Concurrent Bear Season to Open

A concurrent bear season will be open in all or parts of 42 counties for buck firearms hunting from Nov. 25-Dec. 8.
“This concurrent season not only provides a unique opportunity for hunters to harvest multiple big game species on the same day, but also supports wildlife management efforts by helping control bear populations in West Virginia,” said DNR director Brett McMillion.
Hunters are encouraged to scout immediately prior to the season to find the most recent feeding activity.
According to the DNR’s Hunting Outlook and Mast Survey, harvests for the black bear firearms seasons should be slightly higher than last year due to an increase in oak mast, which should prolong bears entering dens into December.
The concurrent bear season is without dogs, and hunting is legal on both designated public lands and private property.
Bear hunting opportunities will continue after the buck firearms season from Dec. 9-31.
Successful hunters are required to submit a first premolar tooth from each harvested bear. Hunters who harvest a female black bear are encouraged to save the reproductive tract or all the entrails.
Reproductive tracts and entrails should be kept cool or frozen. Hunters should contact their nearest district office or Elkins Operations Center to arrange a drop-off.
The DNR will offer hunters who submit a complete reproductive tract a $20 gift card as thanks for their efforts.
Data obtained from tooth samples and reproductive tracts are used for black bear population monitoring.