CALDWELL, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Governor Patrick Morrisey officially announced preparations for the 2026 Spring Gobbler Season during a press conference at Greenbrier State Forest.
“There is a specific kind of magic in the West Virginia woods this time of year,” said Governor Morrisey. “But beyond tradition, hunting is a massive driver for our state’s prosperity. In West Virginia, hunting supports over 7,400 jobs and generates more than $850 million in annual spending. By turning our world-class outdoor recreation into economic opportunity, we are building a stronger future for every Mountain State family.”
The Governor was joined by West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (DNR) Director Brett McMillion to outline the upcoming season, which officially begins Monday, April 20, and runs through May 24. A special Youth Spring Gobbler Season is also slated for April 18–19, providing young hunters under 18 a dedicated opportunity to participate.
Governor Morrisey also highlighted the connection between outdoor tourism and his administration’s broader economic goals. He noted that cabin reservations at Greenbrier State Forest open on April 17, strategically timed to accommodate the influx of tourists and hunters who fuel local economies by dining in small-town cafes and staying in local hotels.
Ahead of the start of the season on April 20, hunters were encouraged to visit WVhunt.com to secure their 2026 licenses and were invited to opt for the physical collectible license card as a symbol of their commitment to the state’s conservation efforts. Governor Morrisey also issued a strong reminder regarding safety, urging hunters to identify their targets clearly and share their hunting plans with family or friends.
Technical Season Details
Bag Limit: One bearded bird per day, with a season limit of two.
Legal Hours: Hunting is permitted from a half-hour before sunrise until 1 p.m.
Equipment: Firearms, bows, and crossbows must be cased and removed from the woods by 1 p.m. Electronic calls and hunting over bait remain strictly prohibited.
Public Land: West Virginia offers over 1.6 million acres of public hunting land across 96 Wildlife Management Areas and various National and State Forests.
“Our hunters are our best conservationists,” said Director McMillion. “We want everyone to enjoy the incredible resources West Virginia offers while strictly adhering to the regulations that ensure a healthy turkey population for years to come.”
For more information on the 2026 Spring Gobbler Season, visit WVdnr.gov.
