Charleston, West Virginia – The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) has reported that hunters harvested 2,469 black bears during the combined 2025 archery and firearms seasons. This preliminary total closely mirrors the 2024 harvest of 2,479 bears, falling just 10 short of the previous year’s figure.
The harvest numbers align with predictions from the 2025 Mast Survey and Hunting Outlook, which anticipated fewer bears taken during the archery and crossbow phases and a higher yield during the firearms period. This trend underscores the influence of seasonal conditions, such as mast availability, on wildlife behavior and hunter success rates across the state.
In the initial segment of the 2025 archery and crossbow seasons, running from September 27 to November 23, hunters checked in 543 bears. Among these, 252 were taken using vertical bows, while 291 were harvested with crossbows. Leading the counties in archery and crossbow harvests were Fayette with 47 bears, Raleigh with 35, Greenbrier with 29, Logan with 28, and Boone with 27. These figures highlight popular hunting areas in the Appalachian terrain, where dense forests and rugged landscapes provide ideal habitat for the state’s black bear population.
The firearms season proved particularly productive, with hunters harvesting 1,925 bears—a notable 22 percent increase from the 1,580 recorded in 2024. This segment included diverse opportunities: 506 bears during the September and October seasons, 152 during the September youth, Class Q, and XS season, five in the October youth, Class Q, and XS season, 33 during the concurrent antlerless deer and bear season, and 316 across the three early firearms seasons.
Further contributions came from 290 bears taken during the concurrent buck-gun bear season and a substantial 1,129 during the traditional December season. Additionally, one bear was harvested using a muzzleloader during the Mountaineer Heritage Season. The top-performing counties for firearms harvests were Boone with 169 bears, Kanawha with 136, Randolph with 124, Webster with 122, and Pocahontas with 102. Boone County’s dominance, for instance, exemplifies how targeted management zones and abundant public lands contribute to successful conservation outcomes.
These harvest statistics reflect the WVDNR’s ongoing efforts to balance biodiversity and recreational hunting opportunities. Black bears remain a cornerstone of West Virginia’s wildlife resources, with populations sustained through regulated seasons and vigilant monitoring. The uptick in firearms harvests suggests favorable conditions during late fall, potentially linked to post-mast foraging patterns that concentrate bears in accessible areas.
Hunters interested in future opportunities are encouraged to review the West Virginia Hunting and Trapping Regulations Summary, available for download on the WVDNR website. Licenses can be purchased online to prepare for upcoming seasons, ensuring compliance with all rules for ethical and sustainable practices.
The combined data from archery, crossbow, and multiple firearms windows illustrates the breadth of hunting access provided statewide. For example, the youth-oriented seasons not only boost participation among young hunters but also contribute meaningfully to overall totals, fostering the next generation of conservation stewards.
With 2,469 bears harvested, 2025 marked another successful year for West Virginia’s bear hunting community, maintaining stable populations while offering abundant outdoor recreation. As the state continues to monitor trends through surveys like the mast outlook, future seasons promise continued vitality for this iconic species.
For more information, visit West Virginia Division of Natural Resources.