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The WVDNR is inspiring a new generation of hunters in West Virginia.
This story was originally published in the March 2025 issue of Wonderful West Virginia. To subscribe, visit wonderfulwv.com.
Written by Mason Jack
Photos Courtesy of West Virginia Department of Commerce
Hunting has long been a part of West Virginia’s culture and identity, providing families the opportunity to connect with nature and pass down outdoor skills across generations. The state’s rugged hills and expansive forests across millions of acres have long offered an unmatched oasis for hunters of all stripes.
In a world increasingly dominated by screens and technology, states across the nation face challenges in maintaining their hunting traditions. “We’re seeing a decline in hunt numbers, and with funding tied to hunting and fishing license monies, that would be a problem for a state DNR agency,” explains Captain Warren E. Goodson of the West Virginia Natural Resources Police.
West Virginia has taken a proactive approach. The WVDNR has embraced the R3 strategy—Recruitment, Retention, and Reactivation—to address these challenges. “We want to recruit young hunters, reactivate those who have left, and retain those who are already participating,” Goodson says. Thanks to these efforts, West Virginia successfully maintains a hunting population that supports the state’s conservation and enforcement programs. Through youth hunting seasons, education programs, and outreach events, the WVDNR ensures that the state’s hunting traditions thrive while cultivating a new generation of responsible hunters.
Teaching the New Generation
The WVDNR recognizes the importance of getting young people outdoors. Hunting offers kids the chance to bond with family members, learn patience and discipline, and develop a profound appreciation for West Virginia’s natural beauty. Moreover, recruiting young participants is critical for sustaining wildlife management efforts. “Hunter Education programs are key,” Goodson says. “That’s the first time many youngsters interact with a uniformed Natural Resources Police officer or a volunteer instructor. We teach upwards of 475 classes per year in schools, community centers, and other locations.”
Educational initiatives play a pivotal role in developing responsible young hunters. The Hunter Education Course, required for all first-time hunters born on or after January 1, 1975, is a cornerstone of the WVDNR’s efforts. This free, 10-hour course covers topics such as firearm safety, ethical hunting practices, survival and first aid, game identification, and wildlife management. Offered in an online format year-round, the course includes hands-on demonstrations of firearm handling and tree stand safety.
These educational programs don’t just teach technical skills; they instill a sense of responsibility and ethics. Hunters are taught to respect property boundaries, harvest only what they can use, and adhere to regulations to maintain balanced ecosystems. By emphasizing the role of hunting in conservation, the WVDNR ensures that participants understand their impact on the environment. “This education lays the groundwork for a lifetime of ethical outdoor activities,” Goodson says.
Beyond formal courses, the WVDNR partners with organizations like 4-H and the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) to provide opportunities for young hunters to develop their skills in structured environments. Events such as Youth Archery Days offer expert instruction and hands-on practice, while public shooting ranges managed by the WVDNR provide safe spaces for families to practice together.
The foundation for many young hunters is also laid during West Virginia’s designated youth hunting days. Typically scheduled before the regular hunting seasons in the fall, these special weekends are designed for hunters aged 8 to 17, creating a supportive environment where novices can experience the thrill of the hunt. These hunting days offer young people the chance to pursue antlerless deer, wild turkey, and small game, with bear hunting opportunities available in certain counties.
Resident youth hunters aged 14 and younger do not need hunting licenses but must be accompanied by licensed, unarmed adults over 21 years of age, while those aged 15 to 17 require valid hunting licenses themselves. During firearm seasons, both youth hunters and their mentors must wear 400 square inches of blaze orange for safety. “It’s a relaxed atmosphere where experienced hunters can guide the next generation, teaching them essential skills and ethics,” Goodson says.
Out in the Wild
In addition to training and education, the WVDNR organizes community-focused events to foster a love of hunting among young people. Guided youth hunts bring together local communities to celebrate hunting traditions, often beginning with a pre-hunt breakfast, followed by safety briefings, and concluding with post-hunt activities like storytelling and awards for notable achievements. These events are held in the state’s six districts, typically on the first day of October. Safety is paramount, with two volunteer instructors or officers in each blind. “We go the extra mile to ensure everyone feels safe and comfortable,” Goodson says.
Each youth hunter receives a donated blaze orange vest featuring a Hunter Heritage patch, as well as a hat, binoculars, and a backpack. Moreover, the Natural Resources Police Officers Association covers the cost of processing any deer harvested, ensuring families face no financial barriers to participation. Experienced hunters often volunteer as mentors, guiding young participants and teaching them tracking techniques, proper field dressing, and other essential skills. “Seeing the smiles on those kids’ faces, wearing their blaze orange, and then coming back at dusk with their harvests—it’s meaningful,” says Law Enforcement Section Chief Colonel Bobby Cales. “Some of these kids have never even seen a deer in the wild before. When they finally do, it’s magical.”
Goodson emphasizes the importance of outreach efforts like the West Virginia Hunting and Fishing Show, held annually in January. “It really brings out families from across the state. We set up recruitment booths and engage directly with youngsters, giving them a positive first impression of hunting and conservation.” These opportunities bridge the gap between generations, creating shared experiences that strengthen family bonds.
Meeting Hunters Where They Are
The combination of formal education and informal practice ensures that participants are well-prepared for hunting season and beyond. This continuity in programming, from classroom to field, nurtures skills and confidence in young hunters, and ethical hunting practices remain a central theme throughout. Participants are taught to value the wildlife and habitats they interact with, fostering a sense of stewardship that extends beyond hunting. This ethical framework is critical to ensure hunting remains a sustainable and respected practice in West Virginia. The role of hunters in conservation—through license fees, wildlife management, and habitat preservation—is emphasized, showing young hunters that their participation directly contributes to the state’s natural legacy.
One standout event in the WVDNR’s calendar is the National Hunting and Fishing Day celebration. Held each September, this event brings together families from across the state for a weekend of outdoor activities and education. Participants can try their hand at archery, fishing, and shooting sports, all under the guidance of trained professionals. “It’s a very safe environment,” Goodson says. “All the folks who work those ranges are firearms instructors, so we can promote shooting sports while ensuring safety.” The event’s highlight is often the Governor’s Outdoor Youth Challenge, which introduces children to various outdoor pursuits in a fun, hands-on way.
Beyond these large-scale events, the WVDNR has expanded its outreach to include those who may lack access to such opportunities. Cales recalls a successful initiative in District 5, which partnered with a minority church led by a volunteer hunter education instructor to involve young men and women from the congregation. “Hunting is not one demographic,” he says. “We want everyone to be out there enjoying the outdoors.” Another notable effort was in the Eastern Panhandle, where the WVDNR offered hunting education to students from the West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and the Blind in Romney. Several students participated in youth hunts. “Observing the joy and excitement on their faces was one of the most rewarding parts of my career,” Cales says.
The broader mission of the WVDNR goes beyond just teaching kids to hunt. “What can we do to bring those R3s back to hunting, fishing, and boating?” he reflects. “It starts with education and creating safe, welcoming environments for families and young people.” By addressing the challenges posed by declining participation and adapting its programs to meet the needs of today’s youth, the WVDNR is safeguarding the future of hunting in the state. Its efforts are multifaceted and deeply rooted in community values, from large events to intimate mentorship moments. Through its varied programs, it ensures that hunting remains an important part of West Virginia’s culture while teaching young hunters the role they play in wildlife conservation. With the support of families, communities, and the WVDNR, these traditions are being passed on to future generations.
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