WVDNR releases Big Game Bulletin

Annual publication includes harvest numbers for West Virginia’s big game species

SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.VA. — West Virginia’s Big Game Bulletin, which includes harvest numbers for white-tailed deer, wild turkey, black bear and wild boar for 2023, is now available to the public, the state Division of Natural Resources announced today.

“The Big Game Bulletin is a helpful tool that gives hunters an overview of harvest numbers and trends,” said WVDNR Director Brett McMillion. “These harvest numbers also help our biologists monitor big game populations and recommend any needed changes in bag limits or season lengths so we can continue to sustain healthy populations of these important species.”

According to data in the report, buck season harvests have increased over the last five years. Wild boar harvest over the last six years have rivaled the high-harvest years in the 1990’s. Harvest numbers for other big game species and seasons have remained stable.

Highlights from this year’s report include:

• 109,246 total white-tailed deer harvests
• 12,217 total wild turkey harvest
• 2,830 total black bear harvests
• 142 total wild boar harvests

In addition to including harvest numbers for each big game species, this year’s publication includes harvests by season and county area. Digital copies are available to download at WVdnr.gov/big-game.

Publishing the Big Game Bulletin is funded by money collected through the sale of hunting and fishing licenses and by funds from Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration.