WV Hunting License - Steps to Buy in West Virginia

David Harrison  ·  Updated on May 18, 2025

Hunting LicenseGuidesHunter Education

Follow these straightforward steps to obtain a West Virginia hunting license:


WV Hunter Education Certification

Skip having to attend an in-person field-day course with our 3 hour interactive Hunter Safety course.

We provide all the resources to get you fully certified online, and your hunter education certificate is accepted by West Virginia Division of Natural Resources for use in West Virginia for WV residents and non-residents alike.

After completing the Hunter Ed course and passing the final exam, you’ll receive your temporary Hunter Education Certificate.

We submit your course results to the state. The state will issue and email you your permanent Hunter Education Certificate (Card). This is valid for use in all 50 USA States (including West Virginia, Mexico, Canada, and any other country or US Territory that has reciprocity with IHEA-USA & State Issued Hunter Education Certificates.


Select Your WV Hunting License

West Virginia offers a variety of hunting licenses for different age groups, residency statuses, and hunting preferences.

Below is an overview of the primary license types available:​

Resident Licenses

A resident is a person who has lived in West Virginia for at least 30 days. Non-resident full-time students who attend a college or university in West Virginia and active-duty military members who were residents prior to their entry into the service are considered residents.

All West Virginia residents age 15 or older must have a resident base or combination hunting license and the Conservation Stamp. Additional licenses may also be required.

  • Class A – Resident Hunting License – Required for residents aged 15 to 64 to hunt small game and furbearers.
  • Class AB-L – Resident Hunting and Fishing License – Combines hunting and fishing privileges for residents.
  • Class X – Resident Sportsman Hunting/Trapping/Fishing License – Includes hunting, trapping, and fishing privileges, along with the Conservation Stamp.
  • Class XJ – Junior Sportsman Hunting/Trapping/Fishing License – Available for residents aged 15 to 17, providing the same privileges as Class X.
  • Class XS – Senior Lifetime Hunting/Trapping/Fishing License – One-time purchase for residents aged 65 and older, valid for life.
  • Class AH – Resident Apprentice Hunting License – Allows residents to hunt under the supervision of a licensed hunter without completing a hunter education course.
  • Class AHJ – Junior Apprentice Hunting License – For residents aged 15 to 17, allowing supervised hunting without prior hunter education.

Non-Resident Hunting Licenses

All non-residents must have a non-resident base or combination hunting license and the Conservation/Law Enforcement Stamp. Additional licenses may also be required.

  • Class E – Non-Resident Annual Hunting License – Required for non-residents aged 15 and older to hunt small game and furbearers.
  • Class EE – Non-Resident 6-Day Hunting License – Allows non-residents to hunt for six consecutive days.
  • Class XXJ – Non-Resident Junior Sportsman Hunting/Trapping/Fishing License – For non-residents aged 15 to 17, providing combined privileges.
  • Class AAH – Non-Resident Apprentice Hunting License – Permits non-residents to hunt under supervision without completing a hunter education course.
  • Class AAHJ – Non-Resident Junior Apprentice Hunting License – For non-residents aged 15 to 17, allowing supervised hunting without prior hunter education.

Youth Licenses & Requirements

  • Class XJ – Junior Sportsman Hunting/Trapping/Fishing License – Available for residents aged 15 to 17, providing comprehensive privileges.
  • Class AHJ – Junior Apprentice Hunting License – For residents aged 15 to 17, allowing supervised hunting without prior hunter education.
  • Hunter Education Requirement – Individuals born on or after January 1, 1975, must complete a certified hunter education course before purchasing a base license. Youth under 15 can hunt without a license if accompanied by a licensed adult.

Senior Licenses & Discounts

Class XS – Senior Lifetime Hunting/Trapping/Fishing License – One-time purchase for residents aged 65 and older, valid for life.
Free Licenses – Residents born before January 1, 1925, are eligible for free lifetime licenses.

Lifetime Licenses (Residents Only)

  • Class AB-L – Lifetime Hunting and Fishing License – Combines hunting and fishing privileges for life.
  • Class X – Lifetime Sportsman License – Includes hunting, trapping, and fishing privileges, along with the Conservation Stamp.
  • Class XS – Senior Lifetime License – Available to residents aged 65 and older.
    Note: Lifetime licenses are available only to West Virginia residents.

Disability & Military Licenses

  • Class Q – Resident Disabled Veteran Hunting License – Free license for residents with a 100% service-connected disability.
  • Class QQ – Resident Disabled Veteran Trapping License – Free license for residents with a 100% service-connected disability.
  • Military Exemption – Active-duty military personnel on leave are exempt from purchasing a hunting license but must carry proof of leave status.

Required Endorsements & Tags

  • Class N – Antlerless Deer Stamp – Required to hunt antlerless deer during designated seasons.
  • Class RG – Additional Buck Stamp – Allows the harvest of an additional buck in specified counties.
  • Class RM – Muzzleloader Deer Stamp – Required to hunt deer during muzzleloader season.
  • Class DS – Bear Damage Stamp – Required to hunt black bear.
  • Class UU – Archery Deer Stamp – Required to hunt deer with a bow or crossbow during archery season.
  • Class BG – Big Game Stamp – Required for hunting big game species.
  • Class I – National Forest Stamp – Required to hunt on National Forest lands.
  • HIP Registration – Mandatory for hunting migratory birds; registration is free.
  • Federal Duck Stamp – Required for waterfowl hunters aged 16 and older; must be signed across the face.

Hunting licenses, including those for nonresident hunters, are good for the calendar year, and adherence to hunting regulations is essential for all hunters. West Virginia residents are able to purchase a lifetime hunting license.


Where to buy your West Virginia Hunting License

To hunt in West Virginia, you can purchase your license either online through the official licensing platform WVhunt.com or in person through an authorized licensing agent. A comprehensive list of in-person license agents is available on the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) website: Authorized Hunting and Fishing License Agents.

Below are some suggested authorized in-person hunting license agents in West Virginia:


Where to Find Additional Resources

West Virginia Division of Natural Resources:

Phone: (304) 558-6200 Email: [email protected] Website: wvdnr.gov