FAYETTE COUNTY, WV (WOAY) – The New River Gorge National Park and Preserve offers stunning landscapes and a unique opportunity for hunting enthusiasts. Unlike most national parks, this area’s dual designation as both a park and a preserve allows for hunting in much of its territory—a rare feature in the National Park Service system.
Dave Bieri, District Supervisor for the park, highlights this distinction:
“Generally, national parks don’t allow hunting, but places like national preserves, national rivers, and national recreation areas do. That’s why, when we were designated as a park, it was also designated as a preserve so hunting could still be permitted in about 90% of the area.”
However, hunting is not allowed everywhere. Non-hunting zones include four popular areas: Grandview, Sandstone Falls, Thurmond, and the Lower Gorge near the Canyon Rim Visitor Center. Bieri advises hunters to use the resources available on the park’s website, which include maps showing hunting-permitted areas and private lands where permission is required.
The New River Gorge’s setup is also distinct compared to other parks with preserves. Bieri explains:
“A lot of places, like Denali in Alaska, have separate national park and preserve areas. Here, it’s integrated. There are four separate locations designated as national parks, with the rest being preserve areas. It’s a little unique.”
As buck firearm season runs through December 8, hunters are reminded to follow all West Virginia DNR regulations. The park also adheres to a “Leave No Trace” policy, meaning permanent tree stands and blinds are prohibited.
Visitors not participating in hunting are encouraged to take precautions. Bieri recommends avoiding preserve areas during hunting season or wearing bright orange if hiking there. Popular spots like Grandview and Canyon Rim trails remain great options, as they are hunting-free zones.
For more details on hunting regulations and maps, visit the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve website.
