Peter Mwaniki

Duck Hunting Season in West Virginia: Season Dates, Bag Limits, and Much More Meta Description: Duck hunting season happens each year in West Virginia. Every hunter must note the season dates, daily bag limits, and possessions. Did you know that West Virginia is known as a duck-hunting country? Waterfowl hunters have a great time hunting in West Virginia for several reasons. At the top of the list is the state's lack of restrictions for waterfowlers. Next, they have different areas to hunt, though it requires effort to track them down. Unfortunately, West Virginia is more of a deer and turkey hunting ground. It’s not under the flyway like other places. However, it does offer some excellent duck hunting spots. What Types of Ducks Are in West Virginia? West Virginia is a great place for waterfowlers seeking places for duck hunting. Not only do they have little competition, but there are also many duck species. Numerous duck species call West Virginia home. Some of these duck species that you can look out for include: Mallard The mallard is an example of a duck you can find all year in West Virginia. Mallards are a favorite for waterfowlers due to their availability. They are most common during winter in the area and have smaller numbers in summer. Gadwall Next, duck hunters in West Virginia can look out for the gadwall. These large ducks are easy to spot due to their coloring, which includes a dark-brown head. They are more visible in the state from September to May yearly. American Wigeon Waterfowlers can check out the American wigeons, tiny ducks that have green stripes on their side. The American wigeon prefers feeding on vegetation on land and in the water. Winter is the best time to hunt for them in West Virginia. Wood Duck The next type is the wood ducks known for their fantastic hairdo. Wood ducks have a checkerboard of colors with striking green heads. Hunters can find them yearly in West Virginia and higher numbers during summer. Bufflehead Another small duck found in West Virginia is the bufflehead. The tiny duck has a bulbous head. Males have a white patch on their heads and look different from females except for the head shape. They’re most common during winter in West Virginia from October to April. #6 Ring-necked Duck Be ready to put more effort into spotting the ring-necked duck in West Virginia. The medium-sized duck enjoys spending time in the state during winter and a bit in summer. Both males and females have a cinnamon ring around their necks and blackheads. Where Can Waterfowlers Hunt Ducks in West Virginia? Hunting waterfowl in West Virginia requires finding the right spots to do so. Thankfully, the state has private and public duck hunting spots. While West Virginia isn’t on the flyway for migratory birds, excellent duck hunting areas are still available. The Stonewall Jackson Wildlife Management Area is the first place you want to check out when duck hunting. It’s in Lewis County and covers 18,298 acres. The good news is there’s less hunting pressure in this area. It had a first-come, first-served policy. Next, head over to Bluestone Lake Wildlife Management Area. It’s a popular place for hunters seeking turkeys and deer. However, it’s still a good option for duck hunting since it has a 15-acre waterfowl mash. In addition, the Pleasant Creek Wildlife Management Area is a good duck hunting spot. It’s a good duck habitat and has little pressure for waterfowlers. The area has about 60 acres of marshland attractive to waterfowl and is a zone 2 property. Also, check out Green Bottom Wildlife Management Area, a zone 1 property. It covers 1,096 acres, most of which is marshland and swampy. Lastly, waterfowlers can head over to McClintic Wildlife Management Area in Mason County. The WMA has a splendid variety of habitats, including wetlands covering 180 acres. There are also over 30 ponds home to a huge duck population. It’s a zone 1 property also home to thousands of geese yearly. West Virginia Hunting Zones West Virginia has two hunting zones: zone 1 and zone 2. Each zone covers certain counties, so always check out the location beforehand. That way, you can have the correct dates for each hunting season. Season Dates for Duck Hunting in West Virginia Species Open Seasons Ducks and Coots (3-way split season) Oct 1 to Oct 14 Nov 7 to Nov 12 Dec 23 to Jan 31 Other Season Dates Species Open Seasons Youth Waterfowl Sept 17 Nov 5 Gallinules Oct 1 to Oct 14 Dec 7 to Jan 31 Scaup Oct 1 to Oct 14 Nov 7 to Nov 12 Dec 23 to Jan 11 Jan 12 to Jan 31 West Virginia Daily Bag and Possession Limits It’s crucial to note the daily bag and possession limits in West Virginia. In this state, waterfowlers hunting ducks have a daily bag limit of six. Note if any restrictions apply to the number for each species. For example, waterfowl hunters in West Virginia must stick to no more than two canvasbacks, one pintail, two mallards that is one male and one female, three wood ducks, two black ducks, three long-tailed ducks, and two redheads. Species Daily Bag Limits Possession Limits Ducks 6 18 Coots 15 45 Shooting Hours in West Virginia So, what are the shooting hours in West Virginia? Waterfowl hunters