On this edition of West Virginia Outdoors, Chris Lawrence delivers a full morning of hunting and fishing stories from across the Mountain State — starting with the show open and moving through four big-buck interviews and a river-run “best of” fishing segment.

Segment 1 – Show Open:
Chris kicks off the show with listener shout-outs from across the country and previews four remarkable West Virginia buck stories. He sets the stage with updates from elk camps, podcast listeners abroad, and a rundown of where each of the day’s featured hunters took their deer.

Segment 2 – Jamie Suko, Braxton County:
Jamie Suko proves you don’t need a large tract of land to harvest a trophy buck. From just over two acres behind her home, she tags a big 10-point she and her husband had tracked for a year. She walks Chris through the hunt, the nerves, the shot at 30 yards, and the fast recovery — all while juggling a toddler back at the house.

Segment 3 – Hayden Blankenship, Wyoming County:
Next up is Hayden Blankenship, who takes a Southern West Virginia bow-only county giant — a 10-point buck he’d documented for more than a year. Hayden describes near-misses from the previous season, velvet photos, and the dramatic opening-day encounter when the deer fed five yards from his blind before presenting a perfect shot.

Segment 4 – “Best Of” River Fishing with Larry Nibert:
Chris heads out on the water with Larry Nibert of The West Virginia Experience for a replay of one of the show’s most popular fall fishing conversations. They discuss reading river water, locating smallmouth pockets, cold-weather gear, and why sudden temperature drops produce trophy fish. Along the float, they break down lure selection, turbidity, oxygen levels, and navigating the ledges of the New River. Savannah even hooks multiple fish during the interview.

Segment 5 – “Best Of” Fur Tanning with Keith Daniels:
The show closes with a visit to the West Virginia Trappers Convention, where fur buyer Keith Daniels explains the science behind properly scraping, drying, and preparing pelts. Chris asks about common mistakes trappers make, how long pelts stay on stretchers, and the chemistry of pickling and tanning. Daniels details how furs are transformed into lightweight, flexible leather ready for the garment trade.

On this edition of West Virginia Outdoors, Chris Lawrence breaks down major deer-hunting news heading into buck season. The show opens with an interview from WMOV’s Tom Sussman, speaking with Scott Gardner of the Ohio DNR about emergency bag-limit reductions in Athens, Meigs, and Washington counties after severe EHD losses, including archery harvests counting toward the new single-deer limit. Back in studio, Chris welcomes Captain Ed Goodson of the West Virginia Natural Resources Police to cover hunter safety, permission to hunt on private land, tree-stand fall prevention, class A and class B incident trends, and last-minute hunter education requirements. A timely, detailed guide for every hunter headed into the woods Monday.

On this edition of West Virginia Outdoors, Chris Lawrence celebrates the heart of West Virginia’s deer rut as bowhunters across the state report record-sized racks and once-in-a-lifetime encounters. Brett Skelly, the DNR’s Deer Project Leader, joins the show to discuss herd health, population balance, and why this year’s mast crop is changing deer behavior. Then, Lincoln County hunter Donnie Baisden shares his remarkable story of tracking — and finally taking — a massive buck on newly purchased land. A true West Virginia hunting tale about patience, precision, and persistence in the woods

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.