6
Daily duck limit
8
Daily goose limit
6
Teal limit (early)
$19.00
Waterfowl license (res.)
Season Information
Season DatesEarly Teal: Sept 1–16; Regular Season: Oct 7 – Nov 30 and Dec 9 – Jan 26
FlywayAtlantic Flyway
Zone InformationWest Virginia has a single statewide waterfowl zone. The Ohio River forms much of the western border and provides riverine duck habitat. The Kanawha River and its tributaries are also important migration corridors.
Species NotesDucks: 6/day; mallard 4 (2 hens); black duck 2; pintail 1; canvasback 1; wood duck 3. Geese: Canada 8/day; snow/blue 20/day.
License & Permit Requirements
State Hunting License
✅ Required
Federal Duck Stamp
✅ Required
HIP Registration
✅ Required
HIP Registration Info
HIP registration is required annually for all waterfowl hunters at no cost. Register online at wvdnr.gov or at any license agent. Carry your HIP confirmation while hunting any migratory waterfowl.
How to Get Licensed for Waterfowl Hunting
1
Purchase a West Virginia hunting license ($19.00 resident) from West Virginia Division of Natural Resources.
2
Complete HIP Registration (free) — available when purchasing your hunting license or through the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources website.
3
Purchase the Federal Duck Stamp ($25) — required for all waterfowl hunters age 16+. Available at USPS offices or online.
Additional Notes: West Virginia is one of the less-traveled Atlantic Flyway states for waterfowl hunting, but the Ohio River corridor provides genuine opportunities for mallard, black duck, and Canada geese during fall and winter. The New River and Greenbrier River valleys funnel migrating birds through the rugged mountain terrain. Wood duck are abundant in the state's bottomland hardwoods and beaver pond complexes throughout September and October. West Virginia has limited dedicated waterfowl management areas but public river access provides substantial hunting opportunity.
Buy WV License — West Virginia Division of Natural Resources