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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.
Communities

Filmmaker says here’s why everyone should visit this West Virginia ghost town

by Will Reedy

THURMOND, W.Va. — Deep in the New River Gorge, the town of Thurmond is attracting attention worldwide. With four full-time residents, it’s technically a ghost town, but filmmaker Jillian Howell insists there’s nothing lifeless about it. “Every brick in Thurmond tells a story,” she says. “Whether it’s fact or fiction, the history runs deep—more than … Read more

Officials remind public that hemorrhagic disease is harmless to humans and not a long-term threat to deer.
Communities

West Virginia monitoring seasonal hemorrhagic disease in deer populations

by Will Reedy

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Cases of hemorrhagic disease in deer have been confirmed in Jackson, Pleasants, Ritchie, and Wood counties in West Virginia, officials with the W.Va. Division of Natural Resources announced. According to Brett McMillion, director of the division, the West Virginia counties are near counties in Ohio, where the Ohio Department of Natural Resources … Read more

NIghttime deer surveys in West Virginia
Communities

West Virginia to conduct nighttime deer surveys across the Mountain State

by Will Reedy

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — State biologists will conduct spotlight surveys across the Mountain State in August and September to monitor white-tailed deer populations, according to the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. The surveys are a critical part of the agency’s deer management plan and help wildlife managers estimate local deer numbers, track population trends, and … Read more

National Hunting and Fishing Day : Youth Archery
Culture

National Hunting and Fishing Day returns to Stonewall resort Sept. 6

by Will Reedy

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — National Hunting and Fishing Day 2025, the state’s largest annual celebration of hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation, will return to Stonewall Resort State Park in Roanoke, West Virginia, on Saturday, September 6. Hosted in partnership with the West Virginia Wildlife Federation, the family-friendly outdoor festival will run from 9 a.m. to 6 … Read more

Deer hunt lottery in West Virginia for antlerless deer
Hunting

Apply now for W.Va. deer hunt lottery during 2025 antlerless season

by Will Reedy

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The W.Va. Division of Natural Resources is now accepting applications for its 2025 deer hunt lotteries. Hunters interested in harvesting antlerless deer in limited permit areas are encouraged to apply online before the September 5 midnight deadline. These deer lottery hunts provide an excellent opportunity for both West Virginia residents and nonresidents … Read more

Ruffed Grouse In West Virginia
Communities

W.Va. wildlife initiative will enhance habitat, support local economies

by Will Reedy

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia has launched a ruffed grouse and wildlife restoration program, enhancing habitat by strategically planting soft mast-producing trees and shrubs on recently harvested private timberlands. This innovative program is designed to provide vital food sources for various wildlife species, including ruffed grouse, white-tailed deer, and songbirds, while also benefiting landowners and local … Read more