West Virginia Natural Resources Commission to Decide 2026 Hunting and Fishing Rules April 30
The West Virginia Natural Resources Commission is set to meet on Thursday, April 30, at 6 p.m. ET across six district locations to finalize critical hunting and fishing regulations for the 2026-2027 season. This quarterly meeting, organized by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR), will play a crucial role in shaping statewide wildlife management policies affecting thousands of outdoor enthusiasts.
Residents and stakeholders eager to influence the regulations must attend in person at one of the designated district sites: Farmington, Romney, Elkins, Beckley, Charleston, or Parkersburg. For those unable to join in person, a view-only livestream will be available on YouTube at youtube.com/@WVcommerce/streams.
High-Impact Agenda Includes Hunting Limits, Deer Disease Updates, and Public Input
The meeting agenda focuses on several high-stakes decisions impacting sportsmen, landowners, and wildlife conservation efforts across West Virginia. Among the key topics are votes to approve:
- 2026-2027 Big Game Hunting Regulations, including black bear and antlerless white-tailed deer hunting rules
- 2026 State Park Deer Hunts
- Proposed 2027-2028 Hunting and Trapping Regulations
- Proposed 2027 Fishing Regulations
Additionally, officials will provide an update on chronic wasting disease (CWD), a brain-wasting illness threatening deer populations nationwide, including West Virginia’s herds. The West Virginia Wildlife Federation will also present during the session, addressing conservation efforts and resident concerns.
Public Participation Critical as Commission Guides Wildlife Conservation
The Natural Resources Commission, which advises the WVDNR on wildlife management and conservation, is inviting public comments at each district meeting location. Residents who want to speak directly to the commission must attend their local site in person, ensuring the community’s voice influences policy decisions impacting hunting seasons, catch limits, and wildlife health safeguards.
Locations for in-person attendance include:
- District 1: 1110 Railroad St, Farmington, WV 26571
- District 2: 1 Depot Street, Romney, WV 26757
- District 3: Elkins Operation Center, 738 Ward Road, Elkins, WV 26241
- District 4: 2006 Robert C Byrd Drive, Beckley, WV 25801
- District 5: WVDNR Headquarters, 112 California Avenue, Charleston, WV 25305
- District 6: 76 Conservation Way, Parkersburg, WV 26104
Why This Meeting Matters Now
With hunting and fishing deeply woven into West Virginia’s culture and economy, the regulations set forth during this meeting will directly impact outdoor recreation and wildlife sustainability in the coming seasons. The chronic wasting disease update highlights ongoing challenges in managing disease threats, which have national repercussions beyond state borders.
Officials emphasize that community involvement is vital to strike a balance between conservation goals and the interests of hunters, anglers, and landowners alike.
For more detailed information, the Natural Resources Commission’s full agenda and resources are available at WVDNR.gov/natural-resources-commission.
Looking Ahead
The commission will also discuss tentative dates and locations for its third quarterly meeting in 2026 and consider recommendations for future agenda items. This ongoing public advisory process ensures responsive, science-based stewardship of West Virginia’s natural resources through 2026 and beyond.
