On this episode of West Virginia Outdoors, Chirs talks with Holly Mitchell from the American Heart Association on their Heart Healthy Hunting campaign, and Steve Rauch from the West Virginia DNR on this year's white-tailed deer rutting season.

In this episode of West Virginia Outdoors, Chris Lawrence spotlights the growing importance of Hunters Helping the Hungry, a program connecting West Virginia’s hunters with families in need during the government’s SNAP benefit shutdown. Chris speaks with Glenn Adrian, coordinator of the Governor’s One Shot Hunt, which raised over $1 million in 19 years and delivered more than 3,200 venison meals this season alone. Then, Alicia Bossi of the Mountaineer Food Bank explains how deer donations are processed into thousands of protein-packed meals for West Virginians. The show closes with a Raleigh County hunter’s five-year pursuit of a trophy buck and a salute to Morgantown’s urban hunters for their remarkable 15,000-pound contribution

In this episode of West Virginia Outdoors, Chris welcomes Pierce Umlauf, CEO of Jeep Jamboree USA, to discuss the off-road event in White Sulphur Springs that draws Jeep enthusiasts from across the nation and pumps thousands into local communities. Then, Chris shares two incredible West Virginia big buck stories — from Dwayne Cantrell in Wyoming County and Carrie Kale in Preston County — both filled with family, faith, and unforgettable opening-day hunts.

Host Chris Lawrence takes listeners deep into the world of West Virginia’s trappers and outdoorsmen in this edition of West Virginia Outdoors. From the state Trappers Association Convention in Glenville, Chris talks with retired biologist Bill Healy about the surprisingly detailed process of butchering and cooking snapping turtles, with insights on responsible harvesting. Later, Mike Hardbarger of the Ritchie County Trappers explains how to clean, dye, and wax traps for a new season, and fur buyer Keith Daniels breaks down the science of tanning pelts — from pickling to finishing. A fascinating look at Appalachian outdoor traditions and craftsmanship

Trapping, Conservation, and Tradition: Live from the National Trappers Association Convention in Glenville, WV

Chris Lawrence broadcasts live from Glenville, West Virginia, at the National Trappers Association Southeast Regional Convention. Joined by trappers Dave and Karen Linkhart, WV Trappers President Jeremiah Whitlatch, veteran trapper Steve McHugh, and others, the show explores the craft, culture, and conservation behind modern trapping. From wildlife management to fur market trends and even safe skunk handling, this episode dives deep into the real stories and science of trapping. Plus, hear how community, education, and respect for the outdoors keep this tradition alive across generations.

Chris Lawrence takes listeners deep into West Virginia’s outdoor world, previewing a live broadcast from the Southeast Regional Trappers Rendezvous in Glenville and highlighting the incredible woodsmanship of the state’s trappers. Then, Chris talks with Orleans County’s Ron Bierstein about New York’s salmon and trout runs, and shares the story of a surprising deer encounter at East Lynn Lake. The show wraps up with the opening of West Virginia’s new Elk Viewing Tower and DNR Director Brett McMillian on the state’s growing herd.

This week on West Virginia Outdoors with Chris Lawrence, we dig into the DNR’s annual mast survey and what it means for hunters heading into the fall. We’ll also get the latest update on EHD concerns impacting the state’s deer population. Plus, angler Chris Hughart joins the show to share the story behind his impressive big catch at a recent BassNation event in West Virginia.

Chris Lawrence dives into West Virginia’s outdoor traditions and challenges, starting with the annual Trappers Association convention in Glenville. President Jeremiah Whitlatch discusses the evolving role of trappers, predator management, and fur handling. Later, DNR’s Jim Hedrick explains how drought conditions and low stream flows are impacting trout, hatchery operations, and the upcoming fall stocking season. A thoughtful look at conservation, culture, and the state’s natural resources.

