Any person under age 18, who is not married or otherwise emancipated, may not possess any deadly weapon.¹ However, under certain circumstances, it is permissible for a person under age 18 to carry a deadly weapon, including a concealable firearm, when:

• The weapon is possessed on private property with the permission of the person’s parent or guardian and of the owner of the property;

• The possession is pursuant to lawful hunting; or

• Traveling between sites where the person may lawfully possess such a weapon.²

 Federal age restrictions impose stricter limits.

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1. W. Va. Code §§ 61-7-2(9); 61-7-8. As defined by state law for purposes of this section, a “deadly weapon” includes, but is not limited to, any pistol or revolver.[↩]
2. Id.[↩]