On the final episode of 2025, West Virginia Outdoors with Chris Lawrence looks back on a remarkable year across the Mountain State’s woods and waters. Chris revisits one of the biggest themes of the year — a surge in new state fishing records — including conversations with anglers who set marks for blue catfish, largemouth bass length, black crappie, redhorse sucker, and redear sunfish.

The show also reflects on a memorable story from Cherokee Lake in Tennessee, where a West Virginia angler landed a record-sized striper but chose conservation over certification by releasing the fish.

The episode also returns to one of the year’s most endearing moments with Brooke Markley, the 2025 West Virginia Trout Festival Queen, whose passion for hunting, fishing, and the outdoors shattered pageant stereotypes. From her elk hunt in Colorado to fishing Franklin’s streams, her story became a highlight of the season.

The year-end broadcast blends record-book moments, conservation ethics, community traditions, and personal stories that defined West Virginia Outdoors in 2025, closing the year with gratitude for listeners and anticipation for what lies ahead in 2026.

On this episode of West Virginia Outdoors, Chris talks... with you! We celebrate the holiday season by taking your calls about hunting-related Christmas gifts.

On this edition of West Virginia Outdoors, Chris Lawrence tackles some of the most pressing wildlife issues facing the Mountain State. The show opens with a detailed breakdown of the 2025 EHD outbreak, including an excerpt from Ethan Barton, wildlife disease specialist with the West Virginia DNR, explaining why Mid Ohio Valley counties were hit hardest and why deer populations are expected to recover. Chris also addresses ongoing frustration over the delay in buck harvest numbers, while sharing newly released fall turkey harvest data that shows a significant statewide decline. Later, Colin Carpenter, the DNR’s Bear Project Leader, joins the show to explain the growing impact of sarcoptic mange in black bears, how it spreads, what hunters and landowners are seeing, and why a new multi-state research project may finally provide long-term answers. A timely, information-heavy episode focused on science, transparency, and the future of West Virginia’s wildlife.

On this episode of West Virginia Outdoors, Chris Lawrence brings you four big buck stories from across the state. The hunters in this episode include: Jamie Suko from Braxton County who shot a 10-pointer on her property, Hayden Blankenship who shot another 10-pointer with his bow in Wyoming County, Brady Raymond with a big buck in Mason County, and Chad Gore who got a buck on public land in the Eastern Panhandle.

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.

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.