By One of the oldest pursuits in the Appalachian Mountains, trapping looks for a new generation to carry on its legacy. For an occupation that’s been around since the earliest days of human existence, trapping is still pretty misunderstood. “People think it’s easy,” says John Pingley, president of the West Virginia
The Giving Season
Fall’s deer hunt has an altruistic side. A light snow falls on the bright orange brim of a hunter’s cap as he steadies his rifle against the massive oak tree that has hidden his body since sunrise. His heart begins to pound as a 10-point buck ambles into his crosshairs
Catch and Release
Behind the scenes of a once-in-a-lifetime hunting trip—to catch elk for West Virginia’s reintroduction program. This story was originally published in the November 2017 issue of Wonderful West Virginia. To subscribe, visit wonderfulwv.com Written by Zack Harold Marcus Constantino had come to Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area as
Grin and Bear It
Tooth extraction gives biologists crucial information about West Virginia’s black bear population. Hunters, be aware if you plan to bag a bear—one regulation has more teeth than it used to. State bear hunting regulations require hunters to extract and submit a black bear’s first premolar tooth. Hunters have until January
Going Primitive
Old-school hunters enjoying the new Mountaineer Heritage Season. This story was originally published in the December 2019 issue of Wonderful West Virginia. To subscribe, visit wonderfulwv.com. written by Dave Lavender photographed by Toril Lavender Photography In January, hunters in most states are usually home sitting by their fires, cleaning their guns, and
Steam in Their Blood
Cass Railroad workers keep the trains running and family legacies alive. Small beads of sweat roll from under the edge of Danny Seldomridge’s black cap and rest upon his brow. The morning sun shines down, breaking the chill of the early autumn air in the valley, where the fall colors
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