Below is a news release from the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. Since 1997, RMEF and its partners completed 52 conservation and hunting heritage outreach projects in West Virginia with a combined value of more than $9.8 million. These projects protected or enhanced 33,432 acres of habitat and opened or improved public access to 32,371 acres.
Wildlife enthusiasts and outdoor lovers who want a chance to see the Mountain State’s growing elk herd up close and in a natural setting can now book a seat on a guided elk viewing tour organized by West Virginia State Parks.
On Thursday, the state parks system announced the return of the popular event and an exclusive 10 percent discount on lodge rooms and cabins at Chief Logan Lodge for people who book a tour. Elk viewing tours, which are scheduled this September and October, will start and end at Chief Logan Lodge. Each tour is limited to 12 people. Tickets cost $30 and can be purchased online at WVstateparks.com.
“Our elk viewing tours offer an incredible opportunity to see these majestic animals and learn about the history of elk management in West Virginia,” said West Virginia Division of Natural Resources Director Stephen McDaniel. “There aren’t many places where you can get this kind of experience, so folks should book their trip before seats sell out.”
Morning tours start at 5:30 a.m. and evening tours start at 4 p.m. Tour dates are listed below:
Morning Tours
Saturday, Sept. 11
Sunday, Sept. 12
Saturday, Sept. 25
Sunday, Sept. 26
Saturday, Oct. 9
Sunday, Oct. 10
Saturday, Oct. 16
Sunday, Oct. 17
Saturday, Oct. 23
Sunday, Oct. 24
Evening Tours
Sunday, Sept. 19
Thursday, Sept. 23
Saturday, Sept. 25
Sunday, Sept. 26
Thursday, Sept. 30
Sunday, Oct. 3
Saturday, Oct. 9
Sunday, Oct. 10
Saturday, Oct. 16
Sunday, Oct. 17
Saturday, Oct. 23
Sunday, Oct. 24
While there is no guarantee guests will see or hear elk, tour guide Lauren Cole has prepared a fun and entertaining program for guests to enjoy. Tours last four hours, depending on wildlife viewing conditions and weather and groups typically walk or hike up to three miles. Tours are limited to guests 12 and older. For more information about the elk tours, contact Cole at [email protected].
The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation provided funding and volunteer manpower that led to the successful restoration of wild, free-ranging elk to their historic West Virginia range in 2016. RMEF also provided funding and guidance in 2015 that led to the creation of the 25,155-acre Tomblin Wildlife Management area that provides key habitat for West Virginia’s elk herd.
(Photo source: West Virginia Division of Natural Resources)