Elkins Randolph WV
The Elkins-Randolph County Tourism Convention and Visitors Bureau operates as the central resource for hunters planning trips to West Virginia's Potomac Highlands. Located in Randolph County—the largest county in West Virginia at 1,040 square miles—the bureau helps both individual hunters and groups...
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## Hunting Information & Trip Planning for Randolph County, West Virginia
The Elkins-Randolph County Tourism Convention and Visitors Bureau operates as the central resource for hunters planning trips to West Virginia's Potomac Highlands. Located in Randolph County—the largest county in West Virginia at 1,040 square miles—the bureau helps both individual hunters and groups plan outdoor adventures in one of the state's most remote and game-rich regions.
What They Provide
The bureau publishes detailed hunting guides and maintains the Elkins Depot Welcome Center, staffed with trained volunteers who can answer questions about:
- •Hunting seasons and regulations across West Virginia state forests
- •Game species available in the region
- •Licensing requirements from the WV Division of Natural Resources
- •Safety requirements including blaze orange regulations
- •Wildlife management areas within Monongahela National Forest
Hunting Opportunities in Randolph County
The region supports multiple hunting methods and seasons:
| Hunting Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Bow and Arrow | Close-range hunting experience |
| Crossbow | Alternative to traditional bow |
| Rifle | Standard firearm hunting |
| Muzzleloader | Heritage hunting method with centuries of tradition |
Game Species Available
Monongahela National Forest—headquartered in Elkins with nearly 909,000 acres across ten West Virginia counties—contains abundant game including:
- •Black bear
- •White-tailed deer
- •Wild turkey
- •Gray and fox squirrels
- •Rabbits and snowshoe hare
- •Woodcock and grouse
- •Beaver, fox, mink, bobcat, fisher, otter, and raccoon
- •Coyote, skunk, opossum, and woodchuck
The U.S. Forest Service manages ten wildlife-management areas in cooperation with West Virginia Department of Natural Resources: Cheat, Rimel, Neola, Handley, Tea Creek, Beaver Dam, Otter Creek, Cranberry, Blackwater, and Little River.
Wildlife Management Areas
Hunters can access the following Forest Service managed areas within Monongahela National Forest:
1. Cheat 2. Rimel 3. Neola 4. Handley 5. Tea Creek 6. Beaver Dam 7. Otter Creek 8. Cranberry 9. Blackwater 10. Little River
Safety Requirements & Regulations
Blaze Orange Requirements:
West Virginia law requires 400 square inches of blaze orange visible in fields and woods. Deer cannot distinguish the color, but other hunters can. During low-visibility periods (dusk and dawn), wearing an LED light is advisable. The same safety applies to hunting dogs—orange vests, harnesses, or bandanas are essential.
Firearm Restrictions:
Do not shoot a firearm within: - 400 feet of a school or church - 500 feet of a dwelling - Within parks or areas where people gather for recreation (campgrounds, picnic areas, trails)
Venison Donation Program
Hunters can participate in a food assistance program through the Mountaineer Food Bank and Facing Hunger Foodbank (both Feeding America members). Each deer provides approximately 35 pounds of venison—roughly 142 meals when combined with other items. Participating meat processors grind, package, and freeze the venison for distribution through a statewide network of 600 charitable food pantries, soup kitchens, senior centers, shelters, and community organizations.
About Randolph County
Geography & Resources:
- •Located in the heart of West Virginia's Potomac Highlands
- •Home to high, forested mountains exceeding 4,000 feet elevation
- •Mount Porte Crayon is the highest point at 4,782 feet
- •Headwaters for Cheat, Tygart Valley, Elk, and Potomac rivers
- •Major hardwood lumber producer since the early 20th century
Climate:
- •52 inches of annual rainfall
- •78 inches of average annual snowfall
- •151 sunny days per year
- •July highs around 79°F; January lows around 17°F
- •Precipitation 167 days per year
Population & Community:
- •Approximately 28,000 residents
- •Seven municipalities: Beverly, Harman, Huttonsville, Mill Creek, Montrose, Coalton, and county seat Elkins
- •Elkins designated a "Small Town Gem" by West Virginia Department of Commerce
- •Recognized as one of 100 best small arts communities in the U.S.
- •Tree City USA designation since 2009
Bureau Mission & History
Established in 2018 under the Elkins Depot Welcome Center (operating since 2006), the bureau became accredited by the West Virginia Association of Convention and Visitors Bureau in 2019. Their mission is to increase economic vitality for local retail, restaurants, lodging, and tourism-related entities while providing excellent visitor services.
The bureau exists to help you plan the adventure specifically for you, your family, or group that will offer the best opportunities for your exploration of the area.
Planning Your Hunting Trip
Before heading into Randolph County's mountains:
1. Obtain a proper license from WV Division of Natural Resources 2. Confirm current season dates and regulations 3. Choose your hunting method (bow, crossbow, rifle, or muzzleloader) 4. Stock appropriate ammunition for your method 5. Pack 400 square inches of blaze orange gear 6. Contact the bureau for specific wildlife management area information
Contact the Elkins Depot Welcome Center for detailed hunting maps, seasonal calendars, lodging recommendations, and current regulations before your trip.