West Virginia

Wildlife Section presents recommended game and fish law changes – WV MetroNews

Published

2 years ago

February 25, 2024

Wildlife Section presents recommended game and fish law changes – WV MetroNews

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Members of the Natural Resources Commission heard the recommendations of Division of Natural Resources biologists Sunday for the coming big game seasons in the state. However, the most notable suggestion presented at the Claudia L. Workman Nature Education Center had very little to do with bag limits or season dates.

A proposal from the Director of the DNR recommended the youth whitetail hunting seasons be changed to allow the young hunter to kill a buck or a doe. Previously the hunts were strictly for antlerless deer.

“The Director of the Division of Natural Resources proposes that youth hunters during the Special Youth Deer Season be allowed to harvest either sex deer,” read the proposal as it was presented to the Commission.

The proposal goes on to say the youth hunter would be allowed to kill one buck during the youth season and it would count toward the young hunter’s season bag limit of two antlered deer. There is an exception for hunting in the CWD Containment Area where the season bag limit remains three antlered deer for the season. The propsoal would allow the youth to kill one antlerless deer during the youth season which would not count toward their season bag limit of antlerless deer.

The proposal from the Director wasn’t the only suggested change for the youth hunting seasons. There is also a proposal from the DNR Wildlife Section to change the limit in the youth squirrel hunting season to six squirrels in aggregate per day and the possession and season limit to 12 squirrels in aggregate. The change is proposed to take effect in the 2025 squirrel hunting season. Assistant Chief for Game Steve Rauch told Commissioners the change was to enable youth hunters to kill a limit of squirrels on both days of the season and corrects an oversight when the season went from a Saturday to a Saturday-Sunday season.

As for bag limits in the upcoming whitetail deer season, the biggest change is the well documented reduction of the overall number of bucks a hunter can kill in West Virginia from three to two. This fall will be the first season the new limit will be in place and hunters will only be allowed to kill two bucks combined across the archery, firearms, and muzzleloader seasons.

The rest of the proposed changes for big game hunting in the state for the coming year were minimal.

There is a proposal to loosen the restrictions on antlerless hunting in southern Kanawha County. Those areas were closed to antlerless hunting in 2023. For this year, the agency recommends allowing resident land owners to kill one antlerless deer and issuing 250 permts for non-landowners for antlerless deer hunting in the area. It’s likely a change which will be welcomed since two of the public speakers at Sunday’s meeting asked for the restrictions on antlerless huning in Kanawha County be loosened.

The agency proposed unlimited antlerless hunting permits for the eastern section of Raleigh County with a bag limit of one. The bag limiit for antlerless deer in 2024 in Brooke and Ohio County is recommmended to be raised to three.

There were no counties or areas of the state where antlerless hunting restrictions were tighened.

The proposed bear hunting regulations were also minimal. The DNR recommended a more liberal hunting season without dogs to a 7 day season running September 21-27. The season would be open in

–Barbour County west of Route 92

–Braxton County west of I-79

–Calhoun County

–Clay County north of the Elk River

–Harrison

–Lewis

–Mercer

–Monongalia

— Monroe County west of Route 219

–Roane

–Taylor

–Summers

–Upshur County west of Route 20

O’Brein, Woodrum, Elk Fork, and North Bend Lakes would be opened up for bass harvest in hopes of improving the average size of fish in the lakes which has always been catch and release. PHOTO: Rob Ciarapica

There is only one fishing regulation change presented to the commission. The DNR Fisheries section proposes to establish a regulation on black bass at Elk Fork, North Bend, O’Brien, and Woodrum Lakes with a 6-fish per day creel limit, of which only one may exceed 16 inches. Possession limit of 12, only two of which may exceed 16 inches.

The four lakes have been catch and release waters ever since they were built. Bioloigists said without any harvest, the population of black bass has grown to the point it has created a uniform size structure among the bass population.

“Biological data has illustrated an overall decline in size structure, while abundance data remains extremely high in comparison to most of WV’s impounded waterbodies. Additionally, the observed relative weight, a statistic used to evaluate body condition, of black bass is less than standard targets. These data suggest that an overabundance of black bass is negatively influencing growth rates, size structure, and ultimately maximum lengths obtained by fish in these waters,” wrote fish managers in thier presentation to the Natural Resoruces Commission.

