West Virginia

Centerfire rifles of .24 caliber (6mm) or larger firing expanding soft-point or hollow-point ammunition are legal for deer and black bear during the traditional two-week buck season. Recommended .243 Win to .30-06. Suppressors are legal with federal tax stamp. Fully automatic firearms and FMJ ammunition strictly prohibited.

Minimum .38 caliber single-barrel muzzleloaders. Modern in-line muzzleloaders with 209 primers, sabots, and magnifying scopes are fully legal during the dedicated December Muzzleloader season and regular buck seasons. Black powder or commercial synthetic powders only.

Compound, recurve, and longbows with minimum 40 lb draw weight. Broadheads must have minimum 7/8-inch cutting width. Fixed and mechanical broadheads legal. West Virginia features four legendary bow-only counties (Logan, Mingo, Wyoming, and McDowell) producing world-class Pope & Young whitetails.

Fully legal for ALL licensed hunters during both the archery deer season and modern firearms seasons without requiring a medical disability permit. Crossbows must have a minimum draw weight of 125 lbs, a working safety, and shoot bolts with hunting broadheads measuring at least 7/8 inch wide.

Centerfire handguns .24 caliber or larger with a minimum barrel length of 4 inches firing expanding ammunition are legal for big game. .357 Magnum, .44 Magnum, and 10mm Auto widely used in steep Appalachian mountain laurel and hardwood ridges.

10, 12, 16, and 20 gauge shotguns firing single slugs are legal for deer. 3-shell capacity limit. Non-toxic shot required for all waterfowl hunting across Ohio River and Kanawha River wetland areas.