must note that shooting hours vary in this state. Hunters can shoot from noon to sunset on September 1, marking the start of the season. However, they can only shoot 30 minutes before sunrise to sunset for the remainder of the season. It’s best to be up early and aim for sunrise hunting in West Virginia. At this time, ducks and other waterfowl are easier to hunt, so ensure you set up your gear on time. What Type of Gear Do You Need to Hunt Ducks in West Virginia? Noting the seasons, timing, and hunting limits in West Virginia is crucial. After you have the dates set, assemble the gear for hunting. Duck hunting in West Virginia is mostly in wetlands and marshlands with shallow water. The best way to navigate such habitats is to invest in a pair of waders. In addition, you can bring your boat and work on setting up a blind while on the water. Fortunately, some blinds set up in each wildlife management area benefit hunters. Below is some necessary gear for successful duck hunting in West Virginia. Camouflage It’s important to remain invincible when hunting ducks in different habitats. That’s why each hunter, beginner or pro, needs camouflage. That makes it easier to hunt in thick brush and reeds. Always think of the places you intend to hunt and get the right camo that suits it. Guns In the old days, hunters would use different arsenal when hunting ducks, such as bows and arrows. But, today, waterfowl hunters rely on guns for an easy kill. So, invest in the right guns for a successful hunt. For example, a hunter can choose a 12 or 20-gauge shotgun. Bring along a gun bag or case and 3” shells. There are other shell options, but it depends on your needs, and make sure they are non-toxic. Boat/Duck Blind Next, invest in quality boats or duck blinds, or both. Some wildlife management areas have blinds set up for duck hunters. Each hunter must enter a drawing to get permission to access the blinds annually. However, you can also buy a commercial blind or build one at home to take on the hunt. There’s also the option of a boat blind to hunt from your boat and not on the water. Just ensure you pick one that’s camo for successful duck hunting. Callers Duck Callers are a crucial item to have when duck hunting in West Virginia. Also, you can master different duck calls to make hunting a more effortless experience. That way, you can attract more ducks each hunting season. Carry different callers, if possible, for each spot you pick. Duck Decoys Find the best duck decoys, especially when you want to enjoy your hunting experience. Picking the right decoys can attract more ducks each season. They look realistic and won’t spook waterfowl if you spread them well. What are the Safety Measures for Hunting Ducks in West Virginia? Apart from the gear you need to hunt ducks, there are safety measures to consider. Below are some of the safety items to have with you when hunting. Boots and Waders Sometimes, you want to leave the boat and wade in the shallow waters. Investing in good quality boots and waders to protect your feet is best. Imagine duck hunting during winter when your feet can get easily cold. A good pair of boots and layering within is the best way to avoid the cold. First Aid Kit Accidents happen. It’s why you must have a first aid kit with you at all times when duck hunting in West Virginia. That way, you have the right items at hand when you hurt or cut yourself in the middle of nowhere. Life Vest A life vest is another crucial item to have with you when duck hunting. Hunters have a choice to get camo life vests that are lightweight. They are perfect for waterfowl hunters. Do You Need a Dog When Hunting Ducks in West Virginia? No rule states you must bring a dog with you when hunting ducks. However, it never hurts to have a trusty companion by your side. Most hunters prefer having one or more dogs to fetch the kill once they make the shot. Tips for Success Hunting Ducks in West Virginia Successful duck hunting depends on how prepared a hunter is each season. There are some tips you can follow to have the best experience. For instance, check out waterfowl reports for each area to pick the right hunting season. In addition, be ready to fight with ice when hunting during winter. One way to do so is by creating open spaces in the water for the ducks. Find spots where ice is easier to break into huge chunks and move them away. Next, patience and calmness will bring better results. Being in a hurry when hunting ducks can mean going home empty-handed. So, being patient and calm is better, especially when approaching ducks. They can spook easily, leading to a frustrating hunting experience. Lastly, always do a wind check during each hunt. The direction of the wind can help you when positioning blinds and decoys in each area. It’s better to determine the wind direction each time for better results. FAQs 1. Can you duck hunt in West Virginia? Yes, you can duck hunt in West Virginia. There are specific seasons to note, daily bag limits, and possessions as per state regulations. 2. When does duck hunting season start in West Virginia? Duck hunting season starts October 1st in West Virginia. It’s split into three ways each season.