Chris Lawrence opens the show with a heartfelt reflection on squirrel season and treasured hunts with his father before turning to pressing issues in the field. Sean Butler of Longspur Tracking details the alarming spread of EHD among deer in the Mid-Ohio Valley and its impact on herds. Later, Cully McCurdy of the National Wild Turkey Federation explains how NWTF dollars support conservation projects, new access for hunters, and vital equipment for wildlife management in West Virginia.

Chris Lawrence takes West Virginia Outdoors live to Stonewall Resort for National Hunting and Fishing Day. DNR Director Brett McMillian joins to discuss the event’s history, the move to early September, and why it draws thousands each year. Chris also spotlights the Hunters Helping the Hungry program with Alicia Bossi of the Mountaineer Food Bank, which has turned nearly 30,000 deer donations into 1.5 million meals. Legendary bowhunter Bob Delaney, now nearing 90, shares stories from Alaskan grizzly hunts to African safaris and explains his donation of taxidermy mounts to Stonewall’s wildlife exhibit. The show then looks ahead with 10th-grader Natalie Sims, fresh off her first turkey harvest, and her grandfather Ronnie Snedegar, who talks squirrel dogs, national titles, and mentoring youth hunters.

On this Labor Day weekend edition of West Virginia Outdoors, Chris Lawrence hits the New River with guide Larry Nibert of The West Virginia Experience for a day of smallmouth action—joined by Chris’s daughter, who more than holds her own on the water. They discuss fishing conditions, tactics, and standout catches from a banner year. Later, Mike Peters from the West Virginia DNR previews the opening of dove and early Canada goose seasons, with insights into bird behavior and the best hunting spots across the state.

Today on WV Outdoors, my old buddy Pete Runyon with the Friends of the Tug Fork River talks about the upcoming tire cleanup and we'll visit with David Walls of Ridge Runner Rods about his work to custom build fishing rods.

In this episode of West Virginia Outdoors, Chris Lawrence talks with Nitro city’s Joe Stevens about the upcoming Ridenour Lake Catfish Tournament, then dives deep into trophy catfishing with state record holder and guide Justin Connor. Later, Captain Ed Goodson of the West Virginia DNR outlines why now is the perfect time to complete hunter education before the fall seasons. Finally, Eric Gladwell from the DNR shares exciting progress on restoring Red Creek’s water quality and aquatic life.

On this episode of West Virginia Outdoors, Chris speaks with three DNR members on their activities around the state. First, Dave Trader discusses recent rule changes between the DNR and the Legislature. Second, Dave Thorne talks about the DNR's recent efforts in habitat restoration in streams. Finally, Randy Kelley gives an update on the DNR's Elk Project.

On this episode of West Virginia Outdoors, Chris speaks with Jeffrey Lusk, the executive director of the Hatfield-McCoy Trails, about new territories that are being added to the trails. He also talks with Brad Reed, the head of the WV State Parks Foundation, about their mission.

On this episode of West Virginia Outdoors, it's all about habitat management and invasive species. Chris talks with Kieran O'Malley from the West Virginia DNR, David Galusha with Cornerstone Habitat and Land Management, and Brad Blaine with Quail Forever and Pheasants Forever

On this episode of West Virginia Outdoors, Chris talks rattlesnakes with Frank Jernejcic, including listener calls and questions.

On this episode of West Virginia Outdoors, Chris is joined by Mike Peters from the DNR to discuss banding of migratory Canada Geese, Dennis Feazell talks about the Natural Resource Police's response to the flooding in Ohio and Marion County, and a study from the University of Maine on the West Virginia Woodcock

On this episode of West Virginia Outdoors, Chris Lawrence welcomes retired DNR fish biologist and self-taught herpetology expert Frank Jernejcic for a fascinating deep dive into West Virginia’s rattlesnake population. Frank shares insights from nearly a decade of research at Cooper’s Rock, explains how snakes are tracked, recaptured, and relocated, and answers listener questions about rattlesnake habitats, behavior, and myths. Plus, stories from the field—including surprising rattlesnake returns, tips for safe encounters, and why these often-feared reptiles play a critical role in the state’s ecosystem.