For generations, hunters have returned to Canaan Valley to pursue the abundant and varied game in an area known for its beautiful scenery. Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge is committed to continuing that long and varied hunting tradition. Located in the highest-elevation valley east of the Rockies and the largest wetland complex in West Virginia, the refuge offers a huge expanse of land for hunters to pursue white-tailed deer, bear, turkey, squirrel, grouse, waterfowl, woodcock, fox, raccoon, bobcat, cottontail and snowshoe hare. The hunting season follows state schedules from September through the end of February (with a spring turkey season). The October archery deer hunt is most popular, but perhaps the best hunting on the refuge is for woodcock. The refuge is big enough that hunters don't feel crowded.
Big Cove Unit Update:
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has announced the finalized ruling posted November 2024 (50 CFR Part 32) that will open the Big Cove Unit to all forms of hunting on its 2,412 acres. In addition, it requires lead-free ammunition for all hunting involving firearms on the new acreage. The best available science, analyzed as part of this rulemaking, indicates that lead ammunition has negative impacts on both wildlife and human health. Hunting with lead ammunition is still permitted on other units within the refuge.
We thank you in advance for your patience as our staff works to update signage in the Big Cove Unit.
Lead-Free Hunting Ammunition Incentive Program:
To encourage voluntary use of non-lead ammunition across the refuge, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is implementing an ammunition incentive program that enables you to tree lead-free hunting ammunition for free. By submitting proof of purchase of lead-free ammunition, you may receive a gift card for up to $50 per box of lead-free hunting ammunition ($25/box for shotgun or muzzleloader and $50/box for rifle). There is a two-box limit per hunter for the program.
Hunters who reload their own ammunition are also eligible for the incentive program for their reloading components and are limited up to $100 for components to reload two boxes of lead-free rifle ammunition and $50 for components to reload two boxes of lead-free shotgun ammunition.
Please use the following link to take part in the incentive program: www.fws.gov/lead-free-ammunition-incentive. Be prepared to submit pictures of your box(es) of lead-free ammunition, your purchase receipt(s) and your refuge hunting permit. Please note that ammunition purchased before July 24th, 2024 is not eligible for the incentive program.
To Obtain a Hunt Permit:
The hunt permit/brochure is available at all kiosk locations throughout the Refuge and the Visitor Center. You may also download a copy of the 2024-2025 Hunt Permit/Brochure here.
Canaan Valley NWR hunt map is included within the hunt brochure.
Obtain a hunt permit/brochure and be sure to sign the hunt permit/brochure, stating that you have read the Refuge regulations.
Carry the hunt permit/brochure on your person at all times while hunting.
Kiosk locations:
- Refuge Visitor Center
- Parking lot at upper end of Idlemans Run Trail
- Parking lot at Beall Trails
- Parking lot at Camp 70 Loop/Brown Mountain Trail
- A-Frame Road at Overlook
- A-Frame Road at Middle Valley Trail
- Parking lot at A-Frame Road termination
Hunters must obtain and carry a signed CVNWR hunt permit/brochure, the appropriate West Virginia State Hunting License, and a photo ID while hunting on CVNWR. Hunting on the Refuge is permitted in accordance with state and refuge regulations from September 1 through February 28 and also for turkey during the spring turkey season.
West Virginia state hunting rules and regulations.
Filing Out a Harvest Report
It is important that, when you check your game with the State of West Virginia Electronic Game Checking System at www.wvhunt.com or by phone, you be sure to indicate that the game was taken on the Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge.
To Reserve an Accessible Hunt Blind
There are four accessible hunt blinds on the refuge available to hunters who have a Class Q or QQ hunting license. To reserve a hunt blind, download the Hunt Blind Permit here and email it to Canaanvalley@fws.gov along with a copy of your Q/QQ license. You may also stop by the refuge's visitor center and fill out the permit there. Here are some general conditions that apply to reserve a hunt blind:
- It is first come first serve.
- The refuge will not be taking reservations on Saturday or Sunday due to the lack of staff.
- Reservations can be made for back to back days but no more than twice a month. Only one reservation per week.
- Hunters may have an assistant with them but that person is not allowed to hunt.
- No more than one vehicle is allowed at the hunt blind.
Those hunters with permanent and irreversible respiratory, cardiovascular, and/or lower extremity use limitations may be eligible for a Class Q/QQ special use permit through the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. Applications must be certified by a licensed physician to be considered for approval by the agency. Application forms for the Class Q/QQ permit are available at all WVDNR offices or on the online WVDNR licensing and game check system.
To find your nearest Class Q/QQ hunting opportunity, contact your local WVDNR district office by telephone or use the DNR’s onlinehunting map tool. Designated Class Q/QQ roads on public lands are shown in purple on the map.
