It is the statutory mission of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources to provide and administer a long-range comprehensive program for the exploration, conservation, development, protection, enjoyment, and the use of the natural resources of the State of West Virginia.

Primary Divisions

  • Wildlife Resources Section
  • West Virginia State Parks Section
  • Law Enforcement Section

Agency Roles

  • DNR’s Wildlife Resources Section conserves , protects and manages the state’s fish and wildlife resources for the use and enjoyment of its citizens. The primary objective of the section is to maintain and perpetuate fish and wildlife at levels compatible with the available habitat, while providing diverse opportunities for recreation, research, conservation and education.

  • West Virginia State Parks Section promotes conservation by preserving and protecting natural areas of unique or exceptional scenic, scientific, cultural, archaeological or historical significance. Additionally the section provides outdoor recreational opportunities for the citizens of West Virginia and its visitors.

  • The Law Enforcement Section  conserves and protects the natural resources of the state by strict enforcement, education and public awareness, thereby promoting voluntary compliance with all state laws.

  • The Office of Land and Streams carries out the real estate title, acquisition and management of all recreational property owned or long-term leased by the division in the state. The program manages the beds of the state’s rivers and streams that are owned by the division.

  • West Virginia Mineral Development holds title to certain lands and mineral resources in the state. The Division of Natural Resources administers and manages those lands to provide for the conservation, development, protection, enjoyment and use of the state’s natural resources by its citizens and visitors.

Annual Reports

WVDNR Annual Report 2022 – 2023

WVDNR Annual Report 2021 – 2022

WVDNR Annual Report 2020 – 2021

WVDNR Annual Report 2019 – 2020

WVDNR Annual Report 2018 – 2019

WVDNR Annual Report 2017 – 2018

WVDNR Annual Report 2016 – 2017

Featured Articles

Cast a line at one of these 5 streams in West Virginia this spring

Experience the essence of spring fishing at these Almost Heaven streams Spring brings a spirit of revival and fresh starts — not just for nature but for our hobbies and passions. If your fishing routine has become a little stale…

Spring gobbler season arrives April 15 in West Virginia

Hunting safety tips, essential gear and best hunting locations to help you enjoy turkey hunting in West Virginia Spring is just around the corner in West Virginia, and soon, the forests will come alive with the sights and sounds of…

WV DNR Police guide Mountaineer ChalleNGe Academy Cadets on second annual deer hunt

West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) Police officers from District four and District six partnered with the Mountaineer ChalleNGe Academy (MCA) for two deer hunts. Officers took 16 cadets through a hunter education course and then an antlerless deer…

Angler catches tagged trout – you won’t believe what happened next!

There’s nothing more exciting than feeling a tug at the end of your line and reeling in a monster trout in West Virginia — except for maybe reeling in a tagged monster trout. That’s what happened to Dylan Young during…

Buyer’s guide to 2024 hunting and fishing licenses in West Virginia

Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or angler or a first-time explorer venturing into the world of hunting and fishing, your journey begins with a license. That might not sound exciting, but a license is your ticket to outdoor adventures in…

Gift the Outdoors: WVDNR Holiday Gift Guide

Need a little help finding a gift for the hunter, angler or outdoors lover in your family? To make your holiday shopping easier this year, we’ve partnered with the West Virginia Department of Tourism to bring you a Holiday Gift…

Win Big with the Big Buck Photo Contest

Whether you’ve hunted for decades or it’s your first time in the woods, this fall you can experience hunting in West Virginia’s beautiful hills and enter to win some fantastic prizes. This year’s Big Buck Photo Contest just got announced,…

Want to get your art featured in the WV Wildlife Calendar? Here’s how.

If you’re an artist who’s painted popular game or fish species or other West Virginia wildlife such as snakes, frogs, turtles, salamanders, bats, songbirds, small mammals or non-game fish, the WVDNR is seeking artwork for next year’s calendar and offering…

New Trout Stockings Coming to Elk River in Webster County!

Nestled in the heart of West Virginia, the Elk River in Webster County is one of the best places for a trout fishing adventure and one of the most exciting places to cast your line. And it’s about to get…

West Virginia Wildlife Calendar: The Ultimate Gift for Outdoor Enthusiasts

Beat the holiday stress and surprise the outdoor lovers in your life with a gift that brings the beauty of West Virginia to their doorstep all year round — the 2024 West Virginia Wildlife Calendar! This carefully curated calendar is…

Your guide to fall trout fishing in West Virginia

Tips, best fishing spots and helpful reminders to get you ready for your fall fishing adventures in Almost Heaven, West Virginia. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or new to the sport, fall is a great time to go fishing in…

Your guide to fall turkey season in West Virginia

Hunting safety tips and essential gear to help you enjoy turkey hunting in West Virginia. Get ready for fall hunting adventures! West Virginia’s 2023 fall turkey season is set to open on Oct. 14. While the fall turkey season might…