Hunting

NPS photo

 

Hunting is much more than just a sport to a majority of the people in Southern Appalachia. It is a tradition and has been shared from generation to generation. More and more hunting has become a sport enjoyed by the entire family. Good hunters teach, not only the basics of hunting and shooting, but a love and appreciation of the land, the wildlife, and the experience. New hunters also need to know the rules and regulations and always be aware of safety concerns.

The West Virginia Department of Natural Resources Hunting webpage provides information on hunter safety training, rules and regulations, and many other useful topics concerning hunting in the state. New River Gorge National Park and Preserve's hunting regulations follow the WVDNR's regulations with the following exceptions or additions:

*Baiting game is never allowed in the park, this is considered feeding the wildlife.

*Trapping is NOT permitted in the park.

*No permanent tree stands may be placed on park land. If a stand remains for over 24 hours it is considered abandoned and will be removed. No nails or screws can be placed into trees.

*ATVs are not permitted in the park

There are areas where hunting is prohibited in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, including safety zones near public areas and the 800 acre section of the park at Grandview (these are all the areas designated as New River Gorge National Park. Hunting is permitted in any areas designated as National Preserve. Knowing your location and rules for that area are the hunter's responsibility.

For the fall 2021 hunting season, regulations at New River Gorge National Park and Preserve will remain the same as they have in previous seasons. New regulations for hunting are on the horizon in response to the park’s recent redesignation to national park and preserve, however hunters and hikers should be aware that these changes will not take effect until January 1, 2022. The park will announce the new hunting regulations this fall.

Areas where hunting is currently prohibited in the park include Grandview, Camp Brookside, the Arrowhead Trail Area, the Park Loop Trail Area, and the Burnwood Environmental and Education Area. Hunting is also prohibited within 500 feet of heavy visitor use areas, including established campgrounds, day-use areas, and visitor centers. Under West Virginia state hunting regulations, it is illegal to shoot a firearm within 500 feet of a school, church, dwelling, or other places where people socially gather. Regulations also prohibit ATV and ORV use on trails and off-road in the park.

Maps for no hunting areas that will take effect beginning January 1, 2022 can be found here: No Hunting Zones as of January 2022.

Questions concerning hunting in the park can be emailed to this website or contact park law enforcement division. Questions concerning general hunting regulations should go to the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources.

 

No Hunting Zone Maps

 

Hunting Area Maps