Last updated April 2023

Link to state website

Contacts

WVDNR – Wildlife Resources Section
Environmental Coordination Program
PO Box 67
738 Ward Road
Elkins, WV  26241
Phone: 304/637-0245 ext. 2048
DNRScientificCollectingPermit@wv.gov

Is a state permit needed for banding?

Yes. The statutory definitions pertaining to wildlife and permits state, “Take” means to hunt, shoot, pursue, lure, kill, destroy, catch, capture, keep in captivity, gig, spear, trap, ensnare, wound or injure any wildlife, or attempt to do so. ”

Permit application forms

• Application Form
• Renewal – same form
• Threatened and Endangered – same form
• Salvage – same form

State lands

Public land managers may require a collecting permit in addition to the Scientific Collecting Permit.  Additional permits are required for state parks, state forests, state rail-trails, national forests, national wildlife refuges, and national parks/rivers/recreation areas if working on those lands.

Prior notice

Check permit conditions. Even if not expressly required to do so, you should always contact the manager of that particular state land unit or with the owner of private land before your arrival. You want to be aware of the hunting seasons, and, of course want to be sure that your activities will not interfere with the activities of that park, wildlife management area, or other state land unit, and that your activities will not adversely affect public use of the land or with the activities of private landowners.

Policies

West Virginia Code. Chapter 20 Natural Resources. §20-2-50. Permit to hunt, kill, etc., wildlife for scientific or propagation purposes.

West Virginia Code of State Rules TITLE 58 SERIES 42 WILDLIFE SCIENTIFIC COLLECTING PERMIT

West Virginia state endangered species law

The state of West Virginia does not have a state endangered species statute, regulation, or state-listed species.