The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) has announced two upcoming early firearms seasons for black bear. Hunters preparing for these seasons are advised to purchase their necessary licenses and stamps in advance.

The first early season will occur from August 31 to September 8 in Logan, McDowell, Mingo and Wyoming counties. The second season is set for October 5 to 11 in Boone, Fayette, Kanawha, Nicholas and Raleigh counties. During both seasons, hunters may use dogs.

“Counties that will be open for early bear hunting are above their management objective, so additional bears need to be harvested in order for these areas to achieve their goal,” Brett McMillion, WVDNR Director, said. “The benefit of early seasons is that all bears are available to be harvested because den entrance is still two or more months away.”

Hunters participating in the first season should focus on areas near black cherry stands or regions with abundant autumn olive. The second season coincides with the peak of acorn drop, so bears will likely be found feeding in red oak stands.

Hunters are required to submit a premolar tooth from each bear harvested. Those who harvest a female black bear are encouraged to save the reproductive tract or all entrails and submit them to the WVDNR for a chance to receive a $20 gift card. This data is crucial for monitoring the bear population. Detailed regulations can be found on pages 39–40 in the 2024–2025 Hunting and Trapping Regulations Summary or at WVdnr.gov/black-bear-seasons-regulations.

Bear tooth envelopes are available at local WVDNR district offices or the Elkins Operation Center. Hunters who have reproductive tracts or entrails should keep them cool or freeze them and contact the nearest WVDNR district office to arrange pickup.

Resident hunters need to purchase a bear damage stamp along with their hunting license. Nonresident hunters must also buy a bear hunting license and bear damage stamp. These licenses and stamps are available online at WVhunt.com and at license retailers statewide.

For more information about bear hunting, refer to pages 37–42 in the 2024–2025 Hunting and Trapping Regulations Summary available at WVdnr.gov/hunting-regulations.