West Virginia Hunting & Fishing Licenses
Complete guide to West Virginia hunting and fishing licenses for 2026. Get current prices, purchase online, and learn about WV DNR's digital license requirements.
Quick Facts
Digital License
Accepted
License Year
January 1 - December 31
Agency
WV DNR
HIP Required
Migratory birds
Last updated: January 29, 2026
West Virginia License Pricing
Compare resident and non-resident prices for hunting and fishing licenses.
| License Type | Resident | Non-Resident |
|---|---|---|
| Resident Hunting Basic hunting license | $32.00 | $132.00 |
| Resident Fishing Annual fishing license | $19.00 | $37.00 |
| Combo Combination hunting and fishing license | $36.00 | N/A |
| Lifetime Sportsman Lifetime hunting, fishing, and trapping | $805.00 | N/A |
Prices are for annual licenses unless otherwise noted. Additional stamps and endorsements may be required.
WV DNR Licensing
Digital licenses available through WV DNR online system and app.
State-operated licensing system
Hunter Passport
All your licenses, one app
Tired of managing multiple state apps? Hunter Passport stores all your West Virginia licenses alongside every other state - and works completely offline.
- Works offline - no signal needed
- Supports all 50 states
- Quick Display for game wardens
Store up to 2 licenses free. Unlimited with Premium.
Hunter Passport is not affiliated with or endorsed by any state wildlife agency.
West Virginia Hunting Quirks & Tips
Unique rules and insider knowledge for hunting and fishing in West Virginia.
Lifetime Combo Value
infoAt $805, West Virginia's lifetime sportsman license includes hunting, fishing, and trapping. Pays for itself in under 25 years.
Mountain Terrain
infoWest Virginia's rugged Appalachian terrain offers challenging but rewarding hunting. Be prepared for steep, difficult terrain.
Black Bear Hunting
infoWest Virginia has a growing black bear population and offers bear hunting opportunities in several counties.
Calendar Year License
infoWest Virginia uses calendar year licenses (Jan-Dec).
Hunting Tools for West Virginia
Free calculators and planning tools to help you hunt smarter in West Virginia.
Legal Shooting Hours
Calculate legal hunting start and end times based on sunrise/sunset
Hunting License Cost
Compare hunting and fishing license costs for West Virginia and residency
Hunter Education
Find hunter education requirements, exemptions, and course providers for West Virginia
Hunting Season Dates
Find hunting season dates for West Virginia, species, and weapon type
Bag Limit & Size Limit
Find daily, possession, and size limits for West Virginia and species
West Virginia Hunting & Fishing FAQ
How much does a West Virginia hunting license cost?
Resident hunting licenses cost $32, while non-residents pay $132. A resident combo (hunting + fishing) is $36.
Does West Virginia accept digital hunting licenses?
Yes, West Virginia accepts digital licenses through the DNR online system.
What is West Virginia's lifetime license cost?
The lifetime sportsman license costs $805 and includes hunting, fishing, and trapping privileges for life.
Can I hunt bear in West Virginia?
Yes, West Virginia has a healthy black bear population and offers bear hunting seasons in designated counties.
When does the West Virginia hunting license expire?
West Virginia uses calendar year licenses, valid from January 1 through December 31.
Store Your West Virginia License in Hunter Passport
Keep your West Virginia hunting and fishing licenses alongside all your other states. Works offline, displays instantly, never fumble for paper again.