“The goal of the proposed regulation is to encourage angler harvest of fish under 16 inches to reduce densities of smaller fish. Should these regulations work as intended, growth rates and size structure of black bass are expected to increase on these waters,” the proposal added.

The idea is experimental and would be augmented by ongoing tagging studies and annual electrofishing on the four waters to determine if the new regulation improves the average size of fish caught from the four impoundments.

All other fishing regulations are proposed to be unchanged from last year.

All of the proposed changes to game and fish laws will be up for discussion and public input at the March Sportsman’s Sectional meeting which are set for March 11-12. The big game regulations will be voted upon by Commissioners at the next Commission meeting slated for April 24 at Blackwater Falls State Park.

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West Virginia

West Virginia Lottery results: See winning numbers for Daily 3, Daily 4 on Feb. 26, 2026

Published

11 hours ago

February 27, 2026

Press Room

The results are in for the West Virginia Lottery’s draw games on Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026.

Here’s a look at winning numbers for each game on Feb. 26.

Winning Daily 3 numbers from Feb. 26 drawing

1-1-7

Check Daily 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Daily 4 numbers from Feb. 26 drawing

3-8-8-2

Check Daily 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash 25 numbers from Feb. 26 drawing

02-03-09-11-13-19

Check Cash 25 payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

When are the West Virginia Lottery drawings held?

Powerball: 11 p.m. ET on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
Mega Millions: 10:59 p.m. ET Tuesday and Friday.
Lotto America: 10:15 p.m. ET on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
Daily 3, 4: 6:59 p.m. ET Monday through Saturday.
Cash 25: 6:59 p.m. ET Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a USA Today editor. You can send feedback using this form.

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West Virginia

WVU Medicine Golisano Children’s gala raises $2 million for West Virginia’s kids and families

Published

23 hours ago

February 27, 2026

Press Room

WVU Medicine Golisano Children’s gala raises million for West Virginia’s kids and families

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – WVU Medicine Golisano Children’s raised more than $2 million at its annual gala, an event dedicated to expanding care for children and expectant mothers in West Virginia and the surrounding region.

Approximately 1,300 guests enjoyed the “Celestial” themed event on Saturday (Feb. 21) as they helped little stars shine bright at the Morgantown Marriott at Waterfront Place.

Donations from the community will go toward the greatest needs of WVU Medicine Golisano Children’s, helping to ensure all families in need receive world-class care in a compassionate environment when they need it.

“Our community continues to show up in extraordinary ways for our patients and families,” Amy L. Bush, B.S.N., M.B.A., R.N., C.N.O.R., chief administrative officer for WVU Medicine Golisano Children’s, said. “The generosity we witnessed at this year’s gala ensures we can continue growing our programs and enhancing the care we provide. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who believes in our mission.”

Engineer, TV host, and 100th woman to fly to space, Emily Calandrelli, served as emcee for the evening. The West Virginia University alumna is passionate about space exploration and inspiring children to pursue STEM careers.

Calandrelli spent time visiting patients at WVU Medicine Golisano Children’s before the gala.

“As a Morgantown native who is passionate about science and children, I’m thrilled to play a small part in this beautiful evening that raises crucial funds for the lifesaving work WVU Medicine Golisano Children’s Hospital is doing right here in my hometown,” she said.

“The amazing doctors, nurses, and staff aren’t just healing sick kids, they are inspiring the next generation of curious explorers and adventurers who are one day going to change the world.”

Entertainment was provided by Party on the Moon, whose high-energy performance capped off the night’s festivities.

A highlight of the celebration was the recognition of inspiring patients and dedicated teams who care for kids across the state.

Carter Casey from Sod in Lincoln County was introduced as the 2026 Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals® Champion Child for West Virginia. He received care at WVU Medicine Thomas Hospitals in Charleston and WVU Medicine Golisano Children’s for life-threatening injuries after a go-kart accident.

Pavithra Ellison, M.D., M.M.M., F.A.S.A., associate chief quality officer and vice chair of anesthesiology, was presented with the WVU Medicine Golisano Children’s Hospital Award for her leadership, service, and lasting impact on pediatric healthcare.

