Fish and Game West Virginia

The states Virginia and West Virginia share more than a common name and a bit of common history. They have a lot of flora and fauna in common, too.

Virginia forms the southeastern border of West Virginia, in the Blue Ridge Mountain Range of the Appalachian Mountains. Many of the fish and game Virginia enjoys also inhabit the forests and streams on the West Virginia side of the border. This breathtakingly beautiful area shared by both states is a mecca for tourists, including those who come for the hunting, trapping, and fishing.

Black bear, white-tailed deer, gray foxes, rabbits, raccoon, skunks, and coyotes are found in abundance in the Blue Ridge Mountains and bobcats, beaver, and the Virginia opossum flourish here, too.

Birding is important in Virginia and the Blue Ridge Mountain Range is an ideal spot for spotting cardinals and Carolina chickadees. These common birds can be found in cities, towns, and the countryside throughout the Virginias but a drive in the country might bring a glimpse of more exotic birds, such as the barred owl,red-tailed hawk, and a wild turkey or two.

The Peregrine falcon once claimed this area as its native habitat but over time it became extinct in the area (extirpation) as the human population grew.Fortunately, conservation efforts have proven successful; the peregrine falcon was reintroduced in the mid-1990s to the Shenandoah National Park, where the falcon population thrives once again.

Fishing for sport and food are popular pursuits in Virginia where fishermen have the option for freshwater or saltwater fishing. Freshwater anglers have 210 species of freshwater fish to choose from, including the blue catfish, brook trout,Roanoke bass, and walleye. Look for crayfish and salamanders where the water runs steadily and the stream bed is rocky.

For saltwater fishing, the Chesapeake Bay is hard to beat. Fishermen here boast hefty catches of clams, oysters, and rockfish, which are also called striped bass.The state’s prized blue crabs can be found in abundance along the shoreline of the bay, too.

Hunting and fishing licenses and regulations vary from state to state. Hunters and fishermen familiar with West Virginia are advised to check with Virginia authorities before game hunting or sport fishing in that state. Seasons may vary,too. It’s true that many of the fish and game Virginia sportsmen enjoy are also shared by West Virginia but the laws do vary. To be safe and have the most fun,always check with local authorities before heading out.