HB 4686 West Virginia House of Delegates · 2026 Regular Session

Providing that a hunting license is only required for public land

HB 4686 amends West Virginia law to clarify that landowners (and their immediate family members) do not need a hunting license to hunt on their own private property during open seasons. The bill specifically adds this exemption to existing provisions, while maintaining that licenses are still required if the land is designated as a wildlife refuge or preserve. It directly affects private landowners who hunt on their own property, removing a licensing requirement they previously faced. The change streamlines existing exemptions without altering requirements for public land hunting or other license categories.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 21, 2026 Last action Jan 21, 2026
Floor votes

How they voted

No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
4
Key actions
0
Committee
2
Jan 21, 2026
Committee
To House Government Organization
lower
Jan 21, 2026
Introduced
Introduced in House
lower
Jan 21, 2026
Committee
To Government Organization
lower
1 primary · 4 co-sponsors

Sponsors