When is Turkey Season in West Virginia? A Guide to Spring and Fall Hunting

For hunters seeking a fun and challenging pursuit, turkey season provides great opportunities to bag these wary game birds in the mountains of West Virginia. But when exactly are the spring and fall turkey hunting seasons? This guide provides key dates and tips for a successful hunt.

Overview of Turkey Seasons in WV

There are two main turkey hunting seasons in West Virginia

• Spring turkey season – This is the most popular season focused on bearded turkeys. It typically opens in mid-April and runs for 5-6 weeks.

• Fall turkey season – A shorter season allowing hunters to harvest either sex of turkeys. It runs for 2-3 weeks in October divided into segmented seasons in certain counties.

Season dates can shift each year so be sure to check the West Virginia Hunting and Trapping Regulations Summary published by the WV Division of Natural Resources for exact opening and closing dates.

When is Spring Turkey Season in West Virginia?

The much anticipated spring gobbler season aimed at bearded turkeys runs from mid-April through May each year. Key dates:

• Youth weekend – The Saturday and Sunday right before the main opening day is reserved for youth hunters ages 8-18 who must be supervised.

• Main opening day – Typically the third Monday in April. In 2023, spring gobbler season opens on April 17th statewide.

• Closing day – The season wraps up in late May, closing on May 21st in 2023.

• Bag limit – Only 2 bearded turkeys for the entire spring season

During the season, hunters can harvest one bearded turkey per day. It’s mandatory to check in turkeys electronically or at a check station within 24 hours.

When are the Fall Turkey Hunting Seasons?

West Virginia also provides limited fall turkey hunting opportunities in certain counties:

• Season segments – Fall season is split into 2 or 3 short segments lasting 2-3 weeks total.

• 2022 dates – In 2022, fall turkey dates are October 8-16, October 24-30, and October 24-November 13.

• Either sex – Fall seasons allow hunters to take turkeys of either sex.

• Bag limit – The statewide fall season limit is 1 turkey.

Consult the hunting regulations summary for which counties are open during each segment. Fall turkeys must also be electronically checked within 24 hours.

Tips for Hunting Turkeys in WV

Some pointers to have a successful spring or fall turkey hunt:

• Scout – Locate flocks before season opens by listening for gobbles at dawn.

• Use turkey calls – Master friction calls, box calls, etc. to mimic hens and excite gobblers.

• Camouflage – Blend into the terrain with camo clothing from head to toe.

• Set up a blind – Use a ground blind or brush to conceal your movements.

• Be patient – It takes skill to call in and outwit a tom turkey. Persistence pays off.

• Safety first – Always be sure of your target and what’s beyond before taking a shot.

Fall vs Spring: Key Differences

While fall and spring seasons both offer excellent turkey hunting, there are some key differences:

• Spring focuses solely on bearded males, while either sex is allowed in fall.

• Gobblers are much more vocal and responsive to calling in spring during breeding season.

• In fall, flocks of turkeys do not break up, requiring different hunting strategies.

• Warm weather in spring allows for more hunting hours and mobility.

• Spring season is more popular, rewarding hunters with the challenge of calling in lovesick gobblers.

License, Tagging, and Check Requirements

All turkey hunters in West Virginia need to follow some important harvest tagging, checking, and license requirements:

• Have a valid WV hunting license or qualify for license exemptions. Purchase at www.wvhunt.com

• Carry license and ID when hunting.

• Tag turkey immediately upon harvest with a completed game check card.

• Check the turkey electronically or at a check station within 24 hours.

• Keep the game check confirmation number to prove the animal was legally checked.

Following these rules is critical to maintain turkey populations and demonstrate ethical, legal hunting practices.

Turkey hunting seasons in West Virginia provide great opportunities amidst the mountain scenery. The spring gobbler season running from mid-April through May is most popular, focused on bearded males. Fall turkey hunting runs during October in select counties, allowing either sex to be harvested. Following exact season dates, understanding differences between spring and fall hunts, and adhering to checking and licensing rules will ensure an enjoyable hunt. With preparation and persistence, hunters can experience the thrill of calling in and outwitting these cagey birds.