Hunt unit · Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge
Research Natural Area Hunt Unit Map & Access
The Research Natural Area is one of 5 mapped hunt units on Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge in Tucker County, WV. It covers approximately 728 acres and is listed as “open to hunting” for 2026–2027. Hunting generally follows state seasons and bag limits, along with general refuge rules. A refuge permit is required.
Research Natural Area map
Rules & permits for this unit
Status: Open to hunting
Hunting follows West Virginia seasons, bag limits and licensing, plus general National Wildlife Refuge rules.
Refuge permit required. Type: Signed Brochure or Similar. Obtain via: Kiosk, Online FWS, Visitor Center.
Signed brochure required for Migratory game bird, upland game and big game.
Game at Canaan Valley NWR
Species listed for the refuge as a whole — a special-regulation unit may be limited to certain species. Confirm in the hunt brochure.
Getting to the Research Natural Area
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Destination: center of the Research Natural Area
- Decimal
39.11423, -79.39229- DMS
39°06′51.2″N 79°23′32.2″W
Nearest towns
- Elkins, WV28 mi NE of town
- Morgantown, WV47 mi SE of town
- Charlottesville, VA90 mi NW of town
Straight-line distances. Driving routes are longer; many refuge roads are gravel and may close seasonally.
The navigation point is a point inside the unit polygon, not necessarily a parking area or legal access point. Use satellite view to find roads, gates and designated parking, and respect closed areas and private inholdings.
Shooting hours at this unit
Today at Research Natural Area
*½ hour before sunrise — the standard federal shooting-hour start for migratory game birds. Times in New York local time.
Full season calculator →2026–2027 season sun table
| Date | Shooting light | Sunrise | Sunset | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tue, Sep 1, 2026 | 6:15 AM | 6:45 AM | 7:50 PM | 13h 05m |
| Tue, Sep 15, 2026 | 6:27 AM | 6:57 AM | 7:28 PM | 12h 30m |
| Thu, Oct 1, 2026 | 6:42 AM | 7:12 AM | 7:02 PM | 11h 50m |
| Thu, Oct 15, 2026 | 6:55 AM | 7:25 AM | 6:40 PM | 11h 15m |
| Sun, Nov 1, 2026 | 6:14 AM | 6:44 AM | 5:18 PM | 10h 34m |
| Sun, Nov 15, 2026 | 6:30 AM | 7:00 AM | 5:04 PM | 10h 05m |
| Tue, Dec 1, 2026 | 6:47 AM | 7:17 AM | 4:56 PM | 9h 39m |
| Tue, Dec 15, 2026 | 6:59 AM | 7:29 AM | 4:55 PM | 9h 27m |
| Fri, Jan 1, 2027 | 7:06 AM | 7:36 AM | 5:04 PM | 9h 28m |
| Fri, Jan 15, 2027 | 7:05 AM | 7:35 AM | 5:17 PM | 9h 42m |
| Mon, Feb 1, 2027 | 6:54 AM | 7:24 AM | 5:36 PM | 10h 12m |
Computed for 39.114, -79.392 (EDT / DST-aware). Check state rules — big game hours vary.
Weather forecast
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Forecast from the National Weather Service. Wind direction matters — plan your approach downwind of where game beds.