April 20th, the 2026 wild turkey season opened to hunters. The West Virginia spring turkey season runs April 20-May 24, with a youth season April 18-19, and is open statewide for bearded birds only.

Turkey hunters know the art of taking a turkey, it is one of the sports that takes great care, patience, along with true woodland skills. Turkeys were hunted to extinction in the state long ago. But the state reintroduced the birds from neighboring states, and with preservation efforts the elusive bird has made a remarkable comeback. Today in the woods in Wetzel County, many hunters find success. Steve Yoho, 911 Director found his first bird of the season early in the morning. The bird weighs in at 18 pounds.

Due to hunters wearing camouflage to hide from the sharp-eyed birds and using mouth and hand calls to attract the birds, hunting accidents have occurred. Another hunter mistakes another for a turkey in hiding. Today hunters are required to wear hunter orange when moving in the woods. It is not required when a hunter is stationary.

Stalking a turkey can place hunters in danger. You should find a good location, then sit and wait. Call birds to your location.

Be 100% sure of your target. Never sound hunt. Have a clear view of the bird and the area behind it. Unfortunately, in the past, hunters in their excitement have fired at the sound in the brush, and then discovered it was another hunter. No wild game is worth someone’s life. You may call it an accident; the law may not see it that way.

Always tell someone where you intend to hunt, and carry a first aid kit and cell phone. Each hunting season hunters are injured in the woods, or suffer an emergency medical situation. Letting someone know where you are, and having a phone can save your life.

Hunting is permitted to begin 30 minutes before sunrise until 1:00 p.m. In the spring hens are sitting in a nest. They hunt for food generally speaking until midday. If you spook a bird off her nest, they may not return.

Hunters are permitted to take one bird a day, and it must have a beard. Season limit is two birds. Hunters may use firearms, bows and crossbows. It is against the law to use an electronic call in the spring season. Hunting over baited areas is not permitted.

Shot size cannot be larger than #2 during spring gobbler hunts. No toxic shot is required, but non-toxic options are encouraged on certain public lands.

Electronic Calls: Legal for fall hunts only. Spring gobbler season requires mouth or manual friction calls only–no electronic devices permitted.

West Virginia is known for its outstanding hunting opportunities. This is only possible due to the West Virginia DNR working to protect and improve wildlife habitat for all species of game animals. And a big part of the successful hunting and fishing season is due to the sportsmen themselves. Following guidelines and rules helps to increase game species. In the last 50 years species of fish, paddle fish and trout have been returned to the state’s waters. In the woods elk and turkey have been returned and showing success in repopulation.