West Virginia Hunting

Latest Featured Hunting Articles

Sweat the Small Stuff: Whitetail Hunting Primer-Part 1

There have been hundreds of books written on the subject of hunting whitetails. In no way am I about to give anyone a thorough lesson that will make you a complete whitetail hunter. After all, I am still learning myself. I have been hunting deer for over 40 years, but must admit to having lost most or all of 12-15 seasons while I was a pilot in the U.S. Army from the late '70s through the late '90s.

Get High on Whitetails

Today, the vast majority of deer hunters take to the trees. So popular is this movement that an entire industry has evolved along with a paradigm shift in how hunters approach the deer woods. Despite the effectiveness of tree stands, some ask if this strategy is creating a new generation of unskilled reactive hunters. More to the point, there are pros and cons to hunting from the trees, but in the end, it's hard to deny its effectiveness. Let's take a look at what it means to get high on whitetails.

For the Traveling Sportsman

Every year thousands of hunters across the continent book outfitted hunts. Some are booked in their home state or province; others require considerable travel by air. For those with the means, exotic trips abroad are a unique privilege. But regardless of where a hunter goes, the research, booking and travel aspects are imminent. Simple or complex, logistics are a part of the game. I've seen it more than once with first time traveling sportsmen.

On Edge for Spring Gobblers

Edge ecosystems provide a perfect combination of food and cover for both game and non-game species. To most people edge effect is a relatively mundane ecological process; to turkey hunters it is a literal natural wonder. When the birds choose not to gobble, or choose to gobble but not to cooperate, the edge can offer an opportunity to ambush unsuspecting birds as they go about their daily routine.

Hunter Etiquette & Responsibility

Respectable hunters live by both a written and an unwritten code. Most of us acknowledge our responsibility to follow the formal and informal rules of etiquette. Webster's dictionary defines etiquette as, "rules governing socially acceptable behavior." Unfortunately there are those among us who choose to ignore etiquette, conducting their hunting activities with only self-serving interests in mind. At a time when our heritage activities are under constant scrutiny it behooves us to heed the importance of etiquette and ethics. As I contemplate this issue I can't help but conclude that it's really all about respect - respecting the law, landowners, the land, as well as non-hunters and hunters alike.

Bowfishing 101

One of the fastest growing outdoor sports in the country right now is bowfishing. Bowfishing is a cross between fishing and bowhunting. Across the United States and the entire world, fish like the common carp, garpike, and Asian flying carp are taking over our rivers and streams. There are very few ways of controlling these invaders, but one way to get rid of a few and have fun at the same time is to shoot them with a bow.

Tinkle up a Buck

I have been hunting in West Virginia over the last several years and during that time I have had the great pleasure of getting to know and become friends with an elderly mountain man who has killed more than his share of trophy bucks. During one of my trips to visit him on his secluded farm I arrived while he was working in his barn. As I arrived the barn doors were standing open and I was astonished to see the number of large whitetail deer racks he had tacked to the inside of them. Never in my life had I seen that many trophy racks in one place. I had to find out whatever hunting secret it was that he knew to be able to kill that many quality bucks.

Taking Advantage of Post-Season Deer Scouting

For deer hunters, late winter can be a bleak time of year. Deer season has closed across much of the country, and the cold weather makes the spring turkey season seem like an eternity away. For the diehard hunter, this is no time to kick back in the recliner and watch reruns on the Outdoor Channel. Instead, there is no better time than now to begin preparing for next deer season.

Thinking about Bowhunting? Here's How To Get Started

It's probably safe to say that most of us began hunting with a rifle. As our skills evolve, we look for ways to rediscover the challenge. Inevitably we turn to bowhunting. But its not as simple as just picking up a bow and hitting the woods. A learning curve exists. As with any activity, there are right and wrong ways to get started. Suffice it to say, if you're thinking about bowhunting, here are a few tips to help put you on the right track.

The Bear Facts - 25 Things Every Black Bear Hunter Should Know

Despite divided opinion about the political correctness of bear hunting, it is something every hunter should try at least once. But a word of caution, if you want to make the most of your outings, there are a few key things you should know. The more knowledgeable you are, the better your chances of tagging a trophy.