DNR PRESS RELEASE:
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources today announced preliminary numbers indicating hunters harvested 3,233 deer during the two-day youth, Class Q and Class XS special seasons in October. Of that total, youth hunters harvested 2,764 deer, including 1,383 antlered and 1,381 antlerless deer.
“We are very pleased with the opportunity that is available for the youth, Class Q and Class XS hunters to participate in this special season,” said WVDNR Director Brett McMillion. “This is a great season for introducing youth to hunting, and the weather conditions were a wonderful bonus this year.”
This year’s youth season was the second year that youth under 18 years of age were able to participate and the first year that youth and Class Q hunters were able to take one antlered deer. Both factors, along with poorer mast crops and great weather conditions, contributed to the increased harvest. Below are additional harvest numbers:
- The total youth harvest was 111% above the 5-year average.
- The antlerless segment of the youth harvest increased by 9% compared to the 5-year average and 111% compared to the youth antlerless harvest in 2025.
- The average youth harvested an antlered buck with 6.8 points.
- The harvest by Class Q hunters was up 27% compared to the 5-year average.
- Class Q hunters harvested only 18 antlered bucks (80% antlerless).
- The harvest by Class XS was up 31% compared to the 5-year average.
The second split of the Special Split Youth, Class Q and Class XS Seasons will take place Dec. 26-27. Details about these seasons can be found on page 27 of the 2026-27 Hunting and Trapping Regulations Summary, available at WVdnr.gov.
All hunters 15 and older are required to have a valid West Virginia hunting license and valid form of identification while hunting, which can be purchased at license agents across the state or online at WVhunt.com.