The Community Service Award was presented to Little General, Inc. The company’s generosity has provided vital support to the children and families who turn to WVU Medicine Golisano Children’s for care. The Little General team across the state is committed to creating a better future for West Virginia’s families.

More than 80 sponsors contributed to the gala’s success. Leading sponsors included Iron Senergy, Dr. Christopher and Beth Mascio, Hope Gas, Infinity Electric & Service Co., CJL Engineering, HED Design, Morgantown Marriott at Waterfront Place, Trilogy Innovations, Mark Carter and Amy Wildasin, PJ Dick, Triple H Enterprises, Panhandle Cleaning & Restoration, Prolacta Bioscience, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Daniel’s Men’s Store, and StudioKat Photography.

David A. Rosen, M.D., Michelle Rosen, and the Rosen Family Foundation served as presenting sponsors and helped spearhead fundraising efforts. Dr. Rosen, a pediatric anesthesiologist at WVU Medicine Golisano Children’s and professor and vice chair of research in the WVU School of Medicine Department of Anesthesiology, emphasized the importance of continued investment in pediatric care.

“I am proud to continue my support of the WVU Medicine Golisano Children’s gala. This commitment is deeply personal — not only as a pediatric cardiac anesthesiologist who has had the privilege of serving WVU Medicine for more than 30 years, but also as someone who was personally affected by polio as a child,” Dr. Rosen said.

“That early experience shaped my lifelong appreciation for the critical role compassionate, specialized pediatric care plays in changing lives. Supporting WVU Medicine Golisano Children’s Hospital reflects both my professional dedication and my personal mission to advancing exceptional care for children with complex medical needs and supporting the families who rely on it.”

All gala contributions were made through the WVU Foundation, the nonprofit organization that receives and administers private donations on behalf of the University and its affiliated entities. Visit Childrens.WVUMedicine.org/Giving to make a gift to WVU Medicine Children’s.

For more information on WVU Medicine Golisano Children’s, visit WVUKids.com.

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West Virginia

Instant Takeaways from WVU’s Second Half Thrashing of UCF

Published

1 day ago

February 26, 2026

Press Room

Instant Takeaways from WVU’s Second Half Thrashing of UCF

The Mountaineers earned their second win over the UFF Knights by a score of 74-62 on Wednesday night in Orlando at Addition Financial Arena. The Mountaineers went into the half trailing, but battled back for a comfortable win.

Here are some instant takeaways from West Virginia women’s hoops’ 23rd win of the season.

West Virginia Proves They Can Overcome Slow Starts

It was a very slow first half for the Mountaineers. West Virginia trailed 27-25 at halftime, but came out in the third quarter firing on all cylinders. Within the first minute of the third quarter, the Mountaineers had regained the lead off of a Gia Cooke layup and a tough finish inside by Carter McCray.

West Virginia went on to have a 31-9 run in the third quarter, leading by as many as 21 to propel them to victory. The way that the Mountaineers were able to regroup and go on a run in the second half shows that this team is built to win in many ways. They have depth at guard in particular that can keep them in the game against almost any team in the nation.

The Mountaineers Have Depth Everywhere

When the Mountaineers came out of the second half, it ended up being guards Gia Cooke and Jordan Harrison who led the way, scoring the ball. Harrison, who scored 16 points against UCF, in particular, has displayed through her three seasons at West Virginia that she fits perfectly into head coach Mark Kellogg’s defensive style of basketball. Harrison has also been molded into a solid offensive player. Cooke leads the team in points per game and leads the team with 19 points tonight. When the Mountaineers need a bucket, they can count on the experience of Cooke and Harrison down the stretch.

Meme Wheeler and Carter McCray had nearly identical stat lines that included 12 points and 7 rebounds each. Having Wheeler and McCray capable of rebounding with just about anybody in the Big 12 is part of what West Virginia has been missing during Kellogg’s tenure. This truly does feel like the most complete team of the Kellogg era thus far.

The win moves West Virginia to 14-4 in Big 12 play and 24-6 overall. The Mountaineers sit behind only TCU in the Big 12, with Baylor a game back and WVU owning the head-to-head victory over the Bears. Kellogg and his crew will finish their 2025-26 regular season campaign on Sunday against the Cincinnati Bearcats at Hope Coliseum. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+ with tipoff scheduled for 1 p.m.

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