West Virginia Deer Season Begins Saturday…Are You Ready?

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WOWK) – The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (DNR) is expecting record amounts of bowhunters this year in the Mountain State.

Deer archery season in West Virginia officially opens on Saturday, September 25, 2021. This also includes the opening of bear season in the state.

Right now, many gun hunters are facing a nationwide ammunition shortage as well as inflated ammunition prices. But bowhunters have had no such problems with their arrows, which has sparked a record number of interests in the state.

“Nearly 100,000 bow hunters this year. It looks like it’s going to be a big year in terms of interest. And in terms of food availability and mass conditions,” said West Virginia DNR chef Paul Johansen.

Chief Johansen said the main safety issue for the archery season is the use of tree supports.

For new hunters and veteran hunters alike, archery season is especially important for spotting and looking for where food sources are.

“This year, based on our preliminary mass survey, it looks like apples have reached huge levels this year. There is a lot of soft mass of apples and cheekbones. The hickory hit well, but the oaks are a bit uneven,” Chief Johansen said.

So come Saturday, the WV DNR said you should make sure tree supports are properly installed and have a safety harness in case of a fall.

Orange Blaze is only required during Gun Season. The WV DNR said if you’re only hunting in camouflage this season, make sure other hunters in the area know you.