DNR PRESS RELEASE:
SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources on Thursday announced that the 2022 buck firearms season harvest was up 18 percent compared to last year.
According to preliminary data, the WVDNR reports that hunters harvested 49,662 bucks during the state’s two week buck firearms season, from Nov. 21 to Dec 4. During last year’s buck firearms season, hunters harvested 42,143 bucks.
“We were expecting harvest numbers for the buck firearms season to be comparable to last year, but mast conditions and weather favored hunters this year and we’re thrilled that hunters all over the state were able to have a successful season,” said Paul Johansen, chief of the WVDNR’s Wildlife Resources section.
Harvest numbers were up across the state. The largest increases were reported in West Virginia’s central and western areas, where buck harvests increased 38 percent and 36 percent, respectively.
The top 10 counties for the 2022 buck harvest are Greenbrier (1,856), Preston (1,760), Randolph (1,667), Ritchie (1,633), Jackson (1,539), Hampshire (1,453), Mason (1,417), Kanawha (1,352), Lewis (1,270) and Pocahontas (1,196).
Deer hunting opportunities continue through the end of the year. The archery and crossbow season runs through Saturday, Dec. 31. An antlerless deer season for youth, Class Q/QQ and Class XS hunters will be open Dec. 26-27 in any county with a firearms deer season. A final Class N/NN antlerless deer season will be open Dec. 28-31 in select areas.
For more information about these seasons, consult the 2022–23 Hunting and Trapping Regulations Summary, available at license agents around the state or online at WVdnr.gov.