"You can really hunt elk in Virginia?" That was one of the most common questions we heard during our trip to the 43rd Virginia Outdoor Sportsman’s Show in Richmond. The other was: "Wait… Virginia actually has elk?" Those questions opened the door to some of the best conversations of the entire weekend. SWVA Sportsmen and Southwest Coalfields Special Sportsmen traveled to Richmond with a shared purpose: to sell Elk Conservation License Raffle tickets, tell people about elk hun

August is a month that many associate with hot dog days, humidity, and pesky biting midges. Yet, for elk, this time of year holds a unique importance. While most people might not see the connection, August marks a crucial phase in the life cycle of elk, especially concerning their antlers and behavior. By this point, bull elk have left the rapid growth phase of their antlers behind and settled into their summer routines. This post explores why August matters so much for elk a

August marks a unique time in the natural world, especially when it comes to elk and their impressive antlers. This month plays a crucial role in the life cycle of elk, influencing the growth, shedding, and preparation of their antlers for the upcoming seasons. Understanding this connection offers insight into wildlife behavior, ecology, and even the cultural significance of elk antlers. Mature elk antlers in August forest Why August Matters for Elk Antlers Elk antlers are am

Heat, Friends, Conservation, and a Rifle Winner Some weekends remind you exactly why you volunteer. Antler Stock 2026 was one of those weekends. Hosted by our friend Jeff Phillips and the crew at Star City Whitetails, Antler Stock continues to grow into one of Virginia's premier outdoor gatherings. Hunters, anglers, families, conservation organizations, craftsmen, vendors, musicians, and outdoor enthusiasts all came together for one common purpose—to celebrate the outdoor lif

Most of us who spend time outdoors have, at one time or another, been stung by a hornet. And it is quite the painful experience. Even so, their is a lot of interesting biology associated with hornets. Bald-faced hornets, which construct those huge, paper nests high in trees, are not hornets; they are actually aerial wasps that belong to the yellow jacket subfamily. Rather than the typical yellow-and-black color scheme, bald-faced hornets are black with white markings. The onl

The great gray owl is North America's largest owl - at least in stature, and as with most species of owls, the female great gray is larger than the male; head to tail she measurers, on average, about 28 inches. While the "gray ghost's" wingspan is almost 5 feet, it weighs less than 3 pounds. The bird is easily identified by its size, round head, large facial disks, white bowtie, and wild-looking yellow eyes. Regarding the great gray's distribution, they are found year-round f

Editor's Note: The opinions and observations expressed in "From the Field" are those of Mike Roberts and are published in their original form. When European colonists arrived in the New World countless rafts of canvasback ducks overwintered on the Chesapeake Bay where expansive, underwater beds of eelgrass (AKA wild celery), served as nurseries for an abundance of juvenile blue crabs, marine snails, grass shrimp, and numerous species of fish. Canvasbacks relied on the unique

We Saved You a Seat. Saturday, August 22, 2026 | Doors Open at 3:00 PM Some events are simply dates on a calendar. This isn't one of them. Every August, something special happens in Southwest Virginia. Long before the first meal is served or the first raffle ticket is drawn, old friends begin shaking hands, families start finding their tables, children race through the doors with excitement, and a room full of people with one shared passion comes together for something much b