Will Reedy
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — It wasn’t long ago that hearing the gobble of wild turkeys at daybreak was a rare experience across much of West Virginia. By the early 1900s, unregulated hunting and widespread logging had pushed the state’s wild turkey population to dangerously low levels. In many areas, the birds had disappeared altogether. Today, they … Read more
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia is not the largest state east of the Mississippi River. It does not have the region’s tallest mountains, largest national park, or most extensive wilderness system. Even so, the Mountain State can make a strong case as one of the wildest places in the eastern United States. Nearly four-fifths of … Read more
RICHWOOD, W.Va. — Visitors planning trips to the Cranberry and Williams River regions of the Monongahela National Forest this summer should prepare for detours and temporary road closures as the U.S. Forest Service begins repairs to flood-damaged forest roads serving some of the area’s most popular recreation destinations. Construction is expected to begin in late … Read more
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Across West Virginia’s mountains, valleys, farm fields, and suburban neighborhoods, a new generation of baby deer is quietly entering the world. June is the peak month for fawning season in the Mountain State, and residents are increasingly encountering spotted fawns curled motionless in tall grass, woodland edges, hayfields, and even backyards. While … Read more
POINT PLEASANT, W.Va. — The W.Va. Division of Natural Resources is accepting applications for a controlled waterfowl hunt scheduled for Oct. 3-11 at McClintic Wildlife Management Area near Point Pleasant in Mason County. Waterfowl hunters who wish to participate must submit their application by 11:59 p.m. on Aug. 14 at WVHunt.com, according to Brett McMillion, director of … Read more
BOWDEN, W.Va. — Young anglers will have the chance to reel in trout and compete for prizes when the W.Va. Division of Natural Resources hosts its annual Bowden Fishing Derby on June 13 at the Bowden Fish Hatchery in Randolph County near Elkins. The free event, part of West Virginia’s annual Free Fishing Days celebration, … Read more
PETERSBURG, W.Va. — West Virginia anglers are breaking fishing records with unusual frequency, a trend fisheries experts say reflects years of better fish stocking, improved water quality, and the maturation of trophy-sized fish populations. So far in the spring of 2026, six reports of record catches have been confirmed by biologists with the W.Va. Division … Read more
ROMNEY, W.Va. — Mourning dove hunters no longer need to apply for a limited permit to hunt at the South Branch Wildlife Management Area in Hardy and Hampshire counties. They will now be able to hunt doves in two fields in the Stonewall Jackson Wildlife Management Area in Lewis County. Both two-day hunting seasons are … Read more
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia hunters harvested 2,469 black bears during the combined 2025 archery, crossbow, and firearms seasons, according to preliminary figures released this week by the W.Va. Division of Natural Resources. The total is nearly identical to last year’s harvest, falling just ten bears short of the 2024 total of 2,479. Wildlife officials … Read more
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The W.Va. Division of Natural Resources announced the winners of the 2025 West Virginia Big Buck Photo Contest during the opening ceremony of the West Virginia Hunting and Fishing Show at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center. Now in its fifth year, the contest highlights the state’s hunting traditions while promoting ethical … Read more
