News Release

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February 5, 2026

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The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources is reminding hunters and trappers that seasons for several small game and fur-bearing species are set to close on Feb. 28.

Hunting seasons closing at the end of the month include squirrels, ruffed grouse, cottontail rabbit, snowshoe hare, raccoon, red and gray fox and bobcat. Trapping seasons that will close include raccoon, red and gray fox, bobcat, mink, muskrat, otter, skunk, opossum, coyote and weasel.

Trappers who harvest a beaver, bobcat, fisher or otter must electronically check their catches within 30 days after the close of their respective seasons. A WVDNR-issued game check confirmation number must be recorded in writing with the trapper’s name and address and stay attached to each pelt or whole animal until sold, tanned, processed into commercial fur or mounted.

Trappers must also obtain a Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) seal for each bobcat and otter pelt they plan to sell out of state. All bobcat and/or otter pelts being sold by licensed fur dealers must have a CITES seal from the state where the animal was harvested before being sold on the international market. CITES seals may be obtained from the Elkins Operations Center or a local WVDNR district office.

The WVDNR is also reminding trappers about its otter research project. Trappers who harvest a radio-tagged otter should report the tag number and return the transmitter to the District 4 office in Beckley. Trappers who deliver a legally harvested and electronically registered skinned otter carcass to a WVDNR district office will be eligible to receive a $20 gift card. More information about the project can be found on page 5 of the West Virginia Hunting and Trapping Regulations Summary.

Hunters and trappers 15 and older are required to have a valid West Virginia hunting license and form of identification while hunting. To purchase a hunting and trapping license, visit WVhunt.com. For more information about small game and furbearer season dates and limits, visit WVdnr.gov/hunting-seasons.

 Chattarin SiradakulPublished: February 6, 2026, 11:29 AM

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Two men were arrested on February 4 in Mae Sariang district, Mae Hong Son province, after they were caught illegally hunting protected wildlife inside Salawin National Park during a routine patrol aimed at preventing wildfires.

The incident took place around 7.30pm when park rangers from the conservation and protection division of Salawin National Park were conducting an active patrol in a forest area under wildfire surveillance.

The officers encountered two men, aged 57 and 27, carrying firearms and flashlights as they trespassed into protected forest land.

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Upon searching the suspects, officers found a .22-calibre rifle, a homemade firearm, a headlamp, and several protected animal carcasses packed inside a backpack.

Among the remains were a white-handed gibbon (a protected species), multiple wild birds including the thick-billed green-pigeon, black-naped oriole, and greater racket-tailed drongo, as well as the bodies of an Indochinese ground squirrel and a grey-bellied squirrel.

The two men reportedly confessed to entering the park with firearms to hunt wild animals for personal consumption.

They were arrested and charged under multiple Thai laws, including the National Park Act B.E. 2562, the Wildlife Preservation and Protection Act B.E. 2562, the Firearms, Ammunition, Explosives and Fireworks Act B.E. 2490, and the Forest Reserve Act B.E. 2507.

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Both the suspects and the seized items were handed over to officers at Mae Sariang Police Station for further legal proceedings, reported DNP News.

Chaiyan Sriyong, director of Protected Area Regional Office 16 (Mae Sariang branch), stated that Salawin National Park is continuing its strict forest closure policy and wildfire control operations in order to prevent illegal activities and reduce the risk of forest fires and wildlife crime.

In similar news, Kaeng Krachan National Park has launched Operation Huai Khom Krit to combat wildlife poaching and trade, as well as to protect natural resources. The primary goal of this operation is to arrest those involved in illegal activities, ensuring the long-term protection of natural resources and wildlife from unlawful encroachment and destruction.