CHARLESTON, W.Va. (The Hinton News) – Governor Morrisey officially announced the opening of West Virginia’s bow season this Saturday, September 26, running through December 31, 2026. At the same time, the Governor announced the launch of a new Hunters Helping the Hungry (HHH) contest sponsored by Whitetail Frenzy, rewarding hunters who donate harvested deer to local families in need.
“There is a specific kind of magic in the West Virginia woods this time of year,” Governor Morrisey said. “Our hunters are some of our best conservationists, and by turning our world-class outdoor recreation into economic opportunity and community support, we are building a stronger future for every Mountain State family.”
Any hunter who harvests a deer and donates it to the HHH program through a participating meat processor at zero cost is automatically entered into the drawing for a grand prize package. The winner will be selected and announced at the 2027 West Virginia Hunting and Fishing Show in Charleston.
Donations through Hunters Helping the Hungry provide locally sourced venison to food banks and other charitable organizations serving West Virginians in need.
“This hunting season, you can make a difference,” said Mountaineer Food Bank Executive Director Chad Morrison. “By participating in Hunters Helping the Hungry, you can turn your harvest into nourishing meals for some of the more than 300,000 families, children, seniors, and veterans across West Virginia who experience the challenge of hunger.”
The grand prize package includes a Spartan Cellular Trail Camera, a Martin Compound Bow valued at $1,300, Vortex 10×42 Diamondback Binoculars, a $500 gift card from Leonard Truck Accessories, a $500 Blocker Outdoors/Scent Blocker Gift Card, a Trophy Treestands Hunting Blind, Whitetail Trail Mix and Lethally Addicting Minerals, and a Tudor’s Biscuit World Gift Basket along with a $100 Gift Card.
According to data from the Sportsmen’s Alliance, more than 256,000 hunters in West Virginia spent $867 million on hunting-related purchases in 2024, supporting 7,420 jobs statewide. Data from the Archery Trade Association shows that nearly 100,000 hunters participate in bow and crossbow hunting, accounting for 32% of the total whitetail harvest in 2025. Because these extended seasons run for months, they provide continuous support for local outfitters, lodges, gas stations, and small businesses.
