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.
A black bear hides in a thicket in rural West Virginia

State to poll residents regarding black bears in W.Va.

The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources is conducting a study of state residents’ opinions on and attitudes toward black bears and black bear management. According to Colin Carpenter, black bear project leader for the division, residents may receive a phone call from Responsive Management, a research firm contracted to conduct the study, asking them … Read more

Heron at Beech Fork State Park

Heron Festival set for Oct. 14 at Beech Fork State Park

Beech Fork State Park near Huntington, W.Va., will host its 2017 Heron Festival on Saturday, Oct. 14. A celebration of one of the park’s most notable residents, the event is also a day for family fun, including free pontoon boat and hayrides, children’s games, art and crafts, gospel music and other events and activities, according … Read more

Moving Clouds By Arthur Harvey in West Virginia

Hidden History photo exhibit moving across southern W.Va.

Southern West Virginia’s rich history is celebrated annually through winning photographs featured in the 2017 Hidden History photo exhibit now on display in Logan. According to Jodi French-Burr, organizer of the competition, the historically based photographs by West Virginia photographers are on display at the Country Roads Visitor Center in Logan. First displayed at Tamarack, … Read more

Biologists are predicting a good season for small-game trappers and hunters.

Small-game hunting seasons in W.Va. commence mid-October

Hunting and trapping seasons for small game in West Virginia will commence in mid-October, and wildlife biologists with the state Division of Natural Resources are predicting good opportunities for success this season. An increase in the availability of mast this year and a mild winter in 2016-2017 should contribute to a bountiful season, according to … Read more

West Virginia Hunting Fishing

Redesigned interactive hunting and fishing map of West Virginia available

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

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

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

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

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

Eleven W.Va. state parks will offer eclipse celebrations

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

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

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.

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

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