Richmond Bound: Sharing Virginia’s Elk Story Across the Commonwealth

"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 hunting in Virginia, share the story of Buchanan County, make new friends, and build partnerships that will last far beyond one weekend.

With only two weeks to put our booth together, we loaded the trailers, packed the displays, gathered the antlers, printed materials, and headed to Richmond ready to represent Southwest Virginia.

By the end of the weekend, we were proud of what we had built—and even prouder of the story we were able to tell.

Telling the Story of Virginia Elk and Buchanan County

Our booth gave us the opportunity to introduce thousands of people to Virginia’s elk herd and the conservation work taking place in Southwest Virginia.

Many visitors were surprised to learn that elk live in Virginia—and even more surprised to learn that Virginia now offers a limited elk hunting opportunity.

We talked about the restoration of elk, the importance of habitat work, the Virginia Elk Management Zone, and the role Buchanan County continues to play in Virginia’s modern elk legacy.

Every question gave us another chance to explain that Virginia’s elk story is real, it is growing, and Southwest Virginia is at the center of it.

More Than Elk Conservation

One of the most important stories we shared in Richmond was the work being done by Southwest Coalfields Special Sportsmen.

Throughout the weekend, we told visitors how Coalfields Special Sportsmen helps children and other individuals facing life challenges enjoy meaningful outdoor experiences, including hunting and fishing opportunities.

Their mission is simple, powerful, and worth sharing:

Coalfields Special Sportsmen Mission Statement

At Coalfield Special Sportsmen, we empower individuals facing life challenges through meaningful outdoor experiences. We are truly grateful for your hospitality, friendship, and support of Coalfields Special Sportsmen. Because of partners like you, we can continue enriching the lives of individuals facing life challenges through the outdoors.

The Bulls Worked Their Antlers Off

A successful trip like this does not happen without people willing to work. Our crew quickly earned the nickname:

The Bulls.

Bob.

Ronnie.

Buckey.

Doug.

Tom.

These guys talked with more than 1,500 people throughout the weekend—answering questions, selling raffle tickets, sharing conservation stories, and making everyone feel welcome.

Meet "Big Mo"

Thanks to the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation of Virginia, we were able to borrow an incredible full-body bull elk display.

It didn’t take long for the bull to pick up the nickname:

Big Mo.

Children lined up for photos.

Families stopped to take in the antlers. Adults who had never seen a mature bull elk up close were amazed.

The Antlers That Started Hundreds of Conversations

The elk sheds loaned to us by Billy and Brooke Owens were a huge part of the weekend—and excellent conversation starters.

Some of the best moments came from watching children smile while holding an elk antler that looked almost as big as they were.

New Friends and Future Partnerships

One of the greatest benefits of attending an outdoor expo is meeting other organizations, businesses, artists, craftsmen, and outdoor enthusiasts.

We made several outstanding connections in Richmond and look forward to building relationships with many of them:

• EarthQuest Inc.

• Trisha Baird, Leather Artisan

• Madison Martinez and DEA Ranch

• Arc Angel Mobile Welding & Custom Fabrication

• Larry Readal and the Bowhunters Association

• Y-Not Carving LLC

• Jackalope Knives

  
  

Proud of What We Built

We only had two weeks to put our booth together. That meant a lot of planning, packing, problem-solving, and last-minute work.

Even with the short timeline, we were proud of the final result—and we learned a lot that will help us improve before the next event.

Thank You to The Bulls

Doug, Ronnie, Bob, Tom, and Buckey—thank you. You worked your antlers off, and this trip would not have been possible without you.

Focused on the Future

Our trip to Richmond was about much more than setting up a booth. Every handshake mattered. Every raffle ticket mattered. Every conversation mattered.

We returned home tired, proud, grateful, and excited about what comes next.

Focused on the Future. Building a Legacy. Restoring Virginia’s Wild Heritage.