The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources has announced new hunting regulations and season dates for migratory game birds. The regulations will start on September 1, in accordance with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s annual guidelines.
Migratory Game Bird Seasons
| Bird Type | Season Dates |
| Mourning Dove | Sept. 1 – Oct. 13, Nov. 4-17, Dec. 16 – Jan. 17 |
| Sora and Virginia Rail | Sept. 1 – Nov. 9 |
| Wilson’s Snipe | Sept. 1 – Dec. 16 |
| Early Canada Goose | Sept. 1-15 |
| Canada Goose, White-fronted Geese, Snow and Blue Goose | Oct. 1-20, Nov. 11-16, Dec. 9 – Jan. 31 |
| Duck, Coots, and Merganser | Oct. 1-14, Nov. 11-16, Dec. 23 – Jan. 31 |
| Scaup | Oct. 1-14, Nov. 11-16, Dec. 23 – Jan. 11, Jan. 12-31 |
| Gallinules | Oct. 1-14, Dec. 7 – Jan. 31 |
| Woodcock | Oct. 12 – Nov. 23, Dec. 2-5 |
| Brant | Jan. 2-31 |
Youth Waterfowl Season Dates
- Sept. 21
- Nov. 9
Important Requirements
- Registration: All licensed migratory bird hunters must register with the Migratory Bird Harvest Information Program (HIP) and carry proof of registration while hunting. HIP cards are free and available online at WVhunt.com or from hunting license agents.
- Duck Stamp: Hunters 16 years and older must have a federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp (duck stamp), which must be signed across the stamp’s face. Duck stamps can be purchased at local post offices by calling 800-782-6724 or visiting USPS.com/shop.
- Reporting: Report harvested banded birds online at reportband.gov.
For more details, consult the 2024–2025 West Virginia Migratory Bird Hunting Regulations summary at WVDNR district offices and WVdnr.gov/hunting-regulations.
