The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources announces plans for eight controlled deer hunts across six state parks in the fall of 2025, aimed at managing overpopulation. The hunts will feature a lottery system for a limited number of permits, with applications opening on July 1st and closing August 1st. Successful applicants will have the opportunity to harvest two deer, with regulations requiring the first to be antlerless as part of a new “earn a buck” policy designed to encourage longer hunting participation.
Specific locations for the hunts include Beech Fork, Bluestone, and Cacapon Resort State Parks, where hunters will have options for archery or muzzleloader equipment depending on the park. The changes to this year’s hunts reflect a data-driven approach to wildlife management, as each hunt’s configuration is determined by annual deer counts. With permit fees set at $15 and a drawing date on September 1st, eager hunters are encouraged to prepare their applications early to secure a spot in these highly regulated events.
Read full story at wvmetronews.com
