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Will ReedyWill Reedy

Will Reedy is a West Virginia writer and contributor to West Virginia Explorer Magazine whose work focuses on hunting, fishing, and the outdoors. Through essays and feature writing, he explores the landscapes, communities, and traditions that define West Virginia, bringing a thoughtful perspective to stories about heritage, travel, and everyday Appalachian life.
West Virginia Hunting Fishing
Communities

Redesigned interactive hunting and fishing map of West Virginia available

by Will Reedy

An updated, online interactive map that provides valuable information on hunting and fishing adventures in West Virginia is now accessible on smartphones and tablets, according to Stephen McDaniel, director of the state Division of Natural Resources. Hunters will find the locations of license agents, check stations, public shooting ranges, wildlife management areas, Class-Q hunter-access roads … Read more

Attractions

Auditorium focus of W.Va. preservation banquet Sept. 30

by Will Reedy

Charleston’s Municipal Auditorium on Sept. 30 will host and serve as the focus of the annual banquet for the Preservation Alliance of West Virginia, which this year is emphasizing the economic importance of the state’s historic theaters. Following guided tours of the auditorium and nearby Capitol Theatre at 5 p.m., a reception at 6 p.m. … Read more

Blennerhassett by Candlelight Tour
Culture

Candlelight tours of Blennerhassett Island set for Oct. 13-14

by Will Reedy

PARKERSBURG, W.Va.—For two nights in October visitors to Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park can experience the candle-lit world of 1805 and attend a period-accurate party during the park’s popular Mansion-by-Candlelight event. On Oct. 13-14, the event will capture the magic of the island’s historic setting with hundreds of candles lighting the way to the its … Read more

White Light Corona in West Virginia
Attractions

Eleven W.Va. state parks will offer eclipse celebrations

by Will Reedy

Eleven West Virginia state park will celebrate the near-total solar eclipse that will darken most of the country the afternoon of Monday, Aug. 21. Visitors to Beech Fork, Blackwater Falls, Cacapon Resort, Canaan Valley Resort, Hawks Nest, North Bend, Pipestem Resort, Twin Falls Resort and Tygart Lake state parks, Chief Logan Lodge and Cabwaylingo State Forest … Read more

West Virginia Otter
Communities

W.Va. DNR: be wary when encountering river otters

by Will Reedy

Two people recently were bitten by a river otter while boating on Dunkard Creek in Monongalia County near Mason-Dixon Historical Park, according to a spokesman for the W.Va. Division of Natural Resources. Division officials are reminding the public to exercise caution around these aquatic mammals. River otters have large home ranges in and along many … Read more

The state's annual youth fishing derby is set for June 12 at Little Beaver State Park near Beckley.
Fishing

W.Va. officials gear up for free fishing weekend June 10-11

by Will Reedy

West Virginia officials are gearing up for the state’s annual Free Fishing Weekend, June 10-11, during which residents and non-residents may fish in West Virginia for free. The annual event provides anglers the chance to fish without a license, attracting anglers to the Mountain State and encouraging the sport among in-state residents, says Bret Preston, assistant … Read more

Mourning doves perch on a branch
Hunting

Applications being accepted for South Branch dove hunt

by Will Reedy

Hunters of mourning doves who wish to participate in a controlled hunt at South Branch Wildlife Management Area in Hardy County have until midnight on July 30 to apply, according to the release fromthe W.Va. Division of Natural Resources. The hunting of mourning doves in the preserve is by permit only on Sept. 1, 2, … Read more

Wendy Perrone cares for raptors
Culture

Birds of Prey summer program returns to W.Va. State Parks

by Will Reedy

Three Rivers Avian Center will present its popular “Wings of Wonder – Birds of Prey” program at 12 West Virginia state parks in summer 2017, introducing audiences across the Mountain State to live birds of prey. The avian center’s programs have been park favorites for more than 20 years, said Sissie Summers of the Parks and Recreation Section of … Read more

Panorama of Canaan Valley
Attractions

“Cool” June events beckon guests to Canaan Valley Resort

by Will Reedy

From a festival dedicated to avian species of the Alleghenies to a two-day celebration of native Irish road bowling, many “cool” opportunities beckon travelers to the upland Canaan Valley Resort in June, according to Steve Drumheller, its general manager. Locals like Drumheller, a long-time resident of the valley, say June is one of the most pleasant months of the … Read more