Seasons Set for Dove, Rail, Snipe and Woodcock in West Virginia
OutdoorHub 08.13.12
West Virginia’s 2012-2103 hunting season dates and bag limits for mourning dove, American woodcock, common snipe and Sora and Virginia rails have been established, according to the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (DNR). These seasons are set within guidelines established annually by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
| Species | Dates | Daily Limit | Possession Limit |
| Mourning Dove (3-way split) | Sept. 1 – Oct. 6 Oct. 22 – Nov. 10 Dec. 24 – Jan. 5 | 15 | 30 |
| American Woodcock | Oct. 13 – Nov. 26 | 3 | 6 |
| Common Snipe | Sept. 1 – Dec. 8 | 8 | 16 |
| Sora & Virginia Rails | Sept. 1 – Nov. 3 | 25 | 25 |
Shooting hours for dove are from noon to sunset September 1, 2012, (opening day of the first segment) and from one-half hour before sunrise until sunset for the remainder of the season. Shooting hours for rails, woodcock and snipe are from one-half hour before sunrise until sunset.
All licensed migratory bird hunters, including lifetime license holders and senior citizens, must also have a valid Migratory Bird Harvest Information Program (HIP) registration card. The HIP card is available free at DNR offices and all license agents. Hunters harvesting a banded bird should report their information by calling 1-800-327-2263 or providing their data online at www.reportband.gov.
West Virginia’s 2012-2013 Migratory Bird Hunting Regulations brochure will be available at license agents and DNR offices in late August.
