The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) announced today that hunters harvested 537 wild turkeys during the 2025 fall season — a significant decline compared to recent years.

According to the agency, this year’s harvest is 52.5% below the 2024 total of 1,130 birds, 38.1% below the five-year average of 868, and 49.9% below the ten-year average of 1,072. All counties fell below their five-year average except Pendleton, Logan and Wayne.

Click here to see county-by-county fall turkey harvest totals for the last five seasons.

Weather and Mast Conditions Blamed for Drop

WVDNR officials say fall turkey harvest numbers are dictated not only by hunter participation, but also by brood production and mast availability. This year’s sharp decline is likely tied to rainy spring and early-summer conditions, which reduced poult survival rates. An abundant hard mast crop also contributed, as plentiful acorns and other nuts make turkeys more spread out and harder for hunters to locate.

This year’s brood survey recorded 189 broods, which is 12.5% higher than the five-year average. However, the poult-per-hen ratio — an important measure of reproductive success — dropped to 1.78, the lowest in five years.

Additionally, the annual mast survey showed abundant hard mast production statewide, a condition known to reduce fall harvest success because game species are less concentrated.

District and County Totals

Preliminary data from the WVDNR’s electronic licensing and game checking system show:

  • District 3 reported the highest harvest with 111 birds

  • District 4 followed with 105

  • District 2 recorded 100

  • District 5 reported 95

  • District 1 recorded 76

  • District 6 had 50

Counties with the highest individual harvest totals include:

  • Mason – 27

  • Monroe – 26

  • Nicholas – 23

  • Pendleton – 23

  • Pocahontas – 22

  • Upshur – 22

With the exception of Mason and Upshur, all of these counties had a four-week fall season.

License Renewal Reminder

Hunters are reminded that annual licenses and stamps expire on Dec. 31. The WVDNR encourages sportsmen and women to purchase their 2026 hunting licenses and stamps early at WVhunt.com.