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HB 2023

Creating a three-day Muzzleloader season for deer hunting to be scheduled the Thursday, Friday and Saturday before the traditional rifle season in November.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jeff Campbell and 2 co-sponsors

House Bill 2023 creates a three-day muzzleloader deer hunting season in West Virginia, enhancing hunting opportunities and aiding deer population management.

To House Government Organization
#naturalresources
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 2023

Summary of House Bill 2023

Bill Overview

  • Bill Number: HB 2023
  • Title: Creating a three-day Muzzleloader season for deer hunting to be scheduled the Thursday, Friday, and Saturday before the traditional rifle season in November.
  • Status: To House Government Organization
  • Introduced: March 18, 2025
  • Classification: Bill
  • Subject: Natural Resources

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 2023 aims to establish a new three-day muzzleloader hunting season for deer in West Virginia. This season would take place on the Thursday, Friday, and Saturday immediately preceding the traditional rifle season in November. The intent of the bill is to provide additional hunting opportunities for enthusiasts and to potentially enhance deer management in the state.

Key Provisions

  • Muzzleloader Season: The bill amends §20-2-5l of the West Virginia Code to create a specific three-day muzzleloader season.
  • Hunting Regulations: The bill specifies that hunters may use a single-shot muzzleloading pistol or rifle with a bore diameter of at least .38 inches, utilizing an encapsulated propellant charge loaded from the breech and a projectile loaded from the muzzle.
  • Exclusions: The newly established muzzleloader season will not allow the use of these firearms during the Mountaineer Heritage season.

Affected Parties

  • Hunters: The primary beneficiaries of this bill are deer hunters in West Virginia, particularly those who prefer using muzzleloaders.
  • Wildlife Management: The bill may also impact wildlife management strategies by providing an additional hunting period, which could help regulate deer populations.

Legislative Process

  • Introduced: The bill was filed for introduction on March 18, 2025, and was referred to the House Committee on Government Organization on the same day.
  • Next Steps: Following its introduction, the bill will undergo review and discussion within the committee before potentially moving to the full House for a vote.

Conclusion

House Bill 2023 seeks to enhance deer hunting opportunities in West Virginia by establishing a dedicated three-day muzzleloader season prior to the traditional rifle season. This legislation reflects a growing interest in expanding hunting options while also considering wildlife management practices.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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