Hunting in West Virginia: 9 Animals to Hunt in the Spring

West Virginia has a pleasant and distinct four seasons. Spring is the perfect temperature to stay outdoors in while hunting. National Geographic's AllTrails cites that springtime is one of the best seasons to go hiking in West Virginia because of the temperature and clear views.

The fall leaves will have become more composted during the winter under the snow and wind. This, compared to the ground that is usually damp by thawed snow and rain showers provides hunters prime conditions to observe footprints captured in the mud.

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Spring is also a great time for adults to teach their kids how to hunt. After a long winter, they will be more than ready to get outdoors. Here are several animals to legally hunt in West Virginia in the spring:

1. Crows
In West Virginia, crows are legally available to hunt from the start of October to the beginning of March. If they are being hunted for nuisance reasons only, they may be hunted year round.

The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources defines "nuisance crows" as, "crows committing depredations upon ornamental or shade trees, agricultural crops, home gardens, livestock, or wildlife, or when concentrated so as to constitute a health hazard and or other nuisance."

2. Beavers
Beavers may only be trapped, not shot, from the beginning of November to the end of March.

3. Coyotes
Coyotes may be hunted anytime during the year in West Virginia. The one exception to this rule is if the hunter is hunting past sundown using artificial light. That is only legal from the start of January to the end of July.

4. Skunks
During spring, hunters may harvest skunks the whole season.

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5. Opossums
Opossums are legal to hunt all spring.

6. Woodchuck
Woodchucks are legal to hunt during the full spring hunting season.

7. Weasels
Weasels may be harvested all spring.

8. English Sparrow
It is legal to hunt English sparrows all of spring as well.

9. Pigeons
Pigeons may be shot all spring.

This article is for information only. Please check current regulations before hunting.

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