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.
The bureau publishes detailed hunting guides and maintains the Elkins Depot Welcome Center, staffed with trained volunteers who can answer questions about:
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 |
Monongahela National Forest—headquartered in Elkins with nearly 909,000 acres across ten West Virginia counties—contains abundant game including:
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.
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
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.
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)
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.
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.
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.
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