West Virginia Bird Hunting

Seasons Span October 18 – February 28, 2026

State Drought Monitor – Upland hunting conditions are often highly dependent upon moisture for both habitat production and bird survival.

Season Dates

Upland bird seasons vary by species. Note that pheasant hunting is for cock birds only, and quail hunting is closed on Tomblin Wildlife Management Area (WMA). Woodcock requires Harvest Information Program (HIP) registration.

SpeciesSeason DatesDaily Bag LimitPossession Limit
Ruffed GrouseOctober 18, 2025 – February 28, 2026416
Bobwhite QuailNovember 1, 2025 – January 3, 202639
Ring-necked PheasantNovember 1, 2025 – January 3, 2026 (Hillcrest WMA: November 8 – December 6, 2025)2 (1 on Hillcrest WMA)2 (1 on Hillcrest WMA)
American WoodcockOctober 18 – November 22, 2025; December 1 – December 9, 202539
September 1 – December 16, 2025824
Sora and Virginia Rails (aggregate)September 1 – November 9, 20251030
15

Required Licenses and Costs

Hunting licenses in West Virginia are valid for the calendar year (January 1 – December 31, 2025). Upland bird hunting falls under small game privileges, which are included in base hunting licenses. Residents born before January 1, 1947, who are 65 or older do not need a license but must carry a WV driver’s license or photo ID. Youth under 15 can hunt without a license if accompanied by a licensed adult (who may not hunt). For migratory species (e.g., woodcock, snipe), all hunters must obtain a free HIP registration card (available during license purchase or separately). No federal duck stamp is required for non-waterfowl migratory birds like woodcock or snipe.

Residents

  • Class A (Hunting and Trapping License): $19 – Covers small game, including upland birds, as well as turkey, bear, and boar.
  • Class X (Sportsman Hunting/Fishing/Trapping License, ages 18–64): $35 – Includes Class A privileges plus fishing and big game stamps.
  • Class XJ (Junior Sportsman, ages 15–17): $16 – Similar to Class X.
  • Class AHJ (Apprentice Junior Hunting/Trapping/Fishing, ages 8–17, no hunter education required): $16 – Covers small game; must be accompanied by a licensed adult.
  • Class XS (Senior Hunting/Trapping/Fishing, age 65+ born on/after Jan. 1, 1947): $25 – Covers small game.
  • Class CS (Conservation Stamp): $5 – Required for most licensed hunters unless included in Class X, XJ, etc.
  • Lifetime Licenses (e.g., Class A-L Hunting: varies by age, $805 for combination AB-L) – Serve in lieu of annual licenses.

Non-Residents

  • Class E (Statewide Hunting/Trapping License): $119 – Covers small game, including upland birds.
  • Class H (Small Game Hunting License, 6 consecutive days): $27 – Specifically for small game.
  • Class AAH (Apprentice Hunting/Trapping): $119 – Covers small game; no hunter education required.
  • Class XXJ (Junior Sportsman, ages 8–17): $16 – Covers small game.
  • Class AAHJ (Apprentice Junior, ages 8–17): $16 – Covers small game; no hunter education required.
  • Class CS/LE (Conservation/Law Enforcement Stamp): $13 – Required for most licensed hunters.
  • Lifetime Licenses (e.g., Class E-L Hunting: $3,036 for combination) – Serve in lieu of annual licenses.

Licenses can be purchased online at WVhunt.com, at license agents, or by phone, with a $2 transaction fee.

  • RGS

    ByBritney Booth

    As an uplander, are you putting your money where your mouth is? If not, it’s the perfect time of year to step up and donate to a conservation organization that’s proven to fight for healthy forests, abundant wildlife, and conservation ethic … the Ruffed Grouse Society.  Ways to support RGS: Purchase a membership – one-year,…

  • Bang Bang Pheasant

    ByBrian Koch

    Went out to eat a few weeks ago and ended up sharing a Bang Bang Shrimp appetizer. Jotted a quick note in my phone that this would be a great adaptation for game birds – and honestly, the name is just too fitting. I already knew the basics of Bang Bang sauce, but decided to kick…

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    I’m at camp making a final assessment of gear and doing one last pack as final preparation to embark on an overland bike bird hunt. These National Forest campgrounds can often see a lot of use. But, in late fall when the nights get cold, camp company is sparse.  As I’m pushing essentials into different…