West Virginia’s native species of elk is lengthy extinct because of over-hunting and habitat loss. However due to conservation efforts, elk are again in West Virginia and anybody can go go to them.
The Wildlife Restoration program started reintroducing elk from Arizona and Kentucky in 2016. The West Virginia Division of Pure Sources began providing guided excursions in 2018 led by Chief Logan State Park naturalist and biologist Lauren Cole.
What’s the tour like?I just lately attended a morning tour and extremely advocate it. After assembly within the foyer, we had espresso and small breakfast objects like oatmeal and fruit whereas Cole went over the historical past of elk in West Virginia and the mission of the Restoration Program.
Then she drove us in a 15-passenger van to the Tomblin Wildlife Administration Space. After parking, we walked a few mile on gravel and grass. It was not a troublesome hike, nevertheless it is perhaps a problem for somebody with mobility points.
We first stopped at a spot that seemed out over fenced areas. These pens had been used for 2 releases, one in 2016 and the opposite in 2018. Now, they’re typically used to carry injured animals. There was one feminine elk — or cow — within the pen, she was introduced in due to an injured leg. Cole introduced a scope and some pairs of binoculars so we had been capable of see her earlier than she hid behind a bush.
Subsequent, we walked just a little farther as much as a spot that seemed out over the mountain. You may see the sting of Logan County the place it crosses into Mingo County.
It was very foggy and wet the morning of our tour, so sadly, we didn’t see any elk at this spot. It feels like that is an unusual expertise. We did see elk tracks and loads of white-tailed deer, although.
The Chief Logan Lodge upkeep man (Louie) goes on each tour, that manner he and Cole can deal with any emergency that may come up.
In addition to my husband and I, there have been two different individuals on the tour. They went on a night tour final 12 months and loved it a lot they needed to do it once more. Amy Shaffer mentioned the rationale they got here again is due to Cole, as her character and data add a lot to the tour. I can see what they imply.
Cole likes puns; she retains just a few luggage of the Bugles snacks on the elk training desk as a result of male elks make a sound referred to as bugling. She additionally joked about carrying Milk Duds on the tour and pretending they had been elk poop. She had a variety of humorous and critical tales to share, and really made studying enjoyable.
After we had been out on the tour, Cole was ready for something and actually knew every thing concerning the surroundings round us. On the way in which to the lookout level, she confirmed us totally different vegetation and the tales of how invasive species obtained there. On the night excursions, whereas they await the elk to get up, they use the scope to take a look at the planets.
Issues to maintain in mindThis expertise is nothing like going to the zoo. These animals are wild and never accustomed to being gawked at by people. The one elk we noticed from a mile away went behind a bush nearly as quickly because the scope was on her. The morning tour is the best choice. Elk are principally lively at evening, so once you exit within the morning they’re up and shifting. In the event you take the night tour, it’s important to await them to stand up. There are additionally often fewer individuals on the morning tour.
The tour is about extra than simply seeing an elk. West Virginia’s state parks are a number of the most lovely locations within the U.S., particularly within the fall. Cole identified so many vegetation on our stroll, like a local orchid referred to as Nodding Women’ Tresses and a number of other invasive species. She mentioned there’s folklore that the seed pods from the Royal Paulownia tree had been introduced right here from Asia as a result of they had been initially used like packing peanuts.
Footage are the one factor you’ll be able to take with you. Keep in mind to understand all the character you expertise, but in addition to depart every thing as it’s. No flowers, rocks or leaves, regardless of how fairly, ought to make the journey residence with you.
No tax {dollars} are concerned. Due to the twenty sixth president Theodore Roosevelt, the Wildlife Restoration program is funded fully via the sale of searching and fishing licenses and gross sales tax from sporting gear.
When touring from Huntington, take Interstate 64 East to Charleston after which U.S. 119 South towards the lodge. The opposite choice, W.Va. 10, is a slender street with a variety of sharp turns.
E-book your tour early, particularly if you need the afternoon tour.
Gown appropriately with lengthy pants, heat garments and durable footwear.
Watch out and take heed to Cole’s directions. The tour takes place in an lively searching zone and is near a mining zone. Relying on once you go, you may need to put on a reflective vest. There are additionally wild animals, uneven floor and harmful climate to concentrate on.
What the long run holdsThe variety of elk in West Virginia grows yearly. There aren’t any pure predators, however the inhabitants will nonetheless have to be stored below management, which is why there are plans to supply a particular searching allow for elk. Just like programs in different states, hunters will be capable of apply for a allow however who will get them is a lottery system.
West Virginia misplaced lots of its meadow habitats, that are important for elk, however with the restoration program, outdated coal mines are turning into meadows. Mountaintop elimination is a contemporary coal-mining observe the place the highest of the mountain is eliminated and leaves behind a degree floor excellent for a meadow.
Elk excursions will be booked on the West Virginia State Park web site. Excursions are on Saturdays and Sundays at 5:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. throughout the fall, which is mating season, and final about 4 hours. Advance registration is required, and participation is restricted to 12. The tour prices $34 and occurs rain or shine.
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