrel in West Virginia?
Yes, you can use dogs to hunt squirrels in West Virginia. There are a few different ways to do this, but the most common is to either use a shotgun or a .22 caliber rifle.
If you are using a shotgun, you will want to make sure that you have a good quality choke and that your shot is not too large. A .22 caliber rifle is also a good choice for hunting squirrels, but you will need to be careful not to shoot the animal in the head.
Can you hunt Squirrel from a vehicle in West Virginia?
In West Virginia, you can hunt squirrel from a vehicle on public land if you follow the state’s guidelines. You must have a valid hunting license, and you can only hunt from a vehicle if you are physically disabled or if you are accompanying someone who is physically disabled.
If you are hunting from a vehicle, you must be stopped and remain stationary while hunting. You can only shoot Squirrels that are within 150 yards of your vehicle, and you can only use firearms that are legal to use in West Virginia.
