West Virginia to Allow Airgun Hunting for Big Game

by
posted on May 19, 2022
Seal Of West VA With ASA Logo

The Airgun Sporting Association, the trade organization of the airgun industry, announced that West Virginia will soon be allowing air-rifle hunting for both small and big game.

On May 3, Governor Justice signed legislation that modified Article 2 (Wildlife Resources) of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, by adding a new section (Section 20-2-5k). This new section legalized airguns for hunting both small and big game during regular firearms seasons, provided that county specific regulations do not prohibit firearms for deer hunting. The change prohibits the use of air rifles during muzzleloader seasons and the Mountaineer Heritage Season. Also, arrow shooting air rifles are prohibited for both small- and big-game hunting.

Some specifics in the new code include:

  • Air rifles used for big-game hunting must be at least .45 caliber and use at least a 200-grain bullet. Turkey hunting requires .22 caliber or larger.
  • Air rifles used for small game must be at least .22 caliber.
  • Air-rifle hunters are held to all other firearm hunting regulations and air rifles may not be discharged within 500 feet of a dwelling.

The West Virginia DNR will be finalizing air-rifle hunting regulations in the coming weeks.

“We are very excited to add West Virginia to the growing list of now over 24 states that allow airguns for big-game hunting” stated Mitch King, President. “Our goal is to work closely with our industry partners and the state wildlife agencies to develop their proposed regulations, legislative language and airgun safety training programs”.

To join the ASA or to see a map of states which allow airguns for hunting, visit airgunsporting.org and click on the Regulations tab.

Latest

LEDE Barnesharvest
LEDE Barnesharvest

First Look: Barnes Harvest Collection Ammunition

Barnes has debuted its Harvest Collection line of ammunition, targeted squarely at American whitetail hunters. Topped with the venerable Sierra Tipped GameKing (TGK) bullet, Barnes Harvest Collection is designed for maximal lethality on thin-skinned game, combining near match-grade accuracy with impressive terminal performance.

First Look: BANISH 30-V2

New from Banish Suppressors, the Banish 30-V2 is an upgraded version of the company’s popular Banish 30 suppressor that is shorter, lighter, quieter and more versatile than ever.

First Look: Hornady 3-in-1 High Speed Power Case Trimmer

The ideal tool for high-volume handloaders, the new Hornady 3-in-1 High Speed Power Case Trimmer brings three case preparation steps into one space-saving tool.

First Look: Kifaru New 44 Mag Pack

Kifaru has announced the highly anticipated relaunch of the 44 Mag pack. First introduced in 2019, the original pack was popular for its versatility and size. While it was still a traditional top-loading pack, the capacity and organization made it a great option for single- or multi-day trips. 

First Look: Trijicon New MRO SD

The next generation of Trijicon’s Miniature Rifle Optic is optimized for use with a magnifier.

Revolver Build: Fink's Custom Taurus Raging Hunter .44 Magnum

This big bore revolver is tricked out for handgun hunting, defense against dangerous game and personal protection. 

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.