Did you Know…? Hunting at Flat Top Lake

(Article 5, contributed by Pat Campbell)


The start of fall marks the beginning of hunting season. Did you know that FTL offers over 1200 acres of woodlands for bow hunting? This month, we're focusing on what opportunities are out there and what rules are in place for hunting in our shared forest.

FTL's regulations allow members, parents, children, and grandparents to bow hunt on lake property (bow only - no firearms).  All hunters are required to follow both FTL and WV hunting rules. At FTL, we only permit bow hunting, and there is no hunting allowed within 500 feet of the perimeter road. While we do not allow constructed tree stands, many FTL hunters use ladder stands or ground blinds when pursuing whitetail deer.  Hunters are required to report their harvest(s) and to complete an annual registration with the lake.    An online FTL harvest reporting form is available at the FTLA website here - https://members.flattoplakewv.org/members/form.php?orgcode=FTLA&fid=7512535.

Hunting plays an important role in managing our wildlife. Overpopulation of deer can lead to increased vehicle crashes, flowers and landscaping damage, and even starvation in times of low food supply during harsh winters. Hunters are encouraged to harvest a doe to help control the deer population here at FTL. 

Harvest numbers are generally low, around a dozen deer per year. Occasionally hunters will harvest a wild turkey or coyote as well. Although bear are plentiful here, we know of no bears being harvested from FTL.

Finally, FTL has a multi-use forest, so hunters, trail walkers, and trail riders can be afield at the same time. Non hunters are encouraged to wear blaze orange and be mindful that most hunting occurs early in the morning and late in the evening. 

The 2025 WV deer bow season runs from September 27-December 31. For the truly dedicated, hunters may brave the cold and bow hunt during the state’s Mountaineer Heritage season from January 8-11. 

FTL’s hunting regulations are found on p.20 of the lake’s rules and regulations, as well as on the website here – https://www.flattoplakewv.org/docs/FTLA_Rules_and_Regulations_-_JULY_2025.pdf .

For more information about hunting season dates, check out the WV DNR website: https://wvdnr.gov/hunting-seasons/.