Delegates reject bill proposing changes to West Virginia hunting regulations

House Bill 4504, which would have required the second buck hunted in a season to have at least three points on one side before being legal for hunting, failed in committee this week.

Robert Fields | WVOW News

CHARLESTON A bill failed in the West Virginia House of Delegates that would have changed the rules around deer hunting.

House Bill 4504, introduced by Grant County Delegate John Hott, would have required the second deer harvested in any given season to have at least three points on one of their antlers before being considered legal for hunting. The purpose of the bill was to give deer more time to mature before they’re hunted.

Under current state law, the only restriction on antlers is that they must extend at least three inches past the hairline to be considered legal.

House Bill 4504 failed on a voice vote in the House Committee on Agriculture, Commerce and Tourism.

Hunters can harvest up to two bucks throughout the regular archery and crossbow season. In counties that allow a buck firearms season and a muzzleloader season, one buck can be claimed during each of those; however, current law limits the number of deer harvested per year to two, regardless of the season in which they are harvested.

PHOTO | File